Does Thailand Want Us Here?

[duchovny]

And me. Foreigners are welcome to visit and spend tons of cash to prop up the local economy but they are not at all welcome to stay.

are you happy that people come to thailand because many thai women whore themselves out?

I would be ashamed.... But anyone is free to be happy with what he wants... Anyhow you are the first person I met that is happy that some women from his country are whore...

Make me the second then.

I'm also happy that women from my country whore themselves out. Means I can can get laid when I want, not when I can.

There are whores in every country. It's just cheaper and more prevelant and a bit more of a fun atmosphere in in Thailand. That's why most of us come.

[duchovny]

Arnoldjr, I want to give you a chance to retract (at least some of) your comments.

OK Adolph, let's get everyone to retract comments that you personally don't agree with. What else don't you like?

I agree with Arnoldjr, and I also agree with free speech.

[mmrooms]

I'm also happy that women from my country whore themselves out.

I would be ashamed to have a whore as a mother, or sister, or daughter.

[geriatrickid]

Funny... You cherry pick laws and rules from lands all over the globe to compare, yet all those sad rules can be found in one single country

Ok, so you don't believe me. How about this: Try the immigrtion qualification test for Canada. I'd wager that alot of people moaning and groaning about Thailand wouldn't qualify for a work visa in Canada.

Go take the 5 minute test. http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/immigrate/ski.../tool/index.asp Even if an applicant has the job skills necessary to meet the first requirement, there are barriers such as 10 years of experience. Go look and compare and you will see that the Thai requirements are minimal. Where else can a non university graduate get a job teaching English? Certainly not in Australia, Canada, USA or EU.

Just like Thailand, Canada discourages unskilled foreign workers except when it comes to migrant farm field work. (Mexicans are now the preferred temporary workers. They come during the summer and then leave.)

If you want to start a website and use that as your reason for immigrating to Australia, USA, the EU dream on, cuz they don't need you. Golly gee, it's alot like Thailand.

Remember all the gripes about the barriers to foreign doctors in Thailand? Well, in Canada there are serious shortages of physicians. In Canada they require foreign trained physicians to pass multiple exams all over again. Even world renowned specialists from the EU and the USA have hassles in some provinces. Same as in Thailand and just like in Thailand you have to be able to communicate with a patient.

Now compare the Canadian Investor's Program to that of Thailand.

The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced business people to invest C$400,000 (about B12,000,000) into Canada’s economy. Investors must:

- show that they have business experience

-have a minimum net worth of C$800,000 (B24,000,000) that was obtained legally and

- make a C$400,000 investment.

Your investment is managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow.CIC will return your C$400,000 investment, without interest, about five years and two months after payment

Now compare that to Thailand

Investment:Applicable by aliens who bring into Thailand not less than Baht 10 million for investment in a new project which benefits the country's economy or a project subject to the approval and conditions set forth by the Committee for Granting Permanent Residence;

or Investment in Securities:Applicable to aliens who bring into Thailand money to buy special-type bonds prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand. Persons granted visas must not transfer or redeem the bonds for a period of 10 years; Investor Baht 8 million

Gee whiz. Thailand is less stringent and cheaper.

On land ownership, the Thai position is understandable. Take the experience of Vancouver, British Columbia. Lots of Chinese immigrated especially wealthy Hon Kong families. The intent was to buy up cheap homes, get the Canadian passport of convenience and go back to Hong Kong. Know what the impact was? Home prices went from affordable to astronomical in a matter of a few years. Retirees living in their modest homes saw their tax bills double and triple forcing them out of their homes because they couldn't pay the taxes. The municpal tax rates are based upon market values adjusted to reflect recent sale prices. Know what the people were screaming for? Restrict the land sales to foreigners because the locals can't afford to live there anymore. google the old cbc newscasts. The raciast hate talk is something. Ok, so scream at Thailand for not making the same mistake as in Vancouver. (and no I'm not blaming it on the Chinese as the market was fueled by cheap mortgages and lots and lots of SE Asian buying.)

we can moan all we want about Thailand, but there is a reason why some are here. No matter how rough, it's still better than the farang's homeland.

