Unpopular Opinion: I appreciate the immigration policies here

[2009]

Yeah, basically as the title says.

 

People think it is too strict. Having to renew the visa every year. Employment limited to a few jobs.

 

But really, their immigration policy has Thailand in mind. They do it cos it is best for their own country.

 

I wouldn't want to see Thailand become like some western countries. Recent events in France spring to mind.

 

I like Thailand the way it is and wouldn't want it to be overrun and changed by migrants.

 

Not that those types of migrants would come here anyway cos there is no social security, but still....I think it is worthwhile having an immigration like Thailand's. 

 

If it means I need to do an extension every year, so be it.

[Airalee]

I don’t mind the annual reporting...for me it’s pretty painless with the 800k in the bank method.  The 90 day reports are pretty lame but hey...it’s only a ฿1-2000 fine for forgetting to do it.  I save time, government gets paid.  Win-win.  The TM-28 (or was it TM30) was ridiculous.  Glad they got rid of that for in country travel.
 

That being said, I think that beyond having health insurance, the income approach to retirement visa renewals really shouldn’t have an income requirement that is any higher than the government schools are willing to pay foreign teachers.

[473geo]

As my family are living in Thailand, and will be brought up as Thai, I agree with your sentiments.

Too many look at their own personal circumstance without a thought for Thai people when being critical of the immigration policies. To me they are about right, and there are 'options' available but the moaners can somehow even manage to find fault, and will no doubt stuff it up for others.

 

These are exceptional times, and if one does not wish to demonstrate patience, then pay the associated costs for more urgent repatriation

[fishtank]

I grudge having to have 400,000 in the bank when a foreign woman married to a Thai man has to have zero in the bank.

Shear discrimination.

[steve187]

18 minutes ago, fishtank said:

I grudge having to have 400,000 in the bank when a foreign woman married to a Thai man has to have zero in the bank.

Shear discrimination.

yes i believe the both should be treated equally,  other than that i feel the immigration rules are ok, easy for the people they want and expensive and  rule bending for the people they don't really want here long term.

edit i do believe retirement yearly extension holders should be allowed to return.

[jacko45k]

33 minutes ago, fishtank said:

I grudge having to have 400,000 in the bank when a foreign woman married to a Thai man has to have zero in the bank.

Shear discrimination.

Sexual discrimination rather than racial though. 

[fishtank]

22 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Sexual discrimination rather than racial though. 

Discriminating against Thai women.

[2009]

52 minutes ago, fishtank said:

Discriminating against Thai women.

 

How's that?

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, steve187 said:

i do believe retirement yearly extension holders should be allowed to return.

Non O (retirement) and extensions have been recently added to list of folk able to return.

[sometimewoodworker]

1 hour ago, steve187 said:

edit i do believe retirement yearly extension holders should be allowed to return.

They are now

[Bangyai]

17 hours ago, fishtank said:

I grudge having to have 400,000 in the bank when a foreign woman married to a Thai man has to have zero in the bank.

Shear discrimination.

 

Well, at least you dont have to have a bun in the oven.

 

Yes......it would be terrible lots of foreigners coming here unchecked having to be housed by the local authorities and being given social security payments by the Thai government. 

 

I think the laws should be more strict. No westerners except me and a few select friends. Pesky falangs cluttering up the place. The fewer the better.

[fishtank]

21 minutes ago, 2009 said:

 

How's that?

Thai Men have no problem living with their foreign wives.

Also pretty easy to get their Wife Thai citizenship.

 

Not the same for a Thai Woman. her Husband has to go through all kinds of hoops to enable her to live with him.

[2009]

2 minutes ago, fishtank said:

Thai Men have no problem living with their foreign wives.

Also pretty easy to get their Wife Thai citizenship.

 

Not the same for a Thai Woman. her Husband has to go through all kinds of hoops to enable her to live with him.

 

Still don't see how it discriminates against Thai women.

 

Farang men, yes.

 

Or does political correctness not allow straight white men to be discriminated against?

[ChaiyaTH]

Might appreciate the policies but it is not helping Thailand at all. Just to start with all the empty properties that never get filled up without foreigners.

 

People also seem to forget, that the financial requirements in western countries (who mid term also give you a passport and social securities if available in those countries), are much much lower compared to Thailand if looking at minimum wages. Not to forget, you would be allowed to do any business and job + own it.

