Dear Hillary,
Re: Left out of the lingo (PM Friday, 8 February 2013) - I can’t resist to post a comment an incident I found funny just a few nights ago. (History) My wife spoke no English when I took her to the U.S. 2 years of school there and she has done well. (Present time in Thailand) We were at one of my favorite watering holes, the waitress spoke to my wife in English, and my wife replied in English. I interrupted in Thai, asking why are you two speaking in English when you are both Thai. They both at first looked puzzled then we all laughed. However I find farangs speaking Thai a fair bit over the 33 years I have been around and it is not as well accepted as it was back then, sometimes even an annoyance to Thais in Pattaya. But now we are talking about second, and even third generations growing up, living and working here. Never with my Thai family but have noticed between girlfriends times they make an effort to talk around me.
Dill Pickles

Dear Dill (pickled or otherwise),
Many farangs really have a cheek. They come to Thailand and get upset when people speak Thai around them. Congratulations Dill, you have taken the time to speak Thai, and your wife has taken the time to learn English. Tell your friends to do the same!

Dear Hillary,
Re: Can Hillary get his car back? (PM Friday, 08 February 2013) - Oh come on Hillary, corruption flourishes here not because it is an “Asian thing” but because you allow it and it is out of control. Next time a cop catches you speeding, take the ticket. And if he presses you for money, report him. And lobby your politicians to pay a living wage to the cops.
Honest Joe

Dear Honest Joe,
If I get caught speeding, I will certainly take the ticket! I’ll take it straight to the Guinness Book of Records, applying for recognition as the fastest foot runner in the world! And I’ll be the one pressing for money, not the policeman. Joe, corruption isn’t just a “Thai” thing, it’s a world-wide thing. And do you think you could change the attitude of policemen to a little baksheesh on the side by increasing their salary. Come on Joe!

Dear Hillary,
Re: The Seven-11 gang! (PM Friday, 08 February 2013) - A similar situation but different, my circle of buddies have Thai wives and long time girlfriends, as I do married 13 yrs. I also have a lot of single friends who come for vacations and in the company of paid companions. The wives and girlfriends make little effort to know the new addition as she may be changed at any time, so why put forth the effort. Not a jealousy thing. My wife is very secure in our relationship, doesn’t mind me speaking Thai with bar staff. The ladies respect my distance, though I have told some “thong mi jap” (don’t touch) but usually for persistent vendors. My wife has no problem with those she knows even kissing me on the cheek. But with too much drink some buddies go way out line with bar staff to the point I find it disrespectful to the ladies who accompany them. They pay that price with a few days of very well practiced silent treatment. To add, I have reduced my circle of friends to eliminate associating with those who have behavior issues, but that is in addition to some other issues I find not in common with our lifestyle. Just want to add, been follower of you for quite some time, you may remember some issues you helped with me.
Dell

Dear Dell
I commend your behavior in the local bars. I believe in treating ladies with respect (especially ones of my age)! I see you are au fait with the “well practiced silent treatment” which I like to call “The Asian Wall of Silence”, which is a very powerful weapon when used the right way.

Dear Hillary,
My wife has started cheating on the grocery bills and I am sure she has started to sneak the odd thousand baht from my billfold when I am asleep. I also note that she seems to have less jewelry than before, and when I have asked her where her gold necklace is she gets very defensive and says she is having it cleaned. I am sure she is not having an affair, as she is always home at nights with me, so what can I do to check? Where is the money going? Do you think it might be gambling?
Wally wallet.

Dear Wally,
There’s not much else, is there? It usually comes down to gambling or drugs or both. How is her mood? If she is jumpy and irritable and has no appetite, then I would be thinking about drugs, especially ya ba. You say she’s home with you at nights, but where does she go during the daytimes? Does she frequent the bars, as that is where gambling and drugs are in plentiful (but expensive) supply. You may have to mark some bills in your wallet and see if they end up in hers.