Improving? Thailand

[Donz]

Cricket is not a sport, more like a hobby

Stick to talking about things you have some clue about!!!

utter rubbish!!

no-one plays cricket

[Cassandra]

Just read some of the earlier posts. What do you think would happen if foreigners could buy property? Wouldnt this just hike the prices up, all the prime locations bought by non-thais - private and business. Would this be in the best interest of the country?

Thais have no common sense. ...mmmm! well this is just a cultural difference - some people can't understand a different attitude to the one they were brought up with so interpret it as less intelligent. It should really be interpreted as an inability to adapt.

Crackdown on corruption and dangerous driving would make Thailand a safer and more equitable country.

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).If foreigners were able to acquire property without restriction there would be no significant impact on prices.There would be in fact a great contribution to sorting out the condo and housing glut.The impact on foreign direct investment would be spectacular, and this would certainly benefit the Thai people.Foreign corporations and wealthy individuals buy property pretty much unrestricted anyway through companies or nominee arrangements.Don't prattle on like a sycophantic jackass about what you don't understand.

[coldcrush]

Just read some of the earlier posts. What do you think would happen if foreigners could buy property? Wouldnt this just hike the prices up, all the prime locations bought by non-thais - private and business. Would this be in the best interest of the country?

Thais have no common sense. ...mmmm! well this is just a cultural difference - some people can't understand a different attitude to the one they were brought up with so interpret it as less intelligent. It should really be interpreted as an inability to adapt.

Crackdown on corruption and dangerous driving would make Thailand a safer and more equitable country.

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).If foreigners were able to acquire property without restriction there would be no significant impact on prices.There would be in fact a great contribution to sorting out the condo and housing glut.The impact on foreign direct investment would be spectacular, and this would certainly benefit the Thai people.Foreign corporations and wealthy individuals buy property pretty much unrestricted anyway through companies or nominee arrangements.Don't prattle on like a sycophantic jackass about what you don't understand.

Can youi read or write?

Jumble everthng up and make it sound nice....

Do you really think a CONDO makes a difference? Outside investment? Go jerk off a rich banker...

Money stays with money you thick f**ker.

Whcih bit of the Working Class Rule book did you miss?

and you <deleted> off as well... just for the banned fun of it....

[Donz]

Now now play nice

[Tippaporn]

OK! Let's get back to basics.

Improvements:

Land Ownership - Provide the same rights to 'foreigners' in Thailand that we in the USA provide to 'foreigners'. In the USA you do not have to get a US citizen to act as a 'nominee'. In fact, if a 'foreigner' has a non-immigrant visa, the day they step off the plane they can buy 'anything' they want - land, business, house, etc., etc., and do not have to have permission from some government agency to buy it.

Green Card: After spending an average of 2 years in the USA a non-immigrant can apply for a Green Card. Unless your a 'total screw-up' it is 100% certain you will be given a Green Card. The Green Card is renewed every 10 years. You do not have to travel to some immigration office yearly to obtain a one-year visa.

Citizenship: After 5 years (most cases) a non-immigrant 'Green Card' holder can apply to become a US citizen. In over 90% of the cases, citizenship is approved. (Check the web - several cities quote differences in the 90% figure).

House: You can build a house anywhere you want and do not have to get permission from some village head that has a 3 to 6th grade education. Yes, there are certain requirements that do apply. And you do not have to register the house at some district office and carry a house registration around everywhere you go.

Car/Truck/etc.: You do not need a 'House Registration' to purchase a vehicle.

Business: You can purchase a business, start a business, and do not have to satisfy some quota that states you have to have a certain number of US Citizen employed. As long as a 'foreigner' is legal you can hire them.

Traffic Laws: Apply to 'everyone'. If you break a law you are given a 'ticket'. No police officer will EVER ask for pocket money. You take the ticket to court, or you mail the ticket in with the amount of the fine. You must always drive in the proper direction and proper lane - motorcycle or other vehicles. If you do not you will get a ticket, and more than likely go to jail with a court date to follow. You drive drunk, you are given a test on the spot, if you do not pass you go to jail and a court date is provided. If you offer money in any of these circumstances - you go to jail.

Parking: If you park illegally you will be given a ticket (Same as above). You cannot park on sidewalks, block someones driveway, block a street entrance, block the follow of traffic, etc.

