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Then they should remove as many Thais from the roads as possible. They are the ones who can't drive

Not sure why expats are confused. Just wear a helmet, simple as that.

Weird story, hard to read. Did anything actually change....no.

Any specific bars/areas that should be avoided?

What's the problem? So what if they need to spend an extra week or three in one country waiting? If they truly are "digital nomads" then they should be earning a living regardless of location. Seems more like the DTV is gonna be used by unlicensed dive instructors and illicit tour guides.

Kind of unbelievable. Why don't they put their resources into education of Thai drivers. The total abuse of common sense driving here is sickening.

Very strange, as foreign folk from first world countries have to pass a stringent driving test, where as here, that is non-existent............

I have not seen a price reduction at all?

Thailand will continue to shoot itself in the foot, which seems to be the norm now, especially under the control of Emperor Thaksin.

I arrived in Bangkok from Isaarn the day before and stayed at Novotel Sukhumvit 4 area of Nana. Good hotel, but it's still Nana plaza, and no getting away from that. Plush rooms, but I think I will revert to Nana hotel in the future, as I say, you can't escape the area. I left Thailand, and I am on retirement extension, but left using the e gates without a hitch. I was actually on a free flight this time using Avios points with Qatar and able to choose seats free of charge, due to Gold membership. Not only that, but I was on the A380 as far as Doha and opted for the front seat 40A downstairs with loads of legroom. I was then on the A350, Doha to Manchester, again a decent seat with good legroom. I was travelling alone as my other half chose not to come even though she has a 10-year tourist visa (more later). Both flights were very good, great attentive staff and decent planes. I was a bit worried as Qatar have been in the news lately for not so good reviews. I found everything to be great, to be honest. The weather in the UK for my three weeks was amazing, and I was very fortunate to have caught a good spring. Now the bad stuff. Supermarket prices have gone through the roof since my visit last year, and prices were very noticeable and much higher than previous visits. Drinking in decent places, unless you want to spend three weeks in Wetherspoon's, which I didn't, you don't get much change from a fiver for a pint. Outside the supermarkets, I visited about three different store brands from Tesco to Asda during my time there, plenty of beggars asking for change, These were white British people, many on drugs. It was like rough areas of the USA we see on TV. I drove past and saw queues outside food banks. I was told by my son, that many were not desperate, they were begging food then selling it cheap to buy drugs, We drove through an area where I was brought up as a child, which has now become a Pakistani stronghold, and they have built a large mosque. It was unrecognizable. Litter everywhere on the streets, as well as discarded sofas, fridges, just dumped anywhere and everywhere. It was like a filthy slum. There were rats scurrying around and these were visible in the daytime. Overflowing rubbish bins from takeaway shops, the towns are full of them, not sealed and food waste on the floor. The town centres and city centres have been overrun by drug addicts aggressively asking people for money in the streets and not a policeman in sight. I was also stopped by shoplifters selling everything from cheap perfume to bulk packs of washing powder. There were groups of East Europeans on street corners, leering at passers-by. They were obviously up to no good. The city centres, I visited a few, are now full of vape shops or alleged ' TURKISH BARBER SHOPS ' which are not Turkish, they are Pakistani money laundering shops that only take cash. All the shops of yesteryear are gone. Everybody buys online. Town and city centres are no longer family friendly. I saw women in the towns with children and babies, holding and waving bottles of booze and drunk at 11am in the morning. A couple of what used to be good hotels in the centre are now fully occupied with migrants. I was told the government is offering HMO owners, (houses for multiple occupancy) 50 GBP per room per night to house migrants on a 5-year contract. I did take a trip out and up to North Yorkshire, and I was in the England of old, and it was refreshing. Those people are living in a different universe. Horse riders out for a canter, lovely food based pubs with staff with impeccable manners and clean streets and no migrants. I must state I was there for business reasons, but I have never been as happy to get on a plane back to Thailand. Now, do you wonder why my other half said she didn't want to go and thought it better I went alone, and she would look after the farmstead and her mother. I don't blame her, nor can I understand any Thai wanting to visit the UK. The trip was heartbreaking. However, Kier Starmer and his millionaire lefties cabinet colleagues are not seeing any of this. They are living far away in leafy suburbs, driving around in police convoys with armed bodyguards, oblivious as to what is going on in the North of England.

Nothing new here

That's got to be a bloke.

Thailand was in trouble years ago. Their blind arrogance got in the way of them seeing it.

