Less Western Expats arriving than ever before and a significant fall in working Western expats now in Thailand

[garyk]

1 hour ago, LomSak27 said:

Great looks like the Chinese are back! Oh wait no they aren't, "Phuket is dead as a dodo", Pattaya is flat and CM has a nice "little" tourist wave but they mainly westerners.

So just typing form a script, waving pompoms and being a cheerleader eh?

It's so common around here these days  

10 years here and have only been to Pattaya one night and never to Phuket? So have no idea what is going on there. I'll let you wave that flag.. ????

I am however in BKK at the moment, and that is exactly what is going on. So my script is exactly one day old.

Not only that, but NO Europeans or Westerners were spending that kind of money. The rich Thai, and Chinese had that place to themselves. 

Nice try though. haha

Edited December 20, 2018 by garyk

[LomSak27]

1 hour ago, garyk said:

Nice try though. haha

Nice Try ----- And what am I trying to do?   

We sure as heck need Chinese tourists. After the powers that be decided to discourage the Euro tourist market, that is a given.

A) they are not here, they decamped, so you running into a lobster eating crew is great, but meaningless unless you get about 35,000 more, and next week. Can you get on that?! Report back ok.

 

B) They would not talk about Zero Baht tourism if it wasn't a problem.  Those two I saw in Tops Market. I just noticed them because I got stuck behind them. What can I say, I am a guy, fault of birth I guess. By that I mean when I go shopping I am on a MOB - Mission Oriented Behavior. I am there to find, buy it and get out. I'm on a mission. Its a guy thing. So I am less than observant on my shopping forays, not doing a sociological survey. However Truth is now that I think about it, on various MOB's  I have run into a lot of those types; as in Chinese buying baskets of durian chips, tins of tuna, sardines, squid etc etc noodles at various places. So what are they doing,  packing those rolling suitcases and taking them back to China? Obviously not.  I will call them deadbeats and have a laugh, but its not funny is it.       They may be spending less per day than backpackers spend on henna tattoos, or old Brit/Aussie expats do on Leo. And yes, that is something to be concerned about

 

C) Myanmar is now officially complaining/threatening regarding zero Kyat tourism from China. So this is no isolated case. It's is a part and parcel of the Chinese tourist market.  For every lobster eater how many Tesco basket Mama burners  or hotel voucher cafeteria dwellers do you get ... 5 .. 10  ... 25?   Yeah, its a problem alllright.

That is why you lobster eaters and the picture pie charts don't mean squat. So stop the Pom Pom waving and go get us some Chinese tourist, and keep the Zero Baht tourists down to a 20% of total figure.     

 

Now get on that Thailand Texas, or we will send you back to Waco.

Edited December 20, 2018 by LomSak27

[garyk]

17 minutes ago, LomSak27 said:

Nice Try ----- And what am I trying to do?   

We sure as heck need Chinese tourists. After the powers that be decided to discourage the Euro tourist market, that is a given.

A) they are not here, they decamped, so you running into a lobster eating crew is great, but meaningless unless you get about 35,000 more, and next week. Can you get on that?! Report back ok.

 

B) They would not talk about Zero Baht tourism if it wasn't a problem.  Those two I saw in Tops Market. I just noticed them because I got stuck behind them. What can I say, I am a guy, fault of birth I guess. By that I mean when I go shopping I am on a MOB - Mission Oriented Behavior. I am there to find, buy it and get out. I'm on a mission. Its a guy thing. Truth is now that I think about it I have run into a lot of those types; as in Chinese buying baskets of durian chips, tins of tuna, sardines, squid etc etc noodles at various places. So what are they doing,  packing those rolling suitcases and taking them back to China? Obviously not.  I will call them deadbeats and have a laugh, but its not funny is it.       They may be spending less per day than backpackers spend on henna tattoos, or old Brit/Aussie expats do on Leo. And yes, that is something to be concerned about

 

C) Myanmar is now officially complaining/threatening regarding zero Kyat tourism from China. So this is no isolated case. It's is a part and parcel of the Chinese tourist market.  For every lobster eater how many Tesco basket Mama burners  or hotel voucher cafeteria dwellers do you get ... 5 .. 10  ... 25?   Yeah, its a problem alllright.

