Do you buy counterfeit goods and pirated DVDs in Thailand?

[Beachlover]

I'm curious. How do you feel about buying counterfeit goods and pirated DVDs in Thailand? They're plenty available!

Personally, I used to buy a lot of pirated DVDs and some counterfeit stuff like brand name board shorts, underwear and belts when visiting Thailand/Asia.

Then, about a year ago I stopped doing this and threw out or gave away all the counterfeit/pirated stuff. I did it for personal reasons. I also decided to stop downloading pirated content online. I admit this is an unusual step for my generation (Y), which is renowned for downloading whatever the hell we want when we want.

I'm curious about who does it and how you feel about it. I would say the overwhelming majority of people do this and consider it no big deal. I did it myself and I can still see myself doing it for various reasons.

1. Do you consider it ethical? If so, how do you rationalise it?

2. Do think counterfeit goods strengthen or weaken your mind and character in any way?

[cdnmatt]

consider it no big deal.

That's me!


1. Do you consider it ethical? If so, how do you rationalise it?

Because it's cheaper. As for ethics, maybe the theaters shouldn't charge $10 for some popcorn and a pop.


2. Do think counterfeit goods strengthen or weaken your mind and character in any way?

No. Why would I? It's the way the world works. You don't think there's people out there trying to ripoff my intellectual property?

Perish the thought!

Perish the thought!


cdmatt,

What intellectual property do you possess?? :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

You see guys,some of you are answering your own qestions here,if there's nothing wrong with a pirate CDs or T shirts or mickey mouse Louis Viutton handbags,because of the ridiculous cost charged by the owner of the copywright,then it is only fair that it follows there can certainly not be anything wrong with the 'Jack the lad' antics of exporting cigarettes because of the scandalous amount of duty the UK government charges.

Actually, it's less of a crime as the cigarettes were the real Mc Coy. :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

Responses are not necessary really,are there??? :evil4: :evil4:

[cdnmatt]

cdmatt,

What intellectual property do you possess?? :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

Obviously enough to provide us with a good life, and more than likely, a better life than you're currently living. Dick...

[Beachlover]

You see guys,some of you are answering your own qestions here,if there's nothing wrong with a pirate CDs or T shirts or mickey mouse Louis Viutton handbags,because of the ridiculous cost charged by the owner of the copywright,then it is only fair that it follows there can certainly not be anything wrong with the 'Jack the lad' antics of exporting cigarettes because of the scandalous amount of duty the UK government charges.

Actually, it's less of a crime as the cigarettes were the real Mc Coy. :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

Responses are not necessary really,are there??? :evil4: :evil4:
Kquill... WHAT are you actually trying to say here?

[bao-bao]

You see guys,some of you are answering your own qestions here,if there's nothing wrong with a pirate CDs or T shirts or mickey mouse Louis Viutton handbags,because of the ridiculous cost charged by the owner of the copywright,then it is only fair that it follows there can certainly not be anything wrong with the 'Jack the lad' antics of exporting cigarettes because of the scandalous amount of duty the UK government charges.
Or of walking into a store in Siam Paragon and just taking something because you think the prices are too high.

Save us from such alleged "logic". :rolling:

cdmatt,

What intellectual property do you possess?? :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

Obviously enough to provide us with a good life, and more than likely, a better life than you're currently living. Dick...



Touch├й ..... :duel:

cdmatt,

What intellectual property do you possess?? :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3:

Obviously enough to provide us with a good life, and more than likely, a better life than you're currently living. Dick...



Touch├й ..... :duel:


Hi,

Just humour,but you obviously don't like it! No need for name calling twatface! :glasses7:

Why the comment on the life I am living currently?? You need to lighten up a bit.

[Beachlover]

Kquill... you made a mild insult at cdnmatt followed by a completely incoherent post. What did you expect?

Kquill... you made a mild insult at cdnmatt followed by a completely incoherent post. What did you expect?


Beachlover,

It was my wit, and you are correct,it was mild, not deliberate or offensive but there you go. I'm not going to trade insults all day over something as trivial. VERY VERY sorry cdmatt.

Beachy,

What was incoherent about the post?

[Beachlover]

Fair enough...


