Acclimating to this Heat

[Philip P]

@ Luke. Everyone has pretty much covered the tips. Finding lightweight clothing that doesn't cling to you is a great help.

I have spent probably two or more years (not all at once) in Thailand, but mainly down south on the islands where the breeze makes it easier. The thing about Bangkok is it never really cools down - even at night - and there is no real breeze. Add the pollution and it can be tiring.

Maybe Chang Mai would be better for you: even if the temperature can be higher, from what I remember the evenings are cooler which makes a big difference to me. I know that down here in Australia that I can handle +40C days a lot easier when the mercury drops at night.

Also, lol @ people calling Thailand a "3rd world country".

 

[lukep]

100 minutes? Sounds like bullshit to me. Seems like if you're fit, get out and normalize with plenty of outdoor activities, and don't overdo it on the AC otherwise you won't adapt.

Fuck all that noise though, glad you're back.

Thanks bro, good to be back... Excepting of course the morons like fuse83 below.

Yeah, I read in several places, even a triathletes' training site, that there is no point spending more than 100 minutes a day acclimating to anything hotter... Any more is wasted.

LukeP, stop fucking around and lose some weight, bang some hoes, put some pictures up. What is this whiny threads, that's jeffrey job, stay out of that shit.
by the way, Why don't you date a thai babe and have her cook for you?

I married a Thai babe almost 11 years ago. Sorry, not putting any sexually explicit pics of us up here. The whiny thread was just for tip gathering. I agree though, Jeffrey does it better.

Having lived in Houston 29 of my 33 years, here are a few tips:

Stay inside from 10am until 2pm. Avoid the most stagnant heat of the day by doing things in the early morning before the sun is all the way up and in the late afternoon when there is more shade.

Check.

Stay out of the direct sunlight when possible. Walk in the shade of buildings.

Check.

Avoid other people and seek breeze. If you're in a crowd, you're going to get hot. If you're on your own away from the mob, you're more likely to catch a breeze.

Yeah, this is one I can't avoid. It's like times square around me every time I go outside of my building. I haven't felt a breeze yet in this country, man I miss the beach.

Expect sweat. Sweat is your body's natural cooling mechanism, and in high humid heat you're going to naturally get hot and dewey. That means you're going to sweat. You can't stop yourself from doing it, so expect it. Skip fancy lotions and make-up (not that I expect you wear any) and invest in good antiperspirant. Then you just do what you normally do with a sheen of sweat at all times. You get used to it.

I just can't accept this. I'll lose the extra weight, fine, but dammit I don't want to be sweaty and sticky every single time I go anywhere at all! It's distracting and in fact in the HiSo society here it's kinda rude, like you don't have enough respect for the people you're meeting to do them the decency of taking a shower... My wife already heard one acquaintance talking behind my back about it like that!

They don't sweat, so I can't either. I've got an excuse for now though because I'm new.

Stay hydrated. As others have said, you should expect to drink water nonstop.

Check.

I've traveled to enough dry places (hot and cold) to understand what you're probably hoping for. It would be perfect to walk outside in the heat and not feel hot and sweaty.

I'll settle for just not sweaty.

Yeah right, just admit you went there for a holiday to save face and all your wordly belongings are still packed away in a cardboard box back in ya mom's basement.

Lulz, sometimes I wish... but then I see that the dollar has fallen another Baht or so since I've gotten here and I just worry about you guys making it out ok in time...

Also, go have a sauna.

WTF do you think I receive each time I step outside??

I can never ever, for the life of me, understands the attraction of third world country.

LOL, I see another moron is speaking about something (Bangkok) that he knows nothing about.

My standard of living here in downtown BKK far surpasses anything available (to anyone) in the US. It's just this stinking heat that gets me personally.

Finding lightweight clothing that doesn't cling to you is a great help.

Got a few sets now, getting more soon, thanks.

Maybe Chang Mai would be better for you: even if the temperature can be higher, from what I remember the evenings are cooler which makes a big difference to me.

You're not the first to suggest CM to me, but I'd have to do without a lot of the afor-mentioned luxury moving away from the megamall strip in BKK. My wife's addicted and we have family nearby, so I'm pretty much stuck here.

 

[Kiopa_Matt]

Hospitals are shitty compared to 1st world. Yea, you get larger rooms for your dollar, so what? I rather live than die.

I don't know, I never get sick, but have friends who've stayed in the hospital for various problems, and sounds like it was great to me. That, and honestly, I'd prefer to have my dogs taken care of here than in Canada. I have far better access to vets here, and they're more attentive and genuine than I'd find in Canada.

Oh, once I needed medical attention. Had a battle with a grease fire, and lost. Went down to the pharmacy, and 3 mins later walked out with a bunch of anti-biotics and cream. Worked like a charm.

Education is shitty, brain washing, ignorant, did i say shitty, makes you stupid and shitty.

Yes, because community colleges in North America are just oh so awesome.

And don't ever get caught in a dark alley. You'll get robbed so fast, you don't even notice that you're eating dirt. Don't believe me? You're an ignorant shit.

