It is a route to tyranny. Your ability to freely live and trade and make transactions depends on the ability to use a means of exchange independent of a regulated bank or similar institution that can be taken over by a government. Denial of access to banking is a stringent means of social control.
This is what I was saying about Westerners being more cynical (which I think is a good thing) than Thais. I never hear anything about this aspect of cashless payments from Thais, they just see it as a convenient way to pay.
I believe your views are very accurate in that social credit scores etc, will be a huge focus for the elite power hungry world elite. I am from Australia, cashless society is being imposed upon us here, unfortunately most people are unaware of all the implications. Great informative video. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment! I was interested to see what response the video got, so I tried to keep it fairly neutral without getting too carried away but it does concern me for a number of reasons. It's frightening how many people are unaware of what is being planned for us. I heard recently that only 1 in 10 people, or so, had heard of the Great Reset. It seems that the vast majority of people are completely unaware what Schwab and his cohorts have planned for us. I understand that every central bank already has a CBDC in place and it is just a matter of time before they unleash these things on the public.
The first target would not be social credit scores. It would be the tax department, wanting to track every transaction so that people cannot under declare their incomes.
@@expatlivinginthailand Yes, I was being pretty neutral as well, I am aware of WEF plans and Davos, It is about total control. People are becoming aware, people power will catch on, global economy has to crash to implement more control, I hold physical precious metals, I am growing vegetables and have food and cash stored, Just imagine if bank holidays are implement as a result of computer hacking or power failures, when you understand and see what is happening around us now, it is all being played out before our eyes.
I recently installed an ATM in my business and require all sales in cash. The bank does not own the machine as it's independently operated and maintained. Societies are giving away every last drop of freedom for convenience or 'safety'... (Dame whipper-snappers)
Exactly. The step-by-step way it is being done is quite insidious. Each step by itself doesn't seem to bad, but what is this leading to eventually? It worries me and it worries a lot of people.
TBH, I don't think you are cynical enough. This is happening not just in Thailand but everywhere. They want a cashless world where we are all trackable through our smartphones. And it is interactive - they can control not just what you buy but also where you go and even where you live. Who is "they"? I shall leave that to others to decide. All I know for sure is that it won't be me.
Correct Fred,people should get familiar with things like Social credit score.ECG? The banks/governments have been working to develop CBDC for years. Its how they will control everyone's behavior. They will monitor every purchase and can find your carbon footprint, alcohol usage, and on wards. Been a bad boy? Your CBDC is locked . crickets...All the above info was called conspiracy theory 2-3 years ago.
Actually, I am, but I tone down my thoughts when making public videos. I try to stay fairly neutral and don't want to come across as a conspiracy theorist, but I'm not happy about this and I don't think Thais understand all the implications.
A cashless society is a trackable one. It will also be one where a social credit score will be implemented.... so everything you purchase with your money will be accessed, tracked, and evaluated for everything from too much energy use, poor diet choices, too much travel, or anything else that they wish to track. evaluate, and force you to change. They will be able to turn OFF your ability to use your own money as well unless you adhere to THEIR dictates. NOT A GOOD THING FOR ANYONE.
Exactly. This is one aspect of cashless systems that concerns me. I understand this is already happening in China. If someone steps out of line they can be blocked from buying rail or air tickets.
I live in NZ. Yesterday, I was talking to a man at the IRD in his 60's. He thought getting rid of cash would be excellent. I said that whilst it may seem good from a revenue collection perspective, for government departments (especially the IRD), the concern I have is that people could be restricted in what they buy depending on their social credit score and political views. I mentioned that in the USA, this could be very problematic: Republican voters could find it difficult to purchase when a Democrat is in charge, and Democrat voters could find it difficult to purchase when a Republican is in charge. He found my views interesting, but still felt it best we go cashless. He may be too old to wish for my way of thinking, a few years such ideals are implemented, if such things happen.
You can always use opposing arguments for anything. When governments push for their CBDC's to be introduced (which won't be too far away) they will emphasise all the advantages. I also suspect that there will be some 'free' money inside every CBDC wallet as an incentive for people to go cashless. Obviously, they won't inform people of all the other ways they will use the data they collect. Kiwis need to get rid of Ardern. She and Trudeau epitomize all that is wrong with the world right now. Trudeau now has some serious opposition in the form of Pierre Poilievre and hopefully will go soon. NZ needs to do the same.
As I said in the video, Westerners generally think a lot more and are more cynical than Thais. This is how Westerners see the end game with CBDC's and cashless payment systems. Thais just think it's a very convenient way to pay.
The way I see it is that there won't be any choice fairly soon. There will always be a need for cash, but getting cash and finding places that accept cash will become more difficult. In Thailand there are already shops and vendors that refuse to take cash and people have objected to me wanting to use cash. Please don't follow that course of action. Life is far too precious.
@@expatlivinginthailand its crazy how much these people want to control us! they should just let people live their lives and quit trying to control people! the government should learn to trust and respect people, that way people would trust and respect the government! but all the people at the top are tyrants! every country they disarm the people the more the tyrants show their ugly face! look at how my country canada started closing down bank accounts after the protest!
Thanks! I don't, I'm afraid. I don't have any of these apps myself and someone left a comment yesterday saying that a Thai ID card number is required. The banking apps would require a Thai bank account and it's never straightforward for foreigners to open bank accounts. A lot of banks will ask for a work permit. As I said in the video, I think that cash will still be widely used in the tourist areas. If/When I find out later I'll do a quick video.
What are the per transaction fees associated with single purchases and what is that cost comparatively speaking to taking out large cash sums and making many transactions? If you understand what I'm saying.
I do understand, but I'm afraid I don't have the data to give you an answer. Obviously, the service provider will deduct a commission for each transaction but I'm not sure who pays this. If it is deducted before the vendor receives the payment I suspect the vendor will increase prices to cover this. I've been told by many shops in Thailand that if I pay by credit card there is an additional 3% charge. I think this goes against the terms of the credit card agreement, but Thais will always make sure that they don't lose out.