That is why you lobster eaters and the picture pie charts don't mean squat. So stop the Pom Pom waving and go get us some Chinese tourist, and keep the Zero Baht tourists down to a 20% of total figure.     

 

Now get on that Thailand Texas, or we will send you back to Waco.

Haha, just telling you what is going on in BKK. 

Lobster eating feast... haha. Not hardly, all the restaurants in the plaza were full.

So again, in BKK at the plaza the Chinese rule. No ands if or but's about it.

To be honest I doubt you have the funds to send me anywhere... ???? On the off chance you do have two nickels to rub together make me an offer, I am always up for free money... haha

Chew on that skippy. 

 

IMO the Thai's have the right idea, getting the Chinese back is a must for them. The Westerners and Europeans are casualties of war. 

But, the economy in China is in the toilet right now. IMO they will be back in numbers when it gets back on track.

Edited December 20, 2018 by garyk

[DrTuner]

9 hours ago, garyk said:

In Paragon Plaza I saw maybe 10 Chinese tourists bellied up in a small restaurant. I looked at the menu, Starting at 1000 Baht / plate to 3000 Baht per plate for lobster? And were downing it with bottles of wine? One of the few places I stopped, and could not believe my eyes. All the small eateries around there were packed. 

For every 10 Hi-SO Chinese there are 10,000 skint mainlanders.

[darksidedog]

A number of off topic posts and replies have been removed.

[SupermarineS6B]

On ‎12‎/‎15‎/‎2018 at 11:51 AM, elliss said:

   Thais love mounthly millionaires ,  they spend much more , then go.  Welcome back soon.

       Farlangs working in the Kingdom , not wanted .   Give thai person job , teach Inglish .

Looks like your English lessons are not working........ On the other hand, yeah ok, we'll send all the Thais back from Britain, see how that goes down.....

[elliss]

4 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

Looks like your English lessons are not working........ On the other hand, yeah ok, we'll send all the Thais back from Britain, see how that goes down.....

 

4 hours ago, SupermarineS6B said:

Looks like your English lessons are not working........ On the other hand, yeah ok, we'll send all the Thais back from Britain, see how that goes down.....

                yep , teacher  farang ,   another one with dodgy  on line digree ,    join the  club . 555

[spidermike007]

On 8/2/2018 at 6:38 AM, yellowboat said:

If Thailand is your sole destination, then you are at a very serious disadvantage.  The language is subordinate to Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Bahsa (Malay, Indonesian), which is the easiest to learn even if you include Thai.  Indonesia is set to be the second largest economy in Asia.   Thailand has pompous military that spews crap. 

 

Was minding me ownies at the Chiang Mai airport when the Indonesian woman from Issan told me how she bought clothing in Northern Thailand to sell in Indonesia.  She said the price quality ratio made it worth her while and competitive.  Thailand does have a niche, but living their to exploit it is not all that it is cracked up to be.  Other countries, since the coup, have become far more attractive, and you can work without worry.  Build a boat, paint a fence, replace a roof.  Nobody cares outside of ninny controlled Thailand.   Bangkok is a nicer place to live than to visit.  Accommodations are cheap and pleasant.  The visas and immigration are not nice and non competitive.  Vietnam is just as affordable and there is work, opportunity.    

 

Perhaps the decree of a few days ago may make a difference, who knows. 

Alot of good points. No doubt the army has made a mess of things. And no doubt they despise Westerners. They show it in a dozen different ways. Guys like the biggest joke are doing little for the nation, and making life more difficult for foreigners living here. Visa policy is inane at best, especially for the marriage visa, which should and could be simplified dramatically. If they wanted us. But, they do not. To describe current policy, and the army specifically as petty, non visionary, and incompetent, would be a major understatement. 

[moontang]

but, you can at least go to the places that are appreciative, when able.

[KhunBENQ]

23 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Visa policy is inane at best, especially for the marriage visa, which should and could be simplified dramatically.

A unknowing mate from Germany on a visit asked me:

"If you are married you will get a residence permit?".

Of course I had to grin and tell him about his misconception.

