Why

[fredob43]

A friend of mine has just returned from Phuket, telling all of the crazy prices, for food drink's ect. The problem's with the taxi's. Now I read on TV 250 baht to go on some beach's. My question is. Why is any one going there, let alone liveing there. Ill understand if you have work. Or if it's your first time and dont know. Is there something I missing???

[ScubaBuddha]

If you have never been here, then yes, there is likely lots you are missing.

In business there is a saying, "People who have a good experience will on average tell 3-4 people, whereas people who who have a bad experience will tell 10-15." I think that explains a little bit of the negativity you see expressed about Phuket. I am certainly guilty of it. Then there are also those whom complain about everything.

There is definitely much to legitimately complain about here, and for some people they get fed up and leave the island, and that's up to them, but IMO it is still a very pleasant place to live. Some of the problems we experience are general to Thailand, and some are specific to Phuket. If you keep up with the news, the stories of staggering political corruption, unfair business practices, poor immigration services, ineffective and extortionate police, and of course the tuk tuk/taxi mafia can be a bit much to tolorate. Best not to dwell on it, just be aware.

Your perception of the island will also depend on what you are going to be doing in Phuket. People doing regular business with Thai's are likely to get frustrated quickly, but the average retiree shouldn't have many problems. Most of them are quite happy here. As are most the tourists, especially those that experience the island outside of Patong. Patong, perhaps along with Pattaya and Bangkok, is pretty much the center of greed and corruption in Thailand. Even talking to the Thai wife of a mate of mine tonight, she said, "In Phuket it is really bad. You go outside Phuket and the Thai's are not so greedy, rude and corrupt"

When you live here you learn to avoid the scams and scammy places, like the beaches in which adjoining land owners try to extort visitors for access, and how to avoid the overpriced drinks. I don't go to Freedom Beach, and I haven't had to use tuk tuk or taxi for about 7 years. If I get an obvious overpriced drink menu put in front of me, I politely ask for the "other" menu. If they don't want to show it to me then I leave. Simple as that. This is not likely to happen to you unless you are in a Go-Go, however. Just like anywhere in the world, you learn what to avoid. There are so many places where food and drink are exceptional but not exceptionally priced.

I have met amazing people here, many I am happy to now call my friends, foreign and Thai. Perhaps at times we commiserate a bit much, but sometimes we have to just to keep our sanity. It's nice to know we aren't alone. A few issues like corruption (found everywhere in Thailand) and overpriced taxi's isn't a reason to write of a visit, IMHO. However, if the tuk tuk mafias don't clean up their act and in fact get worse, I may change my tune one day. I really hope that day never comes, but it's not here yet.

Edited March 15, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[game4shame]

I've been to phuket now approx 5-6 times. the first few times I was surprised at the cost of things - drinks & peak season hotels mainly.

after I'd been there a few times, I started to get a feel for the place eg I spent a few nights in patong in peak season this year and managed to get a reasonably decent hotel for 950THB per night.

to avoid rip-off taxis, I always try to rent a bike if Im going any major distances and get a hotel near to the nightlife areas so I can walk home or take a motorbike taxi.

if I'm planning a heavy night on the booze, it's best to start at bars on the outskirts rather than straight to bangla road. bangla prices are on the steep side.

a bit of exploring does the trick.

phuket's not the cheapest but eg samui isn't either - phukets definitely cheaper to get to than samui with flights from between 1-2000THB in comparison to samuis 3000THB+.

Edited March 15, 2010 by game4shame

[stevenl]

Why do people post a new thread without a clear title;

Why do people post the same subject over and over again;

why do people post about things they don't know anything about (since the op is asking a question this is not applicable to the op in this case);

etc.

[fredob43]

Why do people post a new thread without a clear title;

Why do people post the same subject over and over again;

why do people post about things they don't know anything about (since the op is asking a question this is not applicable to the op in this case);

etc.

What do you want. Why go to Phuket,

I dont know about Phuket. Well I first went there 30 year's ago when the road up to Diamond cliff resort and beyond was a gravel track. And almost impassable without a 4x4 And Ive been there several time's since. Last time 9 year's ago. It's just that Ive seen on TV Lot's of negative report's from people that live there. And just asked from an interested point of view. Thank's for the constructive reply's. And yes when I get time Ill give it another go.

[Peterocket]

In fairness your questions have been asked and answered in heaps of posts here on Thai Visa.

[fredob43]

In fairness your questions have been asked and answered in heaps of posts here on Thai Visa.

