Comments on: Sometimes You Just Feel Helpless in Thailand

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 01:16:19 +0000

In reply to Jim. Hi Jim, it's certainly true that foreigners will find it very hard to become very fluent, but I do know several who are 99% there. They are exceptional, mind you, but I think with enough practice we can learn enough to greatly increase our quality of life. We just have to expect that it won't be as easy as learning French or Spanish. :)

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 19:42:46 +0000

Eventually I left Thailand because I got tired of pointing and doing pantomime. It became extremely draining and frustrating for me. Also, regardless of what anyone might say, I believe it is near to impossible for a western person to become fluent in Thai because it is too difficult for us. This is sad for me to recall because almost everything else about Thailand was very nice.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:23:11 +0000

Thanks Tim, I guess this is what the Thais refer to as karma - you should have no problem finding people to help you. :) As for learning the language, well, I suck at languages too, but you'll be amazed at what you can pick up merely by being forced to choose between learning and eating.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:05:38 +0000

This is one aspect of moving to Thailand in three years that I have given a lot of thought to. I have always been used to doing for myself and being the oerson that many come to in order to get things done. I have helped a number of Thai people here in Canada with their problems, ( with the assistance of my fiancée who is Thai.

We are moving to Thailand in three years. First priority is to go to language school but I am not confident in my ability to learn the language.

Still, being aware of the difficulties and not wearing rose coloured glasses I will be ready to accept what is.

By: Greg

Greg — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:15:53 +0000

Thanks Roger, glad you enjoyed it. Thai is hard enough to learn, but manageable - I can't imagine what it must be like in China, whose writing systems seems many times more complicated. And yeah, I do love Thailand, as much I bitch and moan sometimes, I always ask myself where I'd rather be and can never come up with an answer. :)

By: Roger

Roger — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:39:38 +0000

Greg, thanks for the great post, I have enjoyed reading about your adventures in Thailand as I have dreams to retire there one day. I currently live and work in China and I can relate to the experiences you have while not being able to speak the language. The paperwork scenario is the best example of why I need to learn the local language no matter where I live. Despite all your trials and tribulations it still sounds like you love the place. Keep the good work going and thanks for you insight in Thai life.

By: The Other Greg

The Other Greg — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:54:56 +0000

Well, the sign does actually read "Don't wash your feet in the bathroom / washroom", as opposed to the "toilet", but I get the point. Just when I think I'm doing pretty well getting along in Thai I'll slam up against some simple task that linguistically defeats me. I guess it incites me to keep workin' at it..... Don't give up!!!

By: Greg

Greg — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:56:15 +0000

Thanks for comments, everyone. And Jack, thanks for that. Undoubtedly this will become one of the words I remember but need once every decade, but words like 'help' or 'stairs' will fail to materialize when I need them. :)

By: Jack

Jack — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:15:18 +0000

Door jamb is "kawp or sun pratoo" (ขอบ or สัน ประตู). It's high time you learned how to read fluently, cowboy.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:31:12 +0000

This really gets at one of the things that I find scariest about traveling or living in another country even after doing it a lot. No matter how self-sufficient you are, there are times that you just have to trust people and hope they don't screw you over.