FTPs website has been down(blocked) for months

Poker client works just fine though.

i think that's what i said ?

showed up on Tues the 27th in Phnom Penh to get a double entry visa, with a return flight on the 29th. (it's never taken more than 1 day for me in Laos)

i was informed by the lady behind the desk that the fastest i could get the visa would be on May 3rd. she then explained that Wed was a holiday, and that the consulate was in his home province, and it's 4 working days for a visa.

I don't know if:

1. she was fishing for a bribe
2. usually you get it in one day, but b/c the consulate was gone, they enact some 4 day rule that usually gets ignored

or

3. PP thai embassy sucks.

well, i didn't try to bribe my way through. I just enjoyed cambodia, and got the standard 30 days on arrival back. may try Jakarta next month.

hey guys,
just wondering if they are charging for the visa again or if it is still free. Double entry- will probably get it in laos at the end of May.

how much for hookers?

Ya, definitely thought that. O wells, for the future 1000bt or so is good? More? I mean the teacher I was going out with said going price for 'thai massage with love you long time' is like 1500bt. One of the reasons I didn't pay or text either back is I'm moving to Nakhon tomorrow where my apt is. I will only come back here for visits.

So I feel like Surat Thani is just practicin'

Someone earlier in the thread was saying that living in these cities where no farangs are puts you in near-celeb status, so far it's been kinda like that. At the club I picked up TukTik we were definitely only white ppl there.

Some negatives of this are-
-Less/no english street signs
-More intense Thai food, (just got to adjust to it).
-I guess 'US Style' amenities would be harder to get, but I haven't looked into it too much (3rd night, and first night was crashing in BKK)
-I think having only the other teachers and rando ex-pats to know as English-speakers. Have been forewarned about weirdo old guy ex-pats who want you to like invest in a bar with them or something, lol.
-No other poker players so far, I mentioned it off hand at the pub, (with their whole teacher-crew of surat) and they're interested and stuff but no grinders,

So that's why I'm gonna try to be active in this thread, (or I guess move the stuff to chatter thread?) I'll have friends fly out here to visit, but would be sweet to swap weekends with someone who wants to check out a different part of Thailand. First step is perfecting the job/apt./regular life aspects, then figure out the city of Nakhon, then I can branch out.

-Have this scary notion that a lot of the white dudes (not girls) here my age or older are all ****ed up in some way. I just thought about this today and was completely unaware of it when I was out last night, just blinded by the new experiences having a great time and the whiskey-cokes of course.

Guy I went out with, (bob). He joins the gang at the pub late I'm like hey another yank cuz they're all brits with their Thai bf's and friends. We start talking then i offhand mention whores and stuff and he goes into a long lecture on how paying for sex isn't bad and you're just always paying for sex, (my response: "I agree, to each his own, I don't judge, I haven't partaken, probably just haven't found the right deal") but he just kept going on and on like he had to convince me, dude wtf. Also he seemed busto, when we left the pub to go the club he didn't pay the 100bt the table asked for. He talked of being baller and was like "let's blow this popsicle stand and find some girls, I know where the clubs at" but was being a social vag at the club even tho random dudes were like waving us to drink at their tables and so many ****-me eyes going down. I would like join a table cheers everyone, I say lol thai stuff, they say lol engrish stuff big laughs for all. He would be like standing behind the table awkwardly. Bro, you've been here like 100x as long as me and speak way better Thai. He also kept trying to sell me his moped as I mentioned I was gonna probably get one, even tho he didn't have all the papers and I made it kinda obv I wasn't dropping 15kbt today especially if I'm not gonna live in Surat. Also as we rolled to the club we got accosted by uggo thai girls and I'm just like making jokes with them but making it obv we're moving on, then he goes "say ahjfsdfasd;jfh" (something in Thai that I repeat) and the girls give a 'whoa' look and are like "I love you" and arm-grabs. "You just said I love you to them" he snickers to himself. Sick move bro. Was also short with me when i bounced with Tuktik like I was gonna get killed/robbed by her. Even with all this I text him in the am "Hey man last night was awesome, keep in touch have fun living in Bangkok come visit anytime" no response, then i'm like "Is this bob's phone? it's *** from last night" just to make sure i have his # and phone works. "Yes. last night fun. thank you."

Another guy I meet
"Hey man I'm *** nice to meet you"
"Ya i mean you'll never see me again"
"ALRIGHT"

Another guy joins the table, snags drinks w/o paying wolfs down these little nuts the owner brought us all out. His eyes light up when he hears I want a moped. I say i'll sms him tomorrow and he says just call me in this .5 hr time window cuz i wont sms back.

