Does the inequality ever make you uncomfortable?

[RSD1]

Does the inequality in Thailand ever make you feel uncomfortable? It does for me sometimes when I am around locals who have so much less means. I guess it weighs on my conscience. For instance, I frequently visit 7-Eleven, almost daily, and fill my basket with ฿600-฿800 worth of items without even glancing at the prices. I just grab what I need, toss it in, and head to the cashier.

 

Yet, I’m aware that the staff at 7-Eleven earn quite modest wages. Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves, simply because they’re out of their financial reach. What I spend in just two weeks at 7-Eleven probably equals a full month’s salary for many of them, and that’s only a percentage of my total monthly outgoings, not counting what I spend elsewhere.

 

I tend to visit the same 7-Eleven branches in my area regularly, and the staff recognize me because of how often I’m there. Sometimes, I’ll have a casual chat with them. They’re always friendly and kind, and I never sense any jealousy or distaste towards me, which I truly appreciate. Still, it gnaws at me sometimes knowing they work so much harder than I do, yet the lifestyle I take for granted remains far beyond their grasp.

 

I realize the disparities I’m describing exist throughout Thailand, by any means not just in 7-Eleven. But I think this is one everyday example that captures the stark inequality I encounter so often in this country.

 

[MalcolmB]

No it makes my life much more comfortable.
Having a maid to do the cleaning and pool guy, gardener etc is a big part of the joy of living here.

Rent a real life human all night here for the cost of a packet of cigarettes and a couple of beers in the UK.

[Patong2021]

27 minutes ago, RSD1 said:

Does the inequality in Thailand ever make you feel uncomfortable? It does for me sometimes when I am around locals who have so much less means. I guess it weighs on my conscience. For instance, I frequently visit 7-Eleven, almost daily, and fill my basket with ฿600-฿800 worth of items without even glancing at the prices. I just grab what I need, toss it in, and head to the cashier.

 

Yet, I’m aware that the staff at 7-Eleven earn quite modest wages. Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves, simply because they’re out of their financial reach. What I spend in just two weeks at 7-Eleven probably equals a full month’s salary for many of them, and that’s only a percentage of my total monthly outgoings, not counting what I spend elsewhere.

 

I tend to visit the same 7-Eleven branches in my area regularly, and the staff recognize me because of how often I’m there. Sometimes, I’ll have a casual chat with them. They’re always friendly and kind, and I never sense any jealousy or distaste towards me, which I truly appreciate. Still, it gnaws at me sometimes knowing they work so much harder than I do, yet the lifestyle I take for granted remains far beyond their grasp.

 

I realize the disparities I’m describing exist throughout Thailand, by any means not just in 7-Eleven. But I think this is one everyday example that captures the stark inequality I encounter so often in this country.

 

 

I understand you and sometimes share your thoughts. It can gnaw at the soul. My mechanism of coping is to be  generous  to some charities, especially animals. I try to smile  when dealing with  service staff like cashiers and cleaners etc. Politeness is appreciated by the Thais, especially the face thing. I have to check myself from raising my voice but sometimes they are so  hearing deficient, I have no choice.   However, to be honest, I often avert my eyes from some of them as I can't handle it, especially the old frail people and the kids who look neglected. I can't save the world, but I can  be a better person.

[Harrisfan]

38 minutes ago, RSD1 said:

Does the inequality in Thailand ever make you feel uncomfortable? It does for me sometimes when I am around locals who have so much less means. I guess it weighs on my conscience. For instance, I frequently visit 7-Eleven, almost daily, and fill my basket with ฿600-฿800 worth of items without even glancing at the prices. I just grab what I need, toss it in, and head to the cashier.

 

Yet, I’m aware that the staff at 7-Eleven earn quite modest wages. Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves, simply because they’re out of their financial reach. What I spend in just two weeks at 7-Eleven probably equals a full month’s salary for many of them, and that’s only a percentage of my total monthly outgoings, not counting what I spend elsewhere.

 

I tend to visit the same 7-Eleven branches in my area regularly, and the staff recognize me because of how often I’m there. Sometimes, I’ll have a casual chat with them. They’re always friendly and kind, and I never sense any jealousy or distaste towards me, which I truly appreciate. Still, it gnaws at me sometimes knowing they work so much harder than I do, yet the lifestyle I take for granted remains far beyond their grasp.

 

I realize the disparities I’m describing exist throughout Thailand, by any means not just in 7-Eleven. But I think this is one everyday example that captures the stark inequality I encounter so often in this country.

 

They think here's the fat farang again

[hotsun]

I would feel extremely uncomfortable if were surrounded by people who were struggling in a worldwide recession

[RSD1]

32 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

I understand you and sometimes share your thoughts. It can gnaw at the soul. My mechanism of coping is to be  generous  to some charities, especially animals. I try to smile  when dealing with  service staff like cashiers and cleaners etc. Politeness is appreciated by the Thais, especially the face thing.

