Misty

Indeed. The system has moved from 1) VIP service fees paid to get applications that don't meet requirements to be accepted and processed, to 2) applications that are more than qualified being rejected unless they are accompanied by "VIP service fees." That's a big change for the worse. I think there's possibly a name for it. And yes, I agree that it's very depressing.

Since 2019, there is an additional unwritten requirement to hire an agent and pay VIP service fees. No matter how much you meet the all the written criteria (for example work for many years on NonB visa, pay tons of Thai tax, speak and write Thai) Immigration has not been accepting applications without an agent + more than six figure "VIP service fees." People who received PR before this time period had a very different experience, I know. But that's the state of play now. Might as well make sure interested applicants are aware of it.

“Launched in the next year or so”…. looking at the long delays in any changes in Thailand only policies, If I were a betting Tyrell, I’d say the odds were better for “in the next year or five”

Agree 100%. And corruption has increased since the 90s when Western educated technocrats played significant roles here. Nowadays, corruption seems to be in the open.

Great youtube video. Can you inline skate in the park?

As a patient at both Bumrungrad and Samitivej over the years, I prefer Samitivej for a number of reasons. For me, in particular Bumrungrad's handling of the Moderna vaccine last year was extremely disappointing. Samitivej did a much better and more transparent job.

Thanks Ubonjoe that helps. When applying for a work permit, is there any requirement to show the Labour Dept that your company employs 4 Thais per foreign employee? Or is that only for Immigration and NonB extensions?

I see the OP has been referred to the PR thread, however, the OP brings up an interesting related point which applies to more folks besides PR holders. The 4 Thai members of staff per foreigner is a clear requirement for getting a NonB annual extension for people using Immigration Building 1 at CW. But is this ratio also a requirement for getting a work permit renewed at the Labour Department? I've heard mixed responses on this point and would welcome any clarification. For example, does someone with a NonO visa extension for marriage also get a work permit renewed?

I wonder if this initiative is to try to satisfy elite card holders who may be upset with the new LTR visas that allow the recipients to work. Essentially a way of leveling the playing field between the two types of visas. Elite card holders to date have been prohibited from working in Thailand. Some of the LTR visa holders, after making a significant investment in real estate or gov't bonds, will be able to obtain work permits.

And they don’t change the requirements

In a smallish town in Ohio right now - there is a Thai restaurant here - owned and run by Philippinos...

Sounds wonderful. Any chance of an area for inline skating?

Yes.

Thanks but no, that wasn't it for me. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'd confirmed by phone the system was down for a period of time. From what I could tell it was down for at least two days, maybe more. Now it now accepts payment nearly immediately.

Yes, it did help - thank you for the heads up. I tried again this morning and was able to pay for two visa applications on the first try each this time. Looks like the issue of the past couple of days has been fixed.

Ha ha. Surely not. Are you trying to be helpful, or were you going for something else? So far you're 0 for 2 on this thread.

My consulate suggests trying a debit card instead of a credit card. Unfortunately I don't have a debit card handy right now. Have tried 3 credit cards at this point, all rejected payment. Talked to two of them, and they both basically said "it looks like fraud to us" and they couldn't get their systems to accept payment, even though I was on the phone entering the information and using their respective multifactor authentication systems. Seems very odd.

One of the cards I tried (THB) didn't record anything, the other (USD) shows the the failed transaction marked as a "Temporary Authorization" with an "invalid post date". The Thaievisa site listed both transactions as "failed." Consulate not yet open so no response yet. Will be calling both cards later to see what their systems are showing.

Yes, I've had two different cards both fail and the application is marked "pending payment." I've messaged the application consulate about the problem. Will let you know what they say when they respond.

Working just long enough to create an account, but then unfortunately down again

"American businesses" I wonder what is meant by that these days? Do these folks represent multinationals? Those are Thai companies which pay no US tax and employ few Americans. There's also a better than average chance that the individual delegates are not US citizens.

There is much truth to what he stated. Edited to add: I am a successful small business owner.

This proposed new program has been discussed in the press. Anyone heard any updates on it? https://tripbauger.com/thailand-approves-proposal-for-10-year-visa-for-investors-digital-nomads-and-remote-workers/