you don't get zeroed out on Oct 1, acc. to sunbelt asia, your entries before that date count!
On-arrival Visas: 90 Days And You’re Out!
Started by george, 2006-09-12 20:18
#77
jdinasia
Leave my member out of it! Posted 2006-09-13 10:38:21
apologies in advance for my ignorance on this subject .. but id appreciate if someone could directly answer my question so that i know how it affects me . im here with my partner ... we are both english we have been living in phuket for 14 months and doing the monthly visa run becuase it was easy enough to do and not against the rules we were planning on going home april next year ... seems it will sooner ? my question is ..." on arrival visa " is this what i currently have stamped all over my passport ? my next visa run is sept 20 when they will give me another stamp does this mean i can do another 3 runs after this which will take me till mid january or do i have to go somwhere and apply for a 3 month tourist visa to allow me to stay till next Jan ? im very confused ... any help would be most appreciative Looks like you'd need to go to Panang or KL or somewhere and apply for a double tourist visa ... that will cover 60 days X 2 <plus extensions if you want> #78
WormFarmer
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 10:52:43 Quote Here's some "lateral-Thinking" to stick into your "Vortex" and smoke it . . . . . . How about you "lose" your passport; then obtain a new one and between these two (2) passports you now have, you can 'flip-flop' the 90 day cycles ? ? Just kidding, but it should work a charm, huh ?!? AFAIK most European Countries, including UK, are quite prepared, under certain circumstances, to issue someone with two (maybe three) legit passports. This started many years ago when certain Countries refused entry to visitors if their passports contained stamps from other Countries eg. Israel/Iraq or S. Africa/Tanzania. The European governments took the view that these conflicts were not of their making and should not hinder their nationals in doing business, so if a person could put up a case that he may have a need to travel to any two such Countries, then they would happily solve his problem by issuing a second valid passport. Once obtained each passport can be re-newed as normal provided you declare on the renewal application, in the space provided in the case of a UK passport application, the number of your other passport. Sooooo - a route worth investigating ~ with two passports you could alternate every 90 days. #79
Baan Kiki
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 12:38:03
These kinds of posts are really starting to annoy me. Can you please open your eyes? There are a significant number of people living in Thailand who do not seem to qualify for any of the visa options UNLESS they are going to permit endless tourist visas. What visa would you suggest a 40 year old retired American apply for who is not married to a Thai and does not wish to work or do business in Thailand? Jim #80
coldcrush
Jolly Roger Posted 2006-09-13 13:28:01
Can someone recomend a good visa for me to apply for, I am not here working or anything basically just hanging out with my girlfriend enjoying my time. What is the best way now to stay in this country???? That why they are doing the 3 stamps and out dimwit to stop people working illegally. Unless he gets a work permit its no go. Do you work for Social Security anyways, telling pople get a job, maybe he a is a rich son of an Arab or even a lottery winner? 
#81
samiotis
Newbie Posted 2006-09-13 13:40:14
To make bad things worst; i just hung up the phone with Mr. Haji Tajudeen from N&K Enterprises in Penang. (He runs one of the book stores in Chulia Street from where we usualy get our visas done)
Mr. Tajudeen informed me that only ONE ENTRY 2 Month Tourist visas with an option on 30 days extention are issued from the Thai embassy in Penang from now on! He couldn't tell me though if the there will be a second visa issued after the first one has run out. Considering that we are still tourists and have been in the country for 90 days already, there is a good chance that this question will be answered with a strikt NO in the near future. That would mean that by January first, a lot of people will have to leave Thailand. That also means that all relatives and friends of those who will not be here over the next high season, will most likely also not come to Thailand. If one has not juast studied the birds outside the window while having a math-class; how could he/she say that this would have no impact on the revenue off the tourist industry? Does a million visitors up or down does have so little impact? Sure it want have much impact to the people who are making those laws and rules. But what about smaller and medium buisnesses who depend very much and especially in low-season on the long stayers in this beautiful country? Staying in Koh Tao, one of the top spots, worldwide, for scuba diving lessons, i have to ask myself, if the quality of PADI diving courses can be kept up by ever changing freelance diving instructors. It want make a difference at all on how many farang stay in Thailand and work in the dive industry and help building it up. The needs have to be and will be covered one way or the other. Just the faces will change every three month. Or is there anybody out there who thinks that all 48 dive centers in Koh Tao are going to close every 3 month for three month? It is a simple fact that there is no way for dive centers to get more than 2 working visas for farang instructors or dive masters. Anything more than that and the taxes would start to chew them up. It's another fact that one instructor and one divemaster want cover the needs of a dive resort and there is by far not enough thai instructors and divemasters to fill the gap what is opening here. I'm not saying it should be allowed to stay and work illigaly here in Thailand, no way, but i think it would be a great idea to not only make new rules but also rules they work for the majority of the people and have something to do with real life. So far most of the people on the island are very confused. Thai and Farang! It's a 'no future' situation and thousends of long year friendships will break up. I wonder who thinks that who can benefit from this situation? #82
