Thailand once was the place, now dirty beaches, bad air, cheapo tourists

[BE88]

18 hours ago, rexpotter said:

Solar Power? Not sure on that one, but I do agree with the rest of your concerns.

 

If Thailand does not use the solar system, what other country could do better, certainly not all the Nordic countries.

Not using the solar system in Thailand is absolute stupidity.

[BE88]

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

It may be just me, but I distinctly feel as though the country is increasingly becoming more crowded with people.

 

The towns I have lived in all get more crowded and people are always wanting to move somewhere less crowded. I wonder if they are letting more people in or if people are moving into the cities more.

 

Yes is true,  because of the poverty in the countryside which no longer allows people to live from agriculture, people move to the cities to find something to live on or rather survive.

[KhunLA]

13 minutes ago, BE88 said:

 

Agreed but until these last places are not submerged in rubbish and pollution, every year I see more and more pollution which increases throughout the territory

 

We settle were we are, as it really hasn't changed in 20 years.  Kind of amazing actually.   If anything, better with additions of Makro, Global & HomePro.  It was really Nakhon Nowhere them, and they were added last 5 ish years.

 

Though would bore the hell out of most people, especially if single.   No nightlife keeps it nice.

[KhunLA]

14 minutes ago, BE88 said:

 

If Thailand does not use the solar system, what other country could do better, certainly not all the Nordic countries.,,, Not using the solar system in Thailand is absolute stupidity.

[Lee65]

5 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

We settle were we are, as it really hasn't changed in 20 years.  Kind of amazing actually.   If anything, better with additions of Makro, Global & HomePro. 

 

That's Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan?  Hasn't changed in 20 years?  

[BE88]

.🙂

Edited April 12 by BE88

[rexpotter]

Cambodia is not any better, nor Vietnam. Too many humans on the planet. Stayed in Indonesia a long time. Recently read that the population had increased by 62,000,000 people 'estimated' in 20 years. .

[BE88]

+

Edited April 12 by BE88

[BE88]

11 minutes ago, Lee65 said:

 

That's Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan?  Hasn't changed in 20 years?  

A friend of mine went to live in Bangsaphan where he told me it was like Prachuap 20 years ago

[rexpotter]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

What are your experiencing is happening around the entire planet, the population keeps expanding, now we're up to 8 billion.

 

The best thing that's happening to the world right now is countries like China and Japan just saying no to children. Children are not that special, they're not really needed, they are way over rated, and thankfully it's a choice these days and not compulsory. A lot of people are saying no I don't need the headaches, I don't need the nonsense, I don't need the expense, I don't need the responsibility.

 

Nah, I choose to have a great life, I don't need kids. I did that and it was the wisest and smartest decision of this lifetime. I don't miss not having kids for a nanosecond. 

Funny about that. I got married at 30, and my wife said i want to have kids. My response, are you sure you want to have children on this planet? Can't you see what is happening to it? Needless, I left that deal long ago. Did not comply.

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

It's always been this way, the only thing that is changing are more and more crazy, disrespectful foreigners arriving. 

 

Here you go, another nutjob foreigner. 

 

Poor Thailand. 

 

 

 

 

 

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, BE88 said:

A friend of mine went to live in Bangsaphan where he told me it was like Prachuap 20 years ago

And how long did they live at PKK municipality, if at all ?  So he or she is 85 ish years old, or did they retire very early also.  Or did someone tell them that ?

 

Again, I deal in real life experiences ... mine.

 

Of course it's changed, but nothing like Hua Hin, Patts, Phuket, most surfside towns with access to good public trans.   Changed much less to where we used to live Udon Thani.  Influx of expats & Thais there have caused congestion 10 fold from when I first got there.

 

PKK ... Still changing now, as housing in the west side of hwy 4 has increased.  But between the surf and RR/hwy 4, not much has really changed.   And I've been coming here for 20 year.

 

Only 2 larger hotels,  an Amazon Cafe (new past year), and North side of bay, quite a few more restaurants for the weekenders to hang out at.  As they tire of the congestion of Hua Hin, and go the extra hour south.

