An e-mail that I received

[Macaulay 0]

I applied for a job that was described as a "web design position in a great location." Little did I know what I was in for. Here's what I received in response:

Quote

Thank you for responding (Macaulay),
..read on...and tell me if you are still interested.
Here are more details about the job . It is in exotic and beautiful Chiang
Mai Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a beautiful place still exotic remote enough to be near even
more exotic Burma, raw jungles and native peoples yet modern enough where the
internet, modern hospital and an airport are all within easy reach. It is
very safe and very, very inexpensive to live. A nice one - two room condo
costs $60 -$120/month. Most Thais live 2-4 per.
Chiang Mai has many "travelers" from all over the world passing through and
many of those often come back to stay as did I . There are numerous schools,
from learning Thai massage and Thai cooking to studying meditation in
Buddhist Temples and many universities (5) .
I have an office of four people (2Women and 2Men) and a few consultants,
most but not all being Thais who speak decent english. Its a nice one room
office..the environment is cozy , fun and relaxed (We have fresh cocounut
juice served straight from the cocunuts daily and a tropical fruit salad when
desired) . We can also have a lot more loose fun and games that in today's
American legalistic work environment simply doesn't allow ( That means we
work in bare feet - quite customary there, and I don't have to worry about
being sued if someone stubs their toe, just cost me an ice cube).
I personally miss an informal environment and am glad to be there instead of
here (USA). The work yet can be very analytical an intense as any internet
business regardless of location.
Thais are generally extremely friendly and hospitable . It is not the USA so
phone connections are slower, English is not pervasive but certainly
adequate, power outages happen more often (1-2X/mth) but we still use 1GHZ +
machines.. and the social life /nightlife in Thailand is second to none in my
opinion.
While I won't reveal my identity blindly, in order to keep things simple, I
myself am an author specializing in Healing, the 6th Sense, Accelerated
Learning and Mental Training. Before that , I was an Electronics Engineer and
mathmatician having invented a widely used IC.
The people who work for me inevitably learn a lot more about themselves and
their capability as part of the process. I am not always in the office as I
have many projects but keep in close contact always.
I also sponsor Burmese and Thai orphans and enjoy living there much better
than I do the USA. I have been to 45 countries..and this is on of the most
liveable and interesting places I have found.
It is more of a lifestyle and personal fulfillment decision as opposed to a
career move so it must be something that you get a good "vibe " from in order
to be both productive and happy there.
In order to consider you, I need to better understand and see the web designs
you have done yourself personnally - not just ones you have been involved
with as it limits my ability to assess your style.
Web marketing is a big part of the job, so your experience, if any with is
field including search engine optimization is critical.
The salary is such that you will be able to live very comfortably but it
should not be compared to normal American salaries. The average Thai makes
about $100/month. Well educated Thai Professionals make $200 - $400/mth
typically.Many westerners simply teach English there and live well for $300 -
$400/mth. They often qwickly move in with a Thai "mate" as the cross cultural
attraction is strong. Americans are very well recieved there ( which is not
to be taken for granted !!)
More on the salary will be discussed once I find you suitable for the
position. If you insist on discussing this first , then I know you are not
the right person for it. There are many Asians well qualified for this
position and would jump at the opportunity and I could pay them 1/2 of what I
am willing... so I needn't get into negotiation...nor is it some huge money
making operation...
Since I already have Asians, a Brit and a Swede working for me, I thought
someone from the USA would be a good mix of nationalities.
It is not suitable for everyone nor is everyone qualified for it as web
marketing, Search Engine Optimization Experience and good design skills are
not common. Everything we do is based on Dreamweaver, Photoshop, on a UNIX
server with a custom built shopping cart using PHP/PERL. So please tell me
your abilities in these areas. I don't expect expertise in every area ..but
at least 1 may be 2 areas would be helpful.
It also expected that you will pay for your own transport over there. Health
insurance isn't available there for non -Thai citizens so., Though literally,
a private room in a 1st class ISO 9000 Hopsital is $20/day !!! (often, Thais
go 4 to a big room and it costs $5/day !!) and a doctors consultation is
about $5..No Kidding !! My friend got in an auto accident , was laid up 5
days in the hospital and the bill came to $250 ! He stayed an extra few days
because it was better than a hotel !! If you think of it, that is Less than
your deductible here in the USA !.
Thailand is a place where you can walk into a pharmacy , tell the pharmacist
your symptom and walk out with the medicine, often costing 1/10th what is
does in the USA. Simple and easy..few laws to get in your way. They have a
helmet law for motorcycles. I can't tell you how many times I ride past a cop
without one without even flinching..not one ticket in 2 years....Life can be
simpler but I don't know where.
So in summary, it is not a position for a person expecting some big company
to pay for and handle everything for you but it is a great opportunity for a
talented person tired of traffic and the "grind" and is looking for an
opening to the other side of life ! I want to be upfront and straight with
everyone about what it is and what it isn't.
I am in the USA , Eugene, OREGON Temporarily .. so I placed the ad here, but
could just have easily placed the ad over there. I know this a perfect fit
for a smart web person who is both searching within and more globally minded
and enjoys having a bit of fun...
It is more of a lifestyle and personal fulfillment decision as opposed to a
career move so it must be something that you get a good "vibe " from in order
to be both productive and happy there.
I await your response both on a personal and profession level.
Thank you.
Ed

