« Prev Page 5 of 7 3 4 5 6 7 Next 169 replies to this topic

[wimpy]

[/quote]


Thank you so much!!! You are so right!
A tourist is a resident of a foreign country visiting a country where he is not resident. In the country he visits he will stay in a hotel/guest house, a friend's house and after a usually very limited time leave the country again for a time considerably longer than the time he stayed in the country.
All your trips to neighbouring countries for a day or two and then come back as tourist is just f... bull sh... . No other organized and civilized country does accept this and certainly your home countries would never allow something similar. Stop crying, start complying.
[/quote]

I believe the Philippines allows this.

[Firefan]

Jr; a bit tired of you stating that people "grandfathered" in (like me, investment visa) think that we are safe, and are judging others here. That is certainly not the case.

WIll I get my yearly extensions? We will see, but I am not taking it for granted.

The main gap that the abolishment of the investor visa created was the large group of financially independant singles under 50 (with no plans/desire to work).

I can see others getting caught by rule changes too - married that can not show 40k income, retirees having to wait 3 months with 800k in account Etc.

By now you seem to have understood the visa rules (after many corrections ) so I suggest YOU do something - looking forward to see your letter in BKK post! (unless you suggest demonstrations in Lumpini park?).

Cheers!

[mitrapaap]

[quote name='wimpy' date='2006-11-18 12:50:42' post='990351']
[/quote]


Thank you so much!!! You are so right!
A tourist is a resident of a foreign country visiting a country where he is not resident. In the country he visits he will stay in a hotel/guest house, a friend's house and after a usually very limited time leave the country again for a time considerably longer than the time he stayed in the country.
All your trips to neighbouring countries for a day or two and then come back as tourist is just f... bull sh... . No other organized and civilized country does accept this and certainly your home countries would never allow something similar. Stop crying, start complying.
[/quote]

I believe the Philippines allows this.
[/quote]

Try it out and you will know.

[wimpy]

[quote name='mitrapaap' date='2006-11-18 12:55:17' post='990361']
[quote name='wimpy' date='2006-11-18 12:50:42' post='990351']
[/quote]


Thank you so much!!! You are so right!
A tourist is a resident of a foreign country visiting a country where he is not resident. In the country he visits he will stay in a hotel/guest house, a friend's house and after a usually very limited time leave the country again for a time considerably longer than the time he stayed in the country.
All your trips to neighbouring countries for a day or two and then come back as tourist is just f... bull sh... . No other organized and civilized country does accept this and certainly your home countries would never allow something similar. Stop crying, start complying.
[/quote]

I believe the Philippines allows this.
[/quote]

Try it out and you will know.
[/quote]

I have been reading a Philippines expat site.  The consensus seems to be that you can stay for a year with a tourist visa and extensions.  Then you must leave the country for one day and get a new tourist visa, starting the process all over again.  Do you have experience to the contrary?

[Krub]

SiriusBlack1, on 2006-11-18 11:51:54, said:

60-day tourist visas are available in Tokyo for only 3,000 yen, which is about 900 baht. However, you must show your ticket to Thailand (one-way ticket is okay) as well as a statement of balance from your bank, to prove funds. An ATM printout will not do for this one, you will need a signed statement from your bank.


Although the requirements are lengthier than in Singapore and Malaysia, having multiple tourist visas from the same year does not seem to be a problem.

Tokyo also asks for a medical certificate even for a tourist visa......

[wolfmanjack]

[quote name='Colonel_Mustard' date='2006-11-18 11:15:02' post='990190']
[quote name='Macx' date='2006-11-18 10:17:58' post='990121']
[/quote]


I know many people like myself that are perpetual tourists. How? We make our living using the Internet. All I need is a reliable internet connection and I'm able to be a tourist anywhere.

I haven't lived in my home country for many years, and don't need to.


