The 'new China' in Thailand: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’

[@yongjinnkim9207]

People try to get away from capitalism, but escapism is only available under financial support.

[@dissonance798]

You're spot-on. If the protagonist in the video left such a good life in Beijing, that means she had a high-paying job there, which would make her at least a top middle-class citizen in the socioeconomic latter. Having a preliminarily consilidate financial foundation makes settin the path to the new life much easier. And that's definitely thanks to the whole capitalist setting China is in today.

[@rambutans5857]

Exactly, many people escape from capitalism to SEA after benefited from the developed country.

[@Cyan_Nightingale]

Answer is.. not because of capitalism. But because of overpopulation. Of course it is stressful living in a country with world's 2nd most numerous population. More people means more competition for limited resources/life opportunity, thus more pressure.

[@pankajpradhan3298]

@@Cyan_Nightingale 100 %

[@joythought]

They are aiming to get away from an authoritarian country. Thailand is 💯 capitalist. How do you get so confused that you think capitalism is the problem when these people are searching for more freedom from an authoritarian regime and from the tight structures for a rigid set of family expectations.

[@robinhazell6019]

I lived and worked in Thailand for 24 years. It was a mistake for me to leave, BUT, I would like to know about what type of Visas these Chinese are granted by Thailand. Are they so rich, they have THE ELITE VISA? And even that must be renewed. Also, you didn't mention who actually owns the Farm and buildings etc. Overseas people can only own a condo. I would ;like to know, because this video creates the impression that anyone can just live and do what they want to do in Thailand.

[@JesseFinkBooks]

Exactly. She can’t own a farm

[@NathanMarchack]

Don't expect any deeper examination or answers to follow up questions from Western media.

[@sodiumwaste]

there's the new digital nomad visa now

[@DrJohnPollard]

I'd say be best not to ask too many questions of this fantasy puff piece.

[@robinhazell6019]

@@sodiumwaste These people don't seem to be on Digital Nomad visas. Plus, I have a very low opinion of Digital Nomads - Live abroad and work for companies/clients in their home countries and overseas companies. Get paid into their Bank account in their home countries, and transfer some of it to declare and pay some Tax to Thailand. Don't do very much for the countries they live in.

[@83dsvhtubb]

The Thai locals are going to get out priced

[@kumbo77]

Like so many brits moving to Spain, Russians moving to Georgia and Armenia.

[@RahalRathnayake]

​@@kumbo77 now russians are all over the world. Turkey,Argentina,Kazakastan,Finland...

[@kevinmanan1304]

No they won’t. You can’t open a business or own land unless it’s 51% Thai. All the homes there occupied by white folks have a joint ownership with a Thai. But who knows perhaps it’s the same Thai corp that joint owns all the homes foreigners live in. That’s another problem but at least it’s Thai owned

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@JackSmith-gv5yw]

Many Thai's are already out priced in CM, it's been happing for years.

[@tuckercibik6979]

As a 54 year old man who has left his country 30 years ago, my one advice to my younger friends is leave the country you were born in and live somewhere else for a while just to get to know your fellow human beings living totally different lives.

[@buzifalus]

Everywhere is getting expensive and competitive though

[@curlieeloks3032]

@@buzifalusit’s getting competitive to leave your country?

[@微明-klh]

Competition in China is very intense now. There are many high-end talents. It's not that they can't find jobs, but most people think "I shouldn't do any manual labor after graduating from college (anything) and start from the grassroots level." The college graduates who have come into our company are like this, all of them are only children. They are unwilling to do labor, even on-site technicians are unwilling to do it. If they are not given an office computer, they will leave immediately.

[@chrisjuricichxl5]

absolutely a good idea. I moved to Japan in the 80s for 3+ years and now in retirement I'm living in the Philippines.

[@pratikkadam2213]

​@@chrisjuricichxl5how is japan to live?

[@cigarKK]

I personally know some young Chinese living happily with more smile in Thailand. I know young people from India, Myanmar, living happily in Thailand. And I personally love Thailand.

[@jinlee2617]

It's the land of cheap pro$$ie, drugs and cheap good food so who doesn't love it?

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@phillip76]

What are these Chinese people doing for a living? If you have money, I bet they are happy. It is a biased set of people. If they are poor, they are going to be desperate about how to pay the bills.

[@danielbenner7583]

@@seymorefact4333 you’re just SPAM posting the same thing over and over again.

[@bakal_syuhada]

only islam is true religion, pray and seek guidance.

[@Trgn]

Now do one on how many Brits trying to escape capitalism doom and gloom in the UK

[@xmmx9909]

They have, many times. Both capitalism and communism have been horirble to humanity. But in capitalism, a person has a chance to suffer while yelling at the government, using any website, reading any book.

[@nextinstitute7824]

There are lots and lots about that already. This item is about a new development. Fascinating, because artists are always ahead of the crowd.

[@UKVeteran2024]

You mean Brexit?

[@sluglife9785]

Have you heard of Spain, Señor?

[@puddles5501]

keep your smelly migrants with their tea stained teeth.

[@jengoh3826]

Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea (and more recently, Taiwan) had traditionally been where the Chinese migrated to when China itself was in trouble. Many important families and famous people in Korea, Japan and Thailand had ancestors who came from China. The ethnic Chinese community that had put down root in Thailand for generations came to Thailand a century ago when China was challenged by infighting, Japanese invasion, and poverty. The present migration of Chinese to Thailand is just a repeat of what had happened so many times already. Its not clear exactly how this influx will affect the locals, but it is evidence of something that many Chinese don't want to admit to themselves. China has serious problems, and mass migration is usually the most accurate indicator.

[@tinyliny4ever]

They are relocating to US West Coast in the thousands, with so much cash. Forcing property values too high for American born to buy. Teaching their kids in special Chinese schools, having businesses with all signs only in Chinese. Chinese immigrants do not try to adjust to their new country. They only live off it, like a Leech.

