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Back to normal in pattaya
I arrived in Pattaya on Thusday which I think was the end of the month's mourning for his Majesty. I'm staying in Boystown where I found things back to normal I.e. Bars and gogo's open with lights and loud music.
Last night I offed a boy but before going to my room we went down a packed Walking Street at 2 am where like BT everything was open with many girls and ladyboys looking for business.
Walking around town during the day I did notice many Thais wearing black and most of the larger business's have tributes to his majesty. The Royal Garden shopping area advertises an exhibition showing episodes in the King's life and his many achievements, which I intend to visit.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I noted on a skype call that BF is back to his red work uniform rather than the black he's been wearing daily recently.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I noticed on Periscope this morning ( that someone was streaming live from Pattaya) that there seemed to be some sort of large HRH type rally / remembrance event type thing taking place as there were a lot of people going round the crown selling black ribbons etc - or maybe it was just a normal event where people felt the need to display ribbons ? Wonder what that was all about ( the event I mean not the ribbons of course?)
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I posted the info NIrish.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Yes there was a sort of rally on beach road. I missed it as I as out late last night and was catching up on my sleep. Whilst I was having dinner at 6.30 a stream of Thais plus the occasional farang paraded through BT holding candles and portraits of the King. They were all dressed in black. However it's 10 pm and things are normal in Boystown.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Daveuk
Y..... I was having dinner at 6.30 and a stream of Thais
Ahhhh so THAT's the collective noun for a lot of Thai people all walking together then eh - a stream ! ok then. Hmm, so If there's a REALLY big crowd of them does that then turn into a "Torrent of Thai's" then I wonder ? :-)
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Are most of the locals wearing black, apart from those taking part in ceremonies?
What about the tourists? what are they wearing? Will I have to update my wardrobe and bring lots of black stuff?
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
a447
Are most of the locals wearing black, apart from those taking part in ceremonies?
What about the tourists? what are they wearing? Will I have to update my wardrobe and bring lots of black stuff?
You're a farang, and he's not your king. Wear whatever you want, as nobody gives two shits if you're wearing black or not.
If anything, I'd say don't wear black, because it'll just make you look like a retarded imposter. Same as when farangs wai go-go boys.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I'd recommend a burqa for those who want complete discretion
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
If anything, I'd say don't wear black, because it'll just make you look like a retarded imposter
I take exception to that comment! Tourists and local farang were particularly asked to dress respectfully to include either black or at least a black armband. At DMK two weeks ago there were black ribbons attached to safety pins for visitors to wear. Here in Bangkok, a huge number of farang were wearing back and sometimes black and white.
Even though the first month is over, a lot of farang are still wearing some black. For holidaymakers, you will be much respected if you pick up one of those small ribbons on arrival and just pin it to your sleeve or shirt front
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I have to agree with Matt on the way farangs 'wai'.
Some farangs go for the highest wai, meant for elders, religious leaders etc.
and not teenage bar boys. Of course, they are behaving ridiculously, but I imagine with
good intentions.
If you don't know what's appropriate, a head nod usually suffices.
I suppose one could kiss a boys feet but not in public pleezze
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
You're a farang, and he's not your king. Wear whatever you want, as nobody gives two shits if you're wearing black or not.
If anything, I'd say don't wear black, because it'll just make you look like a retarded imposter. Same as when farangs wai go-go boys.
Wearing black to reflect the cultural sensitivities of Thailand can in no way be likened to farang giving a wai to go -go boys.
Matt, do you really live in Thailand? If so, how on earth have you survived so long, especially in a traditional setting?
Unbelievable!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
a447
Wearing black to reflect the cultural sensitivities of Thailand can in no way be likened to farang giving a wai to go -go boys.
Matt, do you really live in Thailand? If so, how on earth have you survived so long, especially in a traditional setting?
Unbelievable!
I son'r knoq, maybe because instead of trying to act Thai and impede on their culture and societal norms, I realize Thais are a very proud people and decide to respect those things from a distance while remaining respectful with the values enstilled in me as a Canadian?
