RichardEllis

We should all remember that Thailand has a rich history of manipulating the national economy for the benefit of the few at the top. It happened last year with the stock market and that idiot Pridyathorn; a lot of his mates are rumoured to have had advance knowledge and made a killing. I believe we are looking down the barrel of a huge purge of foreign business. Call me paranoid but this is increasingly unsettling.

So what else is new in Thailand? The rich 1% control everything and they will engineer whatever political situation they wish to enrich themselves further. Nationalism is just a convenient cloak to diguise the looting Thais are doing to their "own" people. It's typical class warfare and the fact of the matter is the poor majority in Thailand are not educated enough to figure this out and probably never will. Sucks to be them but for your average farang it means nothing unless you are one of the foolish ones who invested heavily in this country. Big businesses will also be relatively immune to this because even the elites are afraid of pissing off big foreign businesses who have international clout. Thailand is just a small fish in a big economic pond.

All of this is true imho, but they can pillage whole shitload of foreigners without upsetting the big boys and getting their asses kicked. Including a few people close to home (mine).

Rich

These "deeply entrenched vested interests" the PM was talking about referred to the Thaksin mob, the new money group, and not the old feudalist elite who are now calling the shots. This 'govt' is working for them and them only.

There is a credibility gap between what is said and what is actually done, particularly where corruption and patrobage are concerned; and both of these are still alive, well and flourishing. I dont think it will ever change. But the system can be used and money made while the dears are looking elsewhere.

Rich

I wonder what will happen to the money taken (30% of investment over $20K) by the Bank of Thailand???

anybody knowledgeable about this? we have a fair amount stuck there for another 9 months with no interest...

oz

This is wreaking havok with my business also. Every time a payment is sent to my customer they freeze 30% and it has affected his cash flow which has affected my cash flow. he manages to get it released after a couple of months every time but it is getting ridiculous to have the money held until you can prove it is for purchase of export products every single payment.

The article mentions that it is okay to limit equity, voters rights and members of the board since there are other ways to control the company. My guess is that after every other way becomes known then these "elite" will pass amendments to close those also.

It seems clear that foreigners will be unable to control a business in Thailand. Paraphrasing what one of the NLA said yesterday, they dont want Thais to be employees in their own country. This seems clear enough.

I suspect that as a part of their increasingly inward-looking approach, what is happening is that the ruling elite is creating the circs for a massive business fire sale, following which they will be able to pick up some bargains.

We should all remember that Thailand has a rich history of manipulating the national economy for the benefit of the few at the top. It happened last year with the stock market and that idiot Pridyathorn; a lot of his mates are rumoured to have had advance knowledge and made a killing. I believe we are looking down the barrel of a huge purge of foreign business. Call me paranoid but this is increasingly unsettling.

Interestingly, the Democrats appear to be the ones with reason insofar as the FBA is concerned. Time will tell...

Rich

Here's another Thai Rak Thai who professes to quitting...

Prommin Lertsuridej

THAKSIN STALWART TOP FORMER TRT EXECUTIVE

Prommin confirms he's quitting politics

Prommin Lertsuridej, a former executive of the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party, has confirmed he is quitting politics, saying he is not accustomed to working in an increasingly hostile political atmosphere. Dr Prommin, also former secretary-general of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, yesterday said he had thought for a long time about washing his hands of politics and already informed Mr Thaksin, who is living in exile in London, and other key party figures. In fact, he decided to end his political career before the April 2, 2006 general election and the Sept 19 coup, he added. ''I confirm that I have decided to quit politics and will not play any role in any political parties, including People's Power,'' he said, of the party which has taken in many members of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party. Dr Prommin is among 111 ex-Thai Rak Thai executives banned from politics after the Constitution Tribunal's verdict to disband it on May 30. He said he could not work in an unfriendly political atmosphere where intense rivalry has polarised politics. ''I am not accustomed to carrying out my political work in this kind of atmosphere. When I was in prime minister Thaksin's administration, I helped him run the country."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Aug2007_news03.php

===============================================================================

Wondering if his actually being banned from politics had anything to do with his decision to quit politics....

As much as I am no great fan of Dr. Prommin, I think that this is actually a principled standand and should be commended. So many at the moment are finding any excuse to jump into bed with their own obvious ideological enemies.

