jonclark

I think this victory explains why California just legalised weed. Just something , anything to get the liberal west coasters through the next nightmarish 4 years!!

Well done Donald - You're gonna make an awful president, just as bad as Hilary would have. 

1 hour ago, LukKrueng said:

your rights are what's written in the law books of the country where you're at. If you fit the bill to apply for PR then you have the right to apply. They, however, also have the right to refuse... 

Well then, considering Thailand has signed and ratified the UN Convention on Human Rights, You;d imagine that as Thailand is has signed and ratified 5 of the 7 Human Rights principles into National Law - Including CERD. That the level of in equality between Thais and other races would be far more equitable??

http://www.un.org/ga/60/elect/hrc/thailand.pdf

PS - I have PR 

The only way the current situation will change is if we demand the Thai authorities make basic changes. 

The only way anyone in authority takes any notice is when action is taken. Farmers block a road over rubber, rice prices - all hell breaks lose and the farmers get their wish. Its that simple in Thailand - until we come together in a collective action and have the courage to put ourselves at the front line and confront the archaic laws with persistent reasoned argument and a good dose of media coverage nothing will change. 

We know what our rights should be, but are scared of claiming them - So we resort to ranting on web forums. 

50 minutes ago, peterrabbit said:

The sword of Damocles could be a lot closer than you think !

 

A friend who is on the retirement extension (here for 40+ years) had to return to Oz in a hurry after a medical emergency, He did not have time to get an exit stamp from immigration. So he flew to Singapore and went to the Thai Embassy there to get an ext stamp, which was duly provided. No problem there.

 

HOWEVER

 

While in the Embassy they showed him official paperwork detailing the new visa (retiree/long term) policy which will come into effect sometime next year. The new policy is to scrap retirement extensions altogether and replace it with a new 5 year visa at a cost of 500,000 baht ie 100,000 baht per year.

 

THIS WAS NOT A PROPOSAL BUT A NEW VISA POLICY TO BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY !

 

He was advised by the Embassy staff that he would no longer be able to extend his visa next year, as he has done for countless years before, and the only future option for ALL  retirees would be the 500,000 baht five year visa.

 

If this policy is introduced, as explained to him by the Embassy, then the flow of expats leaving Thailand will become a tsunami with the resulting collapse in property prices, businesses and the future collapse of Falang tourism in Thailand.

 

Wonder if there is a refund option for the families of the retirees who don't see out the entire 5 years and pass away in say year 3? 

16 minutes ago, Deepinthailand said:

And given someone PR is going to stop the fall in births how exactly!!! 

And can you give us some links for this coment from yourself

 from what i have seen probably more than 80% western/thai relationships end in less 10 years. i know a few that have gone past 10 years but even those are because kids are involved. 

I expect not it's just your thoughts.

I think what is being alluded to is the idea that countries with low birth rates and a growing elderly population often seek to encourage migration to maintain a viable workforce. Old people don't work as long, hard or if at all than the young. So migration and migrants makes up the shortfall. 

 For example Canada (2001) passed  the immigration and refugee protection act. As a result of this Immigration has increased and most migrants are gainfully employed in a range of occupations and contributing to taxes and the economic growth of Canada. As a result in part of this act, Canada has managed to sustain growth in its labour markets and avoid the brain drain affecting many countries. Inherent to this is the integrating of foreign workers into Canadian society To qualify for Canadian PR you must live and work in Canada for 2 our of 5 years (+other criteria). 

Canada serves as a useful benchmark against which to compae Thailand and its success. 

1 hour ago, robblok said:

 

I gave a nice quote from Einstein.. totally ignored by you.. but that is what is happening.. the farmers dont change make a loss year after year and do the same all over again and expect different results. 

 

Rob you make a number of very fair points. 

But the issue is 'how' do the farmers make that change. If they have no cash, then it does make it very tough to change to something new - which crops, what machinery, equipment is required, what is the expected return, what is the market like, do supplies merchants exist.