I think the only folks with a legitimate concern are those that are married to thais and/or have families here. The rest of us should just count our blessings.

[JR Texas]

When a problem surfaces that needs a solution, some people ignore it, some people take action to make the problem worse, some people run from it, and some people do what they can to solve it. It is not in my nature to run from a problem or ignore it. I would never attempt to make a problem worse (can't stand problem creators). As an academic, I prefer to take action in the form of altering the flow of cultural information in a way that will hopefully open eyes and lead to positive change. Maybe in the world we live in that is considered "boring."

And now you are waffling like a politician

Cant you just give a straight answer to a straight question:

Why do you stay in a place you dont like very much? It must make your very life very unfullfilled

Its not that i'm taking a pot-shot at you....i just cant understand is all

Penkoprod

Waffling? I thought I answered your question in a thoughtful way. Do you always run from problems? Maybe you think it is always best to run from a problem. That guides your decision-making.

If so, I understand why it is not easy for you to understand why some people chose to stay and fight for something better rather than run. Remember the Alamo? [Hopefully expats fighting for positive change will have a happier ending here in Thailand.]

Seriously, look around you. Yellow shirts are angry. They are complaining. They are fighting for something. They are not running. The same can be said for Red shirts.

Why is it that farangs who live here and call Thailand HOME are not allowed to complain? Why is it that they should embrace the love it or leave it mentality?

Life is about decisions. How we think underpins our decisions. As I said, I don't run, ignore, hide..........I fight back in my own way........I use words. As an academic, that is natural for me.

Having created that diatribe, let me emphasize: Thailand is my home. I have a Thai wife. I have a house. I have Thai friends. I speak the language. In short, I am invested here.

I also do not always live here, so your first assumption that I don't leave is invalid. For years I have taken up academic posts abroad (abroad meaning outside of Thailand). Now I am almost retired, but still do some academic work.

Is it really that hard to understand why a person might chose to not run from a problem? If so, we are in serious trouble.

By the way, an entire generation decided not to run, the WWII generation, and it is because of what they did that you are "free" to say what you want today. Think about that.

[JR Texas]

When a problem surfaces that needs a solution, some people ignore it, some people take action to make the problem worse, some people run from it, and some people do what they can to solve it. It is not in my nature to run from a problem or ignore it. I would never attempt to make a problem worse (can't stand problem creators). As an academic, I prefer to take action in the form of altering the flow of cultural information in a way that will hopefully open eyes and lead to positive change. Maybe in the world we live in that is considered "boring."

And now you are waffling like a politician

Cant you just give a straight answer to a straight question:

Why do you stay in a place you dont like very much? It must make your very life very unfullfilled

Its not that i'm taking a pot-shot at you....i just cant understand is all

Penkoprod

Ooooops.........chose/choose........please no responses from English teachers.....wrote that before morning coffee:

Waffling? I thought I answered your question in a thoughtful way. Do you always run from problems? Maybe you think it is always best to run from a problem. That guides your decision-making.

If so, I understand why it is not easy for you to understand why some people choose to stay and fight for something better rather than run. Remember the Alamo? [Hopefully expats fighting for positive change will have a happier ending here in Thailand.]

Seriously, look around you. Yellow shirts are angry. They are complaining. They are fighting for something. They are not running. The same can be said for Red shirts.

Why is it that farangs who live here and call Thailand HOME are not allowed to complain? Why is it that they should embrace the love it or leave it mentality?

Life is about decisions. How we think underpins our decisions. As I said, I don't run, ignore, hide..........I fight back in my own way........I use words. As an academic, that is natural for me.

Having created that diatribe, let me emphasize: Thailand is my home. I have a Thai wife. I have a house. I have Thai friends. I speak the language. In short, I am invested here.

I also do not always live here, so your first assumption that I don't leave is invalid. For years I have taken up academic posts abroad (abroad meaning outside of Thailand). Now I am almost retired, but still do some academic work.

