unbiasbob

this kind of dating has never worked for me. I like meeting women the old fashioned way

Eminem, rap, hip hop horsecrap. gimme anything butt

if you turn onto wireless road from sukhumvit, the ACS is on the left side of the street. at least it was a few months back when I stopped in to get passport pages. It was in the same place it was late last year

You continue to cry over pennies. You say that you will "lose" 25k US by investing 75k in a baht bank account so you can get your investor visa. You say this as if it were a given. That is lidicrous. It is just as likely that the baht would go up as much against the socialist Euro currency, which is bound to retrace.

You can say what you like.. I have given the facts and figures as to why if I had done this 12 months ago it would have cost me that much.. FACT.

I also have given my well reseasoned arguments why I believe the dollar (and baht) are going to continue to go down... To just hope that it wont is dumb. I also agree that the Euro may now be overvalued (thier housing market is keeping things afloat and the word bubble springs to mind) so I am mostly out of Euro exept for a few 100k

But no matter, anyone who claims to have over a few million Euro and complains about investing less than 5% of net liquid worth for fear of losing 1% of said worth, needs to get his priorities in order.

I lost a lot of money in stocks a couple of years ago.. Made most of it back now but it was sobering.. to risk 5% of someone assets to gain a 1 year stay in a country when I have 50 - 70 years of possible life in front of me is again risky, as I said before I am frugal, just becuase I got lucky once and made money does not mean it would be so easy to do it again.

And if it did come, mark my words that your net worth would get slammed just the same, smart guy

Not at all... If you invest wisely there is as much money to be made in a falling market (again watch gold and come back in 2009), in fact as other peoples living standard drops the money you have retained becomes even more valuable and your living standard rises against the herd. Contrarian investment theory.

This discussion shows quite nicely why one has affluent money and the other does not.....

btw, LivinLos, as I second your ideas and theories on the currency market, concerning Dollar as well as Euro, I have not yet found an alternative currency to invest in.

I somehow agree on Gold, but would by no means put more than maybe 15 or 20% of my assets in the metal or related securities. Other than that? Sterling?? Swiss Francs?? I have yet to find a currency I trust making it better if and when the Dollar would fall substancially.

Sunny

well then why don't you load up on yen, baht and ruupee

although i enjoy cambodia, Phnom Penh has always been the most unfriendly place to get a visa. they are so used to being rude in that place they just don't know any better. i have had friends go through travel agents in PP that take the paperwork to the consulate and so far that has proven 100% successful.

Hey Husk,

I was there for a tourist this past Jan. and went to an agent that used to do a lot of Thai visas prior. They said that you had to go in person. Who knows if that's actually true or if that has changed since. I do know that you are correct that PP is not a pleasant place to get a visa in person

As to forex rates my firm belief is the dollar is going to crash thanks to the deficits and the stock market burnout and soon to be real estate crash (only my prediction) once the American consumer stops spending money on debt he has borrowed out of his house equity at tiny interest rates (set to rise) I can see recession if not genuine depression ahead.. So the dollar goes to the dogs and the baht is unofficially pegged to it.. Holding my assets in Euros has done well for me in the last 2 - 3 years.. Tip for the next 3 gold.. I expect 1000 - 1500 per ounce by 2008 or 2009. Anyway WAAY off topic.

Hearing you whine is getting old, dude. If you have as much cash as you say you do, you're crying over pennies.

25k may be a bearable sum to lose but I like to be frugal, thats nearly a years worth of living expenses for me currently.

My responses keep coming as I find it highly frustrating to hear people (married / over 50) repeatedly say "Just get a legal visa its trivial" or how open Thailands visa situation is v other countries. Both of which comments I dissagree with.

You continue to cry over pennies. You say that you will "lose" 25k US by investing 75k in a baht bank account so you can get your investor visa. You say this as if it were a given. That is lidicrous. It is just as likely that the baht would go up as much against the socialist Euro currency, which is bound to retrace. But no matter, anyone who claims to have over a few million Euro and complains about investing less than 5% of net liquid worth for fear of losing 1% of said worth, needs to get his priorities in order. If in fact you have such wealth, then just make your deposit and get your visa. Stop waiting for the next great American depression to come. And if it did come, mark my words that your net worth would get slammed just the same, smart guy

Its just a little harsh to call people such as myself 'abusers' dont you think...

I live monogously with a TGF, I love Thailand, I support Thai people financially (both in relation to direct support to GF and indirect to the ecomony), I am learning Thai language and culture, I am trying to integrate to this place as best I am able.

