A proactive approach to our current embassy letters.

[BB1958]

 

There is a perception that the “authorities” monitor this site. To what extent, I suppose few would know.

 

This debate – or perhaps a more appropriate description might be - “collection of individual grievances, OR the better off, pontificating, etc., please add your own descriptive term.

 

I will adopt a proactive opinion – it will be ignored by most of you and perhaps that is how it should be? However, when you do criticise, PLEASE add your reason and alternative.

 

PREMISE:

 

Immigration Thailand and to date, three embassies have shifted the goalposts. We can all conjecture as to why.

 

I doubt very much it is as simple as one would suppose. I also doubt the Thai immigration people care very much how much money individuals need to live here. Even about the 800,000/400,000 deposit. I think there are “other” factors in play.

 

I suggest that we offer a solution that will alleviate the concerns of many. AND create a significant revenue stream.

 

I have written before about the Schengen system of insurance - A THAI going to Europe is compelled to purchase a minimum insurance cover of B1,110,000 for B750 per month. Simple, one size fits all policy (up to age 64 – slightly more for 65 – 110 yrs old)

 

<Snip>Foreign residents in Thailand, according to the 2010 Census. It was found that there were 2,581,141 foreigners, composing around 3.87 percent of Thailand's population. Migrants from Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar, the most prevalent, accounted for 1.8 million foreigners.

In 2010 there were 27,357 Westerners living in the northeastern region, 90 percent living with Thai wives, according to research by the College of Population Studies at Chulalongkorn University in 2017

Foreign residents by country of origin 2010

Nationality	Population	Percentage
Myanmar	1,292,686	50.08
Cambodia	281,292	10.90
Laos	222,432	8.62
China	141,553	5.48
United Kingdom	85,836	3.33
Japan	80,898	3.13
India	46,326	1.80
United States	40,230	1.56
Germany	24,383	0.94
France	22,486	0.87
Vietnam	17,662	0.68
Philippines	17,574	0.68
Malaysia	8,182	0.32
Singapore	2,952	0.11
Indonesia	2,952	0.11
Others	174,236	6.75
Stateless	117,315	4.54
Unknown	2,147	0.08
Total population	2,581,141	100.00

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Thailand 

 

Those helpful people that remind me the figures are from 2010 – thank you. But, be aware a lot of evidence based research takes time – these figures were published in 2017.

I DO NOT CLAIM THEIR ACCURACY – that is for the University to defend.

 

Take away the obvious, the top three, we are left with 784,731 as at 2010. We can assume that that figure could be close to 1 million some eight years later (Of course it could also be less).For the purpose of this article I will assume 1,000,000 expats excluding, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. (Which I will get back to later).

 

(Like schengen) EVERY long term expat ONLY has one obligation when getting “permission to retire/stay here”. S/he must pay the Thai government 2,500 Baht EVERY month, non refundable, for which they will be partially integrated into Thai society. They will have universal health insurance on the same basis as an ordinary Thai Citizen. This will net the Thai Government 2.5 BILLION BAHT EVERY MONTH – or 30 BILLION baht per YEAR. Of course all other checks & balances and charges will need to remain OR be modified.

 

To keep it SIMPLE Each and every person will pay 30,000 Baht or about $900.00 US dollars each year for their “Permission to remain” for that year.

 

Back to the three “neighbours” Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. These too should have to pay for their work permits, etc.. The Thai Gov may decide on a 1000 or 1500 Baht per month for their “Permission to stay/work in Thailand” This would Net Thailand between 1.8 Billion and 2.7 Billion Baht a month or 21.6 Billion and 32.4 BILLION per YEAR.

The combined revenue for all expats, could exceed 60 BILLION Baht 3.5 – 4% of GDP, depending on how the figures are calculated. It would/could? provide a huge boost to the Public hospital system.

 

Add to this most Expats IMPORT at least 10-20++++ TIMES this amount of hard NEW currency into the Kingdom every month. (Excluding the top three – Myanmar Cambodia and Laos)

I hope Thai immigration do read these forums, I hope too that they show the world how “innovative” they can be. Out of 1,000,000 People, one can assume that Thousands of marriages in Thailand and thousands upon thousands of children need the security of a stable home.

 

Big Joke has shown himself to be proactive and innovative and of course he it tipped to be the NEW immigration chief https://youtu.be/Ii26ydeDwsElist=PLeN0FC88OAWvCr7TeT1ONdUcOxfmfRD5R – Courtesy Thai Visa News.

