richard_smith237

Which begs the question: Why are people who think they may be here 'longer term' i.e. 5 months etc.. or even 9 months etc... come here on Visa Exempt (60 days + extension) and then attempt to border bounce ? Is it simply a matter of them being lazy and not researching visa options before coming here ? OR.. is the DTV requirement (or METV) too difficult to obtain: For Workcation Applicants (Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers) Passport: Valid for at least 6 months. Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months. Proof of Current Location: Such as a UK driving license or utility bill. Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing a balance of no less than £11,000 (approximately 500,000 THB) over the last 3 months. Employment Documentation: Employment contract or certificate from a non-Thai company, or a professional portfolio demonstrating your status as a digital nomad or freelancer. Is the £11,000 in a bank to much for some ? Is the Employment documentation too difficult tog et hold of for some ? So, METV is the only option ? and then as an earlier poster wrote, getting that renewed back home, is too costly (with flights and accommodation while waiting for approval) ? It does seem that 'financial constraints' are the biggest factor and those 'border bouncing' and attempting to circumvent the system are doing so out of financial desperation rather than any other preference (perhaps).

For those who don't need some rule or regulation bent slightly - there is no need to use an agent at all (most cases). I also agree that for those who may not meet a financial requirement or are out side of the conventional boundaries in some other manner - using an agent offers another option - though, that is something I see only few considering because they have no need for that circumnavigation of the rules. And... who wants to pay 30k baht for an agent for something they've been doing themselves - For example: You ??... If you've been doing it 'legit' for the past decade or however long, why would you need to use an agent, at all ? I only see Four types of people using an agent: 1) Those who have no idea what they are doing and get confused with requirements 2) Those who are too busy (and or lazy) to do all the paperwork themselves and want their hand held 3) Those who don't meet requirements and are trying to circumnavigate part of the system 4) Those who are company sponsored and their company employs an agent to smooth things over and fast track (i.e. a number of years ago when working here I handed my passport to our agent on Saturday, I picked up my Passport and Work Permit on Monday morning).

No, that's what the DTV is for. Thanks, I knew there was another one I was missing... With the new DTV - there really is no need to anyone to be border bouncing with back to back tourist visas or Visa Exempts... So, back tothe comments by StayinThailand2much and sqwakvfr there are options...

Well, I am an expat, having lived in Asia for the past 20 odd years. Can you please tell me where in this region I can apply for a Thailand METV? Sorry, but travelling all the way back to my home country for a visa is not an option, as flight and hotel costs would be inappropriately high. If such a visa was offered in KL or Singapore, I'd happily travel there to apply, however. Agreed... You can't... They are obtained from your home country. But, isn't that the point... You are not a tourist... IF you are here and need back to back 6 month METV's - then do you think you are a genuine Tourist ? IF you are under 50, single, living in Thailand - your options are very slim and limited to Elite Visa. So, how have you managed it for 20 years ? As I wrote: "True Tourists"

Of course the government can force them to cease dual pricing - they can do so easily by making dual pricing illegal. Also - many (most) business that have 'two tiered pricing' do so based on a residency status whereby anyone, Thai or Foreign with a local license can get the the 'local price'... The two tiered pricing in hospitals is the worst of the lot I think - because someone 'needing' a hospital does not have the option to vote with their feet and walk away.

Don't be silly....

He did say he does not stay 6 months so if true he wouldn't be a tax resident anyway and no need for "workarounds" in that case. I missed that... In which case, its a no brainer - just make a transfer. There are different options: Wise is probably the best.

You've highlighted various examples of tiered pricing - for residents, age groups, and so on.... and I completely agree there's a place for that. The key distinction, however, is that these are typically based on residency, or age, or student status etc... not on nationality alone. What I, and many others find distasteful is when pricing is determined solely by nationality. It's a practice that feels inherently discriminatory, and frankly, it's difficult to find comparable examples of this in Western countries. I disagree with the notion that those of us raising this issue are just "sweating the small stuff." No one's mounting protests or dedicating their lives to this issue - but when this topic comes up in discussion, as it often does, it's only natural that people speak out. Many critics of dual pricing seem to miss the point entirely: it’s not about the amount being paid, but about an discriminatory practice based solely no nationality, its clumsy.

