How Would You Change Immigration Laws?

[ThNiner]

I think it's a good way to make Thai realise that they're not the only people who could actually enjoy the scene. Obviously they've been taking things for granted. I'm Thai, BTW. And I have to say I'm no better than anybody. But sometimes I have to feel frustrated because things are not done because they think you have to suck their sweet buttocks. I'm just sick of this attitude and if there was a real competition that they knew they were going to lose their job if they're not doing what they're being paid for, then I totally stick with my previous post. Burmese people are hard working. They've been through tough situations. I don't think people wanna leave their country if it's not beyond the word "extreme". I think it's time Thai start to think if they're really worth what they think they are.

You are Thai? Really? I've looked at your past posts, and there were more than a few that suggested you ARE NOT Thai. (I got suspicious when you refered to Thais as "they" instead of "we".)

Like this one in "The Way Thai People Look At You" thread. You said in post#49:

I usually ignore all those stares. If they want to waste their time it's their problem really.

That doesn't seem to indicate that you are Thai, does it? Why did you have to pretend to be Thai? For a laugh and a couple of clear free insulting shots at Thailand and Thai people?

Anyway, as for this topic, I don't really have anything to add as I have to admit that I have never given much thoughts to the issue. I do believe though that the future of Thailand will crucially depend on how much we can improve our education, chronic and deep-rooted corruption problems and transparency of the government, not the immigration laws.

[elkangorito]

I think it's a good way to make Thai realise that they're not the only people who could actually enjoy the scene. Obviously they've been taking things for granted. I'm Thai, BTW. And I have to say I'm no better than anybody. But sometimes I have to feel frustrated because things are not done because they think you have to suck their sweet buttocks. I'm just sick of this attitude and if there was a real competition that they knew they were going to lose their job if they're not doing what they're being paid for, then I totally stick with my previous post. Burmese people are hard working. They've been through tough situations. I don't think people wanna leave their country if it's not beyond the word "extreme". I think it's time Thai start to think if they're really worth what they think they are.

You are Thai? Really? I've looked at your past posts, and there were more than a few that suggested you ARE NOT Thai. (I got suspicious when you refered to Thais as "they" instead of "we".)

Like this one in "The Way Thai People Look At You" thread. You said in post#49:

I usually ignore all those stares. If they want to waste their time it's their problem really.

That doesn't seem to indicate that you are Thai, does it? Why did you have to pretend to be Thai? For a laugh and a couple of clear free insulting shots at Thailand and Thai people?

Anyway, as for this topic, I don't really have anything to add as I have to admit that I have never given much thoughts to the issue. I do believe though that the future of Thailand will crucially depend on how much we can improve our education, chronic and deep-rooted corruption problems and transparency of the government, not the immigration laws.

"Our" education? Are you Thai?

[ThNiner]

"Our" education? Are you Thai?

Yes, I am.

[Heng]

Compulsary talent show upon arrival.

Anyone unusually talented to be put back on the plane at their own expense. Don't want to buck the current immigration trend.

[elkangorito]

"Our" education? Are you Thai?

Yes, I am.

Well, I guess that makes "me" a part of "our", since I'm a teacher. BTW, I'm a farang. Furthermore, I'm without religion nor am I able to be programmed into anybody elses way of thinking...just for the record.

EDIT.

This is not to say that I will not choose a different way of thinking, as it suits me.

[ThNiner]

Well, I guess that makes "me" a part of "our", since I'm a teacher. BTW, I'm a farang.

I see. I think well qualified farang English teachers are all good for our education. But ultimately it will be we, Thais, not you who will have to do serious and hard work to improve the education system. But of course, you could be an important part of the process.

By the way, please feel free to correct my English. Khob khun krab khun kroo (in advance.)

[ThNiner]

Furthermore, I'm without religion nor am I able to be programmed into anybody elses way of thinking...just for the record.

EDIT.

This is not to say that I will not choose a different way of thinking, as it suits me.

Not sure what you want to say here.

[elkangorito]

Well, I guess that makes "me" a part of "our", since I'm a teacher. BTW, I'm a farang.

I see. I think well qualified farang English teachers are all good for our education. But ultimately it will be we, Thais, not you who will have to do serious and hard work to improve the education system. But of course, you could be an important part of the process.

By the way, please feel free to correct my English. Khob khun krab khun kroo (in advance.)