 

 

 

[glegolo]

Thank you for a great idea´..........

 

glegolo

[BB1958]

2 minutes ago, glegolo said:

Thank you for a great idea´..........

 

glegolo

Thank you for taking it seriously - Thailand has been innovative - their "tourist Police" are even better than Spain's (Who started a tourist Police system, I seem to recall) No reason why they cannot capitalise on this too..

[elviajero]

There is a lot about the visa system that needs reform, but your idea is just nuts, and far to simplistic.

 

Why would you suggest expats currently paying 1,900 per year pay 30,000!?

 

There is no problem to fix for most expats/visitors.

[chicowoodduck]

A whole lot of dribble here....????

 

Might as well be pissing into the oncoming wind....for all the good it will do....you strike me as a person who likes to hear themselves talk?????

 

Just let the locals rot in their cots and seek the higher ground or place to rest your head as it may.....my exit is Stage Left....lol....????

[crazykopite]

I wouldn’t criticise your suggestion as it is plausible if it were a choice of paying 30,000 baht a year without the need to have 800,000 sitting in a Thai bank earning no interest I would be happy with that especially if you also were to have free hospital treatment , last year my wife needed an operation which was carried out in the Government hospital ( and very good they were ) we opted for a private room the bill was in the region of 80,000 baht that was for everything so no complaints ( I was quoted up to 500,000 baht at a couple of private hospitals ) . Some people will mock your idea as a retirement visa only costs 1,900 per year at the moment I use the 800k method and once the stamp is in the passport we live on that money and top up on the 9th month I did have an issue once when an imo officer wasn’t happy as he said he wanted to see money coming in every month even though at the time my saving account showed 1 million baht thankfully he moved on shortly after.

[DPKANKAN]

11 hours ago, elviajero said:

There is a lot about the visa system that needs reform, but your idea is just nuts, and far to simplistic.

 

Why would you suggest expats currently paying 1,900 per year pay 30,000!?

 

There is no problem to fix for most expats/visitors.

Agreed. I already pay over 30,000 a year for health and accident cover. I more than cover the income requirement with my pensions. The only thing I do not have is a stash of reddies in the bank, thanks to a previous relationship.

 

I have always provided legitimate pension statements to our wonderful embassy to receive my letter for retirement renewal.

 

What we need is a collective proposal from/to the UK, US and Aussie Embassies to sit down and arrive at a solution with the Thai Authorities rather than just washing their hands of it!!

[Tracyb]

I think this is a great idea.  I wouldn’t mind paying an annual fee that would cover hospital insurance for me.  It would also eliminate many of the hoops I have to jump through every year here in Chiang Mai.....

 

lets hope that something like this comes forward in the near future.

[quandow]

A lot of work went into your post and I genuinely thank you for the effort. You forgot the most important thing, though - they truly don't give a shit.

[BB1958]

2 minutes ago, Tracyb said:

I think this is a great idea.  I wouldn’t mind paying an annual fee that would cover hospital insurance for me.  It would also eliminate many of the hoops I have to jump through every year here in Chiang Mai.....

 

lets hope that something like this comes forward in the near future.

Hi Tracy B, Thank you for reading and replying, It already works in Europe (Of course NOT exactly) - But this board (sadly) is extremely negative. The negative responders are soooooo predictable (I had already guessed some who have already posted) and there are many more to come - if the thread survives that long.

 

Some will suggest it's to simplistic (But, will not offer alternatives, some will deliberately include an "irrelevancy" to derail the topic... It is so sad that few things can be debated here, without abuse and (unwarranted) derogatory remarks. Or unnecessary "Thai Bashing"

 

However, I am not a "Thai basher" one of my closest Thai friends recently passed aged 61. A couple of weeks before, we visited him and had dinner - funny thing, he gave me a "man Hug" - rare for him and exceedingly rare for me... He said at dinner that he will visit his sister the following week... which he did. He died there and I did not see him again... Their family and mine have friendships spanning 40 years, I held HIS, mum's hand whilst she passed, some 10 years ago - many things bonded us over the years... Heartbreaking.

 

I do think Pol Maj-General Surachat Hakpal (big Joke) has a significant intellect and displays good common sense, commitment, perseverance  - I would not be surprised, once his acting status becomes the real deal and he becomes the gazetted Immigration Police chief, that he radically changes the immigration landscape. I also believe that he listens, AND he is aware of this forum. Plus (again sadly) all the insulting "drivel" aimed at Thai people.

