Future of ISSAN

[Martyn]

I have been visiting Udon Thani three times a year since 2003. In all I estimate to have stayed around seven months in the region. My time has been mostly spent in a village near Sang Khom, my other days in Udon Thani city. Sure I've seen drunkard people but most of them were farang. I've also seen Thai's who've had one too many, sometimes they had drank far too many, but they were always courteous and polite. In my own country England I see it much much more, and with my people it often comes cap in hand with uncourteous and impolite.

Issan has it's problems with lack of work opportunities and little government investment, but that's the case in many places worldwide now. In times like these the male especially, turns to cheap alcohol to fill a void. Lao khao being the villagers choice, I've seen them drunk and singing, but still retaining a certain amount of dignity. Here in England that's a whole lot more than I'll ever see.

[Dave Masman]

My time has been mostly spent in a village near SangSom.

That's the problem. SangSom is never that far away.

[pachangamac042]

Dear bolt451 and jack the bear

I am not going to apologize as I think that you are not worth it. No idea which part of my post caused you difficulty to understand neither. I was just giving some opinions, opinions gathered in almost 20 years of coming to Thailand and reading a lot about Thailand and following this forum very close since month.

I have no idea how many different topics you have read in this forum or if you even read all the posts in this topic. If you had, then you would have realized, that there is a lot of people out there speaking disrespectful about I-Saan and about Thai ladies being married to a foreigner.

So, what I was actually trying to bring over here, is that there are many, many Thai/foreigner couples living in I-Saan a happy life, with children and every thing which comes with a happy life. All I am saying, is that you do not read books or internet stories about such normal couples, just because those stories are not written but lived. On the other hand, there are hundreds of internet stories and many books telling some sad stories, about relationships which did not work out.

I quote myself here now; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

To you thought that was sarcasm, because if you did, then you are completely wrong.

So jack the bear, just let me go quickly through your post. In italics I do quote you.

“You leave me no choice but to accept how boring my life is. Like all the other experts I met in the past always quoting get a life.”

Where in my post have I mentioned, even remotely what you are throwing to me here?

“Yes it sells and if selling is the most important to you then you hit the jackpot yourself whenever you post.”

What I said was, that you will not find many stories or books about normal long lasting relationships. Why should you, that is just normal. Many peoples every days life up here in I-Saan. And yes, that would not sell.

“I cannot blame the thais for taking advantage on ignorant farangs as you call them.”

Neither do I, but it is still a fact, that it happens every day somewhere in Thailand. So those foreigners really exist.

“Maybe drinking hours with trash like that is exciting to you. Listening to their stories how stupid ignorant farangs got screwed by them or their working staff too.”

Did not know that you knew me, otherwise, how could you say something like that? Yes, I have been to bars and I have heard those silly stories. But just for your file, since 7 years I am married to a lady from I-Saan, and since we married, we spent most of our time in her little village.

“I'm shure Udon thani offers new exciting experiences. The day/night plaza just waits for you.”

The day/night plaza, no idea what or where it is. Never been there. If I go to Udon, then it is to visit friends not to go to plazas. But seems that you know about the place. Maybe a regular there yourself? Would you have mentioned the bowling in Robinson, then I could have talked about it with you.

“Personally I think you don't care for any other person. Otherwise you would not have written a post like this.”

Personally, I think that you have not understood much of my post. Is there something in my post which is invented and does not exist here? Have you actually read it until the end?

“No I'm just curious why you write like that. What are you proving by posting on this forum?”

Write like what? Witch part of my post obsessed you so much? I do not have to prove anything in this forum. And I do not get any further with your post.

Look man, I have read my post I do not know how many times, even trying to read in between the lines, but I just do not know what made you jump. Maybe you would clarify please?

To bolt,

your quote, “Sorry my friend, I didn't realise I was writing a book.
I'm not trying to sell my story, just live it.”

My quote again; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

[pachangamac042]

So what guys, did you eat your tongues or what.

