It's most likely powerful money lenders wanting to bankrupt people.
While thais like to save face and give face to their superiors, which results in all kinds of actions that don't make sense without that concept; money lenders forcing people into bankruptcy so they sell their properties and businesses cheap is the more likely explanation.
On hipflat there is even a money lender now that lends to foreigners on any kind of visa.
60% of the property value at 12% per year interest for a 10 year loan...
I think all the crazy overpriced restaurants are the results of moneylenders high interest rates and enticing owners to get the fanciest equipment possible from their buddies to maximize spending.
It makes no economic sense for a cafe owner to own the fanciest a 20k USD Italian espresso machine in a normal economy but in the money lender economy they force this onto the lender who will never make a profit, be a covert slave and most likely owe money forever...