Shard

Very common throughout Asia. Indeed, not uncommon in Asian communities in the West. Western value judgements are not necessarily universal.

Too many in the charity sector (which have huge vested interests in their own employees) exaggerate problems and issues in the developing world. The dodgy Wikipedia article is probably written by some charity non-entity looking to fleece more do-gooders into donating so that he/she can swan around solving the world's problems.

Totally with Nonthaburi on this one, and he seems to have extensive experience of the region.

nonthaburi

Well from what I've observed from my in-laws and others over the years, the children are still loved and healthy.

They might be poor, but that doesn't make them unhappy.

I've spent a lot of time in rural villages in the northeast, and there is always a large extended family unit, with people moving backwards and forwards from Bangkok. Parents and children.

Not ideal, but I'm sure if you asked the people involved, they wouldn't say it was terrible either. And in a lot of cases it may only be for a few years until the child can start school in Bangkok.

Pulaski

That's all I was saying.

tonyjames44

Yeah... that's not really the same as my situation. She's not a poor Isaan farm girl. She has an office job with a credit card company.
And where have you seen kids being sent to Bkk to go to school from the poor areas? University level maybe, but not primary and secondary.
Anyway its all about whether i have to go back to the UK or not.

InVinoVeritas

Point taken, let's try and keep on topic everyone.

I don't fully understand the situation between you and your GF, Tony. This is obviously key in trying to find an answer to your question. Do you still function as a couple or are you in dispute? How does she see her future?

InVinoVeritas

Just seen your new thread in the France forum http://britishexpats.com/forum/franc.../#post11843605 which explains your circumstances a little better

tonyjames44

Yeah. We're ok together. We've had a few fiery arguments over the years but always stayed together. And we've got 2 beautiful kids, and they are lovely! So hopefully i can stay here, continue working and get saving up so we can take the SS route to the UK later this year.

InVinoVeritas

That's good to know because your MiL has given an entirely different impression - Post #28

nonthaburi

Seen it quite a bit as it goes, for the first few years the kids starts with the grandparents, then when they're older, they start school in Bangkok, because the parents can still work there and arrange transport etc, but not have to take care of them all the time.