By the way is there any chance we can cut the personal atacks and get on with attempting to debate what is happening, and their is a lot. At themoment there are many threads getting bogged down in personal stuff.

personally I don;t think Thaksin *can* give up politics. His loss of face is so humungously great that he would not allow himself to do anything except fight an increasingly bitter war. His politics might not be visible for a while but it will be there, sure as eggs. Thaksin give up politics? Unlikely

Rich

Let him clarify it, then.

The intent was to show that the corrupt politicians don't like the new constitution because it would drastically limit their ability to take the peoples money for themselves. Presenting it with images has a much more powerful message because the people viewing it have a variety of levels of education. Simply put, it cuts past needing an education to see what is right and wrong.

Ultimately the people will make the best choice for their personal situation. If they see that accepting 200 ThB for a no vote will cause them to lose much more because of corrupt people, they will make the right choice. The idea was to make sure they know who wants a no vote and why.

Is he saying all or most or some politicians who oppose the new constitution are corrupt and all or most or some politicians who support it or not?

Thai Visa membership no doubt also has a variety of education levels.Does he propose to make his further messages in picture form?

Is he seriously suggesting that those with an education have a better understanding of what is right and wrong?

Younghusband, you continue to embarrass yourself by challenging that education does not allow you to see things in a better light. You seem to forget Thaksin loves people who don't have the education to see he is ripping them off.

You also seem to not understand a picture is worth a thousand words.

All I am saying is point out what groups want a no vote and are most vocal about it. Then show their favorite bad habits and point out the new charter has teeth to stop that bad habit.

I really did not want to answer you but I am sorry you are completely embarrassing yourself and you don't even see it. Please stop for your own sake. It is like you are saying water is not wet.

Your use of language is so shoddy and imprecise that it is quite difficult to decipher your thought processes.I don't actually know what you mean when you say education allows one to see things in "a better light".

I certainly don't think a superior education gives any advantage in terms of assessing morality, or determining what is right and wrong.In fact the working class often historically has shown a remarkable sense of morality as for example in the American civil war when "uneducated" textile workers in England refused to accept cotton from the slave owning South, imperilling their own livelihoods.I believe likewise ordinary Thais are quite capable of making responsible choices and doing their best for the country, no matter what the urban middle classes say.

It's difficult to address your Thailand points, such as they are, since unlike other prominent supporters of the junta on this forum, you appear to have no context,knowledge or background - just a mishmash garnered from the current English language press and plagiarisation of other posters.I'm not complaining but don't expect to be taken seriously.You accuse me of embarrassing myself:perhaps we should leave it to others to determine that.You might be surprised.

I understand your problem with metaphors, so please ask a friend about them.

Yes you are correct that a better education does not help with morals, that is why I said to use images and not so much talking, it cuts past the need for an education. Essentially it levels the field. It lets people see what Thaksin does not want them to see or understand.

As far as letting other decide if you are embarrassing yourself, as you wish.... let others decide. You can point the gun in any direction you wish.

Now children, if you can't play nicely you will have to go home...

Rich

These xenophobic sentiments cut across all political divides. This law was only pulled at the last minute because so many of the NLA wanted MORE restrictions. Any future compromise with the junta is likely to add these! The vast majority of the voting population will not understand the implication of these measures, but will certainly be susceptible to the time honoured election tradition of "blame the foreigner". Because of this, I think it is very unlikely that any future election will change the direction on these matters. If things do not improve economically, anti-foreign policies may become even more prevalent. Certainly a time to look at company assets and be ready for changes!

As most have discovered by now the Thai public education system is extremely poor (a Thai from a good international school can easily get into even Chula or Thammasat at 16, so what does that tell you about the rest of it?). Even supposedly well educated Thais readily believe the jingoist bs spouted by the nationalists. They are taught in their lousy schools that foreign domination is incredibly evil and it is something that their system saved them from in the 19th and 20th centuries (but the Thammasat massacre of 1976 is missed out of the history textbooks and most younger Thais are genuinely shocked to learn what happened there). They also readily believe that allowing foreign ownership of land and businesses will definitely make them beggars in their own country. Ordinary Thais can't see that they already are as their country is now owned by ethnic Chinese who despise them and want to keep them down.

