"Easy Ride" for pensioners in Thailand now over, says Pattaya Radio

[marcusarelus]

8 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

As hard as it is, the writing is on the wall.

Nothing may have changed 'legally' yet, but you'd need to be seriously pulling the wool over your eyes to ignore the change of mood towards the retiree community.

Now i know I'm gonna get slammed for this, but you know you gotta face facts.

Sooner or later they will ratchet up requirements for extensions, visas etc.

There is a quite severe xenophobia within the ruling classes, not mirrored in the general population I might add....but they don't make the rules!

Why talk about Trump?  There are enough threads going about that nut in the News forum.  We have enough Canadians here now. Let them stay in Florida.  Trump's not going to ratchet up the requirements for Canadians any time soon.  Relax. 

 

Why not talk about Thailand?  The ruling class had far more influence 50 years ago (I know I was here) and they didn't do anything back then.  Now it's even less of an issue.  Every day another restaurant opens up or supermarket making shopping easier and more Western friendly.  More craft beers available.  

 

The hospitals are establishing more links with the West and will direct bill my insurer and I'm sure it is a sign of things to come.  It's only a matter of time before medicare wakes up and realizes the potential savings by paying for care in Thailand.  

 

You gotta face facts.  Thailand is getting better looking every day when you compare it to what is happening in the States now.  Thailand is even getting rid of the cheap charlies who couldn't put 20 grand in the bank and every one knows what a hassle they were not being able to pay bills and acting low class. 

[superal]

21 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

As hard as it is, the writing is on the wall.

Nothing may have changed 'legally' yet, but you'd need to be seriously pulling the wool over your eyes to ignore the change of mood towards the retiree community.

Now i know I'm gonna get slammed for this, but you know you gotta face facts.

Sooner or later they will ratchet up requirements for extensions, visas etc.

There is a quite severe xenophobia within the ruling classes, not mirrored in the general population I might add....but they don't make the rules!

I believe you have made a responsive comment and time will tell if your conjecture is accurate but at the moment I would not bet against you .

[GinBoy2]

3 minutes ago, Spidey said:

Some of us don't have a choice. I have a Thai family which I would be unable to relocate to the UK. My choice is stay in Thailand or abandon my family.

Well of course you have choices.

 

I’ve always worked on the principle of; Hope for the Best, Plan for Worst

 

I’m not British, there seem to be a ton stories on TVF of Brits taking their Thai families back to the UK.

 

So nothing is impossible, it’s just a case of planning, just in case.

 

I would recommend reading https://mobithailand.com blog.

 

He did it, in what where dreadful circumstances, and seems to have made a success of it.

 

So it’s possible to do, but then again, it may not come to it.

But having a plan for a bolt hole when you live in a country of which you are not a citizen of, with next to zero rights, ain't a bad thing in my view!

[Spidey]

Just now, superal said:

I hope that situation never becomes a reality . Division of families means nothing here , UK relocation has to be a tough one to crack so hows about another Asian country if the worse came to the worse ? 

My wife and son are Thai. Would be very onerous for them to relocate to another nearby country with the exception, perhaps of Laos. Laos doesn't have the infrastructure of Thailand, education for my son being primary, besides I visited Laos with my wife and neither of us particularly took to the place.

 

Relocacton to the UK isn't tough for me, my wife and son, it's impossible! I am not and never can be legally married to my Thai wife and my son is legally my stepson. It's Thailand or nothing for us.

[watcharacters]

9 minutes ago, Spidey said:

I have always found that if you are pleasant with them, they are pleasant with you. Don't give them a reason to be awkward with you and they won't be.

 

I have always found them easier and more pleasant to deal with than the British police.

 

My post is not based on personal experience but rather from countless articles and posts on various forums.

 

I agree that it's wise to never have interaction with them as a result of one's bad behavior.

 

From the many videos I've  seen of British police they appear to be polite and reasonable IMHO.