[cursasur]

Last year a friend of mine, who is in the agriculture section of teak, rubber and sugarcane, invited me to come and see what he was doing in ISAN. I had retired on the 1st of January of 2008, so I said what the heck let’s go to Thailand.
I stayed at my friend his house in a small village near Udon Thani city, where I met all kind of people, attended an Isan marriage and so on. Through circumstances I could not pay my respects to a deceased by being at the Isan-style funeral, thus I missed a chance to taste the cultural atmosphere at the end of the road of life.

I met many Farangs, mostly from Holland and living in Thailand for several years, with whom I discussed many of the matters that are found in this column. I participated in a procession through the village in favour of the monks in the local temple, enjoyed the spicey food etc. When I visited another village near Khon Kaen, the father-in-law of my friend took me through the village, visiting almost the whole population. I enjoyed that very much, but lacking the knowledge of the Thai language limited a total fulfillment.

After all the discussions and the daily practise I have to agree with the short-comings in Thailand and particularly in the remote villages, as discussed here. I must emphasize that the country and it’s people also have many positive aspects and that is when I fell in love with amazing, challenging Thailand.

One afternoon my friend and I were sitting in the garden enjoying a cold drink, while brainstorming what we could do for the village. I have worked in a university environment for many years and in 2004 I started sending second hand computers to non-western countries. It was a kind of hobby of mine, but all the receivers had to agree to pay for the transport, I would only fetch, package and embark the goods.
We asked ourselves, why not do that in this village? We drove to the only shopowner in the village and told him about the plan. He welcomed the idea and offered us 15 square meters in his shop to realize the “community computer center”. I had to leave in the first week on November but my friend and the shopowner would take care of all kind of official administrative processes (customs etc).

They took care off all the papers needed to succeed in a painless transport from Rotterdam to the village near Udon Thani. My friend made a film of the way the “community computer center” would look like and that was sent to the shopowner for an estimate of the costs (arrived in the village yesterday). At the moment we are busy packing 10 computers, which will be shipped next week.

We are planning to offer lessons in computer technology, English and so on, on a small scale (6 computers for 12 persons , 2 computers for internet access, 1 computer for the person who has the teacher role and 1 spare system).
Further we are contacting people with jobs that lie far behind the horizon of the village kids. Every month one of them will be invited to come and tell the kids something about the work that they do. A surgeon for example could buy a pig’s heart at the butcher and show the kids how he operates or how the heart works. A baker could come and explain the process in a bakery ( we can assist in his presentation by taking pictures in the bakery).
Doing so the kids broaden their view on possible jobs to choose of. Other possibilities are, help with homework, reading etc. etc.

For internet we will make use of an iPstar dish. To reduce the chance of a failure of this project we try to have as many local people (retired teachers, students of educational institutes) as possible to contribute in this project.

We will do our utmost to finance the startup of the project. After that, or along the way, we’ll start looking for sponsors and subsidiaries. As we are not allowed to really work in Thailand, I must emphasize that we only facilitate the whole project.

There are may people in the world and also in Thailand that do similar things, so we are not that special, but on the other hand I must say that one can invest energy in discussing the realistic shortcomings of the country as happens in this column and at the same time try to put some of our “retirement/leisure time” in handing over some tools to that part of the population that represents the future.

In The Netherlands we call that a ‘win-win situation’, in the long run the winners will be, the kids, the country and hopely last but not least the expats.
At the end of this year I will return to stay in this amazing country.

[Sean Moran]

Last year a friend of mine, who is in the agriculture section of teak, rubber and sugarcane, invited me to come and see what he was doing in ISAN. I had retired on the 1st of January of 2008, so I said what the heck let’s go to Thailand.

...


We are planning to offer lessons in computer technology, English and so on, on a small scale (6 computers for 12 persons , 2 computers for internet access, 1 computer for the person who has the teacher role and 1 spare system).
Further we are contacting people with jobs that lie far behind the horizon of the village kids. Every month one of them will be invited to come and tell the kids something about the work that they do. A surgeon for example could buy a pig’s heart at the butcher and show the kids how he operates or how the heart works. A baker could come and explain the process in a bakery ( we can assist in his presentation by taking pictures in the bakery).
Doing so the kids broaden their view on possible jobs to choose of. Other possibilities are, help with homework, reading etc. etc.