What was incoherent about the post?

This... sorry, but WTF are you going on about?


You see guys,some of you are answering your own qestions here,if there's nothing wrong with a pirate CDs or T shirts or mickey mouse Louis Viutton handbags,because of the ridiculous cost charged by the owner of the copywright,then it is only fair that it follows there can certainly not be anything wrong with the 'Jack the lad' antics of exporting cigarettes because of the scandalous amount of duty the UK government charges.

Actually, it's less of a crime as the cigarettes were the real Mc Coy.

Responses are not necessary really,are there???

Kquill... you made a mild insult at cdnmatt followed by a completely incoherent post. What did you expect?


Beachlover,

It was my wit, and you are correct,it was mild, not deliberate or offensive but there you go. I'm not going to trade insults all day over something as trivial. VERY VERY sorry cdmatt.

Beachy,

What was incoherent about the post?

Kuill, anyone knows you made no insult! I didn't see cdmatt say anything....You certainly need not give anything to this other twit!

Beachy,

Got you.

If you don't know,it was about the contraband cigarettes,it doesn't need resurrecting,its just many board members do or did. I will not mention it again. :alc:

[Beachlover]

Yeah, I'm aware there was an incident with contraband smokes but still not sure what point you're trying to make relating to that. Read your post again and think if the sentence makes sense. Are you saying it's ok to smuggle them? Not ok? Ok or not ok to buy other types of counterfeit goods or other?... Anyway, doesn't matter.

Yeah, I'm aware there was an incident with contraband smokes but still not sure what point you're trying to make relating to that. Read your post again and think if the sentence makes sense. Are you saying it's ok to smuggle them? Not ok? Ok or not ok to buy other types of counterfeit goods or other?... Anyway, doesn't matter.


Subject from my point of view or my side of it is binned,what I was meaning was,if it's OK to smuggle or buy mickey mouse items like fake rolexes,CDs,DVDs,Louis Viutton bags etc etc and take these back to the home country,then why is it not OK to do the same with cigarettes??

You can't be breaking the law a little, for example saying,CDs,DVDs etc is all OK but cigarettes are not,as some have said in the past.

If it's wrong you face the consequences when caught. I had no problem,(except in my wallet) to the 650,000 baht fine,that I never knew they could give or I wouldn't have done it in the first place, my problem was with the unexpected 'gift pack' I was said to possess.

So smuggling is smuggling,if you get caught you can't moan! If you get away with it................Well done! :laughing3: joking!

Yeah, I'm aware there was an incident with contraband smokes but still not sure what point you're trying to make relating to that. Read your post again and think if the sentence makes sense. Are you saying it's ok to smuggle them? Not ok? Ok or not ok to buy other types of counterfeit goods or other?... Anyway, doesn't matter.

Try living in kills' world, you wouldn't last the evening!

Since buying counterfeit products and downloading or buying pirated materials amounts to theft I don't see how you could rationalize it in any way shape or form. I would have thought our budding entrepreneurs, who's livelihood depends on being paid for their intellectual property and labour, would have grasped that concept.

And if counterfeiting and piracy is OK, why then would prostitution, drug use and infidelity be so morally repugnant, as has been preached out to us on numerous occasions?

It would appear that there needs to be some remedial work on the concept of hypocrisy as well.

[RichLB]

Back to Beachlover's original question --

I'm curious. How do you feel about buying counterfeit goods and pirated DVDs in Thailand? They're plenty available!

1. Do you consider it ethical? If so, how do you rationalise it?

2. Do think counterfeit goods strengthen or weaken your mind and character in any way?

1. Of course it;s not ethical, but how else in Thailand does one get those movies you want to see (and I'm not talking about porn_. They are seldom available at "reputable" establishments and even when they are, there is no guarantee the DVD is not a copy. As to counterfeit goods...where does one find any that are not copies? Given those dilemmas, I have no problem rationalizing the purchase of counterfeit goods.

2. I have difficulty seeing how procuring counterfeit goods has any effect on my mind one way or the other.

Whilst visting Thaialnd I find the need to change my clothes at least 3 times a day - I'm a messy eater. Even when taking full advantage of the cheap and efficient laundry services there, you still need a good supply of clothing. I would defy anybody to go into Mike's shopping mall and buy 10 different shirts and none of them copies? I do not take them home - suitcase too small. From experience the only consistent quality of the pirated DVD's & CD's is the lack of quality - as with the clothing really.

