So much talk on this forum about how Farangs are finding it harder and harder to comply with

the requirements for long term visa's be it retired or married to a Thai national.

I believe many Farangs are only looking at the small picture (as well they might).

However there may be another element coloring the Immigration lawmakers thinking

and that is the Indian sub-continent and mainland China.

Whereas Immigration may be more than happy to supply a long term visa to

an affluent native of say Singapore or Hong Kong, they may well be less inclined to do so for a

native of mainland China or the Indian sub-continent based not on race or nationality but

the simple fact that, on average, people from the latter countries would be much more likely to

be economic migrants than the former.

Since the Thai authorities cannot be seen to be favoring one countries nationals

over another, their only option is to base their decision on fairly stiff financial requirements

and these requirements must be the same for all nationalities.

Perhaps it's not xenophobia, perhaps it's just prudence while still maintaining good

relations with the neighbours. Just a thought.

Naka.

Astute post.

This issue is raised regularly but is often submerged under a barrage of farang-centric comments. It may be interesting to add the other South East Asian nations to the equation also.

Yes, countries closer to home could also be an issue.

Naka.