Went to the booze shop as I fancied a whisky for a change

[JesseFrank]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

This thread has nothing to do with alcohol addiction. If you read my OP carefully you will see that I point to the majority of tourist that come to Pattaya, Phuket and alike for the entertainment. With the prices rising to extreme levels, and yes I include the bargirls in that, Thailand seems to be on a good path to kill it's golden goose once again.

[robblok]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

This thread has nothing to do with alcohol addiction. If you read my OP carefully you will see that I point to the majority of tourist that come to Pattaya, Phuket and alike for the entertainment. With the prices rising to extreme levels, and yes I include the bargirls in that, Thailand seems to be on a good path to kill it's golden goose once again.

Its cheap enough for my friends that come over. Maybe your income has not risen enough they still consider it cheap.

And for all its killing its golden goose there still seem to be enough tourists.

Sounds more like an expats moan that he needs cheaper girls and booze.

Edited January 21, 2014 by robblok

[robblok]

Seriously a couple of 100 baht on a bottle of wiskey.. the black label i gave my postman was 300 bt or so more as last time. So what.. what do you expect in a growing country with wage hikes and such (though this is because of the red government running out of money and taxing the hell out of stuff) What is 300 bath on something you dont drink everyday.. not much.. i find the higher cost of normal stuff more of a problem.

Prices will always rise faster here as in the west and so also the price of girls..Solution move to Cambodia.

[BudRight]

If you and your friends have so much money that you can afford to be ripped off and enjoy it, please send me and the OP some additional funds.

[robblok]

If you and your friends have so much money that you can afford to be ripped off and enjoy it, please send me and the OP some additional funds.

Its not called a rip off its normal for a country like this. Everyone with basic understanding knows that in countries in this state of their development prices rise faster. Common economics. Sorry that that goes above most peoples heads.

[JesseFrank]

Seriously a couple of 100 baht on a bottle of wiskey.. the black label i gave my postman was 300 bt or so more as last time. So what.. what do you expect in a growing country with wage hikes and such (though this is because of the red government running out of money and taxing the hell out of stuff) What is 300 bath on something you dont drink everyday.. not much.. i find the higher cost of normal stuff more of a problem.

Prices will always rise faster here as in the west and so also the price of girls..Solution move to Cambodia.

You're making up things Rob. The black label you gave to your postman was 529 Baht more than a year ago, or a stunning 53%, as it is 1499 Baht now at Big C online and was 970 Baht a year ago.

http://shoppingonline.bigc.co.th/food-beverages/wine-beer-and-spirits/johnnie-walker-black-label-70-cl.html

Why would consumer goods be more expensive in a growing country than in a developed country in your opinion?

In my experience is that in a less developed country they are usually cheaper.

I understand that most people don't drink alcohol every day, though most tourists in Pattaya do, and in fact most of them drink all day.

You think there are plenty of tourist in Pattaya these days, come over again to have a look as it seems you haven't been here for a long time, and try to explain why many bars and gogo's have to close these days.

Oh, I almost forgot to thank for your sensible advise as to move to Cambodia, why you just didn't tell me to go home if I don't like it ?

[BudRight]

Sorry, I'm not an economist like you, but I thought the price increase was caused by the government raising taxes.

[robblok]

Seriously a couple of 100 baht on a bottle of wiskey.. the black label i gave my postman was 300 bt or so more as last time. So what.. what do you expect in a growing country with wage hikes and such (though this is because of the red government running out of money and taxing the hell out of stuff) What is 300 bath on something you dont drink everyday.. not much.. i find the higher cost of normal stuff more of a problem.

Prices will always rise faster here as in the west and so also the price of girls..Solution move to Cambodia.

You're making up things Rob. The black label you gave to your postman was 529 Baht more than a year ago, or a stunning 53%, as it is 1499 Baht now at Big C online and was 970 Baht a year ago.

http://shoppingonline.bigc.co.th/food-beverages/wine-beer-and-spirits/johnnie-walker-black-label-70-cl.html

Why would consumer goods be more expensive in a growing country than in a developed country in your opinion?

In my experience is that in a less developed country they are usually cheaper.

I understand that most people don't drink alcohol every day, though most tourists in Pattaya do, and in fact most of them drink all day.

You think there are plenty of tourist in Pattaya these days, come over again to have a look as it seems you haven't been here for a long time, and try to explain why many bars and gogo's have to close these days.

Oh, I almost forgot to thank for your sensible advise as to move to Cambodia, why you just didn't tell me to go home if I don't like it ?

