Thread: Reverse culture-shock

Originally Posted by Smeg

Furthermore, people in the UK groan about tax and immigration, but then they don't know what its like to have a pathetically inadequate state education system, no social services, police who barely get paid so rely on bribes to get by, very limited health services, no pensions, etc etc etc. If they saw pensioners begging on footbridges in Bangkok, they'd think twice.

Yes, it's the "England is mine and it owes me a living" attitude - if everything isn't perfect then it's the government or the councils or the bosses fault...

I decree today that life
Is simply taking and not giving
England is mine - it owes me a living
But ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
Oh, ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
But we cannot cling to the old dreams anymore
No, we cannot cling to those dreams

Originally Posted by DrAndy

in fact, Thailand does have a serious immigration problem, from surrounding, poorer nations, in particular.

In fact, I said "so much of an immigration problem" rather than "an unserious immigration problem", which I stand by. Thailand doesn't have literally millions of people the world over who wish they could move there and sponge of the state, thousands of whom try every month.....

I love your rhetoric Smeg, but it does not make much sense

Statistics have shown that the large majority of immigrants who come to the Uk actually want to work, even for low wages. Their objective is not to sponge off the state, but to make money to send back home.

Immigration has always been a fact of life in the UK, from before 1066 even, although there is not much documentation.
Immigrants have always been a positive benefit to the Uk economy rather than a drain. They also are willing to do many jobs the Brits are unwilling to do, especially at low wages.

Originally Posted by Smeg

At the end of the day, being here is relaxing, and I'm not made to feel like a tourist/ethnic minority/source of novelty or exploitation.

One of the biggest difference is the class system and snobbery.

- In the UK, riding a bicycle indicates that you enjoy exercise or care about a healthy environment
- In Thailand, riding a bicycle indicates that you are a peasant who will never be able to afford a car

- In the UK, holding a door open for someone indicates kind-heartendess
- In Thailand, holding a door open for someone indicates that you are a security guard from Isaan

as I said before, of course you feel more comfortable at home, you know the system and it is easier. That does not make it any better or worse, just easier.

I agree that the class system and snobbery is a nasty problem in the UK. Unfortunately, it seems to be getting worse despite the education that the masses receive.

Originally Posted by DrAndy

As for weirdos, some stay and some return home to Bournemouth after a miserable existence.

:edited for clarity by Old Codger

Originally Posted by Ice Maiden

Well most of the people I went to school and college with are either pregnant, moved elsewhere, or in uni and some are even married! It's really strange coming back home to that.

Its all downhill here from on. In twenty years time you'll be saying -

"Well all of the people I went to college with are either grandparents, teaching in Uni, divorced and some are even dead."

Originally Posted by Old Codger

Originally Posted by DrAndy

As for weirdos, some stay and some return home to Bournemouth after a miserable existence.

:edited for clarity by Old Codger

thanks OC

Its all downhill here from on. In twenty years time you'll be saying -

"Well all of the people I went to college with are either grandparents, teaching in Uni, divorced and some are even dead."

My five uni mates are still there all settled down.

Everybody else I knew is either banged up or on the run.

May their NIke Airmax's take them swiftly away

Originally Posted by Smeg

And the reason Thailand doesn't have so much of an immigration problem is because its a developing country, thus tends to attract weirdos rather than economic migrants __________________

so that's your reason for going to LOS so frequently then?

Originally Posted by Lady Hawk

One thing i noticed on my return was how bloody grumpy and miserable every one was.

I really noticed that when I came back to the UK - smiling at passers by on the street is just not the norm.

For the first couple of weeks I smiled sometimes at female shopkeepers or people walking past and was just made to feel like a perv of some sort - like 'what are you looking at'.

Now I just look at the pavement.

Originally Posted by colourful-era

Originally Posted by Lady Hawk

One thing i noticed on my return was how bloody grumpy and miserable every one was.

I really noticed that when I came back to the UK - smiling at passers by on the street is just not the norm.

For the first couple of weeks I smiled sometimes at female shopkeepers or people walking past and was just made to feel like a perv of some sort - like 'what are you looking at'.

Now I just look at the pavement.

last time i went back to my parents village in cornwall you couldnt pass someone in the street without them saying good morning and smiling.

maybe my flies were undone or something.

^ in the villages yes , people are friendly.

The cities are the opposite - blokes wanting to give you a kicking for not looking 'ard and women that think you're an old perv if you smile at them (not always but often)

Originally Posted by colourful-era

women that think you're an old perv if you smile at them

And you are only 30 something. What do you think happens if I smile at someone?

they probably lock you up in the 'special' wing