I’ve backpacked through Southpark Asia for years… now i feel quietly pushed out

[FruitPudding]

23 hours ago, impulse said:

Kudos to the OP.  I'd refer to him as a low budget traveler as opposed to a low quality.  There's a huge difference.

 

For Thais to call anyone low quality is the pot calling the kettle black,  no?

 

They are the cheapest ever. All take and no give.

 

23 hours ago, impulse said:

 

But just like tourists, I'm well behaved and I do okay financially but I wouldn't feel comfortable walking into a Gucci shop.  The odds that I'd contribute more than the oxygen that I consumed is pretty much nil in a Gucci shop.

 

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what they're like on the inside?

 

Gucci is not that exclusive. Try getting into a Hermes store. 

[KhaoHom]

Yeah,  it's well plowed. Actually, the whole of Asia.

 

Remote Indonesia

Far Northern Lao

Sabah  Sarawak

Perentian islands

North India, Ladakh

Southern Lao

Remote Cambodia

 

 

China must be worth six months yes?

[ThreeCardMonte]

On 4/14/2025 at 11:05 AM, altayvan said:

Interesting that I’m now measured against people who work themselves into the ground all year, only to spend a fortune on two weeks they barely understand. That’s what qualifies as a ‘quality tourist’ these days?

Interesting that I’m now measured against people who work themselves into the ground all year, only to spend a fortune on two weeks they barely understand. That’s what qualifies as a ‘quality tourist’ these days?

Are guys with no money or not willing to spend money popular with the girls?

 

You must be a puss- magnet.

[jas007]

For the OP:

 

I've never ben a young backpacker in Thailand. In my early 20s I was in the US Army and the Vietnam war was still a thing. One thing I do remember vividly is talking to some guy who had been stationed in Thailand but had rotated back to the states. Listening to him talk, you'd think being stationed in Thailand was like dying and going to heaven. He must have had the time of his life. I can imagine.  

 

Anyway, fast forward a few decades and by the time I took my first trip to Thailand, I was in my late 40s and I wasn't a "two week millionaire." I was a "30 day millionaire."  First stop: the JW Marriott on Sukhumvit Soi 2. I could appreciate the backpackers and those traveling on a budget, though. But back then, I didn't know enough about the country to feel comfortable being anything other than a tourist on vacation.

 

Has Thailand changed over the years? Undoubtedly. But there's always somewhere, right? Maybe some of the old tourist areas have now transformed and aren't what they used to be. That's life. But I'm sure there are areas of Thailand that haven't changed much in decades. All you have to do is explore. Do some research.

 

You can't do much about the attitude of Thai officials at immigration. They have rules to follow. But why not get a retirement visa and stay in Thailand? Life would be much simpler.

 

And if for any reason you still think Thailand is no longer for you, maybe try another country. Cambodia? Or maybe somewhere outside of SE. Asia entirely. 

[FruitPudding]

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Yeah,  it's well plowed. Actually, the whole of Asia.

 

Remote Indonesia

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Far Northern Lao

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 Sarawak

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Perentian islands

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

North India

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Southern Lao

 

Done.

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

Remote Cambodia

 

I did Sihanoukville back when it was just a little fishing village. Does that count? 😆 

 

Koh Rong too (when there was nothing on the island)

 

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

 

China must be worth six months yes?

 

God, I couldn't wait to leave. Only did a month there.

 

Couldn't stand the people.

[FruitPudding]

34 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Are guys with no money or not willing to spend money popular with the girls?

 

You must be a puss- magnet.

 

Well, in a country of hookers, what do you think?

[ThreeCardMonte]

14 minutes ago, FruitPudding said:

 

Well, in a country of hookers, what do you think?

No money, no honey.  Unless the backpacker’s wardrobe and grooming standards sweeps them off their feet.

[Sir Dude]

Something else has also changed, which might be why the vibe has generally morphed and the attitude in places like immigration and with the locals in touristy places have gotten worse, and that is the they type and origin of tourists has shifted quiet dramatically too.

