Just begining, new to board.

[NOX1967]

Hello,
     I am new to the board and just begining my letter writing campaign to Thailand. I am 35 years old, divorced with no children. I have found that in my position there are not many local women with whom I can start a fresh new family. So I have turned my sights to Thailand. I would surely like to hear from any of you that have had experience with Thailand, and hope that I can learn some things along the way from some of you folks.

Ron

[Nathan]

... in response to Just begining, new to board., posted by NOX1967 on Sep 19, 2002


  I lived in Thailand for about a year and have lived in a few other Asian countries as well, including the Philippines. I would encourage you to look around in SE Asia and not just limit your exposure to Thailand. I lived in the Northern part of the country where my brother has lived for 10 years. After living in the Philippines for a while, I did find Filipinos generally easier to meet and
of course more Filipinos speak english than is the case with Thais...but of course there are still a lot of nice women in Thailand too...the sex trade is so rampant in Thailand even compared to the Philippines, that many Thai women do not even want to be seen with an American or European man as the assumption is made that they are prostitutes. I have found that the cultural gap between Filipinos and Americans is large...between Americans and Thais, it is vast. Of course, these things can be overcome...I am married to a Filipina, while I have a friend here in Oregon who is quite happily married to a
Thai lady...all just things to consider...

Nathan

[NOX1967]

... in response to Thailand, posted by Nathan on Sep 19, 2002

Thanks for your reply Nathan.

When I began to study this I looked mostly at two countries, Thailand and the Philippines. Of course the language issue is much more suitable with the Philippines, but I decided to start in Thailand for another reason, although I may still write to the Philippines as well.

I'll get right to it. One of my reasons to seek a possible relationship overseas is because of my religion. I practice a pagan religion and because of this most American women are not even up for consideration. I find that the Theravada Buddhist culture is very compatible and even similar in some basic ideas to my own belief system.

When I looked at the Philippines I found that all the ads I seen were for Cristian women, mostly Catholic, but few Protestants as well. I'm not sure if my beliefs would be accepted by a Philippine woman, and I surely wouldn't expect anyone to change their beliefs for my sake. But perhaps you or someone else can help me.

What is the typical religious attitude of philippine women?

Are they actually devoutly Christian or is that just the accepted general answer to the question?

How open are they to other ideas and beliefs?

Ron

[Nathan]

... in response to Re: Thailand, posted by NOX1967 on Sep 19, 2002

I have found that most Filipinas as not really devout Catholics...the protestants tend to be a bit more so...in other words, most Filipino catholics are not all that strict in my experience. Likewise in fact, I find most Thais are more nominally Buddhist than anything else...always exceptions of course...as one Thai taxi driver told me.." I can be a good Buddhist or a bad Buddhist...I am a versitile man!"

Nathan

[Stephen]

... in response to Re: Thailand, posted by NOX1967 on Sep 19, 2002

I think you've done something very smart here.  You looked at yourself and said "My religion is important to me.  My best fit is probably in Thailand."

A lot of people don't look inside and say "Where can I most-probably find a good emotional fit for myself."

I think you're off to a good start.

I'm married to a Filipina and I find that English is easy to find in the Phils.  I imagine it's much harder in Thailand.

Congratualtion on using your head.  Stick around here.  Most folks here are connected with Filipinas.  But we could use some folks like you to broaden our horizons.

Also...Nathan is a good friend to folks like you.  He has a lot of practical experience to share.

Stpehen

[Dave H]

... in response to Just begining, new to board., posted by NOX1967 on Sep 19, 2002

Hi Ron,

Sorry, I'm married to a Filipina and don't know much about Thailand. There are a few here who do. Good luck in your quest.

Dave H.

[Lori]

... in response to Just begining, new to board., posted by NOX1967 on Sep 19, 2002

Hello, and welcome to the board. I am planning a trip to Thailand in the summer of 2004. I did have some Thai friends when I was young. Wonderful culture!!