[/quote]

Ditto.
[/quote]

Then presumably you have a work permit (assuming that your internet business requires you to do some work) and pay your taxes.  Then you should be able to stay in Thailand without problem.
[/quote]

If he got a work permit then he would have to hire 4 thais to sit around and diddle themselves all day while he does his online trading for a few hours.

[jascopj]

How times change.  In January I shocked my Rangoon based mate by getting given a tourist visa there withouth even having a photo, nor proper US dollars.  I paid in a bizarre combination of Kyat and torn one dollar notes and bought the photos in when I collected it, and my friend just sighed and wished he had an Australian passport.

[realthaideal]

[quote name='Macx' date='2006-11-18 10:17:58' post='990121']
[/quote]


I know many people like myself that are perpetual tourists. How? We make our living using the Internet. All I need is a reliable internet connection and I'm able to be a tourist anywhere.

I haven't lived in my home country for many years, and don't need to.


[/quote]

Ditto.
[/quote]


Heard that.
Again, making my money, spending it all here. Thais like the idea of Robin Hood - they all know the name. As a Westerner, unless you want a low paying job, you must look to the West for your income stream - except for a few precious big company jobs, but those are for those who 'like jobs'. In any case, I help bring foreign dollars here. And so far have ideas for bigger things that would benefit Prathet Thai, but of course there is no consideration for me. For my fairly stable, and suffiecient income from abroad, for my future projects to help Thailand. The guy who spoke of case by case basis was right on. Or just another couple categories for the younger and able, but not quite rich yet, who contirbute and care.

I've heard those telling me to get a real job and all this sort of thing. But this is entrepreneurship. Thais thrive on that. As well teaching is a real job but it is often a rip-off, and it is taking money from Thais. Again I bring money here from abroad. And now I feel the general sweeping of the streets is going to carry away quite a few of the good Farangs with whatever type of rubbish they're trying to clean up.

And as far as what I do..... yes I try to consult too....and there goes that VISA. Hello ? You don't want to grant me permission to live in your country and teach you how to bring in foreign money ? Really ?

I speak n read Thai, love Thailand, try to be Thai so much, and now reading around the forum, really contemplating all the talk of underpinnings of racism or not caring, find myself starting to reconcile what I see vs what I like to believe about the LOS. Still I think it's more the government that is full of disdain rather than the populace. Time and policy wil tell.

[realthaideal]

[/quote]

If you are a wealthy 40 year old who wishes to stay in Thailand permanently, you may indeed feel that you are being unfairly excluded.

If you are a wealthy 40 year old, surely by now you've learned that life is not always fair. If you go to a Thai embassy, throw a tantrum and threaten to hold your breath until they give you a visa,
maybe you'll get what you want. If you don't get it, sulk.  I expect that's essentially how many of you wealthy 40 year olds have approached life anyway. Don't change now.
[/quote]

This is another byproduct of these laws - Farang getting pissy with each other, and standing on some sort of moral high ground here in the forum. K. Khaojai, you in fact are not a very understanding person at all. This is just rude what you say. And besides that, throwig tantrums with Thais is not the way to get results you want at all. This is very basic to understanding the Thais. I wonder what it is that you think you khao jai yourself ??? One person in the above seems very reflective and maybe understands, the other might best change their id to jai rawn, or mai khao jai.

Really, all the hating is silly here. The forum is for understanding and sharing ideas and information. I see far more hate and classism spewed by Farang toward Farang here, than anything we speak of from the Thais.

[aqua4]

Time for lampooning...

    They came first for the Visa Runners,
    and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Visa Runner.

    Then they came for the 3m Baht Business Visa,
    and I didn't speak up because I did not have one.

    Then they came for the Tourist Visa,
    and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a tourist.

    Then they came for the Retirement Visa,
    and I didn't speak up because I was not that old.

    Then they came for me,
    and by that time no one was left to speak up.


Cute!  