Compare this to the Thai guys there who I'm talking and loling with a big language barrier and am getting mobile #'s to play in their Pro Evolution Soccer tournies.

In defense of the randos: I was kind of playing the new guy part and being hella social friendly with the girls even though they are either taken/not so much. Not like these girls were taken by the white guys either lol. It felt like a lot of the guys wanted to be like "Hey noob, I own Thailand, I am knower of all things, slayer of all bitches." One-upper syndrome. That and I feel like every guy would just prefer there be no other white people at all; like I'm hurting their style by being there or they're like- I AM HERE FOR AN AUTHENTIC THAI EXPERIENCE AND TO BE TREATED LIKE A PRINCE FOR 25KBT/MONTH. FOR THAT TO WORK I NEED TO BE ONLY ROUND EYES HERE. YOU ARE THREATENING MY TERRITORY FIND YOUR OWN TERRITORY.

Maybe I'm overreacting. I mean learning Thai is just going to be the nuts too. I had similar things happen when I lived in Sweden, I would meet a girl and if she had foreign friends they would just evil-eye me and just start hating on me.

last story i swear
The girl that i got closest to bf/gf status in Sweden lived in an apartment floor with like all Aussies and they would ruthlessly hit on her and if a friend of theirs visited they would do their best to try to have him **** this girl all the while saying to me "Uh oh, some competition tonite mate" "time to go back to wanking tonight mate" When I went back one night one and was just chilling in their common area with the girl one of the nice Aussies said we should go to her room or leave b/c the other guys were pissed drunk and saying they were gonna gangbeat me if I was there, (dude was banging said girls sister at the time, no joke, really chill dude was like 18 at the time and just balling out). It wasn't all about girls too, like i got a super fake ass looking rolex for like $30 and would wear it out for fun and they would go off, "****ing american, who do you think you are" same thing if I was drinking anything other than the cheap piss-tasting 10.2% beer, "YOU PUSSY." If they did see me out their whole group would be like "WHATS UP HOMIE" "HOW IS THE HOOD" or "RUGBY IS SO MUCH TOUGHER THAN NFL." Alright cool stories guise. Didn't ever try to kick it with them but all this happened in about 2 forced hang outs. There I had 100x more fun kicking it with Swedes.

I think it's some of ego/pride/bs but also just a huge % of this stuff has to do with $$$ or lack thereof, which sucks for all involved. Bob was telling me he'd go out with Thai guys and they'd foot him the bill a lot which would suck hard. Needless to say, I got the 24hr internet pass and after this will be grinding the pokers, (not going out gotta leave really early tomorrow) i mean **** the more monies the better.

TL : DR!!!

Holy **** did not plan on writing this much, but is there anything I'm being ignorant to; I kind of shared a lot about Thailand and just travelers/foreigner, and are my concerns legit? Thanks everyone for the thread, and if this should be in chatter let me know.

Out of the countries I've been to, Thailand long timers are the creepiest. Cream of the crop generally does not come to live in Thailand.

I guess the retirees/old guys are the most normal. I can understand trying to get some cheap 25 yo ass via some arrangement.

Most of the teachers get paid dirt and have very tight budgets. There is no such thing as a baller English teacher in Thailand. Most have an aura of desperation and hopelessness around them. They have no future in Thailand and they have no money and/or motivation to go back home to get back on their feet. I've met some that seemed normal at first, but it was always a matter of time before creepiness came out. My advice is to not hang out with these school teachers. Exception to this rule of thumb are probably Western women school teachers and retirees that teach just to occupy themselves.

Best thing to do is to stay away from Westerners. What is the point of coming to Thailand if you're gonna hang out with Westerners? I would only make an exception for 2+2 crowd and other hobbies crowd. HOWEVER,

...Talking or mentioning poker is stupid ******ed. It may take a short time or a long time, but it will catch up to you. There are a lot of creepy and shady characters in Thailand, so why give them a reason to make a huge problem for you? You're just asking for visits from the cops and bribes in the best scenario, and getting thrown out of the country in the worst scenario. Definately keep your mouth shut about poker...

dc_publius, I think you are being way too negative about the people in Thailand. I've met a variety ranging from criminals who have ran from the police in their own country and deal with highly illegal stuff over here to very successful and happy, good hearted individuals. You just have to be careful with the randoms when you first get to know them.