Why could he ask:

a Thai woman married to a German will get a residence permit for Germany after 3 years which is not void in case of divorce.

Before someone comes up: I know about the lengthy resident permit "lottery" for Thailand.

 

Edited March 30, 2019 by KhunBENQ

[spidermike007]

26 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

A unknowing mate from Germany on a visit asked me:

"If you are married you will get a residence permit?".

Of course I had to grin and tell him about his misconception.

Why could he ask:

a Thai woman married to a German will get a residence permit for Germany after 3 years which is not void in case of divorce.

Before someone comes up: I know about the lengthy resident permit "lottery" for Thailand.

 

If you live in Mexico long enough, you are considered an honorary Mexican. Imagine that accord being afforded to any foreigner in Thailand? It seems to me that alot of the Thai people like us. But, it also seems to me that nearly every government employee does not, as the toxicity trickles down from the hapless army, to the rank and file.

[Schtrick]

Its obvious that the strategy is working, albeit not quick enough, so expect more hoops to jump through in the coming while. They are chauffeuring in the Chinese like royalty and replacing the Western Expats. Now why would they want to do that? Who do you see on the daily news drunk, beaten or beating up, stabbing or getting stabbed, drug related / girl friend dramas? It 'aint the Chinese. Thailand isn't the place for westerners to retire now unless their expectations change dramatically. Westerners come for the bar girls, and the Chinese come with their families, so places like Pattaya might clean itself up through attrition and help from lack of customers.

[malagateddy]

Yip..as we all pop off to the bad fire[emoji2]

Re: the younger demographic not living here anymore...
Cambodia offers endless visas and plenty of drugs
This explains a lot.
Also more countries have opened up in the last 20 years esp. for the Anguish teacher crowd (ie China)
There are just too many options these days
Thailand is not the center of the Universe
 
I expect the amount of long-term farang residents to decline much more in the coming years

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[moontang]

Saw fewer farang at immigration, tuesday afternoon.  plenty of others....in Nonthaburi.  Do you all notice it at CW?

[DrTuner]

37 minutes ago, Schtrick said:

Who do you see on the daily news drunk, beaten or beating up, stabbing or getting stabbed, drug related / girl friend dramas? It 'aint the Chinese. 

The Chinese are in the scam & illegal business section.

[tlandtday]

42 minutes ago, Schtrick said:

Its obvious that the strategy is working, albeit not quick enough, so expect more hoops to jump through in the coming while. They are chauffeuring in the Chinese like royalty and replacing the Western Expats. Now why would they want to do that? Who do you see on the daily news drunk, beaten or beating up, stabbing or getting stabbed, drug related / girl friend dramas? It 'aint the Chinese. Thailand isn't the place for westerners to retire now unless their expectations change dramatically. Westerners come for the bar girls, and the Chinese come with their families, so places like Pattaya might clean itself up through attrition and help from lack of customers.

People need to realize that China has a low key initiative of resettling people in adjacent countries not only due to population pressures but to expand their influence.  They have stated about this in the past and I would say Thailand is on the map.  Soon all tour guides, restaurants, etc. will be run by the Chinese and not just the Thai Chinese living here.

[bkk6060]

8 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

People need to realize that China has a low key initiative of resettling people in adjacent countries not only due to population pressures but to expand their influence.  They have stated about this in the past and I would say Thailand is on the map.  Soon all tour guides, restaurants, etc. will be run by the Chinese and not just the Thai Chinese living here.

I agree 100 percent.

This is the #1 place they want as things such as infrastructure, etc. are mostly in place.

I can see in 10 years they will mostly control this place politically and financially.  If not sooner.

At some point I see legal gambling also the China influence/money will be too difficult to resist.

 

PS: if you want to see the possible future of a seaside town, go to Shianokville.  Sadly, the place has done a downward 180 from even 5 years ago.

Edited March 30, 2019 by bkk6060

[moontang]

it would be a good candidate for riverboat gambling...

[tlandtday]

9 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

I agree 100 percent.

This is the #1 place they want as things such as infrastructure, etc. are mostly in place.

I can see in 10 years they will mostly control this place politically and financially.  If not sooner.