 

[bkk6060]

22 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

Don't the Thai police basically have whatever rights they choose to exercise?

 

Sure.

You have not figured that out?

[GinBoy2]

7 minutes ago, Spidey said:

My wife and son are Thai. Would be very onerous for them to relocate to another nearby country with the exception, perhaps of Laos. Laos doesn't have the infrastructure of Thailand, education for my son being primary, besides I visited Laos with my wife and neither of us particularly took to the place.

 

Relocacton to the UK isn't tough for me, my wife and son, it's impossible! I am not and never can be legally married to my Thai wife and my son is legally my stepson. It's Thailand or nothing for us.

Well wouldn’t now maybe the time to legalize everything.......just in case?

 

 

[Spidey]

Just now, watcharacters said:

 

My post is not based on personal experience but rather from countless articles and posts on various forums.

 

I agree that it's wise to never have interaction with them as a result of one's bad behavior.

 

From the many videos I've  seen of British police they appear to be polite and reasonable IMHO.

 

My post is based on my personal interactions with both the British police and Thai police. Mostly regarding motoring offences. In my opinion I am the best driver in the world (Lewis Hamilton eat your heart out), strangely everyone else I come in contact with thinks that I'm the worst driver in the world!

 

A good anecdotal comparison is that I had a good friend, in the UK who I lost contact with. Saw him a couple of years later and he was stood on a street corner wearing a police uniform. I went straight up to him and greeted him like the long lost friend that he was. He completely blanked me and refused to acknowledge me. Those "in the job" only socialise with those "in the job". Every civvy is a criminal until proved otherwise.

 

By contrast, I regularly socialise with RTP officers and have even been on a bender with them.

[superal]

17 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Why talk about Trump?  There are enough threads going about that nut in the News forum.  We have enough Canadians here now. Let them stay in Florida.  Trump's not going to ratchet up the requirements for Canadians any time soon.  Relax. 

 

Why not talk about Thailand?  The ruling class had far more influence 50 years ago (I know I was here) and they didn't do anything back then.  Now it's even less of an issue.  Every day another restaurant opens up or supermarket making shopping easier and more Western friendly.  More craft beers available.  

 

The hospitals are establishing more links with the West and will direct bill my insurer and I'm sure it is a sign of things to come.  It's only a matter of time before medicare wakes up and realizes the potential savings by paying for care in Thailand.  

 

You gotta face facts.  Thailand is getting better looking every day when you compare it to what is happening in the States now.  Thailand is even getting rid of the cheap charlies who couldn't put 20 grand in the bank and every one knows what a hassle they were not being able to pay bills and acting low class. 

OK , so what are your comments regarding expats who have built their new homes with their Thai families and more or less exhausted their savings but are living comfortably and happily on their small pensions and are not a burden to anyone . Do you want the farlang deported and break up his loving family that are living reasonably on his support ?

You cannot tar everyone with the same brush .  Assets ( e.g. house )that have a decent monetary value should be brought into the visa qualification of 4/800k .

[Spidey]

8 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

Well wouldn’t now maybe the time to legalize everything.......just in case?

 

 

As I said, not possible to marry my Thai wife (a little matter of bigamy) and without that impossible to adopt my son.

[marcusarelus]

2 minutes ago, superal said:

OK , so what are your comments regarding expats who have built their new homes with their Thai families and more or less exhausted their savings but are living comfortably and happily on their small pensions and are not a burden to anyone . Do you want the farlang deported and break up his loving family that are living reasonably on his support ?

You cannot tar everyone with the same brush .  Assets ( e.g. house )that have a decent monetary value should be brought into the visa qualification of 4/800k .

Nonsense.  If you bought a home and exhausted your savings you are a bit of a nut case.  No one is that stupid.  Or if they are they should not be allowed to live alone in society without a legal guardian.  

[LomSak27]

21 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

You gotta face facts.  Thailand is getting better looking every day when you compare it to what is happening in the States now.  Thailand is even getting rid of the cheap charlies who couldn't put 20 grand in the bank and every one knows what a hassle they were not being able to pay bills and acting low class. 

