marty

The Denver Airport PRT Failure is a Lesson to Politicians and Airport Officials

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~hause011/article/prt.html

United Axes Troubled Denver Baggage System -- 10 Years Too Late

from the took-'em-long-enough dept

theodp writes "More than ten years after boasting that it would simplify Denver's troubled baggage project, United Air Lines is throwing in the towel on the $230 million computerized baggage system. The system has never been able to process luggage from flights arriving at the airport." For those who remember these kinds of things, the baggage automation system was a big part of why the Denver airport delayed its opening by over a year -- which was big news at the time. The fact that it took them this long to admit the system failed is impressive. Of course, again, it doesn't seem like the contractors who built the actual system received any punishment at all for building a multi-million dollar system that never actually worked.

Yes, cargo vessels have space for a limited number of passegers, but be prepared to pay.

Agree, Levent, trains (and ocean vessels) could be targeted just as well. I was thinking more about the economics and speed of internal travel resulting from the ever-increasing cost of crude oil. But, insofar as the security of train travel goes, I think you will agree that it leaves a lot to be desired, in fact I would say that it is almost non-existent. What measures are currently in place to effectively prevent another Madrid or London (or Thailand) train bombing? Air, sea, and train travel will assuredly continue to be used, despite terrorist attempts to kill as many “unbelievers” as possible. And they will certainly find new ways to do it. It’s just a matter of time.

Seeing the news about the 21 arrested in Britain for planning to detonate bombs on planes in flight, it seems that it will soon become too dangerous to travel by air (and too expensive to travel by car), unless absolutely necessary. Airline and car manufacturing businesses will undoubtedly suffer and some will possibly face bankruptcy.

For intercontinental travel there doesn’t seem to any real alternatives than air, because passenger travel by sea could also be targeted. For internal travel, however, governments should increase the number of rail networks and introduce high-speed trains like they have in Japan. Anyone visiting Japan will be astounded by the their excellent rail network and the thousands of tunnels they built to go through hills and small mountains, instead of laying tracks around them. Japan is a very hilly country, so just picture what would happen if the bullet trains tried to go around at speed instead of straight through, or how much time would be wasted if they had to slow down on bends.

Thailand would do well to emulate the Japanese. A lot of jobs could be created by laying new lines, digging tunnels, and building more stations. But I guess that the bus companies would effectively block such a plan.

You all do realise, of course, that the website will be in Thai!!

Yes it is. www.pattaya-immigration.e-webonline.com/

Did anyone else see this in last Friday's Pattaya Mail? Besides TM7, must the usual bank statements, health certicate, etc also be faxed to Immigration? Would like to hear from anyone who has successfully applied online.

Chapeau Pattaya Immigration Police

Editor;

Having noticed the possibility to apply for an extension period through the internet I tried that service. Having completed the TM.7 form I pressed send. I repeated the procedure for my wife. The next day we went to their office in Jomtien and asked for the extension. The computerised system being brand new, one could expect that something might have gone wrong. (Having been in IT myself for over 30 years I know all the pitfalls and Mr. Murphy.) The officer told me that indeed something had gone wrong that night and that the forms had not been received by them properly.

Almost everywhere in the world one would expect to be blamed for incorrectly having handled the system. But the officer apologised, handed us 2 empty TM.7 forms, and with the passport copies attached, asked us to sign the blank forms. The completion of the TM.7 was to be taken over by the police themselves! After having paid the 1,900 baht per person we got he extension.

Well done Immigration Police. That’s what I would call: Real Customer Service.

Chapeau!

Cees Bosman

No new stamp needed.

Just make sure you report your new address to the local immigration office, or the local police.

Your new landlord will also need to report your arrival.

Then carry on with your normal 90 day reporting at the new location.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, Astral

What are the immigration rules and reporting requirements for retirees when changing residence from one province to another? Is the extension of stay valid until expiry date, or must a new stamp be obtained in the new province?

Gaz posted a useful reply to madmitch’s question on Wed 2004-1--13.

For anyone interested, here are some definitions:

Authorised Capital (Registered Capital)

The maximum number of shares that can be issued under a company's Charter (or Articles) at par value.

Par value is the value of a share that is set by the company issuing it, unrelated to market value.

The number of shares and par value is specified initially in the company's charter, but it can be changed with shareholder approval.