100%

Brainwashing is an art form here.

Rich

there is no crisis is your manta , please make a note of it for future reference .

Do I detect progress? The lifecycle of a bear market. Complacency, Denial, Fear, Anger, Despair, Scapegoatism. Although as a foreigner living in Thailand I get the feeling sometimes the current government has jumped straight to scapegoatism.

Only a short jump away from xenophobia - where they have always been

Rich

Sorry Mr Derek, but I do not consider being told that having 400K in the bank no longer allows me to stay in Thailand to be a simple interpretation of the rules.

Go back with a lawyer. Preferably one with some clout ( = having friends or tea-money recipients in high places). if you get it sorted, go to a differet office next time, the guy who loses his face will remember yours.

Rich

Landed last night at 10pm alone.

- I bought a nice bottle of Veuve Clinquot(sp?) champers from King power for 1750 baht, including the yellow cover. Nice price I would have thought in this part of the world.

- Immigration was easy to find, though I have a Thai passport, so the queue was three deep versus about 10 for your nasty foreigners.

- Bags came off quickly and the carousel was easy to find.

- Walked past the red counter at customs, with signs in about 8 differnent languages telling me my duty free limits. Nice to know in case I was over the limit and needed to dump stuff.

- Looking farang (I don't look Thai), intentionally trying to look lost and dressed in my best "I'm on holiday" clothes I went through the green line. No b@stard pulled me over.

- Walked out into arrivals, past the AOT limo, who asked me politely in English if I wanted a limo into town, and I politely answered "no thanks".

- I stopped at the SCB excange in front of the exit and still in the roped off area to change my money and advertise myself to every potential b@stard and scammer to try it on

- Walked out of the roped off area. No b@stard tried it on me. I walked very slowly. Still no b@stard tried it on. I was very disappointed. I even turned around for them to have one last go. Still no luck.

- I took my trolley down the travellator. Bluudy wheels safely locked into the grooves on the travellator. No way for my trolly to career out of control down to the bottom and wiping people out.

- Taxi desks were easy to find.

- Lady pointed out that it was a 50 baht surcharge into town. I spoke to her in English and have an Australian accent.

- Taxi man turned on the meter without asking.

- I arrived home safely.

and had another nice big joint? 

far out man...

Rich

Last week, my wife and I need to make several phone calls from the airport to Canada. From our home phone, it's 3 baht a minute. We used the computer-touch screen phones on the departure floor and there were about the same price. However; the phones were a bit tempermental and we could only get through about ever 5-6 tries. So, we decided to go down a level and try the traditional TOT phones near the restaurants. The phones had instructions on the front on how to make international calls. We followed the instructions and to our surprise, we just found out that the 3 phones calls (10 min each) cost us 3500 baht each call! Just an FYI.

That's outrageous but hardly suprising.

Just add that one to the list.

Welcome to Thailand.

TOT Phone Scam.

Pilfered Baggage.

Bogus Custom Officials.

Rude Customs Immigration Officials.

Magnetometer Heist.

Taxi Touts/Limo Scam.

Credit Card Scam at King Power.

Hotel Airport Scam.

Drugging Tourists/Robbery. (GHB).

Keyloggers at Internet Shops.

Double Pricing.

Taxi, Tuk Tuk, Touts.(Temple Closed Scam)

Gem Scam.

Seafood Scam.

Baht Bus Scam.

Random Search/Piss Tests.

Terrorists.

Tsunamis.

Bird Flue.

Legal System.

Littering Police Scam.

Ground Transport Scam. TAT Travel Agents Scam..(train/Bus Stations)

Student Survey Scam.

And . .

Whinging, whiney farangs who are frustrated with their lives and inability to cope.

And the occasional know-it-all expat who has found the only way to truly see no ships is to stick his head in the darkest place he can find.

This one has a reputation to keep up.

Rich

A couple of things flowing from my Visa extension experience at Suan Phlu today.

First, if you haven't had the money in the bank for 3 months they will want to give you a 1-month visa. I changed banks last m onth (transferred money same day) and they still wanted to give me a 1-month after 2 successive and successful 12m extensions, even though I had all bank books with me for inspection.

