Being Forced out?

[The Theory]

14 hours ago, sweatalot said:

in most points I agree with you, 

but the rule about 800kB 5 months a year and balance never under 400k does make it harder

This is a solution that immigration came up with for many agents that using ฿800,000 for multiple retirees with no sufficient found in bank. If some didn’t abuse the rule, there wouldn't be an upgrade to harsher one. Those who have done this for long time caused this harsher rule grabbing all of us. now, immigration put

“all of us in unpleasant situation”.  

Some expats calming high monthly income, but they don’t have even ฿800,000 in bank. Cut some beer money at bars and save for future. During decade or decades not even $25000 savings from that “high monthly” income !!!! ????

[baansgr]

Another topic that's brought out the"cant afford it go home" brigade. Some posters really dont crasp the context of recent changes. I sometimes wish a compulsory insurance would be required and these go home brigagde are unable to obtain any isnurance due to age or restrictions no matter how many zillions they try make us belief they have.

[baansgr]

5 minutes ago, The Theory said:

This is a solution that immigration came up with for many agents that using ฿800,000 for multiple retirees with no found in bank. If some don’t abuse the rules, there wouldn't be an upgrade to harsher one. Those who have done this for long time caused this harsher rule grabbing all of us. now, immigration put every expats in tight situation. 

Go to any immigration office today and you will still see the same amount of agents with bundles of passports doing business as usual as was there last month....it hasn't and won't make any difference.

[mokwit]

4 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Another topic that's brought out the"cant afford it go home" brigade. Some posters really dont crasp the context of recent changes. I sometimes wish a compulsory insurance would be required and these go home brigagde are unable to obtain any isnurance due to age or restrictions no matter how many zillions they try make us belief they have.

If it wasn't bad for my Kharma I would wish this on them. Trying hard not to for my own sake.

[The Theory]

37 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Go to any immigration office today and you will still see the same amount of agents with bundles of passports doing business as usual as was there last month....it hasn't and won't make any difference.

Agents offer different services. The services are not limited to expat extensions trough back door. 

The game by agents will not work with ฿400,000 (5 months 800,000) all year long in bank anymore. 

Agents are middle men between those “who don’t meet the requirements” and “back door”. 

If expats meet all requirements, there will be no need of middle men to make it happen thru back door. 

 

[NoshowJones]

18 hours ago, Mansell said:

There are not many civilized countries in the world that demand a foreigner must keep around 25,000 US dollars in the bank for half of the year, and half that he cannot touch.....ever!

Of course the Thai government can do whatever it wants, but these are not normal requirements compared to the rest of Asia, or most of the world. They could figure out a rational and equitable plan for farang to stay here just by sitting down and discussing it with us.

There is a short sightedness to their long term vision for their country......if they have a long term plan...... and not just a knee jerk reaction to everything. If you look at the world and the gravy train going to countries, it all tends to change and sometimes rapidly. It is kind of like the chosen bar, club, or restaurant in your home town. They ride the gravy train until people's tastes and desires change, and when that happens it is usually very quick and quite decisive. We have all seen this where we used to live. Thais do not seem to remember how things were before the farang arrived over the years. But they will all be shocked, bewildered and dismayed when other countries become the chosen ones. And when that happens, and it will, they may well be offering financial incentives for us all to return. Morocco back in the early seventies used to offer cheap gasoline to tourists.....something like buy 10 liters and pay for 6. Of course that is probably long gone with the crazy gas prices worldwide. But it was a way to get more tourists. The smarter countries will siphon off the Thailand tourists by being smarter and innovative. Thailand will eventually learn the hard way, unless they get a leader with brains and vision.....and I hope they do. ................Just one man's opinion.

Excellent post. I have asked this question before and did not get an answer.

Does anyone know if any other country in the world insist on this 90 day reporting nonsense?

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, The Theory said:

 

The game by agents will not work work with ฿400,000 (5 months 800,00) all year long in bank anymore. 

 

We don't know that for sure yet.

People are being ordered to show up for post seasoning three month checks.

We don't know yet whether people will be ordered to show up for later 400K checks.

We also don't know the legal consequences of failing to meet either requirement.

We'll have to wait to know more. 

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, possum1931 said:

Excellent post. I have asked this question before and did not get an answer.

Does anyone know if any other country in the world insist on this 90 day reporting nonsense?

I don't know for sure but I've been researching retirement visa programs of most of the countries that offer them (there aren't that many) for a long time and no, I'm not aware of even one that has such an onerous address reporting system. There is often and understandably a requirement to report a change of residence address to immigration though, but no silliness about reporting every time you take a holiday and come home sort of thing. 

[baansgr]

12 minutes ago, The Theory said:

 

The game by agents will not work work with ฿400,000 (5 months 800,00) all year long in bank anymore. 

 

It will and still is, as you obviously dont use an agent, you therefor dont comphrehend how the system works.