 

When weekenders are gone, it's back to real quiet, and when you drive by shops, they're open, but look closed.

 

Bur really noting compared to the changes & growth of the rest of the popular areas.   West of hwy 4 is still mainly farming.   Closer to Myanmar border, and all farming, as most don't have Chanote, so couldn't sell if they wanted to.

 

It's only 15 ish kilometers wide, and hwy 4 to to the surf is less than 1 kms, and most was occupied already, and not much to be sold and developed.  No real public transport in town, so if not in town, or surfside, the land isn't worth much, and people don't want to live that rural.

 

Besids North of, is hills, and not allowed to build on.  South is Khlong Won, some land there available, but then it's farming and National park.   Nothing really till you get to Thap Sakae.

 

Population may have doubled in 20 yrs, municipality/amphur, then, 15/45k, now 27/90k.  Surprisingly more than Amphur Hua Hin (65k(HH town 46k).  Most of those being in town, explains the congestion, along with the HH weekenders from Bangkok , and gridlock. 

 

Don't know where they are all hiding at PKK, (amphur), and a lot more out here in the sticks than I thought.  Our district doesn't even have a wiki page link, so couldn't tell you the population. 

 

Been to Bang Saphans, and they changed quite a bit, in 20 years, but since not much there at all back then, surfside, it's pretty noticeable, if you were then 20 years ago, as I visited back then.

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan, municipality is fairly all bought up, and has been for long time, so I know there won't be many changes in the future, in my life time.   Some more housing out here, west side, but that's about it.  No industry, commerce, or jobs to attract more people.   No Uni, schools are a joke.

 

Surf is not swimmable (Ao Prachuap), and many don't know about Ao Manao, since on the RTAF base.  Unless you self drive, you're not really going over there.  We see some cycling tourist, but that's it, since no public transport.

Edited April 12 by KhunLA

[Des1]

9 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

Thailand is not alone. Standards have fallen everywhere.

So much of a priority is placed on tourism right now (rich people preferred) because other areas of the economy are failing. Time to bring in casinos, easy cash. It speaks to the failure of the ruling class to actually consider a long term economic plan that will compete with neighbouring countries. Thialand wants to be the "hub" of pretty much anything you can imagine. Not going to happen. They will continue to import more and more chinese products and grind down thier own production. It's not enough to ban the chinese import of elephant pants. good grief!  oiiii, sad state of affairs.

[Presnock]

38 minutes ago, Des1 said:

So much of a priority is placed on tourism right now (rich people preferred) because other areas of the economy are failing. Time to bring in casinos, easy cash. It speaks to the failure of the ruling class to actually consider a long term economic plan that will compete with neighbouring countries. Thialand wants to be the "hub" of pretty much anything you can imagine. Not going to happen. They will continue to import more and more chinese products and grind down thier own production. It's not enough to ban the chinese import of elephant pants. good grief!  oiiii, sad state of affairs.

speaking of the import from China, read the Thai Examiner report of the import from China of the their e-waste which the Chinese banned in 2017 but last govt here signed on for it to come to Thailand - guess they will bury in Tak with the cadium waste that they're digging up.

I recall in the mid-70's driving down to HuaHin and once on the beach looking all the way down the beach and not seeing anyone else!  Now they report 10 million tourists have arrived in Thailand so far this year!  Going for a record.

[it is what it is]

 

not a thai problem, the rivers and sea around the uk are becoming increasingly polluted. back home i come from a small village which is increasingly attracting tourists, they leave litter everywhere, but also locals drop litter, we have litter picks every few months just to keep on top of the trash. it's a sad indictment of modern day thinking and living.

[heiri007]

1 hour ago, Des1 said:

Thialand wants to be the "hub" of pretty much anything you can imagine.

 

Thailand 5.0, anyone?

[heiri007]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

And how long did they live at PKK municipality, if at all ?  So he or she is 85 ish years old, or did they retire very early also.  Or did someone tell them that ?

 

Again, I deal in real life experiences ... mine.

