Popular Post Cypress Hill Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) Thailand is more or less at or approaching 'full employment'. Salaries, rents, raw materials and other overheads remain on an upward trajectory and, predictably, costs are being passed on to the punter. One area in which this is being felt more than others is in the service industry. Many expats and tourists complain about the deterioration of the quality of service in restaurants, the rising costs and falling quality of food and drink and, of course, the women in bars - fatter, less attractive, more unfriendly and more "expensive". I've argued with guys who actually can't wait for some sort of economic crisis to befall the economy so "things can get get back to the way they were". For them that means, exchange rates back at 75, 40 against the baht for the pound and the greenback respectively, the cost of food and drink insignificant Shit, I like a low cost of living as much as anyone but I'm stunned that people can be so selfish as to covet a situation whereby those trying to better themselves in non-entertainment jobs are forced by financial imperatives back into an undignified and emotionally-damaging line of work just so their desires are catered to. OK so I fully accept that the jobs these people are doing aren't particularly salubrious or challenging but, if they work two of those jobs, they can make a perfectly decent income without suffering the disgrace and embarrassment of being perched on some hideous farang's lap in a bar. Personally, I very much welcome this dynamic because I want Thailand to advance and shake off its reputation as a playground for sex-starved barflies but what about you? Does the ever-increasing cost of life and "love" here have you wishing for a return to the "good old days" regardless of whether or not they're good for the locals? Edited October 31, 2014 by Rimmer reported ref to prostitution removed 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In Search of Space Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I would like Togo back to 80's levels if I went with it, so became 20 again ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowwwwyeah Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) . Edited October 31, 2014 by oowwwwyeah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowwwwyeah Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 my favourite was patong beach pre 2010 free entry to clubs packed to the brim with thai beauties and i was still a lad. 2014 its gotten more expensive and less easier to fluke a freebie as im balding fast but theres still great fun to be had in los. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoiBiker Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 One generations 'good old days' is the previous one's 'it's not as good as it used to be'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mrtoad Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 Life is good. No complaints. If it's so dreadful then most foreigners have a choice 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowwwwyeah Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Life is good. No complaints. If it's so dreadful then most foreigners have a choice life is good till the changovers hits ..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post AnotherOneAmerican Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 Not bothered about sex (don't do bars or alcohol), Prices haven't gone up that much in the last 5 years, as far as I can see. Would like a democratic government. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtoad Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Life is good. No complaints. If it's so dreadful then most foreigners have a choicelife is good till the changovers hits ..... Thankfully not going to happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namdocmai Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Not bothered about sex (don't do bars or alcohol), Prices haven't gone up that much in the last 5 years, as far as I can see. Would like a democratic government. I remember i liked to drink Blue Ice beer about 8 years ago, 4 big bottles for 100 baht from the 711. Chang was around 32 baht then. A big deep fried seabass was 150 baht in a nice open air restaurant with live music. Costs double that now for a small one. Also prawns are much more expensive now. On Samui a whole lobster on the beach in a restaurant for 500 baht, also a bungalow with aircon for 500 on the beach. Later prices on samui went up very fast. i remember coral cove resort on chaweng costed 1800 baht a night for a gardenview bungalow, costs double now. This was when the tsunami came. Sandy beach resort costed then 1300 for a small bungalow with breakfast. 20 years ago i paid 100 baht for a bungalow made of natural materials and a fan (only electricity at night) on phi phi island. Then there was only 1 resort with real bungalows made of stone. At night there was a huge generator running to supply power for the island, there were loads of monkeys and also loads of small red lobsters/crabs. But prices have gone up fast last years and the quality went down. Also foodportions are very small now, kao pad kung comes with 2-3 small prawns these days. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post arthurwait Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 The thing is as wages go up skills and education need to as well. They simply haven't so there is little reason for foreign companies (the major large employers here) to not just go to another country where the wages are lower and the skills are equally lacking. Tescos are trying to sell. If Tescos want to leave you have to ask some serious questions. Thailand will struggle to advance because of corruption and so many Thais that never leave the country believing they can do no wrong , particularly the vast amount of over spolit men. Major reform and money needs to be spent on education before the country advances, it will take decades, if it ever happens at all. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namdocmai Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 The thing is as wages go up skills and education need to as well. They simply haven't so there is little reason for foreign companies (the major large employers here) to not just go to another country where the wages are lower and the skills are equally lacking. Tescos are trying to sell. If Tescos want to leave you have to ask some serious questions. Thailand will struggle to advance because of corruption and so many Thais that never leave the country believing they can do no wrong , particularly the vast amount of over spolit men. Major reform and money needs to be spent on education before the country advances, it will take decades, if it ever happens at all. Thailand pays the highest amount of money per student of the whole world! , that's serious. It doesn't show though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthurwait Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 The thing is as wages go up skills and education need to as well. They simply haven't so there is little reason for foreign companies (the major large employers here) to not just go to another country where the wages are lower and the skills are equally lacking. Tescos are trying to sell. If Tescos want to leave you have to ask some serious questions. Thailand will struggle to advance because of corruption and so many Thais that never leave the country believing they can do no wrong , particularly the vast amount of over spolit men. Major reform and money needs to be spent on education before the country advances, it will take decades, if it ever happens at all. Thailand pays the highest amount of money per student of the whole world! , that's serious. It doesn't show though. What's it spent on though, the school principles merc and his mia nois ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldragon Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Not bothered about sex (don't do bars or alcohol), Prices haven't gone up that much in the last 5 years, as far as I can see. Would like a democratic government. You have to study the som tam index. It's nearly doubled in the last five years. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Soutpeel Posted October 31, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2014 CH welcome back.... been on holiday ?....making a movie ?....just come off suspension ? Good to have you back.... my favorite member of the ALBC 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussieroaming Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 When I were a lad beer cost nought and me dinner cost a penny. ... The baht is holding it's own against the Aussie dollar, so Aussies will be feeling the exchange rate. In my case I had enough cash imported to ride out a correction but if I were exchanging a pension for baht each month I would be feeling it. The secret I believe is to keep some funds in 3 or so currency's so you can manually hedge against the inevitable currency dips. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Unless all hell breaks loose, I think things are just going to tick-tock slowly ahead. For now, Thailand looks stable. Let's see how many tourists flock here this year. Still, I see the cost of living, cost of imports, cost of labor, cost of "P" & "B" going up....steadily. My retirement is going to stay the same for 2 years and 9 months longer. Then I get a nice social security boost...at 62 (if no laws are enacted during that time, to delay it). That being said, the kids will all be cut to the quick...like I was. My youngest will be 18. Going to have to pull his weight. Effective gain from social security and child support stoppage will increase my spending power by 70 percent. Just keep the beer within that cost range...I should make it to the grave with a cold Leo, a full belly, and a sexy smile on my face. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Hill Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 CH welcome back.... been on holiday ?....making a movie ?....just come off suspension ? Good to have you back.... my favorite member of the ALBC 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldragon Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Hopefully none of us would wish ill will upon a nation. At least not to the point of making their women cheaper and easier to sleep with... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiteman Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Thailand the hubb of the good old days 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller 2020 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I think you meant ..overweight ,burnt out, unwanted elsewhere , unattractive , usually financially quite poor and quite politically incorrect sex starved barflies Or is it the much younger cheap , ,un kept , utopia and cheap drug seeking , ultra poor , sandal wearing with 3 shorts , 3 shirts and a bong in a dirty backpack, beach-combing , bar fly you meant ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller 2020 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) There's a lot of very ordinary and scruffy people visiting Thailand , some even end up teaching English to stay on to fuel the habits Edited October 31, 2014 by traveller 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Hill Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 I think you meant ..overweight ,burnt out, unwanted elsewhere , unattractive , usually financially quite poor and quite politically incorrect sex starved barflies Or is it the much younger cheap , ,un kept , utopia and cheap drug seeking , ultra poor , sandal wearing with 3 shorts , 3 shirts and a bong in a dirty backpack, beach-combing , bar fly you meant ? Deliberately avoided the age aspect because it's irrelevant. Your descriptions are based on stereotypes 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveller 2020 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I think you meant ..overweight ,burnt out, unwanted elsewhere , unattractive , usually financially quite poor and quite politically incorrect sex starved barflies Or is it the much younger cheap , ,un kept , utopia and cheap drug seeking , ultra poor , sandal wearing with 3 shorts , 3 shirts and a bong in a dirty backpack, beach-combing , bar fly you meant ? Deliberately avoided the age aspect because it's irrelevant. Your descriptions are based on stereotypes Yes i give you that , but where else ( apart from the flesh pots of the Philippines ) can you see so many of the above stereotypes ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherOneAmerican Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 I think you meant ..overweight ,burnt out, unwanted elsewhere , unattractive , usually financially quite poor and quite politically incorrect sex starved barflies Or is it the much younger cheap , ,un kept , utopia and cheap drug seeking , ultra poor , sandal wearing with 3 shorts , 3 shirts and a bong in a dirty backpack, beach-combing , bar fly you meant ? Deliberately avoided the age aspect because it's irrelevant. Your descriptions are based on stereotypes Most of my pals are health and exercise nuts, no bars or alcohol. You must be mixing with the wrong people! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rgs2001uk Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 CH welcome back.... been on holiday ?....making a movie ?....just come off suspension ? Good to have you back.... my favorite member of the ALBC Dont worry, we have all been there. Twenty years ago the mrs was paying $100 per month for a condo, the same room today rents for $100 per month. Tend to stick to Thai places and avoid rip off farang clip joints. Yes I yearn for the good ole days, Amarit draft beer, where the heck did Kloster go, what happened to Sang Thip? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Hill Posted October 31, 2014 Author Share Posted October 31, 2014 I think you meant ..overweight ,burnt out, unwanted elsewhere , unattractive , usually financially quite poor and quite politically incorrect sex starved barflies Or is it the much younger cheap , ,un kept , utopia and cheap drug seeking , ultra poor , sandal wearing with 3 shorts , 3 shirts and a bong in a dirty backpack, beach-combing , bar fly you meant ? Deliberately avoided the age aspect because it's irrelevant. Your descriptions are based on stereotypes Most of my pals are health and exercise nuts, no bars or alcohol. You must be mixing with the wrong people! What on earth are you talking about? I didn't mention friends, did I? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David48 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 CH welcome back.... been on holiday ?....making a movie ?....just come off suspension ? Good to have you back.... my favorite member of the ALBC What qualifications does it take to become a member of the ALBC? Speaking of which ... what does the ALBC stand for? Remember, if you don't stand for something ... you'll fall for anything. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
namdocmai Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Not bothered about sex (don't do bars or alcohol), Prices haven't gone up that much in the last 5 years, as far as I can see. Would like a democratic government. You have to study the som tam index. It's nearly doubled in the last five years. About 6 years ago a burger from the Mac costed 20 baht, i just saw the price of it and it was 28 now. That's 40% more. My salary didn't go up 40% in 6 years and also then i got much more bath for the euro. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David48 Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Ah ... "The Good 'ole Days" Like, on Thai Visa, when we used to sit around the campfire together and sing (insert whatever song tickles your fancy) When, if for example your nick was David48 ... people would stop you in the street and ask .. 'Dave, how are the kids?' 48 ... no way ... you don't look a day over 42 ... A Leo was Bt 12, Beer Singha was a proper size bottle and was a much more expensive Bt 15 LadyBoys looked like men in dresses. Petrol (Gas) was Bt 30 a litre Pork Noodles was Bt 15 (outside Bangkok, could be got for Bt 12). The worst we could get was maybe Glandular Fever or a dose of the Clap rather then that other nasty (too nasty to mention) The Sun used to rise in the East and set in the West The Natives Indigenous Tribes knew their place. Wild Elephants roamed through Soi #4, instead of the Buffaloes today. Call me a Dreamer ... Actually, I was Backpacking through Europe 'back in those days' . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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