Is it really that hard to understand why a person might choose to not run from a problem? If so, we are in serious trouble.

By the way, an entire generation decided not to run, the WWII generation, and it is because of what they did that you are "free" to say what you want today. Think about that.

[canuckamuck]

Funny... You cherry pick laws and rules from lands all over the globe to compare, yet all those sad rules can be found in one single country

Ok, so you don't believe me. How about this: Try the immigrtion qualification test for Canada. I'd wager that alot of people moaning and groaning about Thailand wouldn't qualify for a work visa in Canada.

Go take the 5 minute test. http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/immigrate/ski.../tool/index.asp Even if an applicant has the job skills necessary to meet the first requirement, there are barriers such as 10 years of experience. Go look and compare and you will see that the Thai requirements are minimal. Where else can a non university graduate get a job teaching English? Certainly not in Australia, Canada, USA or EU.

Just like Thailand, Canada discourages unskilled foreign workers except when it comes to migrant farm field work. (Mexicans are now the preferred temporary workers. They come during the summer and then leave.)

If you want to start a website and use that as your reason for immigrating to Australia, USA, the EU dream on, cuz they don't need you. Golly gee, it's alot like Thailand.

Remember all the gripes about the barriers to foreign doctors in Thailand? Well, in Canada there are serious shortages of physicians. In Canada they require foreign trained physicians to pass multiple exams all over again. Even world renowned specialists from the EU and the USA have hassles in some provinces. Same as in Thailand and just like in Thailand you have to be able to communicate with a patient.

Now compare the Canadian Investor's Program to that of Thailand.

The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced business people to invest C$400,000 (about B12,000,000) into Canada's economy. Investors must:

- show that they have business experience

-have a minimum net worth of C$800,000 (B24,000,000) that was obtained legally and

- make a C$400,000 investment.

Your investment is managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and is guaranteed by the Canadian provinces that use it to create jobs and help their economies grow.CIC will return your C$400,000 investment, without interest, about five years and two months after payment

Now compare that to Thailand

Investment:Applicable by aliens who bring into Thailand not less than Baht 10 million for investment in a new project which benefits the country's economy or a project subject to the approval and conditions set forth by the Committee for Granting Permanent Residence;

or Investment in Securities:Applicable to aliens who bring into Thailand money to buy special-type bonds prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand. Persons granted visas must not transfer or redeem the bonds for a period of 10 years; Investor Baht 8 million

Gee whiz. Thailand is less stringent and cheaper.

On land ownership, the Thai position is understandable. Take the experience of Vancouver, British Columbia. Lots of Chinese immigrated especially wealthy Hon Kong families. The intent was to buy up cheap homes, get the Canadian passport of convenience and go back to Hong Kong. Know what the impact was? Home prices went from affordable to astronomical in a matter of a few years. Retirees living in their modest homes saw their tax bills double and triple forcing them out of their homes because they couldn't pay the taxes. The municpal tax rates are based upon market values adjusted to reflect recent sale prices. Know what the people were screaming for? Restrict the land sales to foreigners because the locals can't afford to live there anymore. google the old cbc newscasts. The raciast hate talk is something. Ok, so scream at Thailand for not making the same mistake as in Vancouver. (and no I'm not blaming it on the Chinese as the market was fueled by cheap mortgages and lots and lots of SE Asian buying.)

we can moan all we want about Thailand, but there is a reason why some are here. No matter how rough, it's still better than the farang's homeland.

I think the only folks with a legitimate concern are those that are married to thais and/or have families here. The rest of us should just count our blessings.

Yes but show up illegally or as a refugee in Canada and they roll out the red carpet.

It is true that Canada has some unusually strong barriers to immigration. My wife was told not to mention that she was married to a Canadian when she applied for her first visitor visa, because some felt that that would show intent to stay in Canada beyond the visa. She has been there 4 times since and has applied as a married person, but they still won't give her the 5 year visa, even though the Americans gave her a 10 year just so she could change planes on a flyover. So she has to pay for a new one on every trip.The best we have gotten was a 21 month visa (weird eh?)