Thai’s are the worst drivers I have ever seen, and believe me, I have been around! Mark.

Who could have possibly imagined snorting unknown class A drugs in a country that will jail you for even having them would possibly be dangerous?

Because she's a scammer, trying to extort money. Which gives the guy a good warning.

Nice insight into a loving relationship

Although many expats have already noticed this and talked about it here on the forum, Thailand is refusing to listen.. This is the result of outdated and conservative laws, and requirements and lack of changing .. Welcome retirees and expats instead of chasing them away, because once they are gone they will never come or come back again..

Farang Mule accounts?......A Mules azz...... The huge a vast majority of mule accounts involved in scams that make the news, are opened by Thais for Thai scammers or opened by Thais for the Chinese or some other foreigners scammers.... I cant recall the last time I heard of a farang opening a mule account in their own name for the purpose of running a scam.....Its so rare it almost does not happen.. Even though about 99% of the mule account scams involve Thais.......Lets crack down on the farangs.........lol So in truth the purpose of all this has almost zero to do with finding or stopping the real mule account openers...

Nothing astonishing here, it's happened a couple of times to me 💲💲💲💲 What's astonishing is moving the box to the police station for safe keeping 😂😂😂

The headline says he was jailed. He was sentenced, not jailed. He did not show up for the court hearing and is basically in contempt of court. Another article says he was sentenced to prison, but then further on, it says he was jailed. Two very different things. Probably left the country way before the first hearing. I hope they deport him in absentia. Lots of people here in Phuket said he was bad news. And don't forget he blocked an ambulance in traffic a few months before the kick. Good riddance.

Putin can stop the war any day he wants. Repeat often.

Hoi An, Vietnam For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite. Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals. What was once a tolerable annoyance is now perceived by many as institutional exploitation. As one expat cheekily puts it, the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits". Visa complexities add to the exasperations, as Thailand’s formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal. Many retirees and long-stay tourists find themselves frustrated, pushing them to seek more straightforward paths elsewhere. It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly. Moreover, Thailand's once-renowned nightlife, a historical cornerstone of its charming allure, faces similar criticism. Rising prices and aggressive behaviours in major tourist hubs, such as Pattaya and Phuket, have soured the once vibrant scene. Once praised for its relaxed atmosphere, the nightlife seems to have grown more hostile and commercialised, dampening Thailand's once bright appeal among expats, writes Michael Schwerzer for Wochen Blitz. On another front, Vietnam emerges as an exciting alternative, offering simpler visa arrangements, lower living costs, and a generally welcome attitude towards foreign guests. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular among expats drawn by affordable living, authentic cuisine, and a community spirit that is still very much alive. Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand. In terms of value, Vietnam appears to offer more for less. Rent is cheaper, food is often praised as more authentic, and general living expenses remain manageable, even on modest retirement incomes. The difference isn’t only financial; many expats report an emotional relief found in the warmth and genuine welcome they encounter. "In Vietnam, people celebrate you as a guest," said one British expat. "That special feeling is vanishing in Thailand." The Thai tourism industry is at a critical juncture. Failing to address these significant grievances could mean losing its long-standing expat community. Vietnam, with its welcoming environment and competitive cost of living, increasingly captivates and offers a vibrant alternative. If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Thailand can reclaim its esteemed position as the expat capital of Southeast Asia or whether Vietnam will seize that role for good. One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they’re making their way east. Phuket, Thailand Adapted by ASEAN Now from Wochen Blitz 2025-06-19

She aint looking after no kids, her Mother is, she dont have to pay no bar release either, the whole things is just extorortion wrapped in pretty knickers! All thats missing from that is the sick buffalo or sick Mother WAKE UP

So numerous Vietnamese women with many ending up on the game somehow equates to outnumbering Thais on the game in BKK. Total BS.

This sounds like Tony has his snout deeply in the 2026 budget bill and wants to make sure his payday comes through...

It's a lucky guy who gets to take the winner of a knife fight back to his room.

Sounds like four fine candidates for the Russian army. Perhaps Thai Immigration can assist...

It was in Bangkok.

Having done the written test last year, twice in fact as failed the first attempt, I hope that they will get someone who can actually speak/read English to translate the often bizarre questions/answers. And in a 4 answer multi-choice exam there is usually 1 correct answer...not here, some questions had 3 correct and one incorrect....I was told I failed the first attempt because I didn't select the "most correct" answer.