[Emma 0]

Hmmm, I reckon I'd take it myself...

[RemiAndKaren 0]

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We can also have a lot more loose fun and games that in today's American legalistic work environment simply doesn't allow

....I wonder if walking barefoot was reaaaly what he was thinking about!
Remi

[Rhonda66 0]

The guy sounds like an egotistic fruit loop to me - Yeah, that's great if it costs you $250 to go to the hospital when you'll probably get paid $250 a month (probably less since he won't even pay for your transporation) - plus add that to your $60-$120/month for lodging and you'd basically be on the street pretty soon - lol. And he won't reveal his identity to "keep things simple" What an ass! I can't imagine what sort of Internet sites they come up with - kiddie porn? drug trafficing? While the exotic aspect sounds alluring, it's obvious that that's all this job has to offer and that's what he's hoping some sucker is lured in by - Why is he in the US now if Thailand is so awesome??? Well, on the brighter side, how desperate are you for a Thai "mate" who'll move right in with you??? Lol
Good luck dude.
Rhonda

[Pammi 0]

Hmmm..sounds suspicious. He spends a lot of time defending his ability to find someone else from there and pay them less and how it would almost be an 'honor' to come work for him. Plus not saying who he is is a little scary.
What do I know though...just get a creepy feeling about it and I'm the type who actually can't wait to have such adventures when my kids are grown. *shrug* You might consider it a good investment to ask to go there and see the country and business before a final decision is made.
Pammi
Our webpage

[Rhonda66 0]

I still say skip it altogether - the guy is a whacko no matter how you look at it....
Rhonda

[Pammi 0]

Has anyone here been to Thailand? I'd be interested to hear if it's really as frightening as that one movie with Claire Daines where here and her friend are locked up as heroine smugglers (a set-up). I can't remember the title of the movie tho...
Our webpage

[mountainman 0]

You have to look at the big picture:
IS THERE A DROPZONE THERE?????????Our humble corner on the web... HERE

[skybytch 273]

I've never been to Thailand, but my bosses and a co-worker went there for the World Record jumps in '99, and a friend who's working in China for a year has been going there for "R&R". They all loved it! The people are friendly and hospitable, the night life is incredible...
Of course they were just tourists, staying in first class hotels. Actually living among the people would be quite different from the tourist experiece I would think.
pull and flare,
lisa
----
I don't think much, therefore I might not be

[Doasfu 0]

I have to go with the majority here and say that I'd run, not walk, from this offer. Yikes.
Dan
"Oh, you went to a movie this weekend? That's nice. Me? Oh... Actually, me too..."

[skymedic 0]

I have been to thailand many times, and not just bangkok but in alot of back woods(jungles?) hospitals. the people are always friendly and I never felt in danger. I wouldn't mind going back on vacation. the real question is where are the DZ's?
Marc

[pyke 0]

Quote

Has anyone here been to Thailand? I'd be interested to hear if it's really as frightening as that one movie with Claire Daines where here and her friend are locked up as heroine smugglers (a set-up). I can't remember the title of the movie tho...

Had claire danes and kate beckinsale...was called Brokedown Palace...good movie...weak ending though, but that is my opinion of claire, not the movie.
anyway, just thought I would fill you in.
Kahurangi e Mahearangi,
Pyke
NZPF A - 2584
USPA C- ?????