But one only has to have a quick look around in Canada to see that immigration is totally possible and encouraged. I have two sister inlaws who became Canadians, and although they were educated, they were not rich. In some areas it is hard to find a third generation Canadian because of the huge amount of immigrants. The same can't be said for Thailand as I have never met someone who became a Thai citizen, although I know it has been done.

Edited April 21, 2009 by canuckamuck

[keithlee]

Foreigners are not welcome in Thailand. Dont like it? Then take your money and leave.

All they do is just look down on thai people, cause trouble and buy people with their money.

those who buy seldom get theri moneys worth .

sellers seem to do fine

[t.s]

before anyone jumps up and down and shouts ,i love it in Thailand and always have.our neighbours are terrific and i have a good familly who never want anything(except her young brother,lazy sod),but its those in charge ,who always seem to want our money ,but give us nothing in return .things like double pricing,150 baht charge to take your money out of an a.t.m. draconian visa regulations ,not being able to own land ,ect what is it? they keep coming out with guff about making Thailand the perfect destination but to my mind its just b-llocks.

what do you lot think?

What is this 150 baht for the ATM ??....Pls explain

the banks have started charging 150 baht when you make a withdrawel from an atm with a non thai card.

Interesting, curious to know what the fee would be if I used my Thai Bank card in London? Seems to me this is not a Thai issue as much as a 'Bank' issue.

my thai bank cards certainly came with a user fee when i used them in vancouver. and that was 2 years ago.

i think the only leg the OP has to stand on is over land ownership.

[Neeranam]

I think most Thais are very sensitive about their noses being flat and/or wide with no bridge. "dtang maeb" as they say in Isarn.

When they get a group of foreigners with straight thin bridged noses, it makes them feel less than. This is why Taksin increased visas etc.

The next time an Isarn person calls you "farang", try saying "dtung boeng" and see the reaction.

[MiG16]

other countries banks also charge when you want to withdraw money from an ATM overseas they charge thai citizens the same fee.

in fact in some countries, they charge you a fee to maintain a bank account.

so i dont know how this has anything to do with whether or not the government wants foreigners?

every country has different group of people they want to attract.

countries like australia and canada obviously want more younger skilled workers

thailand seems to want the retirees.

but at least it is open to some form of immigration.

how many countries in west europe are? despite having a serious lack of workers with their aging population? yet due to political pressure, governments know it would be akin to committing political suicide. one reason why Germany is still so opposed to Turkey joining the EU I believe

anyhow....getting somewhat sidetracked there. but point is - read the 2nd to 5th sentence

[GarryP]

many thais and probably most are not aware of some of the stupid or draconian measures in place.

many have asked why i don't buy a house? and other such questions which when answered they show great surprise.

so its only a very few that dont.

I am regularly asked the same thing. Also frequently asked if I am a Thai citizen. These people have seen me about for quite some time and know I speak the lingo. The average Thai Joe assumes that being here for any length of time and having family here qualfies you for citizenship or at least rights to buy a home. They are usually shocked when I point out that it is not as simple as that. They know that if they go and live abroad for any reasonable length of time they would probably automatically qualify for citizenship and assume it is the same in Thailand.

I don't think it the average Thai really cares one way or another whether we stay or go.

[bonobo]

I had a well-educated, financially well-off Thai acquaintance of mine ask me how he can get around the law and buy a house in the US for his kids to live in while they attend school there. When I told him all he has to do is pay for the house and it is his, he was astounded. He couldn't believe that there were no restrictions on foreign ownership of property there.

[Slip]

Arnoldjr, I want to give you a chance to retract (at least some of) your comments.

OK Adolph, let's get everyone to retract comments that you personally don't agree with. What else don't you like?

I agree with Arnoldjr, and I also agree with free speech.

Now you are just being silly.

Plainly, at no point did I say that Arnoldjr was not entitled to voice his opinions. As you quoted I said I wanted to give him a chance to withdraw his comments. They were stereotypical and derogatory.