[Peter Denis]

35 minutes ago, luckyluke said:

Everything is relative.

 

20 years in Thailand and married to a Thai lady for the same number of years.

 

I choose the easiest way, for me, for my extension, being :

" Retirement Visa " based on income in homeland : no amount needed in a Thai bank, no monthly transfer of minimum of 65000 ThB needed. 

 

Despite I only have to go one time a year to Immigration ( in fact 2 times, I have to collect my passport the day after), I should like they create a longer type of  Extension, something like 5 years for couples with Thai lady being married for 10 years.

 

So in fact, despite my yearly extension is very easy, I complain that the system could be better.

To paraphrase a well-known God-poster > just an opinion...

< Hehe, insider joke ???? >

[luckyluke]

3 minutes ago, Peter Denis said:

To paraphrase a well-known God-poster > just an opinion...

< Hehe, insider joke ???? >

You were lucky to read it, before it was removed by moderation.

[BritTim]

1 hour ago, 2009 said:

Still don't see how it discriminates against Thai women.

 

Farang men, yes.

 

Or does political correctness not allow straight white men to be discriminated against?

 

It would be more accurate to say that both the Thai wife and the foreign husband are affected (assuming this is a genuine marriage, and not a marriage of convenience). Which of the two feels most discriminated against will, I guess, depend on which feels most strongly about being deprived of the company of the other.

 

Also affected are any children from the relationship.

 

While on the subject of discrimination, though, I would point out the much greater problem faced by those in same sex relationships. Thailand has hinted at recognising same sex marriages, but it is still true that those under 50 have essentially no appropriate visa to allow them to stay with their same sex partners in Thailand.

[ChouDoufu]

i really don't care how difficult/strict the requirements are, as long as they.....

 

 

**publicize the requirements, in properly edited english.   (and french spinach german and chinese!)

 

**enforce them equally, as written, at all immigration offices.

[bkk6060]

It is a very simple and easy process in my opinion.

Have a little money, collect make copies and submit papers.

The 90 day is usually a few minutes at Chonburi. 

I often wonder what types of jobs people had or have or if they think it is all so difficult.

[Psimbo]

Personally I don't think what you have said above IS an unpopular opinion and it seems to be the view of others above as well. I've never had issues with Immigration in over 15 years of living here. 

 

Renew retirement Permit takes me about ten-20 minutes depending on the queue- cost B1900, no agent. Yes, I have to go back the next day to collect my passport but so what- they are checking that I have the right to stay. 

 

90 Day reports (which I choose to do in person) 1-5 minutes depending on how many people in front at the drive-thru. 

 

I think the people who do have issues are the ones who are always trying to skirt around the rules. They also tend to be the serial whingers about all the 'bad' things in Thailand and even pick fault when initiatives are announced to try and make things better. Evolution , NOT Revolution is how stuff works here.  My (Phuket) Immigration Office has taken a number of steps over the past few years to improve things and I can't fault them. Hopefully at some point we will see an Immigration Smart Card. That would be a great leap forward and not beyond the bounds of reality.

[transam]

1 minute ago, Psimbo said:

Personally I don't think what you have said above IS an unpopular opinion and it seems to be the view of others above as well. I've never had issues with Immigration in over 15 years of living here. 

 

Renew retirement Permit takes me about ten-20 minutes depending on the queue- cost B1900, no agent. Yes, I have to go back the next day to collect my passport but so what- they are checking that I have the right to stay. 

 

90 Day reports (which I choose to do in person) 1-5 minutes depending on how many people in front at the drive-thru. 

 

I think the people who do have issues are the ones who are always trying to skirt around the rules. They also tend to be the serial whingers about all the 'bad' things in Thailand and even pick fault when initiatives are announced to try and make things better. Evolution , NOT Revolution is how stuff works here.  My (Phuket) Immigration Office has taken a number of steps over the past few years to improve things and I can't fault them. Hopefully at some point we will see an Immigration Smart Card. That would be a great leap forward and not beyond the bounds of reality.

I have been here many years, I have been married to the same lady for many years, lived in my present house for 13 years, but, to do my one year wifey extension they just asked me for proof of divorce from my UK wife many years back...I asked "Why, to get married to  my now Thai wife, I had to get affirmation from the British Embassy in BKK that I was single,  which I did, and we got married"....He said "Go home and look for something"..????