lekatai
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:14:52
Quote
Here's some "lateral-Thinking" to stick into your "Vortex" and smoke it . . . . . . How about you "lose" your passport; then obtain a new one and between these two (2) passports you now have, you can 'flip-flop' the 90 day cycles ? ? Just kidding, but it should work a charm, huh ?!? AFAIK most European Countries, including UK, are quite prepared, under certain circumstances, to issue someone with two (maybe three) legit passports. This started many years ago when certain Countries refused entry to visitors if their passports contained stamps from other Countries eg. Israel/Iraq or S. Africa/Tanzania. The European governments took the view that these conflicts were not of their making and should not hinder their nationals in doing business, so if a person could put up a case that he may have a need to travel to any two such Countries, then they would happily solve his problem by issuing a second valid passport. Once obtained each passport can be re-newed as normal provided you declare on the renewal application, in the space provided in the case of a UK passport application, the number of your other passport. Sooooo - a route worth investigating ~ with two passports you could alternate every 90 days. As for the suggestion that you "lose" your passport and obtain a second one by deception,I cannot even begin to imagine how many laws you would be breaking,and don't forget if you do report a passport lost or stolen,it is cancelled on the UK computer system,and when scanned,immediately shows up as stolen/lost.I don't know if the list of lost/stolen passports is handed to other countries, but given the current world situation,I should think it is quite likely.NOT a good idea #83
phuketdiver
Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:21:31
To make bad things worst; i just hung up the phone with Mr. Haji Tajudeen from N&K Enterprises in Penang. (He runs one of the book stores in Chulia Street from where we usualy get our visas done) Mr. Tajudeen informed me that only ONE ENTRY 2 Month Tourist visas with an option on 30 days extention are issued from the Thai embassy in Penang from now on! He couldn't tell me though if the there will be a second visa issued after the first one has run out. Considering that we are still tourists and have been in the country for 90 days already, there is a good chance that this question will be answered with a strikt NO in the near future. That would mean that by January first, a lot of people will have to leave Thailand. That also means that all relatives and friends of those who will not be here over the next high season, will most likely also not come to Thailand. If one has not juast studied the birds outside the window while having a math-class; how could he/she say that this would have no impact on the revenue off the tourist industry? Does a million visitors up or down does have so little impact? Sure it want have much impact to the people who are making those laws and rules. But what about smaller and medium buisnesses who depend very much and especially in low-season on the long stayers in this beautiful country? Staying in Koh Tao, one of the top spots, worldwide, for scuba diving lessons, i have to ask myself, if the quality of PADI diving courses can be kept up by ever changing freelance diving instructors. It want make a difference at all on how many farang stay in Thailand and work in the dive industry and help building it up. The needs have to be and will be covered one way or the other. Just the faces will change every three month. Or is there anybody out there who thinks that all 48 dive centers in Koh Tao are going to close every 3 month for three month? It is a simple fact that there is no way for dive centers to get more than 2 working visas for farang instructors or dive masters. Anything more than that and the taxes would start to chew them up. It's another fact that one instructor and one divemaster want cover the needs of a dive resort and there is by far not enough thai instructors and divemasters to fill the gap what is opening here. I'm not saying it should be allowed to stay and work illigaly here in Thailand, no way, but i think it would be a great idea to not only make new rules but also rules they work for the majority of the people and have something to do with real life. So far most of the people on the island are very confused. Thai and Farang! It's a 'no future' situation and thousends of long year friendships will break up. I wonder who thinks that who can benefit from this situation? Koh Tao is the top spot for scuba diving lessons in the world - more people get their licence there than anywhere else in the world. One school started 93 open water ( first course) on a single day last month....... guess what - numbers dont mean anything - there are places around the world that when they see koh Tao on a licence require people to do a retrain before diving. A few years ago there was a mass panick when passports were taken by police on a raid on a single Thai individual doing visa runs on behalf of people living on Koh Tao, another was arrested for doing the same in Koh Samui. The result - a lot of new passports, so many that some embassies ran out. This was the start of the clamp down. Then they started looking at the number of people in the diving industry WORKING and doing 30 day runs. Guess what - 3 months later there