Strange that you should call me Adolf, when he used the marginilization of swathes of the population for his political ends, just as you are saying you agree with.

I fully support your right to hold the views that you do. That doesn't make you any less of an idiot though, sadly.

[thaihome]

I had a well-educated, financially well-off Thai acquaintance of mine ask me how he can get around the law and buy a house in the US for his kids to live in while they attend school there. When I told him all he has to do is pay for the house and it is his, he was astounded. He couldn't believe that there were no restrictions on foreign ownership of property there.

I think one thing needs to straightened out about buying a house in US without having permanent residency. Though there is no law forbidding it, there are a number of barriers that will get in the way. You can’t just walk up to a real estate agent and plunk down the cash for a house. There are of course, ways to get around these barriers, but they require some additional resources and expenses to do so, Gee, that kind of sounds like Thailand doesn’t it?.

TH

[doggie888888]

Weeeeeeeeee, another thread about us and them.

When you use the term "us", please don't assume that we are all the same. If your "us" includes people of marginal income, lacking needed job skills or not possessing an ability to truly contribute to the well being and economic growth of Thailand, then yes, your assessment is correct. Horrible isn't it that

So let's look at your complaints shall we?

draconian visa regulations

Thailand has the same position as other countries like Australia, Canada, the USA and the EU. When was the last time you saw Australia set up a recruiting booth in Africa, India or even Europe and ask uneducated people that would contribute nothing of great value to the society or economy to move to Australia? You do realize that the UK, USA etc. all impose financial requirements in order to obtain investment or retirement visas right? Do you know how difficult it is for a Thai to get a tourist visa to a western country?

things like double pricing,

We already have a thread going on that but I know from my own experience in other countries that I often paid more for local services. Need some examples? Take boring Canada;

- University tuition for "foreign" students is in the tens of thousands while students resident in the province pay only a few thousand.

- Medical care is "free" to residents that may pay for some services such as non hospital based tests. Foreigners pay rates and costs that would preclude most Thais from obtaining medical care. For example, the charge to a non resident for a doctor visit can be $100-$250 depending upon the province. This is significantly higher than the $20-$40. a foreigner is charged in Thailand.

- Entrance to SixFlags amusement park in Montreal: Non residents pay approx. 2X the cost of residents.

150 baht charge to take your money out of an a.t.m.

What's your point? Western banks do the same thing. When use a bank that isn't my branch in the west, I pay an atm access fee + my bank's added fee. This can amount to 150B as well. I just noticed that my west issued Mastercard has been adding 200b fees to my card for purchases I made on the internet in the west.

,not being able to own land ,

Did you know that in Prince Edward Island, Canada non residents are not allowed to purchase land? The locals passed the law because they were worried about all sorts of rich foreigners coming in and buying up the province. It has withstood all sorts of court challenges because the law was intended to protect the local culture. Just like in PEI, if there would be a free for all in Thailand that would occur if foreigners were allowed to own land. Large chunks of agricultural land would be drawn out of the economy. Nevermind that, but alot of folks whining about not being able to buy land might then be whining about Indians, Chinese and Arabs forcing up land prices beyond the reach of western retirees because they were on buying sprees.

For those of "us" that are responsible citizens and have either the financial wherewithall or important job skills or that can help the economy, the welcome is there. If someone just wants to sit around drinking beer and copulating with impoverished sex workers in Pattaya and that would be considered trash in his or her own country, no the welcome isn't there.

Great post..it is really about each sovereign country making rules as they themselves see fit. If the "aliens" don't like it, well the airport is still open for now. As they sometimes say to new migrants in the "civilised" first world: if you don't like it here, go back to where you came from!

[flying]

I had a well-educated, financially well-off Thai acquaintance of mine ask me how he can get around the law and buy a house in the US for his kids to live in while they attend school there. When I told him all he has to do is pay for the house and it is his, he was astounded. He couldn't believe that there were no restrictions on foreign ownership of property there.