Generally a much greater number of shares are authorized than required, giving the company flexibility to issue more shares if and when needed, either to purchase additional assets, or to increase trading opportunities in other ways.

Authorised Capital is not Paid-Up Capital (see below).

Charter

A document describing the purpose, place of business, and other details of a company. Also called articles of incorporation.

Shares

A financial instrument that signifies an ownership position (called equity) in a company, and represents a claim on its proportional share in the company’s assets and profits. Ownership in the company is determined by the number of shares a person owns divided by the total number of shares. For example, if a company has 1000 shares and a person owns 250 of them, then that person owns 25% of the company.

Most shares also provide voting rights, which give shareholders a proportional vote in certain company decisions.

Partially-Paid Shares

On partially-paid shares the par value has not yet been completely paid.

Paid-Up Capital

Capital (cash, assets, or other considerations) received from investors for shares in the company, which the company utilises to purchase goods, materials, or fixed capital assets, to trade.

Paid-Up Capital is reflected in the Equity accounts of the company’s balance sheet, as opposed to Loans to the company, which are recorded as short-term or long-term liabilities in the balance sheet until repaid.

Also called contributed capital.

Working capital

Current assets minus current liabilities.

Working capital measures how much in “liquid” (readily convertible) assets a company has available to operate or build its business. It excludes assets such as the plant and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and similar “fixed capital assets” owned by the company, as well as non-current liabilities such as long-term debt.

The number can be positive or negative, depending on how much short-term debt and other current liabilities the company is carrying.

Also called net current assets, or current capital.

Capital net worth

Total assets minus total liabilities of a company, equal to paid-up shares, plus retained earnings, plus any additional paid-in surplus.

Also called owners’ equity, shareholders' equity, or net assets

Hope this dispels some of the confusion.

The good doctor posted this earlier this year. I suppose it is still valid?

dr_Pat_Pong

Posted: Tue 2004-05-04, 08:42:02

Dr. & Prolific Senior Admin

Group: Admin

Posts: 7,944

Member No.: 110

Joined: 2002-11-20

QUOTE (Simbo @ Tue 2004-05-04, 08:07:31)

These varying amounts one needs in the bank to qualify for a long visa. Is there no where one can invest these amounts, so as to give you a decent reurn. Somewhere acceptable to the Thai immigration as having sufficient funds in Thailand. Would an equivilant amount in Thai stocks and shares be acceptable?

I'm a divorcee, so now I need 800,000 in the bank for my one year retirement visa. While I'm ok now, I wonder if I can maintain this amount into the future. If I could invest, or deposit this amount somewhere that would give me a good return and at the same time, being accepted as money in Thailand.

If anyone has any input into my suggestions, I would be interested to hear.

The regulations make it clear that you need a bank account in Thailand, or a combination of income / savings, or income alone amounting to that 800,000

Bangkok Post 28-10-2003

Fee hikes call for a bit of tit for tat

I would like to take my hat off to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for raising visa and work permit fees by as much as 400%. This will drive all of the private language schools out of business, which in so doing will get rid of all the unqualified, uncredentialed, illegal Bang Lamphu backpackers who are in Thailand to support habits they would not consider developing in their own countries. This may lure real, qualified teachers to Thailand.

On the other hand, I have taken recent articles and sent them to some powerful congressmen in the US as well as to the director of the US Bureau of Immigration and Naturalisation to see if they can increase visa fees and work permits for Thais in the US, and make them feel the way decent foreigners feel here in Thailand.

I would stipulate that legislation also be passed to make any Thai business in America majority-owned by an American, just as private businesses here are majority owned by Thais.

Steve Hopkins

Can’r see it happening.

Q: “Why is the only exception to the minimum salary levels for newspapers?”

A: “Thailand generally benefits from foreign journalists here and many are not well paid.”

I am not a teacher but this reasoning defies logic. Doesn’t Thailand also benefit from lowly-paid English teachers? And, aren’t newspapers in a better financial position than schools to increase the salaries of their employees to an “acceptable” level?

The only inference that I can draw from this is that the Education department believes there enough Thai teachers to teach English, therefore native English-speaking teachers are not required. Is this really the case?

