Thailand steps up efforts to attract more expats

[Percy P]

1 hour ago, madmen said:

They been mulling this for 10 years and every final proposal is dependent on pensioners having 10 million baht in a Thai bank blah blah 

Whatever money you have or bring into the country don't change it into Baht immediately 

Deposits it in a F.C.A .Foreign Currency Account. If you require  a letter to show immigration the Bank will issue to a letter stating the amount  in one 's Currency and Baht. When l fist advised this the Pound Stirling was  38B/£ now its45B/£ .less then 6 month's ago.

Money can only be transferred into another account in your name so you will also require  a damaging account for it to be transferred into it.

[worgeordie]

43 minutes ago, Denim said:

What efforts would those be ??

 

Not seen any efforts that make things easier for the expats they already have but  they talk about attracting more. ?? 

Looks like they want to have 2 types of Expats ....us and them , thats if

they can possibly attract the multi millionaires , highly skilled people,

it will just be us , the ones with families ,who have invested in the country,

maybe not as much as multi millionaires , but most of it goes to ordinary

working Thai's.

regards worgeordie 

[thecyclist]

Money Money Money:that's all they ever think about. Just bring us the cash, you can stay home. 

[Bangkok Barry]

2 hours ago, Thailand said:

Maybe some consideration for existing expats who have been here long term.

Could even be graded based on 5 years, 10 years,15 years etc.

Unfortunately we do not meet trillionaire status but we have spent over 20 million baht in our time here so far. And for that we get in total - sfa..

I've been living in Thailand for around 25 years and am still treated as a tourist, having to renew permission every year to live with and support my wife, and report myself to the immigration police every 90 days. People I know, people from all around the world, are incredulous. Me too.

In contrast, my Thai sister-in-law is living in Hungary with her Dutch husband on a five year visa. No annual renewal, no reporting to the police, nothing at all, as the pair of them support the local economy.

The Thai government, now and always, treats foreigners as undesirables who pollute their culture and are a danger to 'national security', and are only tolerated, not welcomed, as long term residents. They don't like us being here long-term because we see the many shortcomings in their society, and we complain about things such as road safety and no common sense and corruption and and and, and that is very un-Thai like. We are not silent obedient servants who mildly accept all the nonsense with a shrug of the shoulders. And instead of learning and saying, 'Yes. we could and must do better', they despise those who point out those shortcomings.

They have zero chance of attracting the wealthy, as those with money demand far, far more than Thailand can ever hope to provide for at least a couple of generations. They demand efficiency in everything they encounter, excellent and reliable infrastructure, safe living conditions and not the chance that they might be killed every time they take to the road, an honest reliable and dependable police force and a government that let's them live their life quietly without constant rule changes. None of this is possible in Thailand.

 

The only thing that works anything like reliably is the internet, and even that comes through a single international gateway that the military-controlled government can shut off at any moment.

[Classic Ray]

I would like the Immigration Police to tell me one occasion where the 90 day reporting or TM30 systems have resulted in an arrest or fine for an offence that is not to do with the reporting systems.

 

its just job and income generation, nothing to do with detecting undesirables or making the country safer.

[poyai111]

Let's examine the motivation for this gratuitous largesse:

1) demographics. Thailand is facing a declining birth rate. Despite a rise in teenage pregnancies, overall the population is barely being increased, in fact the opposite is occurring. Both potential parents must work and subsequently postpone having children in order that they maintain social status. Fertility rates among the soy boys ( Thailand's warriors), according to reputable studies is also falling along with, in my observations, their increasing feminization and lack of libido.

2) government liquidity: from the above, one can ascertain that taxes will have to be increased or the taxable cohort expanded.

3) compliance: farangs held hostage by immigration edicts are putty in the hands of bureaucrats so throw out the burley to lure them into long stay visas. It would be the government's fervent hope that they would outnumber this generation's better educated and savvy young adults. Previous generations were duped or bribed depending on whether they were hiso or loso. The emerging sophisticated generation I call the soso and to the authorities' dismay their number is increasing exponentially.

So, in summary, the above three points would suggest that the burley being offered does not entice those who indubitably do their research. 

