Why are people staying in Thailand when then can't meet TI's financial requirements?

[thaibeachlovers]

28 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Most Thais, well off or poor, look down at cheap charlies. They don't understand how these people degrade themselves.

Rubbish. They've never looked down on me and I'm cheaper than Charlie. I don't associate with trendy hi so's that think they are special though.

[checkered flag]

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I couldn't afford bar girls after my divorce, but I still wanted to live in LOS till I died. I can't afford women back home either so that doesn't come into it, but my lifestyle in LOS was waaaaaay better than here. I only left because I could not afford 75,000 baht for medical insurance as well as a non O.

Medical Insurance is only for Non OA (for now).  However 75,000 isn't that bad. You must get free medical back home.

[Boomer6969]

35 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

It's Ok if some want to get by cheap living in Thailand. However, they must be able to afford the money in the bank or monthly transfers to get a legitimate extension/visa. Those that can't are simply trying to take advantage of Thai generosity. They expect the government and Thai people to come to their rescue. Thailand isn't a nanny state and needs to assist Thais not falongs living on the cheap. Because one's pension ia too small isn't Thailand doing, complain to your government. 

Most Thais, well off or poor, look down at cheap charlies. They don't understand how these people degrade themselves.

I'm not for throwing away money to impress others and I know the value of things and services, but I'm never cheap. Some cheap charlies even recount their change to be sure the seller didn't short them one baht, but wouldn't return the one baht if overpaid. Shameful!

If you really need a couple of baht, sit on the street with a tin cup and I'll drop in my spare change.

Couldn't agree more. I dare add the income/deposit limits and proofs probably haven't been designed with cost of living in mind but rather as a way to select the kind of visitors the country wished to admit. This has failed obviously due to pervasive corruption in all aspect of law enforcement.

Edited August 7, 2020 by Boomer6969

[checkered flag]

4 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Rubbish. They've never looked down on me and I'm cheaper than Charlie. I don't associate with trendy hi so's that think they are special though.

Enjoy life with your kind back home.

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, Brunolem said:

Thais also enjoy a 30 baht public healthcare scheme that does not extend to foreigners, and with 9k per month good luck to pay your hospital bill if, say, you suffer a broken leg or worse...

 

Thais living on 9k per month share a room with multiple family members, or co-workers, with no aircon, no hot water, and a communal bathroom.

 

They eat things that many foreigners simply can't.

 

Finally, they are happy because they have always been used to go along with the minimum, or less, and are much more insouciant than Westerners.

All that says is that some westerners in LOS are a bunch of spoiled upstarts that think they are special. If they can't afford to live the lifestyle they think they deserve in LOS then go home. The Thai won't miss them.

 

Thais living on 9k per month share a room with multiple family members, or co-workers, with no aircon, no hot water, and a communal bathroom.

Rubbish. I lived in a multi story complex in Pattaya occupied 100% by Thais except for me.

A room was 5,000 a month. Many rooms were occupied by 4 girls. All the rooms had ensuite bathrooms with hot water, and no one needs AC except soft farangs.

 

In Lamphun, a similar room was 2,000 a month.

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, baansgr said:

Because even those with income or savings have had enough of copy this, copy that..picture this, picture that, wrong colour shirt, bank letter 2 minutes too old and numerous other things immigration throw at them....

Off topic. He was'nt asking why farangs go home.

[checkered flag]

1 minute ago, Boomer6969 said:

Couldn't agree more. I dare add the income/deposit limits and proofs probably haven't been designed with cost of living in mind but rather as a way to select the kind of visitors the country wished to admit. This has failed obviously due to pervasive corruption in all aspect of law enforcement.