Doctor,

Scott Herron replied as follows:

Dear Martin,

I did not attend the Expats' Association meeting, so don't know if the rumour was discussed or not. I read about the rumour in the Nation newspaper. Kurt Francis from the association may have more info on it.  

Do you happen to have any idea as to the approximate number of expats living in Thailand?

If I hear anymore info on visa stuff I'll let you know.

Sincerely,

Scott Herron

re his question as to the number of expats living in Thailand. An interesting question. Are there any published figures on this that you know of?

Doctor, I sent the following email to Scott Sherron at BKKPost but have not received a reply as yet:

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the article. I took the liberty of posting it on the www.thaivisa.com website for information of the members, many of whom are concerned about the new immigration rules coming into affect in July 2004 as it may affect their situations.

re the following statement: "Another proposal will address requirements for foreigners working in Thailand. One rumour going round was that foreigners on a single non-immigrant visa would have to leave the country and would not be allowed back in for six months."

Did the immigration official discuss the rumour in any detail? The reason I ask is that it seems to apply more to foreigners who enter on a tourist visa and then stay permanently in Thailand on a de facto basis, by repeatedly exiting across the border and re-entering on another tourist visa, than to foreigners working in Thailand on a non-immigrant "B" visa, or to retirees living in Thiland on a non-immigrant "O-A" visa.

Best regards

Article from "Breakfast in Bangkok" section of Bangkok Post

September 30, 2003

Thailand tightens its belt visitors

The cost of Thai visas officially went up on August 23, 2003. The new prices have risen substantially for longer stay visas. Letters on the subject to this newspaper's Postbag section were abundant. Some respondents said it would force them to relocate to another country.

The hikes are final and were announced in the Royal Gazette on June 27. According to a Thai immigration officer, visa prices were last raised in 1980. Presently 39 countries are allowed a 30-day visa-free privilege to enter Thailand. In 1998 there were 56 countries on this list.

A tourist visa, which allows a visit of 60 days, has gone from US$15 to US$25. A non-immigrant visa has gone from US$20 to US$50. A one-year non-immigrant multiple-entry visa used to cost US$40. It has risen to US$125. A visa extension is up from US$12 to US$50. An application fee for a permanent residence permit has gone from US$50 to US$190. Upon issue of the permit, a fee of US$4,785 is required, up from US$1,250.

Purportedly, there will also be new immigration rules coming into affect in July 2004. Some of the changes will involve more stringent financial conditions. Another proposal will address requirements for foreigners working in Thailand. One rumour going round was that foreigners on a single non-immigrant visa would have to leave the country and would not be allowed back in for six months.

Concerned about the changes for visas and immigration, a large number of people turned out for the weekly meeting of the newly formed Expats Association of Thailand. A Q&A session with a Thai immigration official drew many questions regarding retirement and marriage visas. The Expat Association is a non-profit organisation open to all foreigners living in Thailand. Founding members hope to create a social and professional network.

"The retirement visa issue is one that many people are still not clear about," declared the association's vice president, Kurt Francis. "From what we understand, a retirement candidate must have US$20,000 in a Thai bank account or US$1,600 coming into a Thai bank account monthly or a combination of the two." The minimum age to apply for this visa is 50.

The Thai immigration official warned people from using local non-government-run visa service providers as the police have started cracking down on the services in light of recent terrorist threats and the arrest of a senior member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) group, Mr Hambali, an Indonesian who was travelling in and out of Thailand on a fake Spanish passport. Police became aware of Mr Hambali's presence in December of 2002. The upcoming Apec meeting in October 2003 has also heightened visa awareness. "We are lying low, until after Apec is finished," said the proprietor of one visa service. The British Embassy in Bangkok has also issued a warning against using local visa agents.

Thailand's immigration and visa system looks to be tightening in line with other countries around the world in light of current world events. While the higher prices will certainly hurt people on a budget, certain terrorist groups with large sums of money at their disposal will not be affected.

B.  TYPES OF VISAS AND PURPOSES OF VISIT

In Thailand, there are numerous visa categories, with eight major types issued under the Immigration Act. Each category is restricted to a specific purpose. Aliens are advised to strictly adhere to the rules governing each visa category. A visa authorizes entry into Thailand for a specific length of time depending upon the type of visa. The passport will show the date of authorized entry. The permissible duration of stay is always entered in the passport.

