Thailand forcing Cashless Society

[biggles45]

Headline news today (on ASEAN News also) that the banking system collapsed and people could not pay bills, access money etc. Only relying on on-line transactions in Thailand, with their sloppy record with systems is not a good idea. 

Edited July 3, 2023 by biggles45

[kennw]

On 7/1/2023 at 11:51 AM, Sandboxer said:

As long as short time can be paid by QR, who cares....

 

It's 2023. The only people who still need cash are criminals and folks who refuse to let go of archaic methods and probably still write checks ('Murica, lol). We can afford to leave those types behind us. Unnecessary baggage.

Very selfish attitude, but your time will come and then you will hope that people will have a more considerate attitude. 

[Digitalbanana]

On 7/1/2023 at 11:46 AM, Jenkins9039 said:

curious how people are finding this

Must depend where you look? Where we live there are more shops and ATMs than I have ever seen, even as many now use smart phones to pay for stuff. 

[piewarmer]

A friend in Aus went to divorce court, he used to have a lot of friends socialising at his house regularly and would buy beer and whiskey to keep a stock for visitors every week plus bulk buy for himself using his debit card.

his alcohol consumption was used against him because of bank records.

[Liverpool Lou]

2 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

20 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Those are businesses.   What's an "unofficial business"?

No legal entity, not registered, not paying tax. Hardly rocket science.

Neither, then is it rocket science to understand that no bank would have any obligation to even consider opening an account for a non-existent business.  Why would they?  That person could. of course, open a personal account at any bank they chose, though, through which to channel the revenue of their business.

[Liverpool Lou]

20 hours ago, cooked said:

20 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

As I posted previously, he did not say that he wanted that, thank you for confirming the accuracy of my comment.

Did you listen to what he said? He's salivating at the thought of getting the world population thinking correctly.

Did you listen to what he said?  He did not say that he wanted everyone to have chips in their brains, which was the comment to which I responded.  He wasn't "salivating" anymore than any of us do normally, either.

[bronzedude]

I prefer to use foreign bank credit cards that have no foreign exchange fee. My bank seems to have better exchange rates than KK bank, BKK bank, and TT exchange booths. Plus I can pay using the checking account in my country. Thereby not having to send money into my Thai bank. A win-win situation. Also, if I need an ATM, I use a Charles Schwab debit card that refunds any bank fees. A win-win-win!

[HuskerDo2]

On 7/1/2023 at 12:51 AM, Sandboxer said:

As long as short time can be paid by QR, who cares....

 

It's 2023. The only people who still need cash are criminals and folks who refuse to let go of archaic methods and probably still write checks ('Murica, lol). We can afford to leave those types behind us. Unnecessary baggage.

Wow! Unfortunate comment. You sound like a young know-it-all who thinks "their way" and the way that young people do things should be the "rule" for everyone. "Unnecessary baggage"....... You have such a strange way at looking at people who do things differently than you. That "Unnecessary baggage" you refer to are the ones that paved the way for you to be able to live the life you want and none of them are talking about you in such a nasty manner. Show some respect to people who like to live their lives the way they feel comfortable without your judgement.

 

"Unnecessary baggage".... absolutely sad comment. No human should be considered such a thing no matter their ago just because they have done things a certain way since before you were born and don't want to change just for the sake of change.

[traveller101]

On 7/1/2023 at 11:51 AM, Sandboxer said:

As long as short time can be paid by QR, who cares....

 

It's 2023. The only people who still need cash are criminals and folks who refuse to let go of archaic methods and probably still write checks ('Murica, lol). We can afford to leave those types behind us. Unnecessary baggage.

Seriously?

IMHO - a load of horse manure, full of prejudice and in complete denial of reality on the ground, ignorant, insulting 

[VBF]

On 7/1/2023 at 3:38 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

Let's be even more aware that ATMs are not "disappearing fast" in Thailand.

With respect LL they are you know!  When in Pattaya this year, I found that whereas in 2020 every 7/11 around the Soi Bukhau area had a SCB ATM, now none of them do.  This is apparently due to 7/11 and SCB terminating their contract but the fact remains that none of the ATMs I used to use are there any more. As it happens, Bangkok Bank ATMs accept SCB cards without charging but the vanishing ATMs are a fact.

[VBF]

On 7/1/2023 at 4:21 PM, billd766 said:

<snip>

I can get a credit card, but it means depositing the amount of money I want as a credit card into a separate bank account and paying the credit card through that account.

<snip>

Which effectively turns your credit card into a debit card! 

[billd766]

5 hours ago, CecilM said:

Cashless society and boom of food delivery services: two positive outcomes of the covid lockdowns.

