SURVEY: Will Thailand continue to be a favorable destination for retirees?

[IAMHERE]

I think the people that influence the country most, don't need the retirees. Retirees infect the population with unnecessary concepts and are a borderline nuisance. Yes, the money is nice for the lower levels of countrymen but not all that important to them.  

[The Deerhunter]

13 hours ago, Orinoco said:

Enjoy the honeymoon period. ( 3 years retired in Thailand )

Please report back in 7 years time. !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

 

 

 

Exactly my opinion. At3 yearsI was still mostly in love.  By 5 years Thai wife and I were planning to return to my birth country.  BeatCovid by 6-8 months.  We are both better off here. LOS was fun while it lasted.

[bkkcanuck8]

4 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

Logical for whom?

 

For Thais it is extremely logical to keep foreigners on temporary year long visa extensions and 90-day reports. Keeps track of where they are living, easy to remove criminals, no vast numbers of extended family automatically allowed entry, cannot claim benefits or free healthcare (unless paying tax on wp), not a burden on the society and can be removed at any moment at their own expense. 

 

Another added benefit is it keeps people that don't have an interest in Thai culture, assimilating or learning the Thai language (which is the majority) well at arms length from any sort of permanence here. Just as it should be.

 

Sounds like a winner to me, wish my home country would adopt similar rules tbh.

So in your world, criminals follow the rules and report their location.... but then don't follow the rules when they are committing crimes? 

 

How about this, if someone who is on a non-immigrant is arrested for committing a crime (of significance)... you hold them and either take them to trial first... then incarcerate/deport them... or just deport them...

[Mr Meeseeks]

2 minutes ago, bkkcanuck8 said:

So in your world, criminals follow the rules and report their location.... but then don't follow the rules when they are committing crimes? 

 

How about this, if someone who is on a non-immigrant is arrested for committing a crime (of significance)... you hold them and either take them to trial first... then incarcerate/deport them... or just deport them...

In my World foreign criminals are weeded out, incarcerated and deported if necessary. This is assisted by the strict immigration laws, regular arrests of overstayers and a zero tolerance policy for those that do not follow the rules.

 

My World is Thailand.

 

Compare this to the UK where foreign criminals arrive daily and are treated to free hotel rooms, three meals a day, medical care and an allowance, all at the taxpayers' expense.

 

Thailand has its immigration policies spot on. 

[bkkcanuck8]

1 minute ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

In my World foreign criminals are weeded out, incarcerated and deported if necessary. This is assisted by the strict immigration laws, regular arrests of overstayers and a zero tolerance policy for those that do not follow the rules.

 

My World is Thailand.

 

Compare this to the UK where foreign criminals arrive daily and are treated to free hotel rooms, three meals a day, medical care and an allowance, all at the taxpayers' expense.

 

Thailand has its immigration policies spot on. 

If your world is Thailand, it generally means that if you are caught and you are a criminal of any ability... a packet of money changes hands... and you are released because you did nothing wrong.

[mikebell]

Retirees want to own their own home.  Malaysia allows it so why not Thailand?  Their home-owning laws are mediaeval and racist; they exist to keep lawyers/auditors in jobs to the exclusion of would-be retirees.

[khunpa]

43 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

Will Thailand continue to be ... ?

Well , that depends on many things .

How long will that Covid crisis last ?

How bad will economics be affected by it in the long run ?

What will be the governments reaction to the reduced income ?

It looks that they will need every buck they can get ...

If , after some time , they realize that tourism related income will never become anymore what it once was , may be , they will realize that , to attract money , they will need to make the country more attractive .

Easiest way to do this is to relax the ridiculous immigration rules .

If that happens , and , after the penny dropped , they really do some efforts to facilitate the Visa processes for long time stayers , ( and spenders ) , Thailand will become more attractive for people wanting to retire and spend their money in peace ( of mind ) .

Let foreigners own a piece of land and build their own houses would certainly help as well ... and bring in more money .

There are endless possibilities to improve the attractiveness of Thailand for investors .

I hope that they realize that before it is too late ...

If they do that , yes , Thailand will continue to be ...

