To clarify... yes I agree with G and your comment re 'improving themselves' is a reflection of your view, not theirs (maybe),
Life is full of contradictions and its the fluidity of it that makes it exciting.
Nobody mentioned being forced, and as for Tian, yes, she likes the business and as I deal with the technology side she is more interested in building a good coffee shop, hardly a 'western' exclsive business.
Yes too, she would be happier making less money and having the business near her village.
More contradiction?? I dunno.
Return of capital is a daft concept in Thailand mate!!! Ive said before that when you invest say goodbye to the cash coz there is no way you're getting it back.
I see the capital as an investment in her future and if she makes it then thats all the return I would expect.
I have done this type of 'investment' twice before and on both occasions the girls have done an excellent job, both still making money and both back where they are comfortable, in their provinces.
Maybe I've been lucky.
As for exceptions, yes there are many, thats why so many farangs keep looking but, theres an awful lot more to whom a farang is just an ATM.
This little shop has opened my eyes no end in the last 3 months, even I have been shocked.
A shallow understanding of a TG's wants needs and desires is as deep as most of us will ever get, lets not start fooling ourselves that because we have been here a couple of years we are somehow experts on TG's, we are not, they are too complex, and they are women!?
(EXPERT?? Ex=has been Spert= drip under pressure.)
Live well.