New fees for Thai visas from August 2003

[tatom]

Dave Yo, I know your comments were intended to be inocent, but remember when You get to Thailand, talk like that could get you in alot of trouble. Dont get me wrong, Im just offering some constructive critizism.

[MaiChai]

Bangkok Post article http://www.bangkokpost.com/180703_News/18Jul2003_news30.html

[dr_Pat_Pong]

With Paper's bitterness I wonder too...why not pis* off I have had a gutful of whining expats GO HOME. Or can't you get a job in the west ? It defies belief that you remain here .......or are your qualification's from the Sam's Institute of Cash and Carry Diploma's ?

[dazdaz]

Guys, guys ...

>>"Dave-yo"

What you said offended many people, and I think and would hope the lesson has been learnt not just for you but also others.

Anything related to the King in a negative or even contemporary way is generaly taboo, even discussing the taboo from what i've noticed is generally taboo too.

From what i've seen every ex-pat whines at some stage though, that's ok, I don't mind and I don't think others mind some moaning every so often, expatriation has good and bad sides, we should go into them some more but please be sensitive to others feelings in how you do it.  The first thing you hear when learning about Thailand, is don't insult the King, and you've done the worst thing possible.  I dread to think what would happen if you had said this in person in a Thai bar, you would almost certainly be thrown out, if not worse.

Perhaps just to be clear, this should be made a little clearer when joining?  Or a pointer to a note / webpage about the taboo for those that are new, learning about Thai culture so as not to offend others.  I think that would be a really good idea, but also careful not to go over the top.

Just some thoughts.

Anyway, back to the mind boggling price hikes discussion.

Regards

[DaveYo]

Oh hold on gang.  My mentioning from the aftersaid about the issues before was not intended to insult anyone that is Thai or what ever the case may be.  It was never meant to be personal or directed to anyone in particular.   My apology's are in order if that is the case if anyone got offended.  This regards to the upper or higher uppers etc.   But my opinions still stand strongly concerning the fees that will hurt a lot of expats, and I also am aware of the low wages paid to workers there, even if it is to some expat.  I fight for fairness, and I fight for true justice.  Whether you are a farm worker or some executive it does not matter.   Everyone deserves some equality and reasonable pay if that comes into the picture when it comes to work because we use skills that we are trained for and have that knowledge to make things better.  This also applies to taxes or fees that are imposed upon us, and I have no objection if it being reasonable.   The recent turn of events if I may say so does anger me because it is not fair and not justifiable.   Now this is my opinion, and some are willing to simply accept and absorb such ridiculous increases, but common sense applies here as to reasonableness and I think that this time the Government is way out of line.  The problem here with this is we can complain and yap about it till we get blue in the face, and it is fruitless unless we all band together either abroad or in Thailand, and become as one to at least express ourselves to the right authorities who can at least give it some reconsideration on our behalf either being tourists or expats or business people.  Not to mention the possible implications of those staying now in Thailand if they raise heck or even squawk.   Again as to about the Royal, my apology is in order, but at the same time we all have the freedom to express ourselves whether it being bad or good.  That is the best part of being free without being looked down or being threatened even from some government as to how we think or how we feel or even fantasize because we are free in our minds forever.  You can hang me and stick hot irons on me or cut my body little by little, but you cannot ever take away my thoughts or my free mind and make me submit to subversives who think differently. You can put me in prison for being opinionated and being expressive, but you cannot ever steal my free mind and thoughts.  That is the true meaning of what the American forefathers wanted when the British Government wanted to control the Pilgrims, and the same applies to the former Marcos regime, when they had the peoples revolt.  Bottom line is people want fair treatment and want to be free to come, or go, to choose or even to express themselves without backlash.  That is why in America we all learn to get along regardless of your culture or your beliefs.  To some my comments might have inflamed others and such comments has been removed from this forum, but gang, are we not free to express ourselves yet at times it is fantasy, yet still but this being removed regardless of what was said tells me censorship.  It is not a crime to write what one thinks, but it would be a crime against humanity to cut ones opinion or thoughts or expressiveness or how they feel.   Ditto   :blues:    Dave.

[MaiChai]

dr_Pat_Pong thats a bit strong. You can't expect farangs to pay western priced visa fees and to then work for local Thai wages? You can't have your cake and eat it comes to mind. These visa hikes are out of order, and we are allow to have a winge about it.

OK, maybe they haven't gone up for 17 years, but they should have been putting them up incrementally from time to time. A 10 to 25% increase would be more bearable. Don't you have a view on it?