 

Of course it's changed, but nothing like Hua Hin, Patts, Phuket, most surfside towns with access to good public trans.   Changed much less to where we used to live Udon Thani.  Influx of expats & Thais there have caused congestion 10 fold from when I first got there.

 

PKK ... Still changing now, as housing in the west side of hwy 4 has increased.  But between the surf and RR/hwy 4, not much has really changed.   And I've been coming here for 20 year.

 

Only 2 larger hotels,  an Amazon Cafe (new past year), and North side of bay, quite a few more restaurants for the weekenders to hang out at.  As they tire of the congestion of Hua Hin, and go the extra hour south.

 

When weekenders are gone, it's back to real quiet, and when you drive by shops, they're open, but look closed.

 

Bur really noting compared to the changes & growth of the rest of the popular areas.   West of hwy 4 is still mainly farming.   Closer to Myanmar border, and all farming, as most don't have Chanote, so couldn't sell if they wanted to.

 

It's only 15 ish kilometers wide, and hwy 4 to to the surf is less than 1 kms, and most was occupied already, and not much to be sold and developed.  No real public transport in town, so if not in town, or surfside, the land isn't worth much, and people don't want to live that rural.

 

Besids North of, is hills, and not allowed to build on.  South is Khlong Won, some land there available, but then it's farming and National park.   Nothing really till you get to Thap Sakae.

 

Population may have doubled in 20 yrs, municipality/amphur, then, 15/45k, now 27/90k.  Surprisingly more than Amphur Hua Hin (65k(HH town 46k).  Most of those being in town, explains the congestion, along with the HH weekenders from Bangkok , and gridlock. 

 

Don't know where they are all hiding at PKK, (amphur), and a lot more out here in the sticks than I thought.  Our district doesn't even have a wiki page link, so couldn't tell you the population. 

 

Been to Bang Saphans, and they changed quite a bit, in 20 years, but since not much there at all back then, surfside, it's pretty noticeable, if you were then 20 years ago, as I visited back then.

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan, municipality is fairly all bought up, and has been for long time, so I know there won't be many changes in the future, in my life time.   Some more housing out here, west side, but that's about it.  No industry, commerce, or jobs to attract more people.   No Uni, schools are a joke.

 

Surf is not swimmable (Ao Prachuap), and many don't know about Ao Manao, since on the RTAF base.  Unless you self drive, you're not really going over there.  We see some cycling tourist, but that's it, since no public transport.

 

PKK has the perfect location, yet bewildering "city planning." The whole beach front is wasted, looks abandoned, not a single restaurant for instance along that long beach road... could easily be the perfect town.

[PJ71]

23 hours ago, bob smith said:

I agree with you mate!

 

Thailand is a shadow of it’s former self.

 

Cambodia is miles better.

 

much love,

BOB.

What's Cambo better for Bob?

[KhunLA]

17 minutes ago, heiri007 said:

 

PKK has the perfect location, yet bewildering "city planning." The whole beach front is wasted, looks abandoned, not a single restaurant for instance along that long beach road... could easily be the perfect town.

I agree, it's a real sh!t hole and people should avoid.  We only live there, because we inherited a house and can't afford to live anywhere else.   In the south, hot as hell, 100 kms from Immigration office.  Ao Prachuap, bay that fronts town is polluted.  Can't swim in it.

 

No nightlife, no P4P ladies to entertain ... must self entertain. Get that kite flying up there    No 4 or 5 star anything, unless it's 5 Star chicken you're after.

 

PKK one of the driest provinces, and Hua Hin now rationing / restricting water use ...

 

Edited April 12 by KhunLA

[NativeBob]

First time I can't see buildings about 1km away from our house - the air just too polluted. Scary, seriously

[bob smith]

19 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

What's Cambo better for Bob?

Booze, drugs and cigs.

 

Friendlier people too.

 

Bob.

[PJ71]

2 minutes ago, bob smith said:

Booze, drugs and cigs.

 

Friendlier people too.

 

Bob.

What about hospitals, variety of accommodation, transport, banks etc?

 

Or you just self destructing?

 

Why don'y you move there?

