Monopolies force prices up in Thailand – global e-retail is changing that
Re: “Muddled trade policies hold back the country, researchers say”, The Nation, September 21.
With the military running the show, what else can be expected. There are thousands of these generals whose skills are mainly limited to barking orders, saluting and adorning themselves with undeserved medals.
Just about everything in Thailand has become muddled. Even down to organising a tax on booze and migrant-worker laws.
The military seems to consistently follow Murphy’s 50-50-90 rule. Anytime they have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90-per-cent probability they’ll get it wrong.
Cadbury
Seems Thailand is forever protecting and bolstering monopolies. These practices benefit the few rich families, but certainly negatively impact others. How can the average Thai afford to pay two-to-five-times higher prices for items because of these policies? Hell, the price of a drill motor is 2-3 times the amount it costs in US – and ironically it’s made in China.
selftaopath
Changes are going to have to be made, whether the powers-that-be like it or not.
In the past few months I have started a new hobby and, after struggling to find things related to this in Thailand, I created an e-Bay account. Obviously this gives me more choice but more surprising was that I could buy the EXACT same product from overseas at up to 80-per-cent discount. These are not high-value items, are not stopped by customs and are normally shipped free. Quite an incentive to spend my money overseas.
More and more locals will catch on to this sort of thing over time.
I believe there is a big bubble and false “value” in the Thai economy created by these monopolies and protectionism. I hope they choose to deflate it sensibly over time and not let it burst.
realfunster
ThaiVisa