[Olmate]

Yep, good work and thanks for that, not one thing wrong with it, the same money but better spent.In the current climate I feel we are not legitimately accepted even with a long stay visa, this idea would alter that too.

[Olmate]

12 hours ago, elviajero said:

There is a lot about the visa system that needs reform, but your idea is just nuts, and far to simplistic.

 

Why would you suggest expats currently paying 1,900 per year pay 30,000!?

 

There is no problem to fix for most expats/visitors.

So all the posters in these various threads, have no problem?

[robertson468]

There is not a problem, providing all the Immigration Offices interpret their regulations regarding the Retirement Visa correctly, which is the nub of the problem.  Each Regional Office seems to be making up their own story of how to apply income.  Some are saying you MUST deposit 800/400K in a Bank three months before you apply for a new Visa.  This is INCORRECT,  If you can prove you are receiving 65/40K monthly in to your Thai Bank Account, you are complying with the Immigration Regulation.  For Brits, you need to read the Consul Website which notifiys the change of no longer providing the income affidavit.  It states quite clearly that the money deposit is an either or arrangement.  The danger is, is your Immigration Office up to date with the Regulation (?) and you all know how Thais do not like to be criticised due to loss of face and are quite likely to tell you to go away and do as they say.  So you all have a reference to the Regualtion, which by the way has been inforce since forever and is not a new one, strongly, strongly recommend you find out from your local Immigration Office what their interpretation of the Regualtion is and if it is different from what the Consul Website states, you need to either get on to your Local Hon Consul to take it up with you local Immigration Office (and that is what they are there for), or write directly to the your Consul in Bangkok, asking them to write to the Immigration HQ in Bangkok for them to advise your local office that they are not interpreting the Regulation correctly.

[worgeordie]

They did try and bring Farangs into the Thai health care system,

you paid a sum,cannot remember how much it was 2500 +-THB

I paid the sum as many others ,only for it to be withdrawn,a couple

of weeks later,my payment was returned,less the cost of the medical 

check up, also Thaksin brought in a law that Farangs living in Thailand

would be covered by health care,I had two years free health care under

it, until it was abolished ,maybe because it was a Thaksin law,or because

Farangs were abusing it by getting some very expensive procedures. 

So it has been tried twice,third time lucky ?

 

regards Worgeordie

[BB1958]

1 minute ago, worgeordie said:

They did try and bring Farangs into the Thai health care system,

you paid a sum,cannot remember how much it was 2500 +-THB

I paid the sum as many others ,only for it to be withdrawn,a couple

of weeks later,my payment was returned,less the cost of the medical 

check up, also Thaksin brought in a law that Farangs living in Thailand

would be covered by health care,I had two years free health care under

it, until it was abolished ,maybe because it was a Thaksin law,or because

Farangs were abusing it by getting some very expensive procedures. 

So it has been tried twice,third time lucky ?

 

regards Worgeordie

I remember those, not all the details, however, I think this time it COULD be fully funded, given the right amount of effort to implement.

 

There are further possibilities also - such as adopting the "Schengen" system and applying this to ALL tourists. It WILL add an insurance surchage to a visa/visa exempt.. of about $22.00 US dollars. It will produce BILLIONS in revenue and ensure ALL non Thai persons have a minimal level of insurance.

 

Thanks for your input Woregeordie.

[Antonymous]

Interesting suggestions, thanks.

 

I think that a fixed sum paid on arrival for TOURISTS for health insurance would be a great idea. The amount could be deliberated and based on length of stay. If tourists also wanted private insurance, in addition, to provide higher coverage, up to them. This would be a source of revenue hopefully used by the Govt to support public hospitals and it would be a safeguard for visitors.

 

For people living here on retirement and marriage visas I am sure that 2,500 baht a month would be insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred by hospitals in treating them when sick. Don't forget that most are in the highest risk (of illness) age bracket.

 

It might be better idea to make it mandatory to contribute to the social security fund, in the same way that expats working here do already. Whereas expats pay a fixed percentage of their salary, those who don't work could pay a fixed percentage based on the minimum monthly salary for their nationality. For Brits right now that is 50,000 bat a month for example. The monthly contribution for employed expats is 5% of salary matched by 5% paid by their employer, total 10% or 5,000 baht a month. That might be a more realistic sum. Again, you could still have private insurance on top to provide higher coverage if you wanted.

