SURVEY: Big Joke--Is he on the right track?

[Scott]

There have been a number of topics about visa crackdowns.   In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?

 

Please feel free to leave a comment.

 

For further reading:

 

 

[Samui Bodoh]

"...In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?..."

 

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

 

The daily (literally) barrage of stories about how "Foreigners" are taking Thai jobs, causing crime, insulting Thai culture, disrespecting Thai people, etc etc etc is straight out of the playbook of a far-right, authoritarian regime. The Junta's message, how they are the only ones that can 'protect' Thais from the evil foreigners, is the message that they want to campaign on, but as they depend on tourism they can't say it out loud. So, we hear the daily drumbeat of how Thais are under 'attack' (subtly) and that the military, represented by Prayut, will 'protect' the Thai people. Text book case...

 

It is sad; the reason I fell in love with Thailand many years ago was the welcoming attitude of the Thai people and the joyous focus on having fun. Nowadays, it seems like those beautiful aspects of Thai culture are being attacked and replaced with something much darker.

 

This 'debate' over immigration and the endless media attention ordered by the Junta is aimed at creating the 'us vs. them' mentality; the Junta hopes to ride this to some kind of electoral mandate.

 

Sad as hell to watch...

 

 

Edited October 14, 2018 by Samui Bodoh

[simoh1490]

If they get rid of the chancers, scammers and con artists life will be easier for the genuine expat, I support their actions unreservedly.

[Vacuum]

8 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

creating the 'us vs. them' mentality

Creating? It has always been like this.

[Oziex1]

14 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?..."

 

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

 

The daily (literally) barrage of stories about how "Foreigners" are taking Thai jobs, causing crime, insulting Thai culture, disrespecting Thai people, etc etc etc is straight out of the playbook of a far-right, authoritarian regime. The Junta's message, how they are the only ones that can 'protect' Thais from the evil foreigners, is the message that they want to campaign on, but as they depend on tourism they can't say it out loud. So, we hear the daily drumbeat of how Thais are under 'attack' (subtly) and that the military, represented by Prayut, will 'protect' the Thai people. Text book case...

 

It is sad; the reason I fell in love with Thailand many years ago was the welcoming attitude of the Thai people and the joyous focus on having fun. Nowadays, it seems like those beautiful aspects of Thai culture are being attacked a replaced with something much darker.

 

This 'debate' over immigration and the endless media attention ordered by the Junta is aimed at creating the 'us vs. them' mentality; the Junta hopes to ride this to some kind of electoral mandate.

 

Sad as hell to watch...

 

 

Sadly the politics of division is practised all around the world now as it appeals to those with a narrow view of things.

 

Is it likely to make the Junta more popular, I have doubts on that.

[simoh1490]

31 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"

This 'debate' over immigration and the endless media attention ordered by the Junta is aimed at creating the 'us vs. them' mentality; the Junta hopes to ride this to some kind of electoral mandate.

 

Sad as hell to watch...

 

 

 

Whilst everyone was having fun many people forget where the rules were, many even missed the fact that there are rules.....Oh, it's OK, they won't mind was the attitude. Well, they did mind and quite rightly so, people had taken advantage of things being lax whilst at the same time slagging off the country, the police and immigration for being incompetent and third world. Guess what, now people are paying the price, quite right too.

[bannork]

43 minutes ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?..."

 

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

 

The daily (literally) barrage of stories about how "Foreigners" are taking Thai jobs, causing crime, insulting Thai culture, disrespecting Thai people, etc etc etc is straight out of the playbook of a far-right, authoritarian regime. The Junta's message, how they are the only ones that can 'protect' Thais from the evil foreigners, is the message that they want to campaign on, but as they depend on tourism they can't say it out loud. So, we hear the daily drumbeat of how Thais are under 'attack' (subtly) and that the military, represented by Prayut, will 'protect' the Thai people. Text book case...

