waders123

On 3/27/2024 at 7:16 PM, realfunster said:

Blimey, and many on here are quick to criticize the Thais for being money obsessed…

 

In response to your specific comments, as the article notes only Taiwan and Nepal have taken this step so far, so not sure how Thailand has lost ground on this issue.
 

I would have thought that Thailand would have been seen as a pretty welcoming and tolerant destination for LGBTQ+ for a long time already?
 

A brief Google indicates lots of potential legal/rights/societal challenges (and I don’t mean just not being able to marry) for LGBTQ+ across most of SEAsia and Asia, I didn’t bother checking Malaysia and Indonesia for obvious reasons….

 

Anyway, a decision to be applauded and let’s hope the Senate dinosaurs don’t block it. 

I simply wanted to point out the potential economic benefits of Thailand becoming a sought-after destination for LGBTQ+ weddings and honeymoons. It's not about being money-focused, but rather recognizing the economic advantages that can come from catering to diverse communities.  Indeed, neighboring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia have discussed legalizing same-sex marriage, highlighting the importance of Thailand remaining competitive in attracting LGBTQ+ tourist dollars. That's why I emphasized as one pro point, the need for Thailand to consider passing such a law—to ensure it remains an appealing destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and maintains its position in the tourism market.  This is simply about smart leadership and has nothing to do with being obsessed with money.

I would agree with you in that Thailand has a good reputation as a welcoming and tolerant place for LGBTQ+ individuals as it is now, but if Thailand were to pass such a law, it would undoubtedly set a powerful example in Southeast Asia, showcasing its commitment to human equality, and solidifying its reputation as a leader in promoting diversity and acceptance.

The decision to legalize same-sex marriage should indeed be applauded, as it signifies a step towards greater equality and inclusivity for all Thai citizens. Let's remain hopeful that the Senate will recognize the importance of this decision and not hinder progress towards a more equitable society.

20 hours ago, nausea said:

The truth is this liberalisation threatens a lucrative income stream. 

This hits the nail on the head. The big players didn't anticipate this taking off so quickly and tapping into the main revenue stream. Feeling left behind, they now want their "fair" share of the profits from the business. They aim to backtrack the progress made, allowing them to regain control of the dispensaries or at least secure a significant stake in the "pie."

Individuals like this should be prohibited from traveling altogether. Their behavior tarnishes the reputation of all travelers.  They go on the no-fly/no-travel ban. 

20 hours ago, djayz said:

Yes, that's exactly what Thailand has needed over the past "15-20 years"; more sex tourists. That'll improve their image and reputation. Good one (sarcasm warning). 

I'm not sure where "sex tourists" came from in your interpretation of my statement. It would be beneficial if you could focus and read my words carefully. I specifically discussed a new demographic of tourists choosing Thailand for vacations and marriage ceremonies in a gay-friendly environment, ideal for honeymoons. My point was unrelated to any potential involvement in the sex trade.

Until same-sex marriage is officially announced as being legal in the Gazette, it is only an idea. Legalizing same-sex marriages should have happened 15-20 years ago; Thailand could have been benefiting all these years from the influx of money and set the standard as the preferred destination for the LGBTQ+ community in Southeast Asia.  It's not too late to turn this around and capitalize on it before neighboring countries legalize same-sex marriages and start aggressively vying for the "Gay dollar."

It seems like a missed opportunity for the PM of Thailand not to target Western travelers, especially considering the current travel landscape. With fewer flights and soaring airfare tickets in the West due to the recent pandemic, there's a significant demand for alternative destinations like Thailand. Thai Airlines could potentially tap into this market by obtaining FAA certification, dropping prices, and offering direct flights from Canada and the US.

By filling the gap left by Chinese flights to the West, Thailand could attract not only tourists but also travelers with more disposable income.  While the average Russian citizen might not have as much spending power as Western tourists, focusing on attracting visitors from the West could provide a boost to Thailand's tourism industry.

Ultimately, prioritizing economic opportunities over political considerations could benefit Thailand in the long run, especially in the current global travel climate.