I love the food, the climate, the people, the Islands and environment, in general I think I could happily pursue a lifestyle here that benefits Thailand and costs them nothing.

Is that so abusive ??

It's not harsh at all because that's exactly what you are.Try this sort of nonsense (I love the place and support the people) with immigration authorities in other countries and see how far you get.Thailand's rules are relatively liberal so regularise your position.Sorry for the intemperate tone but the absurd sel-deception is hard to take.

I have tried exactly this with many many countries... As I listed before I have been offered long terms stays with open arms in every country I have wished to travel to. America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, etc (all first world place I may add that actually run the risk that I might use social services), these all welcome me with open arms and virtually no restrictions (I own properties and land in some of these places !!). When it comes to 3rd world countries Malaysia, PI, all of Africa (that I have visited and lived, Arab N Africa, and Sub Saharan to S Africa, staying would have been trivial as long as proof of assets was done.

So basically I HAVE tried this with other countries and they ALL welcomed me. I dont know who is suffering from 'ubsurd self deception' but I know of no other country that does not welcome high net worth individuals with open arms.

As to your 'regularise' comment if you follow my posts you will see I really do want to legally sort this and not through a loophole but there are no simple visa's available to someone who is wealthy and retired at a young age. The 3 mil scheme would have lost me 25k USD or so in currency depreciation and loss of investment return but it looks like thats the one avenue I may have to do.

Hearing you whine is getting old, dude. If you have as much cash as you say you do, you're crying over pennies. Gimme and all a good goddamn break. Go get your investor visa and stop your balling. I don't think anyone here sympathizes with your situation in any way

Hey Livin', I have personal experience speaking with BKK immi about this investment visa (not scheme). You do exactly what I said and deposit 3 mil into Krung thai or other gvt bank and that's it. Go to immi yourself and get the scoop. It's a cakewalk. And hey, if the baht is down 30% against your euro currency then perhaps it is a good time to diversify a small percent to the baht and maybe it will go up 5-15%. I'm an investor and contrarion thinker.

hey Bobby ... does this mean that you have ( at long last ) solved your visa problems once and for all ? If it does, C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S. At the very least, your are on the pathway to success. Good upon you

Thank you good Dr. I, at the very least, have the knowledge of how to take care of it.

Hey Livin', I have personal experience speaking with BKK immi about this investment visa (not scheme). You do exactly what I said and deposit 3 mil into Krung thai or other gvt bank and that's it. Go to immi yourself and get the scoop. It's a cakewalk. And hey, if the baht is down 30% against your euro currency then perhaps it is a good time to diversify a small percent to the baht and maybe it will go up 5-15%. I'm an investor and contrarion thinker.

QUOTE (masterchief @ Thu 2004-09-30, 13:02:53)

ALL I HEAR IN THE ADVICE SECTION'S IS MOSTLY HEAR-SAY WHY NOT JUST GET THE PROPER VISA PIOR TO ARRIVAL. THE WIFE AND I APPLIED FOR AND RECEIVED A RETIREMENT (O) VISA WITH LITTLE OR NO PROBLEMS I HAVE MET FOLKS HERE IN THAILAND THAT HAVE BEEN HERE FOR YEARS AND STILL BITCHING ABOUT HAVING TO RUN THE BORDER, JUST DO IT RIGHT THE FRIST TIME...........HAVE A GREAT THAI DAY

You have it in a nutshell, MasterChief.

Get the correct visa and you will not have problems.

RANT

I would not complain and fully support the idea of a tourist showing he brings money in from overseas monthly to stop people working illegally and paying no taxes.. I think that is a great and sensible rule..

However, when they leave no alternaive visa option available to someone who is retired under 50 and supports a Thai GF (and extended family), the maid, The landlord, even the Som Tam woman. I think they are loosing out big time..

I am a (without boasting) high net worth individual, even the US rolls out a red carpet and issues me long term visa's (not green card) once I show them a couple of 7 figure bank accounts, so that I can simply go and live there and not work.

I had a long term Thai lady who I wished to marry but due to odd rules (IMHO) she could not divorce her ex husband without his approval, he was AWOL and wanted in Thailand with no way to track him down. So we could not marry here, or have an overseas marriage recognised. She died this spring and I am not ready to simply marry the next one that comes along.

