The world is changing. How will Thailand react?

[khunpa]

This virus is clearly changing the world and countries relationships to each other. Some countries are starting to close down their borders and it looks like many more will follow.

 

Personally, I am not worried about getting the virus. I think most of us will get it no matter what we do. What worries me more, is how e.g. Thailand will react once a lot of people are infected here and their hospital system breaks down, as well as their economy. Clearly there is a very good chance of this.

 

When isolated, broke and with many sick people, how will Thais react towards us foreigners here? We all know that it comes natural for Thais to blame everybody else than themselves. We can also already now see clear signs from the government, that foreigners are the ones to blame for the virus. (except of course the Chinese)

 

In worst case. Could we risk being thrown out of Thailand? We already know that it is not rational thinking or common sense that drives this country. So really anything could happen. What do you think? 



 

Edited March 14, 2020 by khunpa

[Orton Rd]

They will blame the foreigners I expect, but not the Chinese of course ????

[khunpa]

2 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

They will blame the foreigners I expect, but not the Chinese of course ????

Yes, I think that too. And I am worried about the effects of that. 

Now that they do not have any kids stuck in a cave somewhere, the Farangs are not of much use.

Edited March 14, 2020 by khunpa

[Matzzon]

No, most of the people will not blame you as a foreigner. That´s a very bad attitude to think like that. To me, that´s a bigger reason for You to be thrown out of Thailand.

Edited March 14, 2020 by Matzzon

[khunpa]

1 minute ago, Matzzon said:

No, most of the people will not blame you as a foreigner. That´s a very bad attitude to think like that. To me, that´s a bigger reason for You to be thrown out of Thailand.

Well in time of crises (virus outbreak, crashed economy etc), it is not about normal Thai peoples attitude, but that the government thinks and how they act.

 

Look at countries in EU now. They are not acting united, but individually. Some closing down their border entirely. Their former close relationships are being tested at this moment in time. 

 

As the virus spreads more, economies will be hurt badly and hospital systems will break down. It  is very likely this will happen in Thailand too. How will this government react to that? I think they will start by blaming the foreigners in the country. They already started.

 

[Matzzon]

3 minutes ago, khunpa said:

They already started

They??? One diluted man has done that. 

[khunpa]

Just now, Matzzon said:

They??? One diluted man has done that. 

Yes, but have you noticed any other officials disputing that or Thai people in general disagreeing publicly? The guy said what many millions of Thai people think. And there is not far from thinking something to acting on it. Especially, in times or crises.

[baansgr]

The seeds have already been planted, some banks refusing foreign currency, politions calling white foreigners dirty and spreading the virus...the long term effects should be more worrying to Thais..although they can be relatively self sufficient, without tourism dollars they are a p poor nation...prior to the millions that started coming in the early 2000s, Thais rarely had a car, telephone or even a TV...theoe days are around the corner very soon again

[ravip]

We all know that it comes natural for Thais to blame everybody else than themselves.

Please, let us be 100% honest with ourselves, at least privately, if not publicly. Who are the top

 people on this blame game? The Thais or the foreigners? Who are the people who blames all and sundry on this planet other than themselves?

And all this while enjoying the Thai hospitality on the soil of Thailand. OK... let's be honest!

[ravip]

19 minutes ago, khunpa said:

Well in time of crises (virus outbreak, crashed economy etc), it is not about normal Thai peoples attitude, but that the government thinks and how they act.

 

Look at countries in EU now. They are not acting united, but individually. Some closing down their border entirely. Their former close relationships are being tested at this moment in time. 

 

As the virus spreads more, economies will be hurt badly and hospital systems will break down. It  is very likely this will happen in Thailand too. How will this government react to that? I think they will start by blaming the foreigners in the country. They already started.

 

Look at countries in EU now. They are not acting united, but individually. Some closing down their border entirely. Their former close relationships are being tested at this moment in time.

In this century, 'close relationships' depends how the benefits accrue to oneself - individually or by country. When the boat rocks, times up for the rats to jump over board.

IMHO

 

[AussieBob18]

Actually, and please dont take this the wrong way anyone, but on this level of thinking I see the corona virus as a good thing in this regard, and it is worth discussing what will happen in Thailand over the next 1-3 years for Expats. The economic disaster that has been going on for years has started to bite because of this virus.  The virus has clearly shown the dangers of the all eggs in 1 basket tourism approach (discourage westerners). And the virus has clearly shown the downside of pushing out the Expats. 

 

But the point is, will it lead to Thailand changing those anti-western Expat policies, or will it lead to them doubling down on them.  I think it will be one or the other - I cant see it not being addressed - the issues and results are on full show and I can assure all TV posters that this is being talked about on many Thai media outlets and social media platforms (cannot link for TV rules).  Right now if there was an election this weekend, IMO the Junta would be thrown out, and most of their policies (especially towards westerners) would then be reversed. But the Junta might double down and all that, so it could get worse if/when they blame Expats and foreigners for it all. 

[CNXexpat]

Nothing will change. In a few months the problem is gone and then it´s business as usual. 

[Shoeless Joe]

30 minutes ago, khunpa said:

I think they will start by blaming the foreigners in the country. They already started.