https://aseannow.com/topic/602689-bike-transfer-document/ https://aseannow.com/topic/928104-how-exactly-do-you-fill-in-the-power-of-attorney-form-for-transferring-a-motorcycle-or-car/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1103983-selling-motorbike-while-abroad/

Do you need to transfer it across in one fell sweep ?? - you could drip feed it across from your overseas account. The other option is to transfer it to your wife as a Tax free 'Gift' (if you have a wife). Another option: is Crypto... Place the Money on a Crypto exchange, either buy Crypto itself, or buy a Stable Coin. When you want to transfer the money to Thailand, transfer across the Crypto Coin or Stable Coin to a Thai Exchange - and withdraw from the local Thai exchange into your Thai Bank account. For an additional buffer and for security - keep the Keys on a Cold Wallet, until you need to make a transfer.

I'm struck by how many people rely on sleeping tablets. And I say that without judgement - I count myself among them. I’ve tried melatonin, but it doesn’t do much when I’m truly struggling to sleep. Some nights, no matter what I do, rest just refuses to come. Two nights ago, I managed a solid, unaided sleep - rare and wonderful. But then last night, I lay awake until 7am. I finally drifted off and slept to midday, only to wake with tired, heavy eyes that have stayed with me all day. I used to take Xanax, Valium or other benzodiazepines when flying. I swear by them. I remember one flight a few years back - a 2am departure on a flatbed seat. I had a drink, took a benzo, and told the flight attendant to skip breakfast and just wake me with coffee at the last possible moment - the best way to fly ! These medications don’t knock me out cold. If I need to get up - say for the loo - I can do so without issue. But they do reliably bring on a proper, uninterrupted night’s rest. I haven’t taken anything for a couple of months now. I’m very cautious of the risk of dependency or habitual use. That said, tonight I’ll be taking a Clonazepam. I’ve had enough of tossing and turning for weeks on end. I don't experience the so-called 'morning brain fog' that some report. I've also experimented with marijuana, which does help - but I can’t use it regularly due to THC lingering in fat cells and showing up in drug screenings, which I occasionally have to do for work. One concern that stays with me is the mental health aspect of long-term sleep medication use. I suspect these drugs suppress REM sleep - the stage where we dream. And without dreams, without that nightly psychological reset, I wonder what toll is quietly taken on the mind over time.

The Mid 1800's just called - they want their opinionated misers back !!! Seriously though - Op, where are socialising to meet so many with tatts ??... The Blue Oyster Bar on Navy Night ?

He was quite clear: Not having current valid passport.... I will not be anywhere (unless unavoidable) without a current passport... there are too many possible scenarios where I need to travel immediately... ... Imagine family member (parents etc) become quite unwell and we can't travel to see them...

Preference.... I've worked in the Philippines... its not for me, I can understand why its not for others. As for Thailand, from the perspective of long term tourists (who'd sabbatical here) many have ties here, a network of friends, possibly even a girlfriend etc... But, I suspect something a little more different - those wishing to stay longer here either do not meet certain criteria: 1) Under 50 - want to stay longer than a tourist visa 2) Over 50 - don't have 800,000 baht seasoned 3) Married here - don't have 400,000 baht seasoned. For those under 50, not married, there are fewer options.... many would go for an Education or Volunteer Visa. But, true tourists can still get a 6 month Tourist Visa I think... But that won't allow for many border bounces etc and is not a realistic longer term option. I may be wrong, but its seems there really is only the Elite Visa for the younger unmarried long termers - and many are priced out of that... The LTR has min-income requirements etc.

Agreed... I think thats always a risk.. Once a policy is put in place, there are those who will try and game the system... That said: with 36 Million Visitors projected - the income from a 300 baht scheme would still be 27x the existing medical cost burden - I don't think that many people have accidents to warrant there being any financial burden concerns. Another idea floated was that if a visitor can show they have insurance, then they don't need to pay the 300 baht 'entry tax' - but that could add practical complexities. I don't actually think the potentail issues with such systems are impacted by money - but more so the actual practicalities of such a system. The New Digital Arrival Card - could be the prefect 'place' to pay for the entry fee removing potential holdups else where. All of this could be combined with a nationwide ban on dual pricing - which would be a win win IMO.