Mai mee ben ha, krup

[PeaceBlondie]

I cannot answer the question for myself, because I will never be Thai. Even one of the posters who claims to be Thai is being doubted. I could ask my partner. Okay, he said "WE [most Thais] cannot change the law. Only the Congress, and the King, can change the law. The leaders in Congress change the law, just like in your foreign country."

I think that in Thailand, politics is mostly a spectator sport, and entertainment. Foreigners are under the delusion that representational democracies outside of Switzerland are team sports, and we are on the team. No. We often are also under the delusion that "we the people" who do not contribute heavily to political campaign funds, can make a difference by discussing politics on internet web forums. No.

Entertainment, not participation.

[lioness]

Thanks Phil, couldn't have put it better myself.

[elkangorito]

I cannot answer the question for myself, because I will never be Thai. Even one of the posters who claims to be Thai is being doubted. I could ask my partner. Okay, he said "WE [most Thais] cannot change the law. Only the Congress, and the King, can change the law. The leaders in Congress change the law, just like in your foreign country."

I think that in Thailand, politics is mostly a spectator sport, and entertainment. Foreigners are under the delusion that representational democracies outside of Switzerland are team sports, and we are on the team. No. We often are also under the delusion that "we the people" who do not contribute heavily to political campaign funds, can make a difference by discussing politics on internet web forums. No.

Entertainment, not participation.

PB, are you saying that our discussion about politics et al, is non-consequential? We may not contribute "heavily" toward any political campaigns but nonetheless, we contribute. How many peoples have been dominated due to a lack of any discussion?

[soundman]

If I was Thai I would make applications for yearly extensions, work permits, PR & citizenship all very easy to get, at the right price or contribution to our annual car buying party of course.

If the farangs complained about these "under the table" contracts, they obviously don't understand us Thai's and therefore shouldn't be in our country anyway.

Soundman.

[Ricardo]

For the renewal of Retirement & Married-Visas, reduce the capital or income-requirements, where the retiree/family can show they have a fully-paid-for home to live in, on the grounds that they simply don't need the same level-of-income as someone who is renting.

This should help those with low-income & capital, but who are & have been for years perfectly happy, just living simply. I personally know of cases where farangs & their families are unable to meet the current limits, but wouldn't need to, given their life-styles. Why throw them out ? They are still now, or have been in the past, a net-benefit to Thailand !

I'd also establish on-line 90-day reporting, to reduce the work-load, for our local Immigration-officers.

[klikster]

I think it's a good way to make Thai realise that they're not the only people who could actually enjoy the scene. Obviously they've been taking things for granted. I'm Thai, BTW. And I have to say I'm no better than anybody. But sometimes I have to feel frustrated because things are not done because they think you have to suck their sweet buttocks. I'm just sick of this attitude and if there was a real competition that they knew they were going to lose their job if they're not doing what they're being paid for, then I totally stick with my previous post. Burmese people are hard working. They've been through tough situations. I don't think people wanna leave their country if it's not beyond the word "extreme". I think it's time Thai start to think if they're really worth what they think they are.

Blimey well said its nice to see a Thai saying this my wife (Thai) is often angry at what she calls "stupid Thai people" and their ridiculous mai pen rai amongst many other things she doesnt like she does get very angry at Thai attiutudes.

Is jayheck Thai?

[garro]

If I was involved in Thai immigration I would offer visa extension on the basis of an essay competition. Anyone wanting to stay longer that 90 days should submit an essay called 'Why I Love Thailand'. This would need to be submitted in Thai language and accompanied by a 1,000,000 THB competition fee. If applicants forget to include their essay, with their application, they may still be eligible to win the competition - so long as they fully pay the competition entry fee. Applicants can apply as many times as they wish and multiple submissions would be encouraged - so long as a new competition fee was enclosed each time.

[ratcatcher]

I think it's a good way to make Thai realise that they're not the only people who could actually enjoy the scene. Obviously they've been taking things for granted. I'm Thai, BTW. And I have to say I'm no better than anybody. But sometimes I have to feel frustrated because things are not done because they think you have to suck their sweet buttocks. I'm just sick of this attitude and if there was a real competition that they knew they were going to lose their job if they're not doing what they're being paid for, then I totally stick with my previous post. Burmese people are hard working. They've been through tough situations. I don't think people wanna leave their country if it's not beyond the word "extreme". I think it's time Thai start to think if they're really worth what they think they are.

You are Thai? Really? I've looked at your past posts, and there were more than a few that suggested you ARE NOT Thai. (I got suspicious when you refered to Thais as "they" instead of "we".)

Like this one in "The Way Thai People Look At You" thread. You said in post#49:

I usually ignore all those stares. If they want to waste their time it's their problem really.