Well yes. Maybe they have, but as Ive only been a member for a few month's, Im sorry but I havent seen them. All it take's is quick look at when I joined. And maybe It would stop some people jumping down other folk's throat's. And inferring that they dont know what they are talking about. I think enough said on the subject.

[simcity]

Fredob43

Your post is important.

I just post a disappointment few days I have with huahin and over 1100 views it.

Internet are a killer tool, younger generation will avidly log on the net, & read before they conceive a voyage somewhere.

Good on them, knowledge is useful.

my Bangkok friends & myself we stop going to Phuket years ago, and the last I hear about someone going there, was a honey-moon couple from Australia and one French couple from France to the club med! When this type of customers will stop to go, not a lot will be left in this mafia over price town.

and it is true, your topic could have a more direct title

[petercallen]

I have just returned from a holiday in Australia and believe me the prices of things there are much higher than they

are in Phuket, i consider the prices here VERY SEASONABLE.

Where we live the people are friendly and good neighbors and its a great place to live, nothing is expensive.

Everyone who i know living here loves the place and knows the things you should do and what you should

not do and don't get ripped off.

If you don't like Phuket don't come here go elsewhere and stop flogging a dead horse.

[Peterocket]

Why are certain repeat topics allowed to run when others get referred back to the original (of which in this case there are many)?

[fredob43]

Fredob43

Your post is important.

I just post a disappointment few days I have with huahin and over 1100 views it.

Internet are a killer tool, younger generation will avidly log on the net, & read before they conceive a voyage somewhere.

Good on them, knowledge is useful.

my Bangkok friends & myself we stop going to Phuket years ago, and the last I hear about someone going there, was a honey-moon couple from Australia and one French couple from France to the club med! When this type of customers will stop to go, not a lot will be left in this mafia over price town.

and it is true, your topic could have a more direct title

Next time Ill try with the topic title. Thank's for your comment's. Sorry I missed your email on hua-hin as I would have liked to have read your thought's on the place. I alway's go to Cha-am yes very Thai and bloody quiet. But by christ can you eat well. That's if you like sea food. And know where to go.

[billythehat]

I have just returned from a holiday in Australia and believe me the prices of things there are much higher than they

are in Phuket, i consider the prices here VERY SEASONABLE.

Where we live the people are friendly and good neighbors and its a great place to live, nothing is expensive.

Everyone who i know living here loves the place and knows the things you should do and what you should

not do and don't get ripped off.

If you don't like Phuket don't come here go elsewhere and stop flogging a dead horse.

Sheesh Expensive?..Oh really?...Now let me guess....erm..er..could it be that Australia is a first world country and Lalaland is a 3^rd world country?

I hope he does go and then he can make his own opinion.

[ScubaBuddha]

I have just returned from a holiday in Australia and believe me the prices of things there are much higher than they

are in Phuket, i consider the prices here VERY SEASONABLE.

Where we live the people are friendly and good neighbors and its a great place to live, nothing is expensive.

Everyone who i know living here loves the place and knows the things you should do and what you should

not do and don't get ripped off.

If you don't like Phuket don't come here go elsewhere and stop flogging a dead horse.

Sheesh Expensive?..Oh really?...Now let me guess....erm..er..could it be that Australia is a first world country and Lalaland is a 3^rd world country?

I hope he does go and then he can make his own opinion.

FYI Thailand is not a 3rd world country. Most of it isn't 2nd world either. Have you ever been there or do you just not understand the term?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UN_Human...Report_2009.PNG

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm

[ScubaBuddha]

In fairness your questions have been asked and answered in heaps of posts here on Thai Visa.

Well yes. Maybe they have, but as Ive only been a member for a few month's, Im sorry but I havent seen them. All it take's is quick look at when I joined. And maybe It would stop some people jumping down other folk's throat's. And inferring that they dont know what they are talking about. I think enough said on the subject.

Not to pile on, but what does your join date have to do with your ability to search past posts? It's not like you need a time machine. lol.

To help understand the jumping down of throats, you should know that there are people who have come on ThaiVisa criticizing Phuket that were exposed as shills, owners of resorts or other interests in other parts of Thailand outside Phuket. Some here in Phuket are probably sensitive to that.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[billythehat]

FYI Thailand is not a 3rd world country. Most of it isn't 2nd world either. Have you ever been there or do you just not understand the term?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UN_Human...Report_2009.PNG

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm

What a load of cobblers. Not 3^rd or 2^nd so I assume you mean LLL is a 1st world country? Million laughs there, Einstein. Thailand is one of the 3rd world countries. Its government and politics are not aligned to either the western world or the communist world. I will accept 4^th world, though.

