What are expats really saying when they say they don't feel welcome anymore in the LOS

[JaiLai]

The answer is no.

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I haven’t asked yet!


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[sunnyboy2018]

9 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

You really need to educate yourself on the new rules.

The rules require 65k per month every month, on or around the same fixed date every month. My income pattern does not conform to that. You really should educate yourself regarding the rules and on basic civility. Point scoring brusqueness is petulant.

[Damrongsak]

11 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

A friend of mine recently referred me to a site called PornHub, I declined his referral I saw it would mean more hand movements, and to be honest I have enough trouble with hand movements on the keyboard in this chair as it is just typing stuff on TVF, and that site would probably end my life, although enjoyably as opposed to listening to all the wingers on TVF.

 

But I like will take your advice on cutting back on TVF, hmmm maybe I will mix it up TVF 40% and PornHub 40% ????

 

You could do a scientific study and publish the results here.  Which site contributes more to carpal tunnel syndrome?  Happiness and well-being? 

[seasia]

6 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

IMO what's really being said is " I can't afford to live here anymore" end of story..

How does that work with some who are relocating to 1st world countries with higher costs ?

I know several who have left with no money issues, just wanted to live in better countries.

 

I actually think some who stay in Thailand and defend it to the hilt are the ones who cannot afford to leave.

 

Just a thought.

[4MyEgo]

2 hours ago, Damrongsak said:

You could do a scientific study and publish the results here.  Which site contributes more to carpal tunnel syndrome?  Happiness and well-being? 

I found a way to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, now more concerned about Computer Vision Syndrome ????

 

[Damrongsak]

7 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I found a way to avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, now more concerned about Computer Vision Syndrome ????

 

If you are seeing double, that's fine.  If you see quadruple and it's not twins, then reduce your viewing time or perhaps sit further from the screen. 

[4MyEgo]

13 hours ago, AlexRich said:

My conclusion is that the rules are designed to make you feel unwelcome ... because you are.

In my original post I stated the below copy & pasted:

 

"When I moved here 4 year ago, the 10 year plan was put in motion, not once did I feel that I needed to be received by the Thai's, I have my thoughts on them and I am sure they have their thoughts on me".

 

So where would it be that you would feel welcome ?

[Damrongsak]

14 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

Plenty of people who did live here. Who could afford to live here have been TOLD they cannot afford to live here by an arbitrary financial dictat and changes in the administration of some rules. My total annual income and spend here is greater than that which is required but is not accepted because it the amount differs from month to month or arrives bi monthly.

"My total annual income and spend here is greater than that which is required but is not accepted because it the amount differs from month to month or arrives bi monthly."

 

"Math is hard.  Let's go shopping." - Government employee

[4MyEgo]

3 hours ago, seasia said:

How does that work with some who are relocating to 1st world countries with higher costs ?

I know several who have left with no money issues, just wanted to live in better countries.

 

I actually think some who stay in Thailand and defend it to the hilt are the ones who cannot afford to leave.

 

Just a thought.

I would imagine that there is some truth in expats relocating to 1st world countries, for example, if I was to go back to my home country, the government would give me $30,000 AUD for just having 4 kids, with there being a small amount for rental assistance in that amount, so the system in 1st world countries is good for its citizens, however that would cover the cost of rent, then I would have to use my funds to survive, or work, pretty much a similar situation to living here in a 3rd world country, i.e. using my own funds to survive, but here I can walk out of a Tesco, Makro or shopping store like that for a 3rd of what it would cost me back home, not to mention other cheaper things, like electricity, water rates, zero council rates, etc, etc, etc, then again, I suppose it boils down to where you want to afford to live, e.g. back home in an 80 square metre 3 bedroom brick veneer villa for $30,000 AUD per annum, or purchase it for $750,000 AUD, butted up to an adjoining villa, or a 6 bedroom 3 bathroom modern house here rent free, cost to build $100,000 AUD in a quiet part of the bush with neighbours close to you, but not close enough to infringe on your privacy.

 

I don't defend Thailand, there is a lot wrong with her, but I am a guest here, and appreciate the fact that I am aloud to remain here as a guest providing I abide by their rules, they have their concerns about security issues, their country, their rules, as draconian as people say, as for affordability or exiting Thailand, it's a non issue, as the saying goes; "have money, will travel", that said, of the many expats I have met here in Thailand, I would say 8 out of 10 don't fit into that scenario.