That doesn't seem to indicate that you are Thai, does it? Why did you have to pretend to be Thai? For a laugh and a couple of clear free insulting shots at Thailand and Thai people?

Anyway, as for this topic, I don't really have anything to add as I have to admit that I have never given much thoughts to the issue. I do believe though that the future of Thailand will crucially depend on how much we can improve our education, chronic and deep-rooted corruption problems and transparency of the government, not the immigration laws.

"Our" education? Are you Thai?

I am sure he is Thai as he used the most poetic phrase "suck their sweet buttocks" instead of the vulgar "Kiss A$$"

[koheesti]

About 10 years ago in another country where I lived they required applicants to pass a psychological exam in order to receive a living or work permit. That sounds like a great idea for Thailand to implement.

[YangYaiEric]

Any farang married to a Thai for more than, say, 20 years having property and kids in Thailand should be given 5 year renawable visas. And, after the 2nd. of these visas, the farang would be given PR status. Enough with the faffing around with yearly renewal etc.

[LinkPopularity]

well, if Thaksin wasn't ousted by the corrupt 'democratic' party and the military, then a lot of visa rules would already been changed ... after all, he was elected by a huge majority ... so most Thais know very well the value of the falangs ... the only thing they should get in line is how to make it easier for the 'good' falang without making it too easy for the 'crappy' falang ...

too many times the opinion of a small group of elitists (is not the same as hi-so) Bangkok Thais is considered to be the meaning of the Thai in general ... it's not !

[jayhech]

I think it's a good way to make Thai realise that they're not the only people who could actually enjoy the scene. Obviously they've been taking things for granted. I'm Thai, BTW. And I have to say I'm no better than anybody. But sometimes I have to feel frustrated because things are not done because they think you have to suck their sweet buttocks. I'm just sick of this attitude and if there was a real competition that they knew they were going to lose their job if they're not doing what they're being paid for, then I totally stick with my previous post. Burmese people are hard working. They've been through tough situations. I don't think people wanna leave their country if it's not beyond the word "extreme". I think it's time Thai start to think if they're really worth what they think they are.

You are Thai? Really? I've looked at your past posts, and there were more than a few that suggested you ARE NOT Thai. (I got suspicious when you refered to Thais as "they" instead of "we".)

Yes, I AM Thai. I hope you can sleep tight tonight, my nationality won't be bothering you again

Like this one in "The Way Thai People Look At You" thread. You said in post#49:

I usually ignore all those stares. If they want to waste their time it's their problem really.

That doesn't seem to indicate that you are Thai, does it? Why did you have to pretend to be Thai? For a laugh and a couple of clear free insulting shots at Thailand and Thai people?

That doesn't seem to indicate that I'm anything, actually. All I said was if someone wanted to stare at me and waste their time it's not my problem. Thai people stare at anything under the sun and I know I'm not the center of the universe but I feel they stare at me sometimes which most of the time I disregard because I know very well I don't know them and certainly they don't know me. Mind you, staring at something and think along can keep your braincells alive and if you're holding constructive thoughts, there's a fair chance you grow some more too.

Why indeed do I have to pretend to be Thai now that I'm already a Thai since birth! I'll put you out of your misery, I'm not here to insult anyone, not the Thais nor any other nationals. I'm here in TV just to check stuff and feed my opinions when I have them.

Anyway, as for this topic, I don't really have anything to add as I have to admit that I have never given much thoughts to the issue. I do believe though that the future of Thailand will crucially depend on how much we can improve our education, chronic and deep-rooted corruption problems and transparency of the government, not the immigration laws.

This is very typical Thai and I do believe you're Thai since you've never given much thoughts to the issue. Thai never gives any much thoughts to anything actually since they like to say "don't think too much!". Yes, I use the word "they" because I refer to majority of Thai people and almost all of them I don't have a clue who they are. If I see you walking on streets I would refer to you as "they" since you're not walking with me and I don't know you so why refer to you or other people I don't know as "we"? If you want me to refer to Thai as "we" just because of the so-called "unity" thingy, I have to say I'm sorry I refuse to do so because I don't believe in it a wee bit. The stares, the disputes, the gossips, the jealousy that Thais have toward each other wherever they are have me become skeptical.

As for your comments on education, yes, there're many things needed to be improved. But while nothing is being done I just wish Thai students would pay attention in their class, ask more questions, discuss things with teachers and friends, read school books, do their own homework, develop their own sense of independence and individuality, read more than 7 lines a year. I was in HKG and couldn't help but notice a girl looked like a uni student on MTR reading a book "Mathematics and Stock Markets". I mean, you don't have to read that heavy subject if it's not your thing but at least read.

