4 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Completely beside the point. I should have the OPTION, without punitive tariffs. They can find other ways to raise money besides punishing their number one cash cow.

Number one cash cow?  Who are you referring to?

2 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

Number one cash cow?  Who are you referring to?

Western expats. Our contribution to the Thai economy is beyond dispute, unless you are Chinese.

17 hours ago, sometimewoodworker said:

No I did not just realise that. Nor did I say that.

the USA has only screwed over smaller virtually unknown minorities in the past (like other big players)

However trump has single handedly blown up the trust that has allowed relationships to progress and build and that trust once broken is going to take years to reestablish if it ever can.

Thank you for that.

 

However, you obviously think the present system is great and wish to see it continue. I think it's rotten to the core, benefits only the rich  and should be blown up, burnt, and consigned to the bottom of the ocean never to be seen again.

I want a system that doesn't depend on destroying the environment to make a few very rich while exploiting the rest of us.

I doubt that will happen, and when this minor kerfuffle is over, it will be business as usual, just as it was business as usual after 2009- no lessons learned.

 

You can call me cynical, if you wish.

16 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Western expats. Our contribution to the Thai economy is beyond dispute, unless you are Chinese.

If we contributed to the Thai economy they would be making it easy to stay- they don't and we don't in any serious way.

 

Many years ago I could stay in Thailand for 90 days visa free with back to back stays as long as I liked. That ended long ago and now it's having to put up with nonsense as to black or blue pen, size of photo, and obtaining a bank print out on day of application. Complete BS designed to make it difficult.

Use politicians correct names or your post will be removed.

Can't see that being an issue with the local Thai community. The ones to watch are the MAGA expats. They could easily become violent and lash out, as disability pensions, SSecurity etc. get cut.

That said, I do like &  buy Heinz, SW, Hot Sauce, Bourbons, etc., from the USA. I will boycott US goods, sure, why not?!  Sourcing replacements is an ongoing task.

This week it's hot sauce, not the best, but workable, as a replacement. 

On 4/8/2025 at 2:05 PM, Jingthing said:

Whatever the reactions to Americans due to the Trump tariff, etc. effect there is no doubt it will be much less of an issue in Thailand compared to Europe.

To wit:

‘It feels terrifying:’ Why some Americans are anxious about traveling abroad under Trump | CNN

Some American tourists are worried about traveling abroad to places like Copenhagen... at a time when Danes have a mere 20% 'favorability' rating of the US. 

In the absence of a truly cataclysmic event like a shooting war with the US — a situation that is utterly inconceivable — Thailand and Thais will continue to cater to foreigners with money, including Americans.

 

It’s really that simple.