[@ColoniaMurder20]

Southern China was originally from Vietnamese, Thai, Filipinos, Malaysian, Indonesian, Cambodian, Laos during pre Han dynasty.. before Han people started their conquest and genocide against ancient people in Southern China.. it was well known in chinese history about ancient people in Southern China as known as "Hundred Yue" in english term "Hundred Barbarians".

[@JackSmith-gv5yw]

Chiang Mai is a great place, but during burning season the air is terrible.

[@IanInChengdu]

It’s awful in Jan and Feb

[@itsmesopasuk]

because of CP and weakness of Thai authorities

[@teflchiangmai]

They don't seem to know how to actually inforce punishment for those responsible for the burning. GPS? What is that?

[@samartz]

I just ask foreigners living somewhere else to learn the language and culture and fit in, not just come to reap the benefits

[@stickymoney]

foreigners in my country never ever try to fit in. They're here PURELY to reap the benefits.

[@cent-ns1lm]

You think China will do that? 😂 you should see Chinese in Japan or the United States. They just keep to themselves

[@HazyWalnut]

@@cent-ns1lm come to Australia they buy up all the businesses and property and only hire and sell to themselves.

[@tigerfist2864]

@@cent-ns1lm China and Thailand have always had a good relationship since long time ago ,Chinese people always have a place in the hearts of Thailand , 10% population thailand are chinese descent and they rule economy in asean and 50% are mixed chinese-thai ,one best thai movie is about chinese descent thai family (How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies) u jealous white pdfil cant win this lol

[@HazyWalnut]

@@cent-ns1lm Big issue in AUS. Buy up all the business and houses then only sell and hire themselves.

[@Sa-nguansak]

As a 3rd generation of Thai-Chinese, we don't want immigrants in Thailand who can't migraine to our culture. The new comers shall accept and adopt to our society.

[@Surstromming22]

don't worry, no one really wants to move to your 3rd world. where the locals still kneel down and pray to a king. embarrassing really.

[@whatbringsmepeace]

Good luck with that. Australia has been multicultural for 50 years and some immigrants consistently stick to their own kind, forming enclaves of Sudanese or Chinese etc. It's disappointing when you see how easily European immigrants assimilate into our society.

[@phoenix5054]

Migraine? You mean integrate?

[@lecannet]

​@@phoenix5054BOTH😂i would say hahaha

[@andreandree4384]

Yes. Agree here. Chinese or westerners should integrate Thai traditions. One of them is to learn Thai!!. And I saw too many expats don't do that😢

[@HazyWalnut]

I think this should be done very carefully. Chinese and in general most foreigners do not integrate properly with the country they move to. Here in Australia, it has become a big issue with chinese buying up businesses and housing all while not speaking even basic english. It's gotten to the point where some parts of Sydney and Melbourne it's very difficult to find work since they only hire Chinese. This is also said about Indians and other immigrants. The thai government must make sure these people integrate properly and do not just stick to their own small groups.

[@haodeplorable266]

The language used by lowly barbarians, such as English, is not necessary to learn. The Australian Constitution also does not require citizens to use any everyday language. If you are white garbage and poor, losing your land is just a matter of time, don't complain about new immigrants😂

[@wilaadum5063]

Same problem in Thailand, new generation of chinese are taking up whole streets. But the problem here wouldnt be as bad as in Australia because the old generation of chinese has already taken over Thailand lol. For example, the prime minister of thailand , the richest man in thailand, even the king of thailand is of chinese descent. So, the newer Chinese would come in and integrate well as the culture here in the city is pretty much set up by the older generations of Chinese immigrants.

[@HazyWalnut]

@@wilaadum5063 There's nothing wrong with foreigners starting businesses overseas issue is how they don't bother to cater towards the locals and instead just take up all the services and give jobs only to themselves it's so frustrating

[@batmanonholiday4477]

don't try to find a job in a chinese restaurant or indian supermarket -- problem solved

[@maheshmudgal1973]

Seems a strategy from the Chinese to settle in Thailand buy their land & then make it a part of China. They had tried to do this in Vietnam too.

[@rollinghippo2940]

they do this everywhere

[@HazyWalnut]

Australia also they bought out so many businesses and only sell and hire themselves

[@woshilinlaobei]

They WILL never succeed in Vietnam, VN knows the Chinese BS too well and they are holding up well with their property and business law. Only the sporadic PRC BS can linger around Vietnam with KTV or some peripheral businesses.... otherwise, they don't have much influence or power unlike those in Thailand and Malaysia/ Singapore (who are so opened to them) and causing the country to crumble.

[@Phalanx-j6p]

Thats true. It's a common strategy.

[@teflchiangmai]

Gee imagine that. Ever hear of a place called Tibet? It used to be independent too.

[@Smilequve]

As Thai myself, I welcome all to stay here in Thailand. However, please try living as Thais too.

[@Kalamolng]

Ah here lies the rub. THEY WILL NEVER!

[@calvinhoward3808]

@@Kalamolng why not? Thailand already has a large chinese minority. And they share religions somewhat. Thai is also a tonal language like Chinese.

[@Smilequve]

@ Thailand has welcomed so many nationalities in the past and all blended in very well. Hope new comers would do so.

[@woshilinlaobei]

The modern Chinese always want things their way and do not adapt like most of the predecessors do. Of course they are welcomed because of their monies, but their lack of ability and reluctance to adapt is disturbing.... they make a mess and create havoc everywhere they go. They need to do BETTER and do more if they want to integrate into another country's society... And i am speaking as a Chinese.

[@HazyWalnut]

@@Smilequve We hope so too however looking at how Chinese and other immigrants act and behave in other countries like the US, AUS, UK and Singapore it doesn't look too good...

[@caseyong7421]

They are affluent! They probably survived by their parents making money in China 😅

[@IA100KPDT]

yea, sad that you can't live your dream life.

[@teflchiangmai]

Always. All the "international schools" consist of one nationality. Can you guess what that is?

[@TonyMontana-pe6vf]

Yes, I think they are a bunch of ungrateful very Westernized self entitled brats. Their parents sacrificed themselves so hard to give them a good education for a better opportunity, and now they leave the country they grew up in and complain. This is what is call short minded.