Online banking is most effective tool by capitalist society and recently due to covid it got its highest level ever, and now they are considering this an opportunity to continue it with same pace in future as well. As you already mentioned that through online transactions its very easy to keep check and to read customer behavior. Modern businesses depends very much on customer behavior and shopping trends. Previously they used to hire some experts to survey the market and society to know the exact intensity of demand and supply. But now using online services (software) they can easily calculate and make decisions accordingly now they don't really need to hire those people so easy way to minimize their work force and earn more money. Other thing you mentioned that Thailand is very much adaptive, yes they are always very supportive to capitalism. But nobody can deny the importance of cash, I think they will still retain it in some way or the other. Personally I am very much supportive for paying through cash except for few things.
Thanks for your comment. I've been using Internet banking and shopping for years and don't really have a problem. My computer stays at home and the two-step verification is done using my phone. I do have a problem using my phone, which can be easily lost or stolen. You're right about the 'big data' aspect, which can be useful but - at the same time - it's a bit concerning how much information they are keeping on all of us. As you say, I don't think they can do away with cash completely but it won't be long now before cashless systems overtake cash.
Another practical consideration for us ex-pats is that many of these app / wallet - based payment systems can only be assigned to Thai id holders. So I guess that's settled; my wife will have to pay for everything.😁
Is that right? I didn't know that, but when I applied for a membership card at 7-Eleven they would only accept Thai ID cards and refused my pink Thai ID card. That's a very good point. My wife has paid for a few things using her payment app, but I always have to give her the money later!
Nobody addresses the high carbon footprint these data farms, (databanks). Google, amazon, Microsoft, facebook, banks, etc., cloud computing requiring warehouse full of "servers". This is all run on electricity.
It's just under 1,000 kms. In the old days it was an expensive flight or a long train/road journey. However, since 2004 there have been a lot of budget flights. Look out for the offers and you can get cheap tickets. There's a very heavy emphasis on medicine at the university. Prince Mahidol - Prince of Songkla - was a doctor. I went to the university campus yesterday and although it's much busier now that it used to be, it's still a pleasant environment.
@@ABitofEverythingCounts You're most welcome. I hope it works out for you and you have a great time in Hat Yai! When I used to work at PSU I would often see foreign students studying there.
Reluctantly, I would tend to agree with you. The number of people who can see what is going on and where this is heading is growing, but the vast majority can't see it. There is resistance, but if only a minority resist these changes will go ahead.
I'm not ecstatic, either. I don't have any of these apps and I will hold out for as long as possible, but I think there will be increasing pressure in the future to get on board. Already, I am encountering objections with some people if I want to pay with cash.
Have you considered the global movement towards asset backed digital stable coins. The Thai central bank last year moved to regulating stablescoin instruments; they are going in the right direction IMHO. I do think there will be cash still; maybe not as prevalent as the last 100 years, but I do think there will be things in the pipeline to turn the status quo back to our favour; away from the existing powers and their plans. Carbon neutral tax and climate change.... hang on aren't we made from carbon? Something to think about; a reasonable concern. Speaking out is the right thing to do.... Keep doing what you're doing 👍; we all should be.... Those people we used to write off as tin foil hat conspiracists, were on to something. Its always been about control....
I haven't looked at asset backed stablecoins, but I have an interest in Bitcoin. Another report on Voice of Thailand this week said that Thailand has just brought in legislation regrading the advertising of digital assets. Crypto is something they seem to be keeping a keen eye on. I really hope you are right about reversing the power. Yes, all life on this planet is carbon based and there would be no plant life without carbon dioxide, yet these elements have somehow been demonised as dangerous and toxic. It's insane. Thanks for your comment!
@@expatlivinginthailand I would say, the world is moving towards going commodity based global market (all currencies will be soverign **bye bye euro and the US has just come out with the "USNote" whilst the US reserve currency petro "dollar" is seeing its end.). Stable coins regulated through international standard ISO200022 are based on something tangeable and not as volatile. Bitcoin is based on confidence (like a lot of our fiat currency today - highly inflatable - you can see in national fiat currencies are dying slowly in the public eye) we are on the verge, looking across the abyss and about to take a leap of faith if you will and its good to zoom out on the contrast between cryptos vs asset backed digital coins. I would hold thoughts on the bitcoin for now and "invest" some time into reading up on XRP and XLM (gld and slvr - respectively) in offline wallets and a password etched into a hidden steel bar 😊 to see what they are all about. After all JFK tried to bring them back on to a commodity based currency back then - look how the central bankers dealt with that situation. We are about to do that again 😊. This is the most amazing time we are living through in a death spiral between two groups and many are not even aware.... Trust that next year will be a "corker"; we may have to go through some interesting and needed times towards the end of the year. Sit tight 🖖
We already have debit and credit cards if we don't wish to use cash. Forcing cashless payments on everyone has some very nefarious implications. Did you notice how, during the nonsense of the last few years, they tried to deter people from using cash on the basis it was unhygienic? They really want this to happen, and I suspect they will take strong measures in the next few years to push it through.
Thanks for the video, i feel it for cashless as they can swipe it and you may not be aware they carged you more. Today I was charged 4 pounds over its price on tap and pay for cigs
Good point. That's another issue. Money in whatever form - shells, coins, notes - has worked well for thousands of years and it's easy to check how much has been paid.
Great question! I guess if you lose your wallet you can say goodbye to the cash and your bank can cancel and replace credit/debit cards. If you're on vacation though, this is going to take time. If you lose your phone, I don't know. There are several things that concern me about this. The first is a social credit system with someone tracking all my purchases and being able to control what I can buy. The second is having so much important information on a small phone that can easily be lost or stolen. I guess the next stage will be to get rid of phones and implant microchips in everyone!