Thailand claims to want tourists to come and spend money here.. What is the average tourist spending per week in Thailand... 500 Euro / 1000 Euro per week ?? for how many weeks ??? I live here and average around 500 Euro per week in a normal week, If I am going Sailing / Diving / Island hopping etc I may double that figure...

So essentially I spend close to a tourist (who they claim to be desperate to want to attract) every week for 52 weeks of the year.

At the same time there is no 'long stay' legal visa for me... The tourist visa's (60 + 30 days) are now being stopped if you have many others in the passport, and 30 day visa runs are getting to be a nightmare.

I currently live in a modest home but have refurbished it to include the basic creature comforts of a projection big screen home theater, better bathrooms, sorted the kitchen etc etc but this was a temporary plan. Ultimately I want(ed) to build a Villa with a min build cost of 10 mil or so. Thats direct investment into Thailand on a not too small scale. I am expected to do that while living under the constant fear that existing laws like the 5 visa on arrivals in 6 months then leave Thailand for months that may get implemented ?? Or that my next 'tourist' application will be denied ??? Sorry too much risk.

I agree with all the current rules with one glaring exception. Under 50's that can prove they are not draining the Thai economy should have a legal avenue open to them short of marrying someone to get a paper.

/RANT

hey dude, you got so much cash, why not get the investment visa. 3 mil baht is pocket change to you. just plunk it into krung thai bank, waltz to bkk immi and capture the visa. no more crying, no more complaints. done deal. i know that's what i would do. you're bitching over nothing

Hi there,

I’m moving from LA to Bangkok for 4 months. I’ve been checking place on-line in the Sukhumvit Soi area. What is a good place to live in/out city. I’m 34 live in Hermosa Beach CA. now surf town South of LA and looking for fun place to live. Is there a roommate finder connection? 70,000. Baht 2 people could get a pretty sweat place!

My price range 20-35k Baht

Anyone know anything about these places?

Boss Tower

Grand President Apt. they own 4 more place

Admiral Suites

Looking forward to many Singha!!

Thanks you,

Kidmark

Grand Prez is good.

It's all probably a hype job hoax but no one wants to be caught with his pants down

As every situation has a flip side, my ex-wife, foreign born, has not been required to leave the USA even once in 25 years. How many non-Thai husbands with Thai wives can say the same about Thailand?

btw, based on a typical GS annual service pay, it must be EXTREMELY nice to be part of a family that makes 1.9 million baht per day!!!  related to Thaksin by chance? 

As a matter of fact, they make an anual 500 Million or so with a few factories in Samut Prakan and a few Hotels. And it is not my family but my wifes. Many Thais are rich, don't forget that. The vast majority is poor but there are exceptions to this rule. And the point is - they sure are better off then this low level paper pushers and yet their daughter get's treated like a potential prostitute who want's to run away to the US - Not everyone want's to live there, I would not want to live in the US even if somebody paid me for it. Too dangerous for my taste.

How many farangs exploit the kindness of Thailand...there are quite a few I'd say. Yet Thailand does not punish all others by tighten the rules. Maybe it should.

cheers

Well dude, excuuuuuuse the dangerous US for not giving you and your situation special treatment cause you got a lot o dough. Get your wife citizenship in any of the visa exempt countries with all that cash. Money can buy you happiness. oh wait, you hate the US. money can then buy you sadness.

PS: Osama and company got cash. thank god they don't get special treatment

where is the problem aktually

the problem is aktually with the thai govt. for imposing the dangerous prospect of travelling around with lots of cash in dangerous areas. Particularly when this does nothing to "solve" their perceived problem of undesireable aliens.

it's other failure is the ambigious nature of it's entire visa process. either make 30 days runs totally legal or impose strict, across-the-board limits on them and spell it out in plain, clear language that everyone can follow.

Oh really? This is far from a problem. As George said just buy $500 worth of travelers cheques and use them for each border run. You may want to get rid of those dreadlocks as well

I just crossed at Aranyaprathet a few days ago and no sign of showing evidence of cash. Perhaps they're just targeting backpackers, i was there with a suit. No problems for me.

that would be understandable.

I had a long and frioendly conversation at HSBC Bangkok (at the building opposite Lumpini Park) this June.

As they were offering Multi-currency Accounts I thought that could be of interest to me, being able to shift between Baht and Euro, Dollar .... when needed, within one Bank.

Only later during the application process they came up with a rule stating that you cannot have foreign accounts on Long Term Visa, and they would impose a 500 Bt a month fee for Baht Accounts on 30 Day Visas.