Perhaps it is, IF you live in a city or an urban area.

 

In rural Thailand, by far the largest area and probably the most populated only 7/11 offers a delivery service and many places prefer cash.

[Liverpool Lou]

5 hours ago, VBF said:

On 7/1/2023 at 9:38 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

Let's be even more aware that ATMs are not "disappearing fast" in Thailand.

With respect LL they are you know!  When in Pattaya this year, I found that whereas in 2020 every 7/11 around the Soi Bukhau area had a SCB ATM, now none of them do.  This is apparently due to 7/11 and SCB terminating their contract but the fact remains that none of the ATMs I used to use are there any more. As it happens, Bangkok Bank ATMs accept SCB cards without charging but the vanishing ATMs are a fact.

With respect, ATMs are not disappearing fast, you know.  SCB's may no longer be at the 7-11s in the area that you describe but they are not "disappearing fast", generally, there are plenty of them all over the place.

[scottiejohn]

6 hours ago, VBF said:

every 7/11 around the Soi Bukhau area had a SCB ATM, now none of them do. 

Not so in CM.

Of the three nearest 7/11's to me the nearest has 1 ATM, 2nd has two and the 3rd has 4!

[HuskerDo2]

On 7/1/2023 at 12:51 AM, Sandboxer said:

As long as short time can be paid by QR, who cares....

 

It's 2023. The only people who still need cash are criminals and folks who refuse to let go of archaic methods and probably still write checks ('Murica, lol). We can afford to leave those types behind us. Unnecessary baggage.

"Unnecessary baggage".... I still can't get over that ugly comment. You young folks are supposed to be the ones pushing for an inclusive and fair society but apparently in your case that only applies to people who are like you I guess. To heck with the older generation or people who like to do things the way they have for decades. They don't want to change and shouldn't be forced to. You are an unfortunate human being at best.

[richard_smith237]

8 minutes ago, HuskerDo2 said:

To heck with the older generation or people who like to do things the way they have for decades. They don't want to change and shouldn't be forced to.

I agree with your point...  but some folks could easily 'evolve' with the times... but they seem so stubborn they just refuse to and get angry that they are being forced to, then we hear the 'conspiracy theories and excuses' come out.....  

... Its just a form of payment...   I know I know....  << counter conspiracy argument fits here >>

 

But really...  its just digital payment and its easy to get used to, it's not some economic apocalypse.

 

You used to watch VHS videos, then Laser Disks, then CD's, then BlueRay....  now its all online streaming, NetFlix, Prime, Hulu etc....    You didn't just stop watching TV, right???? you went digital... 

 

I get it, each to their own, people have a right to make their own free choices etc and I support that, but what flumoxes me in this 'cashless / e-payment debate' is how some take major issue with making a cashless payment when they've already being doing the same thing with Debit and Credit Cards for decades ????.... 

 

It seems like just an excuse to be stubborn because you think you are being 'forced' to do something...  so you look for arguments not to use such methods. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HuskerDo2]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I agree with your point...  but some folks could easily 'evolve' with the times... but they seem so stubborn they just refuse to and get angry that they are being forced to, then we hear the 'conspiracy theories and excuses' come out.....  

... Its just a form of payment...   I know I know....  << counter conspiracy argument fits here >>

 

But really...  its just digital payment and its easy to get used to, it's not some economic apocalypse.

 

You used to watch VHS videos, then Laser Disks, then CD's, then BlueRay....  now its all online streaming, NetFlix, Prime, Hulu etc....    You didn't just stop watching TV, right???? you went digital... 

 

I get it, each to their own, people have a right to make their own free choices etc and I support that, but what flumoxes me in this 'cashless / e-payment debate' is how some take major issue with making a cashless payment when they've already being doing the same thing with Debit and Credit Cards for decades ????.... 

 

It seems like just an excuse to be stubborn because you think you are being 'forced' to do something...  so you look for arguments not to use such methods. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It seems like just an excuse to be stubborn because you think you are being 'forced' to do something...  so you look for arguments not to use such methods".......

 

I couldn't disagree more Richard. Firstly I have never watched NetFlix, Prime, Hulu. I have regular cable. That's all I need. I don't need to follow the crowd and watch all the current streaming shows as they don't interest me. I've never been one to follow the crown and watch/do what everyone else does. There are far too many "followers" in the world. 

 

In regards to the "stubborn" comment...... that same argument could be made towards people who insist everyone comply with the new technology in the world. By insisting everyone convert and accept digital money transfers are forgetting about cyber crime and hacking and in a country like Thailand your bank won't reimburse you if your acct is drained. In 10 years I might rethink the situation if it's safe. Right now it's not. 