If they don't get this , they will financially suffer for a long time .

But it looks like Xenophobia is a threat to intelligent decisions .

I don’t believe Thailand will change much, when it comes to their view of foreigners. Even though they financially could need it. Especially now.

 

The problem with Thailand is “Thai-ness, their “loss of face” and “blame others” culture. They will NEVER admit when they screw up and will therefore also never learn or move forward. And It is deeply rooted in all classes of society.

 

Even though the students and young generations are starting to look for change, they are still deep down affected and controlled by “Thai-ness”. And it is all due to upbringing and bad education, controlled from above.

 

I know many so-called Thai Elites. Educated abroad and what you would consider to be “smart” people. However, they still lack the ability to be part of a critical and constructive discussion about their country. Their “lose face” concept is just overpowering their ability to be open-minded and express it.
 

And that is why things will never really change much here. Which I somehow think is okay. Because very few Thais actually understand what e.g. true democracy is and what it requires of each individual person.

 

The people who could make real changes will always be removed from power. That’s just how it is and most Thais accept that. Thais seem to be most content with a life as “followers”….

 

Edited September 6, 2021 by khunpa

[nobodysfriend]

3 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

In my World foreign criminals are weeded out, incarcerated and deported if necessary. This is assisted by the strict immigration laws, regular arrests of overstayers and a zero tolerance policy for those that do not follow the rules.

 

My World is Thailand.

 

Compare this to the UK where foreign criminals arrive daily and are treated to free hotel rooms, three meals a day, medical care and an allowance, all at the taxpayers' expense.

 

Thailand has its immigration policies spot on. 

Yes Mr. Meeseeks , you will have Thai Citizenship soon ...

Because you work and pay taxes and , are married to a Thai citizen I presume ...

Mee too , I am married for 23 yrs to a thai citizen , but I am retired , living permanently in Thailand , but not working .

I cannot have or apply for Thai Citizenship . Is that correct ??

Thai Xenophobia will be the shot in Thailand's own foot .

 

 

[NoshowJones]

6 hours ago, GStewart70 said:

Your opinion.

I'll keep my assets in the UK and travel/retire abroad on the income or capital appreciation.

Retiring abroad means your totally at the mercy of immigration rules and currency fluctuations.

Your a guest in Thailand on a 1 year rolling contract.

Property ownership is another ball game altogether.

Anyone with half a brain wouldn't sell a property in the UK with a market componding at 10% plus a year at the minute.

If that 'doesn't work for some people' then their idiots.

 

Good post, apart from mentioning "guest", but I take it that it is just a figure of speech.

[bkkcanuck8]

5 minutes ago, mikebell said:

Retirees want to own their own home.  Malaysia allows it so why not Thailand?  Their home-owning laws are mediaeval and racist; they exist to keep lawyers/auditors in jobs to the exclusion of would-be retirees.

Because this is Thailand and not Malaysia and they don't have to base the rules around what another country does.   A retiree visa is just a tourist visa in disguise, you are a non-resident temporary visa holder that has to get a new visa every year.   i.e. you are not a [permanent] resident or a citizen.

 

There are good reasons not to allow non-residents to buy land as the market and affordability of land in Thailand could be affected greatly by allowing unrestricted foreign ownership, pricing out even more locals out of the market.   They could of course accomplish the same thing by restricting land ownership to a maximum size (something for one house - no investment properties) and apply a very high capital gains tax on the sale of the property (unless the proceeds are transferred to another parcel or land or resident/citizen offspring). 

[473geo]

I retired to Thailand just 5 months ago after 15 years of planning, 30 years of visiting, now keeping occupied with a family, a home, a few cattle and rice. Usual requirements set up and paid for. 

Have visited immigration on 3 occasions so far, very helpful, expect no issues with my extension for a year when I apply end of this month.

I do not dwell on Thailand of the past, enjoyed it to the full as I enjoy a more sedate lifestyle now.

The future may well throw up a few challenges, but I think I am made of stronger stuff than those baulking at a few hours of effort and time spent at immigration, or the 'monied up' who refuse to build a very affordable home because it will not be an 'asset'.