[Jonathan Swift]

3 hours ago, pkrv said:

How about a little more consideration for those of us who are here? Regardless of income bracket, most are supporting the economy to one extent or another, but perhaps those in charge are simply just looking only at how many zeroes are on the end of our wealth with no further analysis needed.

Common sense is much too difficult for these geniuses. It's all about the money, always all about the money, especially imaginary money, and that means bringing in what they don't already have. Those endless zeroes. Those who currently live here are of no concern, because, well, you're already here right? And none of us are multimillionaires. Common sense and basic math would suggest that a broad and comprehensive welcome for all contributors to the economy would be a substantially larger potential revenue stream, and that preserving what already exists as well as attracting large numbers of average wealth new immigrants would all be positive, and would all be a win/win situation. But we have classic political tunnel vision, playing to public image and press the way they think it looks and sounds best. Sad, really

Edited November 9, 2021 by Jonathan Swift

[kuzmabruk]

3 hours ago, daveAustin said:

WHY would they come? Successful knowledgeable folks more than anyone don’t want strings attached. They expect returns and such. 

I would say strings are not the issue. I have some wealthy friends who have visited me over the past 24 years and they are 100% in agreement that none of them want to return and they all consider the city of Bangkok and the town of Pattaya to be cesspools.  Thailand is a land for business and whore mongering.  The focus should be on attracting foreigners who want to manufacture.  The past has seen Thailand attract poor or middle income guys who want younger spouses.  This is the Thai niche market.   It ain’t much more than that.   I was given the choice in Vancouver of many nice looking 40+ year olds but I like 20 +/-   So I am here.

[tomacht8]

If those responsible would take the trouble to question their various target groups with market research and analyze their wishes and also examine the measures of the competitive countries. Then maybe something fruitful would come out of it.

 

When I read the names and functions of the four conference participants (PM, Deputy PM, Finance and Interior Minister), I ask myself whether they have enough detailed knowledge and understanding of the subject.

[wwest5829]

2 hours ago, ezzra said:

Soon they'll all start to sing the Eagles Desperado, 

why don't you come to your senses
You've been out ridin' fences for so long now
Oh, you're a hard one
I know that you've got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can hurt you somehow...

My theme song, half a lifetime ago … damn, over half a life time ago!

[Cake Monster]

3 hours ago, smedly said:

they really have no clue

 

the filthy rich will go and retire somewhere that isn't filthy

Never has the gap in cultures been wider between the West and the East than it is at this present time.

This Thai attitude of Money over everything just does not wash with Westerners.

They have learned over the last few Decades not to trust greedy Cultures , and will just stay away

 

 

[orchidfan]

By comparison. 

Worked in Hong Kong for 20years in the "skilled" category as a."civil servant "

After 7 yrs,  given Permanent Resident status and equivalent HKID card. 

Married Thai wife after living there about 5yrs. 

She was then also given Permanent HKID 7yrs later.

Both can work there, almost free medical, and can own property and all the other benefits. No 90day reporting, no annual extensions, no financial requirements, etc,etc.

Compared to living here on 12 month extensions, everything in wife's name...need I go on???

[new2here]

3 hours ago, pkrv said:

How about a little more consideration for those of us who are here? Regardless of income bracket, most are supporting the economy to one extent or another, but perhaps those in charge are simply just looking only at how many zeroes are on the end of our wealth with no further analysis needed.

Good point… My guess only is that those who are already here aren’t even a part of the consideration or a part of the conversation 

 Why?

Without trying to sound cold or insensitive, my GUESS (guess how the RTG sees it) is that when it comes to those foreigners who are: a) married to a Thai national or b) are the registered parent of a Thai citizen, the RTG doesn’t HAVE TO put a lot of effort into attracting them to come nor trying to retaining them  once here— they are either already here or will chose to remain here on their on volition.. so from the RTGs viewpoint, why expend effort into a group that will largely voluntarily chose to remain here already?

 

From MY thinking putting effort into improving the conditions for this group would be a good idea as they can then be natural promoters of Thailand as a place to come, stay, work, retire or start a family.. so I myself see a lot of value … but my guess is the RTG views this matter quite different .. they don’t need to really invest a lot into a group that largely will already chose to stay or whose situation already ties them to Thailand. 