POTUS is a pain in the a--, that said, whenever I am back in the US, you get a friendly can do vibe, one rare to find in Thailand. I expect a lot of places are not like that but where I am from it is ... As for cheapcharlies ... the brit aussie brigade that debates who bought what for less at my old bar are essentially harmless and my choice if I want to put up with their ear bashing sessions or not. 

I'll spend half a 19 reading up on 800K bank procedures but also other countries; Indonesia, Portugal, cruiser for inside passage etc.  

 

17 minutes ago, GinBoy2 said:

But having a plan for a bolt hole when you live in a country of which you are not a citizen of, with next to zero rights, ain't a bad thing in my view!

 

Edited October 25, 2018 by LomSak27

[cleverman]

13 hours ago, dcnx said:

They are still able. Nothing is changing for well connected agents.

No money was put in bank,managers were bribed, now the heat is on, they won't risk their jobs doing it anymore. Where do you think the money 800000/40000 came from, money lenders at 10 percent a week, compounded for 3 months? 

[sambum]

52 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Why talk about Trump?  There are enough threads going about that nut in the News forum.  We have enough Canadians here now. Let them stay in Florida.  Trump's not going to ratchet up the requirements for Canadians any time soon.  Relax. 

 

Why not talk about Thailand?  The ruling class had far more influence 50 years ago (I know I was here) and they didn't do anything back then.  Now it's even less of an issue.  Every day another restaurant opens up or supermarket making shopping easier and more Western friendly.  More craft beers available.  

 

The hospitals are establishing more links with the West and will direct bill my insurer and I'm sure it is a sign of things to come.  It's only a matter of time before medicare wakes up and realizes the potential savings by paying for care in Thailand.  

 

You gotta face facts.  Thailand is getting better looking every day when you compare it to what is happening in the States now.  Thailand is even getting rid of the cheap charlies who couldn't put 20 grand in the bank and every one knows what a hassle they were not being able to pay bills and acting low class. 

First of all - who mentioned Trump? - you!

Secondly - you come across as being an arrogant snob when you use the type of language  that you employ in your final sentence

Thirdly - change that to "troll"!

Fourthly - ????

Edited October 25, 2018 by sambum

[superal]

29 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Nonsense.  If you bought a home and exhausted your savings you are a bit of a nut case.  No one is that stupid.  Or if they are they should not be allowed to live alone in society without a legal guardian.  

 

31 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Nonsense.  If you bought a home and exhausted your savings you are a bit of a nut case.  No one is that stupid.  Or if they are they should not be allowed to live alone in society without a legal guardian.  

Just because there are insufficient savings the income from pension/s etc could well exceed the income requirements ( in many cases ) that are no longer endorsed by the UK embassy .  The fact is that the goal posts have been moved without any consultation or address and what was once a working procedure has been ditched without any consideration or concern for the expats who are settled in Thailand with their families .     

Do you have many friends ?

[Expattaff1308]

If they want to go down the road of 40/65 deposits a month into a Thai account, this is easily verified by a bank letter similar to the 400/800k letter stating that Mr Expat has deposited 400/800k Thai Baht into his account over the last 12 mths which equates to 40/65k per month. (divided by 12 or the months you have been in Thailand) Backed up as they do now with with seasoned cash showing your Bank Book.

One has to wonder why this hasnt been suggested by the BE (though I dont think they understand the process of gaining an extension) or even by Immigration then this will alleviate all needs for embassy letters and meet the requirements to show an average income over the year which equates to the sums required by Immigration.

[superal]

3 minutes ago, Expattaff1308 said:

If they want to go down the road of 40/65 deposits a month into a Thai account, this is easily verified by a bank letter similar to the 400/800k letter stating that Mr Expat has deposited 400/800k Thai Baht into his account over the last 12 mths which equates to 40/65k per month. (divided by 12 or the months you have been in Thailand) Backed up as they do now with with seasoned cash showing your Bank Book.