Now then. Are these common sense rules? Would this be an improvement over what is currently the rules (or lack of) in Thailand?

I am probably wrong (as I aways am) but it seems to me that the items I mentioned above apply in almost all Western/European countries?

In other words, the only way that Thailand would be acceptable to you would be if it was exactly the same as the U.S. No wonder so many people hate Americans.

Wow, this unexceptional little list has set Tippaporn off about hating America.What part of this list Tippaporn do you think is objectionable or did you just get out of bed the wrong side today? To me it is a very uncontroversial agenda to which any civilised country would subscribe.However I would make one point.It is much much much easier for a foreigner to visit Thailand than the U.S.

Sorry, Cassandra, I just had to laugh since you lumped me in there with the people who hate Americans. That statement admittedly can be construed to read that I am amongst those who hate Americans; but the truth is I don't.

I was commenting on the fact that there are those Americans (and I'm sure it applies to other nationalities, also) who travel abroad with an attitude of superiority, perhaps. Nowhere else seems to be good enough as it just doesn't compare to the good ol' U.S. of A. What these people don't understand is that they're trying to compare apples to oranges. It doesn't work.

In the meanwhile, they predispose themselves to exhibit attitudes which can't help but rub gratingly, especially amongst the natives. As an example, I worked with a guy here who had extremely poor opinions of Thailand. Everything was backwards, the people were stupid, etc., etc., ad nauseam. He would sit on the shipping dock during lunch while the Thais were playing football and what not and throw U.S. dollar coins on the pavement so he could entertain himself watching the Thais scramble for them. You can imagine what some of the Thais thought who were observing this.

Since people love to generalize they will mistakingly project their sentiment regarding the despicable behavior of a single individual onto the entire nationality of which he is representative of. Perhaps Americans are guilty of this type of superiorty complex more so than other nationalities since you hear it of them frequently and not of others. I won't bother to judge one way or the other since I view people first as individuals and shy away from blanket-type opinions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought that Srisatch's post was exceptional. What he pointed out, in essence, and in my opinion, was that everyone has different tastes, or distinct preferences as to what they value. For some Thailand does not suit their tastes in the least while for others it does remarkably well.

Do green beans really taste good? Or do you prefer cauliflower? Peas? Carrots? Which vegetable is better? As if such a determination could be made at all let alone with absolute finality. Up to you. Up to your tastes. But is it anything to argue over????? Is it an issue where someone has to be right and the other wrong??? There is no right or wrong about personal preferences. They simply are what they are.

Thailand has much on the menu, as does any country. Do you peruse a carte du jour and complain vehemently about all the entrees you don't like? Would you insist that the restaurant not offer them at all simply and soley because they displease you? Would you suggest an alternate bill of fare with a demanding air? Would you poll the other patrons hoping for an amiable consensus with which to then use as your basis for righteousness and appropriateness? Would you thusly ruin your entire dining experience, and that of your guests, because you're unwilling to look for any items that would agree with you? Or would you simply find another establishment more suited to your peculiar tastes?

Sorry to bore once again with my laborious drivel.

[jbowman1993]

I would start with the whole list that follows:

Thailand needs a complete overhaul.

Total lack of common sense

total lack of respect

total lack of conscious

total lack of courtesy

no moral responsibility

totally corrupt population - from birth to adulthood

LOS - land of smiles - only when passing money from your hands to theirs

Thai philosophy - foreigners are the scum of the earth and must be tolerated in exchange for their cash

Sidewalks not made for walking

Sidewalks used as extension of a persons business enterprise

Sidewalks used as parking for motorcycles, cars, trucks streets are filthy

Restaurants that spray food with insecticide before cooking and serving

Pastry shops that close once a week to fumigate

Total lack of traffic laws

Police only interested in extorting your hard earned cash

the public transport system

the taxi drivers

the scruffiness and filth

the poor service

the surliness and unfriendliness of the thais in the street markets and the shoddy tat they try to sell.

the total lack of any sense of aesthetics about development.

the car hire company that tries to charge for the repair to the car when it fails to start.

the dangerous driving and road system

the padding of bills restaurants , and the problems in correcting restaurants mistakes.