Thanks, but I've been in Thailand longer than most and have yet to have an official put the bite on me for cash or anything else. I pretty much follow established rules and interact politely but never a problem. I don't however live in a high tourist area. Once immigration asked for a police report with my TM30 (when they started enforcement) and I had to go to the district police station. It took the police officer a far amount of time to complete and my wife offered to buy him lunch or something. He said no this was his job but thanked us. I also thanked the captain and he simply said thanks to help. He did take  my phone number because he might need help understanding some foreigner. I speak Thai but his English was pretty good.

[thaibeachlovers]

17 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Medical Insurance is only for Non OA (for now).  However 75,000 isn't that bad. You must get free medical back home.

I had proper health insurance.

Yes, hospital is free back home. Still pay for GP, but only go every 6 months.

 

Forgot to mention the real reason to go home- I can't get a pension in LOS. I was living off savings. If I was able to get a pension I'd still be there.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Thanks, but I've been in Thailand longer than most and have yet to have an official put the bite on me for cash or anything else. I pretty much follow established rules and interact politely but never a problem. I don't however live in a high tourist area. Once immigration asked for a police report with my TM30 (when they started enforcement) and I had to go to the district police station. It took the police officer a far amount of time to complete and my wife offered to buy him lunch or something. He said no this was his job but thanked us. I also thanked the captain and he simply said thanks to help. He did take  my phone number because he might need help understanding some foreigner. I speak Thai but his English was pretty good.

I also never had a problem with corruption.

He apparently overlooks that the real hoons arrive on a 30 day visa exempt that costs nothing.

[thaibeachlovers]

22 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Enjoy life with your kind back home.

and my kind is what? You have no idea . Suggest you keep your personal insults to yourself.

[checkered flag]

11 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

All that says is that some westerners in LOS are a bunch of spoiled upstarts that think they are special. If they can't afford to live the lifestyle they think they deserve in LOS then go home. The Thai won't miss them.

 

Thais living on 9k per month share a room with multiple family members, or co-workers, with no aircon, no hot water, and a communal bathroom.

Rubbish. I lived in a multi story complex in Pattaya occupied 100% by Thais except for me.

A room was 5,000 a month. Many rooms were occupied by 4 girls. All the rooms had ensuite bathrooms with hot water, and no one needs AC except soft farangs.

 

In Lamphun, a similar room was 2,000 a month.

OK. Its up to you but I use my AC every night. Our entire upstairs has AC but only the kitchen downstairs has AC. My wife and I worked hard and have good pensions so we can afford it. Our PEA bill might be 4-5000 baht but still cheaper than back home. 

My question is that living so cheaply how do you handle emergencies that occur? 

I'm glad you take pride in your cheapness. Having a little more provides us the opportunity to help others in need and or our community. 

[sanuk711]

14 hours ago, bluebluewater said:

For me it's an easy decision to pay an agent $600 USD and it's done and dusted for the year.

 

 

Unless her name is Grace........................

[checkered flag]

13 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and my kind is what? You have no idea . Suggest you keep your personal insults to yourself.

I spent some months in OZ many years ago. Nothing was for free and not cheap. Living in Thailand is much better if one can afford it. I suppose they do have social welfare programs for those in need. 

[ChakaKhan]

20 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Say's who?

Thais are happy enough living on 9k/month in 7-11/Tesco/BigC, etc.

Why can't we be happy living on the same amount?

Thats sounds about right with my budget.....cheap housing-food and healthcare ...and sangsom!

 

Cant afford the girl rental so have to rely solely to my own devices(laptop+wifi)

[checkered flag]

Just now, ChakaKhan said:

Cheap charlie?? Sounds like a demeaning thai term for farangs!!!!?  Oh the irony......

Because you know everything in Thailand, I won't correct you. It is a term when looking down at those who pry on others. Sort of like leeches on society. Most Thais are kind and generous and feel obliged to help others. 

[CrunchWrapSupreme]

"Why are people staying in Thailand when then (sic) can't meet TI's financial requirements?"