[@sfshralp8]

If you have some money and you're not greedy for more, it is okay to try something different. I wish these people all the best.

[@ROKHardComedy]

its a cycle. The next generation ( the ones who will grow up in families with less money ) will chase money again and then the next will chase dreams .

[@thboy1037]

If they come, live and work legally and peacefully, respect the locals and not get involve in the gray or black business, they can live anywhere in this world.

[@remon9099]

The issue with the new wave of Chinese immigrants in Chiang Mai is that they don't spread out or blend in with the locals. They're clumping together and buying up entire neighborhoods including the businesses. So now you see these small "Chinese enclaves" pop up which is not good for the society of Chiang Mai. They need to spread out and try to integrate with local people.

[@ranfak]

@@remon9099not just Chinese. Many Americans, British and all. I wouldn’t buy this it’s just Chinese. if you are try to go that direction .

[@999study]

How are they able to buy land and property when they are not Thai?

[@Mark-yo5ue]

They buy the land using a company structure using Thai nominee (fictitious) shareholders. It’s illegal, but like many things in Thailand it is tolerated because of the substantial sum of money involved in such transactions.

[@skipperclinton1087]

​@@Mark-yo5ue: That’s a scheme that could ruin you if the govt decided to close that "loophole". IMO, a risky venture. It it were reversed to be 51% in favor of the investor then I'd be OK with it. As you said, it's illegal!

[@tigerfist2864]

China and Thailand have always had a good relationship since long time ago ,Chinese people always have a place in the hearts of Thailand , 10% population thailand are chinese descent and they rule economy in asean and 50% are mixed chinese-thai ,one best thai movie is about chinese descent thai family (How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies) u jealous white pdfil cant win this lol

[@woshilinlaobei]

The Chinese BS starts with $$$$$$$$. They hve lots of it so they can get things done.

[@singas2854]

@@Mark-yo5ueit’s technically legal and many have lost everything and even jail terms it is definitely not recommended

[@sluglife9785]

'Republic of Nowhere' You can read this story in two ways. On the one hand it's about escaping from an overly oppressive government and an overly competitive society. But on the other hand, it's about the affluent globalist diaspora, who have the privilege of picking and choosing where they live. In a way I think this sums up the confusion that mainstream Leftist politics has gotten into in recent decades, which have led to some valid accusations. Because 'freedom' and 'privilege' so often share the same bed. By championing freedom as such, you often accidentally just create an elevator for the privileged which no one else can ride. We need a new buzzword, because 'freedom' doesn't cut it.

[@joesoy9185]

I think the slogan means that anyone from any country is welcome as long as they share similar values to the founder members of the community.

[@robinhazell6019]

Great comment. See my comment on HOW these Chinese can set-up a Farm and Altenative Community. It is impossible for Foreigners to own land or a Hose in Thailand. Also, almost impossible to be granted Thai Citizenship ( unless you are so rich, you can pay under the table ).The word NOWHERE is the Greek work for UTOPIA. Like you say, this UTOPIA is open to all as long as you have enough ,money for the Thailand Elite VISA.

[@George-f8h]

It's like the saying, "even if you win the rat race, you're still a rat." The lady in the video decided that she no longer wants to be a rat running the on the spinning wheel to espape the expectations and pressures from her bosses and her parents.

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@CripplingDuality]

@@George-f8h She is the nth affluent liberal to say that. You must be the nth one to nod along unquestioningly to this chant.

[@stevewise75]

There are plenty of these communities in Dali, Yunnan and Anji, Zhejiang for digital nomads or people who want to farm, do art , live cheap etc

[@Western_Decline]

right, but the purpose of this video is for the Guardian to get you to realize that China is evil and authoritarian. The liberal agenda can be smelled from miles away.

[@conbrio27]

Can you advise how I would be able to find these places? I want to visit next time I go to China.

[@findingmyway192]

Happy for the people living their new lives but damn the air quality in Chiang Mai is horrendous. I was there last year and was shocked by the smog and greyness. It actually made me feel a bit depressed!

[@geinikan1kan]

This reminds me of Western expats in the 1980s & 90s charmed by the simplicity of China, leaving home to explore themselves, finding their own childhoods in the less developed world of the just-this-side-of-colonial expat.

[@pwh-1112]

It’s not true of all because in my country(Thailand) have a many problem from people around the world who try to benefit from something!!! You know guys the dream is the DREAM but the true is TRUE.

[@UnitedKingdomofSiamTheory]

ฉันเป็นคนไทย ประเทศไทยก็มีปัญหาของตัวเองเช่นกัน ในสหรัฐ เรียกว่า เสรีภาพ ในจีน เรียกว่า ไม่มีเสรีภาพ ในไทย เรียกว่า ความวุ่นวาย

[@IanInChengdu]

True

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

... yes , the military should not be involved in politics in any country

[@UnitedKingdomofSiamTheory]

@@_Alfa.Bravo_ ประเทศตะวันตก คงยังไม่เคยมีกองกำลังติดอาวุธที่ก่อการร้ายในประเทศจริงๆ คุณรู้ไหมว่าสหรัฐอยู่เบื้องหลังการรัฐประหารในไทย เพื่อสู้กับความวุ่นวายของลัทธิคอมมิวนิสต์

[@UnitedKingdomofSiamTheory]

@@_Alfa.Bravo_ ประเทศตะวันตก คงไม่เคยมีกองกำลังก่อการร้ายในประเทศจริงๆ และรัฐบาลพลเรือนไม่สามารถทำอะไรได้กับการทุจริต คุณรู้ไหมว่าสหรัฐอยู่เบื้องหลังการรัฐประหารในไทย เพื่อต่อสู้กับลัทธิคอมมิวนิสต์ คุณพูดถูกกองทัพไม่ควรยุ่งเกี่ยวกับการเมือง แต่หากประเทศกำลังล่มสลาย มันมีความจำเป็นต้องทำ

[@UnitedKingdomofSiamTheory]

