Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 03:17:13 PM

Title: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 03:17:13 PM
Following on from comments under another thread, and recent "shouts" I open this thread.

The following from    http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/third_world_countries.htm

__ Definitions

point  The term "First World" refers to so called developed, capitalist, industrial countries, roughly, a bloc of countries aligned with the United States after World War II, with more or less common political and economic interests: North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia.





point  "Second World" refers to the former communist-socialist, industrial states, (formerly the Eastern bloc, the territory and sphere of influence of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republic) today: Russia, Eastern Europe (e.g., Poland) and some of the Turk States (e.g., Kazakhstan) as well as China.





point  "Third World" are all the other countries, today often used to roughly describe the developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The term Third World includes as well capitalist (e.g., Venezuela) and communist (e.g., North Korea) countries, as very rich (e.g., Saudi Arabia) and very poor (e.g., Mali) countries.
Below


Third World Countries classified by various indices: their Political Rights and Civil Liberties, the Gross National Income (GNI) and Poverty of countries, the Human Development of countries, and the Freedom of Information within a country.

Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Paddyram on April 15, 2011, 04:27:40 PM
IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY ?

It certainly is for a large portion of the population.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 04:30:27 PM
Entirely agree. Most village folk have very little - heavy debts and appear to be totally indoctrinated, by both the government and the Wats. In short they do what they are told (except when in their cars -those that have one!)
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: isanbirder on April 15, 2011, 04:43:23 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Admin on April 15, 2011, 04:45:02 PM
The problem is in the finance system.
On the surface it seems like everything is going OK but its not because it is all run by borrowed money from loan sharks.
sawadi
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Dave the Dude on April 15, 2011, 04:45:51 PM
Sounds just like Europe, Admin!
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 04:52:21 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!

These were NOT my definitions, but those of respected International authorities.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: isanbirder on April 15, 2011, 05:03:53 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!

These were NOT my definitions, but those of respected International authorities.

I'm not doubting the definitions, Nick, just that it was more fun discussing without them.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!

These were NOT my definitions, but those of respected International authorities.

I'm not doubting the definitions, Nick, just that it was more fun discussing without them.

Nothing to stop us creating our definitions, IB.  redman


Thailand is a tapestry, or jigsaw, of so many contradictory and conflicting pieces. BUT, when you look at each one - look back to the UK (or your home country) 100 or so years ago to see if there are any comparables.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 05:18:27 PM
It seems to me that within perhaps the next 50 years the tables will be turned, and much of Europe, especially the UK, will become 3rd world countries, ruled by the Moslems, with sharia law and all that goes with it.

Wives will not be able to collect their husbands from the pubs (not allowed to drive) and besides there will be no pubs, no alcohol, and no sanuk.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 05:27:22 PM
It seems to me that within perhaps the next 50 years the tables will be turned, and much of Europe, especially the UK, will become 3rd world countries, ruled by the Moslems, with sharia law and all that goes with it.

Wives will not be able to collect their husbands from the pubs (not allowed to drive) and besides there will be no pubs, no alcohol, and no sanuk.

So the Muslims are not making the same in-roads in Thailand ?

Have you seen how many mosques there are in Pattaya ?
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: isanbirder on April 15, 2011, 05:28:32 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!

These were NOT my definitions, but those of respected International authorities.

I'm not doubting the definitions, Nick, just that it was more fun discussing without them.

Nothing to stop us creating our definitions, IB.  redman


Thailand is a tapestry, or jigsaw, of so many contradictory and conflicting pieces. BUT, when you look at each one - look back to the UK (or your home country) 100 or so years ago to see if there are any comparables.

Creating definitions is fine, not copying them from Wiki or wherever.  Personally, I think the whole First/Second/Third World classification is outdated, and Thailand doesn't really fit any of them.  As you say, it's a jigsaw, and your view depends on which direction you are looking in.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 05:33:34 PM
And what part of Thailand you live in
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: isanbirder on April 15, 2011, 05:40:01 PM
It seems to me that within perhaps the next 50 years the tables will be turned, and much of Europe, especially the UK, will become 3rd world countries, ruled by the Moslems, with sharia law and all that goes with it.

Wives will not be able to collect their husbands from the pubs (not allowed to drive) and besides there will be no pubs, no alcohol, and no sanuk.

So the Muslims are not making the same in-roads in Thailand ?

Have you seen how many mosques there are in Pattaya ?

Many years ago, a Thai friend said to me, "Pattaya's a terrible place;  there are no wats."  You can hardly blame the Moslems for filling in the gaps.

