Can't take it anymore

[trojan]

I'm curious to know if anyone feels they can't take anymore of the lack of freedom of speech and corruption in Thailand.
Maybe you've already packed up and moved on or are seriously contemplating it because of the above reasons or even know people that have left for similar reasons.
Personally I've seriously considered it because I feel like I should take a stand in some way and I'm also concerned about raising my child in this kind of enviroment. The thing that stops me is that I love Thailand far more than my native England.
Just curious if its just me or not and if I'm concerning myself too much with something that isn't really my business.
I'd especially like to hear the views of genuine long term expats. Thanks.

[Eric]

I would say that strong family values and good parenting rather than the environment will shape your child better in every place or country.

[ThaimanX10]

I have to go along with Eric, with one exception and that is do use an international school to teach your child. All the other things like the turmoil in the government and such at the end of the day do not effect you to much. Most of the things are for the Thai People. I have been here now for over 18 years and am not going anywhere.
My wife and I are quite happy here.
When you speak of the alternative in your UK or England as you say, things there are really not much better from what I hear from by Brit friends who do not like the Scots being in charge, and I was just told by a friend of mine (I hope he was joking, but I'm not sure) that you can not celebrate Christmas there anymore for fear you may offend the Muslims there.

[bbkings]

I have to go along with Eric, with one exception and that is do use an international school to teach your child. All the other things like the turmoil in the government and such at the end of the day do not effect you to much. Most of the things are for the Thai People. I have been here now for over 18 years and am not going anywhere.
My wife and I are quite happy here.
When you speak of the alternative in your UK or England as you say, things there are really not much better from what I hear from by Brit friends who do not like the Scots being in charge, and I was just told by a friend of mine (I hope he was joking, but I'm not sure) that you can not celebrate Christmas there anymore for fear you may offend the Muslims there.

I agree. my kids go to international school and have a great perspective on life regardless of what is going on domestically. having friends from around the world is great for my kids and is something that they would not experience growing up in my country. so you have to take the good with the bad. make sure they are skilled in both Thai and English so they can make a choice where to live when they are older. chances are that with a good education they will have better job opportunities here in Thailand.

[TheGreatGonzo]

Being here a long time it is not surprising for the endemic corruption and the ability to fully speak your mind to bring you down. No doubt there is more corruption in Thaiand and less freedom of speech than the UK but let's put things in perspective a little bit: in which neighbouring countries are things better? Obviously not Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Malaysia? only good if you are ethnic Malay, anyone else is second class citizen. Singapore? Politics there is something else. In fact in all of Asia in which country do you have less corruption and more freedom? Possibly only Japan am I right?

[Eric]

I don't think a child in his or her schooling years will be too interested in politics. Rather they will be more concern about their favourite pop star and finding their bff. Neither will he or she be too involved in corruption. I would therefore agree that schooling environment is very important and an international school is definitely a good idea. Most Asia schools study by route learning and very little of critical learning. A international school has that element.

[stilljustbrowsing]

Hi Trojan, a teacher once taught me that the day good news makes the head-lines will be a sad day for us all.
For as long as bad news makes the head-lines then at least it is still frowned upon and not normal.
What is bad that is now considered normal?... motor car/cycle accidents, barley a word is said now in the media. (unless it is some 'hi-so' person)
Take your child to the wrong school in the UK and they will learn far more about racial hatred and the great divide than they ever will here. Just my tuppenceworth, hope it helps.

[trojan]

The tips on bringing up my kid were not necessary or comments like corruption doesn't
effect your children quite obvious. Although you could argue that the money i flitter away to
officials in business and immigration could be contributing to my kids International school
bill. Actually where I live there is not an International School, and for the record I don't live in
Isaan.
What I was more interested in is whether people have left Thailand or were considering it
because of the lack of freedom of speech and corruption. And I agree it might be better
than Laos or Cambodia or wherever but that's not where we live. For instance I would be
reluctant to visit China because of their appalling human rights record and by staying here
I start feeling like I'm giving my blessing to corruption and imprisonments that I find very disturbing.
Maybe I already got my answer, most people don't care as long as they are ok then why worry
about anyone else.
If I needed some advice on how to raise my kids this would be the last place I would be looking.

[Hansa]

Trojan,
I see your point, and I have been thinking along the same lines. I have only been living in Thailand for the last 1.5 years this time, my first stay was more than 15 years ago. I am a technical professional on an expat contract.
I have for a long time been dreaming about retiring in Thailand, buy a house and enjoy the Thai hospitality and low levels of cost.
But the more aware I get about how this society operates and the direction it is moving in, the less inviting it becomes.
The freedom of speech and corruption is one aspect which makes me uneasy. Double standards, fair treatment, rich vs poor, Thai vs foreigner are other factors. And I feel it is getting worse.
I have seen many families deciding to move back home in the last few months for varying reasons including financial crisis, 'time to try something new', new job, end of contract, etc. These are all valid reasons of course, but I believe that part of the reason for relocating is that Thailand is getting less attractive. I used to recommend Thailand as a very nice vacation destination and also as a place to live. I do not do that anymore. If someone asks me, I now have to qualify it with; ' .. if you are a rich Thai citizen'.

[stilljustbrowsing]

The tips on bringing up my kid were not necessary or comments like corruption doesn't
effect your children quite obvious. Although you could argue that the money i flitter away to
officials in business and immigration could be contributing to my kids International school
bill. Actually where I live there is not an International School, and for the record I don't live in
Isaan.
What I was more interested in is whether people have left Thailand or were considering it
because of the lack of freedom of speech and corruption. And I agree it might be better
than Laos or Cambodia or wherever but that's not where we live. For instance I would be
reluctant to visit China because of their appalling human rights record and by staying here
I start feeling like I'm giving my blessing to corruption and imprisonments that I find very disturbing.
Maybe I already got my answer, most people don't care as long as they are ok then why worry
about anyone else.
If I needed some advice on how to raise my kids this would be the last place I would be looking.

Trojan, I personally was trying to give advise based on my 7 years continueous living here in sunny Thailand. I would suspect others were/are trying to do the same. You mentioned your child and I latched onto that aspect of your post because I assumed you can take care of yourself, having moved here in the first place.
Freedom of speech has always been a relative term, better you look to responsible speech. In England, human rights currently favours the criminal.