I've been saying too much for this post and once again, I'm no better than anybody, I'm just frustrated at something some Thais just can't get a grip they're there to do something they applied for and are paid for. With all due respect. Get ma?

P.S. Next time you checked on me, try read the whole posts I've posted. Only two sources are not enough to pinpoint something on someone.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Hope you don't mind my curiousity Jayheck but your english is better than a lot of the posters on TV. I'm curious as to where you learned to write so well.

BTDT

[jayhech]

Hope you don't mind my curiousity Jayheck but your english is better than a lot of the posters on TV. I'm curious as to where you learned to write so well.

BTDT

Thanks for asking Well, as mandatory, I started to learn English since Grade 5. During Grade 9 my father asked me what I wanted to do and which direction I wanted to go I told him I loved English since I did very well from Grade 7 so he sent me to St. John's College of Commerce, Ladprao, BKK. They teach everything in English, books are from Oxford Press, Apprentice, etc. Teachers were from the Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, America, Canada, Scotland, England, Burma, etc. And during that time it was still a 4-year high school system there (they do a 3-year now). I did 2 last years at a Thai university in BKK where I found English books they were using were actually lower levels than what I did in high school. I went to U of Canberra (Australia) to do master in IT but realised it was not my thing and I got homesick since it's the very first time I was out of Thailand on my own for a longer period of time. So after 4 months there I came back home. Then 6 months after that I went to Halifax, NS, Canada with my younger sister, waiting for the Spring in-take, we did 2 terms of English classes. Unfortunately, 2 planes striked WTC so my father got worried and called us home. I tried to ensure him it's super peaceful in Halifax but he wouldn't take it. So I came back to Thailand and enrolled with Webster. After one and a half year there I got MA in Media Communications. I have many friends who don't speak Thai and use English as a mean of communications. I've worked for bosses from other countries most of the time. Only one boss that's Thai was my father. I watch Hollywood movies (not so much these days...I enjoy documentaries and indie movies from other countries more) and try to keep reading books in English. I'm still learning English every day because I think my English is far from very good. At the moment I'm also contemplating French because it's an interesting language and I plan to have trips there as often as I can I hope that answer your question. Once again, thanks for asking (without the slightest of sarcasm)

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Jayheck

Wow that is very impressive and thank you for answering my question so completely.

BTDT

[jayhech]

Thanks for reading.

[distortedlink]

[/size]

If you were a Thai and were able to be instrumental in changing immigration laws, how would you do it for the good of Thailand.

To keep this simple I am only going to list a few of the most used visas. Feel free to add one if you wish. You can respond to one, all or none at all - your choice.

• Illegal immigrant or visa overstay. What should punishment be if any?
  
• Tourist visa
  
• Work visa
  
• Married to Thai visa
  
• Retirement visa
  
• Other
  

It is assumed that you understand the existing laws or you would not know what you are changing. DO REMEMBER you are looking at this is a Thai not a farang, so do what you think is best for Thailand not your farang self.

Tell us what you would change and how it would help Thailand. Thailand is counting on you.

Illegal immigrant or visa overstay. What should punishment be if any?

200000 baht fine for each month up to 12 months of overstay, include part year over 12 months as one year and immediate deportation at their expense. Indefinite stay in jail until can raise funds for fine and deportation

Tourist visa

6 months maximum stay in Thailand per year over any time or in split periods within 12 months. Overstayers, 200000 baht fine for each month up to 12 months of overstay, include part year over 12 months as one year and immediate deportation at their expense. Indefinite stay in jail until can raise funds for fine and deportation

Work visa

One year maximum. Change or lose job before 12 months without informing Immigration: 200000 baht fine for each month up to 12 months of overstay, include part year over 12 months as one year and immediate deportation at their expense. Indefinite stay in jail until can raise funds for fine and deportation. Penalty for claiming work permit by deception, 200000 baht fine and a mandatory 5-year jail sentence.

