I have to agree with Muttley on this one.It is not a matter of racism but of a cultural difference.
QF has even tried to give the Thai crew courses in assertiveness but to no avail.It is just the Thai way of doing things.
The main problem is though the loss of Australian jobs.If the company could get crew from Kazakhstan cheaper they would then tell the Thai crew to reduce their conditions to match.
Unfortunately with people falling over themselves to apply for and accept J* T & C's the company can argue that they are offering acceptable conditions.This then vindicates their argument that this is all for the traveller and they continue with the downward slide.