As a long term resident, I have been able to travel through much of Thailand and see what the country has to offer.  Some good, some bad. Also as a long term resident I avoid discussing Thai politics or government policies. But as a former long term resident of the US, I can ask where does the money go?

 

America gives Thailand about $68 million every year in aid (easily found on Google). These programs have fancy names to help the less fortunate. But, every border town or settlement that I have seen is operating on the bare necessities. Never enough money was a constant problem.

 

As a long term guest of Siam, I do know that if I give Somchai or Lek a few million baht, I expect a car, land, a business or a house. Something tangible I can see. So where exactly does this $68 million US taxpayer money go to here in Thailand?

 

The chart below was taken from the USAID website.

I have seen some clinics in northern rural Chiang Mai with the text.

'This clinic was donated by the people of the United States of America'

 

Villages with lots of Burmese refugees and hill tribes.

 

 

 

 

I wonder about "down the rabbit hole"