A country where lies and deception permeate every level of the social fabric

A country where your instincts scream at you every waking moment to get the hel_l away from here

Learn a language that does not have a direct translation for ‘yes’ or ‘no’

A language where the words for a horse and a dog sound the same

Live in a country that is floundering in a sea of corruption

A smile is a request for interest.

A turned head is a snub.

No eye contact is a lack of interest, or care.

There is no interest in education.

Truth holds no value.

The arts are barely alive in Asia, unless you count copying. No live band writes their own material, painters copy from photographs, and there is nearly no literature produced.

Philosophy is not here. Never discussed here

No recognizable allegiance to any consensual reality, scientific or otherwise. No recognizable living arts.

The cultures amount to the importation of currently fashionable cell phones.

Even love is a business proposition here, a bargain. A temporary bargain.

Children locked up in brothels for sexual services.

Children forced to work in sweatshops under hellish conditions.

Children sold as camel jockeys.

Child beggars manipulated by adult gangs.

Children working as drug couriers.

Children used as loans in debt bondage.

Children forced into marriage.

Alot of from the list I am sure that many of you will 'totally' disagree with. But the above are the reality of living in Thailand.

YES! I am still living here and try to ignore all of the above. The question that was asked was - What would you change? I am realistic however and know that this is the way Thailand has been long before we 'foreigners' arrived and will never change. So, live the way they do and not worry about anything - Mai Bpen Rai NO change is needed

Man, this is gonna take a while. Ok, lets have at it!

Calmly, jbowman1993 rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He grasped the object, and began to pull. The sweat poured off his brow, filling his eyes. Blinking it away, he redoubled his efforts, and started to pull again. Straining again the huge amount of suction, jbowman1993 felt the object being to move. He braced his feet firmly, and prepared for one final effort. Finally, a loud popping sound, and the object was ripped free. Taking time to examine it, jbowman1993 concluded that, yes, this was indeed the largest stick he had every pulled out of a person's ass, in his entire life. He gave a silent prayer for God to look over the poor soul, and his shredded rectum.

[wolf5370]

I would not like to see the 'foreign ownership of land' laws repealed. I don't want all the land being bought up by foreign investors. I would like to see them changed to cater for married couples where one of the couple is a Thai Citizen. I think it should be easier for Farangs married to Thais and living in LoS to get long term visas, residency and citizenship. It does actually benefit LoS and reduces the stress on marriages.

I would not like corruption to be completely removed - it makes Thailand Thailand (and I like giving a purple persuader for a misdemeanour driving offence rather than get points and a ban like in the UK). Selfish, I know!

Corruption is everywhere in the world. I think its a lot safer where its blatant and you can see it from a mile off and can use it to your advantage or avoid it. A lot more dangerous when it gets more complex and happens in the shadows of the boardroom - you just can't see the axe coming.

Thailand seems to be trying to clean up its act (however you feel about Thaksin) - perves go to Cambodian Vietnam and Myanmar for their kiddies mostly now - the pedo 'holiday clubs' have gone. Drugs are still rampant, but at least they are mostly imported now (albeit from next door). I hope our home countries help all they can to

Yep, my law to introduce would be the immigration rules of the UK with regard to married couples. Let us give back to LoS by living there and being part of it instead of being treated like tourists who have overstayed their welcome. Love the Thais, love the country, give us the chance to become part of it and put something back.

[Donz]

How can you improve Thailand??

a few minor things need to be improved, but other then that leave in alone.

I love it the way it is

[the gent]

I would not like to see the 'foreign ownership of land' laws repealed. I don't want all the land being bought up by foreign investors. I would like to see them changed to cater for married couples where one of the couple is a Thai Citizen. I think it should be easier for Farangs married to Thais and living in LoS to get long term visas, residency and citizenship. It does actually benefit LoS and reduces the stress on marriages.

I would not like corruption to be completely removed - it makes Thailand Thailand (and I like giving a purple persuader for a misdemeanour driving offence rather than get points and a ban like in the UK). Selfish, I know!

Corruption is everywhere in the world. I think its a lot safer where its blatant and you can see it from a mile off and can use it to your advantage or avoid it. A lot more dangerous when it gets more complex and happens in the shadows of the boardroom - you just can't see the axe coming.