1.  Transit Visa "TS".  Applicable to aliens entering Thailand with an intention to travel on to another country.

2.  Tourist Visa "TR".  Applicable to aliens visiting Thailand for sightseeing purposes only.

3.  Non-Immigrant Visa.  Applicable to aliens entering Thailand on a temporary basis for a particular purpose:

B" - Business.

"IM" - Investment which has been approved by the ministries or departments concerned.

"IB" - Investment or other affairs connected with an investment under the law governing investment promotion.

"ED" - Study or observation.

"M" - Performance of duties connected with the mass media.

"R" - Missionary work with approval from the ministry or department concerned.

"RS" - Scientific research or teaching in a research or educational institution in Thailand.

"Ex" - Performance of skilled or expert work.

"O" - Other purposes as prescribed in the ministerial regulations (as dependents, retired persons, sports trainers, or for family reunions, medical treatment, and legal proceedings).

4.  Diplomatic Visa "D". Applicable to those aliens entering the Kingdom on a diplomatic or consular mission or for the performance of duties with international organizations.

5.  Official Visa "F".  Performance of official duties (involving the Thai government).

6.  Immigrant Visa (Permanent Residence).  Applicable to those aliens entering Thailand for permanent residence purposes.

7.  Non-Quota Immigrant Visa.  Applicable to permanent residents wishing to leave Thailand and return within a year.

8.  Courtesy Visa.  Applicable to those diplomatic and/or official passport holders who enter the Kingdom for purposes other than official duties and to those ordinary passport holders who enter the Kingdom in response to an official Thai request.

Samran

Thanks for your comments, and permit me to clarify several things:

- I don’t have any axe to grind with Thai governmental regulations. It is their country and they have every right to govern and regulate it as they see fit.

- I consider myself fortunate that the Thai government has granted me the privilege of retiring here, and that I have the means to qualify for a retirement visa.

- I am not forced to live here. I have property and income in my home country, I just prefer to spend my few remaining years here, in common with thousands of other retirees who wish to do likewise.

- My reason for contributing to this subject is not to denigrate any person or governmental body, but to highlight certain aspects of the visa regulations which, for various reasons, adversely impact certain individuals who have a desire to live and/or work here – in the hope that they can also be accommodated under current or future visa regulations.  

Regarding your replies to the various points:

1) "Thailand has an extensive list of occupations prohibited to aliens".

Agree with your comments as it relates to aliens employed by a company, whether here or overseas. Many countries will  not grant a work permit if it considers that a national can do the job. But I don’t know of any country that prohibits aliens, not working for a company, from “engaging in work”, whether paid or unpaid, unless a work permit is first granted. The Alien Occupation Act  is quite explicit that a work permit will not be issued for the 39 occupations prohibited to aliens.

In effect, this law prevents me from renovating, repairing, or making additions/improvements to a property that I own or rent, even though I may be quite capable of doing the work myself – unless I first obtain a work permit.

A pastime (hobby) is also an occupation, so I assume that the law also prevents me from doing any wood carving or sculpting?

2) The Thai govt. "severely restricts ownership of property by resident aliens".

I am aware of the “3x30-year” leasing and “company-owned” purchasing alternatives of acquiring property on a long-term basis in Thailand. However, these alternatives have never been tested in law and could be invalidated by the government at any time.

It is not the Thai public who are very scared of foreigners owning land here. It appears the majority of land in Thailand is owned either by the government or a minority of the population. In fact, many Thai nationals also do not have freehold rights to the land that they have lived on and worked for generations. Land ownership is a symbol of power and Thailand does not want to relinquish that power. I have no quarrel with that. Thailand does not want foreigners owning their country and eventually becoming subservient to foreign interests. I was merely trying to point out that most countries generally have few restrictions on allowing foreigners to purchase property on a freehold basis. But bringing in 30 million Baht to purchase 1 Rai is a bit steep, in those cases where the value of the land is, say, only 1 million Baht, don’t you agree?

3) “Foreigners working for Thai companies are given Work Permits by being euphemistically classified as “consultants”. “

I am conversant with the DTA’s (Double Taxation Agreements) that Thailand has concluded with many countries, as well as the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America, but not the FTA’s that you mention. Best wishes on fruition of the Thai/Australian FTA and recognition of your qualifications. Presumably that will also result in exemption of your occupation currently denied under the Aliens Occupation Act, and automatic issue of a work permit to practice it here?