Yes, because the more developed countries don't have problems in dark alleys at night.

What's my credentials? I lived in third world shit hole for 29 years.

Where? For example, Jakarta is just a tad different than Bangkok, eh? That's why you don't see people making posts saying, "Indonesia kicks ass bros! Check it out!"

Oh, and servicing for utilities and things is far better than I'd ever receive in Canada. There's none of this, "please be home next Wednesday between 9 - 5" bullshit. You call, and they're at your house, and up the pole within hours.

 

[Kiopa_Matt]

Oh, and forgot, another you can maybe try is air conditioning only for sleeping. Only turn the air conditioning on in the bedroom, and that's it. For the rest of the house, just use fans only.

Except when it comes summer time, then definitely crank up the A/C everywhere. Right now though, you should be totally fine with just a fan. If not, you're going to die come May / June. That's when it gets so hot you can't even function. You can't do anything, except think about how hot it is.

 

[DewChugr]

 

[rusvik]

So much lol bro. I thought you knew this already. You're going to be sweating your ass of in Bangkok, no way around it. Last time I went for 2 months in August I was sweating profusely after 10 minutes out.

However, here are my tips:

- It's going to take at least a month or two to get really acclimatized, probably 6 months to fully learn how to cope.

- Avoid walking more than 50 meters at a time. There's a reason for the motocy taxis, use them. Same with taxis. They cost nothing. Walking should always be last option.

- Walk slooooooooooooooooow. Ever notice why Thais walk like their old and zombies? That's why. Don't even think about walking briskly like you would back home. Take your time and walk very slow. Never ever run even for 5 meters.

- The heat will melt your fat off if you do just a bit of excersise and eat Thai. Then you'll have that sunken cheekbone tropical look in no time. And as you won't be outside in the sun, you'll be pale as well. That good old sickly look. I recommend going to the beach every week or so to avoid looking like an aids patient.

- Dress in layers. While you may think that less is better, it's the opposite. Do like those beduins in arabia. Wear a tight fitting undershirt with sleeves under your shirt. It will create a layer of air which will insulate your skin from the heat. Wear slacks instead of jeans or get some which have thinner material. If you have clothes suitable for temperate or cold climates, it's going to be much to thick. Same with shoes. Light is the way to go.

- There's no reason for walking anywhere in Bangkok anyway, particularly not in the daytime. It's a concrete shithole. The city only looks passable after dark.

- Get a car or motorbike. That's what the Thais do.

- Don't bitch and spend the money you save on taking frequent trips to the beach. Koh Samet is only a few hours away, great weekend getaway.

- Spend time by the pool when it's hot.

 

[rusvik]

I can never ever, for the life of me, understands the attraction of third world country. Maybe it's the yellow fever? I know foreigners had an easy time getting laid in 3rd world country but that's it.

Who doesn't have yellow fever if you're white?

Hospitals are shitty compared to 1st world. Yea, you get larger rooms for your dollar, so what? I rather live than die.

Bumrungrad and Samitivej in Thailand only have US educated doctors and are world known destinations for medical tourism. Don't knock what you haven't seen, Bumrungrad is excellent, world class and run by an American CEO.

Education is shitty, brain washing, ignorant, did i say shitty, makes you stupid and shitty.

Thammasat, Mahidol and Chulalongkorn are not exactly top 100, but they're pretty good anyway. Their students win international prizes all the time. The local universities are crap, I agree.

Infrastructure are overpriced, rip offs and generally unstable. I'm talking about roads collapsing, whole apartment collapsing. (don't believe me? Fuck you)

Infrastructure is horrible in Thailand I agree.

And don't ever get caught in a dark alley. You'll get robbed so fast, you don't even notice that you're eating dirt. Don't believe me? You're an ignorant shit.

False. Thailand is safer than most American and European cities. You're very unlikely to get robbed. Hardly ever happens. You must be from the Philipines or similar where it happens usually. Thais arer very non-confrontational being cultural buddhists. They'd much rather scam you.

What's my credentials? I lived in third world shit hole for 29 years.

Not Thailand apparantly, which isn't a third world country but somewhere in between. But I wouldn't trade my passport for a Thai though.

 

[crackp0t]

I'm jealous, you're in a nice warm climate while I have to deal with 40/50 degree weather

If this is seriously the normal weather there go to Oklahoma or Texas for a summer and it would feel about the same. If you want something more extreme try Florida. I know how you feel though. It kills me everytime I go back home. It feels like I'm under a wet blanket. Normally, it'll take at least a full summer to get acclimated to the new heat and humidity any way it does for me. I'm not even close to fat either.

 

[crackp0t]

And don't ever get caught in a dark alley. You'll get robbed so fast, you don't even notice that you're eating dirt. Don't believe me? You're an ignorant shit.

Welcome to my neighborhood in the USA. Just replace foreigner with "someone one who drives down the wrong street". 4 murders I know of so far in a 2 block radius this month and it's not over yet.