Thailand seems to be trying to clean up its act (however you feel about Thaksin) - perves go to Cambodian Vietnam and Myanmar for their kiddies mostly now - the pedo 'holiday clubs' have gone. Drugs are still rampant, but at least they are mostly imported now (albeit from next door). I hope our home countries help all they can to

Yep, my law to introduce would be the immigration rules of the UK with regard to married couples. Let us give back to LoS by living there and being part of it instead of being treated like tourists who have overstayed their welcome. Love the Thais, love the country, give us the chance to become part of it and put something back.

What have you taken that you wish to return?

[jbowman1993]

I would not like to see the 'foreign ownership of land' laws repealed. I don't want all the land being bought up by foreign investors. I would like to see them changed to cater for married couples where one of the couple is a Thai Citizen. I think it should be easier for Farangs married to Thais and living in LoS to get long term visas, residency and citizenship. It does actually benefit LoS and reduces the stress on marriages.

I would not like corruption to be completely removed - it makes Thailand Thailand (and I like giving a purple persuader for a misdemeanour driving offence rather than get points and a ban like in the UK). Selfish, I know!

Corruption is everywhere in the world. I think its a lot safer where its blatant and you can see it from a mile off and can use it to your advantage or avoid it. A lot more dangerous when it gets more complex and happens in the shadows of the boardroom - you just can't see the axe coming.

Thailand seems to be trying to clean up its act (however you feel about Thaksin) - perves go to Cambodian Vietnam and Myanmar for their kiddies mostly now - the pedo 'holiday clubs' have gone. Drugs are still rampant, but at least they are mostly imported now (albeit from next door). I hope our home countries help all they can to

Yep, my law to introduce would be the immigration rules of the UK with regard to married couples. Let us give back to LoS by living there and being part of it instead of being treated like tourists who have overstayed their welcome. Love the Thais, love the country, give us the chance to become part of it and put something back.

Great post Wolf! I completely agree. Thailand, as a developing nation, is not yet in the position to open up all its real estate to foreign investment. And I don't think it will be in that position for several more years. Nothing wrong with it. In this modern age, "economic colonization" is the modern way of doing things. Until Thailand can compete with the stonger economies of more developed nations, they have the right to protect their nation in any way they see fit. Thats one of the reasons people are so pissed at the Shin Corp sale. They see this sale of "national assets" as the first step to foreign dominance of their country, and they don't like it.

I also agree, however, about giving more rights to taxpaying married couples, but you have to be careful with that too (I am one of these myself). People will exploit any legal loopholes they can. Just take a look at all the interesting strategies flying around the the real estate forum.

[malw71]

It should be made clear that if foreign investors were to partake in the fundamentals of leasing and non leasing within Thailand then the benefits woul be less than benevolant for those wishing to seek investmant long term.

[Donz]

Thailand is almost perfect to me.

[gurkle]

Great post Wolf! I completely agree. Thailand, as a developing nation, is not yet in the position to open up all its real estate to foreign investment. And I don't think it will be in that position for several more years. Nothing wrong with it. In this modern age, "economic colonization" is the modern way of doing things. Until Thailand can compete with the stonger economies of more developed nations, they have the right to protect their nation in any way they see fit. Thats one of the reasons people are so pissed at the Shin Corp sale. They see this sale of "national assets" as the first step to foreign dominance of their country, and they don't like it.

Good point. Farangs are really doing themselves a disservice by constantly complaining about wanting land ownership rights.

If this ever happens, it's pretty obvious they will price most Thais out of the market and Thais will essentially become permanent serfs renting the land from the White owners.

Hence, the logical conclusion is that Thailand should do everything possible to keep farang residents to a minimum as long as they want to take our land.

Feel free to disagree and keep complaining, but the ability to complain isn't much of a bargaining chip for a non-citizen.

Edited March 10, 2006 by gurkle

[Youbloodybeauty]

Motorbikes.

- ONE pillion passenger.

- Both driver and pillion to wear "proper" helmets, not those cr@p plastic rubbish ones.

...can't do the above then flip'n walk or a suffer a mega-huge fine.

YBB

Edit: that includes the "taxi" motorbike dudes to carry an extra "proper" helmet for their customer (or customer - take their own).

Bangkok or the back streets of Amphoe Khao Wong - same deal as above, save some lives.