I think one thing needs to straightened out about buying a house in US without having permanent residency. Though there is no law forbidding it, there are a number of barriers that will get in the way. You can't just walk up to a real estate agent and plunk down the cash for a house. There are of course, ways to get around these barriers, but they require some additional resources and expenses to do so, Gee, that kind of sounds like Thailand doesn't it?.

TH

No actually it does not..........not at all

In the USA you can for better or worse own land quite easily with or without a SS# Just take a look at Florida or Hawaii

In Thailand a Non-Thai citizen cannot own land held solely in their name as far as I can tell.

[thaihome]

Did I say something about SSN#? What is that about? I’m talking about bank accounts, large cash transactions originated by aliens that must be reported, etc. All surmountable, but not without some effort and resources. Just like in Thailand, though indeed you cannot have land title solely in your name, you can certainly have the land entirely in your control if you have sufficient resources. Do you have a fetish about your name being on documents?

TH

[flying]

Did I say something about SSN#? What is that about? I'm talking about bank accounts, large cash transactions originated by aliens that must be reported, etc. All surmountable, but not without some effort and resources. Just like in Thailand, though indeed you cannot have land title solely in your name, you can certainly have the land entirely in your control if you have sufficient resources. Do you have a fetish about your name being on documents?

TH

Sheesh you said permanent residency

I think one thing needs to straightened out about buying a house in US without having permanent residency. Though there is no law forbidding it, there are a number of barriers that will get in the way. You can't just walk up to a real estate agent and plunk down the cash for a house. There are of course, ways to get around these barriers, but they require some additional resources and expenses to do so, Gee, that kind of sounds like Thailand doesn't it?.

TH

Bottom line is all you said about buying land or a home in USA was wrong.

Any foreign national can buy land or home in USA with cash & yes even credit.

As for cash itself................Yes large sums need to be reported.

But,,,,,,,,,, It is the exact same for a US Citizen.........anything over 10k

So does that sound like TL? ( hint exact same law for citizen & foreigner )

As for having anything completely in your control in Thailand & your a non Thai?

Yeah good luck with that one.

Fetish about a name on a document? Your losing the plot buddy

Talking about owning land yes?

Edited April 21, 2009 by flying

[yabaaaa]

Hm nice poilte response there!!

My wife who lives in Bangkok takes care of our small business there and cannot really afford to leave it for any length of time so she would be unable to come to the UK and get a UK passport etc. I can't go there full time as I am under 50 and dont have enough CASH (plenty of assets) to stay there permanently. So for the next few years we have to stay apart quite a lot. I would appreciate a visa that lets me come and go a bit more easily although the Non O is quite good at the moment unless they start messing about with that one. I really think they should do some type of visa for foreigners married to Thais after 5 years of marriage too and can prove a relationsip really exists. Currently I come over twice a year for 2-3 months per time and have done this now for about 3 years.

Although my wife has been here to the UK and liked it she really didnt like the cold one bit, its also not easy for her to get a visa to do this, a UK passport would be great for her to travel freely but we just cant manage it with the business. I think you need to stay n the UK about 2 years etc although i did read it could be done over a few years visits accruing time here? Still no good option for us at the moment.

I see if a farang woman marries a Thai man life is much easier for her??

[dave9988]

i agree that you should be able to trust your wife. otherwise, why did you marry her?

Edited April 21, 2009 by dave9988

[dave9988]

i guess i walked right into that one surayu. in Thailand for business. family owns a few companies business here related to construction/manufacturing. last thing i want is a thai wife with all the stories i've heard. and yes i have dated thai women. this only made me want them even less. nice girls great fun but come from such a different world. don't really want to deal with all the thai and thai family issues either.

your point being? its not fair?

is it fair that isaan girls have to have sex with men thrice their weight because their family is poor and in debt? No, its not fair, but I sure as hel_l dont see many farang complaining about it.

Life not being fair is only a problem if you are on the short end of the stick.

5555555555555

grow a pair of balls, have some self respect.