Second, you are now required to prove that the 800k came from overseas. Fortunately I had an old certificate from the bank at home otherwise I would have needed to get the bank (which I no longer deal with) to certify a FX transaction from 3 years ago. I imagine that would have been a lot of fun. I was told this new regulation came in today. I was also told nobody had been told in advance. Making it up as they go along I think.

Rich

Richard.

On 17th July you wrote that your Wife is threatening to make your Visa renewal a big problem as she has contacts in high places. Mabe your prophecy came true.

It is possible. The contact whom she threatened to use told me he could/would not help but he is Chinese so I dont know. He approached me as it happens because he said he was offended by the request. Still, the immigration lady who gave problems knows him and has been the recipient of 'tea-money' to my certain knowledge (he accompanied me on previous extensions - I took a lawyer this time in case there were probs). Who knows, in any event, she was pretty much neutered if that was in her mind - I was glad I had the lawyer there...

Rich

Sorry Rich I was not having a dig at you, just thinking out loud.

Didn't think you were, the same thought had occurred to me. Trust me, it was in the forefront of my mind, I actually like living here, and that day I was *very* watchful.

Rich

A couple of things flowing from my Visa extension experience at Suan Phlu today.

First, if you haven't had the money in the bank for 3 months they will want to give you a 1-month visa. I changed banks last m onth (transferred money same day) and they still wanted to give me a 1-month after 2 successive and successful 12m extensions, even though I had all bank books with me for inspection.

Second, you are now required to prove that the 800k came from overseas. Fortunately I had an old certificate from the bank at home otherwise I would have needed to get the bank (which I no longer deal with) to certify a FX transaction from 3 years ago. I imagine that would have been a lot of fun. I was told this new regulation came in today. I was also told nobody had been told in advance. Making it up as they go along I think.

Rich

Richard.

On 17th July you wrote that your Wife is threatening to make your Visa renewal a big problem as she has contacts in high places. Mabe your prophecy came true.

It is possible. The contact whom she threatened to use told me he could/would not help but he is Chinese so I dont know. He approached me as it happens because he said he was offended by the request. Still, the immigration lady who gave problems knows him and has been the recipient of 'tea-money' to my certain knowledge (he accompanied me on previous extensions - I took a lawyer this time in case there were probs). Who knows, in any event, she was pretty much neutered if that was in her mind - I was glad I had the lawyer there...

Rich

For what its worth, here is my recent experience with Pattaya ( Jomtien) immigration, regarding renewing my one year retirement visa extension for the third year.

Firstly, as I live locally, i visited immigration and asked at reception what I currently needed to provide immigration with to renew my one year extension.

I was advised that I needed copies of passport pages ( Picture page, details page, and all previous Thai visa stamp pages and landing card copied).

I would also need one 6cm * 4cm passport size photo.

I would also need 800,000 Baht in a bank account.And a letter confirming this from the bank.

( the prevviously needed doctors certificate is no longer needed)

Armed with everything I thought that I needed ,i visited immigration yesterday.

i was told that the bank account I had held and used previously for my visa extension renewal was no longer any good.This bank account was not a savings account, and I was advised I needed 800,000 Baht in a savings account.

I was told to get it changed and come back the next day.

With a lot of running around I moved enough money into an existing savings account I already had, which initially only had 25,000Baht in it.

This account had been open for over a year, and at one point had had over 1,000,000 Baht moved into it from England by IMO.

I topped this up to 800,000 Baht.

I Got copies of this accounts pages, and a new bank letter referring to this account.

I returned to immigration today. I had to get a couple of extra passport pages copied at the family copy shop in the immigration yard. But other than that, the savings bank account was accepted.

I did note that the immigration officer highlighted the 1,000,000 Baht entry I had previously paid in last year from England.

But other than the standard bank letter confirming the money in the savings account, I was not asked to provide any other bank reciepts or confirmations of money transfer from abroad.

I return this PM hopefully to pick up my passport.

I hope this may be of use to others in a similar position. But I think its always wise if you can to actually ask immigration what they need from you, rather than listen to other farrangs whose circumstances may not be the same as your own.