@@_Alfa.Bravo_ ประเทศตะวันตก คงไม่เคยมีกองกำลังก่อการร้ายในประเทศจริงๆ และรัฐบาลพลเรือนไม่สามารถทำอะไรได้กับการทุจริต คุณรู้ไหมว่าสหรัฐอยู่เบื้องหลังการรัฐประหารในไทย เพื่อต่อสู้กับลัทธิคอมมิวนิสต์ คุณพูดถูกรัฐบาลทหารไม่ควรยุ่งเกี่ยวกับการเมือง แต่หากประเทศกำลังล่มสลาย มันมีความจำเป็นต้องทำ

[@notjohnnyrico]

I don't think it's simply because of capitalism. China itself is overly populated, just like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. More people = more competition for limited resources/opportunities = more pressure on life. Notice the same phenomenon of "young people fleeing abroad" from these 4 countries because of overpopulation. I noticed recently many Indians and Indonesians are fleeing to Europe to become migrant workers. Not only it is high paying compared to our country of origin.. it is also possible to "slow living" in there.

[@patrickt49]

Overly populated? Then why do they keep talking about China's demographic collapse? Population decline is their problem.

[@LordEmperorHyperion]

You sound like a western media propaganda spewing machine

[@yo23df2ss66ddm]

wrong，look at Japan，now the problem of China is the garbage government.

[@Vajrasattvam]

​​@@patrickt49The overpopulation in India and China isn't really caused by an excess of kids , even India is facing a lot birthrate now. It's because the number of working class citizens is large , so the extra population in these countries aren't the kids , but rather a number of young and middle age adults . (And there's no way to get rid of them except for immigration). So China is facing both : a birthrate crisis and an overpopulation issue

[@hdufhbnjgr5491]

​@@patrickt49Even their population is in declining and heading to demographic collapse in the near future,the current population face the insufficient opportunities and have to migrated to look for work abroad to survive..Look at Chinese graduates for example there's inflation of education for opportunities or position that can be provided by the job market..

[@chuckster007a]

China spews out millions of University graduates yearly who go out to look for jobs and the competition is so fierce most end up doing jobs like waiters or delivery drivers to survive. 1000s applying for a few spaces in big companies is useless. Not many can leave China to find happiness outside, the ones that can are lucky.

[@Kennon959]

It used to be that the big tech companies would hire thousands and thousands of fresh graduates to keep them off the market and out of the competitors companies so they ended up with teams of 20 doing the job that 10 people could easily do. They would have so many people just handling communication with HQ and making reports just for the sake of making reports. After covid there was a big reset to streamline whole departments which means the intake of fresh graduates has dropped significantly plus more investments have to be made into sanction proofing products.

[@ryanwalters6184]

That's everywhere. Here in America they want us to compete with the world. 😂 At least a lot of places don't have to deal with immigration. It's your local people fighting for the jobs.

[@Singular121]

It would be a lot less competition if population could have been a lot less and not 1.4 billion.

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@seymorefact4333]

LMAO...look at your country! I bet its happening at home!

[@roro-v3z]

China has this too, rural china is also popular for this

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@phillip76]

LOL... This is anti-China propaganda funded by the CIA funding department of "freedom promotion".

[@user-pr2xj1bm4u]

Not the art and freedom of expression in this video.

[@shundi4264]

​@@user-pr2xj1bm4u It is actually worse. Thanks to courageous individuals Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, and Bradley/Chelsea Manning, whom Western nations persecuted for daring to defy groupthink and speak the truth to power.

[@canto_v12]

@@user-pr2xj1bm4ufalse equivalence. Thailand is no bastion of artistic freedom-lese majeste, for example, is actually enforced in Thailand.

[@andrewsmith-cm9qw]

I know it’s sounds like a cliche but a BALANCE in everyday life will allow all life forces to live in harmony. IF you let one force rule all it will destroy them.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@owainjohns2815]

Locals are getting upset by what they are doing…

[@HazyWalnut]

It's not just thailand it's everywhere

[@Unsolicitedbias]

The old saying: Your Happiness begins the moment of your deepest unhappiness.

[@alpharomeo786]

Money is necessary for survival but it will not give you happiness.

[@Hey_puppets]

Food, a home and happy environment is necessary for survival What will u do with 10 cars when u have to work for 12 hrs a day.

[@tmgasia]

kindness with money spreads happiness... Heard of generosity?

[@mitkoogrozev]

Eh, it's not necessary, it's provisional, since it's clearly an abstract token that has only faith-based value, as long as people as a group keep using it. Money is instead an interference factor, between what one needs, and what one can afford.

[@seymorefact4333]

🤣 "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’. FUNNY...CHINA is discovering what the USA known. USA has been HAVING same issues for decades....NO FREEDOM, WORK WORK WORK, EXPENSIVE TO BE IN THE USA!! MILLIONS OF EX-PATS GOING TO THAILAND. ISSUE is they are NOW making it UNAFFORDABLE FOR THE LOCALS! "THE NEW AMERICA IN THAILAND: ‘if you want hope, you have to leave’.

[@CripplingDuality]

Luckily they have their parents' money to fund their lofting in Thailand.

[@MultiTictock]

As an American, I have a harder time understanding the narrators english than this Chinese interviewee, suppose that's globalism

[@fifigaia8451]

Same. Sound like British English, but a bit blurry.

[@aniwee17]

The interviewer’s Mandarin Chinese is also out of tune! It is a lot worse than her English.

[@FFang-cn5co]

I think she has a lisp.

[@joezzyb-i2x]

She has a lisp, not whatever you are insinuating.

[@rakhmire2]

There are parts of China which are still extremely cheap and where you can easily set up a small farm. You’d still be in China though and you won’t enjoy some of the freedoms like in Thailand.

[@peanut0brain]

What kind of freedom available in Thailand but not in Ćhina? Do u think there's no freedom in Ćhina?!

[@keqin5980]

@@peanut0brain my baidu account was permanently eliminated because I commented something like "this country has no hope, we don't have freedom here".