were a number of small companies started up by the instructors / divemasters that allowed them to work LEGALLY. ( most of the fault of this can also be laid at the feet of the dive centre owners) When someone wishes to leave they sell their shares in the company to another instructor arriving. The quality of instruction went up as people began to view working as an instructor as a job, rather than a past time (it was costing them money) If you want to see what can happen when people decide to ignore the laws of a country for both employment and visas see the new regulations that came into effect (propabaly) as of 1st September in the diving industry - and Phuket is the trial centre, the rest of the country follows I have heard from a number of people who insist as they have been here for a number of years they have a RIGHT to stay. The only place you have a right to stay is our country of birth, or in some situations you can have rights in countries of your parents. Get real and get legal - we love the life style we have here - why not pay a little more and enjoy it legally - it is still a ###### sight cheaper than back in the west They say if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen - if you cant stand the visa requirements GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY #84
Thaiquila
Super Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:22:02
Yes, there are no doubt going to be thousands of decent people's lives really hurt by these changes. Lots of people who have nothing to go back to in their home country. There will no doubt be some deaths and suicides that can be directly linked to these changes. Any freelance journalists out there? This would make a good story for the international press. (Not sure what kind of visa you would use though.)
Was this change partly done for international FACE in the wake of the John Karr incident? Face has many aspects, eh? I really like the phrase another poster cited: like shooting mosquitos with cannons. Edited by Thaiquila, 2006-09-13 14:25:31. #85
smartecosse
Super Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:28:06
[quote name='phuketdiver' date='2006-09-13 14:21:31' post='892392']
[quote name='samiotis' post='892306' date='2006-09-13 13:40:14'] Guess what - 3 months later there were a number of small companies started up by the instructors / divemasters that allowed them to work LEGALLY. ( most of the fault of this can also be laid at the feet of the dive centre owners) ......................Get real and get legal - we love the life style we have here - why not pay a little more and enjoy it legally - it is still a ###### sight cheaper than back in the west They say if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen - if you cant stand the visa requirements GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY [/quote] So where does that leave the ones of us that are here working legally but whose spouse/partner does not work (housewife etc) and who has to do "visa runs" ????????? #86
mark lamai
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:44:14
to the self-satisfied nongs in here.
its not finished yet. more new regulations to be released soon. gee, hope it don't affect you. you have seen the 3 mill invest visa is gone? up to 10 mill. goodbye condo market. hmmm, what's next? 20 mill retirement? work permit only for above 100k a month? goodbye all foreign teachers. i can't believe that ANYONE could feel secure in this insane environment. #87
blam
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:48:58
This is long, I apologise. I am not a poster, but read it all the time. Here goes:
I am one of the people they are trying to catch, or actually, to try to make legal. Thing with me is, I bought a house in BC, Canada 30 years ago, I rent it out, it gives me an income. I am too old to do much of anything anymore, and I don't have much cash laying around. There are lots of us in Thailand. I live in Phuket and make visa runs every month, have been here 20 years. The situation has not always been like this, but, circumstances rule here. I have dumped approximately 50 million (new and old) Baht into the country via GF's, businesses, land and home holdings, etc. Immigration is a pain, whether I've had an 'O','B", or Tourist, a work permit or not; immigration has always been a pain. The Thais try to inflate their self worth by creating some garbage visa rulings. In the end, good old corruption wins out every time. For the last 2 or 3 years it's just been easier to make the monthly runs. A few observations lately: =There are lots of farangs living here in Phuket. MOST of them are Northen Europe, many from India & Bangladesh; and from what I gather, a high percentage of these people are living off their Mummy & Daddy's money, no matter what BS story they are choosing to use this month. These are the guys are so amazingly self righteous that they can tell other peope to 'get a job', or 'you are a guest in this country, or 'follow the rules' crapola. =There have been some major busts lately. Russians in Samui, Swedes in Phuket, Germans in Chiang Rai. They were living large, had hung themselves out for all to see, and in the end got caught. Drugs, money laundering, drug-bust runaways, etc. The Thais credited themselves for the hard work to catch these guys, but in the end the criminals were just plain stupid. Normal people here in Thailand living a clean simple life on a low income are the ones that will be caught up in the tsunami aftermath. We do not leech anything from Thai society, we give, and we give lots. =The Burmese immigration departments have upgraded all of their standards, they take pictures and do computer entry for each and every individual. This makes the Thais look like lazy dunderheads. It's still backwards and funny, but Myanmar is making an effort. The Thai system in Ranong has always