Not sure, but that's my guess.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
I son'r knoq, maybe because instead of trying to act Thai and impede on their culture and societal norms, I realize Thais are a very proud people and decide to respect those things from a distance while remaining respectful with the values enstilled in me as a Canadian?.
I'm not sure what that first part is about, but if you don't realise that Thais actually have great respect for farang who take the trouble to wear black at this time of deep national mourning, it would seem you don't have much knowledge of the Thai character and way of thinking! It has absolutely nothing to do with your nationality!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Yesterday there was a public mourning on beach road Pattaya and most were wearing black there and many around town. Other than that I don't see many farang wearing black nor even the majority of Thais now. I would not suggest anyone should pack a load of black clothes for upcoming visits.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
I can't say I have noticed any difference at all. Either in dress or general behaviour. Pattaya is as much fun as it always is.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
It’s not very often that I find myself on a different side from the opinion expressed by cdnmatt. But on the first part of your post cdnmatt, I believe you are plain wrong for the very good reasons expressed by a447 and fountainhall in their posts above.
I expressed by own views on the wearing black clothes on the topic Jellybean, at post #7, on 5 November 2016, when I said:
‘I was however happy to fit in [by wearing black] and show my personal expression of respect and sympathy with Thai people for the sad loss of His Majesty the King.’
And:
‘Shortly after I arrived back, the residents and staff of my apartment building were invited to attend a very moving and respectful candlelight ceremony to offer our condolences on the death of HM the King. I was glad at that time to be wearing the right apparel and was treated very kindly by the Thai people present.’
I returned to Bangkok this morning, after 3 days in Pattaya, where I found that not as many people were wearing black as in Bangkok. The exception being, as pennyboy commented on above, on Saturday, 19th, when Beach Road was closed to traffic as preparations were made for the, “Memorial service for HM the late King.” as brought to our attention by arsenal on his topic of the same name. Almost every Thai I saw was wearing black, as were many foreigners.
Back in Bangkok today, many people, Thais and foreigners, are still wearing black, but not as many as last week. Many of those wearing more colourful clothes have opted to wear a black ribbon.
When I am looking for an answer to a Thai cultural question, I turn to the rather helpful Thai concierge staff at my apartment building. They advised me today that government employees are still expected to wear black or white and that most Thais will continue to wear black or white, but it is not compulsory. With regard to foreigners, it is entirely up to them if they wish to show solidarity with Thai people at this sad time by wearing black or white.
Bringing a black shirt or two won’t, in my view, do any harm a447. I’m sure you’ll look quite distinguished in a black shirt or polo shirt.
But on the subject of the wai by foreigners when approaching go-go boys, bar staff, shop and restaurant workers, I do however agree with cdnmatt. In my view, foreigners should not instigate the wai in those cases and, in other cases, a simple nod of the head in reply is usually enough of an acknowledgement, unless you are perfectly comfortable with the correct way to instigate or return the wai.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jellybean
But on the subject of the wai by foreigners when approaching go-go boys, bar staff, shop and restaurant workers, I do however agree with cdnmatt. In my view, foreigners should not instigate the wai in those cases ....
With the go-go boys I find that a kiss on both of their cheeks is the most opportune way to greet them.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
francois
With the go-go boys I find that a kiss on both of their cheeks is the most opportune way to greet them.
Yes but what if they won't drop their pants to receive the aforementioned kisses?
:p
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
francois
With the go-go boys I find that a kiss on both of their cheeks is the most opportune way to greet them.
Damn you François! Why didn’t I think of that? Well, who could disagree? To hell with the wai I say, I’m all for adopting François’ method of greeting a go-go boy, or other cute Thai boy, and would happily do so if I could get away with it!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Daveuk
Yes there was a sort of rally on beach road. I missed it as I as out late last night and was catching up on my sleep. Whilst I was having dinner at 6.30 a stream of Thais plus the occasional farang paraded through BT holding candles and portraits of the King. They were all dressed in black. However it's 10 pm and things are normal in Boystown.
Daveuk, out of curiosity and if you don’t mind me asking, were you the very friendly gentleman I spoke with on the terrace of the Ambiance Hotel, around 19:00 on Saturday evening? The gentleman I spoke with introduced himself as [******] from England and had just ordered some food. I was taking in the sights of Boyz Town prior to setting off on a dinner date.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
scottish-guy
Yes but what if they won't drop their pants to receive the aforementioned kisses?
