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Why are expatriates in Thailand often negative towards the government despite the country's better COVID-19 handling compared to neighbors?

Dec 21, 2021
4 years ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have been in Thailand since October. (Have been 8 times for a total of 20 months over past 5 years as well). Sure the rules have changed so many times. What I don't get is why FOREIGNERS so negative toward the government. The fact is that compared to all its neighbors it has managed to reopen to some degree for the last 6 months. No one else besides Cambodia is anywhere close. On top of that regardless of what tourists would like (bars clubs etc) they have a primary responsibility toward their population. The fact is that Thailand has managed to keep their severe illness and mortality rate way below all Western countries. I applaud them for that and respect the laws of the country I am visiting.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion reveals a divide among expatriates in Thailand regarding the government's handling of COVID-19. While some express support for the Thai government's response, citing lower severe illness and mortality rates compared to Western countries, others criticize the inconsistencies in policies, the slow vaccine rollout, and the adverse economic impacts on both locals and foreign residents. Several commenters note that expats' frustrations often stem from communication issues and the uncertainty surrounding entry rules and regulations. Ultimately, perspectives vary significantly based on individual experiences and expectations.
Casey ********
It's actually kind of interesting. Money can pretty much buy you everything except common sense. And the people who are traveling with 3 kids, their dog and their house keeper for a "weekend get away", what are they thinking???
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Srini ******
The only people I see not wearing masks are farangs.. Not all of them but a few.. And they stick out like a sore thumb. This creates a feeling of resentment against all farangs. You may laugh at the mask requirements but please comply.. It's a very small inconvenience.
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Tai *********
Well said! Thank you for understanding. In my opinion, those foreigners who can’t abide by our laws and rules or are unhappy with our government should seek elsewhere to travel to.
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Casey ********
Agreed. Everyone here was able to abide by a certain protocol and they got in. Everyone else had a sense of entitlement or was not able to meet the criteria.
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Casey ********
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Peterjames **********
Well said
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Ken ******
Thailand certainly has its own attractiveness but can further improve on: air pollution, drinking water quality, pubkic drainage, frequent big flood threat, road safety world ranking… and dual pricing system for expats, 24 hour? and 90 day reports for foreigners etc, further details can.be found by google search on news, reports readily available there
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Ken ******
it is a bit strange omicron cases rising drastically in US/Europe but Thailand covid.cases dropped dramatically, is it related to test availability?
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Dallas ******
Been here 2 years now, and reckon this is the closest thing to freedom one will feel in any country on this fine planet 👍
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James ********
⚡️ Full Details about the temporary Suspension of Test and Go
***********************
#Thailand

I’ve just sent out a special newsletter with full details about what is really happening based on my telephone conversation with a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Ted ********
The biggest expat complainers about Thailand were miserable complainers back in their home countries too. No matter where they go, there they are complaining.
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Edd ********
Do not believe

My Thai family tells me a different view to yours.

Sucked in.
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Have *******
The foreign residents of Thailand are some of the lowest quality individuals the world has to offer. They seem to hate everything including themselves and life itself despite living a life of incredible privilege. Their bitterness is reflected in every single interaction with them. It's as tragic as it is exhausting.
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Bim *******
People will moan no matter where they live. As for the government I leave those opinions to the Thai people. They have been here before and had much worse.
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Symon *********
Been going 5 years and haven't got a clue
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Mike *******
Well as a foreigner living here for several years I do feel blessed living here and riding my motorcycle with very few restrictions. There is definitely a lot of foreign whiners, but typically they would whine whether they're at home or here!!! Enjoy your stay in the land of smiles
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Pascal ********
@Mike ******
Names we want some names of these stupid farang 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Mike *******
@Pascal *******
hahaha, they live among us!!!!
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Pascal ********
@Mike ******
Yes but so easy to be detected
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Pascal ********
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Chris ****
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Michael ********
5555 make sure you got your two chickens.

Absolute numpties in charge
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Prowd *********
As a Thai person, most Thais dislike the government and wants the PM to resign. He has failed to meet every basic human right requirement for his people.
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Sammy *******
@Prowd ********
a bit of hyperbole-- neither of us, of course, speak for "most Thais", and much of what th9se dissatisfied are upset about is usually not the covid aspect. this govt not all that different that most of the past decades.
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Michael ********
@Prowd ********
yes i know. Need more Chamlongs
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Michael ********
@Prowd ********
yes the poster been coming here for five years, doesnt know anything about watches, millions of baht of trees for ratchaprak list is unfortunately very big.
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Prowd *********
@Michael *******
haha democracy has always been absent in Thailand
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Osama ************
@Prowd ********
Wow!

