The Thai-Baht And The Future Of Farangs In Thailand

[HardenedSoul]

Agreed, that is closer to the truth, it is what i witness

Given all the Russians and Indians I've seen buying giant bottles of premium vodka and reserving three tables at a time at the more upmarket Bangkok bars and clubs over the last couple of years, I think we may both be right.

Either way, if some of these posts are to be believed, Tom, Dick and Harry simply can't afford bus fare any more and, more to the point, the Thais - quite rightly - couldn't give a rat's arse.

A lot of Brits are gonna have to make do with Centerparcs, Hoseasons and Butlins from now on.

[Ystradyfodwg]

Lets hope my rubber trees come to fruition next year unless I'll be back in Good Old Blighty full time!

[Sayonarax]

How do you people find your way to this country, honestly.

Its like reading messages from dumb and dumber.

Beers too expensive.. Thailand's more expensive than the UK.. Asian economy is increasing..

REALLY!? You don't say..

Instead of moaning about it, learn something..

[poanoi]

I cant tell about UK, but i can confidently predict that Thailand is going to be at least five times cheaper to drink than my home country until i die, even when i have those beers in a gogo sofa

[Ystradyfodwg]

I think the general thread is that Thailand is far more expensive for the Brits today than it was five/six years ago.Thats why far more Brits are going to countries such as Cambodia as you get far more value there than Thailand.This is a discussion forum and people are entitled to their opinion.

[Ystradyfodwg]

Just look at the thread 'Brits Feeling the Pinch'.They all seem to agree the good value of Thailand has decreased significantly.

[jbrain]

I think the general thread is that Thailand is far more expensive for the Brits today than it was five/six years ago.Thats why far more Brits are going to countries such as Cambodia as you get far more value there than Thailand.This is a discussion forum and people are entitled to their opinion.

Not so difficult to understand is it, when they get almost half the amount of Thai Baht for their Pound from what they got 5 years ago.

Oh by the way, I haven't followed the Cambodian exchange rates, but I guess overthere they get also almost half from what they might have received 5 years ago.

[Ystradyfodwg]

Most purchases for accommodation/ bars/restaurants in Cambodia are paid for in US$.The £ v US$ has declined around 25% since about 2007 so not quite as bad as the 50% decline in £ v Baht.

[jbrain]

Been coming to Thailand 2-3 months every winter for the past fourteen years.In response to OP I feel Thailand is far more expensive this year than previous years.Yes I stay Isaan sometimes and agree its very cheap.But people who've worked hard in the UK for the rest of the year do like to stay in a fair standard of accommodation when they holiday in Thailand.From my experience I think with the 50% fall in £ against Bt plus Thai inflation I've calculated that it cost me double this winter to 5-6 years whether I stay Samui or BT1500 a night hotels in mid Sukumvit.Have spoken to many other Brits and they all agree Thailand is far more expensive than it used to be.

But you can't blame the Thais for f**king up the British Pound . For that you have to look closer to home.

[jbrain]

Most purchases for accommodation/ bars/restaurants in Cambodia are paid for in US$.The £ v US$ has declined around 25% since about 2007 so not quite as bad as the 50% decline in £ v Baht.

Are you for real. Ever realised that since the Dollar has declined they want more dollars for the same service in Cambodia

[MrWorldwide]

Just look at the thread 'Brits Feeling the Pinch'.They all seem to agree the good value of Thailand has decreased significantly.

No shit, Sherlock. Cant imagine why a strong baht vs a devalued pound would spell trouble for those on a fixed GBP income ....

I wonder how many here profited from the property boom in Britain.

How many gloated to their mates that they weren't going to have to endure another freezing Winter the 'good old blighty' ?

How many bragged on forums that they were shagging girls the instant their lovesick boyfriends got in the cab to go to the airport ?

