meadish_sweetball

Yes George,

You've done a fantastic job so far! I especially appreciate the instant news service.

Here is my interpretation:

The government wants to impose these measures to gain the possibility to tighten control over foreigners living here. We should remember that we as white western men are not the only foreigners staying here. One major reason for this happening is the effects of the "Global War on Terrorism" or whatever you want to call that hype. The US have changed their policies, and their paranoia is spreading, ad the snakes are out of their holes trying to find new ones. Thailand wants to avoid damaging the tourism industry as happened in Bali, and they want good relations with the US for protection and investment/aid, so they impose these measures, among others, to make it more difficult for "unclean" money and people *from abroad* to use Thailand as a safe haven.

As for the black money already here... That is a different story.

They want order. As somebody mentioned, Singapore is often perceived as a role model. If you talk to most Thais, their idealized view of society is a place like Singapore. A Disneyland, but with unique national characteristics. As for the darker side of Disneyland, they want that to remain in the dark, to the eyes of the world, at least.

Someone said we should appeal to our own governments about this. I agree with the idea. As regards human rights and families, these laws are totally outrageous.

Businesswise, they are not. Not totally, anyway. So they will miss out on the small time farang entrepreneurs. So what, in the macro-economic perspective? The people who stay are the ones with all their papers in order, and more money to their name. The multinational companies and their employess, for example, will not leave because of this.

I hate to say it, but Thailand is more important to us, than we as individuals are to them.

I suggest those of you with the economic means to do so, make sure your acts are in order for inspection when these laws are imposed. As for the rest of you who are honest people but can't meet their high demands, appeal for decency wherever possible to forward our cause. I will.

The best channels to use should be the media and our embassies.

..yep. The times they are a-changing. I can only confirm the above comment that the Thai embassy in Singapore doesn't let you renew your 60 day tourist visa to another 60 day tourist visa immediately. They told me you need to STAY OUT of Thailand for *at least* 90 days before they will issue another one.

Also, I have noticed increased computerization at the border check points (i.e. Mae Sai and Pedang Besar) which will make it more difficult for officials to look the other way when it comes to central policy changes, and also will make it harder to change a stamp-laden passport and think it will improve your situation.

We're now ON RECORD. Look out.  ???

Thank you very much for your input!

Have I understood it correctly, that I need to pull 2 million baht out of my wizard's hat and present before the relevant authorities if I want to start a company in Thailand?

In that case, I might need to build myself a nest egg first... Is there no other way?

<font color='#000000'>BTW - I am not too old.</font>

<font color='#000000'>I am a Swedish citizen currently making a living as a freelance translator, and I would like to settle down in Thailand with a work permit and a suitable visa / residence permit for my freelance activities, and whatever it takes to stay for an extended period of time without doing visa runs all the time.

Can anyone recommend a solution for me? I cannot guarantee or prove a steady income since I freelance.

Would it be possible to start a company together with a Thai national, in which I would be employed and declare my income through? If someone has experience of doing this or some variation of it, your input will be much appreciated.

Any other suggestions are also of interest.

Cheers! :cool:</font>