One has to wonder why this hasnt been suggested by the BE (though I dont think they understand the process of gaining an extension) or even by Immigration then this will alleviate all needs for embassy letters and meet the requirements to show an average income over the year which equates to the sums required by Immigration.

I think you will find that the monthly income is only accepted by the T,I, when endorsed by the British Embassy , not by a bank letter .

[Expattaff1308]

14 minutes ago, superal said:

I think you will find that the monthly income is only accepted by the T,I, when endorsed by the British Embassy , not by a bank letter .

As the Embassy Letter is no longer an option and that the BE website suggest bank statements showing income deposits into a Thai Bank I thought this would be a reasonable solution that would meet the income needs of Thai Imm, would show the income deposited into your bank and easily verified by a Bank letter supported by the Bank Book or statements.

[KhunFred]

The idea that that there has EVER been an easy ride for pensioners is beyond absurd.

[gunderhill]

On 10/9/2018 at 8:43 PM, totally thaied up said:

I won't gloat as well. If this does not blow over and it spreads to other Embassies, that 400K in my bank will most likely not be the end to it either. What would happen if they told you that they expected you to live off that 400K for a year and then bring in more money? My wife works, we live off her wages, as well as most normal married couples, do, so I don't have to bring in a swag of money all the time during times of a horrible FX rate. I bring in a certain amount of money every month, keep 400K in the bank and so far, it has been sweet but if that changes, that sweetness suddenly sours because they are making it hard on Thai people as well that are in marriages to Westerners. A lot of people here may not be as lucky as I am having a wife that earns a basic wage and contributes. Many of my friends support whole families as the wife/extended family relies on the Westerner to survive. As we all know here, not everyone is wealthy. Many of my friends have that 400K in the bank and live as I do and others don't.

 

I doubt for any of us over time, that this will be the end of it IF the British Embassy does not do a backflip over this using another system.

 

This is Thailand (TIT) - there will always be another ''excellent'' plan in the wind and to me, this is one of the biggest changes to come through the system ***IF IMPLEMENTED*** to date.

 

 

Exactly the way we do it too, Wife  works I just leave 400k in an account, been ok the  last 5  years but "who knows" what's  coming, if it gets really stupid Ill buy the 1 million baht 20 year no hassle Eite (who knows with that too though)

Probably find strictly speaking this is not "supporting a  Thai Wife"

 

Edited October 25, 2018 by gunderhill

[stanleycoin]

8 minutes ago, gunderhill said:

Exactly the way we do it too, Wife  works I just leave 400k in an account, been ok the  last 5  years but "who knows" what's  coming, if it gets really stupid Ill buy the 1 million baht 20 year no hassle Eite (who knows with that too though)

Probably find strictly speaking this is not "supporting a  Thai Wife"

 

I would not trust a 20 year visa for a Million baht,

they go back on there word in Thailand, at a drop of a hat,

once they have your money, its over, what can you do.

[gunderhill]

10 minutes ago, stanleycoin said:

I would not trust a 20 year visa for a Million baht,

they go back on there word in Thailand, at a drop of a hat,

once they have your money, its over, what can you do.

Despite many mocking the  Thai Elite Program its  still going at almost 20 years.

[rumak]

3 hours ago, marcusarelus said:

Nonsense.  If you bought a home and exhausted your savings you are a bit of a nut case.  No one is that stupid.  Or if they are they should not be allowed to live alone in society without a legal guardian.  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvswocNN-g8

[Golden Triangle]

Me & the Mrs have been happily living together now for 7 years & known each other for longer than that, we are not married but may as well be. Prior to all this kerfuffle about the cancellation of the Embassy letters things have changed for me, I have always had the required funds in my bank account to cover the retirement extension but after my renewal this year I decided to run down the funds in my Thai bank account, purely due to a growing distrust and confidence in their staff & account security for on line & app banking, basically they have no guarantee that if your account is scammed or the bank goes bust you are not covered for your losses, unlike the protection you have in the UK & I assume the majority of 1st world banks.