At one stage or another, we all get to be the rooster in Thailand, and every rooster on the planet ends up as a feather duster. Time to put your money where your mouths are and start the migration to Cambodia. Blame the Russians, blame the Chinese, blame the Thais - end of the day, they are just getting on with their lives - time for those who cant handle the heat to leave the kitchen.

[HardenedSoul]

Just look at the thread 'Brits Feeling the Pinch'.They all seem to agree the good value of Thailand has decreased significantly.

No shit, Sherlock. Cant imagine why a strong baht vs a devalued pound would spell trouble for those on a fixed GBP income ....

I wonder how many here profited from the property boom in Britain.

How many gloated to their mates that they weren't going to have to endure another freezing Winter the 'good old blighty' ?

How many bragged on forums that they were shagging girls the instant their lovesick boyfriends got in the cab to go to the airport ?

At one stage or another, we all get to be the rooster in Thailand, and every rooster on the planet ends up as a feather duster. Time to put your money where your mouths are and start the migration to Cambodia. Blame the Russians, blame the Chinese, blame the Thais - end of the day, they are just getting on with their lives - time for those who cant handle the heat to leave the kitchen.

Sure am glad I binned the pound for Canadian bucks and gold a few years back but even the Loonie's lost a little against the almighty baht.

Fortunately there's no need to bring currency here just yet as I earn in local paper but that could easily go tits up given the way the markets are whipsawing these days.

[Ystradyfodwg]

Most purchases for accommodation/ bars/restaurants in Cambodia are paid for in US$.The £ v US$ has declined around 25% since about 2007 so not quite as bad as the 50% decline in £ v Baht.

Are you for real. Ever realised that since the Dollar has declined they want more dollars for the same service in Cambodia

I was in Cambodia last month and prices for accommodation/food/travel seemed the same as they were 3-4 years ago.

[Denizen]

Lets hope my rubber trees come to fruition next year unless I'll be back in Good Old Blighty full time!

Are you planning to corner the condom market?

[mania]

I think the general thread is that Thailand is far more expensive for the Brits today than it was five/six years ago.Thats why far more Brits are going to countries such as Cambodia as you get far more value there than Thailand.This is a discussion forum and people are entitled to their opinion.

Not so difficult to understand is it, when they get almost half the amount of Thai Baht for their Pound from what they got 5 years ago.

Oh by the way, I haven't followed the Cambodian exchange rates, but I guess overthere they get also almost half from what they might have received 5 years ago.

GBP high for past 5 years was 67 range but, last 3 years really never saw much over 50

Here is the Cambodian riel exchange rates for 5 years

[Yahooka]

I think the young(er) russians are a breath of fresh air compared to the usual old punters,

and from what i have seen, the russian woman are also not obese generally,

i see some rather attractive here

The Russians have money and enjoy spending it.

Yes,but most of them don`t have BIG money,but I agree that they love their shopping.

[StreetCowboy]

In situations such as this, I would normally nudge the juke box, and if the record stuck again, I would switch it off

[MrWorldwide]

At one stage a few years back, Moscow had the record for the most new millionaires (USD) each year. I believe that China has since stolen that crown, but its debatable whether the Pattaya tour groups are millionaires. Just everyday people who can afford a break from bitterly cold Winters - similar story for tour groups from Northern China and Korea. If I'm going to rant and rave about those folk ruining *my* playground, how would I feel if they were replaced by Brazilians or Botswanans or New Zealanders ?

The Cold War did a lot to drive a wedge between the Russians and the West, and they had no longer torn down the Berlin Wall than we were handed a new boogeyman in the form of China. I dont pretend to be all warm'n'fuzzy with tourists from any part of the world - least of all my own countrymen - but I cant erect a sign at the entrance to Walking Street that says 'Sorry - only native English speakers and Thai women beyond this point !'. Laugh if you will, but there are some here who would like that sign erected in the arrivals hall at Swampy ....

[thenervoussurgeon]

To be honest most of us expats dont care where the tourists come from we just wish they would ALL p--s off.