At some point I see legal gambling also the China influence/money will be too difficult to resist.

 

PS: if you want to see the possible future of a seaside town, go to Shianokville.  Sadly, the place has done a downward 180 from even 5 years ago.

I'd say they are well on their way... give em 3-5 years particularly with the existing leadership in place and Thailand will be just like a big Soukville.... the only countries possibly resisting so far are Ph and Vietnam...

[DrTuner]

2 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

the only countries possibly resisting so far are Ph and Vietnam...

Didn't Malaysia just throw a counterpunch? Good for them. Chinese economic imprerialism is sneaky and needs vigilance to resist. No such thing here in TH, except when it's about keeping Thaksin away.

[moontang]

I spent three weeks there in 2013,,,glad I made last call, but it really wasnt great...but there was some fun stuff happening, and some good all nighters.

[tlandtday]

3 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

Didn't Malaysia just throw a counterpunch? Good for them. Chinese economic imprerialism is sneaky and needs vigilance to resist. No such thing here in TH, except when it's about keeping Thaksin away.

Yeah I didn't include malaysia and you can add indonesia too which will make these destinations much more attractive for retirees and tourists...

[DrTuner]

1 minute ago, tlandtday said:

Yeah I didn't include malaysia and you can add indonesia too which will make these destinations much more attractive for retirees and tourists...

For some reason I've started noticing a few acquaintances have got Indonesian girlfriends, used to be Thai girls. Go figure. For me the muslim issue would be a no-go, but as a tourist, doesn't really matter.

[tlandtday]

20 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

For some reason I've started noticing a few acquaintances have got Indonesian girlfriends, used to be Thai girls. Go figure. For me the muslim issue would be a no-go, but as a tourist, doesn't really matter.

It's a non issue much like Buddhism here if the gal is not super religious I don't see it as a problem.  I have known some very nice muslim people.  And some of the Indo gals are quite stunning.

[Artisi]

1 hour ago, vinniekintana said:

Re: the younger demographic not living here anymore...

Cambodia offers endless visas and plenty of drugs

This explains a lot.

Also more countries have opened up in the last 20 years esp. for the Anguish teacher crowd (ie China)

There are just too many options these days

Thailand is not the center of the Universe

 

I expect the amount of long-term farang residents to decline much more in the coming years

Not the centre of the universe, careful or you will be rounded up for attitude adjustment.... 

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, DrTuner said:

For some reason I've started noticing a few acquaintances have got Indonesian girlfriends, used to be Thai girls. Go figure. For me the muslim issue would be a no-go, but as a tourist, doesn't really matter.

Come on.

You can't see yourself sitting around a fire making smores and reading the Quran?

????

[Odysseus123]

10 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Come on.

You can't see yourself sitting around a fire making smores and reading the Quran?

????

I have two friends who have married women from Malaysia and Indonesia both are Muslim (as if that matters) and both are happy.

 

On the other hand I have two acquaintances who have married a Pole (Catholic) and a Chilean (Seventh Day Adventist) and both are utterly miserable..

 

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

[Destiny1990]

Since systematically it has made more of a hassle to stay here then i not surprised with the OP.

Look how they destroyed the study educational visa for example.

 

[GinBoy2]

1 hour ago, Odysseus123 said:

I have two friends who have married women from Malaysia and Indonesia both are Muslim (as if that matters) and both are happy.

 

On the other hand I have two acquaintances who have married a Pole (Catholic) and a Chilean (Seventh Day Adventist) and both are utterly miserable..

 

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

It's all a bit of a crap shoot when to comes to relationships.

 

Whether or not religion has much of an impact, I'm a tad skeptical about that.

Pretty sure sex trumps religion!

 

My wife is quite a devout Buddhist, I'm Catholic, although a little lapsed I have to admit, but i still carry the guilt we all have drilled into us.

 

We make it work

[mike787]

15 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Since systematically it has made more of a hassle to stay here then i not surprised with the OP.

Look how they destroyed the study educational visa for example.

 

Thailand has made it a national priority to eradicate Farrang, The numbers do not lie!  Good job! Keep it up.  The. THAI message, We don't need or want you.  

Moving on to another country is NOT a bad thing....