Lately I was considering leaving Thailand because I got sick of the degenerative lifestyle and I kept thinking about what I am missing here that I have back home, but when it came to the day when I was supposed to leave I realized that I'm also giving up a lot if I go, so I stayed and I will try to make it work. Real friends over here seem to be trustworthy and someone who you can count on when you are having tough times.

Also, having something in common helps. I bet these English teachers and other bustos are each others best friends, but You and I can't probably relate to them and they can't relate to us. Even then you have to look out for yourself. There are black sheep here, on 2+2, too.

i have now lived in thailand (1,5h from Nakon sawan) for 1,5y and have been hanging out with both 2+2'ers and ex-pats. i think its not very useful to stereotype either group. I have met many great ex-pats. y, some are old and have healthproblems and are broke. but others are rich, good health, and very chill and nice. And some are broke, with a pretty bargirl who screw them, but have a nice soul (they just dont get it, that doesnt mean they are terrible ppl). most expats are just old farangs who want hot weather when they retire.

if you are 20 and in thailand playing poker, its best to leave the stereotypes behind you, and meet as many ppl as possible. be cautious yes, but dont prejudge ppl from the group they belong to.

Anyone else going to be in Koh Samui in May? I'm flying in on the 3rd, leaving on the 24th for the WSOP, was going with a bunch of friends here in Australia but they all bailed, I decided screw it i'm going anyway - does 2+2 have a decent community in Koh Samui, do you guys regularly go out and do stuff? Would be cool to meet up with some 2+2ers when i'm there since i'm basically travelling by myself.

Also @ anyone currently in KS, recommendations on where to stay? Are there any poker houses with a spare room for a few weeks or should I just book into a hotel/resort? I realise i'm leaving this a bit late obviously but my plans fell through last minute and I decided screw it i'm going anyway.

Also how's the internet connection in KS, i'm assuming it's fine for grinding etc.?

Yeah, I admit I stereotyped quite a bit and reading back my reply it sounds very negative. I really meant it as a word of caution more than anything because Thailand definitely attracts a lot of shady characters. (This was one of my biggest surprises about the country, actually.) I've also met a good number of great people, even some cool hippy backpackers who I generally hate with a passion.

Gettin weed money - what made you choose Nakhon Si Thammarat? I've yet to hear of anyone traveling there.

a few comments on Gettin weed money's story and the ensuing dialogue:

i don't know how it is in the sticks, but if you were in bkk or phuket and told that story with the TukTik girl, i'd make it clear to you that you were being a real douche to her (i hope unintentionally) by not paying her. that seemed clear. sure, she's partially at fault for not being more up front... but it's so obvious to us, her english is probably terrible, and in the end what it comes down to is that some poor girl is partially at fault for you being a douche to her. live and learn.

I don't have a problem with stereotyping. Most english teachers over here are bags. it's way less likely to be true of younger english teachers, and female ones. i've met some cool teachers of all varieties though, so don't let the stereotype blind you, just forewarn you.

i would rather tell a cop that I play online poker for a living than a group of busto english teachers. they are more likely to understand what it really means, are just as financially motivated to try and find a way to get you in trouble, and are probably more motivated just out of pure jealousy.

I enjoyed reading about your experiences, and hope you keep telling us about your discovery of the more rural areas of thailand.

I talked to this family friend who has been to Thailand like 10 times and our family calls him if anyone visits there and he had never heard of it.

It was the best job within the company, and the other cities were Chumphon and Surat Thani so not like huge tourist cool spots. Thought it would be me kind of doing my own thing, and I'll admit I thought being one of a few farang is enjoyable. I'll work 8-4 at a private high school but only have like 20 hours of teaching a week so it's a gov't office job lol.

30kbt/month plus 5kbt rent stipend so it's actually decent/livable in places that don't have tourist prices. Regardless, money is kind of a worry, I saved a decent amount and will do poker as well, (on the DL tho). I'm miles ahead of the bustos Dc and I were talking about tho. I haven't gotten to NST yet, been posting up in Surat Thani because school hasn't started yet and they want me close to the main office, I'll have a better report when I show up but I've done a **** ton of research which may mean very little.

So I'm into teaching and that drove me there, hate touristy stuff but also I can make the trip to Phuket in like 2.5 hours any weekend or on those paid Thai holidays if I'm dying.

