The Money Tree

[mommysboy]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

[dumball]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

You have a very good point and well put to boot , part of the reason i left thailand a few years ago was the very nature of the beast , i would tell a thai lady i had no money when she asked for a hand out "Well , you have ATM card " she would respond . then of course there were restaraunt staff or the bar lady when you gave them Bhat 20, " Not enough , i need B100 " I just took the 20 back and told them go find another job .Plus other things of course , mostly about greed .Arevaderce BKK .

[sassienie]

So what`s new?

[dotcom]

What's new is that for every stranded tourist - will go home & tell 10 friends

NEVER EVER GO TO THAILAND FOR ANY REASON

a mob can close down the airport (illegally) for weeks on end. Pathetic.

[dave2]

Mommysboy.

Quote ... Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money

Thais have money trees as well : )

enjoy ...... dave2

[mommysboy]

So what`s new?

So what's new! Before, it was in part true. Farang would indeed come over, admittedly minus white beard and red uniform, and act like Santa.

Now there is no money!! and reduced credit card limits!!

You see you're doing it : assuming nothing has changed, it has.

[fredfromalaska]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

You have a very good point and well put to boot , part of the reason i left thailand a few years ago was the very nature of the beast , i would tell a thai lady i had no money when she asked for a hand out "Well , you have ATM card " she would respond . then of course there were restaraunt staff or the bar lady when you gave them Bhat 20, " Not enough , i need B100 " I just took the 20 back and told them go find another job .Plus other things of course , mostly about greed .Arevaderce BKK .

i dont get when u tip a cocktail ss waitress overly generous one time when they see u again they want same big tip for doing nothing. even to the point everday they just stick out their hand expecting to get something for nothing.

[fredfromalaska]

What's new is that for every stranded tourist - will go home & tell 10 friends

NEVER EVER GO TO THAILAND FOR ANY REASON

a mob can close down the airport (illegally) for weeks on end. Pathetic.

but if they want to go to se asia bkk will be right at the top of the list.

all the neighboring countries dont have nearly as much as los has to offer.

U DONT THROW OUT THE GOOD LOOKING BABY WITH THE BATHWATER...........KHAO JAI MAI.

so los is a bit unstable politically speeking, whats new?

Edited December 5, 2008 by fredfromalaska

[Theyreallrubbish]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

You have a very good point and well put to boot , part of the reason i left thailand a few years ago was the very nature of the beast , i would tell a thai lady i had no money when she asked for a hand out "Well , you have ATM card " she would respond . then of course there were restaraunt staff or the bar lady when you gave them Bhat 20, " Not enough , i need B100 " I just took the 20 back and told them go find another job .Plus other things of course , mostly about greed .Arevaderce BKK .

I don't think this is an exclusively Thai thing, but more of a woman thing. There was a survey in the UK that showed that 80% of single British women under 30 have large credit card debts and their plan to pay them off is to have their future husband pay them!

In the US its even worse, I have US friends whose wives and GFs have dreams fed by the media that they expect the man to provide with no conception of how the money will be earned or what it takes to earn that much money. They then moan that he isn't around and is "married to his job" as he slaves away trying to pay for the 2 cars and the McMansion and the expensive vacations and her clothes and shoe shopping. Any complaint on his part is met with an accusation that he isn't as much of a man as a man who her friend has who is providing the things she wants.

I was once in a bar in Chiang Mai and sat down and had a drink and one of the hostesses came up to chat with me. She asked me what I did and I said nothing. She eventually got around to saying flat out that if I had enough money to do nothing I obviously have a lot of money and should give some of it to her! She was outraged when i laughed in her face and told her to go to school as long as I had and work as hard as I had for as long as I had to get the money

[PhilHarries]

What's new is that for every stranded tourist - will go home & tell 10 friends

NEVER EVER GO TO THAILAND FOR ANY REASON

a mob can close down the airport (illegally) for weeks on end. Pathetic.

but if they want to go to se asia bkk will be right at the top of the list.

all the neighboring countries dont have nearly as much as los has to offer.

U DONT THROW OUT THE GOOD LOOKING BABY WITH THE BATHWATER...........KHAO JAI MAI.

so los is a bit unstable politically speeking, whats new?

and attitudes like that are why the US auto industry has to go cap in hand to Congress for a bail out and they don't even have the nous to travel scheduled, economy class.

The surrounding countries may well not have as much to offer as Thailand.........YET!

However at least the tourists can fly in and out without hinderance except if their flight is via BKK.

[fredfromalaska]

bkks airport debacle was a one time event! bird flu same same.

if it happened every few years i may be concerned! too much babies here. LOS AINT AMERIKA!

no argument that los is killing the golden gooses but thats up to them. bangkok has charisma and lots of it.

the unions killed gm where they couldnt be cost competitive. bkk has good product at good prices, not good comparison.

Edited December 5, 2008 by fredfromalaska

[Heng]

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

Some of the farangs that are in hock to me for 12% interest a year need to start growing some money trees.

[permanent_disorder]

Trout, incidentally, had written a book about a money tree. It had twenty-dollar bills for leaves. Its flowers were government bonds. Its fruit was diamonds. It attracted human beings who killed each other around the roots and made very good fertilizer.

