[Dodger]

I discussed my thoughts and feelings on this subject a lot when we first got together. My gf is somewhat of the newer generation of thai I think that is a little more practical over this subject, but it helped us develope an understanding of what I would help with and what I didn't like.

She acts as my filter, I used to want to know every request that she was asked, but as at one time it became almost daily, decided it would just make me mad so stopped wanting to know. I now know if she comes to me with a family problem then it is important to her and not so much a scam or whatever.

Recent request was for 5k for her brother to assist him by buying a sidecar for his motorbike so he could carry more food on his rounds, thereby earn more money. She insisted to her brother it was a loan and had to be repaid within 6 weeks.

I lent the money as could see a good reason and he paid it back on time, interestingly for selling isaan food stuffs up in the village and surrounds, he makes really good money, average 2k turnover per day, which I found really suprising (especially as before working the family farm he was lucky to get 6k a month).

Borrowing sometimes without thought of repayment seems very common here, amongst friends as well as family. I've been asked now on 4 or 5 occasions and to date have always been paid back, sometimes passed the expected date but always paid back. Not sure if this has set a prescedent or they just see me as Farang Kheeneow!!!.