Easy answer. Mr. Trump is taking a wrecking ball to the pillars of American power and innovation. His tariffs are endangering U.S. companies’ access to global markets and supply chains. He is slashing public research funding and gutting our universities, pushing talented researchers to consider leaving for other countries. He wants to roll back programs for technologies like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing and is wiping out American soft power in large swaths of the globe. Sheltered behind tariff walls, American companies will sell almost exclusively to domestic consumers. The loss of international sales will degrade corporate earnings, leaving companies with less money to invest in their businesses. American consumers will be stuck with U.S.-made goods that are of middling quality but more expensive than global products, owing to higher U.S. manufacturing costs. Working families will face rising inflation and stagnant incomes. Traditional high-value industries such as car manufacturing and pharmaceuticals are already being lost to China; the important industries of the future will follow. Imagine Detroit or Cleveland on a national scale.

and they went , regards worgeordie

It would appear to some of us that the big ugly spending bill is going to lead to a massive amount of additional debt, as Elon Musk and Ray Dalio very accurately state. Many of us would question the wisdom of giving huge tax breaks to the super wealthy when the US economy is already carrying an unsustainable amount of debt, and the interest rates required to service that debt continue to rise. It does not look like the Fed will be able to lower interest rates anytime soon, as the appetite for American debt seems to be waning dramatically, for at least a dozen good reasons. For those of us who don't buy into the sloganeering we realize that very little manufacturing is coming back to the US, five major US companies have just announced that they're shifting a significant amount of their production overseas to avoid reciprocal tariffs, and that trend is likely to just continue. In addition tourism to the US is way down, due to Trump's increasingly open hostility toward the majority of the planet. Trump, nor his substandard team seem to have absolutely no understanding of globalization and the inherent ecosystems within manufacturing, and he doesn't seem to understand why manufacturing has declined in the US over the last 55 years. It certainly didn't happen in a vacuum. I predict that Trump's attempts to impose tariffs and bring manufacturing back to the US will be a massive failure of epic proportions.