4) "If a person not under 50 and married to a Thai is spending 50-60K Baht a month and not working then what is the difference (financially to Thailand) between them and someone on a 2-week package tour to Phuket?”

The question that danbo raised here relates to persons who qualify for a retiree visa based on age but fall slightly short of the income requirements (spending 50-60K Baht a month). What has changed since 2001 when the TAT were willing to welcome retirees who “spend more than Bt50,000 per person per month”, in contrast to the 65,000 Baht hurdle set by another government department?

I fully agree with dalmation’s view, as expressed below:

“I think worrying the heck out of those who fund their own existence, follow Thai laws and want to live in peace is a little bit much. All things should be relative and take into account individual circumstances. I think it is the single statements made at the highest levels that are interpreted to the letter by the lower echelons that are of concern, there is no flexibility for personal situations.”

There is also real concern amongst retirees that the continued strengthening of the Baht against the US Dollar and other currencies could result in those, whose monthly pensions are remitted to Thailand, and who previously qualified for visas, suddenly finding themselves disqualified for another visa extension; resulting in extreme hardship for those who have retired here in the expectation that they would be able to stay permanently, and consequently committed all their resources to that end. Empathetic consideration of retirees in such a situation, but who provide proof of still being able to fund their existence here, would dispel the fears under which they currently live. It would cost the government nothing, and prove that they do indeed have a heart.

5) “Have you tried getting a work permit while working at a normal Thai school?"

I agree with you that Thailand doesn't need foreigners coming here and working illegally, but that is not what ericploy is. He wants to help but was denied a work permit because the school was not registered with the Ministry of Education. I don’t see the connection. Thailand needs teachers of English and every contribution to that end is useful, whether the school is authorized or not.  

And, I imagine, that even authorized schools will have difficulty in paying teachers of English the minimum salary levels that have now been prescribed, based not on the qualifications of the teacher, but on their nationality. Apart from the international schools, which most Thai children cannot afford to attend, I don’t think there are many other schools who are willing to pay, or can afford to pay, 60,000 Baht a month to American or Canadian teachers. From other postings on this site, I gather that even the universities pay nothing near that amount.

Quote: samran

“Looking for people who can contribute constructively to a country has increasingly become the basis of many country's immigration systems. Thailand is no different.

If you are skilled and a Thai company wants you, a work permit is usually a formality. If you want to start a business, well I see from this board that it is very possible to do that. And the costs are no where near as prohibitive as for western countries. Work here long enough, pay taxes, learn a bit of Thai and as my Australian boss recently did, you get your residency.

Yes, I realise that I have simplified things here, but I think I have illustrated that Thailand is simply pulling itself in line with what there rest of the world does things, by the book, clearly, transparently and with an eye to the country’s development.”

Yes, Samran, you have simplified things. Unlike most Western countries, Thailand has an extensive list of occupations prohibited to aliens, and it also severely restricts ownership of property by resident aliens. Generally, foreigners working for Thai companies are given Work Permits by being euphemistically classified as “consultants” (when in practice they are actually doing the work).

Also, no one seems to have answers for the very real concerns/questions posted by ericploy and danbo:

ericploy

“Have you tried getting a work permit while working at a normal thai school?  I have and got turned down because the school wasnt registered with the Ministry of Education.  Even if they had been, I was paid less than 30K a month, less than the minimum amount for a WP. I then had to decide to work on a tourist visa or leave.  

Does that make me dodgy or the school dodgy just because I loved the job and wanted to help the kids?  According to you, I would be one of your undesirables.

danbo

“Dr P - if a person is under 50, and not married to a Thai, is not being a "30 day" or "60 day"  extender the only way of staying in Thailand as a "long term tourist";  regardless of the level of support available (10M Baht investor excluded) ?

If a person not under 50 and married to a Thai is spending 50-60K Baht a month and not working then what is the difference (financially to Thailand) between them and someone on a 2-week package tour to Phuket?”