 

Luckily, I found a page from a Magistrates court with divorce in it and the B.E. affirmation cash receipt....Oh, and my wife's divorce thing printed in colour.....And folk wonder why I get a proper visa every year....????

[richard_smith237]

I’ve no issues with the Visa Requirements and meet them easily (Non-Imm O). 

 

But, I have issues with some of the silly rules. 

90 day reporting is utterly pointless. 

A year extension not so much hassle, but its not really necessary - why not just issue a 5 year Visa for those Married here etc

 

Additionally, there are some other daft regulations. 

I’ve had well over 400k in a bank for more than a year. But, I still needed 3 items from my bank. 

Bank Letter. Bank Book. Stamped Bank Statement. I had to go back to the Bank as the Bank Book from the previous day was not up to date enough !!!! I thought that was silly !

 

The 'under-consideration’ period is also daft - If you have the paperwork you meet the requirements. The need to return to Immigration twice for one Visa is daft, it also generates more unnecessary congestion. 

 

-------

 

Finally, the regulations: Some our just downright dumb. 

Under emergency decree I couldn’t enter Thailand on my Elite Visa (which I purchased 14 years ago in my early 30’s when single). I entered on a 90 days Single Entry Non-Immigrant O (based on marriage) and applied for the Certificate of Entry etc (no problems there except for a lot of circular requirements and hoop-jumping. 

 

Upon expiry of the 90 day SE Non-Imm O visa, I was unable to switch to my Thai Elite Visa without leaving the country !!!! 

 

So, I’m holding a perfectly valid visa which I was unable to use !!! I had no choice but to apply for the 12 months Non-Imm O extension. Again, no issues, just some paperwork, time.... but a rather pointless exercise when I was already holding a visa !

 

 

 

 

 

 

[potless]

6 hours ago, fishtank said:

I grudge having to have 400,000 in the bank when a foreign woman married to a Thai man has to have zero in the bank.

Shear discrimination.

 

4 hours ago, 2009 said:

Still don't see how it discriminates against Thai women.

 

Farang men, yes.

I agree with you 2009. At least the Thai wife will have at least 400k to collect should hubby pop his clogs. As for a foreign woman married to a Thai man, who knows ?

[potless]

23 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

A year extension not so much hassle, but its not really necessary - why not just issue a 5 year Visa for those Married here etc

In agreement with your entire post regarding some of the sillier situations that arise, as in your own case. However the Thais would want to know that someone getting a visa/extension based on marriage is still actually married. Thus an annual check. Alas the 5 year visa wont happen.

[Salerno]

   

4 hours ago, 2009 said:

Still don't see how it discriminates against Thai women.

 

14 minutes ago, potless said:

I agree with you 2009.

 

It discriminates against a Thai woman in that she could see her one true love kicked out the country leaving her lonely and heartbroken if for some reason he fails to meet the financial requirements. 

[mike123ca]

5 hours ago, 2009 said:

 

How's that?

A Thai man's signature has more value than a Thai woman's signature, so he is not required to prove that he can take care of his foreign wife.

[dbrenn]

14 hours ago, 2009 said:

I wouldn't want to see Thailand become like some western countries

You're not alone. Western culture is becoming increasingly ghastly, but Westerners still patronise Thailand with their endless lecturing and boorish moralising about how they think Thais should behave. 

 

It's no wonder that Westerners aren't as welcome in Thailand as they once were.

[potless]

7 minutes ago, Salerno said:

It discriminates against a Thai woman in that she could see her one true love kicked out the country leaving her lonely and heartbroken if for some reason he fails to meet the financial requirements.

Yes that could happen. My point is that a Thai wife may benefit from 400k in a bank. Just the other side of the coin.

[loong]

I am basically ok with immigration requirements except I don't see why I should have to have 400K in the bank that I can never use whereas this doesn't apply to anyone married to a Thai. Why are the financial requirements more for single people than for married? That makes no sense!

Apart from that immigration policy is ok except when the IO makes up new rules on the fly.

[LukKrueng]

14 hours ago, Airalee said:

That being said, I think that beyond having health insurance, the income approach to retirement visa renewals really shouldn’t have an income requirement that is any higher than the government schools are willing to pay foreign teachers.

Well, the teachers give added value to Thai society, retired peoples' added value is by bringing cash in