For internet we will make use of an iPstar dish. To reduce the chance of a failure of this project we try to have as many local people (retired teachers, students of educational institutes) as possible to contribute in this project.

We will do our utmost to finance the startup of the project. After that, or along the way, we’ll start looking for sponsors and subsidiaries. As we are not allowed to really work in Thailand, I must emphasize that we only facilitate the whole project.

There are may people in the world and also in Thailand that do similar things, so we are not that special, but on the other hand I must say that one can invest energy in discussing the realistic shortcomings of the country as happens in this column and at the same time try to put some of our “retirement/leisure time” in handing over some tools to that part of the population that represents the future.

In The Netherlands we call that a ‘win-win situation’, in the long run the winners will be, the kids, the country and hopely last but not least the expats.
At the end of this year I will return to stay in this amazing country.

I'd really like to help with such a project in any way I can from here in Western Australia, be that with remote system or network admin or perhaps sourcing and rejuvenating good used hardware for shipping to the various sites. I've done this before for both high-schools and senior citizens community groups, and have one general suggestion regarding the networking:

That being to use the 'spare' system as your dedicated server, running Linux naturally, and then simply networking the client machines to the Internet via the local network. You can also incorporate a dual-boot system on each client to teach the students a range of different operating systems.

By adding in a single network server to run your internet connection through, (using Squid proxy and IP chains or whatever they call it now) you can permit all the client machines in the classroom to be online at once for lessons that require users to access resources online. The network cards and cabling are very cheap and easy to manufacture with a pair of RJ45 crimpers and a few rolls of cat5 cable and terminators.

It's that simple to make up the cables, you could even make it a class project after the hardware is installed on the desks.

.

[pachangamac042]

Hello cursasur, welcome to our forum.

I read your lines with great interest and I am very happy for you, that you made such a great experience in I-Saan. I am very thankful as well, for your kindness to be prepared and ready to help other people here.

You will soon realize that you will be a “hero” in that village, making a lot of people very happy and providing them with a chance to learn new things.

I hope there would be more people like you here in I-Saan. Buddha/God bless you my friend.

All the best for you, cursasur.

[jack the bear]

Hello Tejero

Sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately a light heart attack kept me from posting earlier. It was not a nice experience but I did not eat my tongue. Yes it made me jump and fall .Just for the file. You do not have to apologize. Why is there any need. We are not worth it so why bother. No keep analyzing like the doctors I spoke in the hospital. It is true we never met and never will I hope. I know that bowling in Robinson. But like day night plaza it is not my cup of tea. Just for the file patchy that place is crowded with mongers. When I eat at sizzles many times you could not avoid them. No I must disappoint you not for me. I am a simple man who doesn t need that kind of sport. So I keep wondering what you really are Patchy. An expert, a guru, a person full of compassion. No reading your post I cannot find any proof. So perhaps you are indeed a Spanish Fonzie living in his Thai version of happy days. I am truly happy for you. And like the Fonz you could never say I was wr..g. Not even in front of the mirror. I fully understand that. I saw that tv show many times . That way I became an expert on recognizing Fonzies. The only thing I achieved in my boring life. And yes now I found a Spanish one. I always thought Tejero was the last one when he did his gunsmoke act at the Spanish parliament . Thinking Spain needed that. No like you Tejero did not realize that one Festus Hagen was enough.
So your quote again, enjoy your life with your lady and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth of it. Amen Don Patchy


\

Dear bolt451 and jack the bear

I am not going to apologize as I think that you are not worth it. No idea which part of my post caused you difficulty to understand neither. I was just giving some opinions, opinions gathered in almost 20 years of coming to Thailand and reading a lot about Thailand and following this forum very close since month.