 

When you say "they", I assume you mean the Thai government, which couldn't be further from the truth. You are basing your ludicrously wild assumptions on a couple of statements made by the Health Minister. The first, we could see was his annoyance at being ignored by a tourist when handing out face masks (and I wonder how that tourist feels now?). This is a n official who is under immense pressure and intense scrutiny AND it seems the alleged second comment originated via a Twitter feed (now taken down) from his office was likely published by staffers.
So you're take that "they" have started blaming foreigners is at the very least spurious. There haven't been any such pronouncements from the Prime Minister's office and experience has shown us that his declarations are what really matters.

 

Regards,

 

Joe

[PatOngo]

How will Thailand react?

They'll continue to eat somtam and drive like maniacs!

 

 

[bkk6060]

I had a Thai tell me the virus is spreading here because of Falang culture.

They like to shake hands when they meet people, thus spreading the infection.

Would not doubt that many Thai people believe it is all Falang fault.

[khunpa]

35 minutes ago, CNXexpat said:

Nothing will change. In a few months the problem is gone and then it´s business as usual. 

I think you will be surprised of how a pandemic works.

[holy cow cm]

We need to look at it one way and one way only. The Chinese made this in their lab and let the cork pop out of the bottle. It is their fault and they should be severely scolded for this.

[RichardColeman]

Bigger issue will be of all the over 55 year old retirees are here how many have medical insurance - and how many have insurance that may not cover the virus. You may find that the result of that will drive the future of expats here when the virus has gone - or they have, either way. If Thailand start getting mass farang sicknesses with no ability to pay, that could be a driver for them

[Logosone]

I was a foreigner in the Caribbean once, when hurricane Ivan hit. Before the hurricane most locals were anti-foreigner, like everywhere else, foreigners taking our jobs etc.

 

In times of real need however, neighbours were helping neighbours, regardless of origin. I remember locals giving me water, helping to rebuild my damaged house.

 

If things were to get really bad, you will find out it will bring out the best in people. It is periods of ease and abundance which bring out the worst in people.

[NCC1701A]

1 hour ago, khunpa said:

how will Thais react towards us foreigners here?

 

[ravip]

30 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

I had a Thai tell me the virus is spreading here because of Falang culture.

They like to shake hands when they meet people, thus spreading the infection.

Would not doubt that many Thai people believe it is all Falang fault.

 

21 minutes ago, PatOngo said:

………...as they are too uneducated and narrow minded to look at where it all originated!

...and 1 mans comment represents 69,131,183 people?

Yes, 'they' are definitely uneducated... Yes, it is very obvious!!!

[CNXexpat]

2 minutes ago, ravip said:

...and 1 mans comment represents 69,131,183 people?

Did you hear only one single comment from the government that it´s not true what the minister said? If not, it was a statement from THE government, not a single man.

[Odysseus123]

44 minutes ago, Shoeless Joe said:

When you say "they", I assume you mean the Thai government, which couldn't be further from the truth. You are basing your ludicrously wild assumptions on a couple of statements made by the Health Minister. The first, we could see was his annoyance at being ignored by a tourist when handing out face masks (and I wonder how that tourist feels now?). This is a n official who is under immense pressure and intense scrutiny AND it seems the alleged second comment originated via a Twitter feed (now taken down) from his office was likely published by staffers.
So you're take that "they" have started blaming foreigners is at the very least spurious. There haven't been any such pronouncements from the Prime Minister's office and experience has shown us that his declarations are what really matters.

 

Regards,

 

Joe

Gee..3rd work station on the right...behind the aspidistra but before the broken water cooler-which never had any cups after the first day anyway.

 

Minitrue is like that.

 

But on a more serious note if you are able to get masks-even the paper ones-wear them.

[Isaanbiker]

1 hour ago, Matzzon said:

No, most of the people will not blame you as a foreigner. That´s a very bad attitude to think like that. To me, that´s a bigger reason for You to be thrown out of Thailand.

Please wait. Does he belong to the dirty foreigners?

 

   It's always easier to blame others if YOU can lose face.

 

    

[Puchaiyank]

I think, after re-newing my visa for 1-year last Sept... It was best to leave Thailand.  Left last Nov...good decision...!  

[Matzzon]

10 minutes ago, Isaanbiker said:

Please wait. Does he belong to the dirty foreigners?

 

   It's always easier to blame others if YOU can lose face.

 

    

Pure BS, and you know it. As usual you just go with the flow.

[Matzzon]

1 hour ago, khunpa said:

Yes, but have you noticed any other officials disputing that or Thai people in general disagreeing publicly? The guy said what many millions of Thai people think. And there is not far from thinking something to acting on it. Especially, in times or crises.

Thank you Mr Khunpa, Now I know that I met another poster scared of his own shadow on this forum. By the way, Khunpa? You must have children, right? I hope they are proud of you.

[sanemax]

50 minutes ago, holy cow cm said:

We need to look at it one way and one way only. The Chinese made this in their lab and let the cork pop out of the bottle. It is their fault and they should be severely scolded for this.

If the Chinese deliberately made this virus which may cause the Worlds population to die out and Humans become extinct , I do feel that a "scolding" is rather lenient 

[sanemax]

1 minute ago, Matzzon said:

 By the way, Khunpa? You must have children, right? I hope they are proud of you.

No need to bring children into the disagreement 

[ravip]

19 minutes ago, Puchaiyank said:

I think, after re-newing my visa for 1-year last Sept... It was best to leave Thailand.  Left last Nov...good decision...!  

Excellent decision!

Life is too short to whing and wimper eternally.

All the best and keep enjoying!