You should check out the democracy in some of your neighboring countries 😏
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Prowd *********
@Osama *************
what democracy? 🤔
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Prowd *********
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Pascal ********
Not all foreigners, only the ones who are grumpy all the times, only the ones who will be never happy wherever they live. Easy for them Thailand have so many international airport for them to go home but their problems are home have more problems than Thailand.
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Prowd *********
@Pascal *******
yeah exactly because they know they can use their privilege here and get illegal jobs above migrant workers.
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Pascal ********
@Prowd ********
It is not regarding illegal jobs it is about all these Farang who always complain about everything so best for them if you are not happy in a country they just have to leave
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Pascal ********
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James ***********
I find it very amusing to see some dudes becoming more royal than the king just because they manage to enter Thailand and extend their stay a bit. Big deal..
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David ********
@James **********
i just reported you for lese majeste
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Peter **********
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John *******
@James **********
Could you expand on your comment “more royal than the king”?
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John *******
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Garrett ***********
Admin- we do not turn off commenting on posts in this group. Thanks for understanding.
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John ******
Wrong. Thailand opened.. Then closed.. Then opened.. Then closed.. Then opened... May close again. Its driving expats.. Tourists and the travel industry bonkers! Immigration can be a nightmare at the best of times. Get back to us all after your next few years here.
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Alan *******
@Mark *******
an average of 2&
***
months per year, over 8 years and you consider yourself an expert? You have got so much wrong, you are far from being an expert.
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan ******
never suggested I was an expert. This isn't a group for experts. I voice an observation and opinion relative to the reopening of nearby countries.
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Mark ********
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
I have been here 8 times over last 5 Years totalling 20 months. Most recently since Oct. You know what happens when you assume..
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Maxim ***********
@Mark *******
Doesn't understand that and never will. He's been here since October and he is already an expert with knowledge behind belief and double down on his nonsense.
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Maxim ***********
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John *******
If we look at Deaths per Million Thailand ranks at #132.

The people in Australia were not allowed to walk across the street so yea, very low deaths.
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Sammy *******
@John ******
exactly, Australia and isreal imposed very restrictive rules and covid regs.
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Sammy *******
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Every single countries population is unhappy with how its government handled covid. Get real people. I simply gave context relative to its neighbors. End of story. Yes 3rd world countries whose economies are menial jobs and not able to work remotely were hit disproportionately by covid. That was NOT the point.
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Jared **********
@Mark *******
some people clearly do, but by no means “vast majority”.

Vietnam is the only relevant example and even then they are much less reliant on tourism then Thailand, the last precovid year they had 40% of the international travelers Thailand did.

Sounds like you’ve been unaware or out to lunch for 90% of the last 2 years with what’s been going on here and for some reason feel the need to share your opinion 🤷‍♂️
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Jared **********
@Mark *******
none of the neighbors are comparable population wise to Thailand, you made a pretty shitty post with pretty bad points.

I don’t get why you have such a strong opinion for something you are clearly out of the loop on.
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jared *********
Philippines not comparable ? Vietnam? Seriously get an education... and population number has nothing to do with it. Opening of country to tourism was my point despite constant struggle with protecting its population
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The vast majority of those who saw my post agree with it.. seems like you're the one with issues (and attitude)
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Mark ********
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Maxim ***********
Why are you asking a question if you already figured it all out after 2 months? Be more humble in your approach and you will get more sympathy. I hate when newb complain that the "regulars" are too mean toward them when the newbs are annoyingly playing the "known it all" game.

The fact is that the Thai locals have suffered a lot economically during Covid with very little help from their government. The fact is that the Thai government was overthrown via a coup d'état in 2014 and a lot happened since.

The fact is that Laos economy is completely dead, with a dead currency, and no infrastructure. The fact is that Myanmar is having its version of a Civil War atm.

The fact is that Covid is underreported not only in Thailand but in a lot of countries that are not "first world". For example, here in Isan (North-East Thailand), locals are not going to the hospital if they suspect they have Covid. They can't afford unexpected medical bills that could happen. This is why you see Covid numbers even lower in Cambodia and almost inexistent in Laos (a country that doesn't have hospitals that can deal with Covid patients).

