Popular Post webfact Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 REUTERS file photo for reference only The Thai government's ambitious proposals to attract a million foreigners in the next five years and get a trillion baht into the ailing economy - as reported by Daily News and many other Thai sites - have been roundly slammed by retirees and foreigners with Thai families already living and contributing to the kingdom. They are shouting from the rooftops throughout the nation: What the hell about us? They feel the government don't care about people who have committed to Thailand for years. They say the cabinet's decision is just a cynical ploy to try and get money in taxes - especially from other Asians. They feel that they will have to continue to jump through numbing hoops like 90 day reporting because they don't have a million dollars to invest and don't work in Thailand. They say they bring money in, support the local economy, support Thai people like wives and children but are treated like second class citizens as they are not the cash cows favored by the government. In fact they feel they are being treated more like buffaloes. They think they deserve residence not people with more money who will leave after a few years anyway. ASEAN NOW posters led the way in swift condemnation of the plans even though those plans have been in the air for months and some of the finer details like the hot chestnut of land ownership, for decades. Djayz summed it up well with: "What about those foreigners who have lived here for years, have families, jobs, cars, houses, stay out of trouble, support the local community and are here long term, not just to move money about, invest then (leave) as things get ugly?" Almer said: "I'm lacking in all their requirements, but I spend my pension here and help the needy in the village - if that counts for anything". Clearly he thought it didn't. Starky said: "What about those that live here and spend over a million baht a year". Some pointed out that the answer to that was that a million baht was not much in the grand scheme of things and the government were trying to make things easier for foreigners with much more wealth. Others called it greed and mentioned the targets for the scheme were more likely Chinese nationals and even Indians. Dg1980 summed up this feeling with: "Top earners in, broke-ass dudes out". InThailand said: "These clowns don't get it. The Land of Smiles is becoming less attractive each year". Others pointed to better and more trustworthy schemes to attract foreigners in Malaysia, even Singapore. Still more suggested that the plans were a sneaky way to turn an Elite Card - Thailand's expensive long term visa style scheme - into a way to get residence. While more drew attention to the words "lure" and "attract" and the heavy connotations of each. Yet more pooh-poohed the notion that the Thai authorities would ever change the rules on land ownership as has been muted for years. And even if they did, shouldn't those who live in Thailand already be first in line for benefits rather than those with a fat checkbook who know little about and care not a jot about the country and its people. Emdog an expat in Jomtien summed it up in a final, devastating one liner: "What am I chopped liver?" He answered that question himself with an emphatic "yes". -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2021-09-15 - Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates 26 1 18 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pravda Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 It's the same like when you've been with a certain bank for 20 years and they give $300 to new customers who open a checking account with them and nothing to their old and loyal ones. So, what about you? Nada. It's just business. 61 1 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mikebell Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 They are trotting out this hoary old chestnut more and more frequently now as desperation sets in. The wealthy will not come to live in a place where there is no rule of law; no police force; dangerous roads AND a pandemic of corruption from the local cop up to the very highest in the land. Droughts and floods alternate regularly and then there are the dogs! 103 1 15 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dmaxdan Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 The reality is that people who have money will always comes first in Thailand, no matter who you are or where you come from. And that includes Thai people. 65 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ThailandRyan Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 6 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said: The reality is that people who have money will always comes first in Thailand, no matter who you are or where you come from. And that includes Thai people. Yes sir, it's been Money first, last and always, and when the ATM dries up many move on to the next one. The same for this government. If you can not help the government then they will not help you...ergo brown envelopes. 24 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Denim Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 20 minutes ago, webfact said: They are shouting from the rooftops throughout the nation: Yea.....in my birthday suit. That'll learn 'em. 1 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post worgeordie Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 23 minutes ago, webfact said: Others pointed to better and more trustworthy schemes to attract foreigners in Malaysia, even Singapore. OK go there, but you will find it a lot more expensive, just leave things the way they are ,if they start making changes we could end up a lot worse off. regards Worgeordie 25 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post ezzra Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 10 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said: The reality is that people who have money will always comes first in Thailand, no matter who you are or where you come from. And that includes Thai people. Not always, i came to Thailand looking to marry a rich Thai woman and ended with a bar girl.. but in all seriousness, WE Don't count to them, we don't have the big money they're after so now they're looking for more affluent foreigners and us who have been here for decades becomes mind over matter, they don't mind and we don't matter... 35 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bkk Brian Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 24 minutes ago, webfact said: Almer said: "I'm lacking in all their requirements, but I spend my pension here and help the needy in the village - if that counts for anything". Nope, sorry counts for nothing, apply for a thai elite card and buy one of our condo's because we've built too many and have a huge oversupply. 15 1 1 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jingthing Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 1 minute ago, ezzra said: Not always, i came to Thailand looking to marry a rich Thai woman and ended with a bar girl.. but in all seriousness, WE Don't count to them, we don't have the big money they're after so now they're looking for more affluent foreigners and us who have been here for decades becomes mind over matter, they don't mind and we don't matter... Yes. Know your place. That's our way of embodying Thainess. 11 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BE88 Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 My problem is that I see more and more compromising my future in Thailand against everything I have invested and that I continue to support the economy of Thailand and it will probably be the worst investment I have ever made in my life. 25 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Eibot Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 We already have visa options for retirees and people working in Thailand... What they want? 6 1 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post tonray Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 Love to stay and participate but have to go to Big-C and check on their 9/15 mid month Buy One Get One specials. The off to Easy-Cut to get my 150 baht haircut and then to the 35 baht green bubble tea shop....with any luck i'll save enough for an Ellite Visa in about 45 years. 