[khunpa]

 

And we all know how complicated it will be to apply for these new visas schemes.

 

First of all, the rules will be interpreted differently depending on where you live. Many officials will not even know or understand the rules. 

 

Besides that, the local officials are still super corrupt and would likely pull off their “tricks” as soon as they find out you are rich.

 

Not to mention the rules can be changed at any time, meaning you can lose it all instantly and do nothing about it.

 

Conclusion: Anyone doing large investments here need their head examined.
 

 

Edited November 9, 2021 by khunpa

[Orinoco]

Thought fake news was banned now days.

Oh well 

TIT.

[HAPPYNUFF]

And there I was all this time thinking it was   really me they liked, and not my  money.   Sob.

[Chongalulu]

46 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

But quality over quantity?  That's a plan, right?  /s

I say I want a better job with more pay but no concomitant qualifications nor plans to obtain them. That’s my plan ,eh? ???? 

[arick]

Disgusting blah blah 

[Isaan sailor]

May not get too many American tourists now that USD tanked 54 Satang—due to fears of Build Back Better overspending.  And when USD sinks, it brings many other currencies down with it.

[digger70]

3 hours ago, petermik said:

I,m in the ’big bucks league’............

In the Big bucks Needed you mean ! So Am I .

[MartinL]

3 hours ago, pkrv said:

... but perhaps those in charge are simply just looking only at how many zeroes are on the end of our wealth ...

I've got lots of zeroes at the beginning of my wealth. Would that count, do you think?

[Mywayboy]

4 hours ago, mahtin said:

Big bucks only need apply.

They wouldn't know .their <deleted> from their Elbow. Seriously

[GlassWayOverHalfFull]

3 hours ago, smedly said:

they really have no clue

 

the filthy rich will go and retire somewhere that isn't filthy

No you don't have a clue. I like it here. 

 

You clearly don't - 

[barney42bb]

Campaign and promote all you like.

 

Folk rich or poor will only Book...If they can get a Beer and Recreations.... As had before.

[zzaa09]

3 hours ago, smedly said:

they really have no clue

 

 

Haven't a clue is largely what they thrive on. Don't believe these things will ever change.

Been of this manner for some time - especially of the last couple of decades when resident/long term visas/immigration policies took to being overloaded with unnecessary bureaucracy and baffling conditions - creating a less than desirable place for not hanging around. 

 

As some of us know, expat/resident lifestyles was different ages ago. A win-win for all. 

Evidently, they didn't see it this way. 

[BestB]

Most definitely worthy of Darwin’s awards

 

They spent last at least 7 years chasing away digital nomads and trying to catch them out to refuse entry to now brain storm on how to attract them????????????

[Dont confuse me]

Best thing for Thailand at the moment is for the PM and all those attached to his colon to stand down.

Then if possible find someone with a modicum of common sense to put forward proposals that would actually appeal to people.

These of course would include property ownership, Residence status (with the appropriate requirements met), one price for all, lower import duties on food stuff, easier system to open bank accounts. 

Having said all this, it goes back to the twos words, "common sense " and of course the great one will have to be surgically removed from his post.

[MarcIssan]

So the 'officials' keep coming up with a bunch of hair-brained ideas to attract more like us...right?  What I don't understand is why they don't convene a committee made up of the demographic they hope to attract and solicit this committee for ideas.  Ask questions like, "If you had it to do over again, would you retire here again?  If not why not?  What would  make your life more enjoyable here and what changes would you like to see happen?  What would attract more financially secure expats but not open the door to people who cannot support themselves and who may end up becoming a burden to Thai society?  Duh...the need is obvious when you list out all the screwy, go-nowhere ideas of the recent past.

[edwinchester]

3 hours ago, RafPinto said:

Do i count as "highly skilled"?

 

I master the art of bringing happiness to women.

Nah 'magician' is a reserved occupation.

[1FinickyOne]

4 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

How about banning dual pricing and making farang feel more welcome

plenty plenty plenty of dual pricing in USA...