 

I believe those that have left couldn't afford to live here, and the ones that do remain here use an agent for their extension, i.e. corruption goes a long way, I know several guys that do it that way, e.g. they don't have the funds back home or in their accounts to stay legally after the embassies stopped issuing the letters because they couldn't/wouldn't confirm the amounts the expats were getting came from the sources the expats said it was coming from, but their embassies were charging them 3,000 baht a pop each and every time, wonder if anyone got a refund ???? 

 

Having said all of the above, my home country has warts too, and unless Thailand said, leave, or I had enough, I would only go back then.

 

Not defending Thailand at all, but as I said, I will enjoy living here, tolerate living here, for as long as I can, it's the balancing act, with any country really, it's not a perfect world, money or not, but money does help in a lot of ways.

[Nyezhov]

16 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

he is being considerate by not making you and him lose and face and taking the path of least resistance.

i don't expect anything, but many times the red carpet has been rolled out just because I'm a  white farang. Getting my drivers license is one example.

the last thing I will every be is home sick, and I have a lot of money and can go back to the USA any time I want. I could live in a ski resort or beach town or own my own farm or small ranch. no thanks.

 

op you did not say how old you are.

 

I'm a fat happy guy with a floppy hat and a camera. I smile constantly, sing songs to myself, fist pump motorsai, tip my security guards, hum Beethoven in immigration, act polite and say thank you, and don't pretend that I am a gift to Thailand, rather, just act like a happy guest in their home. I was in my old neighborhood the other night, and the motorcycle guys were hugging me with a welcome back. I'll talk to anybody, and be respectful, and have the greatest time because my reality is happiness. 90% of the time, I get treated like a king not just because I am a white American, but because I try to act soi Jai Dee and respectful and happy that folks just want to help me out.

 

I can go back to the USA anytime I want, and I come here simply because I enjoy it and I have fun. If I have to run out to chaengn watthana to fill out a stupid form, oh well, as I have said before, the chicken is great out there. oh yes, true is a pain to try to watch the games, so folks gave me a workaround. Oh yes, my water heater went bad, so I have to take cool showers for three or four days until they fix it, which of course will probably take five or six days, but this is Thailand.

 

my reality is life is great, and the alternative truly sucks. I'm going to enjoy every minute that I can. If the girl turns out to have baby damage or if I get the Hershey squirts from a bad vegetable, oh well, at least I am alive. There are tons of folks that wish they could be me.

Edited September 1, 2019 by Nyezhov

[1FinickyOne]

6 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

I'm a fat happy guy with a floppy hat and a camera. I smile constantly, sing songs to myself, fist pump motorsai, tip my security guards, hum Beethoven in immigration, act polite and say thank you, and don't pretend that I am a gift to Thailand, rather, just act like a happy guest in their home. I was in my old neighborhood the other night, and the motorcycle guys were hugging me with a welcome back. I'll talk to anybody, and be respectful, and have the greatest time because my reality is happiness. 90% of the time, I get treated like a king not just because I am a white American, but because I try to act soi Jai Dee and respectful and happy that folks just want to help me out.

 

I can go back to the USA anytime I want, and I come here simply because I enjoy it and I have fun. If I have to run out to chaengn watthana to fill out a stupid form, oh well, as I have said before, the chicken is great out there. oh yes, true is a pain to try to watch the games, so folks gave me a workaround. Oh yes, my water heater went bad, so I have to take cool showers for three or four days until they fix it, which of course will probably take five or six days, but this is Thailand.

 

my reality is life is great, and the alternative truly sucks. I'm going to enjoy every minute that I can. If the girl turns out to have baby damage or if I get the Hershey squirts from a bad vegetable, oh well, at least I am alive. There are tons of folks that wish they could be me.

Formula for success!! - congratulations. 

[Isaanbiker]

16 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

1 shy of the big 60

"Welcome to the club."

[Fex Bluse]

There are different types of expats living in Thailand.

 

• retired pensioners on fixed, modest income (possibly the majority)
• expats working in professional/management jobs, many earning anywhere from 150,000 - 500,000 Baht and beyond
• expats working in semi-professional jobs, like English teachers, on modest income, say 30,000 - 50,0000 Baht
• tourists, for lack of a better term, who visit and stay in Thailand for significant periods but who maintain residency in another country

Many of the experiences of different expat categories is wildly different. For example, I have zero concerns about money. Yet, many of the experiences are the same. 