 

It is sad; the reason I fell in love with Thailand many years ago was the welcoming attitude of the Thai people and the joyous focus on having fun. Nowadays, it seems like those beautiful aspects of Thai culture are being attacked and replaced with something much darker.

 

This 'debate' over immigration and the endless media attention ordered by the Junta is aimed at creating the 'us vs. them' mentality; the Junta hopes to ride this to some kind of electoral mandate.

 

Sad as hell to watch...

 

 

Nationalism has always been an easy card for politicians to play. Remember the name of Thaksin's party?  Thai Rak Thai- Thais love Thais

[Fex Bluse]

I have very little faith in any Thai government body. History shows their efforts are usually for show.

 

If they REALLY wanted to improve their image (which they care about more than actual law breaking), they would arrest, prosecute and jail THAI government officers and other influential THAI criminals who facilitate much of the immigration and other crime in Thailand. 

[Credo]

I have no problem with enforcing immigration laws, but these seem to be very targeted raids to net publicity.   They also seem to be targeting certain races over others.

 

[JAG]

If Immigration, or more particularly these luridly entitled campaigns and crackdowns were enforcing existing rules fairly and across the board, "without fear or favour", then fine. However, they do seem to be rather concentrated on certain ethnic groups, geographical areas and areas of illegal activities. Maybe low hanging fruit, maybe shakedowns to "enhance and concentrate informal fiscal arrangements", perhaps as Samuih Bodoh suggests good old fashioned junta xenophobia.

 

As for the man himself, well I suggest that he has a flair for self publicity and self promotion, which he has turned to a campaign to push himself and those who are close to him up the professional and political ladder. Seems to be working. 

[Peterw42]

15 minutes ago, Credo said:

I have no problem with enforcing immigration laws, but these seem to be very targeted raids to net publicity.   They also seem to be targeting certain races over others.

 

Yes thats right, all of the immigration crackdowns have little to do with western expats etc. "100 foreigners arrested" means a publicity round-up of people that jump the border every day. Its not a Visa crackdown as these people dont even have a passport to put a visa in.

 

Edited October 14, 2018 by Peterw42

[simoh1490]

18 minutes ago, Credo said:

I have no problem with enforcing immigration laws, but these seem to be very targeted raids to net publicity.   They also seem to be targeting certain races over others.

 

Proportionately the Burmese and Cambodians represent a much more significant risk than a few farang overstayers hence it's quite right that they should be targeted, I think. It's a few farangs who seem to be getting nervous as soon as the words immigration and overstayers are mentioned, I wonder why! 

Edited October 14, 2018 by simoh1490

[BestB]

10 minutes ago, simoh1490 said:

Proportionately the Burmese and Cambodians represent a much more significant risk than a few farang overstayers hence it's quite right that they should be targeted, I think. It's a few farangs who seem to be getting nervous as soon as the words immigration and overstayers are mentioned, I wonder why! 

Because immigration does not always follow its own rules or makes up its own on the spot.

 

 

[BestB]

They keep on repeating how bad foreigners taking Thai jobs. 

 

But has anyone of them got a business ? Thai do not want to work .

 

i have been short staffed for 8 years. So are most businesses I know. 

 

Low end paying jobs not only almost impossible to get staff but they work just a few months and gone.

 

I am certain many would prefer to hire Thai not to have language problems but there is simply no choice.

 

see many Thai lining up for construction job? Or cleaners ?

Edited October 14, 2018 by BestB

[yellowboat]

Given his impact as a whole, he gets way too much attention.  Pretty sure his counter parts in nearby countries see him as a big joke.  They seem to just do their job without any media attention at all.  He makes Thailand look dumb

[akirasan]

1 hour ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?..."