[Peterocket]

I dont believe that Thailand is third world and any of the reports I read dont list Thailand as third world either.

Edited March 16, 2010 by Peterocket

[ScubaBuddha]

FYI Thailand is not a 3rd world country. Most of it isn't 2nd world either. Have you ever been there or do you just not understand the term?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UN_Human...Report_2009.PNG

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm

What a load of cobblers. Not 3^rd or 2^nd so I assume you mean LLL is a 1st world country? Million laughs there, Einstein. Thailand is one of the 3rd world countries. Its government and politics are not aligned to either the western world or the communist world. I will accept 4^th world, though.

Please I beg you to go do some research on this before making a further fool of yourself. The million laughs are directed at you my friend, not me.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[Atmos]

refer to Scubabuddha post #2. I agree

We like it here; after almost a year here we're off for six months to Chanthaburi next month, and will happily return in October, hopefully to the same area as we've got some good friends here now.

So often people judge Phuket based on a a week in Patong, then extend those judgments to all of Thailand.

Living here, admittedly for a relatively short time of 10mths so far, we like it here. We don't go near Patong, ever, it's simply not the kind of place we'd go, we have never been 'robbed by a tuk tuk etc' we just live a nice quiet lifestyle and get on with our lives.

I won't compare with other places/countries we've lived, every country has its pros and cons - celebrate the difference!

[petercallen]

Well BILLYTHEHAT it seems you enjoy insulting Thai people and Thailand.

You certainly have no idea what a third world country is and it seems you do talk through your hat.

All the posts you do which i have seen on this forum you knock every thing and everybody.

You really need to find something better to do with your life.

[fredob43]

In fairness your questions have been asked and answered in heaps of posts here on Thai Visa.

Well yes. Maybe they have, but as Ive only been a member for a few month's, Im sorry but I havent seen them. All it take's is quick look at when I joined. And maybe It would stop some people jumping down other folk's throat's. And inferring that they dont know what they are talking about. I think enough said on the subject.

Not to pile on, but what does your join date have to do with your ability to search past posts? It's not like you need a time machine. lol.

To help understand the jumping down of throats, you should know that there are people who have come on ThaiVisa criticizing Phuket that were exposed as shills, owners of resorts or other interests in other parts of Thailand outside Phuket. Some here in Phuket are probably sensitive to that.

Im sorry if Ive opened a can of worm's And upset some people. but Im new to this comp: game. got my first one ever, a month before I joined TV. Search for back post's might be ok for you smart arse's but it took me a bumbo two month's to work out if it was an email or etex. And what the hel_l BB code help & toggle side panel is Ill leave that for another post. Too much to take in. If any one would like to help you can start a new post care of dumbo. With a few tip's on how to do various bit's. How to save a post would be very handy. Thank's a bunch in anticipation. Please remember Im a dick head. As easy as poss please.

[ScubaBuddha]

In fairness your questions have been asked and answered in heaps of posts here on Thai Visa.

Well yes. Maybe they have, but as Ive only been a member for a few month's, Im sorry but I havent seen them. All it take's is quick look at when I joined. And maybe It would stop some people jumping down other folk's throat's. And inferring that they dont know what they are talking about. I think enough said on the subject.

Not to pile on, but what does your join date have to do with your ability to search past posts? It's not like you need a time machine. lol.

To help understand the jumping down of throats, you should know that there are people who have come on ThaiVisa criticizing Phuket that were exposed as shills, owners of resorts or other interests in other parts of Thailand outside Phuket. Some here in Phuket are probably sensitive to that.

Im sorry if Ive opened a can of worm's And upset some people. but Im new to this comp: game. got my first one ever, a month before I joined TV. Search for back post's might be ok for you smart arse's but it took me a bumbo two month's to work out if it was an email or etex. And what the hel_l BB code help & toggle side panel is Ill leave that for another post. Too much to take in. If any one would like to help you can start a new post care of dumbo. With a few tip's on how to do various bit's. How to save a post would be very handy. Thank's a bunch in anticipation. Please remember Im a dick head. As easy as poss please.

lol. Fair enough. I can relate new technology can be daunting. I bought my Mom a computer at Christmas and she has yet to get into her email.

Me: "Ok Mom, now type in your password."

Mom: "How?"

Me: "Use the keyboard."

Mom: "What's a keyboard?"

My suggestion just keep exploring and you will learn quickly.