looked like a bad black & white movie from the 1950's, everybody looks like a crook, and it's a joke the way they do their jobs. Well, it's going to get a lot worse. =The elections are right around the corner. Farangs all know that the votes are bought and paid for. We also make a ton of noise when it looks like the election process is as filthy and stinky as a Bangkok sewer. So, election time is always a time of crackdowns on long term tourists. Why? Easy answer, they gotta fire a few rounds over our heads to keep us down. ... The new visa rulings really shook me, man I took the news hard... for about 3 minutes. You have to look at the money, here in Thailand ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY. The new airport exit fees are going to be 1000 Baht, (they wanted it to be 2000B) and guess what? If you want to play the visa game now, you will have to fly somewhere, KL, Singapore... somewhere. They are raising the rates for standard tourist visas again too, the rates for multiple entries as well, Air Asia is raising its rates etc, etc, on and on ad nauseum. It's a matter of watching and waiting. Go somewhere and get a real tourist visa just to buy yourself some time. Be assured that Thai Rak Thai will be re-elected. Watch the price of oil and consumer goods go sky high. Watch the big foreign corporations all move to Malaysia. Just keep quiet for now, and for heaven's sake, lay low. Do not bring any major investment money into this county for a while. From experience, things will get better when it all calms down. Again. Sorry this was so long. 'Old and in the way' in Phuket. #88
joker
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 14:57:17
Well, I can see that alot of Visa-run companies are going to loose alot on this.
Either way, I wish people here would compare Thailand with the surrounding countries and not keep bringing in......in the UK, or in the USA etc. The comparrisons are not the same believe me. The problem with Thailand is that it is always too lax with it's laws and incoherent, as we all know, Immigration in Phuket doesn't follow the exact guidlines as in Bangkok and Pattaya, Chiang Mai etc all have their own interpretations. No wonder the confusion. To get clarification from any is also a joke. Either you get a 'we don't know' line or 'that's how we do it here' line. Funny, for the last 5 years or so there have been yearly changes to either Visas, W.P's or earning fees and Bachelor Degrees etc. Still it all hasn't worked has it? Also, it seems again 'double standards' when it comes to actually enforcing the laws. They round up 'sometimes' Russian prostitutes on Walking Street in Pattaya, for prostitution or 'working' without a W.P. YET DAILY at certain venues, they can be seen dancing to attract customers inside. I am sure all those girls have W.P's, don't they???????? Doing something the Thais cannot do?????? That is just one example of the hypoctical manner of using the law. And if we look at all the Thai laws that are NOT enforced, especially for the Thais, I wonder why it's always the 'Falang' that seem to get singled out. #89
chuckygobyebye
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 15:00:26
Yes, there are no doubt going to be thousands of decent people's lives really hurt by these changes. Lots of people who have nothing to go back to in their home country. There will no doubt be some deaths and suicides that can be directly linked to these changes. Any freelance journalists out there? This would make a good story for the international press. (Not sure what kind of visa you would use though.) Was this change partly done for international FACE in the wake of the John Karr incident? Face has many aspects, eh? I really like the phrase another poster cited: like shooting mosquitos with cannons. Freelance journalists typically use the 30 day visas to stay as, technically speaking, it's illegal for them to work here*. Traditionally Bangkok has been the base for freelance writers, photographers and stringers as it's cheap to live close to places where the news happens and is easy to enter and exit. The situation with visa runners is one that Thai Immigration has allowed to develop, they've been aware of the phenomena for what 10, 20 years? If they really want people to stop working illegally they need to make it easier to work legally. I've just gone through the process of setting up a company (it's a real venture, with investment and employees) and getting a work permit and have found it an extremely lengthy and expensive operation. After getting the WP I find that I won't qualify for the extension of stay so I'm stuck doing visa runs every three months anyway**. One of the biggest problems with hiring foreign staff are the ratio of four Thais to each foreigner. The law does allow for exemptions in special cases but the lazy-assed officials only ever apply this to schools. English-language publishers, scuba operators and entertainment companies should get an exemption but never do. Most people on visa runs would prefer to be legal but the system seems to be set up for retirees and oil company execs*** Finally, with regard to the John Karr incident, he was a qualified teacher and street _legal_. None of these changes would have kept him out of Thailand. * In order to get a media visa you need to be sponsored by a foreign publication and are, therefore, no longer freelance. ** Just can't seem to find a consulate that will give me a 12-month multi entry 'B'. Would still need to exit every three months anyway, which is ridiculous. *** IIRC the original act was written to allow oil companies to operate here, which would explain why it's such a cumbersome process. #90
ludosiam
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 15:06:42