[marcusarelus]

57 minutes ago, CMNightRider said:

Obtaining a tourist visa or a "green card" is easy for a Thai spouse of an American citizen.  If Thai Immigration were to adopt "USA rules" for an American spouse to a Thai wife, there would be no one year visa extensions, 90 day reporting or TM forms.  In three years, you would be eligible for Thai citizenship.  It's too bad Thai Immigration doesn't consider this.  Thanks for the suggestion ????

Ok lets take a 70 year old Thai guy who wants to go to Las Vegas and rent some hookers for 5 years.  Tell me what's going to happen with American immigration? 

[marcusarelus]

11 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

Excellent post. I have asked this question before and did not get an answer.

Does anyone know if any other country in the world insist on this 90 day reporting nonsense?

I'll bite.  Compare any two countries immigration policy with equivlent infrastructures.  Say Malaysia. 

 

Can't really cherry pick.  It's the whole bag.  If there was a better deal everyone would go.  Have you gone?  

[roo860]

Ok lets take a 70 year old Thai guy who wants to go to Las Vegas and rent some hookers for 5 years.  Tell me what's going to happen with American immigration? 

What finances would a 70yr old single Thai guy have to show to live in the USA for 1 year?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, roo860 said:

What finances would a 70yr old single Thai guy have to show to live in the USA for 1 year?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Irrelevant. 

The USA, like most countries, does not have a retirement visa program for Thais or for any other nationality.

Many foreigners do live six months a year in the USA on tourist visas.

[NoshowJones]

2 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

I'll bite.  Compare any two countries immigration policy with equivlent infrastructures.  Say Malaysia. 

 

Can't really cherry pick.  It's the whole bag.  If there was a better deal everyone would go.  Have you gone?  

I have no intention of going while my health stays good, I have a great marriage, great house, and much more here. Despite a government who hates us and only tolerates us for our money, and treats us like criminals.

 

"If there was a better deal everyone would go." I do not agree with that at all, most expats here are too old and have responsibility towards their families to start thinking about looking for better deals in other countries, they would rather go back to their home countries than do that, well maybe apart from the UK.

[Vacuum]

20 hours ago, thaijoe said:

or having money in the bank. just so some greedy thai will rip you off from the bank

Any experiences from this? No, didn't think so...

[thequietman]

19 hours ago, Patriot1066 said:

Really has it? Or are they just reenforcing rules that have been lax in the past?

 

Seems to me that immigrants need to contribute to their new country or no point if having the inconvenience of having them?

 

 

Been a teacher and now a lecturer at a Thai Uni for 9 years. Am I contributing enough in your scenario?

Taking care of the wife's mother and my step kids. Is that enough contribution for you?

Been paying taxes for the duration. Is that contribution enough?

Have 1 million baht in the Thai banking system. Is that contributing enough?

Do volunteer work for local primary school. Am I contributing enough?

 

And STILL ........ every year I am treated like a criminal at immigration.

 

So, tell me ..................... am I contributing enough?

 

 

[totally thaied up]

5 minutes ago, possum1931 said:

I have no intention of going while my health stays good

There are many of us like this. Still, what happens if compulsory expensive Thai insurance is asked. What if our marriage extensions costs are increased dramatically? With so many cases of change now, I just want some certainty of a place I can call home with my wife. Big Joke says change is coming and to date, none of these changes have been for the easier.

[Vacuum]

20 hours ago, gamini said:

They welcome genuine tourists and genuine retirees.

 

19 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

1. There are a lot of "genuine retirees" who would strongly disagree with you about that.

Those are people who can't adapt to changing conditions.

[sanemax]

4 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

 

Those are people who can't adapt to changing conditions.

Although adapting to the changing conditions can also be leaving and going somewhere else , rather than staying in a place where you are unwelcome 

[Vacuum]

3 minutes ago, sanemax said:

Although adapting to the changing conditions can also be leaving and going somewhere else , rather than staying in a place where you are unwelcome 

True.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 minutes ago, Vacuum said:

 

Those are people who can't adapt to changing conditions.

 

You mean, kinda like a frog being dropped into a pot of water put on the boil, and not realizing until too late that it's time to get out... Those kind of changing conditions....

 

[The Theory]

56 minutes ago, baansgr said:

It will and still is, as you obviously dont use an agent, you therefor dont comphrehend how the system works.

Well, 

I got my 800,000 in bank and don’t use an agent. 

The “back door” will be there. Those who used it for long time to get an extension through it caused difficulties of today for all. The consequences of using “back door” grab their own neck now, they either pay more for keep using that “back door” or leave for another paradise. 

[roo860]

Irrelevant. 
The USA, like most countries, does not have a retirement visa program for Thais or for any other nationality.
Many foreigners do live six months a year in the USA on tourist visas.