Picture courtesy of Freepik Thailand, a perennial magnet for retirees due to its enchanting blend of affordability, warm climate, and vibrant culture, is recalibrating its approach to foreign residents—a shift with significant implications. Known for golden beaches, delectable cuisine, and the famed hospitality that has earned it the moniker, "Land of Smiles," Thailand has historically welcomed foreign retirees with open arms, offering them a slice of tropical paradise that's both accessible and affordable. However, new policies suggest a distinct pivot towards the affluent, leaving many long-time admirers questioning their future in a country once synonymous with retirement tranquillity. For decades, Thailand's retirement visas were considered a golden ticket for retirees aged 50 and over. The longstanding Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X visa categories presented viable pathways into this Southeast Asian haven. Requirements were straightforward: either stash 800,000 baht (approximately US$22,000) in a Thai bank or show a monthly income of 65,000 baht (around US$1,800), alongside proof of a clean criminal slate and health coverage. These terms made Thailand one of the most welcoming places for middle-income retirees—a financial comfort unmatched by many other Asian destinations. Yet, as 2023 unfolded, Thailand threw a curveball with the unveiling of the Long Term Resident (LTR) visa. This new tier, waved like a shiny lure, targets wealthy global citizens with steep prerequisites: a minimum of US$80,000 annual income sustained over two years and US$1 million in assets. This hefty financial threshold has effectively priced out all but the wealthiest of prospective retirees. Furthermore, in the wake of Covid-19 and heightened scrutiny over immigration protocols, health insurance requirements for typical retirement visas have grown more stringent. There’s also a persistent undercurrent of speculation concerning potential increases in financial thresholds for these visas. Anecdotal evidence from retirees suggests increasing difficulty and opacity during application processes, projecting a stark, albeit quiet, message: without considerable wealth, entry into Thailand is becoming an arduous endeavour. The country's decision to pivot towards affluent expatriates is driven by a simplistic yet compelling rationale. Wealthier foreigners, it is argued, bring robust spending power, invest more extensively in luxury housing, and, in theory, result in fewer legal headaches related to overstaying visas or working illegally. Indeed, from a policymaker’s perspective, this seems like a sound strategy, offering immediate financial allure. However, this logic sidesteps the nuanced economic ecosystem fostered by retirees of more modest means. Middle-income foreigners contribute significantly by integrating into local communities, supporting small businesses, and investing their pensions in the very fabric of Thai society—far beyond the borders of exclusive expatriate enclaves. Their continued presence strengthens local economies, weaving vibrant, resilient communities, not merely serving as transient patches of opulence in a tropical landscape. This strategic pivot away from the middle class has already begun reshaping the expat community landscape in Thailand. Online forums and expat networks are abuzz with tales of longtime residents contemplating relocation, driven by the increased cost and complexity of Thailand's visa procedures. With neighbouring countries, like the Philippines and Cambodia, increasing their appeal for retirees through simplified process frameworks and lower financial thresholds, these nations stand ready to inherit the retiree market Thailand once commanded. The Philippines offers one of the most straightforward retiree visa schemes in the region. The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) only requires retirees over 50 to demonstrate a monthly pension of US$800 or deposit US$10,000 in a local bank—accessible terms that come without Thailand’s stringent health insurance mandates or income ceilings. Despite its lesser-developed infrastructure, the country provides a low cost of living, making it a compelling option for those priced out of Thailand. Cambodia, long regarded with intrigue as the ‘wild east,’ presents a minimalist yet effective sway to attract retirees. Offering visa extensions as low as US$300 annually, without demanding proof of income or hefty deposits, the process is noticeably less daunting than Thailand’s intricate requirements. Its allure lies in simplicity, affording retirees the chance to enjoy Cambodia’s charm at a moderate pace and price. Vietnam is also emerging as a formidable contender, especially following announcements of a pilot for long-term investor visas, ahead of a planned retirement visa with lower thresholds. Known for its vibrant cities, delectable cuisine, and a significantly improved healthcare system, Vietnam could woo those seeking a dynamic lifestyle at a more manageable expense. Thailand’s long-standing reputation as a retirement utopia is undeniably at risk. By focusing narrowly on wealthy individuals, the nation might enjoy a short-term economic lift but could inadvertently erode the rich tapestry of middle-class expatriates who helped Thailand earn its retirement haven status. These middle-class retirees don’t simply occupy spaces; they engage, contribute, and become part of the Thai community fabric, offering a steady, reliable economic and cultural exchange often overshadowed by the glitz of high spending. As the global landscape of retirement evolves, and as more nations enter the competitive fray for retirees’ attention and resources, Thailand stands at a critical juncture. To maintain its status as a cherished retirement destination, it may need to revisit the very essence of what made it so appealing—a harmonious blend of accessibility and affordability tinged with genuine inclusivity. While focusing on the affluent offers an enticing financial forecast, it’s the broader tapestry of retirees that sustains and enriches the cultural and economic life of the nation. Time remains for Thailand to recalibrate its strategy, crafting visa policies that strike a balance between economic ambition and the open, welcoming spirit that endeared it to retirees worldwide. Acknowledging this balance is crucial—not just for the country’s economic health but for preserving its identity as a true home for those seeking more than just sun and sand, but community and connection. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-04

Ive been living in Thailand for 12 years. A long time ago I contacted the legendary moderator named 'Ubon Joe' who was a visa specialist on the url: thaivisa.com As you probably know, he sadly died 2 years ago. Thanks to his advice I will be getting Thai citizenship. The reason I originally contacted him was that I wanted to get Thai Citizenship. I was married and had a small business with my wife but we didn't have a company structure. When we first started our business my wife and I didn't want to start a limited company and register for VAT. We first wanted to see if our business would be successful. Anyways, with Joe's help we came up with a plan which I will be doing a video about in the next 4 weeks on my youtube channel 'Durian Man Thailand'. I successfully obtained the WP and have used this WP to be accepted in the Thai Citizenship program. I will also be doing a video about tips for applying for Thai citizenship, on the basis of marriage to a Thai national, in the future. To start with here is a basic video about applying for an Ext of stay based on Marriage- which Joe also helped me with. Thanks for watching Durian Man Thailand.