There are a significant number of people living in Thailand who do not seem to qualify for any of the visa options UNLESS they are going to permit endless tourist visas. What visa would you suggest a 40 year old retired American apply for who is not married to a Thai and does not wish to work or do business in Thailand? If applying common sense a 40 year old american who does have enough money (income) to live in LOS should be able to stay here as long as he wishes if funds can be proofed. Forming a company just to stay here is expensive (I have done that, but with the purpose of working and make a living, costs around 12.000 THB / month) At the end I believe all the fuzz is about paying tax which I think is standard requirement in most countries, if you're choose to live here you should also pay tax here. Ask if you can declare your income here and get it taxed, I don't see where the problem is. #91
alexalex
Member Posted 2006-09-13 15:07:21
Now we are getting confused even more..will someone please get the real story. According to the Ministry of Foreign affairs web site pointed about to me by another member, Visa on Arrival V.O.A does not apply to 41 countries including U.K. Passport holders. We are "Visa Exempt", all we get is a 30 day entry stamp so there should be no problem at all for us. However, there are 20 Countries that require Visa on Arrival and that includes Russia, Ukraine, Slovakia etc, and quite a number of its citizens have been involved in Prostitution and Mafia activities. I believe this proposal of throwing them out for 90 days, is designed to get rid of the Russian and Eastern Block prostitutes and Mafia. Since this also includes Saudi Arabia, I presume they also want to make sure the Al-Queda types do not overstay their welcome. Since all the stories refer to "Visa on Arrival", it surely does not affect the majority of us, here is a quote from the Official Web site: TOURIST VISA EXEMPTION - According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002) ,18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005) , passport holders from 40 countries and Hong Kong SAR do not require a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for 30 days. Hi! I am person with Ukrainian citizenship who at previous 3 years stay at Thailand for half year/year on tourist visas. The first one thing I want to tell you, what you looks like very xenofobic about peoples from Russia/Ukraine and you need to less read press (and stop thinking what everybody work for mafia/prostitution). Just every big country have own troubles which become much more big when press start give out his ideas about it. Also (for fun) if you will read local Thai press about incindents with farangs involved - you can start think what uk peoples is very problematic in Thailand. It same situation with news like about Russians/Ukrainian in UK. Second - answering your question - "stamp it not VOA visa". Very long time european countries have next rule - if you have non-immigration visa (not long term residence at EU) - you can stay max 90 days per 180 days only. It because if you stay more than 180 days per year in any country (like tourist or on another visa) - you automatically become taxpayer at this country. But really eu tourist visa situation is more bad for us and for Thai peoples - with lot of papers for visa you get only requested days of stay (without any 90 days as by laws of your countries). If related UK tourist visas - yes, it valid for 180 days. But if you will stay more days (than was in your visa application) - you not get visa if will want to visit UK for next time. Morethan - many times you cannot get tourist visa and lost money (on tickets and/or hotel reservation) only because embassy work very slow and cannot review your visa application to proper time (like in documents). About UK to Thailand no visa. Really it only mean what you not need visa for 1 month entry to Thailand for touristic purposes. You cannot enter Thailand for 1 month novisa for ANY OTHER purpose. So it mean what it just kind of special permission for tourists only. Same about VOA visa. Related VOA visas - I myself stay at Thailand using touristic visas (usually 2 entry) and have some russian friends at Thailand who have own bars/restaraunts. They stay at business visas. VOA visas used at most only for short stay tourists (who go for short visit of Thailand and not have gf/bf at Thailand). Just because more easy to get tourist visa than have trips every month and every half month to extend it (1900 bahts). Also from next month Russia will move to novisa for 1 month list, like I read in the press - agreement is already exists. At current time - if I will need to stay at Thailand more time (because darling) - I thinking about Thai Elite card. So, making ability to stay for 90 days per 180 days as tourist at Thailand - it correct, it simular analogic eu tourist visa things and you now get same what your countries doing for Thai and another peoples. If you claims to be rich farang from rich country - Thailand made everything for you - you can get investment visa or Thai elite card, business visa or retirement. But if you low income farang from rich country - Thailand not need you to stay as long term tourist (because don't know your funds source, no taxes). Long stay low-income tourists from Uk treated same as Cambodian/Laos/etc citizens in this case (same - novisa for 1 month!). At end of my this post I want to say - welcome to real world where most of peoples have visa troubles related his nationality. As Uk/EU person (born in correct time at proper place) you not have 99% of that troubles, but when start see what old visa cheats by UK/EU "tourists" (staying by tourist entry stamps by years) become visible and Thais make simular (like your goverment) steps to prevent it - start to complain to it (like Thais not need my money). #92
loveandlaughter
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 15:33:48
Just a heads up......