 

The xenophobia in Thailand is well-documented, and has long, state-sponsored history (Thai Cultural Mandates).

 

I think it is the changing global power structure, with the Asians gaining on the West, that is allowing Asians to finally show their true faces, and the increasing xenophobia is one of the manifestations of this. 

 

Historically, nobody really like each other, right?

 

Generalizing - Whites dislike Blacks, Blacks dislike Whites, everyone dislikes Muslims and visa versa, Christians dislike Jews, Asians fiercely dislike other Asians and strongly dislike Whites, etc etc etc.

 

The only way to balance the cultural, human instincts is through power of force, whether trade and economics like the Chinese excel at or through violence (war) like we Farang excel at. These are the only real levers we have available to keep people in check. 

 

Where the Thais are concerned, they regard their heritage as Chinese. So, it's no surprise that they will lean toward whatever the Chinese sphere of influence is leaning. At the moment, the Chinese regard themselves as reasserting their civilization which was undeniably impressive. They seem to regard all non-Chinese with some suspicion or worse. The Thais admire the Chinese and see themselves in the Chinese, and, if we pay close enough attention, they are modeling some of their national approach after the Chinese model.

Edited September 1, 2019 by Fex Bluse

[Jimbo2014]

There are just simply less good reasons to stay here period - certainly in Bangkok.  Its now overpriced, horrendously polluted.  Traffic is insane.  Immigration continues to make it more difficult for foreigners.  Roads are the most dangerous in the world.  Private schools are outrageously priced.  Smiles are few and far between whether your Thai or not, most people are overworked and seem miserable and are not in control of their destiny or their country. 

 

However the weather remains good and if you have cash you can live in a happy bubble :).

[thaicurious]

19 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

you create your own reality.  

Would you say that's more true while working for money to spend at the mall or while bleeding out during a mass shooting while shopping at the mall?

[peterb17]

19 hours ago, timendres said:

Every time that I smile at a Thai, I get a pleasant smile in return. Humans are funny that way.

Absolutely true- always be pleasant , polite, speak a bit of Thai ,don’t look like you need a good wash , dress well .

 

Always a smile- it’s quite refreshing - Europe- try smiling at someone- you will be arrested. 

 

 

[exppenang]

15 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Again, you never have my permission to change the emphasis on my posts. 

If you report him, ThaiVisa will take appropriate action. Hands off my posts too. Don't be a troll.

 

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, exppenang said:

If you report him, ThaiVisa will take appropriate action. Hands off my posts too. Don't be a troll.

 

No worries. The Ignore List is very useful. 

[Vacuum]

19 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

go live a little... it's fun. Even (especially!) in Thailand

Any suggestions?

[Isaan sailor]

I have no problem with the Thai people.  I get along with my limited language skills.  And Immigration has laws we must follow. When it comes to Bank of Thailand—I just don’t trust them to do the right thing for me as an expat, or the Thai economy as a whole.

[Wake Up]

They are saying I am old, not wealthy enough to live here,  and no one knows how special I am and how much Thailand owes me for me choosing to move here and spend some money on myself and others.

Yet they also say immigrants are ruining their home countries and immigrants get everything free so get rid of immigration in their home countries. But Thailand should  work harder to appreciate immigrants to Thailand.

Would be funny if it was a comedy show on TV and not true.  

Edited September 1, 2019 by Wake Up

[alan grice]

I don’t give a dam what their really saying , makes no difference to me..!.????[emoji481]


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[Jaxxper]

21 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

IMO what's really being said is " I can't afford to live here anymore" end of story..

I agree. The whingers will always winge wherever they are. If they can’t afford to stay then move on. If they can then I can only assume they get some kick out of making a big deal of it.

[Brunolem]

21 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

sorry everyone creates their own reality.

 

So you have unmasked yourself Karl (Rove)... had no idea you had taken refuge in Thailand... 

[55Jay]

19 hours ago, yogi100 said:

I am not an expat but I'm retired and currently spend a lot of my time in Pattaya using the visa that I obtain from London's Thai Embassy that allows you to stay for 90 days at a time as long as you are in receipt of a pension. I believe it's a METV and it now costs 150 quid. It just went up from 125.

 

This visa will no longer be available when my current one expires. That does not make me feel very welcome in the LOS any more.