 

It can be difficult at times, and I try to do what you mentioned. I help people when I can, often buying meals for those who seem to be in need, but sadly, one doesn’t have the means to save the world. I also smile and stay polite, as you said, because I figure their life is hard enough already without someone else making it worse. However, I often choose to ignore many of the middle-class locals in my area who seem unfriendly. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of very wealthy locals, and the street is often lined with high-end sports cars and large European sedans with red number plates. I can’t help but notice how some of them act so self-entitled and treat the people who cater to their needs so poorly. It often makes me uncomfortable. The whole class system dynamic in Thailand can also be unsettling, but unfortunately, it’s something one has to accept. The last thing I ever want to feel though is that I am acting in any way like the wealthy ones.

[FriscoKid]

2 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

They think here's the fat farang again

 

Meanwhile, you can't relate to any of this, always trying to squeeze 100 Baht out of a 20 Baht note. So shameless.

 

I can only imagine what they think of you in Australia. On second thought, I don't want to know. 

[FriscoKid]

18 minutes ago, RSD1 said:

 

It can be difficult at times, and I try to do what you mentioned. I help people when I can, often buying meals for those who seem to be in need, but sadly, one doesn’t have the means to save the world. I also smile and stay polite, as you said, because I figure their life is hard enough already without someone else making it worse. However, I often choose to ignore many of the middle-class locals in my area who seem unfriendly. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of very wealthy locals, and the street is often lined with high-end sports cars and large European sedans with red number plates. I can’t help but notice how some of them act so self-entitled and treat the people who cater to their needs so poorly. It often makes me uncomfortable. The whole class system dynamic in Thailand can also be unsettling, but unfortunately, it’s something one has to accept. The last thing I ever want to feel though is that I am acting in any way like the wealthy ones.

 

Don't let it get to you. Doing what you can to help others is already more than many people do. I think the main thing as you said it not to act like another one of the nasty ones. 

[Flyguy330]

What pisses me off more is broke Farangs. I have many friends and acquaintances, but I seem to attract losers. I’m pretty well off, and it’s the result of decades of hard work and smart money management. I earned it all. Nobody gave me anything. But most of the people I know seem to live hand to mouth existences. I’m not an easy touch, if that’s what you’re thinking, it’s just a sad fact that too many people I meet are broke, and it’s a pain in my arse. I want to hang out with rich guys like me only. Maybe I’m in the wrong country.

[HappyExpat57]

I donate a 10% "tithe" to local causes, as well as volunteer when and where I can.

 

There was a line from the old JC Superstar Rock Opera that really stuck with me:

 

"There will be poor always, look at the good things you got."

 

I give back to society with a sense of gratitude for my lot in life and hope the best for those of lesser means.

[rattlesnake]

2 hours ago, RSD1 said:

Yet, I’m aware that the staff at 7-Eleven earn quite modest wages. Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves

 

7-11 is cheap, what is the most expensive food item there? 50 baht? The 7-11 employees spend more than that when they eat at the local moo krata. Spending more than 200 baht at 7/11 is a farang thing because to a Thai, it's just not appealing at all to actually "shop" there (farang concept), it's a convenience store where they grab one or two items, that's all.

[rattlesnake]

1 hour ago, RSD1 said:

It can be difficult at times, and I try to do what you mentioned. I help people when I can, often buying meals for those who seem to be in need

 

Thais are not "in need", in fact they are doing better than most Westerners living in Western countries.

[CharlieH]

I don’t really think about it like that.

I go to 7-Eleven, buy what I need, and get on with my day. It’s a convenience store—people work there because it’s a job, just like anywhere else. If they wanted to earn more, they could find another opportunity, just like I’ve worked to get where I am.

 

It’s not my responsibility to feel guilty for spending my own money. That’s just how the world works—some people earn more, some less. If I can afford to grab whatever I want without checking prices, that’s because I’ve put myself in a position where I can. There’s no reason to overthink it.

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

4 hours ago, RSD1 said:

the staff recognize me because of how often I’m there. Sometimes, I’ll have a casual chat with them. They’re always friendly

We have the opposite in Pattaya. 

 

The staff recognise some of the foreigners by their many moans, always complaining about this and that, being jerks, ranting and raving. 

 

The staff are always angry because of all the annoying foreigners. 

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 hours ago, Flyguy330 said:

But most of the people I know seem to live hand to mouth existences. I’m not an easy touch, if that’s what you’re thinking, it’s just a sad fact that too many people I meet are broke, and it’s a pain in my arse

Yes, I see the same thing.

 

I'm lucky been living here for decades, I have a big family, many close friends. 

 

I keep well away from all the loser foreigners. 

 

 

[jts-khorat]

4 hours ago, RSD1 said:

Does the inequality in Thailand ever make you feel uncomfortable? It does for me sometimes when I am around locals who have so much less means. I guess it weighs on my conscience.

 

How a (believing) Thai would look at it: you are living out your Kamma.

 

You might believe in the delusion that being rich(er) makes you luckier or happier. But the truth is, that it prevents you from seeing the true nature of things, as it makes it all the more difficult for you to let go from earthly things. For a rich person it might be especially difficult to be magnaminous or giving.