Picture courtesy of Global Residence Index, Unsplash Thailand's recently launched Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at attracting digital nomads, has faced significant challenges, leaving many applicants stranded across Southeast Asia. Delays, confusion, and inconsistent procedures at regional embassies have complicated the application process, turning it into a bureaucratic ordeal. Digital nomads in Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, who travelled specifically to apply for the DTV, are experiencing considerable delays. They face extended wait times, backlogged appointments, and changing requirements. The Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has drawn particular criticism, with some applicants reporting no response for more than ten days after submitting their applications. Complaints include embassy staff resetting application timelines by requesting additional documents days after initial submissions. One European applicant, stranded for five weeks, expressed frustration on social media: "I've run out of money. When they asked for one more document, the 15-day timeline restarted." In Laos, particularly in Vientiane and Savannakhet, the process is fraught with appointment backlogs of two to three weeks. This delay poses serious challenges for digital nomads managing accommodation costs and aligning with visa expiry deadlines in neighbouring countries. Discrepancies in the application process across various embassies are also causing confusion. While some consulates process applications quickly, others are following more stringent and time-consuming procedures. Applicants must remain in the country where they applied until a decision is reached, and leaving even temporarily can lead to cancellations or additional delays, heightening stress for those with limited funds or expiring visas. The DTV visa was introduced as a progressive measure to attract digital workers, content creators, and location-independent professionals. While the initiative was initially well-received, its inconsistent implementation has led to widespread dissatisfaction. Visa agents and applicants are urging Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau to provide clearer, standardized instructions to embassies and implement a digital tracking system to allow real-time monitoring of application progress. As the situation stands, many hopeful digital nomads find their plans to relocate to Thailand stalled amid the visa backlog, awaiting more streamlined procedures to realise their ambitions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-09

They refused to stop when requested....their fault 👍

I don't understand why some posters feel compelled to defend the obvious decline of the UK? Unless you choose a few specific areas, such as the Cotswolds, North Yorkshire or the Lake District, most UK towns and cities are depressing wastelands of closed businesses, porn brokers, pound shops and illegal immigrant hostels. And when travelling via the Islamic Borough of Heathrow, the issues are really highlighted. Have you ever arrived into Suvarnabhumi and been greeted by a Pakistani Immigration Officer welcoming you to Thailand? I only go to the UK for essential visits, it's too depressing.

Nice theory, but how do they hope to attract them? Simply say you need to be rich to get a retirement visa and assume that will do the trick?

I see this in the forums all the time ......... Posters looking down on guys living in Pattaya, elderly, guys living on a pension, living in a rented condo, supporting a woman and her family, men spending time in bars, or smoking weed/tobacco, etc. Why not just enjoy your own life and stop looking for fault or judging other people?

Please stop the nonsense.

Test the people who have a driving licence from a country with much stricter road safety and more stringent learning and testing... Makes perfect sense. More efforts to make foreigners look bad in order to divert attention. That will help tourism for sure.

Picture courtesy of MGR online An American man has been arrested in Pattaya for attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollars for Thai baht. The suspect, Mr. Stookey, 66, was found with 21 fake $100 bills marked “For Motion Picture Use Only.” On 3rd June, Police Colonel Anake Srathongyu, along with Pattaya investigation officers, apprehended Mr. Stookey at the "TT Currency Exchange" booth on Jomtien Beach Road, Chonburi. He was caught with ten fake $100 bills at the scene and 11 more found in a document folder. Picture courtesy of MGR online The investigation revealed that Mr. Stookey presented the fake notes to the exchange booth staff, who detected the counterfeit currency and refused the transaction. Despite being denied, Mr. Stookey insisted on the exchange, displaying dissatisfaction, prompting staff to alert the police. Mr. Stookey faces charges for possession and intent to use counterfeit US currency, with full knowledge of its falsity. His records show frequent travel to Thailand over the past decade. He is married to a Thai national and resides in Pattaya’s Pratumnak Hill area. He is currently detained pending legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of MGR online Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGR online 2025-06-04

I notice the guy in sweatpants has the recognized signifiers of wealth, intelligence and success: multiple large tattoos. I keep reminding myself that heavily tattooed individuals are probably richer, more intelligent, and more successful than I am. as I have been told on AN. I need to remember the words of Groucho "Who you gonna believe? Me or your own eyes?"

goodbye forever please!

I HATE that... I HATED it too when SCB recently did the same thing. I really dislike trying to do personal banking stuff on a mobile phone screen. I'd 100% rather be doing it via my personal computer, large monitor and web browser at home.

Where is the nub of this story. It's painfully long with no real new information.

and better looking and better service

I'll go you one better. Have the RTP appear at a high school at going home time for the kids and be at every exit from the school. Every kid riding a motorbike without a helmet or license is issued with a fine, the bike gets impounded and is not released from impound until a license and/or helmet is produced and the impound fee is paid. The impound fee needs to be a minimum of 5k baht. Start with the young ones as it will be the parents that have to bear the financial penalty, and the kids will soon learn they must follow the rules. Word will get out after this happens at a couple of randomly selected schools and police check points. It's the ONLY way they will learn.

Sadistic bullies should not be in the teaching profession......