:p
Scottish-guy, you have a very dirty mind; by any other name you might be latin-top.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jellybean
In my view, foreigners should not instigate the wai in those cases and, in other cases, a simple nod of the head in reply is usually enough of an acknowledgement, unless you are perfectly comfortable with the correct way to instigate or return the wai.
The wai argument pops up every few years - and is always so divisive!
Funny thing is my BF (of 14 years tomorrow) castigates me every time I fail to return a wai. His attitude is that if the person knows me and wai's then its an absolute insult for me not to return the wai.
Whilst I would rarely return the wai of a doorman to say a hotel (or gogo bar) I would always return the wai if he was known to me...Similarly if a gogo boy is on the floor, is known to me and wai's me, then I would also always return that wai.
So who is correct? The Thai who was brought up in this culture. Or the keyboard warrior farang?
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jellybean
It’s not very often that I find myself on a different side from the opinion expressed by cdnmatt. But on the first part of your post cdnmatt, I believe you are plain wrong for the very good reasons expressed by a447 and fountainhall in their posts above.
I don't know, when it comes to things like this, I always err on the side of "respect from a distance", and it's always done me welll. Wearing black in my eyes would be somewhat of a facade, becayse that indicates I'm mourning the King, when I'm not. I know he was a great man who did a lot of help for the Thai people, but his passing doesn't emotionally affect me, like it has done to many Thais. Why would I cheapen their mourning period by faking that I'm in mourning too?
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
his passing doesn't emotionally affect me, like it has done to many Thais. Why would I cheapen their mourning period by faking that I'm in mourning too?
It has absolutely nothing to do with faking. It has absolutely nothing to do with cheapening anything, except perhaps your understanding of Thai people. It has absolutely everything to do with paying respect. Not to a King but to the Thai people. If you don't understand that, you don't understand Thais!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Once I was sitting outside a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee in a small Italian town when a funeral procession passed by. Everyone stood up, so I did too. We all bowed our heads.
None of us knew the deceased but we were simply paying our respects.
Asian cultures are known for their numerous rituals and accompanying behavioural norms. It can be tiring, even for the locals, but everyone just follows the rules.
Are you even aware of this?? I wonder how the Thais you come into contact with view you, as you seem to pay little attention to their sensibilities.
Are you the farang they respect for at least attempting to understand their culture, or are you seen as the bumbling insensitive farang who doesn't understand anything and lives in a cultural desert?
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
a 447 says:"Once I was sitting outside a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee in a small Italian town when a funeral procession passed by. Everyone stood up, so I did too. We all bowed our heads."
Reminds me of the story of the golfer who seeing a funeral procession pass near the road of the golf course immediately delayed his putt, removed his cap and bowed his head until the procession had passed by.
A by stander was so impressed he congratulated the man for his respect, and the man then replied:
"Yes....we were married 40 years"....
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
If people in this area dislike me, they sure have a weird way of showing it. There's a reason I'm still here after going blind, and not back in Canada. The pressure was on pretty heavy from my family to move, but I flat out refused. Don't worry, I'm liked just fine.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
Don't worry, I'm liked just fine.
Oh please don't worry for we certainly aren't. I expect the reason is, as you put it so succinctly in an earlier post -
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
Why would I cheapen their mourning period by faking that I'm in mourning too?
No doubt Thais are good fakers too!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Well, I don't know what to say. I guess thanks for continuing to validate my decision to stay here instead of move back to Canada.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
fountainbitch u really are a bag of shyte (no disrespect to shit meant) ...mattyboy must be one of the most neutral inoffensive board members but u seem to be determined to take offense on behalf of the Thais no matter waht...u sick sick puppy...and a447..u r a close 2nd.....
I can understand u all hounding me....after all I am a shameless libertine that enjoys trampling on others sensitivities.....but really picking on matyboy????...r u all just so bored because u dicks no longer work??even woih kamagra/viagra???
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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most neutral inoffensive board members
Never thought I'd say this, but thanks latin. The ironic part being, if that quote is true, it's probably a good indication that I understand the Thai culture better than various other board members.