I am sure that the laws in USA are the same as in most other countries. Customs and immigration in the USA look and inspect for pirated goods. When found, it gives them more reason to search you further. They take pirated goods and destroy them. I have been told that if it looks like it is for personal use, you may just get a stern lecture. If it is a quantity that appears to be for resale.....well I guess your goose is cooked. My advice? Take nothing home that is fake or pornographic, no matter if the lads appear to be 50 years old! Gives them reason to look for pictures of younger ones. And certainly, leave the used bottle of poppers here and dont try to take them back home. Buy a new bottle! LOL! :glasses7:

[stevehadders]

This thread always reminds me of the one time I fell foul of UK Customs. I had been to Prague (great City BTW), and had bought 4 cartons of Winston at Tescos in Prague - had walked past, seen the price,much cheaper than UK. Thought nothing of it - Czech Republic has joined the EU, so was taking back a reasonable quantity of cigarettes for personal use, just as I do from Spain, Portugal etc
I was stopped at Gatwick - the customs officer explained that for Czech Rep the 200 figure applies (as for non EU States) as they hadn't raised their duty to an acceptable EU Level.. WHAT! So they weren't ripping me off as much? You still let them join EU, and we cannot enjoy free movement of goods?
The Customs Officer, to be fair, was great, he smiled and pointed to the little sign about Czech Republic, and told me "Well you will know next time" - and let me carry on WITH my cigarettes (probably he knew it was ridiculous, or it was his coffee break and didnt want the paperwork!)
Now the situation is as with other EU states, and you guessed it - the price has risen. I love Politicians so much

[Beachlover]

Subject from my point of view or my side of it is binned,what I was meaning was,if it's OK to smuggle or buy mickey mouse items like fake rolexes,CDs,DVDs,Louis Viutton bags etc etc and take these back to the home country,then why is it not OK to do the same with cigarettes??

You can't be breaking the law a little, for example saying,CDs,DVDs etc is all OK but cigarettes are not,as some have said in the past.

If it's wrong you face the consequences when caught. I had no problem,(except in my wallet) to the 650,000 baht fine,that I never knew they could give or I wouldn't have done it in the first place, my problem was with the unexpected 'gift pack' I was said to possess.

So smuggling is smuggling,if you get caught you can't moan! If you get away with it.............
Ah, thanks for explaining. I don't know exactly what you did with cigarettes or the ins and outs of smuggling them (assume it would just be to avoid paying duty). I agree there's a double standard.


walking into a store in Siam Paragon and just taking something because you think the prices are too high. Save us from such alleged "logic". :rolling:
I agree with what you say... but this one of those things sooooo many people do but can't justify or rationalise it. Interesting huh?

I think it can be a black/white "this is stealing" thing. It can also be a case of putting pressure on media companies to deliver their content in a more efficiently and customer oriented way. I see merits in both views... I made an effort to stop using pirated/counterfeit stuff for personal reasons but I don't begrudge people doing it (especially since almost all my mates do it).


Whilst visting Thaialnd I find the need to change my clothes at least 3 times a day - I'm a messy eater. Even when taking full advantage of the cheap and efficient laundry services there, you still need a good supply of clothing. I would defy anybody to go into Mike's shopping mall and buy 10 different shirts and none of them copies? I do not take them home - suitcase too small. From experience the only consistent quality of the pirated DVD's & CD's is the lack of quality - as with the clothing really.
I don't know about Mike's Mall but I never have an issue buying decent genuine clothing cheaply in Thailand. A LOT of the stuff there (as far as shirts are concerned) is counterfeit but there's plenty of decent stuff (in my opinion) sold at fairly affordable prices by original designers too. I only have one in mind, which I've been back to often but not going to mention it for privacy reasons.

If you want the brand named stuff, the other thing you can do is walk into a more reputable malls where they have legitimate stalls and buy there.