[bob smith]

12 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

What about hospitals, variety of accommodation, transport, banks etc?

 

Or you just self destructing?

 

Why don'y you move there?

I tried but mrs. Smith couldnt live without me.

 

Bob

[BE88]

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

And how long did they live at PKK municipality, if at all ?  So he or she is 85 ish years old, or did they retire very early also.  Or did someone tell them that ?

 

Again, I deal in real life experiences ... mine.

 

Of course it's changed, but nothing like Hua Hin, Patts, Phuket, most surfside towns with access to good public trans.   Changed much less to where we used to live Udon Thani.  Influx of expats & Thais there have caused congestion 10 fold from when I first got there.

 

PKK ... Still changing now, as housing in the west side of hwy 4 has increased.  But between the surf and RR/hwy 4, not much has really changed.   And I've been coming here for 20 year.

 

Only 2 larger hotels,  an Amazon Cafe (new past year), and North side of bay, quite a few more restaurants for the weekenders to hang out at.  As they tire of the congestion of Hua Hin, and go the extra hour south.

 

When weekenders are gone, it's back to real quiet, and when you drive by shops, they're open, but look closed.

 

Bur really noting compared to the changes & growth of the rest of the popular areas.   West of hwy 4 is still mainly farming.   Closer to Myanmar border, and all farming, as most don't have Chanote, so couldn't sell if they wanted to.

 

It's only 15 ish kilometers wide, and hwy 4 to to the surf is less than 1 kms, and most was occupied already, and not much to be sold and developed.  No real public transport in town, so if not in town, or surfside, the land isn't worth much, and people don't want to live that rural.

 

Besids North of, is hills, and not allowed to build on.  South is Khlong Won, some land there available, but then it's farming and National park.   Nothing really till you get to Thap Sakae.

 

Population may have doubled in 20 yrs, municipality/amphur, then, 15/45k, now 27/90k.  Surprisingly more than Amphur Hua Hin (65k(HH town 46k).  Most of those being in town, explains the congestion, along with the HH weekenders from Bangkok , and gridlock. 

 

Don't know where they are all hiding at PKK, (amphur), and a lot more out here in the sticks than I thought.  Our district doesn't even have a wiki page link, so couldn't tell you the population. 

 

Been to Bang Saphans, and they changed quite a bit, in 20 years, but since not much there at all back then, surfside, it's pretty noticeable, if you were then 20 years ago, as I visited back then.

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan, municipality is fairly all bought up, and has been for long time, so I know there won't be many changes in the future, in my life time.   Some more housing out here, west side, but that's about it.  No industry, commerce, or jobs to attract more people.   No Uni, schools are a joke.

 

Surf is not swimmable (Ao Prachuap), and many don't know about Ao Manao, since on the RTAF base.  Unless you self drive, you're not really going over there.  We see some cycling tourist, but that's it, since no public transport.

 

When my friend moved to Bangsaphan last year when he was 55 years old, he was referring to some photos of Prachuap Khiri Khan from 20 years ago, in the last ten years I have seen the city grow but if we exclude some supermarkets like Makro and Lotus, the only tourist attraction and the military base A Noi with a nice beach, otherwise it is not an inviting city for both day and night tourism.

Few expats reside and therefore it is quite a city without many interests to live except for holidays of less than 180 days 😁

 

[KhunLA]

29 minutes ago, BE88 said:

 

When my friend moved to Bangsaphan last year when he was 55 years old, he was referring to some photos of Prachuap Khiri Khan from 20 years ago, in the last ten years I have seen the city grow but if we exclude some supermarkets like Makro and Lotus, the only tourist attraction and the military base A Noi with a nice beach, otherwise it is not an inviting city for both day and night tourism.

Few expats reside and therefore it is quite a city without many interests to live except for holidays of less than 180 days 😁

 

OK, so no experience, from anyone, or even hearsay, just so old photos.   Did they even have dates.  And Lotus's (Tesco Lotus) was there probably at least 15 yrs ago, as don't remember ever not being there, although still as crappy as it is today, though building expanded, I think.