Sorry, but I did not have the prices that good in my mind.. I payed 1600bt for the black label at some big c mini. Thought it was 1300 last year always give the guy a present for never loosing a parcel. I am not obsessed by alcohol prices (got other obsessions).

Price rises are often sharper in developing countries because taxes are raised to pay for the growth and wages go up.. (called a boom) then prices rice too. Not too bad for those working in those economies but harder on those who come to visit or are on a fixed income.

Prices are still cheaper as in other countries that are more developed but not imported stuff as that is taxed even more.

As for bars and gogos closing and tourists leaving then prices will go down its economics. Yes we all know Thai economics.. but there are plenty of places selling stuff cheaper.

My advice was sensible.. many expats that hate the prices here have moved over there to get cheaper booze and girls.

You could always hope for a total breakdown of the country and the girls would be forced to sell themselves again. Just accept that when a country develops price of labor also sex labor goes up.

[robblok]

Sorry, I'm not an economist like you, but I thought the price increase was caused by the government raising taxes.

Yes it was and the girls are more expensive because of higher minimum wage.. all price increases go all over the board.

Government wants more money for growth projects (and load of corruption IMHO) and raises taxes.. wages are higher so most not on fixed income still come out the winner.

But in reality most people worry more about the price of food and stuff instead of the price of girls. Except sexpats of course.

[wym]

Prices may be cheaper at a given time in developing countries compared to earlier developed ones.

But they have been RISING faster in recent years.

And in this case tax seems to be a major factor.

However I don't think will have any impact at all on tourists' decisions, IMO this is not a goods category important to anyone sane.

Basic foodstuffs is a much more important factor in the lives of ordinary people, and there prices have been consistently climbing steeply in recent years. In comparison expensive imported luxury alcohol, I mean, really?

[Ruin]

Heaven Hill seems to be everywhere in BKK, 599 at Foodland, Villa, Malls etc. Not sure why it is so cheap, maybe I don't want to know!

It is OK so long as you mix it with something, an acquired taste?

Prices always rise, just gotta be selective in what you buy.

[wym]

great minds think alike 8-)

the girls are more expensive because of higher minimum wage

I think more likely to be the generally rising level of prosperity in Asia. Even poor upcountry girls are increasingly clued in as to their real market value, and demanding fairer deals. More power to 'em I say.

Also farang are no longer the high bidders, usually can't match what the wealthy Asians are offering.

Not least increasingly wealthy Thai men, who believe it or not are usually first choice among Thai girls, no matter what they may tell their gullible suckers customers prospective boyfriends.

[JesseFrank]

Seriously a couple of 100 baht on a bottle of wiskey.. the black label i gave my postman was 300 bt or so more as last time. So what.. what do you expect in a growing country with wage hikes and such (though this is because of the red government running out of money and taxing the hell out of stuff) What is 300 bath on something you dont drink everyday.. not much.. i find the higher cost of normal stuff more of a problem.

Prices will always rise faster here as in the west and so also the price of girls..Solution move to Cambodia.

You're making up things Rob. The black label you gave to your postman was 529 Baht more than a year ago, or a stunning 53%, as it is 1499 Baht now at Big C online and was 970 Baht a year ago.

http://shoppingonline.bigc.co.th/food-beverages/wine-beer-and-spirits/johnnie-walker-black-label-70-cl.html

Why would consumer goods be more expensive in a growing country than in a developed country in your opinion?

In my experience is that in a less developed country they are usually cheaper.

I understand that most people don't drink alcohol every day, though most tourists in Pattaya do, and in fact most of them drink all day.

You think there are plenty of tourist in Pattaya these days, come over again to have a look as it seems you haven't been here for a long time, and try to explain why many bars and gogo's have to close these days.

Oh, I almost forgot to thank for your sensible advise as to move to Cambodia, why you just didn't tell me to go home if I don't like it ?

Sorry, but I did not have the prices that good in my mind.. I payed 1600bt for the black label at some big c mini. Thought it was 1300 last year always give the guy a present for never loosing a parcel. I am not obsessed by alcohol prices (got other obsessions).

Price rises are often sharper in developing countries because taxes are raised to pay for the growth and wages go up.. (called a boom) then prices rice too. Not too bad for those working in those economies but harder on those who come to visit or are on a fixed income.

Prices are still cheaper as in other countries that are more developed but not imported stuff as that is taxed even more.

As for bars and gogos closing and tourists leaving then prices will go down its economics. Yes we all know Thai economics.. but there are plenty of places selling stuff cheaper.

My advice was sensible.. many expats that hate the prices here have moved over there to get cheaper booze and girls.

You could always hope for a total breakdown of the country and the girls would be forced to sell themselves again. Just accept that when a country develops price of labor also sex labor goes up.

