Winston wrote:Jackal wrote:I also think that he didn't threaten you, Winston. He was just stating the truth: It's possible that some angry Filipino relative could kick the crap out of you one day. Didn't you once say that some families over there hire assassins? Guys really know how to fight over there, so I wouldn't cross them.
Try to be kind to your son and to Diane's family, and at the same time, watch your back.
Of course, I'm not familiar with Outwest's other posts. If he is just so annoying to you that you want to ban him, that's your call, but I don't think you can ban him for threatening you because he hasn't.
What truth? He was saying in the last post that he hopes that someone gets me. That is sort of like a death wish, and he is a sicko for saying that.
You are wrong on several counts.
First, to hire an assassin costs a lot of money, around 5000 USD I heard. No broke family could afford that. Second, getting rid of me would mean I can't support my son anymore. I don't think they'd want that. It wouldn't be in their interest. Plus they know that Dianne loves me and that I make her happy.
Third, guys do not know how to fight here. The average guy here is not a fighter. He is clumsy and ineffective in his movements. Guys here usually only fight in groups. Ask Rock. Rock has seen guys and girls in Thailand fighting and sparring. He will tell you that they are far better fighters over there, far more natural at it than Filipino guys are.
Almost every one to one fight that I've heard of involving one foreign guy vs. one Filipino guy ended up with the foreigner winning.
Lots of mistakes Jackal.
Since you asked:
1. I've been very impressed with the general fighting skill of many Thais. I've seen guys and even some girls show amazing ability on a per pounds basis. The guys who learn it young have thickened shins and sharp fists. And they kick high and lightening fast. That means they can often beat someone who is much bigger and bulkier in a no holds weaponless fight. And they can fight foreigners with absolute confidence cus they know other locals will jump in and help them in case they start losing.
I know there are some good fighters in PI too. But I suspect they are less common than in Issan. Expats I've talked to here tell me that usually the guys fight pretty sloppy (maybe cus they're often drunk).
2. As a general rule, I would avoid making enemies in any less developed country such as Thailand or PI. In Thailand, I know that if a local or even in-the-know foreigner wants you hurt he can easily make it happen with just a bit of money. Even killing someone isn't too hard and it still happens all the time in Thailand. I even know of an expat who got shot-down mid-day right walking out of his gym in Patts (he was becoming an annoying biz competitor to some frustrated locals) just 3 years or so ago. But, I think you usually will get a warning of some sort or at least realize you are making certain people angry.
In Winston's case, he isn't really pissing anyone off besides certain guys on this forum. I don't think poor Filipinos are generally so aware of the potential psychological hazards the lack of a father may cause a child. They are much more concerned with financial support. And I believe a lot of poor girls get abandoned in pregnancy by their often young partner in PI and end up with absolutely nothing - physical presence of child's father or financial support. Its kind of par for the course for many of these people.
Maybe Winston will grow into his role as his child gets older. Children can be much more fun to be around after age 4 or 5. If not, Diane and others in the family will still give him plenty of attention. Not all fatherless children become thugs and worthless burdens to society. Many great and respectable figures (men and women) come from broken families and had no father figure.
Personally, just from gut feeling, I would also be concerned with the general environment in PI. If I were in Winston's shoes, I might try to get both Angelo and Diane to Taiwan - a place where the son could attend good schools, be exposed to solid social values and a strong work ethic, and have quality time with the paternal grandparents as well. If Winston's parents helped out a bit, Winston and Diane could would be able to take plenty of time off from raising the boy when they got exhausted too.
Would you like to file any sexual harassment suits as well?