I do not see this happening in 2 years time. People in Pathum Thani are not going to convert all their washing machines or water machines to cashless until those units break.
The two years estimate came from Voice of Thailand. As I said in the video, there will always be a need for cash so they can't completely get rid of cash. However, I think it will become increasingly more difficult to use cash as more and more people use cashless apps.
In 2022 you can put security on your phone and also with Samsung or apple you can get another one and make it exactly like your previous phone. Wallpaper and apps will all be the same even phone number and texts and calls will be put back
Thank you! I will look into this. Another comment informed me that if your phone is stolen you can remotely delete all the data. I'm not a 'phone person' and I'm not fully aware of what is possible, but these things make me feel a lot more reassured. I need to do some research.
Thanks, that's interesting to know. Generally, Singapore and Malaysia stay ahead of Thailand with most things but I read that Thailand and Vietnam are leading the way with cashless payments in the Southeast Asia region.
As for my personal opinion, not all thai's are tech savvy. One more thing is if using an apps for payment, u need to have a bank acc to topup the credit in the apps (online banking). As for that, is it practical for tourist to open up an acc just to spend for things on a short visit unless u r planning on a long stay there. Hmmmm... What do they think of next... 🤔
Exactly! Even expats have difficulty opening bank accounts. Without a bank account I guess it could be topped up like a SIM card in 7-Eleven using the tourists' credit cards or some other method of payment. At the moment it's not a problem for Thais, who all have local bank accounts, but when you have a lot of tourists in the country it needs a lot more thought. That's why I think there will be no alternative other than continuing to use cash in tourist areas. Who knows what the future holds? Everything changes so quickly these days. Thanks for your comment!
cashless systems require a vast amount of technology to make it work reliably, and simple enough for granny to use it. so that's another weak link to a cashless Thailand in 2 yrs. and 100% may be a pipe dream but when the electric goes out as it does often enough, well oops what ya gona do? Cash will have to be at least an acceptable backup.
Exactly, not to mention there are several different systems and I'm not sure if they're compatible. Cash will have to live on for all of these reasons, but I am already finding that a lot of Thais have gone cashless and some object if I want to use cash.
I don't know where you are situated. But things don't work like that where I live in Thailand. (I live in a large city, not a Tourist one) and everything is cash. 90% of the shops restaurants won't except cards they all want cash and will give a discount if you pay cash. All local ATM will take your card without a charge. My bank is Kasikorn they don't have an ATM in the local Makro But they have two other ATM that will give you cash without charge 1 being BKK Bank sorry cant remember to other. That goes for Big C ATM and other supermarkets. My wife buys food from the local markets most nights and not one place will except any cards. Or a phone AP. You might be correct about Thailand going cash free but I think it'll be years yet before it happens. Here's one to think about having lived in Thailand for over 25 years I came to the conclusion years ago that Thai's don't have ANY LOGIC.
Hat Yai. Many shops and even street vendors are using cashless apps. Not all, I spoke to one fruit vendor on the day I made the video who told me she only accepts cash but my wife told me that many places have a sign saying they won't accept cash. The two year prediction isn't mine, it came from the Voice of Thailand radio broadcast. Some parts of Thailand are more developed than others. I would suspect that in areas such as Isaan that are still very rural there is still a big reliance on cash. Where are you?
@@expatlivinginthailand Kamphaeng Phet City, It's a Non tourist city. That's halfway between BKK & C/Mai. Whilst I'm at it our local Makro won't except any cards only their own one, cash only. I was in Big C the other day in a big shop, buying an I/Pad for the wife. I did ask if they accepted D/D cards reply yes. Bought the I/Pad and they wanted cash only. So off I went to an ATM and got the cash pain in the Butt. But had to be done. Thank Buddha Big C has loads of ATM All Free of charge. The only times I use a card here is to get cash or in Toyota when I service the car. The latter normally twice a year. N/B How many times have you seen/read things on the news here that you know are completely wrong. Tip never believe what you read/listen to here.
@@expatlivinginthailand One of the reasons I love living here, quiet that is. Had my fill of tourist places, with their crazy pricing. Has everything I require, Restaurants, Shops, Stores. (Big C, Tesco? Robinsons, + Makro) What else does one require. One thing that might surprise you is in around the 20 years I have lived here I have never been to the historic park. Wife went once but never again. I don't do tourist places, saying that I did go twice to the hot springs. Once to sample the baths and the second time to have a meal from the stalls that are at the entrance, only Cos we were passing. Can recommend both. Have never been to Hat Yai. Never found a reason to go. Done the usual C/Mai, C/Rai, Pattaya, Phuket, Most of the Kohs. All have now been buggered by the Thais because they think that's what the tourists want. The usual money money that now seems to have stopped due to the cost of getting here. RIP Thailand.
I agree. I live in Udon Thani City & everything is done by cash here even buying houses & land. I don’t even have an ATM I just go the bank & draw out cash. Electric & water bills we go 7-11 & pay them cash & they pay if electronic & I can even by a domestic air ticket for cash there or at the airport. Lazada I just pay COD. I have absolutely no problem paying everything in cash & the Thai’s love cash.
Sounds like a good idea but some foreign credit and debit cards do not work in the Land of Smiles. Of course lack of thought in Land of Smiles. Does anyone in charge realize “how will tourists spend money in the land of smiles”????
Presumably the phone networks will have battery backup and phones run on batteries, but this is another good point especially with many countries now facing an energy crisis. With so much reliance on technology, what happens when the lights go out?