Some countries - Nepal - for instance, only allow five months stay in a year. Enjoyed the speculation on money trails and the economy. Also as the "old and in the way" poster stated whatever visa you have going in and out through immigration is never anything but a headache, it always makes me nervous. 
#93
keekwai
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 15:35:22
OK I am still confused. I went on the Thai Consulate website (Los Angeles, CA) and next to tourist visa it said "no multiple entry." I went on the DC Consulate website and it said no such thing. no mention of multiple entries. I get that with the 30 day visa there's a limit of 3. But is this true for tourist visa (bought in the USA)??? Can I still apply for multiple tourist visas?? (I want 3) Are multiple entry Tourist Visas Viable as a way to stay in the kingdom? (Yes I think, this is what I have gathered to be correct from this website..?) My goal is to travel for an extended period of time (6-9 months) in thailand and SEA Basically this is what I think I should be doing to facilitate this: 1. go to the consulate. 2. apply for a tourist visa with multiple entries 3. leave thailand every 60 days 4. reenter and use all entries before the original visa expires Am I on the right track?? any help appreciated.... much thanks. Every Consulate is different. All the people working at each Consulate are different. E.g .. Penang is a much easier place to get multiple entry visas than Phnom Penh. Brisbane Cosulate in Oz is more easier going than the Sydney one. It depends on who you see .. what YOU look like .. and what they think of you. .... Just shop around. 
#94
stacker10
Advanced Member Posted 2006-09-13 16:14:55
What does this mean for those of us who go to Penang for a triple entry tourist visa twice a year? However, if you are working illegally in Thailand you should nevertheless do whatever is necessary to get legal. The basic policy seems to be the removal of foreigners working illegally in Thailand and if this new rule does not stop them the government may have other ways to do so. --------------- Maestro Personally I do not understand the excitement of several members this forum caused by the new tourist visa on arrival regulations. The typical tourist will come to Thailand most probably twice a year in maximum. “Tourists” who are seeking other activities than normal tourists normally are looking for, should apply that visa type suiting their activities. In Europe you have to play by the law, why not here in Thailand? You are guest of this country - behave accordingly and you will have no problems at all. By the way, the “new“ rules are just a consequent follow up of the spirit of old rules and visa regulation. Unfortunately the applicants over stretched old conditions too much. Bush baby soon so what I f_ck should I do?? #95
Artamus
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 16:38:30 Quote I agree of some things you say,but I tell you my story.Iam married with thai,dont have money to get marriagevisa(400.000)at the moment.I get income from familycompany in Europe so i have good salery so i dont need to work but Iam only44 years old so no retairement.We also having a baby soon so what I f_ck should I do?? I would have thought in this case that the best alternative would be the marriage visa. One year visa and no hassle. For someone on a "good salary" from Europe, the 400,000 Bhat depositied in a Thai account could be borrowed, and then returned. You only need to have the money actually in the bank when you apply for the visa or renewal as far as I understand. #96
baanthale
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 16:42:32
To make bad things worst; i just hung up the phone with Mr. Haji Tajudeen from N&K Enterprises in Penang. (He runs one of the book stores in Chulia Street from where we usualy get our visas done) Mr. Tajudeen informed me that only ONE ENTRY 2 Month Tourist visas with an option on 30 days extention are issued from the Thai embassy in Penang from now on! He couldn't tell me though if the there will be a second visa issued after the first one has run out. Considering that we are still tourists and have been in the country for 90 days already, there is a good chance that this question will be answered with a strikt NO in the near future. That would mean that by January first, a lot of people will have to leave Thailand. That also means that all relatives and friends of those who will not be here over the next high season, will most likely also not come to Thailand. If one has not juast studied the birds outside the window while having a math-class; how could he/she say that this would have no impact on the revenue off the tourist industry? Does a million visitors up or down does have so little impact? Sure it want have much impact to the people who are making those laws and rules. But what about smaller and medium buisnesses who depend very much and especially in low-season on the long stayers in this beautiful country? Staying in Koh Tao, one of the top spots, worldwide, for scuba diving lessons, i have to ask myself, if the quality of PADI diving courses can be kept up by ever changing freelance diving instructors. It want make a difference at all on how many farang stay in Thailand and work in the dive industry and help building it up. The needs have to be and will be covered one way or the other. Just the faces will change every three month. Or is there anybody out there who thinks that all 48 dive centers in Koh Tao are going to close every 3 month for three month? It is a simple fact that there is no way for dive centers to get more than 2 working visas for farang instructors or dive masters. Anything more than that and the taxes would start to chew them up. It's another fact that one instructor and one divemaster want cover the needs of a dive resort and there is