When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

Greg and Ed discuss something that is more common than many
people think: being wrong about expecting some Thai government
project or initiative to fail. It's pretty easy, as expats often
fall into the rut of cynicism about the Thai government sticking
to a plan and actually getting stuff done, but the truth is,
Thailand sometimes gets stuff right! 


Greg begins by bringing up Benjakitti Forest Park. It replaced
the Thai Tobacco Monopoly, which occupied prime real estate
between Sukhumvit and Rama IV for many years. When Greg heard it
was going to be made into a giant public park, he was like, "Yeah
right, it's gonna get taken over by mall and condo developers,"
but lo and behold, the majestic Forest Park is now there for
Bangkokers to see and enjoy, and has been written about in
publications around the world. Ed follows with something
different: when he heard about the epic scale of the COVID
vaccine rollout in Thailand, he thought it would be widely
inefficient with day-long queues. In fact, it was shockingly
professional, and he was in and out of there in 30 minutes! 


Greg continues with a story about the eventual success of the
Thai Elite Card, and Ed follows with a discussion of electronic
banking in Thailand and the unexpected return of the Shinawatra
clan to Thai politics. 


Lesson learned: Don't fall into the cynicism trap!


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