[@Cyan_Nightingale]

​@@peanut0brainIn China even Steam game account is regulated. Username is regulated. While in Thailand, users are free to change usernames just like in other countries.

[@ranfak]

@@keqin5980​​⁠lol we got out twitter account ban aswell if we say certain things . So why make a big deal . Look at yt comment rules aswell.

[@ranfak]

@@keqin5980​​⁠lol we got out twitter account ban aswell if we say certain things . So why make a big deal . Look at yt comment rules aswell.

[@johnwong8336]

this girl is not typical chinese cos she westernised chinese.

[@Western_Decline]

a liberal. These are the worst.

[@dodgechallenger2116]

Yes, you can hear her voice. It's every reason men go to thailand, to get away from her

[@leeo268]

Chinese American. She tried to act like she is from mainland China to smear Chinese people. pathetic CIA actor.

[@lalatubby4836]

100%

[@zenden9]

@@Western_Decline These are the liberal that drag down western civilisation.. And you know why USA cant produce a 6th gen fighters while China can. Fortunately , these kind of liberal in China is a minority while in western, these kind of liberal are plenty.

[@koohanpaik-mander7567]

How is this working for Thailand? For Laos, it's an utter disaster of colonial settlerism.

[@RaccoonGrrrl]

We are afraid this could also happen to us sometimes soon too. In fact, Chiang Mai Locals used to complain a lot about rude and disrespectful "Chinese Tourist" during 2018-2019. While recent chinese migrant/(expats?) seem more tamed compared to those I wish they would respect and learn more local culture and connect more to locals too or else they would just use us as their stardew valley dream project but keep staying in the bubble or even expand their culture to the expense of the local's culture.

[@DarkAngelEdgar]

Younger generation Thais understand full well that this is the modern day invasion.

[@rollinghippo2940]

@@RaccoonGrrrl welcome to the club then. my country has long been through this. they usually only flock between themselves

[@teflchiangmai]

And no corruption too, like that economic zone in Laos that allows illegal gambling, sex workers, scam centers and human trafficking...All run by the chinese mob.

[@ibika9457]

This is also happening in Cambodia and many other places..it’s very concerning..as is all the Han chinese colonisation that is happening all throughout SE asia

[@teflchiangmai]

Think Tibet

[@sarahaachida7322]

Do they pay tax?

[@Molo71]

Helllll no.

[@TheDodges.Travels]

Funny story... I am an American and I moved to Chiang Mai from Taipei a year ago. I have a retirement visa. I went to the Ministry of Revenue office and asked for a tax ID number so I can file my Thai taxes. I was told that because I am here on a retirement visa and cannot legally earn money, they wouldn't give me a tax ID number. I'm not legally allowed to earn money, so I have no income, so I won't pay income taxes, so I can't have a tax ID number. The law, however, says that regardless of whether or not I earn income, that if I live in Thailand for more than half the year I have to file (even if I don't owe anything). I can't file without a tax ID number, but they won't give me a tax ID number. What to do?

[@spochaneasternthailand5715]

They try to avoid tax but how they could buy a land and house in Thailand. It is illegal. Living as a tourist visa?...

[@teflchiangmai]

@@spochaneasternthailand5715 Shhhhhh. Better you remain blind

[@wibletonha]

I hope they will learn some more manners first if they want to be welcomed in Thailand

[@az55544]

It would be nice if the Chinese coming to New England weren't so insular and rigidly Chinese. These look like open minded Chinese. We just have the money hungry, education focused Chinese who drive like they were still in China.

[@DukeLM]

These are Chinese that moved to Thailand after spending years in the West, judging from the way they talk

[@HazyWalnut]

@@DukeLM most likely grew up in a western country

[@0912sj]

I have many thoughts on this clip and some have already been mentioned in comment section. However, as I age and my life experience has grown, I learn that we should just let people be happy and judge less.

[@फोंडातेवैभववाडी]

Spirituality for mind is equally important as development for counties Without spirituality humans will become outdated computers and it will corrupt our mind, Spirituality teaches us the true' meaning of life, and it motivates us to move forward in life, Buddhist and Sanatani teachings are important for every human being , Otherwise humans will become animals

[@UeharaKeitaro上原恵太郎]

Buddhist only, not "sanatani". Nobody wants to end up like India. Even Buddha rejected the Brahmins.

[@cianog]

What happens to the Thai people with all these Chinese coming in??

[@wsmithe2209]

Thai people welcome them as they have been doing for centuries.

[@buceoApulmon]

Thai people came from Southern China in the first place (they migrated to what is now Thailand 900 years ago) The indigenous people of Southern Thailand still exist today, they are black, and they look similar to Papuans, to aboriginal Australians or to the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands.

[@dennisbloodnok2737]

these are not the Chinese to worry about - a small number of artists, people running organic farms, dropping out of the rat race - no problem. It is the ones looking to invest their dodgy money in suspect businesses that are the problem.

[@cianog]

@@dennisbloodnok2737 We see what happened in Sydney and Vancouver....Property prices through the roof because of Chinese capital flight. Not saying this is the same scale but the local people can still be priced out/pushed out over time.

[@cianog]

@@buceoApulmon Not sure what you are getting at.

[@markhaskell7112]

I love the way these artists describe things - translation didn't dull their message

[@ToiChutGongWu]

Looking forward the "The Guardian" telling us about all those Brits moving to Thailand to get away from the dystopian UK 😂

[@denisek7]

The English are already retiring in Spain xD

[@autodigitvlogs]

Yeah right......but KZbin is full of those who left the fallen finished UK!

[@gai_visual1764]

As Thai i also move to Australia for opportunities as well

[@stevet5790]

Chinese people leaving China is never new idea. There is China Town in every major city in the world .

[@teflchiangmai]

Welcome to Gold Mountain!

[@Mark-yo5ue]

The new China in Thailand is an appropriate title to this video and phenomenon of post Covid Chinese migration . It’s significant and will change Thailand in ways that are not always palatable for a short YT video audience. Unfortunately the Thai people do not want a new China in Thailand. They are happy enough without the added competition for resources.

