Insightful Post From Sawadtee Network RE: Farangs and their evolving relationship w/ L.O.S.

[Undaunted]

Re: A future for Soi Pratuchai?

"Without reference to the GI's who used Thailand for R&R: Thirty or forty years ago (my first arrival was in 1972), most of the foreigners coming to Thailand for an extended stay were teachers, advisers, engineers, researchers, in short, people who were needed, people who could be utilized to improve the country in some way. Thus, farang were treated respectfully simply because they could be employed either for the greater good, or for the good of particular Thais. Then came the backpackers and no one felt compelled to give them much respect. And then, thanks to reduced air fares and to Thailand's growing reputation as the sex capital of SE Asia, there came a rather large percentage of foreigners who had not the slightest notion of contributing to the betterment of Thai society. So the Thai media chastise farang now because they are no longer "untouchable" (and because some deserve it), or simply because the Thai media don't have the freedom to chastise khon Thai. IMHO"

Soi Pratuchai is Soi twilight

[windwalker]

What is the insightful?

[Undaunted]

in·sight·ful
inˈsītfəl,ˈinsītfəl/
adjective
adjective: insightful

having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.
"thank you for all the insightful comments"
synonyms: intuitive, perceptive, discerning, penetrating, penetrative, astute, percipient, perspicacious, sagacious, wise, judicious, shrewd, sharp, sharp-witted, razor-sharp, keen, incisive, acute, imaginative, appreciative, intelligent, thoughtful, sensitive, deep, profound; More

[readerc54]

The post on SGT opened with a report that during a meeting of Dream Boys staff it was disclosed that the bar will close within two years.

Some of the issues associated with the viability of the soi going forward were also discussed in a post here Saving Soi Twilight started on Jan. 26.

[Jun]

In common with many other countries, Thailand restricts job opportunities for foreigners, which is Thailand's choice. Since the Thai education system is a very long way from being the world's best, perhaps they miss out on some good skills there. Don't blame the Farang for that.

They are happy to take tourism money, which I think contributes to their economy and society.

I don't see any significant insight in the comments.

[Alex]

Jun, I think you are very right about that. This is one of the major obstacles of doing business in Thailand. And while it contributes to nominally having full employment, it can be argued that it's one of the reasons why many jobs remain menial; many Thais in full-time employment are under employed.

And it doesn't look as if that's happening by accident. That the Thai education system remains as bad as it is and that restrictions for foreigners remain in place both seems to serve the Thai elites well.

[Undaunted]

Another take from Sawadtee Network:

" Thais have become more modernized / Westernized, so family loyalty isn't quite what it once was. still very strong, but not quite as much as decades ago.

- Many will disagree with me, but middle class here has expanded greatly over the last 15 or so years. All that Gdp growth Thailand has enjoyed -- some of it has trickled down to even somchai selling somtam in the village. Hence, there's not as much of a need to prostitute yourself.

- probably most importantly, the stereotype of the farang has changed quite a bit over the decades. I would imagine back in say the vietnam war era, the stereotype was farangs were generally GIs who were young, healthy, good looking, had a pocket full of cash, and all the ambition in the world. Nowdays, I think it's changed into more of a 65yo fat, alcoholic guy living on a small pension, and wears a wife beater every day. Hence, ambition to rush down to Pattaya to get hitched with a farang has waned a little."

- Another one is the media in this country. They love to chastise foreigners for anything and everything wrong, and I'm uncertain if that was the case 30 or 40 years ago.

[readerc54]

Since the Thai education system is a very long way from being the world's best, perhaps they miss out on some good skills there. Don't blame the Farang for that.

And it doesn't look as if that's happening by accident. That the Thai education system remains as bad as it is and that restrictions for foreigners remain in place both seems to serve the Thai elites well.

Exactly. The hi-so send their kids to the elite private schools and let the chips fall where they may for everyone else. This ensures that their kids get the best private sector, government and military posts.

[Jun]

Exactly. The hi-so send their kids to the elite private schools and let the chips fall where they may for everyone else. This ensures that their kids get the best private sector, government and military posts.

One of the reasons why corrupt countries rarely get wealthy.

[Dodger]

Jun write:

One of the reasons why corrupt countries rarely get wealthy.

Would the USA and China be considered as exceptions to this rule?