Married to Thai visa

Non (O) visa for a maximum of 12 months. Increase visa stake to 1 million baht, present rules pertaining to property ownership etc to apply. This method makes it easier to eliminate marriages of convenience. Overstayers: 200000 baht fine for each month up to 12 months of overstay, include part year over 12 months as one year and immediate deportation at their expense. Indefinite stay in jail until can raise funds for fine and deportation

Retirement visa

Non (O) for a maximum of 12 months. Increase visa stake investment to 2 million baht, including for those retirees who are still residing here for the ridiculous low amount of only 200000 baht per year visa stake. Present rules pertaining to property ownership etc to apply. Overstayers 200000 baht fine for each month up to 12 months of overstay, include part year over 12 months as one year and immediate deportation at their expense. Indefinite stay in jail until can raise funds for fine and deportation

Other

All foreign visa applicants to acquire documents from their home country police departments confirming what is, or what is not on criminal file about them.

Terminate the visa runs and impose all foreign visa applicants to use the system as I quoted above.

[easyman]

I'l would say,

Keep the rules as they are.

But For ALL KIND OFF VISA , Buy them in Thailand.

Make 1 or 2 or 3 places (north - middle - south )For buying and checking your visa.

the same as every 90 day's leave the country. Do everything in Thailand.

Why? Because that is a way to keep the most off the Thai Bath in Thailand.

All the forreigners don't have to spent a lot off Baths in other countries for a new visa.

Best regards.

[Heng]

"Visa runs" where you don't have to leave the country but have to travel and spend a week in a different province in Thailand. Kind of a compulsary sightseeing/tourist visa. When you get 76 visa stamps, you get a free bus ticket for your next visa run.

[ThNiner]

Jayhech, you could concoct any story to make you appear Thai all you want, but honestly it just doesn't add up and I don't believe you. You are so full of you know what. (If you want me to believe you, then just write a comment or a paragraph in Thai in here.) Though I have to say that I do think your ability to BS really has to be admired.

If you were Thai, why didn't you just explain the reasons why some Thais "stare" at farangs in that thread? Wasn't that the more natural response by Thais in that thread, than joining the discussion about you also being stared by "them" as well?

And the reason I haven't given much thoughts to the subject of this thread is because I'm Thai, not a foreigner or a farang. The issues about foreigngers having hard times getting Thai visas are hardly the biggest of my concerns, aren't they? Why would any REAL Thais get very emotional, like for instance post#15 and #17 in this thread, over these issues? It just doesn't make sense.

I also found it extermemly odd that you had to write such a long BS explanation in English that you are Thai when simply you could have just written a few Thai sentences to me to prove the point. But obviously writing an English fiction was much easier for you than writing a few sentences in Thai.

Anyway, all in all I have to say that this forum is certainly full of interesting characters.

[ThNiner]

Jayhech, I've also noticed that you, a great thinker/fiction writer, has given so much thoughts on these immigration laws issues that all you could offer to this thread was to rant about we, Thais. have had so much free ride in our own country and how foreigners/farangs haven't got a fair shake. Awesome deep thoughts by such a great thinker/fiction writer, Jayhech.

[ThNiner]

Thanks for asking Well, as mandatory, I started to learn English since Grade 5. During Grade 9 my father asked me what I wanted to do and which direction I wanted to go I told him I loved English since I did very well from Grade 7 so he sent me to St. John's College of Commerce, Ladprao, BKK. They teach everything in English, books are from Oxford Press, Apprentice, etc. Teachers were from the Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, America, Canada, Scotland, England, Burma, etc. And during that time it was still a 4-year high school system there (they do a 3-year now). I did 2 last years at a Thai university in BKK where I found English books they were using were actually lower levels than what I did in high school. I went to U of Canberra (Australia) to do master in IT but realised it was not my thing and I got homesick since it's the very first time I was out of Thailand on my own for a longer period of time. So after 4 months there I came back home. Then 6 months after that I went to Halifax, NS, Canada with my younger sister, waiting for the Spring in-take, we did 2 terms of English classes. Unfortunately, 2 planes striked WTC so my father got worried and called us home. I tried to ensure him it's super peaceful in Halifax but he wouldn't take it. So I came back to Thailand and enrolled with Webster. After one and a half year there I got MA in Media Communications. I have many friends who don't speak Thai and use English as a mean of communications. I've worked for bosses from other countries most of the time. Only one boss that's Thai was my father. I watch Hollywood movies (not so much these days...I enjoy documentaries and indie movies from other countries more) and try to keep reading books in English. I'm still learning English every day because I think my English is far from very good. At the moment I'm also contemplating French because it's an interesting language and I plan to have trips there as often as I can I hope that answer your question. Once again, thanks for asking (without the slightest of sarcasm)

One more thing, Jayhech, one of my best friends also went to St. John's from Pratom to Matayomton and he told me that they didn't teach him in English. Nice story though, Jayhech.