[@nirapongpansai2792]

I am Thai. I am very happy that Chinese Japanese, European, American and Brits and Russian move to Thailand.

[@nightowl7261]

Mark, it's always the pale skin westerner complaining..lol. You're just mad your pale skin status is no longer worship.

[@canto_v12]

It’s Thailand’s responsibility to manage immigration into their country and the influx of foreign wealth.

[@dodgechallenger2116]

​@@canto_v12the new king has sold his country

[@hdufhbnjgr5491]

​@@nirapongpansai2792Wait untill all prices soaring up, life become unaffordable for local people..Life would be hell for local people and paradise for foreigners ...be out price in housing market and being forced to migrate to other countries for the very same reasons foreigners migrating to Thailand...Its a repetitive cycle and this is what future holds for Thai local people if the current trend continue and not being reversed

[@turnleft8645]

I'm a Zimbabwean and ever since around 2010 we've seen large numbers of Chinese immigrants come here. Many seem to be happy living their best lives, going on game reserve drives, starting small little China towns and overall enjoying the slower more relaxed pace of Zimbabwe. Most people think to live the best lives they have to go to highly competitive 1st world countries that are intense and often either very capitalistic (work for large mega corps and are at their will) or very communistic nations where you own very little; when in reality you often forget the feeling of how it is to breath air and be alive. I at least am grateful for country where the worst thing I've had to worry about is when power will come on and not wars or toxic work culture and mental health. As of now there are an estimated 85 000 to 150 000 Chinese immigrants which were almost non existent. Now they have overtaken the white population by times the amount and are one of the largest minorities in the entire country. If someone reads this and is brave enough, I say give it a shot trying to come live here even for 5 years. You will find it different especially if you're from a first world country, but I assure you it might make you change some of your priorities and reevaluate what matters to you in life...

[@justinliu5601]

in 3:43, that guy is a scammer and this is what he earn for living in Tailand.

[@maneil9297]

I grew up and still visit rural China, it's so much cheaper than living in THIS NEW CHINA in Thailand, honestly only rich people can do that.

[@denisek7]

It's about politics, not only money...

[@BigVtheVanity]

Communist communist communist communist

[@netgodzilla1]

Is she really from China, she got no chinese accent at all. Sounds soo American English

[@MarokoJin]

She could have been taught english by American teachers + practicing pronunciation at home and listening all the time to American content. You'll end up having an American accent with a faint foreign accent/non-existing one.

[@nirapongpansai2792]

She can speak Thai Japanese and Korea too.

[@teflchiangmai]

Like totally, ya know...Fer sure.

[@Kubotahonda5]

I met some Chinese youngster who lives, study and opening businesses in Kathmandu and pokhara city Nepal, they were very forward and happy

[@sineenartl]

Do they pay tax to Thai Government to run business in Thailand?

[@massalleh5255]

Maybe their thai partners can answer that. I'm also curious to know

[@TheDodges.Travels]

Yes, if they earn money in Thailand they pay taxes (although there are non-double taxation treaties with some countries). Thailand is very protective of Thai people, especially when it comes to work. It is very difficult to get a work permit. Even volunteer work with no pay requires a work permit; anything that could potentially result in taking work away from a Thai citizen requires a work permit. Even if your Thai spouse owns a business, you cannot work there (with or without pay) without a work permit. Foreigners who get caught working without a work permit risk fines and deportation, mostly deportation. It doesn't matter if you are married to a Thai spouse and have a child with Thai citizenship, you can be (and people are) deported just for doing something like pouring beers during busy times in their spouse's bar (as an example).

[@spochaneasternthailand5715]

Tourist visa is not Thai citizen. Laws already wrote about you can not steal local thai job like merchant. Laws already wrote foreigner can not buy land and house. But rental living in condo is allow. It is the same if Thai go to China.

[@rajfc]

I told people in china in my recent visit about the young Chinese who r leaving and going to Thailand. They were so scared to even acknowledge the trend. The replies I got; “the young people do what they feel is best for them and their family”

[@metalextras]

Applying passport in China is not easy nor cheap, those Chinese mainlanders with flawless US accent is definitely loaded...

[@derekwampum8861]

Lier

[@_DeadEnd_]

‘if you want hope, you have to leave’ basically has the same vibe as "if you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stomping on a human face. Forever."

[@dbadagna]

Why not properly credit this journalist by adding her name to the video description above?

[@fredhaas-l2k]

british giving credit instead of stealing? lol you don't know the british

[@Aztaable]

They credited her in the video at the beginning.

[@cnxghost]

0:41 Your brain rot has prevented you from actually watching the video 😂😂😂

[@SmallManBigWorldGlobal]

​@@fredhaas-l2kStupid comment.

[@jaiho9442]

It's not just China, a lot of people from the West moved to Thailand and live, they call them expats, more than two million of them living in Thailand. You can only hustle for so long before you get tired. Thailand offers a lot of amenities similar to the West for a lot less. If you can live a higher quality of life at a way lower cost than your home country, why wouldn't you? That takes a lot of stress out of life and when there is less stress, people are happier.

[@SimonGrayDK]

The artist who criticizes "North Korea" as a proxy for China is pretty clever.

[@milascave2]

I was in Thailand in 2004. Bannocks Chinatown was already huge. And very busy. It sounded like a bikers rally because of so many motorcycles zooming around

[@Sjalabais]

Fascinating insight into a Chinese society different from many others. Freedom is a need that gets more important as other, more basic needs are met.

[@BrotherOwlsGarden]

I know Yidan personally. She is a genuinely good, kind, and caring person.

[@3-dhistory495]

This short 9 min. set of interviews is saying what many in China have been saying for years. Most have been saying it with their feet, by moving away and taking foreign passports. This applies esp. to former state employees and their diplomatic corpus.

[@zill8021]

You cannot take on passport so easily in Southeast Asia. You can get temporary resident permit, but passport no. There is severe restriction especially for Mainland Chinese to get passport in the region.

