Ronuk

17 hours ago, elviajero said:

"I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for."

One example. You pay for a 20 year visa and only get a 5 year visa with no guarantee it will be renewed or that money would get refunded if the scheme is cancelled. Why not issue a 20 year visa so you get the service you pay for?

 

There is no way it will become the "preferred program" by immigration. I doubt immigration earn very much at all from the scheme. The TAT are the only shareholder and I doubt it was set up as a money making scheme. IMO it was originally introduced to encourage affluent, especially Asians, to come to Thailand and to provide an easy ticket for them to come and go. These visitors, being potential investors and wealth creators, are where the benefit to the country/government comes from. 

 

I think they will simply continue to make it harder to get multiple back to back visas. Nothing else is necessary.

 

Without access to accounts I remain sceptical about the motives behind the new packages. And I would be very pissed off if I had spent 2M baht, when all I wanted was the visa, only to see the price drop to 1M! I nearly did the former and I would only do the latter if I actually got what I paid for.

 

Have you noticed a pattern developing over the last couple of weeks? Problems arising with all sorts of visas and entries....But nobody has a problem whatsoever on a PE visa? Now why do you think that might be the case? Do you think it's possibly to do with immigration 'Preferring' to deal with Elite customers that have, very obviously invested a lot of money in there visas and bumping up the visa finance purse?
Lets be honest here. Who would you consider the 'Thailand Elite' company to be and then work out how it is so easy for people on the program.

1 hour ago, ev1lchris said:

I remember back in the glory days where an ED Visa was for one year and you could just get another when after it's finished.

 

Man, this country is changing for the worse.

They are doing no more than applying the rules. The Police and immigration are on a hiding to nothing. When they do nothing people moan, when they do something people moan. People cannot just do as they like anymore and expect to be left alone. If you play by the rules it's great here. If you want to attempt to twist and manipulate them to suit the agenda, expect an issue. Yes, it's changing here but a lot of people would actually say for the better. You can hardly look back and call days past 'Glory days'. The place was full of undesirables that were stuck here because to go back home, invariably meant years in prison.

13 minutes ago, michemiche said:

Have we any choice ????? Its their rules here, and we have to follow it !

Don't worry. Not one person will refuse to do the medical. They just like a little moan and then state that Cambodia as from next month let's you stay 3 years.

1 hour ago, Plutojames88 said:

I also believe getting accreditation for researching Thai culture for publication might solve a one year stint problem.

 

( incidentally the new 3 year Cambodia visa next month allows unlimited entries- this would at least allow you to have somewhere to run on any rejection) 

 

Having a Cambodian address proofs your also only on a regular vacation .( To Thai authorities) 

 

Given   The situation in Thailand .....being based elsewhere may in future become a more enlightened choice

It's now getting laughable attempting to play the system! Why would an address in Cambodia fool the Thai immigration in to thinking your just a 'Regular visitor' instead of a serial visa runner? Why not just bite the bullet and move to Cambodia completely? After all, you keep telling us how easy and great it is now you can go stay for 3 years?
I really do wonder sometimes 

1 hour ago, JackThompson said:

 

If it became the "preferred program," also replacing the 1900 Baht retirement-extensions, you would see hundreds of new condos in Cambodia and the Philippines and major economic problems in Thailand everywhere long-term expats are currently plentiful.

Most expats living here stay because Thailand is relatively affordable; they cannot afford large lump-sum expenses like the Elite visa or they would be living somewhere else.

 

Feel free to let us know what harm is done to Thailand by allowing people to live here who have demonstrable foreign-income streams or personal savings (enough to qualify for a retirement extension) - hence why such a change would be a good idea.

Why would Thai Immigration want to effect retirement extensions? They are, after all, a perfectly legitimate way to stay in Thailand. I specifically was talking about Tourist visas being used for long term stay. Why on earth do you think people would want to pile money in to Cambodia or the Philippines? In reality, after all the continual complaining from some in Thailand regarding the current system for years and years, they could of already made the move but are still here complaining about how much better Cambodia is  

6 hours ago, JackThompson said:

 

The "exit plan" is only if things change.  As it is, few have been turned away (less than 5 reported that I recall) who had a valid Tourist Visa when entering.  Some of those didn't have the required cash, others were during a week when some sort of national turmoil was amok, and, even then, the airport cases were the only real heartbreaking stories (one guy coming back from Hong Kong sent all the way to France). 

 

The more concerned about the potential for the policy to change (some would say we are 'paranoid') simply avoid Airports (entirely) and unfriendly entry-points like Poipet.  If we are turned away some day, with a Valid Tourist Visa, we can turn around and travel to the next border-post and/or stay out a week and try again, etc.

 

OTOH, entering on Visa Exempts after being here awhile is definitely rolling the dice.  More sad stories than I can count. We can say "This shouldn't be," - there should be simple rules for exactly how many are 'OK', their frequency of use, etc, so we can 'follow the rules' - but there aren't rules - so best not to roll the dice on that plan.