My advice was sensible.. many expats that hate the prices here have moved over there to get cheaper booze and girls.

Isn't that exactly what I said with killing the golden goose ? I know you gonna say that expats are not of significance importance to the Thai economy, however tourists are a bigger factor, and if expats move to cheaper countries so will tourists.

Still keep in mind that the average expat spends monthly about 5 times the money an average Thai earns .

[NBD]

In fairness alcohol prices hadn't moved since I first came here in 2009 until the rise late last year. A 30% rise in one year is a shock, but over 4 years it's not much.

[Neeranam]

If I were a tourist, I'd want to sample the local drinks - Saeng Som, Lao Khao etc.

Reminds me of going to Ibiza, Spain and watching all the Brits eating English breakfast in English pubs.

Take a bottle of good whisky from the duty free.

When prices rise, be flexible. I remember back in 1997 during the financial crisis when I was an alcoholic, the prices went crazy. INstead of sitting in bars, we used to sit outside Foodland in Pat Pong and have a little party. The girls there started asking asking for $100 from tourists and they would get about more cash. They were getting 25 baht to the $, so 1000 baht was $40. With the new rate of exchange $100 was 4,000 baht so they were getting 4 times the money and the John was only paying twice as much.

[robblok]

great minds think alike 8-)

the girls are more expensive because of higher minimum wage

I think more likely to be the generally rising level of prosperity in Asia. Even poor upcountry girls are increasingly clued in as to their real market value, and demanding fairer deals. More power to 'em I say.

Also farang are no longer the high bidders, usually can't match what the wealthy Asians are offering.

Not least increasingly wealthy Thai men, who believe it or not are usually first choice among Thai girls, no matter what they may tell their gullible suckers customers prospective boyfriends.

Sure its because of rising prices and the other factors.. but people dont like to see it.

[JesseFrank]

In fairness alcohol prices hadn't moved since I first came here in 2009 until the rise late last year. A 30% rise in one year is a shock, but over 4 years it's not much.

Another one who lives with closed eyes. Excise taxes on alcohol have raised each and every years since 2009, only this year was more extreme.

[Neeranam]

There are many campaigns by government organizations(like Saw Saw Saw, for example) to reduce alcohol abuse. http://www.thaihealth.or.th/about/get-to-know

The Thai Health Act levies this tax because alcohol creates a high disease burden which results in untimely death.

A certain percentage of the excise tax is helping alcoholics where I live which can't be bad.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Neeranam

[robblok]

Seriously a couple of 100 baht on a bottle of wiskey.. the black label i gave my postman was 300 bt or so more as last time. So what.. what do you expect in a growing country with wage hikes and such (though this is because of the red government running out of money and taxing the hell out of stuff) What is 300 bath on something you dont drink everyday.. not much.. i find the higher cost of normal stuff more of a problem.

Prices will always rise faster here as in the west and so also the price of girls..Solution move to Cambodia.

You're making up things Rob. The black label you gave to your postman was 529 Baht more than a year ago, or a stunning 53%, as it is 1499 Baht now at Big C online and was 970 Baht a year ago.

http://shoppingonline.bigc.co.th/food-beverages/wine-beer-and-spirits/johnnie-walker-black-label-70-cl.html

Why would consumer goods be more expensive in a growing country than in a developed country in your opinion?

In my experience is that in a less developed country they are usually cheaper.

I understand that most people don't drink alcohol every day, though most tourists in Pattaya do, and in fact most of them drink all day.

You think there are plenty of tourist in Pattaya these days, come over again to have a look as it seems you haven't been here for a long time, and try to explain why many bars and gogo's have to close these days.

Oh, I almost forgot to thank for your sensible advise as to move to Cambodia, why you just didn't tell me to go home if I don't like it ?

Sorry, but I did not have the prices that good in my mind.. I payed 1600bt for the black label at some big c mini. Thought it was 1300 last year always give the guy a present for never loosing a parcel. I am not obsessed by alcohol prices (got other obsessions).

Price rises are often sharper in developing countries because taxes are raised to pay for the growth and wages go up.. (called a boom) then prices rice too. Not too bad for those working in those economies but harder on those who come to visit or are on a fixed income.

Prices are still cheaper as in other countries that are more developed but not imported stuff as that is taxed even more.

As for bars and gogos closing and tourists leaving then prices will go down its economics. Yes we all know Thai economics.. but there are plenty of places selling stuff cheaper.

My advice was sensible.. many expats that hate the prices here have moved over there to get cheaper booze and girls.