[DZBone 0]

Pammi, less Brokedown Palace, more Apocalypse Now.
"What are they gonna say about him? What are they gonna say? That he was a kind man? That he was a wise man? That he had plans? That he had wisdom? Bullshit man!"

[SpeedRacer 1]

Confucious say:
"Man going through turnstyle sideways is going to Bangkok!"

Speed Racer
"I think I think, therefore, I think I am, I think!"

[freaksister 0]

Sounds like the guy is full of shit. I bet "web design" really means "live webcam of you getting it in the a**" and "salary" means "john fee." Why won't the person identify anything else? What he's doing is probably illegal!
Maybe I'm a cynic but COME ON! i have heard lots of people like Thailand but *this particular offer* sounds suspicious!
Sis
It isn't brave if you aren't scared...

[Macaulay 0]

I wasn't actually considering taking it. It's funny that someone mentioned the drop zone thing. This was my actual response to the e-mail:

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Can I skydive there? If I can't skydive then FUCK it!

- (Macaulay)

My fun way of telling the freak off.
- Macaulay

[Macaulay 0]

'Brokedown Palace' was decent, but nowhere near what 'Return to Paradise' was. Different place, same premise.
- Macaulay

[spectre230 0]

[AggieDave 6]

Isn't that where that 1000ft+ skyscraper is? Don't they let you BASE it or am I just wondering around in the internet neitherworld?
AggieDave '02
-------------
Blue Skies and Gig'em Ags!
BTHO t.u.

[Macaulay 0]

BASE = pfft
IMO, that is. I bought a used BASE rig last year. I spent a long time learning what to do with it without paying for the education (just take a course... don't spend eight months figuring out how to half-ass it). I lived about ten minutes away from the Pine Valley bridge. 400+ ft. up and nowhere to land. I got ten flicks in out there (only two stand-up landings on the very uneven terrain), and then just wasn't wowed by it anymore. I was more into the idea of doing it than the BASE jumping itself. I sold the rig shortly thereafter (for twice what I paid).
Some people give up skydiving for BASE. Then some, like myself, just aren't that impressed with it. I like speed... you get way more in skydiving. I get a better ground rush from bungee jumping.
BASE jumping does have its advantages. It can be free. It was nice to get out to the bridge on a beautiful, sunny day and take in that mountain air. Of course, I had to hide by my brother's truck until no one was around, but I got that mountain air nonetheless. The idea of an "unassisted" jump is cool, too (no pilot, no manifest, etc.). Not that I have a problem with DZ operations at all, and I don't... it's just that there's something about being able to do it all completely on your own terms. That was my favorite thing about it.
- Macaulay

[Vman 0]

Living over here in South East Asia for the last 13 years,I thought you all might want a little feed back on the "land of many smiles".
First off I know of many expats (thats us) working in Thailand & a few in the IT industry and the salary you were tentatively quoted is nothing short of a joke.
In addition,the employer covers you with insurance plan.
Seems to be an offer where you will work in the country without LEGAL Status i.e work visa or employment pass.
It can be done but you need a few years under your belt in the country before FREELANCING.
I have dealt formally with the military in Thailand and trust me,they prefer cards up front.
Since ,like many Asean countries the military controls alot.
Just a word of advice,THE GARDEN OF EDAN HAS SNAKES.I suggest a number of reputable agencies for greater security and carreer path.
Former Singapore National Thai Boxing Coach
Vman

[Vman 0]

Reality check gang.
As in most third world countries almost everyone is on the take and you do not have to be in the wrong or gulity to get locked up. The Thai Government can lock your ass up for three months regardless of intervention by embassies.
The jails are horrendous and if you dig red rice and dried fish thing twice about bullying the local lads for thier woman.
On a more pleasant note I hear the Sun Path crowd have a boogie there in March. Will advice
Vman

[Vman 0]

There have been a number of attempts but if it flies the miltary want to be up on it or bit of the take.
Also, you have alot of gorrilla activity (auto matic weapons variety minus the bananas)on some of the borders.
Having said that there is a DZ movement at this time but it is a long way from being a full time DZ. You just got to be there when it goes down....neat huh!
Have DZ Will Jump
Vman