Gatanyu: Thai Children Indebted to Mom and Dad Forever

**Papadave** · 30-09-2008, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by tsicar

there are many "pro-thai " and just as many "thai basher" posters on the forum, and i guess it all depends on where in thailand one lives , which of the two categories one would fall into.

Good point. I live in Rayong where we have a 'microcosm' of Thai society (the hi-so, lo-so and my kind the so-so

) I meet and mix socially with all types so have a balanced view. Being Thailand's major industrial zone job prospects are better here so we get many migrant workers. Those from 'up country' do support their families back home as best they can. The wealthier types here can easily afford and do take care of their families but I don't see too much generosity given to the local community - a small example being tipping (absence of) in restaurants. So there is a cultural expectation at all levels but not necessarily a divine right.
The so called 'Thai culture' like peoples' true religious beliefs and practises are things I am very sceptical of.

**johnbkk** · 01-10-2008, 10:32 PM

some people hang out with a limited set of people

this will color your perceptions either way

being in a reasonably good or reasonably bad situation and invested will also color your perceptions

interestingly enough, many educated thais who don't have their cultural back up and haven't lived in a bubble agree that most of their compatriots are scum

they have similar problems with taxi drivers, incompetent and surly service staff, etc

those who have lived abroad in a semi-civilized place often agree that the percentage of scum or scum like behavior is abnormally high most places you go in thailand

**keda** · 01-10-2008, 11:29 PM

Deride them as we often do, and the horror stories are all too real, though I suspect they're mostly influenced by more aggressive money grabbing and opportunist city attitudes. Otherwise those I've met in the sticks are an ok bunch of people.

Could be exceptional good fortune, but my in-laws are not contaminated by life in the fast lane, quietly accept whatever shopping and bits go their way, but never asked for a baht and have always balked at serious expenses like 5k and over.

That's my limited experience to date, the shit with high expectations and the blissfully poor with little to none at all...I find interesting the impression of people who live midway between the city and jungle, say, small town to large village.

**spiff** · 02-10-2008, 12:46 AM

It is very similar to the West 2 or 3 generations ago, when there was no social security net. Family ties and obligations are essential for survival.

Of course there are cases of misusing the system, a similar mentality to the welfare bludgers who take advantage of the nanny state.

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