So it goes.

Kurt Vonnegut: Slaughterhouse-Five

[jackinbkk]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

You have a very good point and well put to boot , part of the reason i left thailand a few years ago was the very nature of the beast , i would tell a thai lady i had no money when she asked for a hand out "Well , you have ATM card " she would respond . then of course there were restaraunt staff or the bar lady when you gave them Bhat 20, " Not enough , i need B100 " I just took the 20 back and told them go find another job .Plus other things of course , mostly about greed .Arevaderce BKK .

i dont get when u tip a cocktail ss waitress overly generous one time when they see u again they want same big tip for doing nothing. even to the point everday they just stick out their hand expecting to get something for nothing.

Yes this is a mistake I have made a few times and for the last 3 months I have been job hunting so cash is tight.

I made the mistake of giving generously to my resident taxi driver. Now he's over the moon every time he sees I want to

go anywhere. Same with bar girls. 1 big tip is then a life time commitment to give the same or they say something like 'why not have money? Man not pay you?'

Being an idiot and buying lots of drinks for your tiraks friends is the other one. I did this and was wiped out each time I came to the bar...

To be fair though the average farang is much better off than the average Thai. It's just assumed you are one of them

[fredfromalaska]

u a loan shark?

[Heng]

Nah, we have a couple of licensed pawn shops. 12% is actually under the max. loan rate.

[mommysboy]

bkks airport debacle was a one time event! bird flu same same.

if it happened every few years i may be concerned! too much babies here. LOS AINT AMERIKA!

no argument that los is killing the golden gooses but thats up to them. bangkok has charisma and lots of it.

the unions killed gm where they couldnt be cost competitive. bkk has good product at good prices, not good comparison.

It has unique attractions, but again you prove my point, ie, the base assumption in your argument is that nothing has changed and you seem unaware that cash is tight. Yet another believer in the money tree ?

[mrtoad]

What's new is that for every stranded tourist - will go home & tell 10 friends

NEVER EVER GO TO THAILAND FOR ANY REASON

a mob can close down the airport (illegally) for weeks on end. Pathetic.

but if they want to go to se asia bkk will be right at the top of the list.

all the neighboring countries dont have nearly as much as los has to offer.

U DONT THROW OUT THE GOOD LOOKING BABY WITH THE BATHWATER...........KHAO JAI MAI.

so los is a bit unstable politically speeking, whats new?

I think it depends what you are looking for, but given, LOS does have some excellent plastic surgeons. Did you get your Mrs those D cups yet?

[mommysboy]

Luckily, I'm immune from the global downturn as I have a money tree at the end of my garden. Things get a little tight I just have to wait till the wind blows a bit and go and pick up all those new crisp clean notes. Fivers, tenners, twenties, and in a bumper year I even get the odd fifty.

My friend doesn't have a money tree, but every year, usually around late December, the postman knocks on his door and presents him with the usual big brown package containing newly minted notes. Before taking his leave postie jovially says not to worry if he runs short in Thailand as their is plenty more where that came from.

The point to these absurd stories ??

Many Thais regard 'Farang' as having an inexhaustible supply of money. You'd be surprised that such a belief is not necessarily confined to the BGs. But surprisingly, in their arguments at least, some people on this board seem to have fallen for the same notion.

For example then: we get someone arguing that Thai tourism will bounce back. Perhaps a valid point had the recent troubles occurred in easier times. But, the overiding point is that many would be tourists simply can't afford to come, ie, the money tree went barren, postie won't come a knocking this year.

Look for yourself, and see how many times this simple error is made in all sorts of arguments- arguments that stand good at other times miss the financial imperative.

So at last in a posting I get to write those immortal words: 'Wake up smell the coffee'

You have a very good point and well put to boot , part of the reason i left thailand a few years ago was the very nature of the beast , i would tell a thai lady i had no money when she asked for a hand out "Well , you have ATM card " she would respond . then of course there were restaraunt staff or the bar lady when you gave them Bhat 20, " Not enough , i need B100 " I just took the 20 back and told them go find another job .Plus other things of course , mostly about greed .Arevaderce BKK .

As well as the money tree, and postman's package, it could just as easily be the magic ATM card. "No problem have ATM" - let me know when it appears as a book title.

[benjamat]

A few facts.

It is next to impossible to get a flight at any reasonable price before mid January. All the last minute (wait for best price travellers) will go elsewhere in the middle of peak season.

10 days worth of travellers to los have not been able to travel, many of these will not be able to travel now, I understand that from the uk alone this could be more than 50,000.

The pound is close to 50 baht, this is a fall from 71 in the middle of the year. A bg will now instead of say 2k be 2600 baht, I wonder how many of the less solubrious travellers will simply go elsewhere where they can get a cheap flight and the rest.

People in the UK and US, where most of the travellers come from are very worried about next year, not just next week, rapidly rising unemployment and difficult credit will stop many value customers making their trip of a lifetime over the next year.

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

Really the argument is not about what thailand has to offer over others, it is about what people can afford.