As far as Thaivisa, and many other forums, there is two main ways to find what you want. First, try searching for keywords in the Google custom search box near the top. The other way is to browse the forums and topics by clicking on them and scrolling through them. It's all fairly intuitive. You don't really need to "save" posts cause they will always be here. What you can do is subscribe to a thread to get the new posts in it using "options" then "subscribe" near the upper right. You can also bookmark a topic using your webrowser using "bookmarks" near the top of your browser.

Hope that helps.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[ScubaBuddha]

FYI Thailand is not a 3rd world country. Most of it isn't 2nd world either. Have you ever been there or do you just not understand the term?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UN_Human...Report_2009.PNG

http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world.htm

What a load of cobblers. Not 3^rd or 2^nd so I assume you mean LLL is a 1st world country? Million laughs there, Einstein. Thailand is one of the 3rd world countries. Its government and politics are not aligned to either the western world or the communist world. I will accept 4^th world, though.

Ok, I see what's going on here. You are using the term as it was used 50+ years ago. Yes Thailand was part of the original 3rd world because it wasn't aligned with part of capitalist west or the socialist east, which was the definition back then. But your original comment would certainly suggest you were using the term how it is now commonly known, to describe on a geopolitical scale the quality of life, infrastructure, and poverty levels of the worlds countries.

So now that we know you were using the term in an outdated fashion, it is clear you are suggesting that because Thailand isn't part of the capitalist west (er, it isn't?) or aligned with the mighty and enduring Soviet Union. (Oops again) that that is the reason things are so much more expensive in Australia than Thailand? Hmm... I see a couple problems with that argument.

You forget that when you use the term third world the way it was used during the cold war, (based purely on political alignment to communist countries or western capitalist countries) you are including a lot of advanced and wealthy countries, further making your statements about the cost of things in "Third World" Thailand vs Australia make no sense.

The First, the Second, and the Third World.

When people talk about the poorest countries of the world, they often refer to them with the general term Third World, and they think everybody knows what they are talking about. But when you ask them if there is a Third World, what about a Second or a First World, you almost always get an evasive answer. Other people even try to use the terms as a ranking scheme for the state of development of countries, with the First world on top, followed by the Second world and so on, that's perfect - nonsense.

To close the gap of information you will find here explanations of the terms.

The use of the terms First, the Second, and the Third World is a rough, and it's safe to say, outdated model of the geopolitical world from the time of the cold war.

There is no official definition of the first, second, and the third world. Below OWNO's explanation of the terms.

Four Worlds

After World War II the world split into two large geopolitical blocs and spheres of influence with contrary views on government and the politically correct society:

1 - The bloc of democratic-industrial countries within the American influence sphere, the "First World".

2 - The Eastern bloc of the communist-socialist states, the "Second World".

3 - The remaining three-quarters of the world's population, states not aligned with either bloc were regarded as the "Third World."

4 - The term "Fourth World", coined in the early 1970s by Shuswap Chief George Manuel, refers to widely unknown nations (cultural entities) of indigenous peoples, "First Nations" living within or across national state boundaries.

First there was the three worlds model

The origin of the terminology is unclear. In 1952 Alfred Sauvy, a French demographer, wrote an article in the French magazine L'Observateur which ended by comparing the Third World with the Third Estate: "ce Tiers Monde ignoré, exploité, méprisé comme le Tiers État" (this ignored Third World, exploited, scorned like the Third Estate). Other sources claim that Charles de Gaulle coined the term Third World, maybe de Gaulle only has quoted Sauvy. However...

__ Definitions

point The term "First World" refers to so called developed, capitalist, industrial countries, roughly, a bloc of countries aligned with the United States after World War II, with more or less common political and economic interests: North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia.

to Countries of the "First World"

point "Second World" refers to the former communist-socialist, industrial states, (formerly the Eastern bloc, the territory and sphere of influence of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic) today: Russia, Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland) and some of the Turk States (e.g., Kazakhstan) as well as China.

to Countries of the "Second World"

point "Third World" are all the other countries, today often used to roughly describe the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The term Third World includes as well capitalist (e.g., Venezuela) and communist (e.g., North Korea) countries, as very rich (e.g., Saudi Arabia) and very poor (e.g., Mali) countries.

Below

to Countries of the "Third World"

Third World Countries classified by various indices: their Political Rights and Civil Liberties, the Gross National Income (GNI) and Poverty of countries, the Human Development of countries, and the Freedom of Information within a country.

point The term "Fourth World" first came into use in 1974 with the publication of Shuswap Chief George Manuel's: The fourth world : an Indian reality (amazon link to the book), the term refers to nations (cultural entities, ethnic groups) of indigenous peoples living within or across state boundaries (nation states).

see to Native American Indians

American Indian Nations.