by far not enough thai instructors and divemasters to fill the gap what is opening here. I'm not saying it should be allowed to stay and work illigaly here in Thailand, no way, but i think it would be a great idea to not only make new rules but also rules they work for the majority of the people and have something to do with real life. So far most of the people on the island are very confused. Thai and Farang! It's a 'no future' situation and thousends of long year friendships will break up. I wonder who thinks that who can benefit from this situation? Total b#llshit, there is no problem at all for your boss or anyone else on koh-tao to get more work permits when needed, or do you say that dive centers on koh tao don't make enough money to pay like 1500THB/instructor in income tax? Yes, it will also increase other taxes a little, but nothing to cry about, If your company can't afford more workpermits, maybe you don't need more staff eather? Or maybe you need to raise all your prices out there to a normal level. "Can not afford", with all that money coming in.. 
#97
A_Traveller
What do you want? Information. You're not going to get it. Posted 2006-09-13 17:01:41
To make bad things worst; i just hung up the phone with Mr. Haji Tajudeen from N&K Enterprises in Penang. (He runs one of the book stores in Chulia Street from where we usualy get our visas done) Mr. Tajudeen informed me that only ONE ENTRY 2 Month Tourist visas with an option on 30 days extention are issued from the Thai embassy in Penang from now on! He couldn't tell me though if the there will be a second visa issued after the first one has run out. Considering that we are still tourists and have been in the country for 90 days already, there is a good chance that this question will be answered with a strikt NO in the near future. .. .. So far most of the people on the island are very confused. Thai and Farang! It's a 'no future' situation and thousends of long year friendships will break up. I wonder who thinks that who can benefit from this situation? Total b#llshit, there is no problem at all for your boss or anyone else on koh-tao to get more work permits when needed, or do you say that dive centers on koh tao don't make enough money to pay like 1500THB/instructor in income tax? Yes, it will also increase other taxes a little, but nothing to cry about, If your company can't afford more workpermits, maybe you don't need more staff eather? Or maybe you need to raise all your prices out there to a normal level. "Can not afford", with all that money coming in.. In many cases it's not just the simple 'tax' element but everything around it. This also underscores the issue where businesses have historically paid poorly since the 'legistaive costs' were low. Question now is can those business can support the hit or not. By the by the business is not falang owned and is not in a tourist 'sector'. Regards #98
Laulen
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 17:12:07
'stacker10' date='2006-09-13 16:14:55' post='892571'
I agree of some things you say,but I tell you my story.Iam married with thai,dont have money to get marriagevisa(400.000)at the moment.I get income from familycompany in Europe so i have good salery so i dont need to work but Iam only44 years old so no retairement.We also having a baby soon so what I f_ck should I do?? For your information, 400,000 THB is 8,411 EUR, 10,685 USD, and 5,713 GBP Does it have to be cash only, or could it be a property bond? Who else has this sort of money swilling about as cash? It should be safely locked up in stock, property or some other investment 'vehicle'! Laulen Edited by Laulen, 2006-09-13 17:15:15. #99
baanthale
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 17:40:51
To make bad things worst; i just hung up the phone with Mr. Haji Tajudeen from N&K Enterprises in Penang. (He runs one of the book stores in Chulia Street from where we usualy get our visas done) Mr. Tajudeen informed me that only ONE ENTRY 2 Month Tourist visas with an option on 30 days extention are issued from the Thai embassy in Penang from now on! He couldn't tell me though if the there will be a second visa issued after the first one has run out. Considering that we are still tourists and have been in the country for 90 days already, there is a good chance that this question will be answered with a strikt NO in the near future. .. .. So far most of the people on the island are very confused. Thai and Farang! It's a 'no future' situation and thousends of long year friendships will break up. I wonder who thinks that who can benefit from this situation? Total b#llshit, there is no problem at all for your boss or anyone else on koh-tao to get more work permits when needed, or do you say that dive centers on koh tao don't make enough money to pay like 1500THB/instructor in income tax? Yes, it will also increase other taxes a little, but nothing to cry about, If your company can't afford more workpermits, maybe you don't need more staff eather? Or maybe you need to raise all your prices out there to a normal level. "Can not afford", with all that money coming in.. In many cases it's not just the simple 'tax' element but everything around it. This also underscores the issue where businesses have historically paid poorly since the 'legistaive costs' were low. Question now is can those business can support the hit or not. By the by the business is not falang owned and is not in a tourist 'sector'. Regards I wouldn't say what I said above if i didn't know anything about it. I've had a dive business (legal the whole time) for about 15 years here, so I think I have the knowledge to know what I speak about. Personally I hope that the once that didn't play clean until now, will dropp. The high costs most people have in business here regarding work permits etc. is mainly because of loss of local knowledge.