[Beachlover]

Of course it;s not ethical, but how else in Thailand does one get those movies you want to see (and I'm not talking about porn_. They are seldom available at "reputable" establishments and even when they are, there is no guarantee the DVD is not a copy. As to counterfeit goods...where does one find any that are not copies? Given those dilemmas, I have no problem rationalizing the purchase of counterfeit goods..
When it comes to films and music, that's a very good point. I've never tried hard to buy legitimate media in Thailand but I can see how this could be a challenge to those living in Thailand (yes, I know, you could just order them off Amazon). I guess I was primarily thinking of those who visit Thailand and buy a heap of mostly counterfeit cheap stuff to bring home. Again, this puts some onus on media distributors


I have difficulty seeing how procuring counterfeit goods has any effect on my mind one way or the other.
I think it could have some mental downsides but this isn't a simple thought process so bear with me...

Buying counterfeit stuff removes traditional barriers and obstacles, which we'd normally have to overcome. When it comes to buying counterfeit fashion, watches and accessories, wearing a counterfeit copy kind of makes the meaning of acquiring the genuine article out of it. It believe it may to a degree foster personalities with little self-control/discipline because knocks down traditional barriers to enjoying the rewards of achievement.

For example, instead of working patiently towards owning a genuine Tag Heur, you just buy a fake and live an illusion that you have the means to afford one. I think lots of people do that and perhaps this removes some of the drive needed to push themselves to a greater level of success. I see so many girls with LV handbags these days, which are clearly frauds (I bought my Mum one and can say the genuine article ain't cheap!) and wonder if they comprehend the level of commercial/financial success it takes to afford one (flaws/pitfalls of consumerism aside).

When it comes to films and music, so many of my mates download sh*t left right and centre without thinking if they'll actually watch or appreciate it. They don't really value the media they acquire. I go through some of their libraries. Some of them often can't remember if they have something or not. Many of them will download a series of something, watch the first episode, not like it and not bother with the rest. There's this "I want it now, so I'll Bit Torrent it" attitude. There is almost no cost at all involved. I wonder if this is healthy.

I think all this is related to credit cards as well because credit cards also knock down barriers and can lead us to make purchases we might usually have to wait or persevere a little longer for (and in reality, should persevere longer before making that transaction). I've had to lend out an enormous amount of money to family members in trouble in the last two years and a lot of it has involved credit card debts.

I'm not saying credit cards, counterfeit goods and downloadable media are evil and should be eliminated because of all of this... just wondering if there needs to be a bit more self-awareness as to the effects and potential pitfalls of these things.

So in this way, I believe that outside the ethical and legal issues flaws involved, there may be a personal cost - even if it's highly intangible and subtle- involved in indulging heavily in counterfeit goods and pirated media in Thailand. It's such prevalent element for visitors and expats in Thailand I wonder if anyone's ever thought about it.

[Jason1988]

I don't personally buy them but I see so many people that do. If you are a resident of the USA or planning to enter the country I would seriously consider not buying any counterfeit goods and pirated DVDs as they will be confiscated by customs when searching your baggage upon arrival.
Although many people do buy this stuff, the quality is questionable and you are not doing yourselves any favor by owning it.

[bao-bao]

I've never tried hard to buy legitimate media in Thailand but I can see how this could be a challenge to those living in Thailand (yes, I know, you could just order them off Amazon).
My apologies for straying slightly off topic, but it's somewhat related: a friend there told me he couldn't order off of Amazon.com because they wouldn't accept his Thai VISA credit card.

I purchased the things here and was reimbursed by him the next time I visited. My question is to those who live there... do you have problems ordering things online from outside Thailand with a Thai-based credit card?

[quiet1]

My question is to those who live there... do you have problems ordering things online from outside Thailand with a Thai-based credit card?
I have encountered difficulty ordering from US companies with the VISA card issued by my USA bank because I have the bills sent to Thailand. Having a Thai billing address is a no-no with some companies. Even the USA iTunes store requires a credit card with a USA billing address. No matter that the card is issued by a USA financial institution. The billing address must also be in the USA. Go figure.

[cdnmatt]

My question is to those who live there... do you have problems ordering things online from outside Thailand with a Thai-based credit card?