Definitely handy. It's a pain sometimes when I need to pay for something and realise I don't have enough cash. I'm sure I'm being over cautious about this, but I've never been a 'phone person' and have never really taken much care of my phone. Even now it has information on it that I wouldn't want other people to get hold of. I'm really reluctant to add payment systems because this will make the situation worse if the phone is lost or stolen. The social credit system is a little way down the line, but I'm sure it will arrive at some stage and it's something else that makes me wary.
we have laws in Norway and Sweden that make cash the only forced payment. this is suppose to mean that no store/ company can refuse cash as payment, how ever, i have seen companies try to demand only electronic payment. Norwegian Air is one of them. i did a demonstration with Norwegian once, and only took cash with me to pay for a ticket. the staff tried to get me to pay electronic but i reminded them of the law and told them to resolve the issue. they did after some time accept the cash. in my opinion it should not be possible for banks not to hand out money, or for companies to refuse them. i do not trust anyone, if i have 1 million in an account, what ever currency, and i suddenly just want to check for sure that the bank actually have my 1 million as they say they do, it should be my right to take them out in cash so that i can count them and check if it is real and then what ever i want to do..
I can see how it can be sold to the public as a good thing, but in the last few years I have completely lost my trust in government which leads me to be quite cynical about anything they want to puch on us.
Cashless is actually more secure than cash. You can physically lose your wallet but your phone needs to be first unlocked and then usually all cashless apps will have a verification process like a pin code or 6 digit tac. Plus dropping a wallet loses much more than just money.
Excellent points. Thank you. My phone has a PIN, but my assumption is that someone with the right knowledge/tools could hack it fairly easily. You're right though - payment systems will also have security and hopefully they will disable themselves if too many invalid log on attempts are made. But you're absolutely right about losing a wallet. I worry about losing my phone, but losing my wallet would be a huge headache and there would be a huge amount of work getting new cards as well as losing whatever cash was inside. Your comment has made me feel more reassured!
@@expatlivinginthailand I lost my wallet a few months back and it just so happened that I had around RM 500 equivalent to 4000 baht plus all the cards and driving licenses etc that I had to redo and it was a massive pain in the bum. I suppose I feel indifferent sometimes to these modernizations. They’re coming whether you like it or not so might as well make the best of it
You haven't thought it through. Yes, someone could steal your wallet (why does everyone put their cash in a wallet, anyway?), but aside from that, YOU are in total control of your money. Going digital places ALL of your money in the hands of a faceless authority you have no control over. You'd better hope they have your interests as their number one concern!
Great Video 😀 At home I never carry cash. I tend to use the Apple Pay from my phone or watch. I don't use my ATM card very often. I am now at the point that I don't carry a wallet anymore. I do prefer not to use ATMS in Thailand as I am worried about skimming devices on it, or the ATM eating my card. I know that Thailand does not support Apple Pay or Google Pay.. Mayne one day. I would love to get the train from the airport and not have to go to a ticket machine and have to keep at token.But I am sure there are times when people would prefer to use cash for privacy. 😜😜 Maybe the bargirls can have a QR code on their bikini 🤣🤣The monitoring of what you purchase is always a concern in the background, however I don't think that Thailand would go down the path like the C.C.P. in China. Again great Vid. Always enjoy watching 👍👍
Thanks for your comment! I'm sure the talented tattoo artists in Thailand wouldn't have any problems adorning bar girls with QR codes in indelible ink! There's a thought. ATM skimming was a big problem a few years ago and it was mostly gangs of foreign criminals. They installed card readers in ATM's to read the magnetic strip and cameras to record the PIN number. One improvement was to add a chip to the cards so that now it is not enough to copy the magnetic strip alone. I habitually use my hand to cover the keypad when I enter my PIN. You're obviously one of the people who have embraced the technology and doesn't really have any issues. Most comments I've received so far have been the opposite. For me, cash is still fine and I am wary of cashless systems. However, long term I don't think I will have any choice.
Ah yes... convenience and "safety" over common sense or seeing the future. Thoughts lie yours are SO foolish. the One World Government that will take over the world WILL see to it that the entire world is tracked, traced, and obeys..... Thailand included.
u are an example of a fear based person following like a sheep going along with this cashless control from the wef go ahead be a fool like the rest the world
@@expatlivinginthailand I would rather live in the woods and avoid people for the rest of my life than live among people that are foolish enough to enslave themselves to a cashless control grid that would quickly become dystopian and rob them of all personal freedom.
@@christopherconceal9715 There are a number of people who have now chosen to live off grid! I heard recently that TH-cam has started deleting 'prepper' channels, but I don't know how true this is. I know what you mean.
I think everything we are seeing now is about control. Food scarcity is becoming an issue. Scarcity = Dependency = Control. Same with this business about climate change.
It is a route to tyranny. Your ability to freely live and trade and make transactions depends on the ability to use a means of exchange independent of a regulated bank or similar institution that can be taken over by a government. Denial of access to banking is a stringent means of social control.
This is what I was saying about Westerners being more cynical (which I think is a good thing) than Thais. I never hear anything about this aspect of cashless payments from Thais, they just see it as a convenient way to pay.
@@expatlivinginthailand They have never developed the culture of individual freedom we have in the West
I believe your views are very accurate in that social credit scores etc, will be a huge focus for the elite power hungry world elite.
I am from Australia, cashless society is being imposed upon us here, unfortunately most people are unaware of all the implications.
Great informative video.
Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment! I was interested to see what response the video got, so I tried to keep it fairly neutral without getting too carried away but it does concern me for a number of reasons. It's frightening how many people are unaware of what is being planned for us. I heard recently that only 1 in 10 people, or so, had heard of the Great Reset. It seems that the vast majority of people are completely unaware what Schwab and his cohorts have planned for us. I understand that every central bank already has a CBDC in place and it is just a matter of time before they unleash these things on the public.
The first target would not be social credit scores. It would be the tax department, wanting to track every transaction so that people cannot under declare their incomes.
@@expatlivinginthailand Yes, I was being pretty neutral as well, I am aware of WEF plans and Davos, It is about total control. People are becoming aware, people power will catch on, global economy has to crash to implement more control, I hold physical precious metals, I am growing vegetables and have food and cash stored, Just imagine if bank holidays are implement as a result of computer hacking or power failures, when you understand and see what is happening around us now, it is all being played out before our eyes.