The response from the cat place is nothing short of absurd. It seems rooted in the ridiculous assumption that every foreigner is a transient tourist likely to abandon a cat. One can only wonder at the logic behind such a profoundly foolish reaction from the cat place. I'm not even convinced this reflects an actual policy; rather, it appears to be the product of one individual's utterly blinkered mindset, incapable of seeing past their own irrational bias. As maddening as it may be, sometimes there's nothing for it but to shake your head and walk away. In this case, you simply had the misfortune of encountering an unfiltered, unadulterated fool.

Why? If someone plans to stay for a few months, they should not rely on visa exemption - opting for an METV. Is that really too difficult to understand? Rational individuals don’t require strict enforcement consistency to recognise which visa is appropriate for a straightforward, uncomplicated stay. As always, the real issue - at least for the most part - lies with those attempting to exploit the system. They’re the ones complaining about inconsistent enforcement, having failed to "get lucky" in their attempts to bypass the rules.

Yeah, I’d agree that there’s a 'distribution' of funds issue and, of course, practical challenges... But let’s not kid ourselves – the complaints about the cost burden of tourism are nothing more than a drop in the ocean compared to the flood of income tourism brings in. As I said earlier – a modest 300 baht arrival tax to cover medical fees in government (not private) hospitals would be a brilliant idea... (practicalities of collecting said amount aside). Or, better still, just forget about it and openly welcome tourists. More tourists means more spending, and that medical cost burden is already being dwarfed by the tourism income projections for next year.

Having a chip on both shoulders doesn’t exactly scream “balanced opinion,” does it? Full of flaws, sweeping generalisations and stereotypes, you’ve become the very embodiment of the boomer stereotype... quite comical, really. You’re just laying bare your true feelings – you were first, so obviously, no one else could possibly match your greatness... its a bit sad.

I don't think that's the objective. It's certainly not enough money if it is. It's not insurance. They're trying to recoup the costs of those foreigners who can't or won't pay after they've been treated. Last I heard, it was to the tune of 400 million baht a year. Which is a drop in the ocean compared to the two following metrics: - Income to Thailand from Medical Tourism (2024): US$ 15.4 billion - Income to Thailand from Tourism (2024): US$ 48.45 billion Medical cost burden of tourism is 2.6% of income from Medical Tourism Medical cost burden of tourism is 0.8% of income from total Tourism Reports often complain about the costs while omitting a balanced comparison with income and the overwhelming positives to the economy that tourists bring.

When caught for drink driving, speeding.... is your excuse, but others do it too ??? Hopefully that highlights the basic flaw in your logic that 'other countries do it do, as some form of justification for something that even Thailands Tourism Minister sees as wrong....

Agreed... I think the tourist surcharge is a good idea... especially if it contributes to insurance to cover hospital fees for tourists who get injured while here... And of course, eradicate dual pricing. Thailand income from Tourism at approx US$48 Billion is approximately 70% of the revenue generated by Thai Income Tax (US$ 68 billion) .... when placed in perspective - Tourists already contribute significantly to the Thai economy - the extra squeeze of dual pricing is clumsy.

It’s interesting how you can attack another poster, but then suddenly get defensive when someone calls out your vapid toxicity. And to top it off, you have the audacity to tell others what they can and can’t comment on. You forget that this is a public forum, and everyone has the right to voice their opinion - yet you think you can insult someone and expect private dialogue in public... you're delusional !!! At least it seems you’ve managed to learn the word ‘unhinged’ – well done on the self-improvement.

There’s nothing wrong with making observations or holding opinions. Thailand, like every country, isn’t perfect. For most of us, the overall experience is a clear net positive – but that doesn’t mean we can’t or shouldn’t discuss the negative aspects. Open discussion is healthy, especially when it's done in good faith. I’ve spent my entire adult life here, and I’m more than comfortable discussing all facets of life in Thailand – both the wonderful and the frustrating. What does get tiresome, however, is the attitude from some long-term expats who seem to believe that tenure alone gives them exclusive rights to pass judgement. As if anyone who hasn’t "put in the years" is somehow less entitled to voice an opinion. It’s a delusion of seniority that adds nothing constructive to the conversation.

Wrong, does not always work. Correct - it won't work in National Parks (i.e. Koh Samet) and it won't work in hospitals that have dual pricing policies.