No difference, danbo, if you can rely on what the TAT had to say about the latter. Problem is no-one knows who makes the rules, or when the rules may change:

BOOSTING TOURISM: One-year stay for foreign retirees

Published on July 28, 2001

In a bid to increase tourism revenue, one-year visas will be granted to foreign retirees. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced yesterday that the government has approved its plan to promote the country as a long-stay destination for senior citizens, a move aimed at generating more than Bt100 million in revenue.

The TAT's long-stay tourism project is designed to attract foreign retirees from countries such as the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, the TAT said.

"It is estimated that the project will attract about 200,000 senior citizens, aged 55-plus, who could potentially stay up to 10 months and spend more than Bt50,000 per person per month. This will generate an additional Bt100 million for the economy," the TAT said.

TAT chairman Somsak Thepsutin said: "The project will help create more jobs for Thai people and also help the housing and real estate businesses, which have been strongly affected by the economic crisis."

Basic tourism facilities, including restaurants and medical facilities, especially in provincial areas, will be developed to meet international standards.

Government agencies would work to ensure safety and security for long-term visitors while a one-stop service centre will be established to help the visitors complete the necessary paperwork.

The TAT said that last year international visitors totalled 9.5 million, up 10.8 per cent over 1999. Of the total, the number of visitors aged 55 to 64 years grew by 5.8 per cent to 86,800. Visitors aged 65 and over showed a 17.74-per-cent increase.

The government is organising a tourism workshop on Koh Samui to draft measures to promote the tourism industry to the degree where it can generate Bt50 billion this year.

The government plans to hold similar workshops later in Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai.

The Nation, Agence France-Presse

DaveYo,

Exactly my thoughts. They can make it as difficult as they want for foreigners with the new rules.

Reply to Axel (Posted Sep. 09 2003,18:41)

Axel, I don’t have a company, nor do I know any foreigner running a small business directly. I just assumed that there probably are some, and wondered how the new rules would affect them, because the language used is so imprecise, and there is no apparent differentiation between the various types of companies established here by foreigners in the following quote:

“To do business in Thailand, the business must be important and useful to the Thai economy and people, and be highly invested. The foreigners must be executives or experts at what they do. The officer will consider the security of the business, its capital and tax payments and Labour Ministry requirements. Reasons to run the business must be given.”

My thought was that this leaves continuation of any business “operated” by a foreigner (including possibly a Thai Ltd company where foreigners hold 49 % of the shares) entirely at the mercy of an Immigration officer.  BOI-invested  companies have the money and have never had any problems with getting visas for the foreign co-owners or the foreign staff, so why would they be included in the new rules? Are these rules perhaps not aimed at other foreign businesses/ businessmen?

Quote: heychay (Sep. 09 2003,18:52):

“just wondering:

A foreigner who entered the Kingdom before October 21st, 1998....

Does anyone know if this means entered on a non-imm B, entered as a tourist, entered and have never left? which date counts? Do you think they have even thought this out?”

Heychay, “first entry into the Kingdom” is not how a foreigner would interpret the phrase. If you entered before October 21st, 1998 on a Non-O visa, but later left without getting a Re-Entry permit, you have to start all over again when you return. I first entered in 1994 on a Non-B visa, left for a short while in 1999 without a Re-Entry, and was given a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Don Muang. The Immigration stamp in my passport stating that I was allowed to stay in Thailand until June 2000 while my application for permanent residence was under consideration, was ignored. I was told that I no longer had a valid visa.

(Non-Immigrant O-A Visas for) A foreigner wants to stay until the end of their life.

1(a). A foreigner who entered the Kingdom before October 21st, 1998 must be under 60 years of age and must have regular income of not less than 20,000b per month and savings of not less than 200,000b and must submit a bank book with at least 3 months record of savings.

1(. If the applicant is under 60 but not under 55 they must have regular income of not less than 50,000b per month and savings of not less than 500,000b and submit a bank book with at least 3 months records.

Evidence of income (eg pensions) and evidence of the necessity to stay here permanently must be submitted.

1©. In cases where the applicant has only savings, they will be interrogated as to their situation once the savings are finished, how other income will be received and from where. Movement of funds in the bank account will be inspected and evidence must be shown that money is transferred through the bank regularly.

2. A foreigner who entered the Kingdom after October 21st 1998, aged 55 years or over must have the same financial evidence, also 800,000b in the bank, an income of not less than 65,000b per month or income and savings together of not less than 800,000b. A letter from a Thai bank must certify this and a letter from the foreigner’s Embassy or Consulate must confirm the monthly income. Evidence must be shown of the need to stay permanently. Not more than one year each application is allowed.