Good post. Of course it would help if the Immigration officers were consistent. There are 2 possible issues which could have been picked up on:

1. Did you really only need 1 photo? they normally ask for 2.

2. I know it is pedantic but the money needs to have been in the account for 3 months. Kudos to your immigration officer for applying reason. Sounds like I may take a trip to Jomtien at extension time next year.

It does appear that peoples experiences differ. All part of the intrinsic charm of living in Thaialnd I suppose...

Rich

Rich, They definatly only wanted one photo for the visa extension. i asked them when I first visited, and had no problem with the one photo when I handed the application in today.

Although, I did have several spare pictures on me in case they were suddenly required.

Mike

PS. If you were doing a re entry permit at the same time, as I was, you would need one more photo for that re entry permit form. But thats a different transaction as it were.

Cheers, as it happens I did need a re-entry as well, perhaps that was it.

Rich

For what its worth, here is my recent experience with Pattaya ( Jomtien) immigration, regarding renewing my one year retirement visa extension for the third year.

Firstly, as I live locally, i visited immigration and asked at reception what I currently needed to provide immigration with to renew my one year extension.

I was advised that I needed copies of passport pages ( Picture page, details page, and all previous Thai visa stamp pages and landing card copied).

I would also need one 6cm * 4cm passport size photo.

I would also need 800,000 Baht in a bank account.And a letter confirming this from the bank.

( the prevviously needed doctors certificate is no longer needed)

Armed with everything I thought that I needed ,i visited immigration yesterday.

i was told that the bank account I had held and used previously for my visa extension renewal was no longer any good.This bank account was not a savings account, and I was advised I needed 800,000 Baht in a savings account.

I was told to get it changed and come back the next day.

With a lot of running around I moved enough money into an existing savings account I already had, which initially only had 25,000Baht in it.

This account had been open for over a year, and at one point had had over 1,000,000 Baht moved into it from England by IMO.

I topped this up to 800,000 Baht.

I Got copies of this accounts pages, and a new bank letter referring to this account.

I returned to immigration today. I had to get a couple of extra passport pages copied at the family copy shop in the immigration yard. But other than that, the savings bank account was accepted.

I did note that the immigration officer highlighted the 1,000,000 Baht entry I had previously paid in last year from England.

But other than the standard bank letter confirming the money in the savings account, I was not asked to provide any other bank reciepts or confirmations of money transfer from abroad.

I return this PM hopefully to pick up my passport.

I hope this may be of use to others in a similar position. But I think its always wise if you can to actually ask immigration what they need from you, rather than listen to other farrangs whose circumstances may not be the same as your own.

Good post. Of course it would help if the Immigration officers were consistent. There are 2 possible issues which could have been picked up on:

1. Did you really only need 1 photo? they normally ask for 2.

2. I know it is pedantic but the money needs to have been in the account for 3 months. Kudos to your immigration officer for applying reason. Sounds like I may take a trip to Jomtien at extension time next year.

It does appear that peoples experiences differ. All part of the intrinsic charm of living in Thaialnd I suppose...

Rich

Can anyone disprove this theory: ....that the main source of outside revenue coming to Thailand is tourism and resident farang money - particularly paying for dowries and otherwise supporting their wife/girlfirend's families (?) That's hundreds of billions of baht that's essentially under the radar.

What unmitigated nonsense. Have a look here http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2814.htm

GDP $206 billion (2006)

Merchandise exports $128 billion ie 62% of GDP. That's TBH 4 trillion (approx). That's an awful lot of sinsot

It is indeed. But the OP has a point, that retirees and other farang residents of Thailand bring in a lot of money. Tourism is (I believe) a major export earner in Thailand, and this is vulnerable to Thai attitudezs to foreigners as reflected in their immigration policies.

It hasnt been mentioned before but it may well be a factor, that when times get hard (economically or socially) many populations look around to see who they can blame other than themselves. Foreigners are a popular target and the amount of anti-foreigner sentiment noted by posters to this and other boards appears to have increased markedly since the economic and political situations became volatile last year (it began prior to the coup). If it is true that the problems in extending retirement visas are a part of a generally less congenial approach to foreigners then the experiences in this topic are understandable if not reasonable.