 

I'm here because I couldn't meet my pretentious, overrated, chaotic American home state's ridiculous requirements. Let's see:

 

Well over 6' tall (183 cm)

Ripped

Movie star charisma

Swagger, nonchalance, massive ego (see the US president)

6 figure salary ($100k+ USD)

A nearly $100k car

A high level degree, yes. But years of experience and perfect references, for just an entry level position, no.

 

While unable to meet those requirements, here I was able to obtain a lovely wife, a decent job, and a nice place to live. Now utterly impossible back home, what was once The American Dream.

[PGSan]

> Arctic room earlier today ......... 240bht for 2hrs.

 

Wow!  With both penguins and polar bears . . . now that is ‘real cool’.  

 

But did it all heat up a bit during the 2 hrs?  ????

Edited August 7, 2020 by PGSan

[EVENKEEL]

1 hour ago, checkered flag said:

Sorry your stuck in the UK. Make sure you can afford to return and are not a burden on others. 

A bit cloudy today, how's the vision in your Ivory Tower.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, checkered flag said:

Those that can't are simply trying to take advantage of Thai generosity. They expect the government and Thai people to come to their rescue. Thailand isn't a nanny state and needs to assist Thais not falongs living on the cheap.

I would consider it more "Thai greed"

I've never expected anyone to come to my rescue, but will admit some hospitals trying to charge us 10x more because we're white does cause a few problems for a few unwary foreigners ....... more Thai greed. 

 

I don't understand why you think a foreigner trying to live on say 20k/month (Brit state pension) is taking advantage of anyone, that's more than double what most working Thais have to live on, and Thai state pensioners only get 700bht/month max. My personal generosity provides another 3k/month for my kids grandma, and she lives very well as a pensioner on 3,700bht/month.

Edited August 7, 2020 by BritManToo

[moe666]

23 hours ago, dimitriv said:

I know several people who make enough to live, but do not meet the monthly income requirements and do not have enough money to put 400/800k in a bank account. 

Then they are not qualified to get a visa, twenty years ago they would have no problem staying but it has changed and now you do need the money as it is the one hard and fast rule

[BritManToo]

21 minutes ago, ChakaKhan said:

Thats sounds about right with my budget.....cheap housing-food and healthcare ...and sangsom!

 

Cant afford the girl rental so have to rely solely to my own devices(laptop+wifi)

Everyone can afford the occasional rental, even poor Thai blokes.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Rubbish. They've never looked down on me and I'm cheaper than Charlie. I don't associate with trendy hi so's that think they are special though.

Several neighbours have mentioned to the misses ...........

We don't have a brand new car outside, so we can't be rich, but nobody works so we must be rich?

 

It's a real puzzler for them.

[moe666]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I would consider it more "Thai greed"

I've never expected anyone to come to my rescue, but will admit some hospitals trying to charge us 10x more because we're white does cause a few problems for a few unwary foreigners ....... more Thai greed. 

 

I don't understand why you think a foreigner trying to live on say 20k/month (Brit state pension) is taking advantage of anyone, thats double what most working Thais have to live on, and Thai state pensioners only get 700bht/month max. My personal generosity provides another 3k/month for my kids grandma, and she lives very well as a pensioner on 3,700bht/month.

It doesn't really matter what a Thai lives as on. If you wish to stay here for any length of time that requires a money amount then you either have it or not. Some Thais literly live in a bamboo shack. I do not know any farange who would want to live in the proverty some Thais live in.

[Boomer6969]

51 minutes ago, checkered flag said:

Thanks, but I've been in Thailand longer than most and have yet to have an official put the bite on me for cash or anything else. I pretty much follow established rules and interact politely but never a problem. I don't however live in a high tourist area. Once immigration asked for a police report with my TM30 (when they started enforcement) and I had to go to the district police station. It took the police officer a far amount of time to complete and my wife offered to buy him lunch or something. He said no this was his job but thanked us. I also thanked the captain and he simply said thanks to help. He did take  my phone number because he might need help understanding some foreigner. I speak Thai but his English was pretty good.

