This Op is really a surprise. At the end of last month there was a story about how tourism was very bad compared to last year. Here it is. 

From January 1 to July 5, 2025, Thailand welcomed 16.8 million international tourists, a 5% decrease compared to the same period last year. Of these, 67.1% were from nearby markets, and 32.9% from long-haul markets. The number of tourists from nearby markets dropped by 12.20%, with East Asia seeing a significant decrease of 24.81%, mainly due to a slowdown in Chinese tourism. Meanwhile, long-haul markets have seen a positive increase of 14.88% compared to last year.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/tourism/40052350

So how can the baht be strong and tourism be so good if it is less than last years numbers? Someone has been playing the numbers game to keep the baht high. 

15 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Someone has been playing the numbers game to keep the baht high. 

Apparently the wealthy establishment Thais with assets abroad (and here) profit from the stronger baht against other currencies like the USD and euro, some posters have written. Since they run everything in this country, for themselves, through their compliant proxies at every level I guess it is no surprise that includes the rate of exchange. Otherwise, as you say, it defies logic to keep the baht trading at a 15-20% premium for everything and everyone else.

7 hours ago, Lacrimas said:

they will artificially deflate the baht before high season like they always do every year

 

Since when? I do not recall this. perhaps some small fluctuations, but an intentional deflation? No.

8 hours ago, diveasia666 said:

make up your minds please

 

That was yesterday. Clearly all those visitors increased demand the THB, causing it to rise against other currencies, leading to the story that started this thread.

For me, the exchange rate is a negative and contributes to why I am not there, but it is not a major factor.  Last year it was 37:1, now it's 32:1.  Adding inflation, Thailand is about 20% more expensive.  All the other changes this year also contribute to my decision to not visit again.  So, as another poster said, it's not just the exchange rate.  Frankly, the Thai government is getting more hostile to foreigners.

4 hours ago, kevin612 said:

Well, I always pull out 90000 baht from the atm, now only 30k monthly. The baht is way too strong 

 

Airport multi-currency ATMs: fast for cash, faster at shrinking your wallet — use a local Thai bank ATM instead.

Another of the head-shaking things about this, is how prices for imported foods continue to rise. Since they are exchanging strong THB to buy those goods in weaker USD, why would those foods be getting more expensive each month? Shouldn't they be getting cheaper? Even with an increase globally, it doesn't seem right.

20 hours ago, webfact said:

Visitor numbers are dwindling,

Yesterday it was booming... tiresome daily drivel

11 hours ago, Canadian Snowbird said:

loosing

**losing

I don't even charge for this...

9 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

 

Just read my post again. These are the facts in Thailand.

 

Again, here is what you need to do, to get your retirement visa:

 

Apply for a Non-O 90 days visa based on retirement from your own country, or from outside of Thailand, Laos or Malaysia. No insurance required. Just the same financial requirements, 800k baht in a Canadian bank, or showing 65k baht income.

Then you can open a bank account yourself in Thailand. No agent needed. All banks in Thailand let you open an account on that visa.

The rest (12 months extension) is straight forward, no change of rules.

 

These are the facts! Regardless of what you have been told, or have understood/misunderstood. Just follow the above, and you will get your retirement visa (or extension is the correct term).

 

After you have entered Thailand on a 90 days visa, and gotten your bank account from that visa, you can apply for a 12 months extension. You must have had 800k in your Thai bank for two months to get that. An income guarantee letter from the Canadian embassy in Thailand is no longer an option, only 800k in a Thai bank for your first extension is.

For the second extension, you can change your status to the income method of you want, if you have had 12 consecutive monthly transfers from abroad, of no less than 65k baht.

 

It's all straight forward. Forget anything else.

Dr.Jack, the visa guru on this forum, would tell you exactly the same.

I really wish it was that straight forward, but its not. Different rules for different countries I guess. If you go to the website for the thai embassy in Ottawa, Canada and click on "travel to Thailand" then on "types of visas", you will note there is no option for a Non O 90 day visa. There is an option for a 1 year OA visa for temporary residents. If you click on it the first thing you will see is the requirement for $100,000 US covid insurance. You will also see the requirements for criminal record check and detailed bank information all of which has to be notarized, including the insurance requirement). More hassle, more costs. Every visa application from Canada is through the e-visa process and for my location it is processed through the thai embassy in Ottawa.

 

I have no desire to live in Thailand year round (I like my summers in Canada) and even less desire to deposit a large sum of money in a Thai bank account which would sit idle for most of the year. The Canadian insurance companies won't sell us an insurance package for just $100,000 US for covid. They will only sell you a package with $3 to $5 million cdn coverage, but will not cover pre-existing conditions or motorbike accidents, at a cost of about 35,000 thai baht ($1,450 cdn). The last time I inquired about insurance through a thai insurance company I was told they were not taking on any new foreign customers over the age of 65 (I'm 71 now). The METV process and visa runs to Cambodia have worked for me since 2014 (excluding the two covid winters when I did not go). However, if the border to Cambodia remains closed for visa runs, that will throw a wrench into things, again, more hassle and more cost, making Thailand a less desireable winter destination. I appreciate your advise and attempt to assist, but it appears to not be helpful in my situation.