Rich

Time to close this topic

Nothing new coming in

Too much Thai bashing and not enough useful information related to immigration

Hrmm. Dont know, I think most has been useful. If stating facts is Thai-bashing then, with respect you need some time out of Thailand. If the facts that exist are uncomplimentary to Thais then Thais ought to make the facts different.

I believe most posts have been helpful if not politically correct, and all background conclusions and experiences are helpful in determining ones own actions and attitudes, this is how we learn from each other. Turning a blind eye is how we get to think there really aren't any ships.

Rich

I've got a wild idea here. RichardEllis formerly breezed straight through his annual visa extensions, but this year, something went amiss, according to his accounts of it. In post #300, Rich says, "This year she wanted to give me a 1-month extension because she was too lazy or stupid to see money had change banks but not diminished, at least until it was pointed out her superior had already approved the bank books. I didn't actually give much of a shit when she lost face because it was her own fault and therefore poetic justice." The poetic justice might relate to not giving a shit when the officer who has you by the short-hairs has just been made to lose face.

Rich, in my non-humble opinion,

Nothing wrong with not being humble, look at Uriah heep.

it's not about the LAW. That was what we left back home. This is about relationships. You broke your relationship with the lady officer, thus receiving the short end of the poetic justice stick.

My wild guess is that she took some blank document out of the drawer and forced you to 'prove' something that the other officers are not going to require of other non-immigrants. In 301 posts, has any poster other than yourself reported that they are required to prove what she required of you?

I am afraid that is a bit wild and is not supported by any of the posts in this thread. Others have reported being asked for the same form, which is a new requirement and (I understand that) ALL applications for extension based on 800kbt require to prove the origin even if it has not been requested in previous years and is in fact the same money (i.e. a new regulation). The form isn't new, the global requirement to present the form is what is new (as per my original post).

What you seem to be saying is that this woman decided to give me a hard time because of my attitude, despite not having seen or spoken with me. Interesting but it doesnt fly, and when dealing with Thais (everywhere but on the road) I am scrupulously polite if not deferential.

I'm often mistaken, although I'm no longer mistaken for a 32 year old. Also, I think Thailand is a papaya republic.

Ya. I am also mistaken on occasion but not about Thais or Thailand. Dont get me wrong, I actually love Thailand and I admire many Thais. But I do not let this dictate my reaction to their obvious failings, and we all have them. It is just that Thais like not to see theirs.

One point though - you are quite wrong in saying it isn't about the law but about relationships. It IS about the law and not about relationships, which is why Thailand has so many lawyers and so few social workers. If what you said were true then Thailand would be irrevocably doomed to be an irrelevant part of the third world.

Rich

Whatever happens on my next trip to Suan Plu I do hope that if I get arrested by immigration police that I will get a chance to have the immigration Police General sing to me in my holding cell, the way he did to infamous peodophile John Marc Karr. Anybody remember that? I forgot what song he sang.

That may have been the most entertaining part of that fiasco.

Thanks for that flashback chinthee. That one was so weird I thought I may have only imagined it. Thanks for the confirmation. The Thai police crooner comforted the unfortunate Mr. Karr with this BeeGees oldie:Smile an ever lasting smile, a smile could bring you near to me.Don't ever let me find you gone 'cause that would bring a tear to me.This world has lost it's glory, let's start a brand new story now my love.Right now ther'll be no other time and I can show you how my love.Talk in ever lasting words and dedicate them all to me.And I will give you all my live I'm here if you should call to me.You Think that I don't even mean a single word I say.It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.You Think that I don't even mean a single word I say.It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.It's only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.

Dear Lord, please tell me it ain't so... Sweet Jesus.

Rich

I am starting to get really annoyed about this so called change in enforcement.

We have more than one report that it is real, at least from Bangkok.

Those reports state they have been told this is indeed a new requirement, not a punishment for those who haven't dressed up the standard, or are acting a little nervous. If this is true, this has NOTHING at all to do with the well understood situation that immigration CAN always ask for MORE information. The reports state there is a new regulation that they now MUST ask for this new document. Get the difference????

Yes, it isnt like customs at all, if you get searched and there is nothing to find you get let in. They dont reduce your visa entitlement.