The fact is that the administrative process to get into Thailand is overly complicated atm. A country like Thailand should be able to deal with the afflux of people wanting to come in better.

The fact is that Thailand, like many countries, is "reactionary", they wait for the Covid numbers to either go "up" or "down" to make changes. They don't proactively make decisions and stick with it. If these month numbers are lower they re-open this and this province, if next month it gets higher they close the same province. We have seen a lot of flip-flopping in the last 2 years, a lot of inconsistency, and a lot of last-minute decisions. There are a lot of things that you don't know, and you should be more humble in your approach instead of trying to lecture some of us who have been here for many many years.
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
none of this has anything to do with my post. But glad you found where to vent
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Maxim ***********
@Mark *******
It does. You are implying that Thailand did a good job in the reopening process, which they didn't. Only 60% of people are fully vaxxed and a lot of them didn't get Moderna or Pfizer, especially here in Isan. Right now there is an upside of cases that you won't hear in the media because freedom of the press is limited. Strictly speaking about what is and is not open (with no care for the locals), is also very nebulous. Bars are rebranding as "restaurants" to be able to go around the law and serve alcohol. You have no idea of what's going on behind the scenes, the loophole, the bribes, and what owners go through, especially in Phuket and Bangkok to remind open. The people who complain most likely are not first-time travelers here and have been following what's going on since more than just "October".
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maxim **********
no I said Thailand other option was remaining completely closed like majority of its neighbors. Relative to THAT foreigners around welcome whatever rules we are given if we choose to visit.
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Maxim ***********
@Mark *******
Go read
@John ********
post below and do a little research about the confusion of the last 2 years. "Improvisation" doesn't equate to "succeed".
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Maxim ***********
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Maxim ***********
And I even forgot to talk about the Covid vaccine fiasco!
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Maxim ***********
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Jan *******
Absolutely agree.
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James ***********
Thailand wasted first 1 year of fight with covid19, didnot order any vaccine and spread false rumors like producing their own vaccine etc.. Almost 100% of Thai population agree that government failed in fight against the covid19, most refused to get last minute inefficient chinese vaccines. Fraction of Thai people wanting and trying to go abroad is the highest in history now. There are groups with more than million followers discussing how to leave thailand and find jobs abroad. That shows something.
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Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James **********
what does that have to do with the post? I am speaking regarding a tourist who wishes to visit Thailand relative to visiting its neighbors.
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Jared **********
@James **********
so they wasted the first year year not ordering vaccines, but the vaccine didn’t even exist for almost a full year

I don’t disagree they waited way too long to start getting vaccines but at least get your facts straight.
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James ***********
@Jared *********
yes, serious countries ordered while studies were in late clinal stage. They became the first to acquire the vaccines. I know what I am talking about. Human clinal trials and FDA approvals etc took months and months.. Thailand was spreading rumors like princess' facilities will start production in thailand and other nonsense
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Jared **********
@James **********
I don’t see how you can claim you know what you’re talking about when you said “Thailand wasted it’s first year of fight against Covid not ordering vaccines” when there were no vaccines to order

Thailand didn’t start to take it seriously until April this year when there outbreak started, and were very slow and small quantities they could get when the Chinese started offloading there vaccines here.
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Jared **********
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Hans *********
And that is exactly what these Noerglers do not understand - the responsibility towards others is not on their radar.

The same people always thought Asians wear face masks for themselves.

And government are incapable anyway. Stupid, stupid ...
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Jonathan *******
Hope she sees this mate.

Also the published daily Covid Numbers are not a reflection of reality.

While I agree, people complaining about this are wrong, they are guests here etc, posting here aint gonna do anything.
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Alan *******
@Jonathan ******
I'm sure everyone knows nothing will come of what we have to say, but Facebook is about expressing views, particularly on important subjects.
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Jonathan *******
@Alan ******
I just seems a waste as 99% of comments will be moronic.
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Jonathan *******
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Paul ********
Many of the measures have been used and extended to stifle political protests and the economy has taken a major hit with little support for individuals and business affected. Plus initial vaccine rollout was very slow.
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Jon *****
@Paul *******
Most probably but the fact is Thailand is opened to tourism, upto now it's the only country of south-east Asia with Cambodia
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Jon *****
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Alan *******
Well now the Test and Go program has been suspended, which will put the economy deeper in the 💩, along with the livelihoods of many people and more businesses going under. This virus has to be lived with, it isn't going anywhere, or the country will never recover. Getting vaccinated and following basic hygiene practices is what's needed.
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Josh ***********
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Alan *******
John Eiche link here and it was just on the news.