I have no idea how many different topics you have read in this forum or if you even read all the posts in this topic. If you had, then you would have realized, that there is a lot of people out there speaking disrespectful about I-Saan and about Thai ladies being married to a foreigner.

So, what I was actually trying to bring over here, is that there are many, many Thai/foreigner couples living in I-Saan a happy life, with children and every thing which comes with a happy life. All I am saying, is that you do not read books or internet stories about such normal couples, just because those stories are not written but lived. On the other hand, there are hundreds of internet stories and many books telling some sad stories, about relationships which did not work out.

I quote myself here now; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

To you thought that was sarcasm, because if you did, then you are completely wrong.

So jack the bear, just let me go quickly through your post. In italics I do quote you.

“You leave me no choice but to accept how boring my life is. Like all the other experts I met in the past always quoting get a life.”

Where in my post have I mentioned, even remotely what you are throwing to me here?

“Yes it sells and if selling is the most important to you then you hit the jackpot yourself whenever you post.”

What I said was, that you will not find many stories or books about normal long lasting relationships. Why should you, that is just normal. Many peoples every days life up here in I-Saan. And yes, that would not sell.

“I cannot blame the thais for taking advantage on ignorant farangs as you call them.”

Neither do I, but it is still a fact, that it happens every day somewhere in Thailand. So those foreigners really exist.

“Maybe drinking hours with trash like that is exciting to you. Listening to their stories how stupid ignorant farangs got screwed by them or their working staff too.”

Did not know that you knew me, otherwise, how could you say something like that? Yes, I have been to bars and I have heard those silly stories. But just for your file, since 7 years I am married to a lady from I-Saan, and since we married, we spent most of our time in her little village.

“I'm shure Udon thani offers new exciting experiences. The day/night plaza just waits for you.”

The day/night plaza, no idea what or where it is. Never been there. If I go to Udon, then it is to visit friends not to go to plazas. But seems that you know about the place. Maybe a regular there yourself? Would you have mentioned the bowling in Robinson, then I could have talked about it with you.

“Personally I think you don't care for any other person. Otherwise you would not have written a post like this.”

Personally, I think that you have not understood much of my post. Is there something in my post which is invented and does not exist here? Have you actually read it until the end?

“No I'm just curious why you write like that. What are you proving by posting on this forum?”

Write like what? Witch part of my post obsessed you so much? I do not have to prove anything in this forum. And I do not get any further with your post.

Look man, I have read my post I do not know how many times, even trying to read in between the lines, but I just do not know what made you jump. Maybe you would clarify please?

To bolt,

your quote, “Sorry my friend, I didn't realise I was writing a book.
I'm not trying to sell my story, just live it.”

My quote again; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

[pachangamac042]

Hello Tejero

Sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately a light heart attack kept me from posting earlier. It was not a nice experience but I did not eat my tongue. Yes it made me jump and fall .Just for the file. You do not have to apologize. Why is there any need. We are not worth it so why bother. No keep analyzing like the doctors I spoke in the hospital. It is true we never met and never will I hope. I know that bowling in Robinson. But like day night plaza it is not my cup of tea. Just for the file patchy that place is crowded with mongers. When I eat at sizzles many times you could not avoid them. No I must disappoint you not for me. I am a simple man who doesn t need that kind of sport. So I keep wondering what you really are Patchy. An expert, a guru, a person full of compassion. No reading your post I cannot find any proof. So perhaps you are indeed a Spanish Fonzie living in his Thai version of happy days. I am truly happy for you. And like the Fonz you could never say I was wr..g. Not even in front of the mirror. I fully understand that. I saw that tv show many times . That way I became an expert on recognizing Fonzies. The only thing I achieved in my boring life. And yes now I found a Spanish one. I always thought Tejero was the last one when he did his gunsmoke act at the Spanish parliament . Thinking Spain needed that. No like you Tejero did not realize that one Festus Hagen was enough.
So your quote again, enjoy your life with your lady and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth of it. Amen Don Patchy


\

Dear bolt451 and jack the bear

I am not going to apologize as I think that you are not worth it. No idea which part of my post caused you difficulty to understand neither. I was just giving some opinions, opinions gathered in almost 20 years of coming to Thailand and reading a lot about Thailand and following this forum very close since month.