If this is true, this is dead serious to people. It could mean being booted out of Thailand completely unfairly for not having a piece of paper. A piece of paper so far nobody can definitely define, and a piece of paper many people will no longer be able to get because too much time has passed, and they were never told this paper would be vital to them in future. Maybe this doesn't effect your visa situation, but again, if this can happen to one category, it can happen to any category.

And as of yet, nobody has reported definitely exactly what cuts the standard as official proof of foreign transfers, except the Foreign Transfer Form good only for transfers over 20K USD. We have reports that people who thought they had excellent proof (those check sized receipts from the bank) were told that wasn't going to cut it, that they want something else.

WHAT IS THAT SOMETHING ELSE? Precisely, what is it?

Short of this, this thread is a big wank.

OUCH! A bit harsh ref!

In the earlier days of this site, there were people working with the site who could provide reliable information direct from immigration about thorny matters like this. Has this assistance from the site ended for some reason or another?

Hrmmm. Try this one, I think it may be acceptable, it is an official receipt from the bank, about A5 size, printed on A4 paper (I have trimmed and anonymised it). The receipt is actually for a couple of mil but is the same as is used for smaller amounts transferred in. Your bank should be able to give you one of these, but if you bought the dosh in already and haven't got one of these them you need to ask your bank about what they can do.

Hope it helps.

Rich

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb208/R...ous/FXForm2.jpg

RichardEllis, I fully agree with you!

I finally got my Marriage Visa Extension this Year, but not on the grounds of income (which I could show, with all relevant documents they told me to provide a few days before, when I inquired), but rather on 400000 Bt in the Bank, which was paid in a few days before within Thailand.

They are clueless within their own stupid rules. No one there understands them. So, in order not to lose face, they make up rules as they go. A shame for Thailand.

My turn to agree with you. The last para states the problem succinctly and rightly. Clarity of thought at its best.

Rich

Yes, 290 posts. If a mod was inclined, and had the time, it could probably be pruned down to about 100 useful posts. The rest - including this one - is just off-topic, anti-Thai, anti-immigration non-sense.

Hmm. The bulk of what has been said relates to facts. hardly off-topic or irrelevant since the facts as reported relate to the actual behaviour of the immigration officers and the government. If you are happy to write off people's relevant experience as just 'anti-Thai' or anti-immigration' nonsense, then you obviously have all the answers and could usefully share them rather than sniping at people reporting things you don't happen to like being true.

Rich

No, I don't have all the answers, but I know where to get them: about four months before my extension is due, I'll go to immigration and ask them what they want from me. Meanwhile I'll keep reading this thread in case someone ever posts a link to an immigration statement about this change of requirements.

As for sharing my experiences, I already have:: 5 extensions with no problems, and 1 new passport with stamps transferred, also with no problems.

I still maintain that if you go to immigration with confidence and treat them like human beings, they'll be very happy to serve you. But, if you go there looking like a frightened rabbit, nervous, worried, etc, they will treat you accordingly, with suspicion - just like the customs guys do when you go through the "nothing to declare" exit.

Nice use of colour, I didnt know you could do that! I will emulate your style immediately !

1. Lets hope when you get there, they give you the right/complete information and that it doesn't change twixt that visit and your actual extension application. I have every hope that they will, but I have lived in Thailand for 3 years, long enough to realise these basic requirements are not always met.

2. Yah, I also had 2 prior extensions, oddly enough, it was the same woman this time who gave me all the trouble. In previous years she was civility personified. This year she wanted to give me a 1-month extension because she was too lazy or stupid to see money had change banks but not diminished, at least until it was pointed out her superior had already approved the bank books. I didn't actually give much of a shit when she lost face because it was her own fault and therefore poetic justice.

3. Well, most will but you do get the pedant or the power-needy who will endeavour to assert their own whims without any right or reason. I re-iterate from a post in a different thread since it is relevant here as well:

This [complaint about the disparity of interpretation of immigration law between immigration centres] is said quite often, and it is probably true. But it shouldn't be. it should be about the law and what evidence you have that you meet the conditions required by law. All the other shit is what makes Thais a laughing stock. What is actually happening is the guy involved is abusing his position, which in a non-banana-republic would be actionable by appeal and complaints procedures.

It simply isn't about attitude, or dress, it is about the law. Applicants dont have to make a government clerk feel good, they have to show they comply with the law.