You haven't a clue what is happening at the airports? I have said countless times how many are being taken aside and in to the immigration area. From the amount of people I am seeing being taken aside 2 and 3 times a week, the odds are stacked high that there are far more being denied entry than what is being reported on here. Make no mistake, immigration are hard on the case of those that are living here on Tourist visas.

1 hour ago, NongKhaiKid said:

Umm,  err,  ehh,  ahh    well we assure the public that there's nothing to worry about as we have the matter under control  !

Oh,   and this will not affect tourism.

1 hour ago, Plutojames88 said:

Don't think because its further south it's going to stay there.

 

 

Hotels are indicative of getting tourists .

 

 

Didn't take long this will now bite hard into their tourism industry .

The Government had assured you all was normal ...it is not.
They can't protect you.

Civil strife in Thailand is now under way.

I can only urge people travelling there to continue monitoring embassy and westerner media information.
Thailand appears to be entering a politically charged situation with backlash against its oppressive military junta increasingly likely.

Violence and bombings place tourists at risk.

This seems now a very clear indication a bombing campaign has begun .

1 hour ago, NongKhaiKid said:

Umm,  err,  ehh,  ahh    well we assure the public that there's nothing to worry about as we have the matter under control  !

Oh,   and this will not affect tourism.

You pair should get a room together.

8 minutes ago, elviajero said:

Something can be expensive even if easily affordable! There are many expats that could easily afford it, but choose not to pay for something that doesn't give value. I am fortunate enough to qualify for several long term extensions and deal with an excellent office that makes the whole process very easy.

 

Criticising certain aspects of the scheme doesn't mean I wouldn't join or am against it, but I don't look at it through rose tinted glasses like some do and try to point out the good with the bad.

I fail to see anything bad about it? You pay up and get the service that you paid for. There is no need for any Rose tinted glasses. You pay your money and that's the end of it for however long you choose to pay for. I think the real worry for people is the TE program could very well end up being the 'Preferred program' by Immigration in the not too distant future. And why shouldn't they? It's big money to them and in one go rather than dribs and drabs over the years. People like to talk about how much it costs to run. I would say the costs are minimal. It's the same office as immigration at the airports with a couple of staff. I would say it's quite cheap to run. There really don't appear to be much on cost at all.
The way to really sell more packages would be to cap the extension on Tourist visas to one. No more leaving the country to come straight back in and doing it again. You would then see the packages flying out the door with those buying that really wanted to stay long term here.

5 hours ago, elviajero said:

I know you get excited about the PE visa, but anyone with a retirement extension has the same "freedom of movement", don't usually questioned at the airport or land borders, get stamped straight back in often with a smile. A re-entry permit just replaces the need for a visa and for 3,800 per year they can come and go as often as they want. Anyone can, in most cases, get anyone to do the 90 day report for them. Anyone can pay as they go for VIP airport services, fast track immigration and limo services.

 

The PE visa is an expensive convenience not required by many people that don't have a problem dealing, once a year, with a very easy immigration system, and especially for those that rarely leave the country.

That's good then. I am glad you all enjoy what you. The PE visa is only expensive for those that cannot afford it. Yes, we all know by now your not a fan!

5 minutes ago, Scotwight said:

They mumble and make you wait 20 minutes and then give you the extension.

You think so?.....Take them on then. You will get the biggest shock of your life.

18 minutes ago, john smith said:

I note that a previous post stated that a physical examination is not required for renewal of retirement visa. A police order to this effect is mentioned. I would be most obliged if someone could provide a direct link to this police order. I shall shortly have to renew my retirement visa on Koh Samui and it would help if I have documented facts rather than opinions when I refuse to have this medical

I think I know exactly what the outcome will be if they want and you refuse 

1 hour ago, 55Jay said:

Why are you considering the Elite program if you are already on/qualify for retirement extensions?

Because even though we qualify, we much prefer no messing around with immigration. 5, 10 or 20 years of freedom of movement and a 12 month stamp in our passport each and every time we enter the country. Arrive today 12 month stamp, leave next week come back next day, 12 month stamp etc etc.No questions at the airport or land crossings. Just stamped straight back into the country with a smile. No need for re-entry permits, come and go as we please. Just the 90 day reports to do and the Elite people even do them for us if we are in Pattaya, Changmai, Phuket or Bangkok. I would never go back to any other visa to be here all the time it is possible to get a PE Visa.

2 hours ago, Nasrullah said:

And you really think the thais differentiate quality vs quantity?....

 

You sound new to the thai  physche!........baht is no1

This country has been ruined by the easy access afforded to the people that even the Thais don't want, let alone the countries from where they came from. The clock is ticking. Time is running out for them.
The baht may well be number 1 in places akin to Pattaya, maybe you need to travel around a bit and see that the whole of Thailand isn't the same. Go back to the early 70's and this place was absolutely nothing like it is now. 

 Whenever I used to deal with them you had to pay cash up front when you submitted your application.  I am now convinced you don't get your money back if your application is rejected. I am pretty certain the British Embassy are now doing the same thing when people apply for visas for the UK and you pay if your successful or not? It would be interesting to know for certain if this is the case now when applying for a Visa for Thailand.