[@CripplingDuality]

Why is it any more profound than when it is said by a Pole or a South Korean or a Brit? Oh, right, because the Five Eyes aren't wagging their finger at them lmao

[@christer8964]

I miss Chiang Mai!

[@sunlovinsnowflake]

Me too

[@whatbringsmepeace]

I balk at the idea that someone painting pretty things isn't a real artists. They may not be an activist, but as someone who loves to fill their life with beauty, I greatly appreciate pretty things, especially if they're beautifully rendered.

[@mingmedia808]

Right. I admire this guys "fight the power" stance but, how big of a commission would it take to change that stance.

[@naivoj122]

Different people find happiness differently. Its just very narrow minded to say people in China is not happy. Wow Guardian, how much are u getting paid from the 1.6billion from US?

[@ChristopherHamlin-l5o]

Currently, people in China are finding happiness protesting the failed government of the CCP.

[@3DJay429]

Under a Labour government, I'm planning to leave as well-heading to Thailand. England feels like it's hit rock bottom.

[@ENG.Kelvinffxgchfhg]

Thailand the home of Toyota Hilux❤❤❤

[@mingmedia808]

Haha yes my Hilux i ordered in Japan is built in thailand.

[@Eric-ee8dy]

Isn't toyota japanese?

[@johndouglas46]

A couple points based on the comments: 1) The Thais are not getting priced out. They own the rental properties. The proxy route Chinese (and others) use to 'purchase' is under scrutiny and risky. 2) They certainly pay some tax - VAT sales is 7% 3) Agree the piece could be better - it's a very real phenomenon and in the thousands at least - but it's hardly centered around dissidents and artists. There are people setting up businesses and thousands on education visas - allowing them to live here provided they have a child in one of the many international schools. Last point - they're generally great neighbors.

[@Hanmi103]

First 30 seconds, and other parts of the video, I thought I had a dead white pixel in the upper right center of the screen!

[@CaptainTodger69]

that's what the sun looks like in northern Thailand during burning season

[@KiLLkInGLiOn]

@@CaptainTodger69 no, there is really a dead white pixel in the upper right of the screen if you watch it on PC monitor. I thought my screen was dirty LOL.

[@orbyss-d6i]

anti-china sentiments for sure

[@kenyup7936]

That was exactly why ppl esacpe the US, Canada, Europe you name it , ppl were struggling in their home countries , that's why they moved to somewhere which has higher quality life. I mean ppl actually is doing a same thing. human nature is the same, however , US dollar, Euro, British sterling pound , Canadian dollars you name it, they're strong currencies while Chinese yuan is a weak currency, they can escape to some place like Thailand

[@zot2698]

i wonder if the word "run" will be banned on mainland chinese internet now?

[@stoomkracht]

I live there. Can tell you one thing: most Chinese who live there are not artists. They put there children at expensive international schools (pressure anyone?). The mentioned Panyaden is certainly one of the most expensive ones and the children of that rice farmer will never see its inside. Privileged students.. some schools have started to implement a Chinese quota to make sure the class nationalities stay varied. Those schools are 100% commercialized businesses for money only too. Also foreigners can't own land and visas are a yearly hassle. Eternal tourist. No rights for non-Thais. Can be Cheap for the foreigner with Euro's or Dollars yes. For locals not so much. Use gap between haves and not haves. I'm sure the "Chinese Community Center" watches over that mentioned little book store. Chinese do not seem to want contact with neighbors too. And their children are sometimes very "present" and already leave their stuff laying everywhere. Familiar? Anyway, another fairy tale opinion piece about hippies and artists.

[@awangzz]

You can easily do this in China, it's not restrictions, it's the amount of competition and level of capital to start up a farm and compete.

[@wifi0015]

Correct but it’s also the fact that most mainland Chinese people are just a disappointing bunch. The level of interpersonal relationships and behaviour amongst them are just straight up disgusting. Unfortunately this cohort is too big and unavoidable

[@nirapongpansai2792]

In China, you cannot grow anything you want. some area, you have to grow plants that local government want you to grow.

[@denisek7]

It's the Chinese government that's the problem...

[@disconnected-joe]

As a Chinese, I disagree with the first girl from Beijing saying "To start a farm, it's much more restrictive and expensive in China", the truth is more complicated and lots of things are unsaid, she clearly had a falling out with her family and friends for her sexuality and feminism ideology. It's much cheaper to start a community like this in southern China like Dali. Lots of valuable information and Stat are missing in this video too: What visa they're on and what's the process? How many Chinese are doing this? How integrated they are in Thai society. I don't think they accept young Chinese males since it's a feminist community. How expensive and sustainable the whole thing is.

[@tarlkoroban3733]

In China 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty since the 1970's.

[@Western_Decline]

this is not the narrative the Guardian wants to tell.

[@PhilipMR223]

Has being "lifted out of poverty" made lives better? Many of those lifted out of poverty have been placed on the consumer society hamster wheel and will never get off just like many in the economically developed nations they are unhappy.

[@yo23df2ss66ddm]

@@PhilipMR223this is what uk media told u？😂

[@griffinjosh7183]

@@Western_Decline Just like the BBC.

[@ChristopherHamlin-l5o]

Stop spreading CCP lies.

[@xiaoyanli3625]

that touched my heart thanks for this video !

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

you hve a heart for roaches?

[@seandaniel3994]

China so many rural cities ....why Thailand....I love 3rd to 4th tier cities in China.....

[@MithunOnTheNet]

Those rural cities are... still in China. Same internet restrictions, same government.

[@seandaniel3994]

@@MithunOnTheNet there's VPN...why worry

[@edwinhuang803]

One of the main reasons is that Thailand offers a comfortable modern life at more affordable prices. For instance, very few 3rd or 4th tier Chinese cities have real international schools, top-quality private hospitals, or authentic international restaurants. There are many other reasons, of course.

[@Joe-ws3yu]

Live under foreign law feel much more freedom, I guess

[@Hali88]

@@seandaniel3994 1. Unauthorised VPNs are illegal. Foreigners never get punished for using them, but Chinese occasionally do. 2. Everything and everyone in China is controlled by the CCP to some degree. If you say (or heaven forbid, write) the wrong thing, your life may never recover.