I recently installed an ATM in my business and require all sales in cash.
The bank does not own the machine as it's independently operated and maintained.
Societies are giving away every last drop of freedom for convenience or 'safety'... (Dame whipper-snappers)
Exactly. The step-by-step way it is being done is quite insidious. Each step by itself doesn't seem to bad, but what is this leading to eventually? It worries me and it worries a lot of people.
TBH, I don't think you are cynical enough. This is happening not just in Thailand but everywhere. They want a cashless world where we are all trackable through our smartphones. And it is interactive - they can control not just what you buy but also where you go and even where you live. Who is "they"? I shall leave that to others to decide. All I know for sure is that it won't be me.
Correct Fred,people should get familiar with things like Social credit score.ECG? The banks/governments have been working to develop CBDC for years. Its how they will control everyone's behavior. They will monitor every purchase and can find your carbon footprint, alcohol usage, and on wards. Been a bad boy? Your CBDC is locked . crickets...All the above info was called conspiracy theory 2-3 years ago.
Actually, I am, but I tone down my thoughts when making public videos. I try to stay fairly neutral and don't want to come across as a conspiracy theorist, but I'm not happy about this and I don't think Thais understand all the implications.
A cashless society is a trackable one. It will also be one where a social credit score will be implemented.... so everything you purchase with your money will be accessed, tracked, and evaluated for everything from too much energy use, poor diet choices, too much travel, or anything else that they wish to track. evaluate, and force you to change. They will be able to turn OFF your ability to use your own money as well unless you adhere to THEIR dictates. NOT A GOOD THING FOR ANYONE.
Exactly. This is one aspect of cashless systems that concerns me. I understand this is already happening in China. If someone steps out of line they can be blocked from buying rail or air tickets.
I live in NZ. Yesterday, I was talking to a man at the IRD in his 60's. He thought getting rid of cash would be excellent. I said that whilst it may seem good from a revenue collection perspective, for government departments (especially the IRD), the concern I have is that people could be restricted in what they buy depending on their social credit score and political views. I mentioned that in the USA, this could be very problematic: Republican voters could find it difficult to purchase when a Democrat is in charge, and Democrat voters could find it difficult to purchase when a Republican is in charge. He found my views interesting, but still felt it best we go cashless. He may be too old to wish for my way of thinking, a few years such ideals are implemented, if such things happen.
You can always use opposing arguments for anything. When governments push for their CBDC's to be introduced (which won't be too far away) they will emphasise all the advantages. I also suspect that there will be some 'free' money inside every CBDC wallet as an incentive for people to go cashless. Obviously, they won't inform people of all the other ways they will use the data they collect. Kiwis need to get rid of Ardern. She and Trudeau epitomize all that is wrong with the world right now. Trudeau now has some serious opposition in the form of Pierre Poilievre and hopefully will go soon. NZ needs to do the same.
This is nothing but big brother taking over every aspect of your life
As I said in the video, Westerners generally think a lot more and are more cynical than Thais. This is how Westerners see the end game with CBDC's and cashless payment systems. Thais just think it's a very convenient way to pay.
i refuse to live in a cashless society!
if they are going to go cashless the government can take my life!
The way I see it is that there won't be any choice fairly soon. There will always be a need for cash, but getting cash and finding places that accept cash will become more difficult. In Thailand there are already shops and vendors that refuse to take cash and people have objected to me wanting to use cash. Please don't follow that course of action. Life is far too precious.
@@expatlivinginthailand its crazy how much these people want to control us! they should just let people live their lives and quit trying to control people!
the government should learn to trust and respect people, that way people would trust and respect the government!
but all the people at the top are tyrants!
every country they disarm the people the more the tyrants show their ugly face! look at how my country canada started closing down bank accounts after the protest!
Great videos! Do you know if there is anyway for a tourist to access these cash apps?
Thanks! I don't, I'm afraid. I don't have any of these apps myself and someone left a comment yesterday saying that a Thai ID card number is required. The banking apps would require a Thai bank account and it's never straightforward for foreigners to open bank accounts. A lot of banks will ask for a work permit. As I said in the video, I think that cash will still be widely used in the tourist areas. If/When I find out later I'll do a quick video.
What are the per transaction fees associated with single purchases and what is that cost comparatively speaking to taking out large cash sums and making many transactions? If you understand what I'm saying.
I do understand, but I'm afraid I don't have the data to give you an answer. Obviously, the service provider will deduct a commission for each transaction but I'm not sure who pays this. If it is deducted before the vendor receives the payment I suspect the vendor will increase prices to cover this. I've been told by many shops in Thailand that if I pay by credit card there is an additional 3% charge. I think this goes against the terms of the credit card agreement, but Thais will always make sure that they don't lose out.
You are spot on. Big brother wants to control everything 🤬🤬
The technocratic style of government that has emerged in recent years, enable by the Internet and 'smart' technology, seems to confirm this.
Online banking is most effective tool by capitalist society and recently due to covid it got its highest level ever, and now they are considering this an opportunity to continue it with same pace in future as well.
As you already mentioned that through online transactions its very easy to keep check and to read customer behavior. Modern businesses depends very much on customer behavior and shopping trends. Previously they used to hire some experts to survey the market and society to know the exact intensity of demand and supply. But now using online services (software) they can easily calculate and make decisions accordingly now they don't really need to hire those people so easy way to minimize their work force and earn more money.
Other thing you mentioned that Thailand is very much adaptive, yes they are always very supportive to capitalism.
But nobody can deny the importance of cash, I think they will still retain it in some way or the other. Personally I am very much supportive for paying through cash except for few things.
Thanks for your comment. I've been using Internet banking and shopping for years and don't really have a problem. My computer stays at home and the two-step verification is done using my phone. I do have a problem using my phone, which can be easily lost or stolen. You're right about the 'big data' aspect, which can be useful but - at the same time - it's a bit concerning how much information they are keeping on all of us. As you say, I don't think they can do away with cash completely but it won't be long now before cashless systems overtake cash.