You could always hope for a total breakdown of the country and the girls would be forced to sell themselves again. Just accept that when a country develops price of labor also sex labor goes up.

My advice was sensible.. many expats that hate the prices here have moved over there to get cheaper booze and girls.

Isn't that exactly what I said with killing the golden goose ? I know you gonna say that expats are not of significance importance to the Thai economy, however tourists are a bigger factor, and if expats move to cheaper countries so will tourists.

Still keep in mind that the average expat spends monthly about 5 times the money an average Thai earns .

Yes and how many more times are there Thais as expats.. we are not that important not for the whole country.. tourist places sure.. but whole country not really.

People are still paying it else prices of girls would go down.. look at what Wym said farangs are no longer the highest bidder. Its sad for some but true.. maybe the average sexpat would do something about his appearance now and get in shape and clean himself up a bit. Make himself more desirable now his wallet cant make up for it all.

As for killing of the golden goose.. you might be right.. you might be wrong I can't really say as expats are not a major contributor and new ones still arrive to replace the poorer ones.

[BudRight]

In fairness alcohol prices hadn't moved since I first came here in 2009 until the rise late last year. A 30% rise in one year is a shock, but over 4 years it's not much.

Over twenty years, which is quite reasonable for an expat to be in Thailand, that's 370% of the original price. 1.3^(20/4) = 370%. So if you were making 30,000 baht per month, you now need to be making 111,000 baht per month.

That's assuming that you're working in Thailand and not living on a fixed pension that has depreciated by 40% along with your home currency.

Luckily for tourists they can do all this math from home and never have to even have to come here; they can just pick somewhere else for their holiday.

Somewhere like Cambodia?

[thehelmsman]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

It seems you're taking the original post way out of context and blowing it out of proportion to fit a certain narrow minded point of view. Lighten up a little.

[JesseFrank]

There are many campaigns by government organizations(like Saw Saw Saw, for example) to reduce alcohol abuse. http://www.thaihealth.or.th/about/get-to-know

I made clear already that this thread is not about alcoholism. Tourists don't go on holiday because the are alcoholics but because they want to have fun.

I know the government raises the taxes because the want to reduce alcohol abuse among Thais, but in reality it works backwards as it cuts them in the fingers in two ways .

Thais resort to home brewing, which results in even more alcohol related deaths, or smuggle it in from neighboring countries which has reached unseen levels currently.

Tourist look for cheaper places to have unrestricted fun, which again cuts in the governments income.

[robblok]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

It seems you're taking the original post way out of context and blowing it out of proportion to fit a certain narrow minded point of view. Lighten up a little.

Maybe i can read between the lines better as you but I have a feeling with taking luggage home the guy meant a girl.

That was in the OP and he responded to is.. so i need not lighten up.

Anyway alcohol prices have been up.. can't be denied. You can do 4 things (maybe more even)

- move to a cheaper place

- drink less

- whine about it on tv

- change the quality of what you drink

But i doubt the prices will go down. For something that is a luxury its not too bad. Its worse as the normal things in life get crazy expensive.

[robblok]

In fairness alcohol prices hadn't moved since I first came here in 2009 until the rise late last year. A 30% rise in one year is a shock, but over 4 years it's not much.

Over twenty years, which is quite reasonable for an expat to be in Thailand, that's 370% of the original price. 1.3^(20/4) = 370%. So if you were making 30,000 baht per month, you now need to be making 111,000 baht per month.

That's assuming that you're working in Thailand and not living on a fixed pension that has depreciated by 40% along with your home currency.

Luckily for tourists they can do all this math from home and never have to even have to come here; they can just pick somewhere else for their holiday.

Somewhere like Cambodia?

What you are describing is the problem of many an OAP that has retired here. Fixed income.. currency down (though it came up a bit)

They are no longer the millionaires here they were.. don't have the looks to get the cute girls so yea.. i can imagine they are not too happy.

[robblok]

@budright

Still a big problem with your calculation as your not an economist as you say. You assume all prices have risen that much or that you spend all your money on alcohol.

But ill forgive you as your trying to make a point and are not an economist.

[Neeranam]

There are many campaigns by government organizations(like Saw Saw Saw, for example) to reduce alcohol abuse. http://www.thaihealth.or.th/about/get-to-know

I made clear already that this thread is not about alcoholism. Tourists don't go on holiday because the are alcoholics but because they want to have fun.

I know the government raises the taxes because the want to reduce alcohol abuse among Thais, but in reality it works backwards as it cuts them in the fingers in two ways .

Thais resort to home brewing, which results in even more alcohol related deaths, or smuggle it in from neighboring countries which has reached unseen levels currently.