Where are you at?

yea i've read from thaivisa they say 3 business days. there were some reports that if you show a plane ticket showing an earlier departure they give it to you faster OR just pay some money. it will still be much cheaper and save you time to give them $100 or something than come back almost empty handed and go back again so soon.

next time either call me or read the latest reports from thaivisa regarding what's going on and you'll know what to do

this news is from yesterday

agree with you here, well put. Apart from all the girls who know what I/we do I've told exactly one person what I do and that was after a year knowing him. most of the phuket 2+2'ers should know who i am talking about. can't really add anything more to what you said, my thoughts are the same about this

+1

fyp for stereotypes

i want to be a klaus too!!!!!!!!!!!!

edit: regret this post a lot, i take it back.

lol

I'm just picturing an American wearing a fake rolex, thoughts about all these 'poor unrefined cretins' beaming from you without saying a single word, whipping out occasional wigga speak and sipping on his refined import brew. Big shocker a bunch of drunk Aussies were messing with you.

Next time, chug down your drink, take your mug and throw it down on the table upside down. That'll get some respect.

And yeah, don't tell a single person about poker imo. My brilliant gf did as much and next thing I know some clown is trying to 'invest' in me for like 1k, which of course translates to: "Hey.. if I give this to you can you double it for me?"

anybody know of any good places to watch sporting event pay per views in and around Bangkok?

There are a couple of big events coming up, Mayweather vs Mosley and Ufc 113 which I'd hate to miss

I was also curious about UFC, but wouldn't it start at like 8am?

Well just got into NST this afternoon, met the one other teacher who I thought was chill, he's 30 and has a serious (3 months tho) Thai/Cambodian GF. Ok I'll be honest, sort of a spiritual serious vibe and is all life-planned up which is ok but different. Doesn't want to go out to bars it seems or maybe just tonight. We drank whiskey played some cards and hung out. 2 more teachers coming this week, younger guys. The four of us are contracted out to the big high school here so it'll be just us four having a office and helping each other out with our classes.

NST quick things
-close to beach
-significant islamic population
-very few Farang
-local dirt cheap prices
-big Thai colleges, average girl much better than in Surat. I assume these are related
-nice hotel guides, speaking english
-live 50m from work, 10 min from downtown.
-Pretty much the bus ride in I was like "Holy ****, welcome to the jungle GWM" in a good and scary way

100% bet I won't get to see TukTik again. An LBFM indeed, and I will miss her. Would definitely drop some baht to hit it again, sigh.

About not paying her: Paying for sex seems weak to me, but ya 1k baht should be the standard? 1.5k is hooker prices. I actually asked this when I first posted the story. If it means anything I do feel really bad now that you guys say I should have paid her; but if she would have done as little as a hand sign of 'give me monies' then I would have snap-paid. I'm just paying these girls that don't ask for money b/c they are 10x poorer than me and I'm a dick not to, that makes sense (not being sarcastic). That's different than paying for sex imo, just like the farang buys all drinks some nights, (400bt BFD).

@ Dire- No need to make fun I'm a sensitive dude and some big bully kids were picking on me, had to share some pain from the past lol. I mean you're right I was a really smug kid that drank too much and had too much money and thought I was the ****; but those kids were very neutral with me, (no problems just hung out in diff groups and didn't kick it but like hi's and stuff) before I started seeing the girl on their floor and I don't think seeing her made me more of a DB than I already was. I just saw it as haters gonna hate you know, and was making a comparison to people in Thailand that are hella possessive of things like this, ('How dare you go for the girl on OUR FLOOR') when I guess I should have thought more about why I'm getting hated on. Just don't be a donk and I'll be fine.

@ all - No mention of poker to anyone ever.

And by brilliant I mean loving, sweet, intelligent and somewhat too thin skinned lurker.

A *huge* chunk of girls you find in clubs and bars favored by Westerners are either prostitutes or semi prostitutes. In Thailand, it is often a gray area. Some girls won't discuss prices if not asked, but will expect it. However, the opposite is true as well. A girl can be a pro but on a night off. She may have been attracted to you and wanted to sleep with you anyway. It's not like you're a 60 year old fat German where the rules of engagement are pretty clear. That said, if she didn't hold her hand out for money you shouldn't pay or offer to pay, IMO.

Also, things are not exactly how they appear. In Thailand it is super easy to pick up girls because they are all poor and look to be taken care of. When you meet some girls that come from well to do familes, you will see that they don't swoon over Westerners the same way. Many have traveled to EU enough and have a degree from some some foreign university, and they would much rather have a well to do Thai guy to show their parents. Basically, when you adjust for economic gap you will find the girls about as easy to pick up as USA or maybe a little harder.