[DaveYo]

To daz daz.  Read your comment.  Yes I am not that familiar about Thai and its cultures yet, and I have experienced this same issue back in Yugoslavia when one cannot even mention anything about the Yugoslav government without being thrown in Jail.  I even had my Bible (Christian) taken away from me at the airport when i arrived.  Tito's government was really out of this world.  My former wife underwent Marcos dictatorship and she had that experience.   Now, oh Thailand, mentioning of the Royal is taboo.  However here in America we can cut down our president, people protested around the world of what our president did recently, and yes I myself do not agree with President Bush and his reasons, because he is a liar.  Oh, yet he can go with free will and kill other leaders, without fear just because he does not like their views or ways or habit of what they do with their own country or people.  If anyone deserves to be put on trial by the International community it should be him.  I think he crossed the line and even he lied to the American public, and yet to this day no charges.  I pity the PM Blair for he not know what he is doing and saying yet what is under him is even a bigger threat so he has no choice.  I know in Thailand the people revere to their King and Queen, same as France revere to their president and same as America who revere to their president, yet we can still express ourselves for some reason without being bitten by society or the government.  Bottom line is they are just as human as you and I are, and they are not gods.  No super powers, and they will have diseases, or get the flu just like everybody else.  Again, I understand some people consider the Royal as Supreme, and I RESPECT THEIR BELIEFS, and I not wish ill will to anyone or any of them.  I don't know if anyone understands what I am saying here, but I hope no one takes this out of context and that this gets blown out of proportion.  I am trying to find the right way to say it.   :blues:

[DaveYo]

To all   Forgive me.  :blues:

[DaveYo]

Lopburi 3.  To your answer to the question posted from the lady, and with the understanding the what goes up to 400,000 in bank, whoa, is there a grandfather clause here in this regards or does this apply to all expats in Thailand?  In case of marriage if one is married before the new rates, do we stay on the old grandfather deal or do we have to ante it up another 200K?  Someone mentioned to me 2 months back that they are under the grandfather clause in the prior years when the rates went up a few years ago.  So i pose this question if such is still being applied.  It would seem to really punch us big time if all have to pony up to 400K being married! That is a sizeable chunk of tied up Baht to meet requirements.  I hate to think of the ones being single which now it is 800K baht.  What fee will this be starting August 26th.  :blues:

[pizzaman]

Excuse me, but I not sure if I understand this correctly.

>>>>>>>>

Application for a residence permit  7,600

Approval of a residence permit (payable on receipt of residence book)  191,400

Approval of a residence permit (payable on receipt of residence book)

for a foreigner married to a Thai, the spouse of a resident, and any

of their children who have not reached the status of a Thai juristic

person (i.e., unmarried children aged below 20 years)  95,700

[DaveYo]

pizzaman.   1st this is applying for a residence permit.  Once you get residence permit, I do believe it is good permanently and all you have to do is report to the police once every 5 years to confirm your residence to them.  That is if I am not mistaken from my understanding from what I have read.  If not sure, look up the permanent residency on this forum.

2nd   To apply first fee (paperwork) costs 7,600

3rd    once approved (single people) cough up 191,400baht to get the book!

4th  If married (to thai national)  cough up 95,700 baht to get the book.  This also applies if you got any kiddies in tow!

SO HERE IS YOUR TALLY  COMPLETE TOTAL  

SINGLE       7,600

            191,400

Total      199,000   BAHT!

MARRIED           7,600

                    95,700

Total             103,300     BAHT!

A far cry than what it used to be before

I do not see anything that says renewing this book!  ditto from what I understand, so anyone out there please correct me if I am wrong.    :blues:

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Mai Chai ...it would have been better had progressive increases been made ....but they were not....so they

brought them into line. All of the banshee-like noises

will not change a thing now. My message to  MrPaper,

who had a litany of complaints about Thailand's ways

in his work, was why not leave for the better situation

available in the west.

[DaveYo]

to dr_pat_pong   I agree on part of them bringing it on line.  But for pete's sake we are talking of a cool near $2,500.00 usa dollars just for a BOOK!   Ouch     No where in this whole world is there such like one for that PRICE!!  Even more so the single people are really knocked down like pole cats for a price of $4,754.00! ewwwwwwwwwww   :blues: ???

[DaveYo]

Overall comment   I guarantee everybody there is going to be a super mad rush to marry THAI NATIONALS   period for the expats to avoid paying hefty huge fees!   Mark my words.  I hope there is someone in the organization that has access to the marriage records.  Should be quite interesting.  :blues:

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I am only talking about the visa fees from abroad Dave...the other fees are indeed savage. As regards the impact on tourism NIL the average stay is around 5 days, thus, no visa is needed.

[DaveYo]

not to mention also the ones who now can get the permanent residence books (before august 26th appears) but have been putting off the marriage proposals to keep freedom alive,.   time to get the vicar hired pronto  say your vows and smile to immigrations  tsk tsk.  ::    :laugh:   and at least your wallet only shrunk half and not all        :laugh:     :blues:

[lopburi3]

Lopburi 3.  To your answer to the question posted from the lady, and with the understanding the what goes up to 400,000 in bank, whoa, is there a grandfather clause here in this regards or does this apply to all expats in Thailand?

At this point I don't know and doubt that anything is set in stone yet.  It took awhile after the retirement change before the rules were clarified.  From one post that recent applicant was told next year he would need 400k it would seem assumption of staff is there will be none.