Edited December 5, 2008 by benjamat

[yongli]

Could it be, that part of the problem is the education we gave the Thais?

Feeling guilty, wanting to act rich, masses of people arriving, not having a clue, how much things cost in the local market.....

Oh, this is so cheap....

Serious question: How did this all start?

Yes, materialism is a lot more common in Asia these days. But, I found myself also being more concerned about money than I ever have ever been at home.

On the other hand, I have also learned to bargain for a fair price (not necessarily rock-bottom) and not feeling guilty about doing it.

Another thought: If you weren't the big spender anymore, would your friends still be your friends?

[chickenslegs]

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

If tourist numbers are halved next year, then prices must be doubled in order to obtain the same income.

Simple mathematics.

[dumball]

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

If tourist numbers are halved next year, then prices must be doubled in order to obtain the same income.

Simple mathematics.

Then halve that the following year ? Already many are leaving LAL (laugh a little)Thailand for destinations giving better value for their diminishing dollar(Baht) and easier to live conditions , where is the simple math for " You ain't got no customers "?

[fredfromalaska]

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

If tourist numbers are halved next year, then prices must be doubled in order to obtain the same income.

Simple mathematics.

Then halve that the following year ? Already many are leaving LAL (laugh a little)Thailand for destinations giving better value for their diminishing dollar(Baht) and easier to live conditions , where is the simple math for " You ain't got no customers "?

who offers better value than thailand. where r these tourist going?

u think people who live here long time going to leave just coz airport shut down for a week. god help us all

[fredfromalaska]

A few facts.

It is next to impossible to get a flight at any reasonable price before mid January. All the last minute (wait for best price travellers) will go elsewhere in the middle of peak season.

10 days worth of travellers to los have not been able to travel, many of these will not be able to travel now, I understand that from the uk alone this could be more than 50,000.

The pound is close to 50 baht, this is a fall from 71 in the middle of the year. A bg will now instead of say 2k be 2600 baht, I wonder how many of the less solubrious travellers will simply go elsewhere where they can get a cheap flight and the rest.

People in the UK and US, where most of the travellers come from are very worried about next year, not just next week, rapidly rising unemployment and difficult credit will stop many value customers making their trip of a lifetime over the next year.

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

Really the argument is not about what thailand has to offer over others, it is about what people can afford.

last minute travellers r the ones los doesnt want anyway, they cheep.

full flights mean los remains a hot destination. and will always remain so as long as the girls put out( i mean repair the bad goodwill the politics cause)

no doubt the people of the world have financial problems, but its not ony a thai thing.

u knoe if usa unemployment rate hits 10%, 90% still have their jobs.

i saw stats of how many tourist r from usa, i was surprised how small it is.

Edited December 6, 2008 by fredfromalaska

[dumball]

So far it seems that thailand does not see the need to reduce prices to aid tourism.

If tourist numbers are halved next year, then prices must be doubled in order to obtain the same income.

Simple mathematics.

Then halve that the following year ? Already many are leaving LAL (laugh a little)Thailand for destinations giving better value for their diminishing dollar(Baht) and easier to live conditions , where is the simple math for " You ain't got no customers "?

who offers better value than thailand. where r these tourist going?

u think people who live here long time going to leave just coz airport shut down for a week. god help us all

Keep praying , many neighbours offer better value for the hard earned buck , they also have a welcome mat , no surly immigration officials , easy visa attainment , and many other attributes tunnel vision people such as yourself fail to see , it is the overall package people are interested in , especially when there are not so many 'Die hard wanabee natives ' such as you most apparently are . You appear to be too lame-brained to see the broader aspect because of your Tunnel 'vision and thinking , as has been said before "Wake up and smell the coffee " , there is an accumulation of petty problems expats live with , the aiport closure and visa changes are just the straw finaly breaking the camels back .

Go on , ask the obviouse question "how the heck would you know ? " Well , for the benefit of the unenlightened , despite the fact i spent several years in Thailand that i enjoyed , many people have e-mailed me from this and other forums for a run down on Cambodia and cost of living and all the other pertinant information a concerned expat/tourist would be interested in , primarily because i try to present an unbiased opinion as to how it has affected me personally .I do not tell lies because i have a poor memory , i have helped a number of people to relocate including expats who have thanked me for my assistance and there are several still in 'Interim mode ' . May i suggest you change your way of thinking and somewhat degredation of people in what you communcate on Tv , you are actually an instagator in some peoples exodus , think about it if your attention span can last more than a few biased seconds .

[fredfromalaska]

if people dont find value in los good riddance.

cambodia is a good place for them!

thailand is fun ! dont know about cambo. but it has a reputation even worse than los, it has no reputation. at least los makes the evening nes once in a while, albeit for shady things...........lol.

[dumball]

fredfromalaska , typical wanabee response on TV , not a clue of what you expouse , with just half a brain you might be able to work it out , but yet , 25% does not hack it , were you somewhat deprived in your later life ? Just asking .

[fredfromalaska]

jsut be happy what los gives. it aint our country! we cant vote. if people want to live meagerly in a 4th world country , up to them!

[dudemeister]

China is the future.