And most importantly who is going to fund this great agricultural change with millions engaged in rich farming in some capacity, someone will need very, very deep pockets with no guarantee of profit for possibly some time. And if it fails ???

I totally agree with you that a change in the agricultural sector is required. But there needs to be a large push, backed up by cash, research and education to make this happen. I just feel the political words are there, but the will to make it happen is non existent. 

20 minutes ago, BuaBS said:

With promises like that , it looks more like staging a farmer's revolution . She desperately wants to be in power again so she can get out of the 35 Bn fine.

Hell - I think you and I both would want to get out of a 35 Bn fine, wouldn't we? 

The farmers are a very powerful lobby in Thailand and she, like her predecessors have their hearts and minds.

The government has indirectly validated her governments approach to falling rice prices, by giving the farmers similar subsidies as hers further entrenching their support of her!

The government must hate this - She clearly is still hugely popular despite their best attempts to discredit and destroy her politically and financially. - "....offer of some farmers to help her to pay part of the civil damages " - Prayut must have spat out his dummy on hearing that news!! 

Wonder which individuals will be held responsible for any losses incurred from this scheme? 

As clearly if the previous government and individuals thereof are to be held fiscally responsible; as highlighted by YL current trial,  then so should the members of the current government. 

1 hour ago, jonclark said:

Nothing wrong with the idea of the sign, freedom of choice like expression is a great thing. More a gripe with the views (which i respect) that suggest you should be put in jail if you fail to comply, with justification offered by the assumption that it offends Thai people in Thailand. <removed>

 

Bad guys out...wasn't it.

 

 

Thailand...when clearly its an indivduals own point of view. Suitable?

28 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

What is wrong with wearing a shirt being a requirement in public places.

Anybody ever seen this sign?

 

 

 

 

Nothing wrong with the idea of the sign, freedom of choice like expression is a great thing. More a gripe with the views (which i respect) that suggest you should be put in jail if you fail to comply, with justification offered by the assumption that it offends Thai people in Thailand. <removed>

Bad guys out...wasn't it.

24 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

Nothing wrong with being shirtless on the beach or even in parks, but those who are shirtless walking through shopping malls, going into restaurants etc, I would have them lifted and put in jail. Respect must be shown to the Thai people in their own country.

Dude - most Thai people think it might be a bit strange and have a bit of a giggle at the stupid foreigner, but thankfully most Thai folk are pretty laid back and far less pious than you. Put people in jail for not wearing a shirt in a shopping mall!!! How about asking them to put on a shirt first, before you lock them up? Just an idea. 

Is it effective? 

Well if we take the simplistic view and use the campaign motto "Good guys in. Bad Guys out!"

We know they are supposedly good at getting the "bad guys out". But in order to judge its effectiveness we need to know how many additional "good guys in"  immigration have achieved? 

 So how many good guys have Thai immigration brought in to Thailand?? 

If Thai immigration aren't actively doing the first part of their own campaign motto. They might as well just change the entire campaign motto to - sod off foreigners !!

There have been a lot of comments about the alleged use of drugs and its merits and the law. But, very few comments about why this place was raided.

Imo, it was very simply utter stupidity and arrogance on the part of the owner of this place, that during a very unique time of mourning; when all establishments have been told or have simply volunteered to tone down their entertainments - even deeply cultural entertainments, such as Loy Kratong have been affected.Yet  for this place its business as usual. but now they get noise complaints - possibly frequent, combined with possible gossip on drug use, in an establishment situated not too far from Sanam luang.  Honestly? Ignorance and arrogance of the highest order!

Had the whole country not been in a period of national mourning, it would have been business as usual for the overstay, as clearly these parties have been going on for a while. Noise from parties and holidaymakers in and around Khao San is part of the territory and one most businesses exploit and accept.  

A poor lapse of judgement on the part of the owner given these unique times. 

4 hours ago, rooster59 said:

A joint operation was mounted

Never a more apt description of police operations. 

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

 

The UK Gov should make it an even playing field - you can't buy here if our ex-pats can't buy there.