[@BangkokZed]

The situation is not that simple. Anyone who wants to stay in Thailand must have a visa. Some visas are expensive, others come with stringent requirements, or they need to be renewed frequently. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand; they can buy a condo but not a house or land. Additionally, no foreigner can own a majority stake in a Thai company-at least 51% of the company must be owned by Thai citizens. (Often, foreigners use nominees or proxies to circumvent these rules, but the government is constantly fighting this issue.) There is also a long list of occupations that foreigners are prohibited from doing, ranging from farming to working as tour guides. I see many young Chinese who have "escaped" from China, but the overwhelming majority come from affluent families. They speak good English, rent nice apartments, wear fashionable clothing, and are likely financed by their parents. I look at them and wonder-okay, you’re in your 20s now and have support, but what will life look like when you’re 50, 60, or 70? How will you manage your life then?

[@johnhemryjson8673]

You know these guys are corrupt right there no way a police man can buy a house like that

[@paulwood4142]

That looked like many apartments and communal pool to me.

[@noellejindawan]

As a Thai citizen, I’m pleased that our country is a safe zone for many Chinese wanting to settle down. However, please stay ‘LEGALLY’ and ‘PROPERLY.’ They need to respect the locals not just take advantage of them.

[@magnetospin]

Oh yea, someone who speaks perfect English with an American accent is escaping.

[@maneil9297]

FAILED? HOW can one person claim "all young people in China are hopeless"?

[@Eun-eun12]

In Ph the chinese that moving here are spy😂

[@syphon000]

She could have done the exact same thing in the chinese countryside in fact many young graduates are doing just that

[@nirapongpansai2792]

It's different. In Thailand, she has friends from all over the world visit her. She can speak English Thai Chinese Korean and Japanese. If she live in China, she will have only local Chinese friends.

[@syphon000]

@nirapongpansai2792 maybe china is visa free to many nations now so I wonder it's truly that difficult for her friends to visit..to each's own I guess

[@denisek7]

But who would want that under ccp??

[@johnsmith1953x]

The _continuous_ land area of China is much larger than the USA. *China needs to figure out how to make many "Las Vegas" and "Portland" like cities* in Western QinGhai and the XinJiang regions. The US managed to do this in the late 1940s, so I think China can.

[@ChristopherHamlin-l5o]

Have you ever heard of Macau?

[@massalleh5255]

I don't think it would be save to do that. Most of the areas you talk about is heavily populated with chinese muslims population. A casino opened there would be controversial

[@UeharaKeitaro上原恵太郎]

China is diverting water from Tibet and the Himalayas to Xinjiang and turn the deserts into forests, it's a massive construction project. And China already has a "Las Vegas" it's Macau.

[@林昊宁]

你不去贵州可惜了

[@tpop3723]

It’s nice to see individuals finding their way to what fulfills them. I wish them well on their journey.

[@jarrettbobbett5230]

Do we really need a third China?

[@Mark-yo5ue]

No.

[@massalleh5255]

Where's the second

[@jarrettbobbett5230]

@@massalleh5255 1) Mainland Communist China or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) 2) Democratic China or Republic of China (ROC)

[@No1careabU]

This is why China is getting stronger and stronger, because those who fail all go abroad. Of course, at the same time, it's also getting more competitive.

[@Jr-qo4ls]

Free Tibet.

[@massalleh5255]

Free hawaii

[@A-Ra1111]

Free Puerto Rico

[@CrapKerouac]

Free Okinawa

[@pacharalikhitpratkun4683]

If you are a good person Thailand is always welcome you. No matter what nationality you come from.❤

[@nomadum0]

Yeah all pink and rosy, as long as you're not saying anything about their king

[@TruthTellerTH-k3w]

A foreigner was recently sent to jail in Thailand for writing a negative hotel review.

[@wengkenmak3626]

I like the empathetic listening of the interviewer. Very commendable. 👍

[@CWai-vf3ol]

What do you expect from Guardian?

[@zill8021]

Why so? It is fact. We are seeing an increase in Chinese and Passport Bros in Southeast Asia. Whether we like to have them or not depends on how well they integrate in our society and how well they get along with the locals

[@kevangarner9659]

A lot more then your state propaganda !

[@domprz1]

This is much more about Thailand being good than China being bad. It's the wonderful rich Thai culture combined with Buddhist philosophy which prioritizes personal well-being. It's about the land of smiles where it is almost a duty to be happy. I've lived in many cities and countries. They're all bad in comparison to Chiang Mai in Thailand. It's the only country I've been deported from(visa overstay) because I couldn't bear to leave.

[@tommyj6289]

typical western propaganda

[@Hali88]

hahaha okay... what do you want them to say; 'I hate living here in Thailand and I want to return to the glorious motherland which has the best government and best lifestyle'?

[@marcoprolo1488]

What propaganda? Journalists are making constently inquiries about expatriates that have thrown the towel. You have a problem with the Western world? Maybe you should avoid our company? I won't miss you.

[@zill8021]

Why so? It is fact. We are seeing an increase in Chinese and Passport Bros in Southeast Asia. Whether we like to have them or not depends on how well they integrate in our society and how well they get along with the locals

[@hibryd7481]

Tell yourself whatever you need to, just keep assembling shoes so the people who own you can keep making money. Get back into the factory slave, stop watching western propaganda.

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

typical CCP bot

[@OrionOreo-c6u]

I don't believe we can only be happy in our motherland. Go to the land that gives you happiness and opportunity.

[@JD-zb4ve]

How do the Thai people feel about the influx of Chinese? Will have to ask my Thai cousins in my next letter.

[@LuckyRose5109]

Lots of Chinese live and do business both legally and illegally in Thailand but the locals barely get anything from them. We call it as 0 dollar business, Chinese tourists pay for Chinese business owners, everything is in Chinese pockets. Some do illegal business like phone phishing(cooperated with Thai people) and even abduct the Chineses for ransom. These cause lots of problems for local Thai.