 

Once again a thread to make me smile 

Thanks guys 

Have a Lovely day 

 

 

 

 

[NoshowJones]

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

Why....... what is the incentive for them to do this?

You talk of tourist visas and we discuss retirement.....

AS to 90 day reporting, I have not stood in line for over a decade, I make a few clicks at my laptop and it is done... trivial. 

The very fact that you have to report to anyone when you are not a criminal is just one big No No.

[Kadilo]

52 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

Flippant comment in lieu of any reasoned and factual argument.

 

They tolerate visitors but they simply don't want foreigners here longer term. 

 

This much is obvious with so much as a modicum of knowledge about Thai culture, history and immigration policy.

The flippant comment was from yourself……..

 

“Most Thais don't want more foreigners  here other than on holiday.”

 

……when you can have no idea what most Thais want

 

. That is a fact. 

[Kadilo]

6 hours ago, GStewart70 said:

 

If that 'doesn't work for some people' then their idiots.

 

‘They’re’…………irony alert. 

[fredscats]

been here for long time,but no way want attachments ,cept mutts.     Live good life,pensions excellent  then Im not frozen for OAP...medical is what a lot complain of,but the cheapest and best is close to hand,better than NHS  but yes covid has put spanner in works for the mo

 

Sauna  mornings,followed by long swim afternoons,nice massage later,follwed by other thing ,   where else could that be got  cheaply?

[Will B Good]

On 9/4/2021 at 7:17 PM, Scott said:

do you think that people will consider retiring in Thailand?

My best guess is yes.

[mokwit]

Thailand is not a retirement destination because it offers no security of residence. The Government has changed the deal on people without grandfathering (min 400K, 65k transferred, OA insurance.).

 

It is a destination that offers one year extensions with no set limit but the requirements for extension may change without grandfathering. HTH.

[Salerno]

Just now, mokwit said:

The Government has changed the deal on people without grandfathering

When?

[mokwit]

4 minutes ago, Salerno said:

When?

When 'Big Chok' was Immigration chief.  if you are being pedantic it was technically the Government Coup instated before this one, but the same key people, Prawit, Prayuth and others.

Edited September 6, 2021 by mokwit

[NoshowJones]

43 minutes ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

In my World foreign criminals are weeded out, incarcerated and deported if necessary. This is assisted by the strict immigration laws, regular arrests of overstayers and a zero tolerance policy for those that do not follow the rules.

 

My World is Thailand.

 

Compare this to the UK where foreign criminals arrive daily and are treated to free hotel rooms, three meals a day, medical care and an allowance, all at the taxpayers' expense.

 

Thailand has its immigration policies spot on. 

 

"Thailand has its immigration policies spot on." I would agree with you where the rest of your post is concerned and when it is compared to the UK.

But the immigration policies for retirees and under fifties who want to stay long term and do not want to marry has just gotten worse since the coup "that wasn't going to happen".

[Salerno]

2 minutes ago, mokwit said:

I'm not going to bother answering.

Thanks for being so helpful.

 

It was a genuine question, when where changes made that didn't grandfather existing extension holders?

[GStewart70]

16 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

‘They’re’…………irony alert. 

No irony.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-house-price-index-for-june-2021#:~:text=The June data shows%3A,UK valued at £265%2C668

Fact.

Just glad i dont come on this forum everyday begging the Thai government to open the borders to save the titty bar i stuck all my money in.

 

[Blumpie]

7 minutes ago, mokwit said:

Thailand is not a retirement destination because it offers no security of residence. The Government has changed the deal on people without grandfathering (min 400K, 65k transferred, OA insurance.).

 

It is a destination that offers one year extensions with no set limit but the requirements for extension may change without grandfathering. HTH.

Oh absolutely.  When you run out of money, have problems, or are ready to die they would rather you leave.  Of course the Wats enjoy the cremation business but that's about it.  

