sekmet

Old thread, but here goes: since 2015, Thailand has had one dictator and TAT has actively pursued mass tourism from China, Russia and India. Philippines have built a new airport in Bohol, upgraded Mactan, cleaned up Boracay. Thailand has better Thai food, but Philippines has better Western food. 

Many long term expats moved to Thailand a long time ago. Staying in Thailand long term takes considerable monthly reports to immigration or visa runs while in the Philippines you can literally live there for three years on a tourist visa. Getting an ARC in the Philippines is pretty cheap. Outside of Western expats, Philippines has mostly Koreans and Japanese. Infrastructure is better in Thailand, but also not great - bad traffic, sewers flood during rain, etc.

I think of the Philippines as Thailand twenty years ago. Not for everyone, but should it be? If you want first world amenities, you should expect first world prices.

Meh, most people would be fine. If an expat lived in an area with other expats they find what they need, although a little more expensive. But scales of economy makes everything cheaper.

Of course as anywhere else, due diligence and caveat emptor rules the day.

People generally like to plan things out, six weeks to six months ahead. If the destination has the reputation of inconsistency, why bother?

Seems like that was over a couple of years ago when TAT started courting cheap horde of Russians, Chinese and Indians.

On 11/22/2021 at 6:02 PM, Guderian said:

What a weird article. It starts off as clickbait with a headline purportedly showing the authorities are on the side of foreigners being exploited by unscrupulous Thai businesses, yet no solution to the problem is mentioned so presumably nothing will be done about it other than a bit of moaning for show, no fines or enforcement measures are discussed. Then in no time at all, of course, we're back to complaints about foreigners in hotels not wearing face masks (sorry, I meant dirty foreigners) and how much they should be fined for such perfidy. If Thailand and/or Asean Now think that this kind of approach is going to win the hearts and minds of all those dirty foreigners thinking of a visit in the next few months, they really need to think again.

I come here for good news. I'm always disappointed.

It will be interesting if when in the future things really do open up, will people go elsewhere.

On 11/7/2021 at 11:01 PM, uktony said:

Does that fill you with a safe feeling?

The unvaccinated Americans probably wouldn't go to Thailand.

Considering the number of other countries that are open, some tourists may just move on.

I'll wait until they figure their <deleted> out.

Of course, when rules change daily how can one make plans.

It's hard to make plans when things change so often.

Actually 75k because TAT qualifies each arrival and departure as a separate trip. 

Probably can reduce that more for people returning home, diplomats, migrant workers.

I read elsewhere that they are closing swimming pools and martial arts training centers.

On 7/22/2021 at 10:58 PM, billd766 said:

Will the business be subject to the 49/51 % law, and will the farang owners HAVE to abide by the 4 Thais per 1 farang rule?

 

If the answer to either or both questions is yes, Thailand can forget it.

 

How about the 49/51 % law when buying a condo?

 

If they get a 10 year visa (a good idea IMHO) will the farangs still have to make 90 reports, fill in the TM 28 and TM 30 every time they stay somewhere else overnight?

 

Will they have to have 800,000 or more in the bank and prove it to Immigration every year?

 

Just some of the niggely points to be aware of.

5 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

If I had a million dollars to invest and get a long term visa where would I go?

 

1.  Switzerland? If they had such a scheme.

2.  Singapore(before Covid 19 I read for $500,000 a long term visa cold be had)

3.  Jeju S. Korea($500,000 investment in real estate for a 10 year visa-again before Covid 19)

4.  Orange County California or Orange County Florida(either will do and a Million will get a decent place to live)

 

 I think in order to realize the dream that is laid out in this article the investment amount has to be much lower(like $100,000?).  

This.

$USonemillion is a different category for most. I'm thinking Russian gangsters and Chinese oligarchs. Lots of other options globally.

On 7/22/2021 at 10:58 PM, billd766 said:

Will the business be subject to the 49/51 % law, and will the farang owners HAVE to abide by the 4 Thais per 1 farang rule?

 

If the answer to either or both questions is yes, Thailand can forget it.

 

 

 

This.

It's not like Thailand is the only country in the world that offers a program like this.

Wait, what? 

Americans and Brits spending money? I thought TAT was all about Chinese and Indians.

Meanwhile in Phuket . . .

21 hours ago, Trujillo said:

Good. 
I don't want an experimental, emergency-use vaccine for something that has a 99+% recovery rate, and I don't want any help from my government. 
 

But the way, why does the letter refer to the "Biden-Harris administration"? Why include the mostly ceremonial role of vice president in the title? I assume we are being primed for the 25th amendment. 

 

And what does this mean: "The US diplomatic mission has not been spared by COVID-19, as several families in our community have endured tragedies from this terrible pandemic."

So I read this as what? People working for the US government in Thailand have...died? I have never heard anything about this, and I am sure if that were the case, we would have known about it. Could someone explain? 

 

And why say "terrible" to modify the situation? Was that fear-inducing adjective necessary?

 

...and lots of bantering of the word "equitable" without actually offering your citizens anything rings hollow. 

Dude, you have way too much time on your hands.

High season might only be 50% capacity.

There's a lot more places to go with more sensible rules, lower prices and better infrastructure.

Theoretically, couldn't a person just take it off and leave it in the hotel room, then go about their business?

I'm one of those who cancelled.

Requirements are confusing and inconsistent. I've been fully vacinated for three months.

The paperwork is confusing.

And flights are limited. Only Singapore Air flies from ICN, and then it's a twelve hour ordeal with a layover in Changi.

Or get an unlimited visa in the Philippines for a 10k bank deposit and US$800/month pension.

Isn't Koh tao the place where the British couple died and they blamed it on Burmese?

Number two, is Koh tao open for tourism, or just wealthy people?