Dealing With Annoying Expat Requests [S5.E13]

On this show the guys keep it real by discussing things
they do not like about being an expat. Plus, patrons and
listeners write in with their own pet peeves about being a
stranger in the strange land of Thailand. 


Ed begins with his number one complaint: being mistaken for
a tourist. Even after 20 years in Thailand, he is still clearly
not Thai, and Thais (especially those looking to make a buck)
assume that 'not-Thai' equals tourist. This annoyance manifests
itself in many ways, from constant pestering to buy tchotchkes to
take home (wooden frog anyone?) to taxi drivers that won't use
the meter. Ed wishes for a permanent sign (or maybe a tattoo?)
that makes clear he's not fresh off the plane.


Greg follows with a whole series of annoyances sent in by
listeners, from the classic 'can you take care of my friend's
friend while they are in Thailand' to the more obscure favors
asked by former expats who still need help from someone
in-country (power of attorney, really?). The complaints run the
gamut, but with one overriding certainty: if the positives didn't
outweigh the negatives, we wouldn't still be here. That doesn't
mean there are no negatives though. :)


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