 

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

 

The daily (literally) barrage of stories about how "Foreigners" are taking Thai jobs, causing crime, insulting Thai culture, disrespecting Thai people, etc etc etc is straight out of the playbook of a far-right, authoritarian regime. The Junta's message, how they are the only ones that can 'protect' Thais from the evil foreigners, is the message that they want to campaign on, but as they depend on tourism they can't say it out loud. So, we hear the daily drumbeat of how Thais are under 'attack' (subtly) and that the military, represented by Prayut, will 'protect' the Thai people. Text book case...

That's exactly my immediate thought as well. The exact quote from Hermann Goring is:

 

"The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

[bkkcanuck8]

2 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

There are three primary primary motives that I can see.  

 

One is normal publicity to show the people that you are doing the job and are seen to be doing the job in a diligent manner.  It serves the purpose of reassuring the population at large that immigration is finally taking its job seriously.  The second is for self-promotion to the people who will judge you and determine if you are to be promoted when the opportunity avails itself.  Neither is sinister.  

 

Two is to get the word out to all those that thought that the corrupt ways of the past are no longer acceptable (no tips sign).  

 

Three is to get the word out to all those that took advantage of the lax enforcement, corrupt, or non-enforcement of immigration laws.  Get legal, stay legal, or get out.  People that have used agents to get around the fact that they are not eligible, etc. or have not abided by the law and intent of the regulations and visas... should take it as duly warned.

 

Their job is to make immigration work for Thai citizens (as determined by the government), not to make it work for anyone that wants to reside here for any reason.  

 

Simply put, someone is taking their job seriously and many are feeling insecure...

[otherstuff1957]

I think that the PTB have chosen him to be the next PM of Thailand, just in case Big Too proves to be too unpopular. 

 

He is not a one-man crackdown.  One officer, however senior, could not implement a sweeping policy like this.  The police have obviously been working on these anti-Indian/African sweeps for some time and he is just the public face who has been chosen to front this movement. 

 

As others have pointed out nothing appeals to a broad spectrum of voters like a healthy dose of xenophobia.

[helloagain]

2 hours ago, Vacuum said:

Creating? It has always been like this.

They think we are crazy....we know they are 5555

[poanoi]

if he enforce the police do their duty and extend visa without

any notion of getting a free meal from the applicant,

under penalty of public testicle whipping,

i'm all for it

[simoh1490]

2 hours ago, BestB said:

Because immigration does not always follow its own rules or makes up its own on the spot.

 

 

Strange how some people have those problems whilst others never do, like not once in 16 years!

[pegman]

3 hours ago, simoh1490 said:

If they get rid of the chancers, scammers and con artists life will be easier for the genuine expat, I support their actions unreservedly.

Wait till they come for you buddy. They are nationalists and this is what they do and you better believe they will get around to you. Unless you are a yellow shirted Thai by birth that is.

[connda]

If his main concern is busting as many people as possible for immigration violations while ignoring the administrative problems within the immigration system (the absolute debacle that is called Chiang Mai Immigration comes to mind), then I believe he is being 'overzealous' in a tunnel-vision sort of way.  Honestly, he was promoted from a job that put him in the limelight 24/7, so it seems he will concentrate his efforts as Head of Immigration on enforcement in order to stay in the limelight, and let the day-to-day administration of Thai Immigration be damned. There is no glory in being a highly effective administrative agent behind the scenes. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, otherstuff1957 said:

I think that the PTB have chosen him to be the next PM of Thailand, just in case Big Too proves to be too unpopular. 

 

He is not a one-man crackdown.  One officer, however senior, could not implement a sweeping policy like this.  The police have obviously been working on these anti-Indian/African sweeps for some time and he is just the public face who has been chosen to front this movement. 

 

As others have pointed out nothing appeals to a broad spectrum of voters like a healthy dose of xenophobia.

Regarding setting up a public figure to lead the nation?  You may actually be on to something there.  The meteoric rise of a public figure from within the Royal Thai Police to offer a counter-balance to the military?  The RTP is the only power within Thai society with a chance to keep the military in check.  Stay tuned.....