 

As for waiving the 400,000/800,000 in the bank or 65,000 baht/m stipulation to cover living expenses, that is a different matter altogether. The 5,000 a month would cover health only, not living expenses. immigration would still need to see some assurance that you have enough to live on.

 

 

[wgdanson]

17 hours ago, BB1958 said:

12 hours ago, elviajero said:

There is a lot about the visa system that needs reform, but your idea is just nuts, and far to simplistic.

 

Why would you suggest expats currently paying 1,900 per year pay 30,000!?

 

There is no problem to fix for most expats/visitors.

1900 is only to renew your extension as you know. Then, for me, Bht 60,000 health insurance, Bht 800,000 in the bank for three months. There will be a problem to fix for MANY UK, USA & Oz expats unless something is agreed next year.

 

[wgdanson]

38 minutes ago, robertson468 said:

Some are saying you MUST deposit 800/400K in a Bank three months before you apply for a new Visa.  This is INCORRECT,  If you can prove you are receiving 65/40K monthly in to your Thai Bank Account, you are complying with the Immigration Regulation.

From what I have read, ALL Immigration Offices are saying/insisting that your Bht 800,000 has been in the bank for 3 months before you get your Extension (not Visa). And I have never heard of anyone getting an Extension because they simply had Bht 65,000 a month going into their Thai bank account. Up to to now it has been Letter of Income or Affidavit from your Embassy. But you can prove me wrong.

[HHTel]

You put a lot of work into your post.  However, like others, your figures are way out.  We are talking mainly of retirees which you are putting at close to a million and expanding revenue figures on that basis.  Quite rightly, you excluded the top 3 but you omitted China who have no retirees here.

 

Quote

About 74.8% came for employment such as white collar jobs, Chinese-language teachers and tour guides, while 21% came for study and 4.2% to accompany their family. Some intend to return to China once they have made their fortune or succeeded in their endeavours.

Of the rest, after you take out people who are here working or on study course, the number gets to be quite small.

 

[Surasak]

The idea is mostly sound and I have to admit, 30,000Baht/year is not a great deal of money, much less than my monthly income. If it would also eliminate the useless 90day reporting it would make life a lot easier.

[Russell17au]

52 minutes ago, Antonymous said:

Interesting suggestions, thanks.

 

I think that a fixed sum paid on arrival for TOURISTS for health insurance would be a great idea. The amount could be deliberated and based on length of stay. If tourists also wanted private insurance, in addition, to provide higher coverage, up to them. This would be a source of revenue hopefully used by the Govt to support public hospitals and it would be a safeguard for visitors.

 

For people living here on retirement and marriage visas I am sure that 2,500 baht a month would be insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred by hospitals in treating them when sick. Don't forget that most are in the highest risk (of illness) age bracket.

 

It might be better idea to make it mandatory to contribute to the social security fund, in the same way that expats working here do already. Whereas expats pay a fixed percentage of their salary, those who don't work could pay a fixed percentage based on the minimum monthly salary for their nationality. For Brits right now that is 50,000 bat a month for example. The monthly contribution for employed expats is 5% of salary matched by 5% paid by their employer, total 10% or 5,000 baht a month. That might be a more realistic sum. Again, you could still have private insurance on top to provide higher coverage if you wanted.

 

As for waiving the 400,000/800,000 in the bank or 65,000 baht/m stipulation to cover living expenses, that is a different matter altogether. The 5,000 a month would cover health only, not living expenses. immigration would still need to see some assurance that you have enough to live on.

 

 

Why should a tourist pay for another Insurance when they have already taken out and paid for their travel insurance. That would be a good way to kill tourism for the country. As far as tourist go, all that should be needed is for them to show their travel insurance from their home country.

Edited November 10, 2018 by Russell17au

[BB1958]

5 minutes ago, HHTel said:

You put a lot of work into your post.  However, like others, your figures are way out.  We are talking mainly of retirees which you are putting at close to a million and expanding revenue figures on that basis.  Quite rightly, you excluded the top 3 but you omitted China who have no retirees here.

 

Of the rest, after you take out people who are here working or on study course, the number gets to be quite small.

 

The figures (In your opinion) are way out. The figures are in fact NOT way out I was careful to avoid demographics - except as stated.

