Expat Discontent in Thailand

[ronnie50]

9 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

Well yeah i always fly a few times a year so no issues on that.

I think the main perk of the 'Wealthy Pensioner" visa is not how many times you report to Thai Immigration, but everything to do with a taxfree status..though maybe not for him, as it appears he has a US passport so he carries the US Income Tax ball and chain with him worldwide.

[jerrymahoney]

20 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

You have misunderstood my post.

Why would anyone want to put their US passport number jpg on a website?

[Thingamabob]

On 7/30/2025 at 1:00 AM, norsurin said:

Be aware that many expats dont have the founds to leave Thailand.Theyr stucked there.

 

However one can think of worse places than Thailand to be stucked with no founds.

[Will B Good]

15 hours ago, Yagoda said:

which country would that be.

DYOR

[ThreeCardMonte]

1 hour ago, jerrymahoney said:

Why would anyone want to put their US passport number jpg on a website?

Valid point.  I was assisting someone regarding the LTR Visa.

 

That wasn’t my intention.  An error on my part.

Appreciate your concern but I’m really not worried of possible negative effects.

If push comes to shove, I’ll report it as lost/stolen and obtain a new one.

 

Notice the transparency and honesty of Trumpers.

 

Maybe I’ve started a new trend for leftists to follow.

[Blueman1]

On 7/30/2025 at 9:19 AM, proton said:

Often the sad sacks who use agents to enable them to stay here by passing on bribes

But.........Some of us have to use that route.....

[harryviking]

On 7/29/2025 at 8:00 PM, norsurin said:

Be aware that many expats dont have the founds to leave Thailand.Theyr stucked there.

 

Oh yes. The "madness" of selling everything you have in your home country before you have even been a full year or more in Thailand! That is a tragic mistake many times. 

[jerrymahoney]

2 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Valid point.  I was assisting someone regarding the LTR Visa.

 

That wasn’t my intention.  An error on my part.

OK.

[Will B Good]

2 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Notice the transparency and honesty of Trumpers.

 

 

And there it is....first real laugh of the day.

[ThreeCardMonte]

26 minutes ago, harryviking said:

Oh yes. The "madness" of selling everything you have in your home country before you have even been a full year or more in Thailand! That is a tragic mistake many times. 

Bingo !  We have a winner.

 

Sadly, many/most don’t follow your logic.

[ThreeCardMonte]

5 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

And there it is....first real laugh of the day.

But it’s true!

[Will B Good]

Just now, ThreeCardMonte said:

But it’s true!

 

 

The transparency bit.....I'll give you that....we can see straight through you.

[ThreeCardMonte]

1 hour ago, Blueman1 said:

But.........Some of us have to use that route.....

 
Somewhat true.  Of course everyone’s case may be a little different.

 

My initial OA retirement visa was renewed by me every year at the Immigration Office.  All documents, funds transfer letters in order etc.  I preferred the monthly transfer of 65k baht, minimum.

 

Then came the insurance requirement for OA ONLY.  Not O.

 

I had medical insurance from a U.S. company.  Not good enough for the OA.  They wanted a Thai company.  
 

I used the service of a reputable agency. TikTok.  For an extra fee they could fix the insurance requirement with immigration.  The extra fee went to immigration.  The fee was a fraction of the Thai policy.

 

Ok, TIT.  Go with the flow.

 

When I applied and was accepted for the LTR Visa my U.S. insurance was ACCEPTED.

 

No rhyme or reason.  TIT.

 

BOI issues the LTR Visa.  Not immigration.  

 

[ThreeCardMonte]

14 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

The transparency bit.....I'll give you that....we can see straight through you.

And you love what you see.

[Will B Good]

5 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

And you love what you see.

 

Transparent.....I can't see you?

[ThreeCardMonte]

7 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Transparent.....I can't see you?

Oh come on now.  Deep down I think you’re a closet Trumper.

[VocalNeal]

On 7/30/2025 at 12:47 AM, PB172111 said:

 - Many expats may arrive with preconceived notions and expectations that don’t align with reality.

 

The primary reason for the discontent. 🤔

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Oh come on now.  Deep down I think you’re a closet Trumper.

 

 

Must be Mariana Trench deep down....

[bendejo]

Now is the off-season of our expat discontent, soon to be followed by a glorious Loy Krathong.

 

[harryviking]

1 hour ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Bingo !  We have a winner.

 

Sadly, many/most don’t follow your logic.

😪

[proton]

3 hours ago, Blueman1 said:

But.........Some of us have to use that route.....