I think people are too ready to blame the Moslems.  If we had been faithful to our own religion, Christianity, in the case of the West, or Buddhism, in the case of Thailand, the Moslems wouldn't have had a look-in.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 05:42:46 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 15, 2011, 05:43:14 PM
And with that I'm off to Coffee Corner for a beer or 10
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 05:45:17 PM
And with that I'm off to Coffee Corner for a beer or 10

I'm here already, and half way 70% towards that target ! 
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 05:46:06 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

Spoken like a true catholic.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 05:51:48 PM
The definition you give effectively already classifies Thailand as Third World, so there's nothing much left for discussion!  We were doing much better on the other thread before you brought these definitions in!

These were NOT my definitions, but those of respected International authorities.

I'm not doubting the definitions, Nick, just that it was more fun discussing without them.

Nothing to stop us creating our definitions, IB.  redman


Thailand is a tapestry, or jigsaw, of so many contradictory and conflicting pieces. BUT, when you look at each one - look back to the UK (or your home country) 100 or so years ago to see if there are any comparables.

Creating definitions is fine, not copying them from Wiki or wherever.  Personally, I think the whole First/Second/Third World classification is outdated, and Thailand doesn't really fit any of them.  As you say, it's a jigsaw, and your view depends on which direction you are looking in.

A view is indeed a view, but a fact is a FACT.

It is not a 'view' that the police and politics are corrupt.

It is not a 'view' that education does not equip students for the real world.

It is not a 'view' that (generally) Thai driving standards do not conform with international standards (let alone Thai law).
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: isanbirder on April 15, 2011, 06:32:45 PM
As you can see if you look, CC, I didn't use 'view' in that sense.  However, I agree with you!
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: manupete on April 15, 2011, 06:40:18 PM
A view is indeed a view, but a fact is a FACT.

It is not a 'view' that the police and politics are corrupt.

It is not a 'view' that education does not equip students for the real world.

It is not a 'view' that (generally) Thai driving standards do not conform with international standards (let alone Thai law).

What Thailand needs is the three 'E's.

Educated to know is wrong for the Police and the Politicians to be corrupt and by the people  standing together they can make a difference

Educated so they are equipped for the real world and to be aloud to ask questions

Educated who to drive to an International standard and to abide bye the highway code.

On second thoughts maybe it should be the 20 'E's. :biggrin:
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 07:06:32 PM
As you can see if you look, CC, I didn't use 'view' in that sense.  However, I agree with you!

I understand IB, and no offence meant. It did give me the chance to use 'view' versus 'fact' though.   :)
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Paddyram on April 15, 2011, 08:06:34 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

Ala one Mr. John Lennon.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Paddyram on April 15, 2011, 08:07:21 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

Spoken like a true catholic.

And this catholic agrees ........
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Vombatus on April 15, 2011, 08:11:24 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

I think this "Christian" would also agree

Spoken like a true catholic.

And this catholic agrees ........
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Paddyram on April 15, 2011, 09:03:19 PM
Lets start a new religion called 'None of the Above'   ..... Oh wait, that would defeat the purpose, wouldn't it.

Bad idea, Forget it. 
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Khun Tony on June 14, 2011, 10:21:24 PM
Thailand may be a third world but with growth in the region of 4%, I'm sure there are some European countries who would kill for that growth rate!

Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Tommo on June 15, 2011, 03:52:49 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

I think that should read "If everybody had no religion that would be best!!" True enough though, it is the scourge of every society.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on June 15, 2011, 05:15:32 PM
If nobody had any religion that would be the best!!!

I think that should read "If everybody had no religion that would be best!!" True enough though, it is the scourge of every society.

Thank you Tommo for the correction.  And thank you for your agreement - not that our views will make one iota of difference.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: Tommo on June 15, 2011, 06:37:36 PM
We just have to keep spreading the word! I was gonna write more but I just can't be arsed!:)
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: BromleyBumkin on June 15, 2011, 08:28:39 PM
I have seen less homeless/destitute people here in Thailand, than compared to most (so called) 1st world countries


(Just a thought!)
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: jeff on August 09, 2011, 12:17:11 PM
I have seen less homeless/destitute people here in Thailand, than compared to most (so called) 1st world countries


(Just a thought!)
This is an item that most first-world apologists wouldn't care to touch upon.
Title: Re: IS THAILAND A 3rd WORLD COUNTRY.
Post by: mxyzptlk on August 09, 2011, 02:32:16 PM
It seems to me that within perhaps the next 50 years the tables will be turned, and much of Europe, especially the UK, will become 3rd world countries, ruled by the Moslems, with sharia law and all that goes with it.

Wives will not be able to collect their husbands from the pubs (not allowed to drive) and besides there will be no pubs, no alcohol, and no sanuk.

IMHO the UK is already a 3rd world country....