[SiriusBlack1]

nyles, on 2006-11-18 10:12:26, said:

Maybe I am slow, but I heard that the tourist visas now is issued for 90 days and NOT 60, as you all put it. Am I wrong?  

No, it's same as before -- a 60-day visa, extendable for a further 30 days. Sorry for any confusion.

[SiriusBlack1]

Krub, on 2006-11-18 13:02:11, said:

SiriusBlack1, on 2006-11-18 11:51:54, said:

60-day tourist visas are available in Tokyo for only 3,000 yen, which is about 900 baht. However, you must show your ticket to Thailand (one-way ticket is okay) as well as a statement of balance from your bank, to prove funds. An ATM printout will not do for this one, you will need a signed statement from your bank.


Although the requirements are lengthier than in Singapore and Malaysia, having multiple tourist visas from the same year does not seem to be a problem.

Tokyo also asks for a medical certificate even for a tourist visa......

I was not asked to show a medical certificate.

Maybe I just look so darn healthy!  

[terry57]

CobraSnakeNecktie, on 2006-11-17 17:29:32, said:

tropo, on 2006-11-17 14:51:41, said:

h2oshore, on 2006-11-17 09:09:43, said:

  So where does one go for a 60 day visa now. I'm certainly hesitant to spend the time and money going to another neighboring country only to be refused again.

Our options are becoming quite limited it would seem. Malaysia seems to be the only place left. They're going to be overrun with applicants in January. If they stop issuing TVs, we'll start seeing a mass exodus from Thailand.

No way. Lots of places to get single entry Tourist Visas nearby via cheap airlines like Air Asia.


KL
Penang
Kotu Baru
Singapore
Hanoi
HCMC
Vientiane ( and there is another place in Laos but I forget the name)
Kumming China
Hong Kong
Kota Kinabalu

Just strike off your list these ones which have always been hostile toward issuing tourist visa's
Manilla, Myanmar, Cambodia

300 points to you mate for having a bit of common sense happenning.

what you have said here is exactly the situation but some people like to make a big story out of nothing.

to all the people that want to leave thailand because of the visa situation, i say pack up and hit the road jack.  

as you point out above its so simple to get a visa if you go to the right place.  

cheers    

[Steph1012]

[quote name='maestro' date='2006-11-17 16:46:33' post='989007']
[quote name='Axel' post='988886' date='2006-11-17 09:51:29'][quote]
With new first-time applications for annual extension of permission to stay with an investment of 3 million Baht no longer possible, it is becoming rather difficult to stay in Thailand long-term for all those foreigners who are
[size=3]– not holding a work permit
– younger than 50 years
– not married to a Thai
– but rich enough to live in Thailand long-term on their savings[/size]
[size=1]---------------
Maestro[/size]
[/quote]

So just how many people do we know (personally, not a mate of a guy at the burger stand outside Nana Plaza) that fall into this category?

You really saying there are a whole bunch of people stay here 12 months of the year on their savings, don't have a partner, don't do any work or collect any money whatsoever!  I know one lottery winner (not jackpot winner)who falls into this category who doesn't give a shit anyway.

Anybody falling into this category has more than enough money to be holidaying out of the country for the 90 day period required in cheaper neighbouring countries.  Not "wanting to" or not having the get up and go to leave the comfort of the expat community for 3 months every now and again is no reason for the Government to grant them special visa's.  

And should the Thai Government be tailoring their Visa policy to this incredibly small group, thus leaving in place a system that encourages people to work on tourist visas, teach, not pay tax, collect commissions from tour operators and generally blag and scam their way through life here etc.  NOW THEN! how many people do we know that do this?  Phone any language school and say immigration are on the way and watch them run!  

There are serious problems with people staying here without visas.  Look at all the scammers on Sukhumvit road, the passport forgers etc.  They have their eye on Sois 1 - 5 on Sukhumvit believe me and there will be much activity in this area in the new year.  

