BKKTRAVELER

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Let's see how it goes then. Good of you for giving tips, especially with the current raising costs for them to deliver. I usually give 20 baht in cash upon delivery and they seem to appreciate it.

A bit confused by your post. But I'll ask an honest question. Why do you think that only Grab was targeted by the government? Why not the others? I've been puzzled by that.

I'm glad taxpayers' money is well spent, they'll feel better knowing that 7 drones are flying in the Thai sky for such a modest amount... I'm ok for countries investing into developing their military equipment, but this really has become a farce.

Sure, why not post it there though: Thailand Cannabis Forum - ASEAN NOW - News, Travel & Forum Seems more appropriate than in Thailand news, don't you agree?

Wait a minute!? Is he saying Anutin didn't do a stellar job during his tenure? I can take a lot, but now I'm going to lose it...

It's a very big market in Asia, they are right to promote it.

Loan sharks are about to have a field day... Like said previously, enough people are already heavily indebted. This will not help.

I don't think you even realize how you come across here. Your comment regarding people and global warming... And then this below. If that's you not bitter... Oh well.

What a bitter person you are... OP is clearly contributing to the local economy in some way. He brings his money from abroad and spends it here on accommodations, food, transportation and other activities. Every foreigner coming here without working in Thailand is doing the same. I don't see business owners complaining about them. And clearly, he can afford a visa as he offered to pay them extra, they just won't give it to him. Any foreigners here are given visas because they contribute to the country somehow. Retired people are allowed to stay long term as they don't work here and show they have money from abroad that can support them throughout. Married foreigners support their Thai wife (and family if they make one). Work permit holders share knowledge from their expertise and contribute to Thailand's economic development. Tourists are given visas to spend their money on holidays here. The list goes on and on.. OP, wish you luck and since immigration will not honor a visa that you are entitled to get at the moment, I agree with other posters that using an agent may be your best call.

I believe you are right but I don't see it being the official version...

It seems he received 2 Sinovac, 2 Astra and 2 Pfizer. Anyway, of course he got Covid.. He was in dirty Farangland. Would have never happened in Thailand I guess.

I guess the possibility to pay at delivery was made so that people without bank accounts or credit/debit cards could still order from them. But indeed, it can turn out ugly... In any case, it shouldn't be the driver's responsibility. He is just the messenger...

Oh I can see this thread filled with many pages of comments within minutes ???? Didn't he just get his 6th booster shot or something? At least that'll prevent him from working for the next few days, not a bad thing I guess...

You probably answered your own question. Because they have fun in bars and give high tips, they end up having to use public transportations the next day. It's funny what the mix of alcohol and half naked girls will do to your wallet ????

Yet, the government will most likely stay in power until next election (2023). So, it won't change much or anything for that matter.

Possibily, wonder why they only target Grab and not others (or did they?). It would be inconsistent. Is it a tax issue? Lobbying? Will affect many people indeed. Looking forward to the development, if we even get one.

Good on them to come forward and say it plainly. I guess it is not a huge expense but it is still a waste.

I remember around mid of May, they said they were expecting their 1 millionth foreign visitor by the end of May. Now, it's 2 millions...

I disagree, they still have a shot at having a large number of tourists during 2022's high season. But I agree they need to get rid of Thai pass and mandatory masks if they want it to happen.

Apply for an ED visa for a year or 2, learn some more Thai which can be useful and then switch to retirement.

I respect your opinion.

You misunderstood me. I have never even had a tourist visa in all my 14 years. I may have had 1 actually 13 years ago or so. Anyway, I understand visa purposes, I just wish there were more suitable options for people like me that have their income from abroad and are below 50. I am going on another ED visa right now, which is fine. My Thai skills are already decent but I guess I'll focus on learning to write and read this time. It may be productive in the end. I have opened and invested in a couple of businesses in the past here. They didn't work unfortunately and I am not looking forward to go through it again. I'll stick with what I have in my home country to sustain myself. I wrote it in another thread, I wish people below 50 could obtain long term visas with similar terms as for retirements extensions. Elite visa, although suitable for some, doesn't interest me anymore.

I'm below 50, not married. I enjoy living here more than in my own country. I spend a lot of money here yearly. I have more than the retirement requirements in my account and in income. What do you want me to do? I don't need to work, I have assets, cash and income from abroad that support me. I invested in condos here before their scheme for visa was up and running. I had Elite before, did it make me more welcome here in your eyes because I spent 500k on a visa? Do you think I have to keep doing that until I have the privilege to be 50 and officially retire here?

I have been doing this kind of holidays for 14 years it seems. Does it matter?

Yes to both somehow..