More links to nations of the "Fourth World" you will find at the Nations Online Project respective country pages under "Natives".

The outdated three worlds model

source: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/thir...d_countries.htm

Now, the current UN Human development report 2009.

Not that Wiki is the ultimate authority, but:

With the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, the term Second World largely fell out of use and the meaning of First World has been extended to include all developed countries while the term Third Word has become a neologism for the least developed countries. This can be seen in the way that the successful Asian Tiger economies and countries of former Yugoslavia-one of the founders of the Third World movement-are not classed as Third World countries.

Edited March 16, 2010 by ScubaBuddha

[billythehat]

Well BILLYTHEHAT it seems you enjoy insulting Thai people and Thailand.

You certainly have no idea what a third world country is and it seems you do talk through your hat.

All the posts you do which i have seen on this forum you knock every thing and everybody.

You really need to find something better to do with your life.

Whoa, steady there, Pop's, you and so many of the inmates are just so wrong.

I call it merely a balancing set of opinions.

[grumpyoldman]

You're right Fredob43, best you and your friends not come here.

I've grown super weary of wanke_rs and yahoo holidaymakers who end up as road carnage, or beat up by a tuk-tuk guy for not paying the price of the tuk-tuk already negotiated.

Those of us who live here, like it here, those that wonder why, best stay away.

[Old Croc]

From the UN chart in post #22 it was interesting to see that the UK isn't on the top level of the Human Development Index.

[mikebike]

I believe the current PC terminology is "developing nation"...

[bubblegum]

refer to Scubabuddha post #2. I agree

We like it here; after almost a year here we're off for six months to Chanthaburi next month, and will happily return in October, hopefully to the same area as we've got some good friends here now.

So often people judge Phuket based on a a week in Patong, then extend those judgments to all of Thailand.

Living here, admittedly for a relatively short time of 10mths so far, we like it here. We don't go near Patong, ever, it's simply not the kind of place we'd go, we have never been 'robbed by a tuk tuk etc' we just live a nice quiet lifestyle and get on with our lives.

I won't compare with other places/countries we've lived, every country has its pros and cons - celebrate the difference!

Here, here, Mister I applaud you

[britmaveric]

Why? Because they can.....

[freddy]

I believe the current PC terminology is "developing nation"...

Yes, developing in spite of itself!!!!!!

[69690jay]

i hesitate to reply, spell check seems to be on the frits....just another thing some members use in a barrage of assaults' on newbie's and regular users in Thaivisa forums…. i have been perusing these topics when bored and find many of the same members bashing newbie's and anyone for any plausible reason. Shame on you lot as you know who you are, get a life. Get a grip. Piss off.

The original question is easy to answer; Phuket is a tropical paradise with all the modcons of a developed country, lovely beaches, dining, shopping, water sports galore to mention a few of the attractions.

Here you can rent a 2 bedroom house with a pool for 15,000 baht to 500,000 baht a month. You can still get a maid, a gardener and pool boy for 8000 baht each a month.

You can have a five course meal for 300 baht or 30,000 baht.

Phuket has the best of both worlds.

In regards to Thailand being a turd world country, whoops that only applies to India. Third world country in my opinion is a country that most of the citizens earn much less than a developed country. The majority of Thailand earns pittance compared to developed western countries.

Long ago, well actually not so long ago Phuket used to be called the Pearl of the south, now some label it the Diamond of Thailand.

No one can rightfully compare Phuket to Thailand it is an economic entity of its own, within a very much repressed and poor country, if you look at the countries majority of residents…

The majority of people who have benefited in Phuket from this economic boom are outsiders and a few lucky locals.

I love it here, most Thais are incredible gentle warm caring helpful peaceful people but there are times when I miss the probability of the west. Here (Thailand) I am not sure what will happen from day to day, maybe this is part of the attraction.

I also recognize that there are times when I feel Phuket has gotten too crazy, traffic, pollution, crime, corruption, everywhere I turn the forest are getting cleared shop houses replace them, it's getting hot too bloody hot, lack of trees?

Oh well that's enough from me, finally my eyes are getting tired, my frustrations with my staff are almost forgotten, I am ready to hit the hay and back at it for another day of reaping the rewards of running a restaurant/bar in the land of smiles. LOL

Anyone know of a cashier? My night cashiers boyfriend/sugardaddy returns in a week, she was nice enough to tell me she is quitting when he gets back… now that's a rarity!!

Tight lines and screaming reels

Jay

RBFC

Rawai