 

The other comments about people out in the provinces and vendors at the markets rather wanting cash is spot on. Both cash and the new digital technology can co-exist so why not let it? But be careful. If the day ever comes when it's a totally cashless society you are at the mercy of technology to be able to live.

[Burma Bill]

Having read so many posts "for" and "against" a cashless society, may I inform you that I (and perhaps a few more of you) cannot use a smartphone with QR codes due to mobility/disability problems with fingers. In my case many years of sports injuries associated with football (soccer). To try and use the mini touch screen keypad is almost impossible for me. I still use my 3G mobile phone with it's old style keypad and my debit card when "going cashless". At home I have an ACER computer work station, with printer, for all my business and social media - all products of the 21st Century! For those who may ridicule this post, please remember, one day you will be old and may suffer from arthritis.  

[save the frogs]

53 minutes ago, HuskerDo2 said:

But be careful. If the day ever comes when it's a totally cashless society you are at the mercy of technology to be able to live.

I agree.

 

Also with crypto, not sure anyone has mentioned this ... but crypto is entirely reliant on the internet being functional. If the internet ever goes down for 24 hours, you can't access the crypto during that period. 

 

[richard_smith237]

23 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

I agree.

 

Also with crypto, not sure anyone has mentioned this ... but crypto is entirely reliant on the internet being functional. If the internet ever goes down for 24 hours, you can't access the crypto during that period. 

 

You won't be able to use your debit or credit card.

Would you be able to access your ATM to get cash if the internet goes down ???

 

 

I think IF using the Banks own ATM in the Bank, then it relies in a hardwire Eithernet internal Bank network.... However, I think ATM's in shopping mall etc rely on an internet connection. 

 

That said an internet outage in Canada last year shut down ATM's (amongst many other things).

 

So... keep that 'cash in your safe'.... then take the gamble on whether you'll need it or someone will walk out the door with your safe while you are enjoying your hols !!!

 

 

IF the global internet goes down, the likely cause is something so significant 'money' is no longer a priority. 

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, HuskerDo2 said:

The other comments about people out in the provinces and vendors at the markets rather wanting cash is spot on.

Provinces perhaps... Market vendors here take direct QR payment... 

But, that also seems pointless is just paying 20 or 50 baht for some veggies.... or 40 baht for a MC or taxi ride. 

 

 

1 hour ago, HuskerDo2 said:

Both cash and the new digital technology can co-exist so why not let it?

Yup, absolutely agree - my argument is more one of balance, both have their uses and ideal times for use where as at other times one method is less convenient than another. 

 

My argument is more against those cherry-picking and making up ridiculous excuses against cashless methods of payment while completely ignoring the pit-falls of the cash system they prefer - there are pro's and con's - not one solution is perfect. 

 

 

1 hour ago, HuskerDo2 said:

But be careful. If the day ever comes when it's a totally cashless society you are at the mercy of technology to be able to live.

To be fair - we're there now....   nothing works without 'digital technology'...  and even now, if the day comes that digital technology fails what cash we have in hand is the least of our problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HuskerDo2]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Provinces perhaps... Market vendors here take direct QR payment... 

But, that also seems pointless is just paying 20 or 50 baht for some veggies.... or 40 baht for a MC or taxi ride. 

 

 

Yup, absolutely agree - my argument is more one of balance, both have their uses and ideal times for use where as at other times one method is less convenient than another. 

 

My argument is more against those cherry-picking and making up ridiculous excuses against cashless methods of payment while completely ignoring the pit-falls of the cash system they prefer - there are pro's and con's - not one solution is perfect. 

 

 

To be fair - we're there now....   nothing works without 'digital technology'...  and even now, if the day comes that digital technology fails what cash we have in hand is the least of our problems.

 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not at all true. Maybe where you live but not where I live. I go to the bank every 2 weeks to get the cash I'll need and have 3 - 4 months of cash at home in case of an emergency. I have yet to run into a situation where cash won't be accepted. If that ever happened I'll simply stroll another block or so and find someone who has no issue with cash but to this point that has never happened and I don't think it ever will anywhere near where I live.

 

"both have their uses and ideal times for use where as at other times one method is less convenient than another".... I agree but convenience is never an issue for me so I use cash 90% of the time. 

 

"My argument is more against those cherry-picking and making up ridiculous excuses against cashless methods of payment while completely ignoring the pit-falls of the cash system they prefer"..... it matters not which one any given person prefers or their reasons for it. You just need to accept that they think differently than you and feel more comfortable using one mode of payment versus the other. It's simple. It's called choice.