Another practical consideration for us ex-pats is that many of these app / wallet - based payment systems can only be assigned to Thai id holders. So I guess that's settled; my wife will have to pay for everything.😁
Is that right? I didn't know that, but when I applied for a membership card at 7-Eleven they would only accept Thai ID cards and refused my pink Thai ID card. That's a very good point. My wife has paid for a few things using her payment app, but I always have to give her the money later!
A Thai drivers licenses is a Thai ID. They are also very easy to get.
Nobody addresses the high carbon footprint these data farms, (databanks). Google, amazon, Microsoft, facebook, banks, etc., cloud computing requiring warehouse full of "servers". This is all run on electricity.
The system of control they wish to implement relies on technology, so they aren't going to act against big tech. But you're right.
Great vlog, I am thinking about doing Postdoctorate in PSU after my PhD, how far is it from Bangkok, any suggestion
It's just under 1,000 kms. In the old days it was an expensive flight or a long train/road journey. However, since 2004 there have been a lot of budget flights. Look out for the offers and you can get cheap tickets. There's a very heavy emphasis on medicine at the university. Prince Mahidol - Prince of Songkla - was a doctor. I went to the university campus yesterday and although it's much busier now that it used to be, it's still a pleasant environment.
@@expatlivinginthailand Thank you
@@ABitofEverythingCounts You're most welcome. I hope it works out for you and you have a great time in Hat Yai! When I used to work at PSU I would often see foreign students studying there.
We are all old school and can see were we are heading but unfortunately I don't think we will be able to do anything about 🙏🙏
Reluctantly, I would tend to agree with you. The number of people who can see what is going on and where this is heading is growing, but the vast majority can't see it. There is resistance, but if only a minority resist these changes will go ahead.
This is bad news. Very bad.
I'm not ecstatic, either. I don't have any of these apps and I will hold out for as long as possible, but I think there will be increasing pressure in the future to get on board. Already, I am encountering objections with some people if I want to pay with cash.
Have you considered the global movement towards asset backed digital stable coins. The Thai central bank last year moved to regulating stablescoin instruments; they are going in the right direction IMHO. I do think there will be cash still; maybe not as prevalent as the last 100 years, but I do think there will be things in the pipeline to turn the status quo back to our favour; away from the existing powers and their plans.
Carbon neutral tax and climate change.... hang on aren't we made from carbon? Something to think about; a reasonable concern. Speaking out is the right thing to do.... Keep doing what you're doing 👍; we all should be.... Those people we used to write off as tin foil hat conspiracists, were on to something. Its always been about control....
I haven't looked at asset backed stablecoins, but I have an interest in Bitcoin. Another report on Voice of Thailand this week said that Thailand has just brought in legislation regrading the advertising of digital assets. Crypto is something they seem to be keeping a keen eye on. I really hope you are right about reversing the power.
Yes, all life on this planet is carbon based and there would be no plant life without carbon dioxide, yet these elements have somehow been demonised as dangerous and toxic. It's insane. Thanks for your comment!
@@expatlivinginthailand I would say, the world is moving towards going commodity based global market (all currencies will be soverign **bye bye euro and the US has just come out with the "USNote" whilst the US reserve currency petro "dollar" is seeing its end.).
Stable coins regulated through international standard ISO200022 are based on something tangeable and not as volatile. Bitcoin is based on confidence (like a lot of our fiat currency today - highly inflatable - you can see in national fiat currencies are dying slowly in the public eye) we are on the verge, looking across the abyss and about to take a leap of faith if you will and its good to zoom out on the contrast between cryptos vs asset backed digital coins. I would hold thoughts on the bitcoin for now and "invest" some time into reading up on XRP and XLM (gld and slvr - respectively) in offline wallets and a password etched into a hidden steel bar 😊 to see what they are all about.
After all JFK tried to bring them back on to a commodity based currency back then - look how the central bankers dealt with that situation. We are about to do that again 😊. This is the most amazing time we are living through in a death spiral between two groups and many are not even aware.... Trust that next year will be a "corker"; we may have to go through some interesting and needed times towards the end of the year. Sit tight 🖖
@@johnnynrg Interesting, but scary, times. Thanks for your thoughts.
Cashless is all bad. Cash rules. Screw the banks!
We already have debit and credit cards if we don't wish to use cash. Forcing cashless payments on everyone has some very nefarious implications. Did you notice how, during the nonsense of the last few years, they tried to deter people from using cash on the basis it was unhygienic? They really want this to happen, and I suspect they will take strong measures in the next few years to push it through.
Cashless money makes us loose our freedom.
I can see why a lot of people think it is just a more convenient way to pay, but my cynical side tells me there is another agenda.
Thanks for the video, i feel it for cashless as they can swipe it and you may not be aware they carged you more. Today I was charged 4 pounds over its price on tap and pay for cigs
Good point. That's another issue. Money in whatever form - shells, coins, notes - has worked well for thousands of years and it's easy to check how much has been paid.
if you lose your things - phone and wallet are you done if you don't have cash
Great question! I guess if you lose your wallet you can say goodbye to the cash and your bank can cancel and replace credit/debit cards. If you're on vacation though, this is going to take time. If you lose your phone, I don't know. There are several things that concern me about this. The first is a social credit system with someone tracking all my purchases and being able to control what I can buy. The second is having so much important information on a small phone that can easily be lost or stolen. I guess the next stage will be to get rid of phones and implant microchips in everyone!
If you lose your phone you can remotely erase all content on it. just search for remote erase or remote wipe for Apple or Android,
Really? I didn't know this, but being able to do this would give me massive peace of mind. Thanks for the heads up! I'll look into it.
I do not see this happening in 2 years time. People in Pathum Thani are not going to convert all their washing machines or water machines to cashless until those units break.