Tourist look for cheaper places to have unrestricted fun, which again cuts in the governments income.

Yes, I see what you mean but the reduction of road deaths etc have more importance than poor tourists convenience. If a tourist goes to another country because of the price of alcohol, they aren't the kind of tourist Thailand would want.

Edited January 21, 2014 by Neeranam

[thehelmsman]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

It seems you're taking the original post way out of context and blowing it out of proportion to fit a certain narrow minded point of view. Lighten up a little.

Maybe i can read between the lines better as you but I have a feeling with taking luggage home the guy meant a girl.

That was in the OP and he responded to is.. so i need not lighten up.

Anyway alcohol prices have been up.. can't be denied. You can do 4 things (maybe more even)

- move to a cheaper place

- drink less

- whine about it on tv

- change the quality of what you drink

But i doubt the prices will go down. For something that is a luxury its not too bad. Its worse as the normal things in life get crazy expensive.

When I started coming to Thailand for a few weeks at a time I didn't care about what I spent. A 2000-3000 baht bar tab at a beer bar meant I must have had a good time as well as help the local economy. But, now that I'm more permanently anchored down I take notice of even slight changes here. It's only natural. When people talk of the rising costs I don't believe its because its seriously affecting their bottom dollar.

[JesseFrank]

There are many campaigns by government organizations(like Saw Saw Saw, for example) to reduce alcohol abuse. http://www.thaihealth.or.th/about/get-to-know

I made clear already that this thread is not about alcoholism. Tourists don't go on holiday because the are alcoholics but because they want to have fun.

I know the government raises the taxes because the want to reduce alcohol abuse among Thais, but in reality it works backwards as it cuts them in the fingers in two ways .

Thais resort to home brewing, which results in even more alcohol related deaths, or smuggle it in from neighboring countries which has reached unseen levels currently.

Tourist look for cheaper places to have unrestricted fun, which again cuts in the governments income.

Yes, I see what you mean but the reduction of road deaths etc have more importance than poor tourists convenience. If a tourist goes to another country because of the price of alcohol, they aren't the kind of tourist Thailand would want.

The latest figures about road deaths don't show that the tax rise has been fruitful, isn't it ?

When prices are way higher than in your home country, the remark poor tourists isn't correct in my opinion.

Every tourist that leaves for another country is a loss for Thailand, because foreign currency is what every country needs to survive, and I think you underestimate the amount of money those particular " poor " tourists brought into the country in the past.

[robblok]

Yea its weird to complain on alcohol prices next they will start complaining about the prices of bar girls. Poor guys addicted to alcohol and the prices are raising. Either make more money or change your spending.

It seems you're taking the original post way out of context and blowing it out of proportion to fit a certain narrow minded point of view. Lighten up a little.

Maybe i can read between the lines better as you but I have a feeling with taking luggage home the guy meant a girl.

That was in the OP and he responded to is.. so i need not lighten up.

Anyway alcohol prices have been up.. can't be denied. You can do 4 things (maybe more even)

- move to a cheaper place

- drink less

- whine about it on tv

- change the quality of what you drink

But i doubt the prices will go down. For something that is a luxury its not too bad. Its worse as the normal things in life get crazy expensive.

When I started coming to Thailand for a few weeks at a time I didn't care about what I spent. A 2000-3000 baht bar tab at a beer bar meant I must have had a good time as well as help the local economy. But, now that I'm more permanently anchored down I take notice of even slight changes here. It's only natural. When people talk of the rising costs I don't believe its because its seriously affecting their bottom dollar.

Yes it is totally natural, did never say it was not natural. But we can't really change. But it still is a luxury I would start to worry if rent and food and electric and stuff would go up equally fast. I live here full-time too and i notice the price change too. But i see things as alcohol and such as a luxury that you can cut out. But of course its not nice to see prices rise.

But I always expected it as its natural that developing countries price rises outpace those of developed countries. I am lucky.. i work i can change my income and I hardly drink (when i do i buy the expensive stuff)

[JesseFrank]

But i see things as alcohol and such as a luxury that you can cut out. But of course its not nice to see prices rise.

But I always expected it as its natural that developing countries price rises outpace those of developed countries. I am lucky.. i work i can change my income and I hardly drink (when i do i buy the expensive stuff)

Of course alcohol is a luxury that can be cut out, so are Australian Beef, French cheese, Smoked ham, pickled herring and so many things. It are all luxury's not necessities.

But to me that looks more like a cut on freedom of choice.

I understand that price rises in developing countries happen faster, but I've rarely seen prices in developing countries been way higher than developed countries since the consumer prices normally translate to the average income.