[Crushdepth]

And me. Foreigners are welcome to visit and spend tons of cash to prop up the local economy but they are not at all welcome to stay.

are you happy that people come to thailand because many thai women whore themselves out?

I would be ashamed.... But anyone is free to be happy with what he wants... Anyhow you are the first person I met that is happy that some women from his country are whore...

My post is not about prostitution and I'm not Thai.

[teletiger]

I wonder what the "per capita" figure is, for prostitutes, in countries around the world? I wouldn't mind betting that Thailand is not top.

mmrooms country obviously has no prostitutes. like Iran has no gays.

Regards.

[Heng]

I don't think it the average Thai really cares one way or another whether we stay or go.

Pretty much spot on, although I wish I'd be able to allow exception for my handful of foreign friends.

[F1fanatic]

I wonder what the "per capita" figure is, for prostitutes, in countries around the world? I wouldn't mind betting that Thailand is not top.

mmrooms country obviously has no prostitutes. like Iran has no gays.

Regards.

I'd be suprised if its not very close to the top of the list, if not the top! Be honest, its famous for it.

As to buying land in the US, I'm no expert in US law but can vouch that getting into the US (as a UK citizen going there on a holiday) is not easy! But easier I've no doubt, than if you're Asian.

Somehow one suspects that (as everywhere) if you're a multi-millionaire, life and legal restrictions are no problem. Otherwise you're struggling and arguing your case.

[teletiger]

Haha...after research....I may have to reduce my exposure to my own bet.

[source: peopledaily, December 14, 2001] Thailand ranks third after India and the U.S. in the number of child prostitutes, the United Nations (UN) said in its report prepared for the Second World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation which will be held in Japan Saturday, the Nation Newspaper reported Friday.

Number of women and children that are believed to be sexually exploited in

India: about 400,000 [population of 1,137 million]

United States: between 244,000 and 325,000 [305 million]

Thailand: 200,000 [65.5million]

Eastern and central Europe175,000 [about 200 0million]

Brazil: 100,000 [187.5 million]

West Africa: 35,000 [about 250 million]

Although third in volume, they are way ahead per capita.

Although the figure is not purely prostitution, it also disregards

women working overseas. (60,000 Thai prostitutes in Japan alone.)

These are UN figures. I won't give you the source site because it mentions the unmentionable.

Regards.

Edit: Male Thais outnumber "tourists" 9:1 as prostitution users.

Quote: About 4.6 million Thai men regularly, and at least 500,000 foreign tourists annually, use prostituted women.

Edited April 21, 2009 by teletiger

[F1fanatic]

Haha...after research....I may have to reduce my exposure to my own bet.

[source: peopledaily, December 14, 2001] Thailand ranks third after India and the U.S. in the number of child prostitutes, the United Nations (UN) said in its report prepared for the Second World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation which will be held in Japan Saturday, the Nation Newspaper reported Friday.

Number of women and children that are believed to be sexually exploited in

India: about 400,000 [population of 1,137 million]

United States: between 244,000 and 325,000 [305 million]

Thailand: 200,000 [65.5million]

Eastern and central Europe175,000 [about 200 0million]

Brazil: 100,000 [187.5 million]

West Africa: 35,000 [about 250 million]

Although third in volume, they are way ahead per capita.

Although the figure is not purely prostitution, it also disregards

women working overseas. (60,000 Thai prostitutes in Japan alone.)

These are UN figures. I won't give you the source site because it mentions the unmentionable.

Regards.

How on earth do they measure these things!!

I've only been to the US on holiday, but prostitution was far less obvious or acceptable. Obviously it exists, but there's hardly hundreds of bars with 'available' women!

India?? Unacceptable full stop. The lowest class may be forced into that position, but its hardly acceptable - unlike here.

[teletiger]

Haha...F1, you may like to visit some of the "legal" cat-houses in the more Southerly States. Was it Colorado who proposed an extra tax? $7 a pop?

Regards.

[dave9988]

yeah, i don't get how they estimate child prostitute numbers or how the US has that many. or thailand for that matter. sounds like BS.