What I mean is that now Thailand is flooded with tourists from places and origins that many Thais clearly dislike and sneer at (generic cultural racism or bias) whereas back in  the day, yes you had the migrants for work from other Asian places like China/Burma/Laos etc, but touristy places where basically full of Caucasian tourists... places weren't flooded with angry African hookers or hordes of Indians scoping the streets in packs in gaudy outfits and oversized gold chains etc. 

The world has gotten more prosperous and Thailand has opened the door to any and all pretty much now... but that comes with many caveat too. The baht has strengthen too against all currencies, so they make much more money be letting in all and sundry, plus Thailand is less conservative now than it used to be on lots of subjects. Change is inevitable and nothing stays the same, just about whether it changes for the better or worse... which is subjective, I guess.

[jayboy]

18 hours ago, MangoKorat said:

There will always be those who like to massage their ego by flying business class and paying 5000 for a room

 

More delusion here.People travel business class/stay at decent hotels because they can afford to do so. It is nothing to do with massaging egos, more to do with avoiding discomfort.

[FruitPudding]

15 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

No money, no honey.  Unless the backpacker’s wardrobe and grooming standards sweeps them off their feet.

 

Thai women are neat and tidy on the outside,  but you should see the pig stye they live in.

 

 

[FruitPudding]

11 minutes ago, Sir Dude said:

Something else has also changed, which might be why the vibe has generally morphed and the attitude in places like immigration and with the locals in touristy places have gotten worse, and that is the they type and origin of tourists has shifted quiet dramatically too.

What I mean is that now Thailand is flooded with tourists from places and origins that many Thais clearly dislike and sneer at (generic cultural racism or bias) whereas back in  the day, yes you had the migrants for work from other Asian places like China/Burma/Laos etc, but touristy places where basically full of Caucasian tourists... places weren't flooded with angry African hookers or hordes of Indians scoping the streets in packs in gaudy outfits and oversized gold chains etc. 

The world has gotten more prosperous and Thailand has opened the door to any and all pretty much now... but that comes with many caveat too. The baht has strengthen too against all currencies, so they make much more money be letting in all and sundry, plus Thailand is less conservative now than it used to be on lots of subjects. Change is inevitable and nothing stays the same, just about whether it changes for the better or worse... which is subjective, I guess.

 

Sit back and watch the show.

 

It's hilarious to see all the Indians annoying the Thais....but they want their money.....so they are conflicted.

[black tabby12345]

One good thing about this kingdom.

You can choose where to stay, eat, and buy things, depending on the size of your wallet.

In other words, they still  serve both High and Low ends.

 

Last year, Thailand opened up its gate to visa waived tourists from 93 nations(used to be 57).

Not expecting all of them for the high end.

You never have to live in the way you feel "alienated" here.

You never have to declare How Much You Spent While Here when you leave Thailand either.

 

While Thailand's consumer price has risen compared to the old time, this kingdom still caters for all levels of visitors.

 

[BLMFem]

12 hours ago, frank83628 said:

Trolls like you  live under bridges, not hostels while backpacking

Igor, what are you doing here (except stalking me)? Putin won't be criticized in this thread so no need for you to lurk around waiting to jump to his defense.

[Zack61]

Backpacking rules. I’ve enjoyed it for almost 50 years now and still look forward to the experiences it offers. Only two things I insist on now that I’m a bit older is hot water and internet access. 

[black tabby12345]

On 4/15/2025 at 9:28 AM, Lacessit said:

I can't believe you seriously wrote that, given the number of masked Thais with no helmets or even eye protection riding scooters on Thai roads.

 

In the past 3-4 decades, Thailand certainly made economic growth.

But mostly by foreign inputs; very little by themselves.

 

Increased employment opportunities for locals as the first world manufactures brought their factories here.

Rapid train system on and under the ground, built with the first world technologies by foreign firms.