[DaveYo]

Oh dear Lopburi 3   Are we ready to bring out the hearst carriage with the horses to tow?  We just need a drummer and a harp player and cymbal in the rear and of course the honor guard!.  dum-dum- dum-dum!, twang-twang-dum- twang   off we go into heaven!  I got my tickets, how about you?    :laugh:  ???  :blues:

[LPCustom69]

Earlier in this post there was a comment made about the Precedent set by the King. Later there was a passing comment made regarding it that state roughly, Rather than citizenship the Precedent was expulsion. Could someone give a little more information for someone who is interested? Thanks.

:cool:

[wilson steer]

the new cost for an extension visa is 1900 baht, this is a cunning plan. Suppose my uncle billy comes to Thailnd for Christmas and New Year for five weeks, he gets an automatic 30 day entry visa but is five days short of his departure. He can a)get an extension for 5 days at immigration

b)pay five days overstay at the airport 5X200 baht= 1000 baht

Overstay in Thailand is illegal, and if you are the unlucky one you can be jailed and fined.

[LPCustom69]

Hey DaveYo -- That's not what I meant. Before I asked if the Kings daughter was married to an American, Thetyim had mentioned the Kings Precedent in regard to one of the posters being married to an ambassadors daughter (or something like that). Roger13 commented that some of the posters didn't understand, or know what the Precedent was. I replied that I didn't, but would like to know. I saw that you got in trouble. I was taught in the 70's not to bad mouth the King, never did and I never would have. Everybody has a right to their opinions and beliefs in my book. Later.

:cool:

[DaveYo]

Hmmmm Wilson, well I would think if he got say tickets showing that he gonna leave within 5 days that they would just simply charge something but they won't jail someone for being 5 days overextended.  Yes granted that they could but I would think that be more hassle than just collect some dough and let you take the boardwalk under their watchful eyes.  I do know they will excuse you if your stay is a day or two later due to airline having no seats to let you get out properly.  5 days starts getting hairy, but after a week well they will raise their eyebrows ???    More than that then they do this to you and then you in trouble.  Just a guess that is all.   Up in the air I suppose   :blues:

[LPCustom69]

Dave Yo -- What I was referring to is on pg 4 and 5 of this thread. I agree that she sounds like quite a Lady. These new fees seem to have stirred up a hornets nest. I've got to get my visa lined up for the fall, I'm coming over for about 3 months. Later.

:cool:

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Wilson

dear old uncle billy, god bless him, could, for the princely sum of 1000 baht, get a tourist visa before he leaves home. That gets him out of the predicament, and solves in advance, any other plan changes ( up to 60 days ) that he has during his stay. A tad of lateral thought solves most things.

[LPCustom69]

Gotta agree with the Dr. Anytime a trip is planned you are much better off having the appropriate visas in place. It's quite another thing if you make a spur of the moment decision while in another country, but if it's a planned trip, get the tourist visa and avoid any possible legal entanglements.

:cool:

[DaveYo]

I wanted to edit my previous posts, but i cannot since it disappeared.  No comment will be made from me concerning the Upper echleon!    I AM OUT OF IT   :blues:

[paper]

Dr.

Dr. Pat pong,

To answer your question, Yes, I will be leaving very soon to greener pastures. So, basically you were saying discriminatory practices against its foreign employees from the part of the government is considered ok, right? Well then, I've got nothing more to say...

[DaveYo]

I am a bit confused as to the last post before this message, who is referring to whom and what is this about?  :blues

[DaveYo]

oh ditto, now i know hmmmmmmmmmmm  interesting  one opinion against another,  ah such a feeling of being free!!  Paper you really leaving?  Where you headed to?  Curious.  :blues:

[Boo]

Am I correct in saying that these price increases were put in line to also make the situation for farang men & women the same. I know before the rules were different.

If that is the case, then in some way it is a little unfair. Now before you go & start abusing me, hear me out.

I think it would be better for all cases to be heard individually, as, as a women in her late 20's who is going to be married to a thai man, once we have children, I will not be able to come back to Uk for a few months to earn this 103,300 baht to pay for my residents book ( as it would directly affect my situation with having a visa continuosly for 3 years to qualify) & as a couple working together with a child to support, the chances of us raising that sort of money in thailand is near impossible, so really, for us, it is a lose, lose situation.

This will also apply to guys married to thai women, who do not have the benefit of pensions or well paying jobs in LOS.

Now for older guys with pensions etc, this kind of money really wouldn't be a problem, ok it is excessive but if you can afford it & not take all your life savings, most would pay if they wanted it that badly.

I for one would want residency as we will be having children & making our permenant home in Thailand, we are also looking to move in the next couple of years to around Khon Kaen, so it would be nearly impossible to me to get a well paying job & my husband would also take a huge earning loss, it's barely possible to get a job in Samui where the wages for farang tend to be higher.

So what I want to know.....

1) Is this new price rule for both farang men & women?

2) Is there any kind of appeal that can be made purtaining to your individual situation or is this set in stone.

3) Would it be possible for me & hubby/child etc to go to UK for a few months where I would be able to work & not have this affect my 3 year continuos visa, or be blackmarket (?) for working overseas?

I know many people in different financial situations & the 2 last questiosn could maybe really help them out. (& me)