2 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Not sure which page your are reading.

I did find that statement on the page for applying by post. If they sent your passport and postal order back to you I don't think that it would be a refund since they never had the cash in hand and/or issued a receipt for it.

On the page for applying in person it states. "3.  Visa fee must be paid in pound sterling (£) and in cash or postal order only".

I have this page bookmarked since I found it the best page to start with when looking for info. http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/4

This page Joe and Cash only is underlined.
http://thaiembassyuk.org.uk/?q=node/76

 

Visa Fees

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

Most embassies and consulates do not have you pay the fee until they have reviewed the application and have determined it can be approved.

A mailed in application could stand a greater chance of you loosing the fee paid but I have read reports of the the embassy in London returning the postal order if they could not approve an application. They will also contact you before denying the application if it is just a matter of additional supporting documents being needed.

Is this new to the London Embassy?..  # NO REFUNDS IN ANY CIRCUIMSTANCES #.  I have never noticed that disclaimer on there before. It is a very contradictory site for information. If you go to 'Fees' it also says there 'Cash only' but on another page states 'Postal orders' Perhaps if you go there instead of doing a postal application, it has to be cash only?

12 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

Not sure but it does detail some options to overcome the employment proof.

 

 

The retired at any age part might leave some options for many. I suspect if a person was to prove they have the ability to live without working and showed some good proof it would be accepted.

I did notice that but wasn't sure if they was adamant on it being some sort of pension. Unless I missed it, I also never saw that fees were not returnable from Hull if say your application wasn't successful?  I have never dealt with Hull as it was 300 miles or so from me in the UK so no idea exactly how they work. London is truly awful though. It is invariably shoulder to shoulder with people as it is such a small area where you actually apply. Nobody has anytime for you and is very clinical they way they work.

Just looking at the Hull consulate website. They actually require a more comprehensive list to acquire a METV than London?
I never thought it was possible to get worse than London!

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/pdf/v4-rtc-hull-visa-application-pack-2016.pdf

38 minutes ago, Plutojames88 said:

3 year tourist visas in Cambodia needs matching or they will loose billions upon billions

There are enough undesirables and non spenders here now without creating another opening for more of them. Anybody that has money and wants to come to Thailand have always and will continue to come. Not a cat in Hell's chance Thailand will open herself up to be dumping ground for those that nobody else wants. In fact, it's making it more and more difficult for these people to stay long term on a weekly basis. Just you wait and see in 12 months from now how it turns out. Let Cambodia and it's 3 year visas have them.

33 minutes ago, Ronuk said:

f you are self-employed, you self assessment and a copany registration doument are required 
     -  A photocopy of the confirmed Air ticket to Thailand
     -  A photocopy of the hotel reservation confirmation in Thailand

Take it from me. There is absolutely no chance of getting the required Visa in London if you cannot supply exactly what they require. I also believe that fees are non refundable for failed applications.

3. VISA FEES

Visa and postage fee must be paid by Postal Order made payable to: THE ROYAL THAI EMBASSY.please kindly write down the applicant 's name and passport number at the back of the postal order 

CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

 # NO REFUNDS IN ANY CIRCUIMSTANCES #.

**Visa fees are payable in pounds sterling

2 hours ago, terrukba said:

I have just returned to the UK from Thailand having been there a few months on tourist visas. Early next year I am considering applying for a METV in London. At this point I will have been unemployed one year and living off savings but I will have over the required amount. 

 

Is it unlikely I will succeed in my application?

 

 

According to the Thai Embassy in London, no. You need a letter from your employer.

 

3.  REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR (Multiple Entries )( Multiple entries tourist visa please click here )

     -  A current passport with validity of over 6 months beyond the date of application
     -  A completed application from
     -  Two (2) recent (2 x 2 inches.) photographs of the applicant
     -  Original bank stament of the applicant showing a blance of least 5000 puonds ( for 6 months)
        or a print out with official stamp of the bank
     -  A letter from the applicant's employer ( in the UK and addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy)
        If you are self-employed, you self assessment and a copany registration doument are required 
     -  A photocopy of the confirmed Air ticket to Thailand
     -  A photocopy of the hotel reservation confirmation in Thailand

It's turning into a Dutch auction, now down to $1000 a year......Anymore bids? This could yet get down to the price of 3 extensions and a Tuk Tuk ride. 

It's a correction of Sterling. The pound has long been over valued. 45-45.50 will be its value to the Baht until another cut in UK Interest rates or a rise in US rates.

2 minutes ago, Generalchaos said:

Charlie H, you say they took a photocopy of your documents, do they take a real photo copy from a machine or do they photograph them digitally? I must admit I would not fancy these people getting high quality electronic digital copies of any of my documents.

 

I think I would be getting myself some low quality black and whites off a local photocopier to dish out if the cops turned up.

They will take there own from your originals.

Well, I don't think she will be home the night after the court case ends do you?