 

A close friend of mine was interrogated at BKK airport last time he came for a 4 week holiday and the female IO accused him of working in Thailand. He is also retired and just comes to the LOS as a regular holiday maker and like myself has done so for years. She eventually relented and snapped "Go" at him slapping his passport down on the table at the same time.

 

Could you blame him if he no longer feels he's welcome in the LOS.

 

He and I both have homes in the UK. Neither of us have ever been in any kind of trouble in Thailand. It must be rather unsettling these days if you're a full time ex pat.

 

So far none of my ex pat pals have relocated or gone back home but it's early days yet and obviously the exchange rate isn't helping either.

Yeah.  That I/O, throwing s**t on the wall just to see what sticks.  As if a Bad Guy, even a minor Bad Guy, is going to break down in a puddle of tears and confess.  It's laughable.

 

Sounds like the same I/O I got at Swampy 2 weeks ago, nearing midnight.  Younger than usual, cute as a button in her too-tight uniform, colorful campaign ribbons and spit-shined bunny rabbit house slippers.   After getting her pound of flesh for my felonious infraction and dismissing me like a harried accountant, I amused myself with the image of 500 babbling Chinese mainlanders disembarking an A380 somewhere just behind me, headed her way. 

 

Now, where are those cases......

Edited September 1, 2019 by 55Jay

[Brunolem]

1 hour ago, Isaan sailor said:

When it comes to Bank of Thailand—I just don’t trust them to do the right thing for me as an expat, or the Thai economy as a whole.

What would you expect the Bank of Thailand to do for you? 

 

No central bank, in any country, is doing anything while considering the benefits of its actions for the average guy... they don't give a damn! 

[billd766]

20 hours ago, luckyluke said:

Even with the money, one must abide to the way they decide it should be showed. 

 

For instance, many people used TransferWise, to find out it wasn't the way Immigration wanted to see the incomes. 

I did my second attempt to  transfer from retirement to a marriage extension a couple of weeks ago with no 400k in the bank. I don't think that the IO at Khampaeng Phet was too worried over much about the funds coming from TW as long as there was enough coming in per month.

 

It took a while to do after I did an update on my bank book that morning as she wanted 2 copies of every page and another letter from the manager.

 

She wasn't interested in any of the TW printouts and what took the longest was getting the latter from the bank and then signing ALL the pages again after she had used her stamp.

21 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

as suggested many times on the site when some embassy letters were cancelled, park the required funds in the bank, again, it's about money..

Great if you can afford to tie up £10,000 or £20,000 for ever but not everybody has that  amount of money lying around doing nothing, especially with the forex rates the way they are at the moment.

[billd766]

19 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

Plenty of people who did live here. Who could afford to live here have been TOLD they cannot afford to live here by an arbitrary financial dictat and changes in the administration of some rules. My total annual income and spend here is greater than that which is required but is not accepted because it the amount differs from month to month or arrives bi monthly.

I explained that to my IO because the Forex rate changes daily (sometimes more often). 2 of my pensions are paid monthly but the state pension is every 4 weeks and she accepted that.

[Solinvictus]

I heard a really bitter Canadian guy years ago say something along the lines as this country is great for cheap beer and easy p**sE, that's it.  Ha.

 

But on another note, after arriving at swampy a few weeks ago and actually seeing a guy get pulled away and all the very serious looks on the IOs, the whole land of smiles saying is kinda wearing thin on me. Rather, I've been great at giving the smile (maybe a re-used joke too) and not much further when interacting with most Thai folks. It's mostly for the best anyway.

 

My mouth tends to run off sometimes...in Thai! ????????????????????

[yogi100]

54 minutes ago, Wake Up said:

They are saying I am old, not wealthy enough to live here,  and no one knows how special I am and how much Thailand owes me for me choosing to move here and spend some money on myself and others.

Yet they also say immigrants are ruining their home countries and immigrants get everything free so get rid of immigration in their home countries. But Thailand should  work harder to appreciate immigrants to Thailand.

Would be funny if it was a comedy show on TV and not true.  

Falang ex pats in the LOS are not immigrants they're paying guests who can be forced out at ant time. 

 

As many in the near future are going to be finding out.

 

Thailand is a nationalist country that does not entertain immigration unless someone is extremely wealthy. You can get a non immigrant visa fairly easily but try getting an immigrant's visa!