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John *******
@Alan ******
Yes I just saw that
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John *******
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Karim ***************
@Alan ******
it hasn’t yet. Meeting on the 24th.
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Gordon *******
@Karim **************
already done, everyone coming now must state Quarantine
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Karim ***************
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Karim ***************
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Jared **********
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Karim ***************
@Jared *********
yes to new registrations. But a decision will be made on the 24th as far as I know. After the Thai tourist industry had a taster of making money again, I really think there could be a big backlash if they do go back to quarantine.
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Jared **********
@Karim **************
can be hopeful for the use “suspension” and not saying “cancelled”, it’s still early and there appears to be some confusion in the details and translations.

Maybe this is just a pause until they have the formal meeting but I wouldn’t be counting on coming in without 7 days in quarantine at this point. Best of luck to anyone trying to get in
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Karim ***************
@Jared *********
it would be a tragedy for the business owners I have seen in recent days, that finally had a little glimmer of hope they could survive.
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Jared **********
@Karim **************
so meeting is delayed but sounds like anyone approved is ok to come, just an extra free PCR test?
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Karim ***************
@Jared *********
fingers crossed. There needs to be compromise somewhere I guess.
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Karim ***************
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Ryan ****
"The fact is that Thailand has managed to keep their severe illness and mortality rate way below all Western countries"

Well this is quite frankly wrong.

Last I checked Australia is a western country and never had anywhere near the level of deaths Thailand did.

I'm sure there's other countries that also did better.
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Na ****
@Ryan ***
Sweden had no restrictions and a reduced amount of deaths.

It seems restrictions are what cause all the deaths.
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Prowd *********
@Ryan ***
lol yeah we gotta consider the amount of motorbike deaths and dramatic fist fights
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Dror *********
@Ryan ***
israel
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Na ****
@Dror ********
Data from there can't be trusted. Fascist military governments lie all the time.
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Na ****
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Jan *******
@Ryan ***
First: Australia is more eastern than anyone else - depending on perspective 🙂 second: i don’t know any country that caged their people more than the australians - i wouldn’t name that a good example.
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Ryan ****
@Jan ******
never said I liked the Govt. But it's still considered a western country and has lower death rate.
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Jan *******
@Ryan ***
Death rates are hardly comparable between countries. and iam pretty sure every country has its own system to make themselves look better - especially if you want to get re-elected 🙂
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Ryan ****
@Jan ******
about the only thing I'd beleive from the Aust Govt was the number of deaths of people *with* COVID (not necessarily from COVID). If they could have, they'd have reported higher numbers to justify their restrictions.
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Ryan ****
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Philip *******
@Jan ******
North Korea
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Jan *******
@Philip ******
Ah i forgot yes - sorry NK is for sure harder
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Philip *******
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Philip *******
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Hans *********
OMG! Than Stay in Australia .
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Karim ***************
@Ryan ***
is Australia western?
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Carsten *********
@Karim **************
didn't Australia do a hard lockdown ?
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Wayne ********
Wow, this is a thread of idiocy.
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Ryan ****
@Karim **************
if in doubt try checking Wikipedia:

In modern usage, Western world refers to Europe and to areas whose populations largely originate from Europe, through the Age of Discovery's imperialism.
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Marc ********
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Karim ***************
@Marc *******
who told you it was western? Westernised, yes. Do you guys tell yourself you’re western? Lol
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Marc ********
@Karim **************
I am from Europe so definately western yes.

Australia New Zealans are considered western country.

Not sure about surrounding islands like Fidji etc.
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Karim ***************
@Marc *******
does that make sense to you?
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Marc ********
@Karim **************
Does not need to make sense to me. The line can be drawn somewhere between Japan and Guam, Palau, American Samoa I guess
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Marc ********
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Benjamin ******
@Karim **************
Nope, not the last I checked.

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Benjamin ******
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Jared **********
There’s plenty of legitimate reasons to critique how this has been handled and the communications around it

Going on 2 years and you’ve been in the country for 2 months and this group for 4 days, there’s a lot of context and circumstance you’re missing

And I’m not one to overly judge how it’s been handled but I don’t think giving them a pass is fair either.
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Jared **********
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