As long as I'm connected to a US based proxy when I place the order, I'm usually fine. Otherwise, I generally have to call them, and ask them to force the charge through.

They can tell you're in Thailand, regardless if you use a US based address and credit card or not. So for example, if you're using a US based card and address, but ordering from within Thailand, that'll generally set off most fraud detection systems. Well, just being in Thailand will generally do it. When it happens though, just give the company you're purchasing from a call, let them know the order is fine, and they'll put it through. At least I've never had a problem.

If you get denied, it's not because they can't charge your card, but because the system marked it as fraudulent. It's best for companies to stay on the safe side, because if they get too many chargebacks, VISA and Mastercard will terminate the merchant account, and they can't process cards anymore at all.

I am sure that the laws in USA are the same as in most other countries. Customs and immigration in the USA look and inspect for pirated goods. When found, it gives them more reason to search you further. They take pirated goods and destroy them.Never happens in Australia.

[Jellybean]

No I have not bought any counterfeit goods, but I do buy pirate DVDs of major films. IтАЩve found a great shop in a small coastal town where I have another property, which sells excellent copies. I have not however been able to find decent copies here in Bangkok. IтАЩve never batted an eyelid about purchasing pirate DVDs and never give the matter a momentтАЩs thought. Should I feel guilty?

Twice now IтАЩve bought pirate DVDs in the Silom/Patpong area, but they were no good. Anyone know where they sell good copies?

I do however draw the line at taking the DVDs out of Thailand. I would not take them to the UK as travelling back home is stressful enough without having to worry about being stopped by customs officers.

I have however also found 4-5 shops in Bangkok which sell non-pirated DVDs and many sell at cheaper prices than the pirated copies, although they are not the latest releases.

Whilst writing does anyone know where I can buy тАЬThe SopranosтАЭ box sets in Bangkok?

No I have not bought any counterfeit goods, but I do buy pirate DVDs of major films. IтАЩve found a great shop in a small coastal town where I have another property, which sells excellent copies. I have not however been able to find decent copies here in Bangkok. IтАЩve never batted an eyelid about purchasing pirate DVDs and never give the matter a momentтАЩs thought. Should I feel guilty?

Twice now IтАЩve bought pirate DVDs in the Silom/Patpong area, but they were no good. Anyone know where they sell good copies?

I do however draw the line at taking the DVDs out of Thailand. I would not take them to the UK as travelling back home is stressful enough without having to worry about being stopped by customs officers.

I have however also found 4-5 shops in Bangkok which sell non-pirated DVDs and many sell at cheaper prices than the pirated copies, although they are not the latest releases.

Whilst writing does anyone know where I can buy тАЬThe SopranosтАЭ box sets in Bangkok?

Tukcom has them in Pattaya. Drive down to another coastal town for the weekend :)

[Beachlover]

There's also a thread on Baht-Stop about US citizens having issues with their broker/banker because they're logging in from Thailand:

http://www.baht-stop.com/forums/index.p ... =9874&st=0 (http://www.baht-stop.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9874&st=0)

[chillnorth]

I buy software and T-shirts I cannot otherwise get easily but mostly leave them in country. In fluid times I've bought real watches and designer stuff to take out and will again. I have my eye on a genuine Louis Vuitton briefcase that is so over the top I can't imagine actually paying for it while people are going hungry in any number of places. I won't buy it as a fake, though, even if stumble across it off market. I guess ethically it's as bad to buy the T-shirt as a fake briefcase, but the Customs folks don't seem deeply troubled by T-shirts. For what it's worth, the last time I stopped off to pay honest duty on Rolex every agent in sight was sporting a fake .

[Beachlover]

I think part of it is cost (genuine item costs more) and part of it is convenience, especially when it comes to media like music and films. It's incredibly frustrating that studios often lack an efficient, convenient and timely delivery medium, although they're gradually getting better.

Over the last few months I've spent a bit over $1,000 replacing all the fake DVDs (the ones I wanted to keep) I previously bought and took home from Thailand... DVDs used to be $25-$35 but are only about $10-15 on average now, which is easily affordable.