[kennw]

21 hours ago, HAPPYNUFF said:

Started coming here, annually, in 1988, for three month holidays.   Did the bars, did the temples,  wandered  length and breadth of the country.  It was a real wild west then, but  free and easy. No  troubles, providing you behaved yourself and showed  respect.  Came to live here permanently  12 years ago..   Settled down.   Things   have gradually  gone downhill. The people arent as happy and carefree as before,  visa requirements  have gone  through the roof, blatant corruption everywhere, the cost of living   nearly equals  my home country, apart from housing, taxes etc., Im  talking about  those who  purchase farang food, and not live on rabbit food from the markets... I  do feel sorry for the general Thai populace, the working people who  seem to live a hand to mouth existance, but not the slightest empathy for  the government or any employed within it.

Unfortunately retirees have become the soft targets, immigration visa requirements, reporting, minimum deposit levels, end of the vaccine queue, home ownership rules, all add up to "no longer welcome" attitudes. But we should have seen the signs when the "khun dee's" turned to "Khun Khee neow" when buying lady drinks for the bar girls lost it's appeal.  

[bendejo]

Strictly IMO, I think it's possible Thailand may shed it's image as the VN War era R&R fleshpit, and from Emmanuelle (the movie that brought the ping-pong ball show to the West).   Of course there will always be red-light entertainment available, goes without saying.  If this health emergency goes on for another year or more, it will be a blip in the sex work business, with girls who never had the option of heading to Pattaya for some quick boom-boom cash, and the pros moving on to find another way to get through life.  No johns means no janes.  Used to be if you went to the tourist office at the airport when arriving they'd load you up with glossy printed guide pamphlets, and the most heavily-offered activity was the hiring of companions.  Image your granny seeing that in the place she was considering retiring to!

 

But a word about recommended retirement destinations.  Have a look at some of these "best places to retire" articles and you'll see they are generally pretty subjective or trivial.  E.g. retirees get free admission to museums; gee, that's great, but is that worthy of being the #3 reason?   Free medical insurance for retirees sounds great, but they may not mention the medical equipment is a few decades out of date, and second-rate to begin with.

 

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

23 minutes ago, Kadilo said:

The flippant comment was from yourself……..

 

“Most Thais don't want more foreigners  here other than on holiday.”

 

……when you can have no idea what most Thais want

 

. That is a fact. 

Show some evidence to prove my statement wrong.

 

Otherwise stop wasting my time. 

 

[Salerno]

10 minutes ago, mokwit said:

When 'Big Chok' was Immigration chief.  if you are being pedantic it was technically the Government Coup instated before this one, but the same key people, Prawit, Prayuth and others.

Ah, now I get you. My apologies, misinterpreted your initial post.

[mokwit]

6 minutes ago, Salerno said:

Thanks for being so helpful.

 

It was a genuine question, when where changes made that didn't grandfather existing extension holders?

I have edited and given you a genuine answer.

[GStewart70]

41 minutes ago, 473geo said:

I retired to Thailand just 5 months ago after 15 years of planning, 30 years of visiting, now keeping occupied with a family, a home, a few cattle and rice. Usual requirements set up and paid for. 

Have visited immigration on 3 occasions so far, very helpful, expect no issues with my extension for a year when I apply end of this month.

I do not dwell on Thailand of the past, enjoyed it to the full as I enjoy a more sedate lifestyle now.

The future may well throw up a few challenges, but I think I am made of stronger stuff than those baulking at a few hours of effort and time spent at immigration, or the 'monied up' who refuse to build a very affordable home because it will not be an 'asset'.

 

Once again a thread to make me smile 

Thanks guys 

Have a Lovely day 

 

 

 

 

I've meet a few guy's like you in Thailand.

Your telling the first part of the story.

The second part is where they lose the house, car and motorbike etc.

That won't happen to you, so you'll be ok. Don't worry, yours is different.

Makes me smile.

Have a nice day.

Edited September 6, 2021 by GStewart70
Edit

[shackleton]

Once Thailand fully opens  up  the Tourists will come back 

Get rid of the quarantine  on arrival plus the paperwork involved which is unnecessary hassle 

It's still cheap for tourists to come and enjoy their stay here plenty to see 

Most of the complainers are the expats already here in Thailand 

Who can't or won't leave what ever their reasons 

Plus still a good place for Retirement according to the amount of people asking about the retirement visas here on Thai visa