I was curious to know, so please do not dismiss as being irrelevant.
Thank you.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Vacuum]

34 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

You mean, kinda like a frog being dropped into a pot of water put on the boil, and not realizing until too late that it's time to get out... Those kind of changing conditions....

 

lol. Not really, was thinking about adjusting to present conditions like a very strong baht. One doesn't have to live in a 5 million baht house or condo, have a new car etc. i.e. downgrade the lifestyle a bit.

[marcusarelus]

1 hour ago, possum1931 said:

I have no intention of going while my health stays good, I have a great marriage, great house, and much more here. Despite a government who hates us and only tolerates us for our money, and treats us like criminals.

 

"If there was a better deal everyone would go." I do not agree with that at all, most expats here are too old and have responsibility towards their families to start thinking about looking for better deals in other countries, they would rather go back to their home countries than do that, well maybe apart from the UK.

I'd go back to the States.  My healthcare is tied to VA as I imagine is the OP.  I really don't understand why he wouldn't go back to America.  My Thai family is part of the government and has been for 2 generations so I have quite a different view of the government than you. 

[hadi8253]

What I do not understand: My embassy confirms that I have a pension with 70K+ / month.

I have a car, health insurance, drink alkohol. smoke and eat farang food and help my Thai family with about 20K / month.

WHY to show 65K from outside TH every month on my bank account ???

I live since 20 years with 45K - 50K /month!

How many IO can or do spend 65K every month? If they have a mia noi OK, but I do not have to pay one ...

End of year I will have about 200K on my bank account. Send it back - possible, I tried it, - but expensive!

PS I'm not married. My Thai partner will get the house, 4 rai land and my car including a last will with 20K / mont when I dye earlier. But 800 K on my bank account - if I'm forced to put the money there - should go to my children. but how ???

 

[CharlieH]

Bickering posts and quoted respons3s removed.

[phuketrichard]

23 hours ago, Saltire said:

I left Siem Reap after 5 years to come here almost 3 years ago now, and it was, and still is my plan B.

 

I had a nice studio flat for 250USD a month, quiet, clean and walking distance to everywhere - Siem Reap is definitely cheaper than Thailand in most things with the exception of electricity. My bill here for 2 houses is 1000Baht, SR was easy 3500Baht per month for a studio.

 

But the single biggest difference is the Cambodians are more friendly and sincere BY FAR. There, most smiles are sincere.

 

Good luck.

Lived in PP in 2008 for a year, own land and house in Kep ( GF) , visit 1-2 x /year
I find Cambodia for everything BUT
Drinking alcohol, cigs and soso Farang food cost more

Some khmer food is cheaper but its not eatable many of the times

 

some basic items that cost more

cooking gas

electricity

gas for car/motorcylce

cars

motorcyles

Visas

Getting ANYTHING done official wise

driving license

you even need pay $.25/tire for air

add in roads are really bad,

traffic worse

Only place u can get true western goods is in PP

There are cheap places to live but not even close to the standards u see in Thailand

 

Simple fact is u can live cheaper in Cambodia cause there are not the available options to spend $$ on NO real malls outside Phnom Penh and where i have a place ( Kep) not even a supermarket as big as a mini Tesco....  PLUS you can get up to 8% interest in your $$, riel or Baht

 

I dont find Khmers any more friendly than Thai's, it all depends on the relationships u form in both countries.

 

PS: we are ( myself and Khmer GF) moving back to Cambodia June 2020, 34 years in Thailand an its time to call it a day...

Quote

Avoid Sihanoukville like the plague.

 

run by the Chinese, ur refused entry in many casinos restaurants, shoot outs between Chinese gang members in the streets sometimes,

Traffic is bad, roads are worse,  water shortages, electric shortages

Its not cheap, sub par rentals, beach is dirty or a giant construction site ( Otres used to be nice but...)

[davidst01]

On 3/31/2019 at 3:46 PM, Tomtomtom69 said:

Cambodia is a good choice everywhere EXCEPT Sihanoukville. You won't be welcome there. However, Siem Reap is an excellent choice and even Phnom Penh is not bad. For beaches, try Koh Kong if you want to stay close to Thailand (in case of medical emergencies or to visit for other reasons from time to time) and for the slow life, or Kampot or Kep otherwise. Other good places are Battambang (though it may be a bit boring for some) or the north-east (Ban Lung) etc.

 

Avoid Sihanoukville like the plague.

I have to agree with you re Snookieville. But please share your experiences there. Why do you so strongly dislike it?

[watcharacters]

On 4/2/2019 at 4:10 PM, dotpoom said:

Just wondering, if you have lived here a "long time"...why are your figures in Dollars...do you not think we all have to adapt to our new country at sometime. This is an "International" community of ex-pats?

 

Two factors answer your question.

 

1.     Using dollars clearly implies he's from the USA.

 

2.     He's indicated he's considering a relocation to Cambodia.       Cambodia uses the reil as well as USD.