You can be 99% certain that after the 90 day period is up, all foreigners will be having their passporst checked in order to weed out the long time overstayers.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

[quote name='Steph1012' date='2006-11-18 14:31:53' post='990487']
[quote name='maestro' date='2006-11-17 16:46:33' post='989007']
[quote name='Axel' post='988886' date='2006-11-17 09:51:29'][quote]
With new first-time applications for annual extension of permission to stay with an investment of 3 million Baht no longer possible, it is becoming rather difficult to stay in Thailand long-term for all those foreigners who are
[size=3]– not holding a work permit
– younger than 50 years
– not married to a Thai
– but rich enough to live in Thailand long-term on their savings[/size]
[size=1]---------------
Maestro[/size]
[/quote]

So just how many people do we know (personally, not a mate of a guy at the burger stand outside Nana Plaza) that fall into this category?

You really saying there are a whole bunch of people stay here 12 months of the year on their savings, don't have a partner, don't do any work or collect any money whatsoever!  I know one lottery winner (not jackpot winner)who falls into this category who doesn't give a shit anyway.

Anybody falling into this category has more than enough money to be holidaying out of the country for the 90 day period required in cheaper neighbouring countries.  Not "wanting to" or not having the get up and go to leave the comfort of the expat community for 3 months every now and again is no reason for the Government to grant them special visa's.  

And should the Thai Government be tailoring their Visa policy to this incredibly small group, thus leaving in place a system that encourages people to work on tourist visas, teach, not pay tax, collect commissions from tour operators and generally blag and scam their way through life here etc.  NOW THEN! how many people do we know that do this?  Phone any language school and say immigration are on the way and watch them run!  

There are serious problems with people staying here without visas.  Look at all the scammers on Sukhumvit road, the passport forgers etc.  They have their eye on Sois 1 - 5 on Sukhumvit believe me and there will be much activity in this area in the new year.  

You can be 99% certain that after the 90 day period is up, all foreigners will be having their passporst checked in order to weed out the long time overstayers.
[/quote]


Well said    

[gmac]

[quote name='Steph1012' date='2006-11-18 14:31:53' post='990487']
[quote name='maestro' date='2006-11-17 16:46:33' post='989007']
[quote name='Axel' post='988886' date='2006-11-17 09:51:29'][quote]
With new first-time applications for annual extension of permission to stay with an investment of 3 million Baht no longer possible, it is becoming rather difficult to stay in Thailand long-term for all those foreigners who are
[size=3]– not holding a work permit
– younger than 50 years
– not married to a Thai
– but rich enough to live in Thailand long-term on their savings[/size]
[size=1]---------------
Maestro[/size]
[/quote]

So just how many people do we know (personally, not a mate of a guy at the burger stand outside Nana Plaza) that fall into this category?

[/quote]

I posted a query on behalf of just such a person a week or two back.  He is not one of your illegals, just an under 50 guy with a genuine income of around 80K Baht per month from outside Thailand who has a medical condition and wishes to live here without working or rushing to the border every few months.  

Nobody is asking for the law to be changed to suit him,  just for a reasonable "case by case" assessment to be made to check that he is indeed "legal". and not one of the undesirables.

[JR Texas]

Firefan, on 2006-11-18 13:54:06, said:

Jr; a bit tired of you stating that people "grandfathered" in (like me, investment visa) think that we are safe, and are judging others here. That is certainly not the case.

WIll I get my yearly extensions? We will see, but I am not taking it for granted.

The main gap that the abolishment of the investor visa created was the large group of financially independant singles under 50 (with no plans/desire to work).

I can see others getting caught by rule changes too - married that can not show 40k income, retirees having to wait 3 months with 800k in account Etc.

By now you seem to have understood the visa rules (after many corrections ) so I suggest YOU do something - looking forward to see your letter in BKK post! (unless you suggest demonstrations in Lumpini park?).

Cheers!