I lovw some farangs. Show up for holidays in tiyrust traps like Pattaya and Soi Twilight, get piss drunk and make an ass out of themselves in public, go full gluttony on the cheap hookers availablem make go-go bars and massage shops their second home, etc. The throw on some cutesy black clothes pat and decide they're not a respectable member of the Thai culture.
And I'mm the one who doesn't get it? Are you fucking kidding me?
, n
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
I lovw some farangs. Show up for holidays in tiyrust traps like Pattaya and Soi Twilight, get piss drunk and make an ass out of themselves in public, go full gluttony on the cheap hookers availablem make go-go bars and massage shops their second home, etc. The throw on some cutesy black clothes pat and decide they're not a respectable member of the Thai culture.
And I'mm the one who doesn't get it? Are you fucking kidding me?
, n
Come on matt,get off you high horse before it tosses you off and land on your head again.
If you want to pretend you are some sort of recluse in KK then do so and enjoy your fantasy.
Meanwhile don't be so judgmental of those others for whom you know nothing. You come across as some jealous,bitter old queen not the 35 +++ maverick who you claim to be.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
Well, I don't know what to say. I guess thanks for continuing to validate my decision to stay here instead of move back to Canada.
Oh, I thought your reason for staying in Thailand was this :
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I can't just live in Thaailand for over 6 years, then show up up at a Caanadian hospital and drop $30k of taxpayers money on medical expenses, even if I kept up my monthly fee. CThe Canadian healthcare system is reserved for residents, not citizens.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
a447....im inclined to say " go fuck yoursef"....but will not in case u actually enjoy it. Why dont u restrict yourself to writing believable tales about your trips to eastern europe or japan...yawn...
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
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Originally Posted by
latintopxxx
fountainbitch u really are a bag of shyte (no disrespect to shit meant)
Aha! So Sexually Deviant Latin has crawled out of his hole again (not sure whose, though) to make offensive comments about shit without even having bothered to read and make sense of what the thread is really all about! So much for the kind of respect he fails to acknowledge. Just so typical! Remember to wipe that shit off before you go for dinner Sexually Deviant Latin. Then crawl back to whatever Bitchboard still exists.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
I lovw some farangs. Show up for holidays in tiyrust traps like Pattaya and Soi Twilight, get piss drunk and make an ass out of themselves in public, go full gluttony on the cheap hookers availablem make go-go bars and massage shops their second home, etc. The throw on some cutesy black clothes pat and decide they're not a respectable member of the Thai culture.
You're sooo perceptive! A very apt description of Sexually Deviant Latin!
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
Show up for holidays.....get piss drunk......go full gluttony on the cheap hookers availablem make go-go bars and massage shops their second home, etc
You almost say that say that like it's a bad thing !? Sounds like a great trip if you ask me ! :-)
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Latin wrote:
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a447....im inclined to say " go fuck yoursef"....but will not in case u actually enjoy it. Why dont u restrict yourself to writing believable tales about your trips to eastern europe or japan...yawn...
Latin went into hiding after my posts here:
http://sawatdeenetwork.com/v4/showth...-the-LoS/page2
Latin, maybe I should "restrict" myself to dragging up your past unbelievable tales, full of blatant lies and contradictions. Christ only knows, there's plenty of them!
BTW, nobody is "picking on matyboy". Posters are just replying to his comments, which is what happens on internet boards.
And at least Matt answered, which is more than you do.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
As I've already posted elsewhere. I think Sexually Deviant Latin is Timmberty. Hence his fury at his previous incarnations enemies.
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Re: Back to normal in pattaya
Thanks guys for this very entertaining thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cdnmatt
You're a farang, and he's not your king. Wear whatever you want, as nobody gives two shits if you're wearing black or not.
If anything, I'd say don't wear black, because it'll just make you look like a retarded imposter. Same as when farangs wai go-go boys.
My Thai friend ask me to wear black and several Thais thanked me for wearing black. I think you are wrong with that. cdnmatt, I just can't believe that someone with severe health problems re his eyes (!) would stay in Thai province. I would spend all my money to get the next flight home.