[chiangmaikelly]

To be honest most of us expats dont care where the tourists come from we just wish they would ALL p--s off.

Not all of us. I like the Russian girls in the short, short, short shorts.

[thenervoussurgeon]

To be honest most of us expats dont care where the tourists come from we just wish they would ALL p--s off.

Not all of us. I like the Russian girls in the short, short, short shorts.

Oh alright ,i agree they can stay

[Radar501]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Tata Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

Edited March 4, 2013 by Radar501

[Naam]

Devalue the THB as it not a reserve currency it will not only make

everyone in Thailand feel richer but stimulate the tourist economy and

XE rates.

i nearly peed in my pants laughing out loud! this beats even the bla-bla about

baby rhino heads mounted in a shop because their horns can't be used commercially.

+1 - his Pattaya thread is 'special' too, but I thought Tommo's claim that everyone should have two year's 'supply' of the local currency if they are serious about living in Thailand was this weekend's classic. 'No worries, Tilac - I'll just rip down to the ATM and take out a couple of million to see us through this rough patch !'. Hilarious.

personally i don't think Tommo's claim/advice "two years supply of local currency" is out of bounds. my mantra is "five years!".

[Naam]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Lada Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

please change the "Lada" to "Tata Motors"

[Radar501]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Lada Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

please change the "Lada" to "Tata Motors"

Thanks Naam. Must have been a Freudian slip.

[Denizen]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Lada Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

please change the "Lada" to "Tata Motors"

I read recently that India is not doing so well because they have not created enough manufacturing industry to absorb people graduating from their education systems. This does not portend well for India's future and demonstrates there is an investment shortfall.

India has failed to control their population growth which is another negative factor.

[StreetCowboy]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Lada Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

please change the "Lada" to "Tata Motors"

Would the bigger humiliation not be for Ford, who owned the brand? Or perhaps they did very well out of the deal

Personally, I'm proud that our government does not seek to interfere in our markets to the detriment of shareholders - no doubt one of the reasons so many people are keen to invest in the UK

SC

[Naam]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Lada Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

please change the "Lada" to "Tata Motors"

I read recently that India is not doing so well because they have not created enough manufacturing industry to absorb people graduating from their education systems. This does not portend well for India's future and demonstrates there is an investment shortfall.

India has failed to control their population growth which is another negative factor.

India's industry has one big problem, namely it's socialist/marxist trade unions. my time as a CEO of an Indian-German joint venture was a nightmare

[NeverSure]

Western Capatalism has ruled the World for the last 200 years, but no empire lasts forever.

Ours is no longer the economic powerhouse of the World, and China and India are rising to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Our egos have been hurt coz those countries are considered subordinate. How humiliating for England that such an iconic brand as Jaguar could be bought out by Tata Motors of India.

40 years ago, Pattaya was colonised by the West and we felt some ownership over it. Now the Ruskies and Indians are taking over and We resent them for it.

Our time in the sun is quickly coming to an end, and some of us might be forced back to our Homelands as economic refugees.

I don't agree that it's that simple. China and India only rise to meet the needs of the West. If demand falls in the West due an economic failure of the West, China and India crash. China an India don't have the innovation that the West brought to the game either during the Industrial Revolution or currently in the electronics revolution. Everything they do and know from pharmaceuticals to the internet to all things which connect to the internet to the cars they drive and the planes they fly in were conceived in the West. So were the methods of manufacture.

Asia is only parroting what the West conceived and developed.

Add to this the massive populations which must be fed. China is communist and therefore is supposed to support its people. India is a federal republic on paper, but I don't see it operating that way. I see both as corrupt.

India has a per capita income of less than half what China does, and China is less than even Thailand. Link

These are third world countries to the max. They aren't ready for prime time without the West as customers by any stretch.

[rene123]

When the crybabies all go home like bleeting sheep it will make room for those that aren't on the dole. There might even be fewer whingers and whiners on tv.