Looking at web cam taxi on a regular basis I would say 5 million have gone back home ????

2 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

To be sure, it's gonna be quite until we return to the strong pre-COVID numbers - if we ever do return to those levels again. It surely would've been a benefit all around if the authorities had seen it befitting to instill measures to encourage this much ballyhooed sector.......including subsidies, tax credits and assorted stipends that would of assured that it all rolls back in due course. Dreamy and suspect numbers promoted continuously does little to maintain any reality that might be in our midst. 

 

I might add also Mike, that Lung Tu didn't have a singular part in the decimation of the once vibrant industry - he had lots of assistance from those usual circles that were looking after their own interests first. The Ammat and elite troughs have priority.

Nah. It was deliberate sabotage. That is the only explanation that makes sense. An effort to get rid of the nightlife and the sex industry. 

 

Guess what? It has punished millions of Thais. The girls that worked in the bars, the businesses who supplied the alcohol, soda and soft drinks, the people who used to deliver it, the people who used to work supplying food, the security staff, the car parkers, the guest houses and the small hotels, the shops that used to sell to tourists, the taxi, motosai and tuk tuk drivers etc. The bars, guest houses and small hotel owners. Plus the airlines, the spas, the gift shops, and on and on and on. 

 

It is amazing how these guys go on and on and on about what they are intending to do, and never, ever talk about the sacrifices they are willing to make, to attract these new businesses and investors, and tourists. A true COTU (Thailand is the center of the known universe) mentality, and it is so far from reality, it boggles the mind. Millions of jobs have been lost. What is being proposed to help those families get back on their feet?
 
Thailand continues to be tone deaf, on the wrong side of history, and feeble, in its minor attempts to progress into this century. Anything this administration does is typically dumb, and unplanned. And the effects, ramifications and future are never considered. To call this heavy handed would be a gross understatement.

12 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

I agree, have been looking into flights for a trip back home to Australia. either non existent, really expensive, or via somewhere for a 6 hour stopover.

Try Qantas FF booking, I got a ticket BKK SYD in October 25k points + 3150 baht taxes.