#100
h5n1
Senior Member Posted 2006-09-13 18:03:32
I've done some calculations and I estimate the damage to be about 8 Billion baht yearly to the Thai economy. I feel for you gloaters who think all this stuff is so great. If you have your cash in Thai baht and other Thai investments, I would not want to be you. It won't be long before George Soros is back shorting the shit out of the Thai baht once again. Looks like it'll be a 10th anniversary thing. I can assure that I have no investments here and will just pack up and leave. I'll be back when the dust clears and clean up with an 80 baht to the dollar exchange rate and a crashed housing market. All the gloaters will be living in abject poverty. Sorry to see it come to this but you heard it here 1st. I recommend anyone with cash in thai baht to convert to a western currency asap bigsdogster: i think that we can monitor this daily on bloomberg, i will be VERY keen on seeing this fool economy with HUGE debt into the dumpster. i contribute more to this economy than even a high spending two week tourist for the 8-10 mos i am here a year. ive lived all over asia...cambodia (93-4), indonesia, india, korea.... know what else.... my friend working in dubai, he wont be coming to see me in oct. know what else...my parents FINALLY decided not to go to europe and come here to see asia. i was going to fly them out on THAI AIR as they have non-stop from nyc. noe of that will happen. LET US ALL TAKE THE PLEDGE: to boycott thai/nok airlines to use thai airport as little as possible to use thai visa (proper) never - use your 3x and blow on outta here to give thai govt as little money as possible, boycott all govt services to not do business with companies that you beleive even may be tied to govt, govt mafia... to use other country for medical/financial services to sell all investments in thailand TO give all your money as best you can to the poor thais TO do whatever is possible to not support taksin its jsut a ###### shame that thailand is connected a true hub for neighboring countries. IF THEY WANT TO GET RID OF FARANGS TOMORROW ...EASY ...MASSIVE PROSTITUTION CRACKDOWN. but they wont becasue that WILL kill ALL tourism.... ILLEGAL BUSINESS??? why dont they get off their asses and inforce the laws. and as for all the 'holier than thou' retirement/non-imm holders so smug.... just wait, they are coming for you as well. something else no one has mentioned: will the ticket out provision now be inforced?? what if i fly into bkk bcause its cheap and want to go on to wherever??? finally... this caught me short sure, but i no longer have much love for thailand. despite loving the food, learning the culture, having thai friends, speaking enuff of teh language ....the beaches are polluted, traffic, air pollution, visa hassles, sour thai faces, backed up sewers, corruption, unstabel govt, inflation and rising baht. BAHAHAHA - i have so leave so what.... boo-hoo as for you monkeys comapring this joint to the third world.... the diff is this place needs the money. first world does not need an anopther undereducated social case. thailand LONG AGO took a very BAD path and decided to create an underclass. now, they have a low educated people, no mgt skills and high wages so can never compete with china for cheap skills or malaysia/sing for higher. further...no one can yet speak english so no outsourcing jobs for you thailand - HAH HAH as for anyone that does not think this will have impact you will be shocked how much of the money trickles upcountry to the poor and it is thems that will suffer ...bu tthen again....the top 20% never cared a wit about them anyway. start a site now for boycott Edited by h5n1, 2006-09-13 18:06:46. |
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