Also, pull out all the squatters in Thailand and replace with proper dunnies.

Edited March 10, 2006 by Youbloodybeauty

[BKK90210]

How can you improve Thailand??

Well whatever you do.....Just Don't touch my TukTuks!

I very much enjoy riding a tuk-tuk, and love the thrills and spills experiences!

Edited March 10, 2006 by BKK90210

[Neeranam]

I'd have a special driving test for pick-up drivers, with one of the requirements that you have to be over 170cm tall and at least average member size.

[Donz]

I'd have a special driving test for pick-up drivers, with one of the requirements that you have to be over 170cm tall and at least average member size.

Looks like you wont be driving a pick-up

[mittheimp]

Just read some of the earlier posts. What do you think would happen if foreigners could buy property? Wouldnt this just hike the prices up, all the prime locations bought by non-thais - private and business. Would this be in the best interest of the country?

Thais have no common sense. ...mmmm! well this is just a cultural difference - some people can't understand a different attitude to the one they were brought up with so interpret it as less intelligent. It should really be interpreted as an inability to adapt.

Crackdown on corruption and dangerous driving would make Thailand a safer and more equitable country.

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).If foreigners were able to acquire property without restriction there would be no significant impact on prices.There would be in fact a great contribution to sorting out the condo and housing glut.The impact on foreign direct investment would be spectacular, and this would certainly benefit the Thai people.Foreign corporations and wealthy individuals buy property pretty much unrestricted anyway through companies or nominee arrangements.Don't prattle on like a sycophantic jackass about what you don't understand.

I'm not sure how my post is sycophantic? Maybe its just a big word you use to attempt to sound intelligent but don't really understand, alas it has had the opposite effect - please point out to me how any of my post can be interpreted as sycophantic!

I don't know if getting rid of restrictions on property ownership will be good for Thailand, that's why my post was written in question form. I'm obviously skeptical it would - but as i am not an economist I would listen and be interested in any reasoned and intelligent arguments to the contrary, as of yet (including your attempted rebuttal) I have yet to hear any!

[Jim 50]

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).

<deleted>

[Noel]

I would not like to see the 'foreign ownership of land' laws repealed. I don't want all the land being bought up by foreign investors. I would like to see them changed to cater for married couples where one of the couple is a Thai Citizen. I think it should be easier for Farangs married to Thais and living in LoS to get long term visas, residency and citizenship. It does actually benefit LoS and reduces the stress on marriages.

Yep, my law to introduce would be the immigration rules of the UK with regard to married couples. Let us give back to LoS by living there and being part of it instead of being treated like tourists who have overstayed their welcome. Love the Thais, love the country, give us the chance to become part of it and put something back.

It already is "easier for Farangs married to Thais and living in LoS to get long term visas" as compared to an unmarried farang.

What more is a farang married to a Thai going to contribute to Thailand than an unmarried farang?

Your thoughts are far too self-serving in my view...

[jamman]

I would start with the whole list that follows:

Thailand needs a complete overhaul.

Total lack of common sense

total lack of respect

total lack of conscious

total lack of courtesy

no moral responsibility

totally corrupt population - from birth to adulthood

LOS - land of smiles - only when passing money from your hands to theirs

Thai philosophy - foreigners are the scum of the earth and must be tolerated in exchange for their cash

Sidewalks not made for walking

Sidewalks used as extension of a persons business enterprise

Sidewalks used as parking for motorcycles, cars, trucks streets are filthy

Restaurants that spray food with insecticide before cooking and serving

Pastry shops that close once a week to fumigate

Total lack of traffic laws

Police only interested in extorting your hard earned cash

the public transport system

the taxi drivers

the scruffiness and filth

the poor service

the surliness and unfriendliness of the thais in the street markets and the shoddy tat they try to sell.

the total lack of any sense of aesthetics about development.

the car hire company that tries to charge for the repair to the car when it fails to start.

the dangerous driving and road system

the padding of bills restaurants , and the problems in correcting restaurants mistakes.

A country where lies and deception permeate every level of the social fabric

A country where your instincts scream at you every waking moment to get the hel_l away from here

Learn a language that does not have a direct translation for ‘yes’ or ‘no’

A language where the words for a horse and a dog sound the same

Live in a country that is floundering in a sea of corruption

A smile is a request for interest.