3. A foreigner who entered the Kingdom since 15th November 2001 and who is 50 years or older must have income as follows: not less than 65,000b per month, at least 800,000b in the bank or income and savings together of that amount. Evidence from a Thai bank and Embassy or Consulate as above, (evidence of) the need to stay permanently as above, also a doctor’s certificate to say that the foreigner does not have any infectious disease according to the Health Ministry details issued on November 14th 1992. Examples include TB, malaria, elephantisis.

Observations/Questions:

1. The numbering above is my own.

2. I was not aware of 1( above. Is this new?

3. Does the age of the foreigner specified above refer to the foreigner’s age on date of entering the Kingdom, or to their age when applying for a visa?

4. The draft regulation appears to be the first indication that the “grandfather” principle will continue to be applied when applying for visa extensions after July 2004 (provided that evidence of the necessity to stay permanently is submitted and accepted).

Is that a reasonable interpretation of the content?

5. When new rules were initiated with effect from November 2001, the following mitigating circumstances were included for applicants who wished to retire here:

“If the alien is ill, or has weak health and is sensitive to colder climates or has resided in Thailand for a long period, and is 55-59 years old, special circumstances may be given. The applicant must also submit medical certificates and proof that he/she lived in Thailand for a long time. For info: Tel: (02) 287-3905 or 287-3101-10 (ext 2259-61).”

Does anyone know whether these allowances were made solely for persons who could not fully satisfy the financial requirements? If so, in light of the Colonel’s statement below. could it not help some expats concerned about their financial status?:

“If there are special circumstances, such as the foreigner cannot comply and the Thai national cannot return to the foreigner’s own country with them, they can supply evidence to be considered.”

6. Is it likely that a medical certificate attesting to one or more of the above conditions could serve as evidence of the need to stay permanently after July 2004?

At one time a letter from the applicant’s embassy was required, saying you wished to retire in Thailand. An embassy letter to that effect, supported by a medical certificate, could possibly satisfy Immigration?

7. Granting of Permanent Residence Permits to applicants classed as retirees was discontinued after the November 2001 rules were introduced. Since then, anyone over the age of 50 must apply for a Non-Immigrant O-A visa annually - and, as from July 2004, comply with the proposed criteria for “A foreigner (who) wants to stay until the end of their life”.

8. Foreign businessmen

There does not seem to be much comment from expats on the proposals quoted below in blue:

Apart from the statement that the business “must be important and useful to the Thai economy and people”, the added subjective requirement that they be “highly invested”  must be of concern to those running small businesses such as restaurants, guest houses, house building/renovations, Internet cafes, computer sales/repair shops, etc.

These “natural persons”, who fall under Division 2 of the Revenue Code, pay personal tax on income from their businesses, as distinct from income tax paid by juristic companies and partnerships falling under Division 3 of the Code.

The proposals for a “Group A” company mentions a “Juristic person”, which the Revenue Code defines as follows:

”Juristic person means a juristic company or partnership under Section 39, a governmental organization under Section 2, a co-operative and any other entity designated by law as a juristic person.”

Excerpts from the proposals:

“To do business in Thailand, the business must be important and useful to the Thai economy and people, and be highly invested. The foreigners must be executives or experts at what they do. The officer will consider the security of the business, its capital and tax payments and Labour Ministry requirements. Reasons to run the business must be given.”

“Evidence required is as follows.

Group A

The foreigner must provide complete evidence to the officer that, as a Juristic person, investment of not less than 30 million baht is registered, or the business is based on international law such as international trading, a regional office or national company.”

If I have missed any comments which have already addressed any of the above questions, please point me to them.

As far as I am aware, 2 million Baht is the minimum registered capital required to form a company. That is different from the paid-up (paid-in ) capital of a business. Not sure whether there is a prescribed minimum for the latter, believe it is the actual amount needed to start the business.

A certificate I obtained years ago from a doctor at work certified that I was in good physical condition and free from the following:

Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Drug Addiction, Alcoholism, and Elephantiasis.

Not sure whether this is required or whether there is a standard Immigration form for certification of health.