JR Texas (51, USA):  Reply to Firefan:  Thanks for acknowledging that you read one of my diatribes and are not so sure about what the future will bring (I am trying hard now to be brief and to the point).

The Bangkok Post and the Nation will not publish anything that is not politically correct.  Worthless rags.............

I have strong opinions about what is happening.  I do not see it as a minor change related to crime.  I see it as a poorly-thought-out-xenophobic reaction to foreigners, especially low-income foreigners.  

The only other alternative explanation that makes sense to me is that they are totally nuts (hopefully a case of temporary insanity).

In my view, what they are doing is a form of social cleansing.....all related to Thaksin's twisted mind.  He is gone........I think his ideas underpinning the new visa/business rules and regulations should go with him.

The next two months should be interesting.  I am hoping for the best, but things do not look good right now.  

For the record, I know well off expats that have already left.  I know of others that are preparing to leave, again well off.  And I know of one well off Thai woman who is selling all of her assets and preparing to leave.  I don't think any person has talked about this.....even some Thais are getting out.

Whether we agree or disagree, good luck Firefan.  We all need it.  

[khunstuart]

I think the point we and the goverment are all missing here is Thailand needs tourist money to boost the economy. If it gets harder and harder to get visas etc, people will just go elsewhere.
I have lived in Thailand 6 years and comunute in and out on a 30 day visa as it was easy because I go to work a month at a time. I am now looking to get a 1 year visa from hull. I cant understand why make it so hard if they want to stop the visa runners etc and make them pay for visas which appears to be the main reason for all this to raise incomecharge us all $50 or equivelent on arrival give a six month visa and have done with it. I have already mentioned to my wife and family that we may go live elsewhere if things get too difficult. Much as I love Thailand there are lots other places.

[Krub]

SiriusBlack1, on 2006-11-18 16:16:24, said:

Krub, on 2006-11-18 13:02:11, said:

SiriusBlack1, on 2006-11-18 11:51:54, said:

60-day tourist visas are available in Tokyo for only 3,000 yen, which is about 900 baht. However, you must show your ticket to Thailand (one-way ticket is okay) as well as a statement of balance from your bank, to prove funds. An ATM printout will not do for this one, you will need a signed statement from your bank.


Although the requirements are lengthier than in Singapore and Malaysia, having multiple tourist visas from the same year does not seem to be a problem.

Tokyo also asks for a medical certificate even for a tourist visa......

I was not asked to show a medical certificate.

Maybe I just look so darn healthy!  

When was this ? Their recently updated website has this certificate requirement added.

[Sunbelt Asia]

Quote

If he got a work permit then he would have to hire 4 thais to sit around and diddle themselves all day while he does his online trading for a few hours.

This not true. You do not need any Thais employed to get a work permit.

Think this will be on my tombstone

Here lies the Man, who
stated many times
"No Thai employees
needed to get a work permit"

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[dsfbrit]

[quote name='Jeddah Jo' post='990210' date='2006-11-18 11:28:49'][quote name='dsfbrit' post='989978' date='2006-11-18 08:26:25']
Many, if not most of the bargirls work to send money to their poverty stricken family.[/quote]

Dunno, seen quite a fair few who just pocket the money, spend it wildly and recklessly on themselves and then plead poverty shortly after the money runs out.

[quote name='dsfbrit' post='989978' date='2006-11-18 08:26:25']Hardly vermin in my opinion.[/quote]

I suggest you look up the dictionary definition of vermin, you will see it applies quite nicely.

[quote name='dsfbrit' post='989978' date='2006-11-18 08:26:25']As for the girls that con people - you will come across those in all walks of life - not just in bars and certainly in Singapore as well.[/quote]

I was talking about the people in general. Genuinely friendly and I find the girls are a LOT more attractive, plus there is no racism or xenephpobia there (racism is a serious offence in Singapore). People just get along together regardless of their skin colour.