A turned head is a snub.

No eye contact is a lack of interest, or care.

There is no interest in education.

Truth holds no value.

The arts are barely alive in Asia, unless you count copying. No live band writes their own material, painters copy from photographs, and there is nearly no literature produced.

Philosophy is not here. Never discussed here

No recognizable allegiance to any consensual reality, scientific or otherwise. No recognizable living arts.

The cultures amount to the importation of currently fashionable cell phones.

Even love is a business proposition here, a bargain. A temporary bargain.

Children locked up in brothels for sexual services.

Children forced to work in sweatshops under hellish conditions.

Children sold as camel jockeys.

Child beggars manipulated by adult gangs.

Children working as drug couriers.

Children used as loans in debt bondage.

Children forced into marriage.

Alot of from the list I am sure that many of you will 'totally' disagree with. But the above are the reality of living in Thailand.

YES! I am still living here and try to ignore all of the above. The question that was asked was - What would you change? I am realistic however and know that this is the way Thailand has been long before we 'foreigners' arrived and will never change. So, live the way they do and not worry about anything - Mai Bpen Rai NO change is needed

I agree and agree. Especially since part of the post is quoting me. Wow - that's the first time I've ever been quoted. I'll let that bloat my ego for a bit.

[Tippaporn]

I would start with the whole list that follows:

Thailand needs a complete overhaul.

Total lack of common sense

total lack of respect

total lack of conscious

total lack of courtesy

no moral responsibility

totally corrupt population - from birth to adulthood

LOS - land of smiles - only when passing money from your hands to theirs

Thai philosophy - foreigners are the scum of the earth and must be tolerated in exchange for their cash

Sidewalks not made for walking

Sidewalks used as extension of a persons business enterprise

Sidewalks used as parking for motorcycles, cars, trucks streets are filthy

Restaurants that spray food with insecticide before cooking and serving

Pastry shops that close once a week to fumigate

Total lack of traffic laws

Police only interested in extorting your hard earned cash

the public transport system

the taxi drivers

the scruffiness and filth

the poor service

the surliness and unfriendliness of the thais in the street markets and the shoddy tat they try to sell.

the total lack of any sense of aesthetics about development.

the car hire company that tries to charge for the repair to the car when it fails to start.

the dangerous driving and road system

the padding of bills restaurants , and the problems in correcting restaurants mistakes.

A country where lies and deception permeate every level of the social fabric

A country where your instincts scream at you every waking moment to get the hel_l away from here

Learn a language that does not have a direct translation for ‘yes’ or ‘no’

A language where the words for a horse and a dog sound the same

Live in a country that is floundering in a sea of corruption

A smile is a request for interest.

A turned head is a snub.

No eye contact is a lack of interest, or care.

There is no interest in education.

Truth holds no value.

The arts are barely alive in Asia, unless you count copying. No live band writes their own material, painters copy from photographs, and there is nearly no literature produced.

Philosophy is not here. Never discussed here

No recognizable allegiance to any consensual reality, scientific or otherwise. No recognizable living arts.

The cultures amount to the importation of currently fashionable cell phones.

Even love is a business proposition here, a bargain. A temporary bargain.

Children locked up in brothels for sexual services.

Children forced to work in sweatshops under hellish conditions.

Children sold as camel jockeys.

Child beggars manipulated by adult gangs.

Children working as drug couriers.

Children used as loans in debt bondage.

Children forced into marriage.

Alot of from the list I am sure that many of you will 'totally' disagree with. But the above are the reality of living in Thailand.

YES! I am still living here and try to ignore all of the above. The question that was asked was - What would you change? I am realistic however and know that this is the way Thailand has been long before we 'foreigners' arrived and will never change. So, live the way they do and not worry about anything - Mai Bpen Rai NO change is needed

I agree and agree. Especially since part of the post is quoting me. Wow - that's the first time I've ever been quoted. I'll let that bloat my ego for a bit.

If you agree with the above I'm not sure I'd brag about being quoted. What a sad distortion of reality.

[tutsiwarrior]

I would "crack down' on thai food and require that there is a dedicated cheeseburger making facility in every Thai population exceeding 5k pop.