The two years estimate came from Voice of Thailand. As I said in the video, there will always be a need for cash so they can't completely get rid of cash. However, I think it will become increasingly more difficult to use cash as more and more people use cashless apps.
In 2022 you can put security on your phone and also with Samsung or apple you can get another one and make it exactly like your previous phone. Wallpaper and apps will all be the same even phone number and texts and calls will be put back
Thank you! I will look into this. Another comment informed me that if your phone is stolen you can remotely delete all the data. I'm not a 'phone person' and I'm not fully aware of what is possible, but these things make me feel a lot more reassured. I need to do some research.
Its control and no privacy.
Everything I see governments do now is about control. It's not a case of doing what is best for citizens, but a case of exerting yet more control.
Thailand is way ahead of Malaysia with cashless payments.
Thanks, that's interesting to know. Generally, Singapore and Malaysia stay ahead of Thailand with most things but I read that Thailand and Vietnam are leading the way with cashless payments in the Southeast Asia region.
As for my personal opinion, not all thai's are tech savvy. One more thing is if using an apps for payment, u need to have a bank acc to topup the credit in the apps (online banking). As for that, is it practical for tourist to open up an acc just to spend for things on a short visit unless u r planning on a long stay there. Hmmmm... What do they think of next... 🤔
Exactly! Even expats have difficulty opening bank accounts. Without a bank account I guess it could be topped up like a SIM card in 7-Eleven using the tourists' credit cards or some other method of payment. At the moment it's not a problem for Thais, who all have local bank accounts, but when you have a lot of tourists in the country it needs a lot more thought. That's why I think there will be no alternative other than continuing to use cash in tourist areas. Who knows what the future holds? Everything changes so quickly these days. Thanks for your comment!
cashless systems require a vast amount of technology to make it work reliably, and simple enough for granny to use it. so that's another weak link to a cashless Thailand in 2 yrs.
and 100% may be a pipe dream but when the electric goes out as it does often enough, well oops what ya gona do? Cash will have to be at least an acceptable backup.
Exactly, not to mention there are several different systems and I'm not sure if they're compatible. Cash will have to live on for all of these reasons, but I am already finding that a lot of Thais have gone cashless and some object if I want to use cash.
agree with you,Phil
🙏
I don't know where you are situated. But things don't work like that where I live in Thailand. (I live in a large city, not a Tourist one) and everything is cash. 90% of the shops restaurants won't except cards they all want cash and will give a discount if you pay cash. All local ATM will take your card without a charge. My bank is Kasikorn they don't have an ATM in the local Makro But they have two other ATM that will give you cash without charge 1 being BKK Bank sorry cant remember to other. That goes for Big C ATM and other supermarkets. My wife buys food from the local markets most nights and not one place will except any cards. Or a phone AP. You might be correct about Thailand going cash free but I think it'll be years yet before it happens. Here's one to think about having lived in Thailand for over 25 years I came to the conclusion years ago that Thai's don't have ANY LOGIC.
Hat Yai. Many shops and even street vendors are using cashless apps. Not all, I spoke to one fruit vendor on the day I made the video who told me she only accepts cash but my wife told me that many places have a sign saying they won't accept cash. The two year prediction isn't mine, it came from the Voice of Thailand radio broadcast. Some parts of Thailand are more developed than others. I would suspect that in areas such as Isaan that are still very rural there is still a big reliance on cash. Where are you?
@@expatlivinginthailand Kamphaeng Phet City, It's a Non tourist city. That's halfway between BKK & C/Mai. Whilst I'm at it our local Makro won't except any cards only their own one, cash only. I was in Big C the other day in a big shop, buying an I/Pad for the wife. I did ask if they accepted D/D cards reply yes. Bought the I/Pad and they wanted cash only. So off I went to an ATM and got the cash pain in the Butt. But had to be done. Thank Buddha Big C has loads of ATM All Free of charge. The only times I use a card here is to get cash or in Toyota when I service the car. The latter normally twice a year.
N/B How many times have you seen/read things on the news here that you know are completely wrong. Tip never believe what you read/listen to here.
@@fredob43 I've been there. A nice historic park, but very quiet.
@@expatlivinginthailand One of the reasons I love living here, quiet that is. Had my fill of tourist places, with their crazy pricing.
Has everything I require, Restaurants, Shops, Stores. (Big C, Tesco? Robinsons, + Makro) What else does one require. One thing that might surprise you is in around the 20 years I have lived here I have never been to the historic park. Wife went once but never again. I don't do tourist places, saying that I did go twice to the hot springs. Once to sample the baths and the second time to have a meal from the stalls that are at the entrance, only Cos we were passing. Can recommend both. Have never been to Hat Yai. Never found a reason to go. Done the usual C/Mai, C/Rai, Pattaya, Phuket, Most of the Kohs. All have now been buggered by the Thais because they think that's what the tourists want. The usual money money that now seems to have stopped due to the cost of getting here. RIP Thailand.
I agree. I live in Udon Thani City & everything is done by cash here even buying houses & land. I don’t even have an ATM I just go the bank & draw out cash. Electric & water bills we go 7-11 & pay them cash & they pay if electronic & I can even by a domestic air ticket for cash there or at the airport. Lazada I just pay COD. I have absolutely no problem paying everything in cash & the Thai’s love cash.
Sounds like a good idea but some foreign credit and debit cards do not work in the Land of Smiles. Of course lack of thought in Land of Smiles. Does anyone in charge realize “how will tourists spend money in the land of smiles”????
Thai logic!
Hope the power doesn't go out.
Presumably the phone networks will have battery backup and phones run on batteries, but this is another good point especially with many countries now facing an energy crisis. With so much reliance on technology, what happens when the lights go out?
Own nothing and you will be happy.
We all have uncle Klaus to thank for that.
I like to tip street performers, cashless would hurt that. On the other hand illegal drugs & crime would definitely hurt that.
They'd have to leave their mobile phones on the pavement instead of hats and guitar cases!
