Thailand Updates Visa Rules for Economic Revival

On 2/12/2026 at 12:17 PM, isaanistical said:

Wires crossed? To me, that's two different things, unless they want to attract pensioners (who must NOT work) to work in two restriced sectors.

As always, the details are missng and/or ambiguous. Anyway, next instalment of this saga due end August, so let's not hold our breath.

NB: I took the quote from Johno57, my comment is not aimed at him/her

There's no indication that they're talking about retirees working in those sectors - that would clearly be against both the current employment laws and long-term visa regulations.

I would say it's fairly clear that they are referring to retirees who are going to be spending money on the real estate and the health sectors.

On 2/11/2026 at 8:39 PM, ikke1959 said:

Hopefully get rid of the 90 day report and adress notification after holidays... A few foreigners will not follow the rules but the majoritity always do.. we are not criminals, and even Thai criminals don't report every 90 days at the rehabilitation centre.. So why foreigners must???

Why? Because you're a foreigner. Like me, foreigners have little rights here. Even a Thai citizen, who happens to look like a "farang", like my son, has fewer rights than a Thai...just because he doesn't look Asian enough...or my white man genes came through too much...oops. Shouldn't have said that. In modern and enlightened societies, it's called racism.

47 minutes ago, ZigM said:

Why? Because you're a foreigner. Like me, foreigners have little rights here. Even a Thai citizen, who happens to look like a "farang", like my son, has fewer rights than a Thai...just because he doesn't look Asian enough...or my white man genes came through too much...oops. Shouldn't have said that. In modern and enlightened societies, it's called racism.

I know..... but why make a problem of thing we can't change.. Thais will never, never take advice from a foreigner...Thais think they are all knowing and that is what is being learned at schools... I accept that after a long time..i don't like the 90 days reporting, but I have to do it.. but on the other hand I had plans to create a orphanage or institution for poor kids, but I cancelled that after a few months already as I noticed that we are only "second" row visitors... and in my place I don't complain, but the government officials makes me angry all the time with new rules, requirements, such as now for the annual renewal of my retirement visa, that they have to come to check my address and make a picture that I really live here... That kind of rubbish... Indeed in a somewhat educated society people would be welcomed, as we foreigners contribute a lot to Thailand and racism or double standards would be disapproved by judges.. And than Thailand is wondering why tourists, expats and retirees are staying away... Of course we are tolerated, but not accepted...

During this election i was quite shocked how little some of the politicians who were standing knew about the DTV. It's almost it was introduced through the backdoor without any sort of public debate.

200,000 people have taken it up and there was never any debate in Thailand over it or full facts given to the population.

The lack of criminal record check had to be deliberate rite ? Hell the USA now on top of criminal record checks ask for your social media accounts !!!

8 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I know..... but why make a problem of thing we can't change.. Thais will never, never take advice from a foreigner...Thais think they are all knowing and that is what is being learned at schools... I accept that after a long time..i don't like the 90 days reporting, but I have to do it.. but on the other hand I had plans to create a orphanage or institution for poor kids, but I cancelled that after a few months already as I noticed that we are only "second" row visitors... and in my place I don't complain, but the government officials makes me angry all the time with new rules, requirements, such as now for the annual renewal of my retirement visa, that they have to come to check my address and make a picture that I really live here... That kind of rubbish... Indeed in a somewhat educated society people would be welcomed, as we foreigners contribute a lot to Thailand and racism or double standards would be disapproved by judges.. And than Thailand is wondering why tourists, expats and retirees are staying away... Of course we are tolerated, but not accepted...

Australia was racist up until the late 1970s and there are still a few racists around. But overall, Australia has come a long way. If we don't point out racism, regardless where we live, we will never evolve into an enlightened species.

15 minutes ago, ZigM said:

Australia was racist up until the late 1970s and there are still a few racists around. But overall, Australia has come a long way. If we don't point out racism, regardless where we live, we will never evolve into an enlightened species.

But that is the problem in Thailand.... They don't understand that they are racists in fact... and as I wrote earlier.. they will never accept any advice of a foreigners.. So they think they have all wisdom and are the best. but even in their own community they are racists.. The norm is white and poorer kids or people with a darker skin they have less opportunities.... that is racism too.. Unfortunately Westerns or other foreigners can't change anything..That is the brainwashing that happens in schools ....