6 39 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post smedly Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 many people who have been living here for a prolonged period (10 years +) some more than 20 years have spent a considerable amount of money, importantly it is money that flows into Thailand and not out. What do they get in return ?............nothing, in fact if anything the authorities seem hell bent on introducing more and more hurdles and red tape, they seem to get some sort of infantile sick pleasure of shafting the tens of thousands of expats and retirees - it is shameful 49 1 12 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pravda Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 Meanwhile in Bali..... https://www.traveloffpath.com/indonesian-minister-backpackers-are-not-welcome-in-bali-upon-reopening/ 3 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Neeranam Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 18 minutes ago, Dmaxdan said: The reality is that people who have money will always comes first in Thailand, no matter who you are or where you come from. And that includes Thai people. If a Thai retiree wants to live in the USA, he must invest 16,000,000 baht, yet USA retirees here moan about just SHOWING 800,000 baht ONCE a year at immigration. Foreigners who work here, and give to the country, can get PR or citizenship, in quite a simple process(especially if married to a Thai). I find it laughable when I hear a retired butcher, Bert from Bolton, who married Buriram Noi from the Pink Pussy bar, complain about not getting a Thai ID card. 21 6 16 8 18 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Whale Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 (edited) All this time here was I thinking I was second class "citizen" in Thailand. Now I realise I am third. Wife left me years ago, kids grown and off abroad. Next one to leave is me. Enough is enough. Its Cyprus or Greece for me. Edited September 15, 2021 by Whale 21 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TooMuchTime Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 Thailand is for Thais. Always amazes me that people here think a country should just welcome and appreciate you. Sorry this isn't hippy land America. 13 8 5 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pravda Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 1 minute ago, Whale said: All this time here was I thinking I was second class "citizen" in Thailand. Now I realise I am third. Wife left me years ago, kids grown and off abroad. Next one to leave is me. Enough is enough. When you decided to move to Thailand which part of it's a third world country you didn't understand? 5 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post smedly Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 I recently looked at retirement options in the Med, countries like Spain Greece Portugal - they are quite inviting 9 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Whale Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 2 minutes ago, Pravda said: When you decided to move to Thailand which part of it's a third world country you didn't understand? I have been here 38 years son. 30 1 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Neeranam Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 9 minutes ago, Jingthing said: Yes. Know your place. That's our way of embodying Thainess. Most foreigners don't know their place. They are not even on the bottom rung of the Thai hierarchical social ladder, and make no effort at all to reach it. 10 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post smedly Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 3 minutes ago, Neeranam said: Most foreigners don't know their place. They are not even on the bottom rung of the Thai hierarchical social ladder, and make no effort at all to reach it. and you are right down there with the rest - be under no illusion that you're not 23 4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bkk Brian Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 12 minutes ago, TooMuchTime said: Thailand is for Thais. Always amazes me that people here think a country should just welcome and appreciate you. Sorry this isn't hippy land America. So why are they trying to attract a million more foreigners with huge incentives? 11 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Neeranam Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 3 minutes ago, smedly said: and you are right down there with the rest - be under no illusion that you're not I am under no illusion, but probably nearer that first rung than the ones that wear a Chang vest when going to Tesco Lotus food court, or drive a pickup ???? 1 1 8 1 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Stocky Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 46 minutes ago, webfact said: Others pointed to better and more trustworthy schemes to attract foreigners in Malaysia Malaysia is in the process of messy its scheme up, with the same goal in mind, these wonderful high net worth people who are going to save their post-Covid economy. Unfortunately there are many countries thinking the same and the jam only spreads so far. I'm reminded of the saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". 13 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Neeranam Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 Just now, Bkk Brian said: So why are they trying to attract a million more foreigners with huge incentives? Don't all countries try to attract the richest tourists? 6 1 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bkk Brian Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 2 minutes ago, Neeranam said: Don't all countries try to attract the richest tourists? This is nothing to do with tourism: "Today (Tuesday) Thailand’s cabinet approved, in principle, a measure to attract “high potential” foreigners, including wealthy retirees and specialists, to stay long term in the country in a bid to promote foreign investment and to improve the struggling economy." 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BobinBKK Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 Really? Do you really want to invest here? This country is and always has been run by scammers, liars and thieves. We all see the daily flip-flops and corruption. What makes you think for one minute that somewhere down the road the rules around this (like everything else) won't change and you will literally be screwed? All decisions here are made on some military general's whim and there's absolutely nothing and I mean nothing you can do about it. What's the next major world-wide crises that will have all the borders closed and you are stuck outside of the country? I had just returned to Thailand from holiday in The Philippines when all the doors around the world were slammed shut. I live in Thailand, rent a condo and have money (not all) in a Thai bank. So many people were and still can't get back to their homes in Thailand yet. Personally it's not the right choice for me, but for other's it is the right choice for them. All I am trying to say is that it would be wise to think long and hard before making any decision one way or the other. 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Neeranam Posted September 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted September 15, 2021 1 minute ago, Bkk Brian said: This is nothing to do with tourism: "Today (Tuesday) Thailand’s cabinet approved, in principle, a measure to attract “high potential” foreigners, including wealthy retirees and specialists, to stay long term in the country in a bid to promote foreign investment and to improve the struggling economy." My point being, don't all other countries do the same? The USA, for example, asking retirees to invest $500k, to weed out the ones with no money. Some expat retirees complaining here have low self-esteem issues. 5 3 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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