Andrew65

I believe that is done if I as a Brit want an ESTA to travel to the States. The Embassy or a company contracted by it does it. I believe a drugs conviction disbars someone from visiting the USA,

"A few undesirables" I reckon it would be a lot more than a few, but as you say, it would have a big impact on tourist numbers. It would stop a lot of people with drugs convictions, probably even people who were busted for having a bit of pot *which to me isn't a big deal, but it's still a drugs conviction.

A price they pay for giving visas-on-arrival to anyone. If people had to apply for a visa before travelling, and that included a criminal record check, a very large number of people would be barred from visiting Thailand.

I'd say some of it goes to people who work in the immigration Dept too, who aren't so poor.

Or farangs paying 20k so they don't need 800k in the bank?

In the UK just swap military muppets for Consevative Party muppets, "I'm alright Jack" politics.

Prison is only for the poor in Thailand.

Some years ago someone from the Nigerian Embassy said that there were around 1,000 Nigerians in prison in Thailand, mostly on drugs charges.

Happy water - similar to "fire-water" (whisky)????

'Cost dutting has long been apparent on Thai. As you mentioned, you get a very small measure of wine in a very small glass. Also, they used to have Johnny Walker Red (an old friend's favourite), for many years now they've had a no-name cheaper brand instead.

50%, is that all, I'm seeing fares as much as 150% higher!

Airfares being nearly triple what they were is probably deterring many tourists!

In 1985 it was around £500 , which it still was up until a few years ago.

It's possible to be highly educated and a crook at the same time????

Much of it somes down to "cost-cutting".

Air Asia stewardesses are much hotter than Thai stewardesses. Being a 'legacy airline', many of Thai's stewardesses should have retired 25 years ago, an old friend used to say that Air Canada were the same, (grab-a-grannie). I see Thai now wanting £1350 to fly LHR-BKK rtn, it used to be half as much.

Probably do a long stretch in a Thai prison first?!

You're right, I'm still thinking of pre-COVID numbers. Still, the numbers you quote are still 1 in 5 of all Europeans. I recently checked out air fares London - Bangkok, looking like almost double what they were pre-COVID. Thai Airways were quoting £1350, previously £600. Might be part of why tourism numbers are struggling?

Remember that far more Brits live, and holiday in Thailand than almost any other nationality, they're over-represented.

Many years ago I 'lost' the key to my safe at a Bangkok hotel, so I paid 800 Baht for a new one. About 2 years later I found the original key in the lining of my hand-carry bag where I had 'hidden' it!????

MG cars have existed since 1924.

Lots of farang of all nationalitiies drink & drive in Thailand, it's just that they never get caught or have an accident.????

Yes. In the UK your insurance premiums don't start falling until you reach 25 years old.

Nothing like a bit o' racism!?????

I've never really been into drugs, I'm much more of a boozer. I also think they have been a scouge on society. However, I believe the world needs a totally different approach, considering that what has happened so far with criminalisation has been a failure. The 'war on drugs' has been lost. Many years ago I remember one of the top cops in London saying that the Metropolitan Police has no problem at all with drugs, The problem that they do have is the crime that people commit to get the money to pay for them.