[jamie2009]

For some reason The Thai Government are trying discourage farangs from coming too Thailand. These are the tourists who keep the wheels of the small businesses turning and actually spend money in the shops and bars unlike the Chinese.

 

Currently they only appear to be selecting people because the colour of their skin.

 

The current farang overstayers can’t be identified by the colour of their skin so how does Big Joke propose to identify them.

 

I haven’t read about any Agents or Immigration Offices es yet being paid a visit to inspect what goes on ?

 

 

[4MyEgo]

I believe there are a lot of paranoid posters here on what is really actually happening.

 

The media hype could also be to warn those overstaying that they are on borrowed time, now if it gives the current unelected government credibility, well good for them, time will tell when the Thai's go to the poles, personally I hope they do not get in as they took power under a coup or force if you like and have themselves overstayed and are now wanting to hang onto power, if they do, this will be a very sad day for the Thai's.

 

Immigration catching particular races on overstaying or no visa's is probably narrowed down to the most likely races that are troublesome, call it racism or ethnic cleansing, it is what it is and they have their reasons.

 

Personally I have never had an issue in the 12 years coming going and living in Thailand, just have the right paperwork in order, the correct funds, follow their rules and it's no different than being back in the old country following their rules. I am not distracted by all the paranoia, there is a system in place which appears to have been lax over the years, and now it is being cleaned up, for how long, who knows, the longer it goes on, no doubt the better for the country.

 

Anyways that's my 2 bobs worth.

[pattayadgw]

I feel he is on the right track for busting overstay, illegal entry, education visa scams etc. but think he/they are on the wrong track for those who are legally here on retirement visas etc. Things just seem to get worse day by day. EG: if you are a retiree and decide to go upcountry to spend some days with wife/gf's family and you stay in a hotel and then when you return home within 24 hrs have to go to immigration and show them all your documents / house docs again - same if you go out of country - this is total unnecessary madness!! Now i've heard different stories on this as well... some saying nothing has happened to them when they didn't go check in within 24 hrs and others who have been fined..... there is NO UNIFORMITY at the immigration offices and for that matter NONE at the Embassies abroad.  WHY IS THIS??  

[meechai]

On the right track...Regarding more proof of funds....Quickest way to weed out the fakes & bottom feeder agents too is deny income claims...Show Thailand the $$ in Thailand

 

If you cannot have at lease 400/800k in a bank to help pay for emergencies,,,then go home

 

Please, hold the "I have plenty $$  in my other pants,,,I can wire in today stories"????

Edited October 14, 2018 by meechai

[HHTel]

23 minutes ago, connda said:

his efforts as Head of Immigration on enforcement in order to stay in the limelight

That is the real reason.  

[holy cow cm]

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...In your opinion, is Big Joke and immigration on the right track or are they being overzealous?..."

 

While it is the responsibility of the immigration division to regulate the flow of non-Thais in and out of Thailand and set reasonable guidelines for those who stay, the sheer number of news stories and their tone suggests another motive.

 

The daily (literally) barrage of stories about how "Foreigners" are taking Thai jobs, causing crime, insulting Thai culture, disrespecting Thai people, etc etc etc is straight out of the playbook of a far-right, authoritarian regime. The Junta's message, how they are the only ones that can 'protect' Thais from the evil foreigners, is the message that they want to campaign on, but as they depend on tourism they can't say it out loud. So, we hear the daily drumbeat of how Thais are under 'attack' (subtly) and that the military, represented by Prayut, will 'protect' the Thai people. Text book case...

 

It is sad; the reason I fell in love with Thailand many years ago was the welcoming attitude of the Thai people and the joyous focus on having fun. Nowadays, it seems like those beautiful aspects of Thai culture are being attacked and replaced with something much darker.

 

This 'debate' over immigration and the endless media attention ordered by the Junta is aimed at creating the 'us vs. them' mentality; the Junta hopes to ride this to some kind of electoral mandate.

 

Sad as hell to watch...

 

 

Racism.