 

Regarding the politics and administration, even lesser changes; they got a military coup even in the 21st century; 2014-22.

 

Those with "connection" with the men in uniform of high ranks, can evade criminal charges.

 

Good relationship with the west, it certainly enriched Thailand in the past decades.

But it doesn't automatically mean this country got one step closer to the first world.

Having more money is one thing.

Having a better transparency is another.

 

[Ben Zioner]

41 minutes ago, black tabby12345 said:

they still  serve both High and Low ends.

As in Soi 24?

[black tabby12345]

1 minute ago, Ben Zioner said:

As in Soi 24?

I am not pointing to any specific spot/area.

And I don't know about soi24.

 

[Ben Zioner]

On 4/15/2025 at 1:49 AM, GammaGlobulin said:

 

Here's a backpacker for you....

 

 

One can NO LONGER do THIS, anymore, either.

 

Times change.

 

 

What a pu$$y, he didn't cross the Nullarbor.

[Andrewdownunder]

On 4/15/2025 at 1:05 AM, altayvan said:

Interesting that I’m now measured against people who work themselves into the ground all year, only to spend a fortune on two weeks they barely understand. That’s what qualifies as a ‘quality tourist’ these days?

Interesting that I’m now measured against people who work themselves into the ground all year, only to spend a fortune on two weeks they barely understand. That’s what qualifies as a ‘quality tourist’ these days?

nobody can judge you.

[Andrewdownunder]

You’re absolutely right to question that. Real value comes from understanding and intention, not just money and exhaustion. You clearly see more than most — keep speaking up

[KhaoHom]

2 hours ago, FruitPudding said:

 

Done.

 

 

Done.

 

 

Done.

 

 

Done.

 

 

Done.

 

 

Done.

 

 

I did Sihanoukville back when it was just a little fishing village. Does that count? 😆 

 

Koh Rong too (when there was nothing on the island)

 

 

God, I couldn't wait to leave. Only did a month there.

 

Couldn't stand the people.

 

I think rural Indonesia pretty random. Always enjoyed a month or two. I'm sure much if not all outside of Bali could be explored and you would barely bump into another Foreigner. Indonesia's kind of nice save for the lack of AC and ice.

 

Malaysia is also going to be off the tourist trail just by virtue of the expensive alcohol and the lack of ability to smoke weed.

 

Mindanao Philippines?

 

Go make yourself useful in Myanmar

 

If you've done the recommendation that you said to the point of being bored with it cuz I had become about 15 years ago I really don't know what to recommend.

 

Time to move on to another part of the world I guess

[Rob Browder]

On 4/15/2025 at 1:56 AM, JoseThailand said:

Thailand is still dirt cheap. Hostels start at 100-200 baht, come on

Nothing really changed

Yes, and the only reason immigration would block entry, is if coming / staying often / longer.  Even then, it's just a small "fee" through an agent, to buy them off for repeated tourist-entries.  There is no "insurance requirement" for tourist-entries - though not having insurance at all is not wise.

[FritsSikkink]

On 4/15/2025 at 1:05 AM, altayvan said:

Interesting that I’m now measured against people who work themselves into the ground all year, only to spend a fortune on two weeks they barely understand.

Loads of people with money, who do get involved with the locals.

[Luuk Chaai]

I’ve backpacked through Southpark Asia for years… now i feel quietly pushed out

 

so........  It sounds like you may have just celebrated you're 18th birthday  ..

welcome to the adult world

[Maxbkkcm]

3 hours ago, FruitPudding said:

 

It's not you, it's them. They only care about money. 

 

People are only good for money here. Even their children cannot go back to visit their parents without a cash gift. 

 

 

What did you expect?

 

You are a farang and Thailand is not a country you should take seriously. 

 

Enjoy it for what you can. That's it.

 

 

 

Well, I have not been a backpacker for almost 2 decades, so I can't really relate that much, but Thailand has definitely lost its charm; it's just a shopping mall now.