If Thailand bows to the CCP on censoring their news coverage then what's next?  Maybe they will start demanding more control over the government's actions in other areas.  It may be smart to tell the CCP to shove it.  Look around at the countries that have gotten in bed with the CCP and see the skewed relationship they have.  The CCP is the very definition of a bully and should be called out for it.

Definition of a Bully:

There must be a burning desire among some of the government officials to destroy the tourist economy.  WHY pitch ideas like this at a time when the Thai government is trying to bring as many tourists to their shores as possible to boost the fragile economy?  It seems like one hand doesn't know or care what the other hand is doing.  They really need to have one central spokesperson to speak about public policy and that is only after it has been reviewed and approved by the chain of command.   

They really don't need any loose cannons making statements that pi$$es off the visitors thinking about coming.

This situation reminds me of the old song:  Her and the Car and the Mobile Home are Gone Boys.  

I hope they increase the police force and prepare for when the Russians start filtering in with this new 90-day visa.  These folks are not the best-behaved group of denizens.  

18 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

The best response that I have heard of from a member of a cabin crew is 'Our job is to save your ass. Not kiss it.'

On a more serious note, most passengers seem to assume that it is the crew's job is to serve them.

It's not.

They are there for passenger's safety. The rest is just a bonus.

I am a pilot and have been flying since the early 70's so I do know a little about rules and responsibilities of the crewmembers and you are right they are there for the passenger's safety but they are also there to assist the passengers getting on and off the plane as well as if there is a beverage and/or food service,  or assistance passengers to get settled in; the crew is there to assist and serve. 

I think possibly you are buying into the airline's new business model scheme. Which is:  Everybody, shut your mouth, get aboard, sit down as quickly as possible, this cattle car is all about our profit's bottomline not for your comfort or your pleasure; you're lucky we let you fly with us. 

Airlines forget if it wasn't for the paying public they would not have an airline.   As for the that cabin crew member you mentioned that made the smarta$$ remark, "Our job is to save your ass. Not kiss it.", needs to be fired or at the very least, retrained and disciplined. 

I don't know what really happened on this flight to cause such an issue, as the story here did not elaborate enough or give both sides of the story, but some folks do need a helping hand with the overhead luggage and THAT is the responsibility of the crew members to assist the passenger.

The Ukrainian shouldn't been allow to leave the country until the problem was/is sorted out.  Then, if indeed, he did this dastardly deed then he gets banned from returning to Thailand after he coughs up the baht to satisfy the damage or off to prison he goes.  He makes it tough for the rest of us that are renting and/or leasing.  I had rentals for years and believe me some of the things people do is mind boggling.  

From the hospital suite, to a hotel suite, and then on to home.  His health is to fragile to be left in a "prison".  Nothing to see here...move along. 

Ahhhhh.....The people have spoken and they have been heard....."Now go back to your daily lives and let us take care of Thailand for you as we know what's best."  "Nothing to see here, move along." ~ New Ruling Class of the Empire  

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Maybe have a vehicle and/or driver inspection on these pop up police stops?  Start grounding some of these vehicles/drivers that shouldn't be on the roads.  I know, I know some of you are saying that would be most of them, but you have to start somewhere.  They could tighten by inspecting the vehicles at yearly registrations and make sure the drivers can pass driver competency testing when they get their licenses and license renewals. 

Again, I know some of you are going to say TIT but steps have to be taken if they really want to reduce deaths on the highways in Thailand.  You can't wish it away. 

This was a needless tragedy that could have been avoided if proper training for the drivers were applied.

16 hours ago, Lokie said:

Patong to airport by Bolt 450 baht... ystday Cheapest Taxi quote was 800b 555

I was in Krabi earlier this year and they have buses as well as other modes of transport to get you to your location at a very reasonable price.  There is no reason for this sort of price gouging to go on in Phuket other than the local hierarchy wants their brown envelopes and so it continues; business as usual as soon as the spotlight is shining somewhere else.