1 minute ago, JackGats said:

Many people here long for a weaker Baht. I'm in too minds about this.

A weaker Baht would increase my purchasing power. On the other hand it would draw more crowds of undiscriminating tourists from certain parts of the World. I need less such crowds more than I need a better exchange rate.

I'd be happier with a happy medium, say 35-36 Baht to USD, which is where I think the government wants it anyway.

On 2/5/2026 at 9:13 AM, Purdey said:

Unfortunately, if the People's Party were to win 100% of the seats on Sunday, they would still be disqualified for some reason and the old dinosaurs will be cackling as they divide the spoils among them.

It is essential for the old parties to keep the status quo (not the rock group) and what do they care about the economy, with their Swiss bank accounts and their Watneys Red Barrel... And wealth overseas.

Whilst I agree with the gist of your post, perhaps I can observe that Status Quo are all rather old now, (dinosaurs of rock themselves?) and where on earth does Watneys Red Barrel come into it?

Nothing much will change, the same rather weak minority/coalition government will remain, no real programmes for reform or innovation will be introduced. Fundemental economic weaknesses will remain, social problems will continue to fester, and corruption will continue to hold back the country.

Several people think immigration is a problem causing the poor development of the economy. Legal migrants (e.g. retirees) are a drop in the ocean compared to the Thai population. Thailand needs improved education and a broader range of revenue types. Computer parts are a portion of total revenue but not creating computers. Is there a Thai computer brand? Automobiles are also a chunk of revenue. Are there Thai automobile brands?

Without the extra step of originality, I don't see just tourism being the power needed to develop the country.

On 2/10/2026 at 5:20 AM, Purdey said:

I don't see just tourism being the power needed to develop the country.

Tourism has represented around 21% of Thailand's GDP. for years.

Now there's a genuine new competitor in the game, and Thailand has no idea how to compete, and that's because they have never had to.

Vietnam's tourism increased by 21%, whilst Thailand's declined.

Thailand builds nothing to benefit tourists, and their tourism industry here. They just think the tourists will keep coming forever, despite their tired old BS scams etc.

Well, picture a Covid type downturn, but for decades to come. That's what Thailand is facing, courtesy of Vietnam.

On 2/9/2026 at 2:38 AM, JAG said:

Nothing much will change, the same rather weak minority/coalition government will remain, no real programmes for reform or innovation will be introduced.

Casinos are coming.

They have realized that higher tourist numbers from developing economies is not generating the revenue they thought it would.

They will eventually allow casinos, so a minority of extremely wealthy will prop up that 21% of tourism GDP. 🙂

Even if you live in a complete dump, as long as your growth is higher than other countries then that's all that matters guys. Forget about the situation and current status of a country, if it's growing 1% or 2% more a year than countries that are outperforming them then all else is forgotten and forgiven. Just like Sudan has a higher growth rate in GDP than every developed country in the world right now. Yep

On 2/10/2026 at 5:20 AM, Purdey said:

Several people think immigration is a problem causing the poor development of the economy. Legal migrants (e.g. retirees) are a drop in the ocean compared to the Thai population. Thailand needs improved education and a broader range of revenue types. Computer parts are a portion of total revenue but not creating computers. Is there a Thai computer brand? Automobiles are also a chunk of revenue. Are there Thai automobile brands?

Without the extra step of originality, I don't see just tourism being the power needed to develop the country.

Apple manufacturing in Vietnam.

https://vir.com.vn/apple-relocates-11-manufacturing-units-to-vietnam-104942.html&link=autochanger

Vietnam making their own cars.

https://vinfastauto.us/news/exporting-excellence-vietnamese-cars-making-waves-internationally

Tourism is 21% of Thailand's GDP and they are rapidly losing that market share as well.