Those that are found adulterating cheeseburger preparation with nam pla shall be shot on sight...

[Thaiboxer]

I would get rid of the corrupt government workers (which is the bulk of the government), improve the education system, crack down on pollution, and create a mandatory driver's ed school. I would also make it easier for those of us married to Thais to stay here long term and get citizenship.

[shasta]

The arts are barely alive in Asia, unless you count copying. No live band writes their own material, painters copy from photographs, and there is nearly no literature produced.

Philosophy is not here. Never discussed here

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How much do you know on Asian arts? If you think the arts are barely alive in Asia, unless you count copying and you don't know any Asian artists, it only shows your ignorance.

[Noel]

Not that I am having a pop at the Thai who try to speak some English as I actually admire them, but I would introduce an English language assistance programme to discourage the use of such phrases as: 'My friend you' and the tendency of some Thai to refer to themselves in the third person.

[Cassandra]

Just read some of the earlier posts. What do you think would happen if foreigners could buy property? Wouldnt this just hike the prices up, all the prime locations bought by non-thais - private and business. Would this be in the best interest of the country?

Thais have no common sense. ...mmmm! well this is just a cultural difference - some people can't understand a different attitude to the one they were brought up with so interpret it as less intelligent. It should really be interpreted as an inability to adapt.

Crackdown on corruption and dangerous driving would make Thailand a safer and more equitable country.

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).If foreigners were able to acquire property without restriction there would be no significant impact on prices.There would be in fact a great contribution to sorting out the condo and housing glut.The impact on foreign direct investment would be spectacular, and this would certainly benefit the Thai people.Foreign corporations and wealthy individuals buy property pretty much unrestricted anyway through companies or nominee arrangements.Don't prattle on like a sycophantic jackass about what you don't understand.

I'm not sure how my post is sycophantic? Maybe its just a big word you use to attempt to sound intelligent but don't really understand, alas it has had the opposite effect - please point out to me how any of my post can be interpreted as sycophantic!

I don't know if getting rid of restrictions on property ownership will be good for Thailand, that's why my post was written in question form. I'm obviously skeptical it would - but as i am not an economist I would listen and be interested in any reasoned and intelligent arguments to the contrary, as of yet (including your attempted rebuttal) I have yet to hear any!

It's sycophantic because you are toadying up to Thai vested interests, perhaps because it gives you a warm and cuddly feeling of "belonging".Foreigners who genuinely care for Thailand and its peoples interests should take every opportunity to point out the merits of a more open economy including lifting many of the restrictions on owning property, shares etc.

[robitusson]

Just read some of the earlier posts. What do you think would happen if foreigners could buy property? Wouldnt this just hike the prices up, all the prime locations bought by non-thais - private and business. Would this be in the best interest of the country?

Thais have no common sense. ...mmmm! well this is just a cultural difference - some people can't understand a different attitude to the one they were brought up with so interpret it as less intelligent. It should really be interpreted as an inability to adapt.

Crackdown on corruption and dangerous driving would make Thailand a safer and more equitable country.

On property, you are just plain wrong (and ignorant).If foreigners were able to acquire property without restriction there would be no significant impact on prices.There would be in fact a great contribution to sorting out the condo and housing glut.The impact on foreign direct investment would be spectacular, and this would certainly benefit the Thai people.Foreign corporations and wealthy individuals buy property pretty much unrestricted anyway through companies or nominee arrangements.Don't prattle on like a sycophantic jackass about what you don't understand.

I'm not sure how my post is sycophantic? Maybe its just a big word you use to attempt to sound intelligent but don't really understand, alas it has had the opposite effect - please point out to me how any of my post can be interpreted as sycophantic!

I don't know if getting rid of restrictions on property ownership will be good for Thailand, that's why my post was written in question form. I'm obviously skeptical it would - but as i am not an economist I would listen and be interested in any reasoned and intelligent arguments to the contrary, as of yet (including your attempted rebuttal) I have yet to hear any!

It's sycophantic because you are toadying up to Thai vested interests, perhaps because it gives you a warm and cuddly feeling of "belonging".Foreigners who genuinely care for Thailand and its peoples interests should take every opportunity to point out the merits of a more open economy including lifting many of the restrictions on owning property, shares etc.

God bless capitalism!