I have my eye on a genuine Louis Vuitton briefcase that is so over the top I can't imagine actually paying for it while people are going hungry in any number of places. I won't buy it as a fake, though, even if stumble across it off market. I guess ethically it's as bad to buy the T-shirt as a fake briefcase, but the Customs folks don't seem deeply troubled by T-shirts. For what it's worth, the last time I stopped off to pay honest duty on Rolex every agent in sight was sporting a fake .
I spent $1,600 on an LV handbag for my Mum and was happy for her but I couldn't spend that much on myself for reasons similar. Having said that, I think if you feel you deserve it, go ahead and get it. You only live once and it'll probably last you the next 20 years anyway...

The counterfeit goods thing has become so ingrained the issue of ethics doesn't come into most Westerner's minds (let alone Asian) and enforcing it from a consumer basis (not sellers/producers) would require a massive shake up.

[thonglor55]

Whilst writing does anyone know where I can buy тАЬThe SopranosтАЭ box sets in Bangkok?Have you tried the Manpong store in Silom Complex (run by an obvious Thai dyke)?

[cdnmatt]

The counterfeit goods thing has become so ingrained the issue of ethics doesn't come into most Westerner's minds (let alone Asian) and enforcing it from a consumer basis (not sellers/producers) would require a massive shake up.

heh, just what we need. A "war on counterfeit goods". That'd probably be as successful as the war on drugs.

Besides, who would I rather my money going to? The Calvin Klein corporation, or some street vendor who will use that money to help feed himself and his family over the next week?

[thonglor55]

Besides, who would I rather my money going to? The Calvin Klein corporation, or some street vendor who will use that money to help feed himself and his family over the next week?So these pornographers you work for - you're quite happy for their product to be ripped off so they lose income so they can't pay you? How selfless of you.

No, I am not a big fan of counterfeited goods.

Besides, who would I rather my money going to? The Calvin Klein corporation, or some street vendor who will use that money to help feed himself and his family over the next week?So these pornographers you work for - you're quite happy for their product to be ripped off so they lose income so they can't pay you? How selfless of you.Is this true? There's a guy here who works for producers of DVD porn who advocates using pirated versiopns? Wow! I wonder what his boss thinks.

[Beachlover]

heh, just what we need. A "war on counterfeit goods". That'd probably be as successful as the war on drugs.
As far as film and music goes... I reckon they've done the most to make ground by making legitimate content distribution mediums more convenient and consumer-friendly... like with the introduction of digital TV (Australia has low take on paid/cable TV) and online music shows etc.


who would I rather my money going to? The Calvin Klein corporation, or some street vendor who will use that money to help feed himself and his family over the next week?
I think you're basing your view on the more visible/simplistic outcomes...

Personally, I'd rather my money go to to the Calvin Klein corporation, because aside from the fact they're the rightful owners of whatever design is being knocked off...

1. They employ thousands of people who need to feed their families too...

2. Their supplier chain employees thousands of people who need to feed their families too...

3. The company is owned by thousands of shareholders who need to feed their families and create wealth too...

4. Supporting genuine intellectual property should encourage more research/creation/development/innovation in the long run (arguable)...

It's no different from the vendor on the street, except with the corporation it's on a far greater scale and usually with greater efficiencies.

The vendor (who I don't begrudge for doing what they do at all) can find something else to sell to me...

[jolyjacktar]

Maybe the odd t shirt a few years back but i prefer the real thing, (with things like watches and dvds etc) more reliable in my opionion

[Jellybean]

Jellybean wrote:Whilst writing does anyone know where I can buy тАЬThe SopranosтАЭ box sets in Bangkok?

Have you tried the Manpong store in Silom Complex (run by an obvious Thai dyke)?

Thanks thonglor55. I popped into the DVD shop in Silom Complex today, but, unfortunately, they do not stock тАЬThe SopranosтАЭ and despite asking they were not able to order the box sets. I was however directed upstairs to Central Department StoreтАЩs DVD section, but again no luck. IтАЩve already tried the DVD section in the department store at Siam Paragon, but no luck there either. My last ports of call will be Central Department Store at Chit-Lom and the DVD shop on Chit-Lom station. Failing that then IтАЩll take dramaqueenтАЩs advice and try Tukcom in Pattaya when I travel down sometime within the next 6 weeks.