Surveillance and privacy aside
cashless payment sometimes comes in quite handy
Cheers Phil ✌
Definitely handy. It's a pain sometimes when I need to pay for something and realise I don't have enough cash. I'm sure I'm being over cautious about this, but I've never been a 'phone person' and have never really taken much care of my phone. Even now it has information on it that I wouldn't want other people to get hold of. I'm really reluctant to add payment systems because this will make the situation worse if the phone is lost or stolen. The social credit system is a little way down the line, but I'm sure it will arrive at some stage and it's something else that makes me wary.
we have laws in Norway and Sweden that make cash the only forced payment. this is suppose to mean that no store/ company can refuse cash as payment, how ever, i have seen companies try to demand only electronic payment. Norwegian Air is one of them. i did a demonstration with Norwegian once, and only took cash with me to pay for a ticket. the staff tried to get me to pay electronic but i reminded them of the law and told them to resolve the issue. they did after some time accept the cash. in my opinion it should not be possible for banks not to hand out money, or for companies to refuse them. i do not trust anyone, if i have 1 million in an account, what ever currency, and i suddenly just want to check for sure that the bank actually have my 1 million as they say they do, it should be my right to take them out in cash so that i can count them and check if it is real and then what ever i want to do..
Some people need to be reminded of laws and basic human rights. There has been far too much abuse of law and human rights in the last few years.
I guess we all will retire in the Philippines instead now..
Good idea, especially with the new tax regime they have lined up for expats in Thailand!
Not sure if cashless is a good thing or not. We will know soon.
I can see how it can be sold to the public as a good thing, but in the last few years I have completely lost my trust in government which leads me to be quite cynical about anything they want to puch on us.
Bad move cashless. It will stop me and my friends from going their on holidays..
About as popular as the Thailand Pass!
People need to check out reignite democracy and global walkout
Thanks for the 'heads up'!
Cashless is actually more secure than cash. You can physically lose your wallet but your phone needs to be first unlocked and then usually all cashless apps will have a verification process like a pin code or 6 digit tac. Plus dropping a wallet loses much more than just money.
Excellent points. Thank you. My phone has a PIN, but my assumption is that someone with the right knowledge/tools could hack it fairly easily. You're right though - payment systems will also have security and hopefully they will disable themselves if too many invalid log on attempts are made. But you're absolutely right about losing a wallet. I worry about losing my phone, but losing my wallet would be a huge headache and there would be a huge amount of work getting new cards as well as losing whatever cash was inside. Your comment has made me feel more reassured!
@@expatlivinginthailand I lost my wallet a few months back and it just so happened that I had around RM 500 equivalent to 4000 baht plus all the cards and driving licenses etc that I had to redo and it was a massive pain in the bum. I suppose I feel indifferent sometimes to these modernizations. They’re coming whether you like it or not so might as well make the best of it
@@redflamelcd Your last sentence sums it up best of all! What we want and what we don't want is irrelevant.
You haven't thought it through. Yes, someone could steal your wallet (why does everyone put their cash in a wallet, anyway?), but aside from that, YOU are in total control of your money. Going digital places ALL of your money in the hands of a faceless authority you have no control over. You'd better hope they have your interests as their number one concern!
666 system.
Apparently, a significant date is the year 2030. Divide 20 by 30 and see what you get!
Great Video 😀 At home I never carry cash. I tend to use the Apple Pay from my phone or watch. I don't use my ATM card very often. I am now at the point that I don't carry a wallet anymore. I do prefer not to use ATMS in Thailand as I am worried about skimming devices on it, or the ATM eating my card. I know that Thailand does not support Apple Pay or Google Pay.. Mayne one day. I would love to get the train from the airport and not have to go to a ticket machine and have to keep at token.But I am sure there are times when people would prefer to use cash for privacy. 😜😜 Maybe the bargirls can have a QR code on their bikini 🤣🤣The monitoring of what you purchase is always a concern in the background, however I don't think that Thailand would go down the path like the C.C.P. in China. Again great Vid. Always enjoy watching 👍👍
Thanks for your comment! I'm sure the talented tattoo artists in Thailand wouldn't have any problems adorning bar girls with QR codes in indelible ink! There's a thought. ATM skimming was a big problem a few years ago and it was mostly gangs of foreign criminals. They installed card readers in ATM's to read the magnetic strip and cameras to record the PIN number. One improvement was to add a chip to the cards so that now it is not enough to copy the magnetic strip alone. I habitually use my hand to cover the keypad when I enter my PIN.
You're obviously one of the people who have embraced the technology and doesn't really have any issues. Most comments I've received so far have been the opposite. For me, cash is still fine and I am wary of cashless systems. However, long term I don't think I will have any choice.
Ah yes... convenience and "safety" over common sense or seeing the future. Thoughts lie yours are SO foolish. the One World Government that will take over the world WILL see to it that the entire world is tracked, traced, and obeys..... Thailand included.
u are an example of a fear based person following like a sheep going along with this cashless control from the wef go ahead be a fool like the rest the world
I'd never come back
Thailand may be ahead at the moment with cashless payments, but I think the same thing is planned for everywhere else.
@@expatlivinginthailand I would rather live in the woods and avoid people for the rest of my life than live among people that are foolish enough to enslave themselves to a cashless control grid that would quickly become dystopian and rob them of all personal freedom.
@@christopherconceal9715 There are a number of people who have now chosen to live off grid! I heard recently that TH-cam has started deleting 'prepper' channels, but I don't know how true this is. I know what you mean.
@@expatlivinginthailand I have been looking at vanuatu as an escape when this BS becomes common globally
@@christopherconceal9715 That's interesting. You can't get much more remote than that!
Jomtien seems all cash and I like it that way
Thanks for the info.
A cashless society is all about control not good.
I think everything we are seeing now is about control. Food scarcity is becoming an issue. Scarcity = Dependency = Control. Same with this business about climate change.