Mr Meeseeks

The irony is evident with it being beligerrent Thais causing a new outbreak, and not nasty foreigners. 

It's actually quite satisfying watching them squirm. 

I fail to see how this scheme will pay off the 550 million Baht of debt the company that runs the Elite Card is in? 

If I was a potential Elite Card purchaser what would worry me most when parting with my dish is the fiscal ineptitude of the company and the fact that they are pretty much insolvent. 

If I part with my money where's the guarantee this company or the Thai government will honour their commitments? 

6 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

It was really all down to Rama V convincing Western powers that they didn't need to colonise Siam to exploit it of its natural resources, but that he was modern/civilised/organised enough to facilitate it.

Not really, it was actually due to the French wanting it and the British stopping them from having it.

Little bit of clever diplomacy chucked in.

If the Brits wanted it they would have had it, and if they weren't in Burma the French would have.

1 hour ago, mtls2005 said:

No clue why they're treating these people with the kid-gloves usually reserved for the higher classes??

 

 

 

Why not levy charges now?

 

 

The whole of the linked article contains similar deferential statements from the "authorities".

 

However, this part does mention additional lying which may have restricted the ability to trace people...although note the "whole" and "half-truths" qualifiers.

 

 

"The Disease Control Department said that the ten infected Thai returnees from Thachilek did not tell the whole truth to Thai health officials, apparently out of fear of legal action, but their half-truths have rendered efforts to contain the disease ineffective."

 

 

Maybe a few photos (with masks/hats/fake designer sunglasses on of course). Some wai-ing, a dash of prostration, maybe a TV interview. Doesn't feel like there will be any follow-up?

I suspect that we all know the answer but have difficulty admitting it. 

There is a culture of childish impunity here to breaking the law, obeying rules, morals and ethics. 

The magnitude of loss of face here must be monumental given this new outbreak was entirely the fault of belligerent Thais, and not unwanted, dirty foreigners as been the mantra since the outset. 

I note that they are already blameshifting to the Chinese 'investor' owner of the hotel in Tachilek. 

The girls will be made to wai and apologise in the media as you state, but it won't go any further IMO. 

Prostitution? Well I never. 

54 minutes ago, onebir said:

Nonetheless it'll wipe out small online specialist retailers of imported wine etc & leaving the market to companies large enough to have physical stores...

Wine in Thailand.

I love a good wine myself, and I can afford it, but I will not pay the extortionate luxury taxes.

Tell everyone you know about the extortionate price of wine here, be very, very vocal and upfront about it. Tell your local Thai friends too, mention that a two buck chuck is 1000+ Baht here. Tell them it is very poor quality and you will not drink it.

There is not the expertise on wines here either. No sommaliers, no experts... it is a barren country for wines.

Discourage those that drink wine from taking holidays here as they will invariably be disappointed.

They tax us we fight back.

3 minutes ago, RJRS1301 said:

Does not apply to the ones I count on my friendship circle, no idea where you mix but what a sad viewpoint 

I mix with my factory workers right up to Thais in government. 

Few of them have any real respect for, or fear of the law. 

As to morals and ethics, do I really need to bother? 

13 hours ago, scorecard said:

And I suspect he doesn't understand he can't just do whatever pleases him, he seems to believe that he doesn't need to follow rules, regulations, laws, ethics and morals, because he's special.

To be fair, that could apply to many Thais, not just him. 

Acquitted to continue returning happiness to his people. 

4 minutes ago, herwin1234 said:

 

Its only normal and a sign of selfesteem if any country changes its immigration policies and preferences from sexpats and pensioners, people with little money and a big negative mouth, to more financial literate people like young succesfull digital nomads, Chinese and Indian entrepeneurs, and more wealthy foreigners.

I bet these ppl are more positive and are willing to pay 20% more, with a smile, willing to financially support their new country.

Those people will be financing a lifestyle of the board to play golf, enjoy expensive dinners and to pay off the 555 million Baht in the process.

It's a boondoggle. 

Any financially literate person wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

25 minutes ago, Sophon said:

 

"a cumulative loss" sounds like a total over the lifetime of the Thailand Privilege Card scheme, not just for 2019.

True, but does that include the first period of its existence or just since its resurrection? 

Still a scandalous loss in either case.