 

You don't it's your choice

[Yagoda]

5 hours ago, Will B Good said:

DYOR

Got it, you made it up

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Got it, you made it up

 

......"no concept of how institutional racism blights the lives of 10,000s in their own country......"

 

Amazing. How did you disprove my statement?

[Yagoda]

9 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

......"no concept of how institutional racism blights the lives of 10,000s in their own country......"

 

Amazing. How did you disprove my statement?

Nobody has to disprove some other persons  imaginary fantasies

[transam]

On 7/30/2025 at 12:47 AM, PB172111 said:

Factors Contributing to Expat Discontent

1. Relationship Struggles
   - Many expats face challenges in their personal relationships, particularly within marriage. Cultural differences and communication barriers can lead to frequent misunderstandings, increasing stress and fostering complaints about life in Thailand.

2. Scams and Dishonesty
   - Experiences of being scammed, whether by businesses or individuals, can create a sense of distrust among expats. Such negative encounters can lead to feelings of victimization and fuel constant grievances about the local environment.

3. Complex Immigration Requirements
   - Thailand’s immigration laws can be complicated and frustrating for expats. Frequent changes to regulations and the bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining or renewing visas can lead to feelings of frustration and insecurity about their status in the country.

4. Imperfect Law Enforcement
   - Perceptions of law enforcement in Thailand can be problematic. Cases of corruption, inefficiency, or lack of support when issues arise may lead expats to feel vulnerable and disillusioned, contributing to their complaints.

5. Past Misjudgments
   - Many expats may arrive with preconceived notions and expectations that don’t align with reality. Missteps in social interactions, business dealings, or cultural engagements can result in disappointment and exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction.

 

Why Bangkok and Pattaya Can Attract a Particular Demographic

1. Vibrant but Superficial Lifestyle
   - The nightlife and entertainment options in Bangkok and Pattaya appeal to those seeking a fun-focused lifestyle over meaningful engagement. This creates an environment that may attract individuals who prioritize amusement over intellectual or cultural pursuits.

2. Accessibility and Affordability
   - Both cities offer a relatively low cost of living, making them accessible to a broader range of people, including those who may not have extensive education or career skills. This may result in a concentration of individuals who are less equipped to navigate challenges effectively.

3. Echo Chambers
   - The high density of expats in these cities creates communal environments where negative experiences and complaints can be magnified. Common discontent can solidify a perspective of dissatisfaction that becomes normalized within these communities.

4. Cultural Disconnect
   - Expats who prefer to remain within their comfort zones, avoiding deeper cultural immersion, may struggle to acclimate and bond with the local community. This lack of connection can result in a persistent sense of alienation and dissatisfaction.

Should You Stay?

- Self-Reflection and Growth: it may be beneficial to assess underlying issues, such as their expectations and behaviors. If they are open to learning, adapting, and engaging with the culture, staying could lead to a more rewarding experience. Conversely, if they remain resistant and focused on negativity, it might be time to reconsider their living situation.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging connection with local communities can significantly enhance their experience. Expats who actively seek out relationships and understanding may find more fulfillment in their lives abroad.
-Potential for Improvement: Ultimately, those who address their challenges constructively and seek personal growth may discover that their experiences in Thailand can improve, while others who continue to focus solely on grievances may find it increasingly difficult to thrive. 

In essence, expats in Thailand are often held back by personal issues and misunderstandings. A willingness to adapt and engage deeply can reshape their experience for the better, while a focus on negativity may lead them to question their choice to stay.

I think, reads like, "your choice of stay"....................😉...........

[Blueman1]

1 hour ago, proton said:

 

You don't it's your choice

Not My Choice, I Just don't get enoughU.K.State Pension to do it Myself.....Now You Understand ??

[cjinchiangrai]

On 7/31/2025 at 2:31 PM, SMIAI said:

It's mildly amusing to see the comments from the 'misery guts' here, whining about people using agents, not meeting the financials and various other things that are really none of their business, but likely they don't see themselves as 'discontented expats'. 😊

Let's not mention the ones who are often complaining about other foreigners behavior whilst tone deaf and blind to their own...

And illegal visas bring down scrutiny on everyone. 

[Will B Good]

3 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Nobody has to disprove some other persons  imaginary fantasies

Weak

[EVENKEEL]

1 hour ago, cjinchiangrai said:

And illegal visas bring down scrutiny on everyone. 

Nothing illegal. just as legit as if you did it without an agent.

[SMIAI]

@cjinchiangrai "illegal visas"....what fresh nonsense is this? No such thing. It's either valid or it is not.

No...people behaving badly is what brings scrutiny.