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Was in Bangkok last week for a short weekend break with the wife.
Bangkok is undergoing a transformation. Thailand is also undergoing somewhat of a transformation.
They are making it easier to get long term stay visa's and making it easier to buy property (condo's/homes/apartments) and are looking for retiree's to invest their money in Thailand.
I noted the number of massage parlours and go go girl clubs in Patpong has reduced in numbers...also took a walk around Nana as well and noticed the same.
The country could be going through a major shift in the type of tourist it wants coming into the country in the long term; shoppers/holiday makers/long term stays/families vs the old sex tourist type visitors which I believe the country is trying to slowly weed out.
The Thai's do amazing work as far as manufacturing of textiles and shoes and other handicrafts...not surprised though since the military junta had enough of the politicians and came back to take over the country if economic stability has ensured economic growth.
One little thing I did note is in Phuket, you can't get beach chairs to rent and you don't have peddlers harrassing beach users/tourist anymore on the beach unlike before.
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