I have no idea how many different topics you have read in this forum or if you even read all the posts in this topic. If you had, then you would have realized, that there is a lot of people out there speaking disrespectful about I-Saan and about Thai ladies being married to a foreigner.

So, what I was actually trying to bring over here, is that there are many, many Thai/foreigner couples living in I-Saan a happy life, with children and every thing which comes with a happy life. All I am saying, is that you do not read books or internet stories about such normal couples, just because those stories are not written but lived. On the other hand, there are hundreds of internet stories and many books telling some sad stories, about relationships which did not work out.

I quote myself here now; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

To you thought that was sarcasm, because if you did, then you are completely wrong.

So jack the bear, just let me go quickly through your post. In italics I do quote you.

“You leave me no choice but to accept how boring my life is. Like all the other experts I met in the past always quoting get a life.”

Where in my post have I mentioned, even remotely what you are throwing to me here?

“Yes it sells and if selling is the most important to you then you hit the jackpot yourself whenever you post.”

What I said was, that you will not find many stories or books about normal long lasting relationships. Why should you, that is just normal. Many peoples every days life up here in I-Saan. And yes, that would not sell.

“I cannot blame the thais for taking advantage on ignorant farangs as you call them.”

Neither do I, but it is still a fact, that it happens every day somewhere in Thailand. So those foreigners really exist.

“Maybe drinking hours with trash like that is exciting to you. Listening to their stories how stupid ignorant farangs got screwed by them or their working staff too.”

Did not know that you knew me, otherwise, how could you say something like that? Yes, I have been to bars and I have heard those silly stories. But just for your file, since 7 years I am married to a lady from I-Saan, and since we married, we spent most of our time in her little village.

“I'm shure Udon thani offers new exciting experiences. The day/night plaza just waits for you.”

The day/night plaza, no idea what or where it is. Never been there. If I go to Udon, then it is to visit friends not to go to plazas. But seems that you know about the place. Maybe a regular there yourself? Would you have mentioned the bowling in Robinson, then I could have talked about it with you.

“Personally I think you don't care for any other person. Otherwise you would not have written a post like this.”

Personally, I think that you have not understood much of my post. Is there something in my post which is invented and does not exist here? Have you actually read it until the end?

“No I'm just curious why you write like that. What are you proving by posting on this forum?”

Write like what? Witch part of my post obsessed you so much? I do not have to prove anything in this forum. And I do not get any further with your post.

Look man, I have read my post I do not know how many times, even trying to read in between the lines, but I just do not know what made you jump. Maybe you would clarify please?

To bolt,

your quote, “Sorry my friend, I didn't realise I was writing a book.
I'm not trying to sell my story, just live it.”

My quote again; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

[jack the bear]

Hello Patchy

I can only refer to the Peggy Lee song>
Is this all there is

Good luck but I am afraid you changed into a copy cat. Pm me if you find your tongue back. Amigo I think our little discussion does not belong on this forum but in the pm area. At least that way we both avoid to bore others to death. Right now due to some unforeseen medical circumstances I have plenty of time to amuse myself with experts like you.So far it were only British experts. So a spanish fly is new to me. Especially one with twenty years wisdom.Than you might even be able to tell me in person why Spain is a democracy. I think it is still the same mambo jambo that was started by the famous caudillo. Do not feel guilty , sad or angry. I gave you all the attention you needed so much. Now be a good boy and keep the rest in the pm area. Mark my words you only do yourself a favor.