But, as long as you are willing to give, are polite, merititious and respect your elders, you are not in a bad place... yet.

 

How I handle it? I try to self-reflect and try to pair my comparable financial richness with appropriate volitional and positive actions -- as you already do, too. But it does not weigh on my conscience.

[scubascuba3]

5 hours ago, RSD1 said:

Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves, simply because they’re out of their financial reach.

I've probably never tried them either, better not to waste money in 7 Eleven, little healthy in there

[NanLaew]

3 hours ago, Flyguy330 said:

What pisses me off more is broke Farangs. I have many friends and acquaintances, but I seem to attract losers. I’m pretty well off, and it’s the result of decades of hard work and smart money management. I earned it all. Nobody gave me anything. But most of the people I know seem to live hand to mouth existences. I’m not an easy touch, if that’s what you’re thinking, it’s just a sad fact that too many people I meet are broke, and it’s a pain in my arse. I want to hang out with rich guys like me only. Maybe I’m in the wrong country.

 

Maybe time to move beyond Soi Buakhao?

[NanLaew]

2 hours ago, rattlesnake said:

 

7-11 is cheap, what is the most expensive food item there? 50 baht? The 7-11 employees spend more than that when they eat at the local moo krata. Spending more than 200 baht at 7/11 is a farang thing because to a Thai, it's just not appealing at all to actually "shop" there (farang concept), it's a convenience store where they grab one or two items, that's all.

7-11 isn't cheap. It's a convenience store with prices marked up because it's convenient.

 

The OP would be better off schlepping around Big C, elbows on his shopping cart like the slothful locals. Save himself some money too.

[short-Timer]

18 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

The OP would be better off schlepping around Big C, elbows on his shopping cart like the slothful locals. Save himself some money too.

 

Oy vey, schlepping around Big-C, with your yenta in tow? Let’s just hope she’s not a shiksa, bubbeleh.

[jerrymahoney]

They have nice salads.

[fredwiggy]

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Yes, I see the same thing.

 

I'm lucky been living here for decades, I have a big family, many close friends. 

 

I keep well away from all the loser foreigners. 

 

 

I'm sure they're all the happier for this.

[BritManToo]

3 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

The staff recognise some of the foreigners by their many moans, always complaining about this and that, being jerks, ranting and raving. 

You talk to 7-11 staff?

[jerrymahoney]

Some 7-11 staff like to practice their English esp. in areas where they do not have many farang customers.

[Gsxrnz]

The Thais have a major advantage - their embrace of family and communal living. The West had this until the 50's, but post-modernist Marxism has managed to progressively replace the family with the welfare state.

 

The chick at the 7/11 earning circa 10-12k per month either lives with her multi-generational family of nine, or five of her workmates/friends. 

 

Her rent and amenities contribution is probably no more than 2K. Food is shared communally and frugally, probably 2-3K per month. The rest is hers to pay off debts, buy the lottery, support the family. She won't be retiring with a thousand rai farm or a Mercedes, but that's how they survive. 

[quake]

No.

But I don't flaunt my wealth around the locals.

[Mike_Hunt]

7 hours ago, RSD1 said:

Does the inequality in Thailand ever make you feel uncomfortable? It does for me sometimes when I am around locals who have so much less means. I guess it weighs on my conscience. For instance, I frequently visit 7-Eleven, almost daily, and fill my basket with ฿600-฿800 worth of items without even glancing at the prices. I just grab what I need, toss it in, and head to the cashier.

 

Yet, I’m aware that the staff at 7-Eleven earn quite modest wages. Many of the food items I casually throw into my basket are things they’ve likely never tried themselves, simply because they’re out of their financial reach. What I spend in just two weeks at 7-Eleven probably equals a full month’s salary for many of them, and that’s only a percentage of my total monthly outgoings, not counting what I spend elsewhere.

 

I tend to visit the same 7-Eleven branches in my area regularly, and the staff recognize me because of how often I’m there. Sometimes, I’ll have a casual chat with them. They’re always friendly and kind, and I never sense any jealousy or distaste towards me, which I truly appreciate. Still, it gnaws at me sometimes knowing they work so much harder than I do, yet the lifestyle I take for granted remains far beyond their grasp.

 

I realize the disparities I’m describing exist throughout Thailand, by any means not just in 7-Eleven. But I think this is one everyday example that captures the stark inequality I encounter so often in this country.

 

You need to think about this in the context of your white privilege. 

[Gecko123]

I seriously doubt 7-11 clerks think regular customers are wealthy. The truly wealthy have someone do their shopping for them, and their personal assistants aren't running to 7-11. 7-11 isn't exactly a health food store either. They're probably thinking: him shop 7-11 too much, him die soon.

[short-Timer]

7 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

They think here's the fat farang again

Fat farang? Projecting? Kettle black? Looking at your hand in this photo, you must be at least 50 kilos overweight. 
 

[Harrisfan]

17 minutes ago, short-Timer said:

Fat farang? Projecting? Kettle black? Looking at your hand in this photo, you must be at least 50 kilos overweight. 
 

Trolls who never visited lol