 

{SNIP}The Department of Employment reported that 18,812 Chinese obtained work permits last year, almost double the figure of 9,618 Chinese in 2011.

 

The Immigration Department puts the total number of Chinese nationals residing in Thailand last year at 91,272, however, academic studies have put the figure as high as 350,000-400,000 in the past decade. 

As the expatriate Chinese community grows, real estate investment is also on the rise as Chinese look for second homes in Thailand. The Suttangrak Group is developing housing projects worth five billion baht to sell as time-shares to Chinese buyers. Thailand as a base for business in Southeast Asia is becoming more common. Also, Thailand as a place to stay and work as a second home is also more common". {END} DUE TO FORUM RULES I CANNOT QUOTE MY SOURCE.

 

There are forum members who have commented on the rise in numbers of Chinese in recent times.

 

Thank you for your post..

 

[Russell17au]

1 hour ago, robertson468 said:

There is not a problem, providing all the Immigration Offices interpret their regulations regarding the Retirement Visa correctly, which is the nub of the problem.  Each Regional Office seems to be making up their own story of how to apply income.  Some are saying you MUST deposit 800/400K in a Bank three months before you apply for a new Visa.  This is INCORRECT,  If you can prove you are receiving 65/40K monthly in to your Thai Bank Account, you are complying with the Immigration Regulation.  For Brits, you need to read the Consul Website which notifiys the change of no longer providing the income affidavit.  It states quite clearly that the money deposit is an either or arrangement.  The danger is, is your Immigration Office up to date with the Regulation (?) and you all know how Thais do not like to be criticised due to loss of face and are quite likely to tell you to go away and do as they say.  So you all have a reference to the Regualtion, which by the way has been inforce since forever and is not a new one, strongly, strongly recommend you find out from your local Immigration Office what their interpretation of the Regualtion is and if it is different from what the Consul Website states, you need to either get on to your Local Hon Consul to take it up with you local Immigration Office (and that is what they are there for), or write directly to the your Consul in Bangkok, asking them to write to the Immigration HQ in Bangkok for them to advise your local office that they are not interpreting the Regulation correctly.

This is also INCORRECT, to comply with the Thai Immigration laws as they stand at this moment you must supply an income letter/affidavit or statutory declaration stating that you have an income of 40,000/65,000baht per month. It does not have to be in a Thai Bank Account. I have used the income system for 6 years now and it has only been the last 4 months that my money was paid into a Thai Bank Account, before that it was paid directly into my Australia Bank Account and was withdrawn at any ATM with my Australian Bank Debit Card.

[BB1958]

17 minutes ago, Surasak said:

The idea is mostly sound and I have to admit, 30,000Baht/year is not a great deal of money, much less than my monthly income. If it would also eliminate the useless 90day reporting it would make life a lot easier.

Big joke, has proven himself to be a pragmatist - one never know but he may look at less costly methods of those pesky 90 day reports.

 

DISCLAIMER: I did NOT research this statement: I think the majority of long term expats stay within their homes. IF any of those expats moved around they must report. If they stay in their homes, they will at least touch base with immigration each year. There are many ways to implement a  different set of rules like this. But we are digressing

 

Thank you for your post..

[Russell17au]

A lot of people are saying that Thai Immigration have to change this or have to change that to suit us. Every country in the world has their own immigration laws and it is up to the different embassies to supply their citizens with the appropriate documents that are needed for each different country. Well, Thailand has its immigration laws and it is not up to Thailand to change their laws, it is up to our embassies to change their rules and supply us with the appropriate documents to suit the Thai Immigration laws. The 3 main embassies that are involved in this problem need to look at what system they can use that will provide the applicant with the documentation that Thai Immigration want

[cleverman]

Just like all the other threads,no substance. As many have already said, can it and wait till embassys change things, or TI accept other proof of income. All these threads, comments won't have any effect. 

[TPI]

A simple solution is better than a complicated one, your solution is simple and easy to understand! Lets hope that the "powers that be" will give it a long moments thought!!

[BB1958]

2 minutes ago, TPI said:

A simple solution is better than a complicated one, your solution is simple and easy to understand! Lets hope that the "powers that be" will give it a long moments thought!!

This is exactly what I hoped to achieve KISS principle - together with the "assumption" that these forums are monitored.

 

How many TV Members believe that: The numbers of posts saying "how they got round this, that or the other "rule" has contributed, in the very least, to where we are now??? I "suspect" this IS a factor. Others have suggested this also.