Oh, and forgive me Beachlover for using the vehicle of your topic for shopping advice.

[Jason1988]

Tukcom in Pattaya had the boxed sets of the Sopranos when I visited in December. Hopefully, they are still available.

I have a vision of sad and lonely farangs sitting in seedy 500B per night hotel rooms watching DVDs of "Are You Being Served", "On The Buses" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum"

:occasion9:

I have a vision of sad and lonely farangs sitting in seedy 500B per night hotel rooms watching DVDs of "Are You Being Served", "On The Buses" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum"

:occasion9:

Just place a towel over the mirror and that vision will disappear straight away.

[quote="scottish-guy":3vg33hut]I have a vision of sad and lonely farangs sitting in seedy 500B per night hotel rooms watching DVDs of "Are You Being Served", "On The Buses" and "It Ain't Half Hot Mum"

:occasion9:

Just place a towel over the mirror and that vision will disappear straight away.[/quote:3vg33hut]


I resemble that remark!

You would never find me - a maiden lady - sat sitting, or even laid lying, prostitute, in a room, that was less than 550B

So, shut your face and put your teeth in!

[attachment=0:3vg33hut]index.jpeg[/attachment:3vg33hut]

[Hmmm]

I spent $1,600 on an LV handbag for my Mum

... versus $100 for a knock-off. Which price is more 'ethical' ? Who decides ?

[dab69]

I spent $1,600 on an LV handbag for my Mum but she lets me wear it all the time

yeahsureright

You would never find me - a maiden lady - sat sitting, or even laid lying, prostitute, in a room, that was less than 550B

The lady doth protest too much, me thinks.

[thonglor55]

cdmatt,

What intellectual property do you possess?? :laughing3: :laughing3: :laughing3: Web sites for pornographers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :glasses7:

[jimnbkk]

Whatever the moral issues and for the keeneow farangs that purchase the counterfeit goods, it seems to me that it's a good thing there are enough people who buy the real thing. If there were not, then the companies that make the real things would go out of business, the companies that make the counterfeit goods would go out of business, the people that sell the real things, and the people that sell the fake would also go out of business. Surely, a catastastroke of extreme proportions.

For me, I would be mortified if somebody saw me with a Rolex watch that turned out to be fake. (To make things clear, I do not wear and cannot afford a real Rolex).

For me, I would be mortified if somebody saw me with a Rolex watch that turned out to be fake. (To make things clear, I do not wear and cannot afford a real Rolex).

Fear not!

I am almost certain that one of the many astronomically successful and fabulously wealthy individuals who inhabit SGT will have taken pity on you.

To persons such as those - who cellar crates of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 in their Pattaya mansion, and who own a string of Polo ponies stabled in Dubai - a Rolex is surely nothing more than a mere trifle - a bagatelle if you will.

I am confident therefore that a gift of at least 1 genuine Rolex is on its way to you even as we speak.

When one mixes in such exalted company here on SGT, how could it be otherwise?

:occasion9:

[Beachlover]

I spent $1,600 on an LV handbag for my Mum

... versus $100 for a knock-off. Which price is more 'ethical' ? Who decides ?
Well, if it isn't Mr Anti-Capitalism and Anti-Globalisation back...

Which price would you select as more ethical?


Whatever the moral issues and for the keeneow farangs that purchase the counterfeit goods, it seems to me that it's a good thing there are enough people who buy the real thing. If there were not, then the companies that make the real things would go out of business, the companies that make the counterfeit goods would go out of business, the people that sell the real things, and the people that sell the fake would also go out of business. Surely, a catastastroke of extreme proportions.
There's a lot of thinking out there that piracy and counterfeit goods have actually increased the value of some businesses. Having a market full of copies can increase your brand awareness and reach. It also makes you work harder and quicker to innovate your product offering and speed up your distribution. Plus, lots of people who buy fakes end up buying the real thing eventually.

[thonglor55]

For me, I would be mortified if somebody saw me with a Rolex watch that turned out to be fake. (To make things clear, I do not wear and cannot afford a real Rolex).Who is that manufacturer of watches that's always featuring advertisements with an older man and a younger man {wink, wink}??