 

2011 photo of Tesco Lotus, and Makro was new 2017, as was Global & 2015 for HomePro:

 

2006, and wat wasn't refurbished yet, as I had to climb over a lock fencing at the top of the stairs, and obviously abandoned for years.  Seawall getting a revamping.

 

 

 

2023, and as state, not much has changed, 2 new large (visible) hotels,  And seawall revamped of course.  Most land used in 2006, as it is now.  2 hotels & Amazon Cafe.

 

 

Been stopping and visiting PKK municipality for over 20 yrs, 4 times a year, at least, as a destination, or pitstop on the way to points southward.

 

Was at Bang Saphan Noi, about 2002, and not much there.  One guesthouse between train stop (hard to call it a station), no taxi/tuk tuk, and we started walking toward the surf.  Someone came by and gave us a hop to the guesthouse.  Rented a scooter at the guesthouse.

 

At surf, there was 1 maybe 2 guesthouses, (1 new, not open).   Only saving grace was and excellently little seafood vendor surfside that cranked out some great crab & shrimp dishes.

 

Didn't bother with the surf, sand course and water not clear.

 

[ignore it]

Pattaya, 

You just got to be tough.

[Lee65]

22 hours ago, KhunLA said:

And how long did they live at PKK municipality, if at all ?  So he or she is 85 ish years old, or did they retire very early also.  Or did someone tell them that ?

 

Again, I deal in real life experiences ... mine.

 

Of course it's changed, but nothing like Hua Hin, Patts, Phuket, most surfside towns with access to good public trans.   Changed much less to where we used to live Udon Thani.  Influx of expats & Thais there have caused congestion 10 fold from when I first got there.

 

PKK ... Still changing now, as housing in the west side of hwy 4 has increased.  But between the surf and RR/hwy 4, not much has really changed.   And I've been coming here for 20 year.

 

Only 2 larger hotels,  an Amazon Cafe (new past year), and North side of bay, quite a few more restaurants for the weekenders to hang out at.  As they tire of the congestion of Hua Hin, and go the extra hour south.

 

When weekenders are gone, it's back to real quiet, and when you drive by shops, they're open, but look closed.

 

Bur really noting compared to the changes & growth of the rest of the popular areas.   West of hwy 4 is still mainly farming.   Closer to Myanmar border, and all farming, as most don't have Chanote, so couldn't sell if they wanted to.

 

It's only 15 ish kilometers wide, and hwy 4 to to the surf is less than 1 kms, and most was occupied already, and not much to be sold and developed.  No real public transport in town, so if not in town, or surfside, the land isn't worth much, and people don't want to live that rural.

 

Besids North of, is hills, and not allowed to build on.  South is Khlong Won, some land there available, but then it's farming and National park.   Nothing really till you get to Thap Sakae.

 

Population may have doubled in 20 yrs, municipality/amphur, then, 15/45k, now 27/90k.  Surprisingly more than Amphur Hua Hin (65k(HH town 46k).  Most of those being in town, explains the congestion, along with the HH weekenders from Bangkok , and gridlock. 

 

Don't know where they are all hiding at PKK, (amphur), and a lot more out here in the sticks than I thought.  Our district doesn't even have a wiki page link, so couldn't tell you the population. 

 

Been to Bang Saphans, and they changed quite a bit, in 20 years, but since not much there at all back then, surfside, it's pretty noticeable, if you were then 20 years ago, as I visited back then.

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan, municipality is fairly all bought up, and has been for long time, so I know there won't be many changes in the future, in my life time.   Some more housing out here, west side, but that's about it.  No industry, commerce, or jobs to attract more people.   No Uni, schools are a joke.

 

Surf is not swimmable (Ao Prachuap), and many don't know about Ao Manao, since on the RTAF base.  Unless you self drive, you're not really going over there.  We see some cycling tourist, but that's it, since no public transport.

