A neigbourly visit. Thailand

The neigbour ventured to our house today to confront me about his chicken.

I was in the bedroom and heard a commotion outside. He was obviously angry as I had killed his chicken and I was angry because his chicken had scratched my car.

I had been to the police station and spoke to an officer. I know. I showed him the pictures of the car. He said I shouldn’t have killed the chicken, I would have to buy a new chicken for the man or make compensation but the man will also have to compensate me for the damage to the car.

He suggested that the two of us come to an agreement without the use of police; he offered to be a mediator, if needed. I don’t know what the cost of the repairs for the car will be and will have to get a quote. I also have no idea the cost of a chicken but cannot imagine it will be too much.

The neigbour was talking fast and angrily, Noot translated for me and then she spoke in Thai to the man, Noot then explained to him that we had been to the police and also what had been suggested by the police officer.

I actually apologised to him for killing his chicken (the policeman told me to), I did a traditional Thai ‘wai’, and said in Thai I was sorry and that I had a “hot heart” and that I was stupid or silly in Thai.

Noot said he was angry that I didn’t just go to him when I found the chicken had scratched the car, he said we could have come to an agreement. I nodded along in agreement with him.

I again said that it was in haste and in anger I did it, I then took him and lifted the cover and showed him the damage to the car. There are three spots but the left hand panel is the worst. I said that when I saw this damage I went crazy and didn’t think, Noot explained this and he listened and didn’t say a lot.

Noot explained to him I was going to get the car professionally cut and polished and then would look at the damage, scratches that couldn’t be removed I will have to have the area repainted. Noot also said I was willing to buy a new chicken for him if he was willing to cover the costs of the car repair.

Truthfully, I have full comprehensive insurance and would use this. I am going to see the insurance company on Thursday about it. I will ask if they will cover the costs or if they would pursue the man for the money. I know I am not going to pay for it.

The neigbour, after a good 30 or so minutes had calmed down; he still wasn’t overjoyed with what I had done. He understood I acted on impulse and said to Noot that if any chickens come into the yard to try and chase them away, I mentioned that he needed to keep them in a coop or in his own yard in a fenced area. I said this was my backyard, not his or his chickens.

I told Noot I am going to buy a nice dog. I will look at a ridgeback, pitbull cross and bring it up to be a guard dog. When old enough I will not have to guard our yard as it will do a great job. I didn’t really want to own another dog as they are a lot of work for a real owner, not a Thai owner who opens their gate in the morning and lets their dog out to roam the streets for the day, that’s not me.

So the coming days will be interesting, I hope the car can be cut and polished so the scratches are gone but if not then repainting will be expensive I think. I don’t know how the man would raise the funds as he is a simple man and looks like he lives a simple life.

So, the chicken is on lay buy to say, and I will see what happens in the coming days but I hope that his other chickens stay out of my yard; I didn’t see them today but tomorrow is another day. If they come over that fence I am going to scare the absolute shit out of them. I won’t intentionally kill them but they could have a heart attack from being terrified.

Brunty

Noot isn’t talking to me, well unless it is necessary, like “I am hungry”. So it is a start :)