So, I just TITed it .....

Concerning the limits on exporting cash: I remember being informed that you can export foreign currency for up to 10000 US$, or more in the case you have registered the import at customs.

I never ever had been checked on the borders, but had travelled out with a few thousand Baht a few times, feeling secure and not breaking any rules.

A Year ago I had a problem with a foreign account I was holding. It was necessary for me to clear this account by means of ATM while I was in Thailand (about 4000 Euros worth), so left Thailand with almost 4000 Euros in cash which I had changed at Don Muang exchange booths. No problems, no questions asked, no eyebrows risen.

Sunny

that's nothing. those airport exchangers see everything. I saw a line of Japper girls about 25 long exchanging huge wads of 1000 baht notes each back into yen. that 4000 euro was routine, like changing a few 500 baht notes to those airport changers

probably checking if you have a non O or B visa.

This bank only allows accounts to non immigrants.

Kasikorn and Bangkok bank allow tourist as well through a loophole.

These are governement regulations.

Are you sure that these are Government regulations?

I got Accounts on both Bangkok Bank and TMB earlier this Year with a 30 Day stamp.

I was also in contact with HSBC Thailand about opening an account there, they said no problem with 30 Day permission, too.

In case this is a governemt rule, how can you then apply for Retirement within Thailand?

Sunny

it's called a thai catch 22

what about the option...

I've already left ???

Have you??

yes

nice country , nice people but working in LOS is ######.

To much hot air and fake promises, to difficult and insecure to start a biz.

Didn't want to become a poorly underpaid english teacher just so i can live in so called "paradise". so i could "dream" about making it big whilest living as a slob in a shack. Went back BEFORE the money ran out.

Back in europe working IT contracts, restarted my company, doing great again despite the cold weather.

Will come only for Holiday's and do some import biz but that's it.

LOS is nice if you have money from outside , if you have to make it there it sucks...

Wifey likes europe better also, wonders why thailand has changed so much lately. What she doesn't realise it that she has changed! she doesn't take the Face crap also anymore

Rock on dude

thank budda (or your preferred deity) that we live in thailand, japan really sucks. i just had an average dinner at a so called italian restraunt and it cost me (ok, my company) 6400 yen, about $64 or 2700 baht!

a beer here is $8, coffee $5, it's re-god-dam-dickulous as john wayne would say.

ok, so there are millions of ultra cute japanese girls around, but they wouldn't give a gaijin the time of day.

and everyone speeks to you in japanese, no matter how obviouse it is that you don't speak a word. in fact, the more confused you look, the more japanese they say, and faster. and they give you a menu, all in kanji, and stand there politely smiling like you have a clue what any of it says.

so is there anything good about japan? well it's 10 hours close to thailand than california. just one more night to go and i'll be back in LOS.

What did you expect? A bargain vacation? Give me and everyone else a good goddamn break

probably checking if you have a non O or B visa.

This bank only allows accounts to non immigrants.

Kasikorn and Bangkok bank allow tourist as well through a loophole.

These are governement regulations.

I'll 2nd this emotion and state that they are making sure everything is kosher

Thai Immigration: Dramatic Cut in Visa Extensions

Immigration now give only a 7 or 14 days extension to the 60 days tourist visa

Most Immigration Districts now only give 7 days extensions (fee: THB 1.900,00) on tourist visas. Others, like Nong Khai, only 14 days. Some few might still give 30 days, it's up to the single district to decide, but we don't have knowledge of any doing it.

Source: Thai Immigration, Nong Khai 2004-09-30

if this is only supposed to apply to visa on entry, why does the headline here cleary state "7 or 14 days ext to 60 day tourist visa"?

Or boast how they trekked 2km to another money exchange just to get an extra satang...

roflmao

I don t like people who hate others based on the way they look, walk or talk. Please, let s this forum not become a racist oriented place.

Backpackers are hardly a race of people are they? I've met hundreds of backpackers and am merely relaying my experiences of what I know they do.

Seeing a backpacker struggling to get his pack onto the canal boat is a funny and bizarre sight.

I need a picture of that

^^Fair point.

LOL. Dude, you are classic

What's the embassy like?I want to try there instead of Penang to renew a one year multiple entry Non-immigrant O visa.Got one with no problems in Penang.Want to take wife and kids to Singapore for a holiday.

I've never used the embassy there and it has received mixed reviews here. We need and up to date Singapore thai embassy report