Been here only six years but haven't paid any tea money yet. I was referring to what triggered this thread: the existence of a mafia that offers extensions to people that don't meet the TI requirements. I doubt such "organisation" could survive without buying the support of some IOs. 

 

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

All that says is that some westerners in LOS are a bunch of spoiled upstarts that think they are special. If they can't afford to live the lifestyle they think they deserve in LOS then go home. The Thai won't miss them.

 

Thais living on 9k per month share a room with multiple family members, or co-workers, with no aircon, no hot water, and a communal bathroom.

Rubbish. I lived in a multi story complex in Pattaya occupied 100% by Thais except for me.

A room was 5,000 a month. Many rooms were occupied by 4 girls. All the rooms had ensuite bathrooms with hot water, and no one needs AC except soft farangs.

 

In Lamphun, a similar room was 2,000 a month.

There's some very nice large new condos at the end of my road (near Chiang Mai) renting for 2,500bht/month.

If you want air-con, put your own in or pay higher rent and they'll put it in.

Swimming pool, gym, 7-11, restaurants, lots of female students all within 250m.

 

That condo would certainly provide me with a better lifestyle than I could afford back in the UK.

Edited August 7, 2020 by BritManToo

[evadgib]

Some Brits aren't helped by the 'Frozen' pension fiasco covered in detail in a pinned topic on the 'home countries' board.

Edited August 7, 2020 by evadgib

[Pravda]

As i predicted a few yours back, when backpackers are gone, when tourists wanna be residents are gone and when legitimate tourists are gone retired folks will be at each-other's throats as this thread perfectly illustrates.

 

Soon the only ones left in Thailand will be legitimate employees working for multinational companies and making big bucks. The rest of us can pack up and go. I am in the process of doing this myself. Have more than enough money for mariage/retirement extensions... even elite visa, but you never know what's gonna happen in the future.

[AlfHuy]

14 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Nah, he's paying way too much for the wine cooler.

32bht in the nearest shop, 28bht up the road a bit.

I always take a couple of bottles along to the local short-time hotel, as the drinks in the fridge are way too expensive.

 

Arctic room earlier today ......... 240bht for 2hrs.

 

What is this phone for? Asking your wife if she did put the pizza already in the oven? 555

There are stains on the bed, yukkk.

[BritManToo]

4 minutes ago, AlfHuy said:

What is this phone for? Asking your wife if she did put the pizza already in the oven? 555

There are stains on the bed, yukkk.

The phone is for room service, snacks, more drinks, asking to see their 'toy tray', paying the bill.

No need to leave the bed once you've started.

 

Damp spots on the sheets, was our liberal use of lubricants and massage oil.

We also had a bit of a roll around after our 'end of play' showers when we were still wet.

Hopefully the oil will wash out.

Edited August 7, 2020 by BritManToo

[thaibeachlovers]

32 minutes ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

"Why are people staying in Thailand when then (sic) can't meet TI's financial requirements?"

 

I'm here because I couldn't meet my pretentious, overrated, chaotic American home state's ridiculous requirements. Let's see:

 

Well over 6' tall (183 cm)

Ripped

Movie star charisma

Swagger, nonchalance, massive ego (see the US president)

6 figure salary ($100k+ USD)

A nearly $100k car

A high level degree, yes. But years of experience and perfect references, for just an entry level position, no.

 

While unable to meet those requirements, here I was able to obtain a lovely wife, a decent job, and a nice place to live. Now utterly impossible back home, what was once The American Dream.

The dream has died in all western countries, IMO, but people just don't realise it yet. The dream was real in the 50s, but died in Vietnam. AI robotics and the digital dictatorship will see it end. Try being a rebellious youth in China now!

I was lucky enough to live it for most of my life even though I preferred travel and adventure to wealth.

 

BTW, poor countries never even had a dream to achieve, so we that did should all be grateful for what was.