In Thailand it is not uncommon for people to have payment plans for their phones. In the US where phones are subsidized by the carriers, you can pay for it pret

In Thailand it is not uncommon for people to have payment plans for their phones. In the US where phones are subsidized by the carriers, you can pay for it pretty easily. But when an unlocked phone costs 1.5-2x their salary like you mentioned, people who have to have the latest phones and gadgets live beyond their means. The culture of consumption is alive and well.