Why should not take it seriously? 
 

to your opinion what’s lead to that change? In the past it was more simple and frugal. With less materialism. People said its a humble place to relax. But now seems different 

[Maxbkkcm]

1 hour ago, black tabby12345 said:

 

In the past 3-4 decades, Thailand certainly made economic growth.

But mostly by foreign inputs; very little by themselves.

 

Increased employment opportunities for locals as the first world manufactures brought their factories here.

Rapid train system on and under the ground, built with the first world technologies by foreign firms.

 

Regarding the politics and administration, even lesser changes; they got a military coup even in the 21st century; 2014-22.

 

Those with "connection" with the men in uniform of high ranks, can evade criminal charges.

 

Good relationship with the west, it certainly enriched Thailand in the past decades.

But it doesn't automatically mean this country got one step closer to the first world.

Having more money is one thing.

Having a better transparency is another.

 

Why not developping something of their own then? Instead on relying on external like tourism. What about doing like korea and developp high value products or service that comes from them and whitin? 

[Maxbkkcm]

1 hour ago, Andrewdownunder said:

You’re absolutely right to question that. Real value comes from understanding and intention, not just money and exhaustion. You clearly see more than most — keep speaking up

This is why only the West elevate. Cause not only they have the money, but also critical thinking. Refelections , enjoyment of life, architecture ect. 

[Magictoad]

On 4/14/2025 at 11:57 PM, altayvan said:

I’ve been coming to Asia for many years, always on a shoestring. Not a digital nomad, not chasing luxury, just a little bit of a backpacker. The kind who speaks some Thai, stays in hostels, eats street food, and knows the backstreets better than the malls.

 

My first thought goes out to Cheap Charlie in Pattaya. I wonder how he’s getting on. He, like many of us, made a life of simplicity here.

 

I know I inspired friends to follow in my footsteps, some of them spent 30k GBP in a month on holidays, even medical trips. But that was never my style. I stretched every dollar, every baht. And it used to be enough.

 

Now, I feel like I’m considered a low-quality tourist. Immigration seems colder. More scrutiny. More suspicion. Like I’m not welcome anymore unless I can show a big bank balance and perfect insurance. I probably won’t even get 60 days in the country this year.

 

It’s like Thailand (and Southeast Asia in general) has shifted. It’s aiming for a new kind of tourist, those who book resorts from Instagram, drop cash on wellness retreats, and never talk to locals unless it’s through Grab or room service.

 

And that’s fine. Things change.

 

But it stings. Because I’ve loved this region quietly, humbly—for decades. And now I feel like I’m being pushed out of a home I never really had.

 

Just wondering if anyone else feels this shift? Or is it just me, feeling a bit left behind?

Nah. Got no idea what you're talking about.  I just see millions of Russians and Chinese that I didn't used to see especially in Pattaya.  50 years ago I don't remember hordes of Russians like I do now also I've noticed a few backpacker type, eyes glazed from Datura, whatever...

[Magictoad]

14 minutes ago, Maxbkkcm said:

Why not developping something of their own then? Instead on relying on external like tourism. What about doing like korea and developp high value products or service that comes from them and whitin? 

Like the USA?

[black tabby12345]

5 minutes ago, Maxbkkcm said:

Why not developping something of their own then? Instead on relying on external like tourism. What about doing like korea and developp high value products or service that comes from them and whitin? 

 

The biggest reason lies in the level of education.

Even though Thailand has attained economic growth in the past decades, they are in the state of 

Middle Income Trap; unable to create Value Added exports, by the absence of the system that makes it possible.

 

One common phenomenon in this world.

Technologically advanced nations are often located in the area of cooler/colder climate.

They are always needed to prepare for the cold harsh winter.

That is the one big driving force behind their development.

But different story in the tropical region, hot year around and easier access to the food, didn't urge them it.

Simply because they didn't need constant innovation/improvement of the way they do things.