 

Coupled with the now horrendous exchange rate between the UK £ and Thai Baht, 42.50 on XE.com a few seconds ago, and no doubt worse at my bank I refuse to transfer the funds from my bank in the UK.

 

The exchange rate also means that my State pension and private pension are worth at least 20% if not more than they were before this Brexit debacle reared its ugly head, so now I have 2 choices, 1. I use an agent and pay for my retirement extension OR 2. I marry the Mrs and go down the Married Visa route, although I have heard that this route is so ridiculous in it's requirements as to be a non starter, ie: the amount of stuff, pictures, maps & other demands are beyond belief.

 

I currently have well over 1/2 of the required 800,000 but don't want to knowingly lose money  by transferring the balance just now, I will therefore use an agent and pay his respectable sum and hopefully things will pick up in the future.

 

And another thing I fail to understand is why is a single guy required to have 800,000 & a married couple, no doubt with kids and all that goes with it get away with 400,000 Baht ?? a bit of a conundrum in my book is that one.

 

 

 

   

[stanleycoin]

32 minutes ago, gunderhill said:

Despite many mocking the  Thai Elite Program its  still going at almost 20 years.

maybe so,  I don't trust Thailand for money up front,  20 year visa.

Nah sod that. but your welcome to do so. 

 

 

Edited October 25, 2018 by stanleycoin

[superal]

27 minutes ago, stanleycoin said:

maybe so,  I don't trust Thailand for money up front,  20 year visa.

Nah sod that. but your welcome to do so. 

 

 

and Thailand has portable goal posts

[marcusarelus]

3 hours ago, sambum said:

First of all - who mentioned Trump? - you!

Secondly - you come across as being an arrogant snob when you use the type of language  that you employ in your final sentence

Thirdly - change that to "troll"!

Fourthly - ????

"First of all - who mentioned Trump?" The "anti Thai poster guy " wrote, "There is a quite severe xenophobia within the ruling classes, not mirrored in the general population I might add....but they don't make the rules!"   I assumed he was talking about Trump and the American ruling class.  If Trump isn't xenophobic and part of the ruling class who is?  

 

All the guy I responded to does is talk about how great America is and how bad Thailand is so it seemed reasonable to me. 

Edited October 25, 2018 by marcusarelus

[Esso49]

1 hour ago, KhunFred said:

The idea that that there has EVER been an easy ride for pensioners is beyond absurd.

Guess what was meant it was easy for those using corrupt agents for the 400/800 not real deposits

[marcusarelus]

3 hours ago, superal said:

 

Just because there are insufficient savings the income from pension/s etc could well exceed the income requirements ( in many cases ) that are no longer endorsed by the UK embassy .  The fact is that the goal posts have been moved without any consultation or address and what was once a working procedure has been ditched without any consideration or concern for the expats who are settled in Thailand with their families .     

Do you have many friends ?

I'd tell my son, "If you don't have 20 grand in the bank you don't have enough money to marry or have children or lead any poor woman on that you might be able to support her."

 

I can see trying to make it on a shoestring in Thailand if you are single but it seems to me that having a family commits one to a certain amount of fiscal responsibility.  Not having 20 grand in the bank and having a family is irresponsible. 

[cleverman]

7 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I'd tell my son, "If you don't have 20 grand in the bank you don't have enough money to marry or have children or lead any poor woman on that you might be able to support her."

 

I can see trying to make it on a shoestring in Thailand if you are single but it seems to me that having a family commits one to a certain amount of fiscal responsibility.  Not having 20 grand in the bank and having a family is irresponsible. 

They don't care what happens to their wife or kids,only themselves. And if the kids are theirs, even worse. If you have no provision for those who you leave behind when you go to the final BBQ, stay single.Have some pride.