 

Thank you for your post

 

[Thaidream]

18 hours ago, BB1958 said:

I will adopt a proactive opinion – it will be ignored by most of you and perhaps that is how it should be? However, when you do criticise, PLEASE add your reason and alternative.

I applaud you for taking the time to bring forth  a positive approach and while I could certainly agree to such a change, especially with the medical insurance- I see some difficulty getting this approved.

 

1.  The first step would have to be for the Immigration Commissioner- who is acting - to study the proposal and make a positive recommendation. 

 

2.  Since this would involve a major change- especially getting into the Thai healthcare system- it may need  Cabinet approval to include the Prime Minster.

 

3.  Once it made it past this- the Police Order could be amended.

 

The final hurdle is the fact that if an election is held at the end of February 2019- there maybe a whole new set of people to convince- there maybe a new PM; there maybe a new Immigration Commissioner; there maybe a transitional government if the votes don't line up with the Thai Senate involved.

 

Your proposal would take alot of time to get passed and implemented.  This doesn't mean it has no merits but the facts on the ground mean  it would be  difficult to get done quickly.

 

I would recommend that there be a real negotiation between the 3 Embassies who are refusing to issue the letters and Thai Immigration in which the letters are preserved as a bridge to either your proposal or a new proposal.  The Embassies continue to issue their letters just as they have- US/AUS with the Oath given and the UK also having an Oath given or outsourcing their letters to a third party.  Thai Imm accepts the letter as is with the proviso that they can ask for added documentation.  Both parties agree that this method will continue until a new proposal is acceptable that will benefit both the Thai Government and  those who seek  the  privilege of residing in the Kingdom long term.

 

At the very least- the Embassy Letters should be extended  for all of 2019 to enable the negotiation  be implemented and your proposal examined.

 

[BB1958]

4 minutes ago, Thaidream said:

I applaud you for taking the time to bring forth  a positive approach and while I could certainly agree to such a change, especially with the medical insurance- I see some difficulty getting this approved.

 

1.  The first step would have to be for the Immigration Commissioner- who is acting - to study the proposal and make a positive recommendation. 

 

2.  Since this would involve a major change- especially getting into the Thai healthcare system- it may need  Cabinet approval to include the Prime Minster.

 

3.  Once it made it past this- the Police Order could be amended.

 

The final hurdle is the fact that if an election is held at the end of February 2019- there maybe a whole new set of people to convince- there maybe a new PM; there maybe a new Immigration Commissioner; there maybe a transitional government if the votes don't line up with the Thai Senate involved.

 

Your proposal would take alot of time to get passed and implemented.  This doesn't mean it has no merits but the facts on the ground mean  it would be  difficult to get done quickly.

 

I would recommend that there be a real negotiation between the 3 Embassies who are refusing to issue the letters and Thai Immigration in which the letters are preserved as a bridge to either your proposal or a new proposal.  The Embassies continue to issue their letters just as they have- US/AUS with the Oath given and the UK also having an Oath given or outsourcing their letters to a third party.  Thai Imm accepts the letter as is with the proviso that they can ask for added documentation.  Both parties agree that this method will continue until a new proposal is acceptable that will benefit both the Thai Government and  those who seek  the  privilege of residing in the Kingdom long term.

 

At the very least- the Embassy Letters should be extended  for all of 2019 to enable the negotiation  be implemented and your proposal examined.

 

I get what you are saying, but, if these forums are indeed MONITORED I believe we have already shot our collective selves in the foot here. So many short sighted individuals "bragging" how they got around things, has already worked it's magic.  I personally do not see a "flawed" system being re-introduced. OF COURSE I COULD BE TOTALLY WRONG.

 

When Mr Thaksin introduced expat insurance, I believe his plan lasted about two years..

 

Another plan here: http://www.tro.moph.go.th/download/Strategy/boardmeeting072556/1.3.1board.pdf IN THAI.

 

Plus as worgeordie pointed out there have been others....

 

The difference is the SIGNIFICANT revenue this plan can create for THAILAND. Thailand is what is important.

 

Beneath that, countless families that have made their home here, who currently survive quite well, albeit their incomes are modest. These people too need our support. Changing the goalposts for these people can be traumatic.

 

The "i'm alright jack's" of the forum have my enduring contempt.... If only karma were true!!

 

Thank you for your large and very civil post.