Not all farang are ‘guests’
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The discussion about who is responsible for Thailand’s economic progress is baffling, as are Vint Chavala’s accusations that farang like John Arnone and Eric Bahrt lack civility, refinement and education.
Firstly I would request that all letter writers, not only farang, be polite in their comments. Limiting his criticism to the farang is not something I would have expected of Vint.
Secondly, to insist, as many Thais do, that long-term residents are guests in Thailand reeks of an attempt to shut us up. Does Vint really believe that a farang who has lived here for 30 years, is married to a Thai, has Thai children, has invested millions of baht here (on houses for the family, cars, etc), spends a million baht per year on everyday consumption, and who will die in Thailand, is a guest? I believe “guest” has another connotation.
Finally, Arnone is simply wrong to claim that recent economic progress is solely down to the work of poor farmers. The government’s economic policies and building of infrastructure are just as important as the labour factor. Economic progress is a combined effort of all Thai citizens.
Egon