Rich

'tis only grossly derogatoryif it isn't true

derogatory: showing strong disapproval and not showing respect

Source: Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

In other words, truth – or the lack of it – has nothing to do with a comment being, or not being, derogatory. However, the truth of a statement may make it not libellous.

--

Maestro

Sorry, your comment is of course quite right for the word 'derogatory' but is inadequate for the expression 'grossly derogatory' which carries a different connotation including distortion or falsehood.

Thanks for the pickup though. I wonder if this thread will make 300 posts?

Rich

I was at the same office yesterday to renew my marriage visa after 4 years. Went without a hitch in less than two hours. Very pleasant staff. Sorry you had such a difficult experience. Make another humble effort another time!

Maybe getting a renewal is easier.

Glad to see your humbled yourself to them and bowed and scraped for their approval!!!!

Maybe kissed a little arse as well???

I had a goal when I entered the room and I achieved that goal. It's all in your attitude, baby!

This is said quite often, and it is probably true. But it shouldn't be. it should be about the law and what evidence you have that you meet the conditions required by law. All the other shit is what makes Thais a laughing stock. What is actually happening is the guy involved is abusing his position, which in a non-banana-republic would be actionable by appeal and complaints procedures.

It simply isn't about attitude, or dress, it is about the law. Applicants dont have to make a government clerk feel good, they have to show they comply with the law.

Among its many joys, Thailand can be a very sad place, and it is usually the many dopey, bigoted or power-needy Thais that make it so. My sympathies and empathy are with the OP.

FWIW, people outside of Bangkok are a whole different, and much more pleasant story...

Rich

Went to immigration to get a Thai wife Visa today. The wife and I have been married over 10 years. We were married in my home country. Immigration officer wanted to see pics of the wedding. We showed the pics and she informed us that they were too old!!!! She wants recent wedding pics. I told her that we married over 10 years ago and she told to us that we should have pics taken again and a ceremony with a party in Thailand would be more appropriate. Then she asked some questions hoping to reveal that we are not truly married. What color are your curtains at your house? I said tan and wife said yellow. Interviewer raises her eyebrows. She asks how big is your TV? Me - 27 inches and wife 37 inches. She looks puzzled and tells me that there are no models of Tvs are 27 inches. How many fans in the house. I say 5 and wife says 6. Officer asks if we really live together. The whole time (about 3 plus hours) she was interviewing us, she was fielding other officer's questions, talking on her cell phone and being imterupted by a variety of customers. Arrived there at 9am and left at 4pm. No VISA!!!!!

Stupid stupid stupid!!!!

Sounds like business as usual. An inability to distinguish between conscientious and a pain in the ass.

I feel bad for your experience, you must have felt demeaned, which I would guess was the intention. And they let these people work with adults!

Rich

"I can see your point but do you really believe that having to show 800k in a bank account ... to get a 1 year extension of stay is difficult?"

Yes, comparatively, Thailand is easy to retire in. I believe that in order to qualify for a retirement visa in Malaysia, one needs to document a monthly income of $2500. U.S.

Again, keep in mind that for Retirement Vsa extension, it is the combination of bank deposit(s) plus yearly retirement income which must equal or exceed 800,000. Baht.

Completely incorrect about Malaysia. You can qualify on a one time deposit alone to get a visa for 5 or 10 years. Yes, it is a rather large deposit. No pension or income needed to show. A large chunk of this deposit can be withdrawn after one year to buy housing or for medical care.

Hi

The requirements for Malaysia are;

Over 50 initial deposit of £21,428 (approx 1478103 baht)

Under 50 initial deposit of £42,857 (2956275 baht)

A vast majority of the property that can be bought is either condos, semi-detached or terrace houses with small gardens. They also look more expensive than Thailand.

You also have to prove that you have liquid assets of at least £50,000 (3449000 baht)

If you live in Sarawak the minimum price of the house you can purchase is £50,000 (3449000 baht))

Other states £35,714 (2463551 baht)

Cars are very expensive to buy even with the incentive of no sales tax.

Sounds attractive, thanks for the info. A second line of defence if the Thai situation goes tits-up. Anyone know about Vietnam? I suspect it is going to be a country to watch.

Rich