Andrew65

It's also strict in the UK. And if you want to see what seriously harsh penalties are for drink driving, Norway is the place.

They can bring in all the laws they want, but law enforcement is their big problem. As "The Economist" would say, they have a 'weak rule of law'.

Air China is from the People's Republic of China, China Airlines is Taiwanese, as is Eva Air (a nice airline).

"Cotton Mather"

2-5 has been a thing for a long time, with shops. There is a loophole, if you're buying 10 litres or more, because of businesses needing it. So, next time you're out of booze at 14:45, you can just head around to 7/11 and buy 14 bottles of whisky, no problemo!

Up until 2006 there was still 24 hour drinking, I'm sure the law was brought in to try to stop children from drinking booze.

About the same as Geordies and Glaswegians teaching English?

I have an old friend who speaks virtually no Thai, and he's been living there for 15 years. His attitude is that it's easier for him if Thais just learn to speak English.

Why should they? I never hear British people in the UK speaking French or Spanish to each other, never.

That might well be true where most of the Thai employees were privately educated. At the level of ordinary people, taxi drivers, waitresses etc, the level of English proficiency isn't good, it's better in Cambodia, a much poorer country. As I mentioned in my other comment, I wonder if that's because UNESCO was/is heavily involved in education in Cambodia?

During my many trips to Cambodia I noticed a better level of English proficiency than in Thailand, amongst ordinary people. i wonder if it's because UNESCO was involved in education in Cambodia?

No tightening of restrictions in England...........yet!

Some years ago an old friend was riding his rented motorbike in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, when he was pulled over by some cops. He was a bit worried because he had a small amount of cannabis in his bag. He wasn't wearing a crash helmet, so the cops said they would have to fine him. When he asked how much, they said "Up to you" (heard that before!?). So he handed over a crisp $10 bill. When he handed the bike back to the renter he related his tale of woe to the guy. the man became visibly angry and said "Why you give $10, $2 more than enough!"