rjlee1

Hmmm.... just on the topic of "corruption", seems to me from my read of Thai history, that corruption long pre-dates Thaksin, and is still going strong in various entities. Of course political corruption is not unique to Thailand. However, in the countries that manage to keep it more or less under control, things such as the economy and general governance do seem to work better. How to get things to change in Thailand? It will require a major cultural change in attitudes. Darned if I know how you get that to happen.

I think "Clockwise's" post answered this issue correctly. That said, with regard to US bases around the world, consider this: https://militarybases.com/overseas/ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-reveals-locations-4-new-strategic-sites-us-military-pact-2023-04-03/ https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-singapore/ So, the USA really needs a base in Thailand? RJLee

The legal rights of farangs (or lack thereof) is a big consideration as to why I and some of my friends married to Thai women choose NOT to retire to Thailand. Who was it that originally commented that a country will always be "third world" until the corruption is brought under control (Lee Kwan Yew)?

Well, it is a 'double-edged sword'. In my opinion, the property laws should allow expats married to Thais, or who have permanent residence, to have legal ownership of at least the family's primary residence. Expats being able to own land beyond the primary residence, I can see as eventually causing what happened in Vancouver, BC, as previously pointed out in this discussion. And yes, the Thai real estate market (and legal system) needs some serious reforming. The house next to us in BKK was abandoned for over a decade by the owner; what a frelling eyesore and mess. Our community manager tried, but could do little to get the owner to cut the yard and clean the place up. We inquired about buying it, but the price was way out there (we are sure she figured that since she had a 'rich' farang living next door....) Finally, finally, the bank managed to get a court to agree that she had been in default on the loan for years and allowed them to repossess and sell it.