Hello Tejero

Sorry for my late reply. Unfortunately a light heart attack kept me from posting earlier. It was not a nice experience but I did not eat my tongue. Yes it made me jump and fall .Just for the file. You do not have to apologize. Why is there any need. We are not worth it so why bother. No keep analyzing like the doctors I spoke in the hospital. It is true we never met and never will I hope. I know that bowling in Robinson. But like day night plaza it is not my cup of tea. Just for the file patchy that place is crowded with mongers. When I eat at sizzles many times you could not avoid them. No I must disappoint you not for me. I am a simple man who doesn t need that kind of sport. So I keep wondering what you really are Patchy. An expert, a guru, a person full of compassion. No reading your post I cannot find any proof. So perhaps you are indeed a Spanish Fonzie living in his Thai version of happy days. I am truly happy for you. And like the Fonz you could never say I was wr..g. Not even in front of the mirror. I fully understand that. I saw that tv show many times . That way I became an expert on recognizing Fonzies. The only thing I achieved in my boring life. And yes now I found a Spanish one. I always thought Tejero was the last one when he did his gunsmoke act at the Spanish parliament . Thinking Spain needed that. No like you Tejero did not realize that one Festus Hagen was enough.
So your quote again, enjoy your life with your lady and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth of it. Amen Don Patchy


\

Dear bolt451 and jack the bear

I am not going to apologize as I think that you are not worth it. No idea which part of my post caused you difficulty to understand neither. I was just giving some opinions, opinions gathered in almost 20 years of coming to Thailand and reading a lot about Thailand and following this forum very close since month.

I have no idea how many different topics you have read in this forum or if you even read all the posts in this topic. If you had, then you would have realized, that there is a lot of people out there speaking disrespectful about I-Saan and about Thai ladies being married to a foreigner.

So, what I was actually trying to bring over here, is that there are many, many Thai/foreigner couples living in I-Saan a happy life, with children and every thing which comes with a happy life. All I am saying, is that you do not read books or internet stories about such normal couples, just because those stories are not written but lived. On the other hand, there are hundreds of internet stories and many books telling some sad stories, about relationships which did not work out.

I quote myself here now; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”

To you thought that was sarcasm, because if you did, then you are completely wrong.

So jack the bear, just let me go quickly through your post. In italics I do quote you.

“You leave me no choice but to accept how boring my life is. Like all the other experts I met in the past always quoting get a life.”

Where in my post have I mentioned, even remotely what you are throwing to me here?

“Yes it sells and if selling is the most important to you then you hit the jackpot yourself whenever you post.”

What I said was, that you will not find many stories or books about normal long lasting relationships. Why should you, that is just normal. Many peoples every days life up here in I-Saan. And yes, that would not sell.

“I cannot blame the thais for taking advantage on ignorant farangs as you call them.”

Neither do I, but it is still a fact, that it happens every day somewhere in Thailand. So those foreigners really exist.

“Maybe drinking hours with trash like that is exciting to you. Listening to their stories how stupid ignorant farangs got screwed by them or their working staff too.”

Did not know that you knew me, otherwise, how could you say something like that? Yes, I have been to bars and I have heard those silly stories. But just for your file, since 7 years I am married to a lady from I-Saan, and since we married, we spent most of our time in her little village.

“I'm shure Udon thani offers new exciting experiences. The day/night plaza just waits for you.”

The day/night plaza, no idea what or where it is. Never been there. If I go to Udon, then it is to visit friends not to go to plazas. But seems that you know about the place. Maybe a regular there yourself? Would you have mentioned the bowling in Robinson, then I could have talked about it with you.

“Personally I think you don't care for any other person. Otherwise you would not have written a post like this.”

Personally, I think that you have not understood much of my post. Is there something in my post which is invented and does not exist here? Have you actually read it until the end?

“No I'm just curious why you write like that. What are you proving by posting on this forum?”

Write like what? Witch part of my post obsessed you so much? I do not have to prove anything in this forum. And I do not get any further with your post.

Look man, I have read my post I do not know how many times, even trying to read in between the lines, but I just do not know what made you jump. Maybe you would clarify please?

To bolt,

your quote, “Sorry my friend, I didn't realise I was writing a book.
I'm not trying to sell my story, just live it.”

My quote again; “To both of you guys, enjoy your live with your ladies and ignore the ones who speak bad about everything. They are not worth it.”