 

 

 

 

[save the frogs]

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

IF the global internet goes down, the likely cause is something so significant 'money' is no longer a priority. 

good point. if the internet goes down, might be a meteor and we might be doomed. 

 

[cooked]

13 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

I agree with your point...  but some folks could easily 'evolve' with the times... but they seem so stubborn they just refuse to and get angry that they are being forced to, then we hear the 'conspiracy theories and excuses' come out.....  

... Its just a form of payment...   I know I know....  << counter conspiracy argument fits here >>

 

But really...  its just digital payment and its easy to get used to, it's not some economic apocalypse.

Oh boy. Did you read recently that 'PEP's' - Politically Exposed Persons - may not only have their bank accounts suspended but find it impossible to find another bank that will accept their account?

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/uk-banks-shun-farage-without-explanation/

This thanks to EU regulations. Have you forgotten that Trudeau summarily attacked those truck drivers that were demonstrating by locking their bank accounts? accounts? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-17/police-begin-financial-squeeze-trudeau-defends-emergency-edict#xj4y7vzkg

But of course older people just can't keep up with the need for these new fangled ways of doing things, I must admit I can't work out how to tip the girl that washes my car windscreen yet, but we can look forward to implanting chips into people, just to make things easier.

By the way, at age 75 I have absolutely no problem using electronic banking, and wish I could use my card at 7-11.

 

[VBF]

20 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

With respect, ATMs are not disappearing fast, you know.  SCB's may no longer be at the 7-11s in the area that you describe but they are not "disappearing fast", generally, there are plenty of them all over the place.

I'll take your word for that, but it seems odd that they would close ATMs in such a "tourist-centric" area. I had to go from the Soi diana area to either Klang, or TukCom to find a genuine SCB ATM. Not even sure if there was one in Central.  One of the staff in my hotel agreed that many had gone from the area.

Edited July 4, 2023 by VBF

[richard_smith237]

On 7/4/2023 at 12:59 PM, cooked said:

Oh boy. Did you read recently that 'PEP's' - Politically Exposed Persons - may not only have their bank accounts suspended but find it impossible to find another bank that will accept their account?

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/uk-banks-shun-farage-without-explanation/

This thanks to EU regulations. Have you forgotten that Trudeau summarily attacked those truck drivers that were demonstrating by locking their bank accounts? accounts? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-02-17/police-begin-financial-squeeze-trudeau-defends-emergency-edict#xj4y7vzkg

But of course older people just can't keep up with the need for these new fangled ways of doing things, I must admit I can't work out how to tip the girl that washes my car windscreen yet, but we can look forward to implanting chips into people, just to make things easier.

By the way, at age 75 I have absolutely no problem using electronic banking, and wish I could use my card at 7-11.

The examples you provided have nothing to do with 'digital payment'...   

 

A person would have to store their cash under their mattress to avoid being inconvenienced by authorities 'suspending' their account (as per your Farage PEP argument).

[Hugh Cow]

Cash will be around for many years to come. I always keep cash on me. All you need is a glitch in the banks software, a virus, the internet down, or a power outage and you are in trouble. Not many businesses are going to let you pay later when the problem is fixed. Bangkok bank had a problem with its app only last weekend.

[cooked]

16 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The examples you provided have nothing to do with 'digital payment'...   

 

A person would have to store their cash under their mattress to avoid being inconvenienced by authorities 'suspending' their account (as per your Farage PEP argument).

Eh? Having your bank account suspended means you can't carry out digital payments. 

[Metapod]

On 7/3/2023 at 8:59 AM, CecilM said:

Cashless society and boom of food delivery services: two positive outcomes of the covid lockdowns.

cashless positive? lol

 

giving the government absolute control of your ability to participate in the marketplace is a terrible idea. a good example of this is during the protests in Canada where the government shut down bank accounts of truck drivers.

 

I'd say enjoy your dystopian future, but you are probably already a geriatric and won't be around to see how bad it actually gets.

[richard_smith237]

5 hours ago, cooked said:

22 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

The examples you provided have nothing to do with 'digital payment'...   

 

A person would have to store their cash under their mattress to avoid being inconvenienced by authorities 'suspending' their account (as per your Farage PEP argument).

Eh? Having your bank account suspended means you can't carry out digital payments. 

It also means you can't go to an ATM or walk into a bank and withdraw 'cash'..... 

 

Thus - the 'suspended bank account argument' you are using to argue against 'cashless society' is a completely flawed approach to the discussion.