 

[WickedJoe]

Dude, your mail-order wife convinced you to move back to her home town? Not a good move. You're gonna get raped man. Expect no money soon.

jk about mail order wife (probably)

 

[Al_hk]

French savior.

Dude, your mail-order wife convinced you to move back to her home town? Not a good move. You're gonna get raped man. Expect no money soon.

jk about mail order wife (probably)

Yeah, but you forgot, the french man:frenchman: in Southern China.
I'm gonna rescue your buddy.

--

More seriously, during the day turn on fans, during the night air conditioner.
Drink, move a little bit, and if possible get out of Bangkok, move to seaside.

Bangkok is way too polluted.

Stay around swimming pool.

Now, this is winter, so guess, in spring & summer what it would be for you.

 

[jryan21]

If this is seriously the normal weather there go to Oklahoma or Texas for a summer and it would feel about the same. If you want something more extreme try Florida. I know how you feel though. It kills me everytime I go back home. It feels like I'm under a wet blanket. Normally, it'll take at least a full summer to get acclimated to the new heat and humidity any way it does for me. I'm not even close to fat either.

New Orleans in January:

 

[bluechinagroup]

It's pretty damn fun reading about LukeP getting used to a new country's climate. Plus it's even funnier that LukeP is completely clueless about Thailand despite all the "research" he did. Also LOL at the tags.

Another thing that LukeP should be aware of is that East Asians and SE Asians tend to sweat less. Being sweaty in a place like Thailand is literally a white person problem.

 

[lukep]

It's pretty damn fun reading about LukeP getting used to a new country's climate.

We aim to please.

Plus it's even funnier that LukeP is completely clueless about Thailand despite all the "research" he did.

Now where exactly did I show any ignorance? This thread was a mere status update and I said I'd accept tips about beating the heat; some of you (obviously including Barman, who made these silly tags) seem to thing that Instead I'm crying about how I can't take it, and am trying to weasel my way back to Kansas or something... You know what happens when you assume, don't you?

Another thing that LukeP should be aware of is that East Asians and SE Asians tend to sweat less. Being sweaty in a place like Thailand is literally a white person problem.

I've been married into a thai family since the WTCs were still standing. I've been here at least a dozen times, usually for a month at a time. I know far more thais than farang expats here. (In fact i really don't know any expats here other than through WF.) Either you're simply trolling me with awesome skills, or you're making more stupid assumptions than I thought possible in one short post.

Either way; are you Pewep?

 

[Al_hk]

Hey Luke.

About censorship in Asia, you may use hola
Hola Web Accelerator

It is made by Isrealis, and it speeds up the whole connection, I use it, for speed.

Then, I think, you have plenty of adversaries around here.
+ I am sure plenty of them are JEALOUS!!!

Ya, y'all cain't see luke with his beautiful Thai wife, enjoy a new life in Thailand.

Say it, y'all, have dog lives in America, and envy Luke!

[P.S: GET OUT OF BANGKOK >> MOVE TO SEASIDE]

 

[bluechinagroup]

I know far more thais than farang expats here. (In fact i really don't know any expats here other than through WF.) Either you're simply trolling me with awesome skills, or you're making more stupid assumptions than I thought possible in one short post.

It's not a stupid assumption. East Asians and SE Asians have less apocrine sweat glands. And I'm married into a Chinese family. What's your point?

Apocrine sweat gland - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

East Asians have fewer apocrine sweat glands compared to people of European or African descent, and it has been suggested that for this reason that they are less prone to body odor. It is also believed that individuals of African ancestry appear to have the largest and most active apocrine [5] Contrary to these ideas is the relatively recent discovery of a variation in the gene responsible for the production of cerumen (earwax) that has an extremely strong correspondence to body odor. East Asians predominantly have dry earwax, as opposed to sticky, and the gene encoding for this is strongly linked to an absence of body odor, whereas those with wet, sticky earwax (the wild-type) are prone to body odor. [6]

Also the consensus on WF by other expats living in Thailand is that you're dead wrong about Thailand being freer than the US.

 

[amateursurgeon]

Get some fucking exercise you lazy cunt. ( I mean that in a loving, caring way, of course )

If you're fitter, your cardiovascular system is more effective. If your cardiovascular system is more effective, you'll cool down more. You get better at sweating, vasodilation and breathing, your main ways of cooling down.

 

[turbolapp]

I'm not doing too well in this heat yet, bros.


Just for reference, Bangkok in the winter is a lot like Houston in the summer, except for much more pollution.

As a person who lives in Houston now and spent 5 years in Singapore my advice is:

Really. It's not like you're working out in the heat so what's the big deal? You wear shorts and a tank and flip flops/sandals and you take 2 to 3 showers daily. You're a guy, it shouldn't be this hard. Try being a girl and acclimating to this crap.

 

[turbolapp]

Doesn't Houston have 0% humidity though?

hahahaha wat

 

[Krnuernberger]

Why did you move to Thailand if you don't like the heat? If you're looking for cheap cost of living, you should have moved somewhere in eastern Europe. Nice and chilly here right now with plenty of hot wine in the Christmas markets.