[quote name='dsfbrit' post='989978' date='2006-11-18 08:26:25']I for one will be delighted when you leave. [/quote]

Ahhhh, the old don't let the door slam you in the arse on your way out. Very constructive and friendly. I don't know how long you have been in Thailand or how much Thai you speak but it might pay to open your eyes a bit more, on second thoughts maybe you should just stay blinkered for a few more years in your false idyll. Anyway, fortunately I am wealthy enough that I can live anywhere I want and that may or may not be Thailand. Up to me...
[/quote]

Anyway have a nice trip bye bye.... I am sure all your friends will miss you.  

Edited by dsfbrit, 2006-11-18 17:11:17.

[smartecosse]

Kaojai, on 2006-11-18 11:20:16, said:

BronzeRider, on 2006-11-17 18:13:53, said:

I can sure see where this is headed.

Falangs mai dee - get out.

BR

Actually, it's just the opposite. One falang who spends an average of Baht 150,000 a month is worth more than five border-runners or English "teachers" or dive instructors who get by on Baht 30,000 a month, most of which is not derived from foreign sources.

all those "english teachers and dive insts" are here year round working. Or do you propose that the guy on the full expat package in Bangkok simply pops over to the Similans every 3rd day to do some dive instrcution while teaching English every Mon & Tue evening.

no hang on your right - lets get rid off all the lower class people after all they just mess up the system don't they.  

[Arkady]

thaical, on 2006-11-18 03:29:50, said:

As an issuer of Thai visas in Calgary, Canada, I constantly remind my clients that Thailand is run SUBJECTIVELY! This means that how the Thai official feels (mentally, physically and emotionally) has everything to do with whether they give a tourist what he/she requests. I always try to ensure that the client has the correct number and type of visa(s) PRIOR to entering the country - this is the only way they can be sure they don't need to travel to a neighbouring country to obtain further visas. Not surprised with the decision of the Embassies/C-G's in the neighbouring countries - working in these places gives them power - something most regular Thais don't often get to use!

Keep up the good work in reporting from LOS - your comments and articles have helped me immensely with information I cannot obtain from any other source (i.e.: the Thai Embassy in Ottawa or the C-G in Vancouver)
With very kind regards,
Francie Lorren
PA to the Consul-General
Royal Thai Consulate-General, Calgary, Canada

These are very surprising comments, even if true, from some one who purports to work for a Thai consulate.  Her or his days are numbered if Nitaya or his boys look in here.  Do consulate staff have clients?

[mitrapaap]

punisher, on 2006-11-18 08:50:28, said:

SPALAX, on 2006-11-18 01:50:27, said:

We all can be worried and sorry about these strange new rules. However let us not forget about what the thai citizens can experience everyday at our dear old farang consulates in Bangkok.

We can be ashamed.

No welcome.No information. A lot of papers and then NO...!

What can we expect from Thailand :

We get what we deserve

Not the smartest thing to see it that way,you can't compare that,Thailand is a 3rd world country,if Thais want to go to USA or Europe or Australia,they have most of the time  different intentions then americans if apply for a tourist visa

Maybe getting the arrogant shit out or their country is the first step in becoming a first world country. (I'm always wondering why people think Thailand could not be compared to western countries while westerners constantly compare it, otherwise how could you come to the (rather silly) conclusion that it is a third world country?)). That's exactly the type of people they should get rid off. Let those stay here who can comply with, accept and respect the rules, because that are those who can respect the country and their people.

[footfall]

Sunbelt :

Quote

QUOTE
If he got a work permit then he would have to hire 4 thais to sit around and diddle themselves all day while he does his online trading for a few hours.


This not true. You do not need any Thais employed to get a work permit.

Think this will be on my tombstone

Here lies the Man, who
stated many times
"No Thai employees
needed to get a work permit"

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

How can a self-employed person (such as the guy working from home on the internet) get the WP without employing any Thais ?