I know a lot of expats get angry knowing that we can't buy houses here when some (and it is a small number - a few hundred perhaps) Thais can buy houses in the UK. 

Just satisfy yourself knowing that those house purchases are doing a lot to support the UK economy and the UK should gladly take the money of foreigners. Better the Thais invest their money in the UK economy than the Thai one correct. 

The fact we can't buy a house here is an economic opportunity lost by Thailand. Even more so when you see the huge number of new moo baans which are invariably half occupied with unsold units.

Don't get the black ribbon thing? Why? 

Its rather trite to expect foreigners to show unity when the idea of unity is rarely reciprocated. 

3 minutes ago, The manic said:

Does this apply to foreigners?

Did you actually pause to read the article before posting??

First line - in bold  -  Thais and Foreigners alike - 

So tourism numbers for the first half of the year were unaffected by recent events which occurred in the second half of the year.  Is that the spin? 

Yet we find this:

and this from a few hours earliers

15 hours ago, F4UCorsair said:

The bad losers want another bite of the cherry, and if that was lost, they'd want another bite.

 

Losers never change.

 

Forget the reasons, the vote was in favour of leaving the EU, the democratic process exercised.....END OF STORY!!!

I'm still waiting for the 350 million, Boris, Grove and co promised us back to materialize? 

That seems to be the problem - The story on which the referendum was won for the exiteers was based on misinformation and plain lies, which means the story isnt over- If a person lies to you and you find out, do you let them get away with the lie, or not? 'Losers, like winners do change. I voted for an exit (and i'm not sure if that makes me a winner or loser); but I realize in hindsight it was the wrong choice. The promises made to me were utter lies. I have changed. 

So where is my 350 million quid a week Boris, Grove and Davies promised? 

I think the crux of the issue is that as many posters have stated Thailand is in a state of grieving. Which is to be very much expected and respected. But as Thailand is heavily reliant on income from tourists who want to let their hair down on their holidays, this creates a bit of a problem, as many tourists are young, attracted to the beach and bar scene here. 

Essentially coming to Thailand now for your annual break is akin to choosing a funeral parlour for your family holiday.  

The dear minister also seems to have got his ideas muddled - Thailand does have many cultural attractions - Like Loy Kratong / Grand palace etc - but that will be muted or used for mouring purposes and not many people will come here for health reasons unless they are sick and or want a cheap boob job. Either of which means cash is spent getting yourself well, not seeing the sights. 

I think the government should just bite the bullet and state that tourism needs to take a back seat during these exceptional times, incomes may well be affected so plan accordingly. 

Just to give some perspective production costs per rai are about 5'000 before profit from selling the rice (which is why the previous govt was on to a vote winner with 15'000 for hom mali. 3'000 doesn't even cover costs!

Watching these two idiots i don't envy the average american when the polls come around - What are you going to vote for pig crap or cow crap. A sad reflection of the USA if these two are the best politicians it has to offer. 

39 minutes ago, Fithman said:

 

Unless you have PR you are always here on a 'temporary basis' -- one year max is what your extension of stay permits. 

 

The reference to the CD relates only to businesses who can make TM30 reports on line. You will note the page you link to is headed " Notification of residence of foreigners for businesses"

 

The on-line service is not available to individuals.

What about if you have the 20 year (4 x 5 year multi entry visa)  that comes from the elite card??

I know that page link is for businesses, i only linked to it as that it the only page the link ' notification of residence for foreigners' takes you to on the left of the screen

Would this mean that house owner (ie the wife) does not need to report me to immigration using a TM30 form. As despite reports the wife isn't a business or business owner,  as the first section of the three sections is titled notification of foreigners for businesses states;

the notification of residence of foreign nationals is made by the manager of licensed hotels according to the hotel act, owners of guesthouses, mansions, apartments and rented houses using the form TM. 30. The notification of residence of foreign nationals within 24 hours can be made in a number of ways to make the notification as convenient as possible:

My house is owned (not rented) by my wife. So she wouldn't fit in these criteria specified. 

Anyone any idea of the non-business notification web page?