 

Agree with about all you said here - particularly the relatively slow pace of development.  But the last time I was there - ~ 5 years ago - the traffic had increased markedly, Wing 5 had become a pain to enter and the hill there had been closed, the interesting market at the border with Myanmar had been ruined, the public transport vans that once conveniently come into town were relegated to the outskirts, graffiti had started, Khlong Won had several new but apparently empty hotels, 'Golden Beach' was being developed ...

 

Oh, there's no "surf" within a 100 miles of PKK.   That hasn't changed in 20 years.  

 

surf

Merriam Webster

noun

: the swell of the sea that breaks upon the shore

: the foam, splash, and sound of breaking waves

[bluejets]

Go back to where ever you came from then if it is now unacceptable to you.

I like to take a bet that, wherever it was, it has followed much the same or doesn't have half the things going for it that it used to.

[Walker88]

On 4/12/2024 at 7:55 AM, Des1 said:

So much of a priority is placed on tourism right now (rich people preferred) because other areas of the economy are failing. Time to bring in casinos, easy cash. It speaks to the failure of the ruling class to actually consider a long term economic plan that will compete with neighbouring countries. Thialand wants to be the "hub" of pretty much anything you can imagine. Not going to happen. They will continue to import more and more chinese products and grind down thier own production. It's not enough to ban the chinese import of elephant pants. good grief!  oiiii, sad state of affairs.

What you note is part of a much larger problem, although it might be slightly off topic.

 

What could Thailand do to wean itself from Tourism? The world is awash in productive capacity, and production is getting increasingly efficient and less human labor intensive. Thailand should build another auto plant? TV plant? Good for robots and warehouses to store the unnecessary production (China is filled with these warehouses, a lot of which is steel).

 

Nothing is needed that doesn't already exist in the world in spades.

 

If there's any plus side, it's that many nations are self-culling, at least not making copies. South Korea's fertility rate will be about .8 this year, which means not even replacing Mom or Dad. Thailand might drop to 1.3, which takes away one or the other, but not yet both.

 

The downside of the self-culling is that most nations have at their core a Ponzi Scheme that requires an ever-increasing population. I would not want to be a not-self-funded retiree around age 50 or so, because that govt pension is by no means guaranteed. There won't be enough workers paying into the system so that old people can draw out. Expats in Thailand living primarily on a govt pension had better "hope" they die sooner rather than later, because whether it's a UK, Aussie or even US Social Security payment, it is either going to be cut or inflated away via printing.

 

As AI kicks in and obviates yet more people, two things happen, neither of which is good.

 

1) Govt is going to have to take care of more redundant people, further straining budgets

2) Self-serving autocrat wannabes on the right are going to spew out a siren song of false promises and lies to give the obviated and redundant some form of hope, even false hope. Anyone who is paying attention can see it happening already.

 

Finally, I wonder if those of us who never felt the urge to propagate our gene pool might realize we might as well take all the limited resources we feel like using, rather than save them for people who popped out copies and expect us to leave resources for their spawn and their spawn's spawn. Maybe the childless will just become selfish and fill the gas tanks in our Lambos and Cigarettes boats, plus aircon our McMansions and use the resources the progeny who will never exist would have used.

 

Strange times we live in.

[sandyf]

2 hours ago, bluejets said:

Go back to where ever you came from then if it is now unacceptable to you.

I like to take a bet that, wherever it was, it has followed much the same or doesn't have half the things going for it that it used to.

Quite, the UK has a smaller population than Thailand.

 

These proposals come at a time when the number of people forced into rough sleeping is soaring, with the latest figures showing that rough sleeping has reached a ten-year high in London.

https://www.crisis.org.uk/about-us/latest-news/crisis-sign-shows-cruel-reality-of-criminalising-homelessness/#:~:text=Is sleeping on the streets,£2%2C500 or even imprisonment.

 

The waiting list for hospital treatment rose to a record of nearly 7.8 million in September 2023. The 18-week treatment target has not been met since 2016.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7281/#:~:text=How long is the the,not been met since 2016.

 

Campaigners say the UK's rubbish "epidemic" is symptomatic of a "country in decline".

https://www.euronews.com/2023/03/15/welcome-to-a-filthy-littered-dump-called-britain