The simple fact there are cheaper places in Asia to visit for far less money.We all know the Baht is a joke and over valued, still some good value in hotels if you look hard and far.The simple fact Thailand has been left behind and I doubt the ordinary person is any better of with these inflated prices.

Why xpats  would want to live in Thailand is beyond me beacuse most are living rough and I alway tell friend s be careful before making such a plunge as the years pass for all of us and medical issues arise and you will be forced back home with no digs.

My observation has always been  that the big end of town are doing fine and the attitude is the rest  can please themselves.

12 minutes ago, TheTightArseTraveller said:

**losing

I don't even charge for this...

My apologises, fat fingers using my phone. And not to worry, I would never pay out to the grammer and spelling police anyway.

14 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

Do you think it was any other reason why he was fired? Come on.

He falsely jacked the numbers up several times before the 2024 Presidental election. Ask a demoncrat how that worked out for them. Anyone with common sense saw through the bull<deleted>.

6 hours ago, Canadian Snowbird said:

I really wish it was that straight forward, but its not. Different rules for different countries I guess. If you go to the website for the thai embassy in Ottawa, Canada and click on "travel to Thailand" then on "types of visas", you will note there is no option for a Non O 90 day visa. There is an option for a 1 year OA visa for temporary residents. If you click on it the first thing you will see is the requirement for $100,000 US covid insurance. You will also see the requirements for criminal record check and detailed bank information all of which has to be notarized, including the insurance requirement). More hassle, more costs. Every visa application from Canada is through the e-visa process and for my location it is processed through the thai embassy in Ottawa.

 

I have no desire to live in Thailand year round (I like my summers in Canada) and even less desire to deposit a large sum of money in a Thai bank account which would sit idle for most of the year. The Canadian insurance companies won't sell us an insurance package for just $100,000 US for covid. They will only sell you a package with $3 to $5 million cdn coverage, but will not cover pre-existing conditions or motorbike accidents, at a cost of about 35,000 thai baht ($1,450 cdn). The last time I inquired about insurance through a thai insurance company I was told they were not taking on any new foreign customers over the age of 65 (I'm 71 now). The METV process and visa runs to Cambodia have worked for me since 2014 (excluding the two covid winters when I did not go). However, if the border to Cambodia remains closed for visa runs, that will throw a wrench into things, again, more hassle and more cost, making Thailand a less desireable winter destination. I appreciate your advise and attempt to assist, but it appears to not be helpful in my situation.

 

As I said, it is really that simple. But what you need to do if Canada isn't giving you a Non-O 90 days visa, is to arrive visa exempt to Thailand, then just travel to Laos to get one. Vientiane or Savannakhet. Or travel directly to Laos. You have to make an appointment there online, and you will have your Non-O 90 days visa in a couple of days. All you need is the money in bank, 800k, in your own country.

From there, it's straight forward. No insurance required, and you'll have your bank account.

 

This is routine, and tens of thousands have done it before you.

 

I completely understand the insurance issue, police check and all that through the O-A, so I wouldn't recommend that. There are cheaper insurance options, and most want to self insure. Older people may not even get insurance at all, or it's becoming very expensive.

The option is there on a Non-O visa. Personally I self insure.

 

But if you don't intend to get a retirement visa or extension after all, that is your choice. I did mine a while ago, and am very happy I did. I love Thailand, this is my chosen retirement destination, from Norway (also a snowbird).

 

Maybe a 60 days visa exemption, plus 30 days extension, then travel a week to Vietnam (many do these days), and doing it all over again, could be an option? Gives you 6 months or so in Thailand. Half the year in Canada sounds good to me (would much rather live there than in the US now..), and you don't have to think about taxes as well.

 

My initial reaction was when you wrote it wasn't possible to open a bank account anymore, and to get a retirement visa. Which still is very much on 😉

 

Just trying to help, best of luck 😊

Such a pity that the strengthening Thai Baht is putting and end to the tourist uplift at a time when tourists are being welcomed here whoever they are.

Sad. No more Chinese peeing in temples, pushing and shoving to get on busses. No more Indians having their huge gold chains stolen by ladyboys. No more Brits falling over drunk. Fewer Swedes kicking doctors...

Now, wait a goldarned minute... 

I thought yesterday's news was Tourism numbers were up ???

Yesterday tourism figures were down 

Overnight the airports must have been so busy to make tourism rosey again! 

 

The Thai interest rate cut should help weaken the Thb a little. 

So which article is fake news?good and bad on the same day