interest Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 or do you have to live there a while? is it difficult? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carib Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 No, doesnot matter if you are married to a Thai person. And yes it is difficult. Make that very difficult. Use the search function, there is also a "pinned" thread about this subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Being married in Thailand gives you only one privilege visa wise. If you and your wife have a combined income of over 40,000 Baht/month, you will be granted a 1 year extension of stay. Your wife's income has to be proven by tax payment, your income, if in Thailand, as well (along with the work permit), or if your income originates abroad, it has to be certified by your embassy. You will still have to report at immigration every 90 days to confirm you are still living at the same address! That's it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumnien Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 You do not suffer the pains of citizenship, but you may get eternal bliss! I have! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
track61 Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Well... if what they say about ignorance and bliss is true, I'd say the OP is very near already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billd766 Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 You do not suffer the pains of citizenship, but you may get eternal bliss! I have! I know that I have most of the time :D Well... if what they say about ignorance and bliss is true, I'd say the OP is very near already. I would say from the number of posts that the OP has made so far and the fact that he most probably has no idea that there are such things as a search function that it was a perfectly reasonable request. He just needs to be pointed gently in the right direction as well as informing people what he really wants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 or do you have to live there a while?is it difficult? I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't but this enquiry is so far wide of the mark that........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garro Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 If you marry a Thai you not only get instant citizenship but also full access to Thailand's generous social welfare system - or did I dream that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prakanong Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Well through my hangover its made me laugh Thank you OP Why the f^^&k would anyone want Thai citizenship unless you are Bill Heinecke to protect massive captial - OK you might be from a worse country Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rixalex Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 (edited) If you marry a Thai you not only get instant citizenship but also full access to Thailand's generous social welfare system - or did I dream that? Actually if you are a farang woman marrying a Thai man, it's not such a stretch of the imagination - well PR and citizenship i mean. Not quite instant but certainly fast-tracked from what i understand. Edited May 31, 2008 by rixalex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 "If you marry a Thai you not only get instant citizenship but also full access to Thailand's generous social welfare system - or did I dream that?" May I assume sarcasm and not ignorance? Actually, if working, you are entitled to Thai Social Security, which is often referred to as Thailand's welfare system. The health benefits under this system are very good. There is also workers comp, retirement and some other things available. I've found that a lot of foreigners don't take advantage to the services they qualify for, usually because they don't know about them, or think they do and incorrectly think they are bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomkagai Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 "If you marry a Thai you not only get instant citizenship but also full access to Thailand's generous social welfare system - or did I dream that?"May I assume sarcasm and not ignorance? Actually, if working, you are entitled to Thai Social Security, which is often referred to as Thailand's welfare system. The health benefits under this system are very good. There is also workers comp, retirement and some other things available. I've found that a lot of foreigners don't take advantage to the services they qualify for, usually because they don't know about them, or think they do and incorrectly think they are bad. Assume sarcasm......yes you are entitled to Thai social security etc....but wouldnt have much chance of using it as seeing as the only time you would use it was when you are unemployed and if on a WP with an extension of stay...you have to bail the country within 24 hours or after a 7 day paid for extension...so doesnt give you much time to claim... , and pretty sure if you came back in on an "O visa", there would be some rule which says you cant claim as you are now here on another visa or something..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astral Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Not even being born in Thailand guarantees you citizenship, unless your parents are Thai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglejumbo Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Actually, I know a couple of foreign ladies who got Thai citizenships marrying Thai men. Didn't seem very difficult for them. One day they were married; didn't seem too long later they were boasting Thai passports. One of them has a hotel at Jomptien. Is the topic starter a lady? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I said: "Actually, if working, you are entitled to Thai Social Security, which is often referred to as Thailand's welfare system. The health benefits under this system are very good. There is also workers comp, retirement and some other things available. I've found that a lot of foreigners don't take advantage to the services they qualify for, usually because they don't know about them, or think they do and incorrectly think they are bad." Tomkagai said: "Assume sarcasm......yes you are entitled to Thai social security etc....but wouldnt have much chance of using it as seeing as the only time you would use it was when you are unemployed and if on a WP with an extension of stay...you have to bail the country within 24 hours or after a 7 day paid for extension...so doesnt give you much time to claim... , and pretty sure if you came back in on an "O visa", there would be some rule which says you cant claim as you are now here on another visa or something..?" Thank you for verifying my post. It seems you are one of the foreigners I was referring to. You are referring to workers comp, I believe. That is a very small part of the benefit package and one that i haven't even thought about. But, if you are here and unable to work, you might qualify for benefits. The benefit I use regularly is the health benefit. For a young worker this might not be important. For me, an older employee, it's very important. I recently had to have knee surgery and it was completly payed for by Soc Sec. I also get all meds payed for each month. That alone is worth almost 10x what I pay for social security. (750 baht per month). No exclusions for pre-existing conditions. No up front payments and them waiting to get reimbursed. Just sign for the services/meds. Contribute to the system for 180 months and you qualify for retirement (at retirement age). If you stop working, for whatever reason, you are eligible for continuing benefits for 6 months, without any further contributions. If you'll be around here longer, and not working, you can arrange to make small monthly payments to enable you to stay in the system and keep your benefits. Obviously that isn't much of a benefit if you are no longer here. Social Security has a brochure in English telling about the benefits they offer. Check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised. As far as what kind of visa you have, I've never heard that was a factor. It might be to get into the system, but once in, I think you're in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garro Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 (edited) I think that the generous social welfare benefits are not available to all with a work permit even if they are married to Thai. I was recently told that our school does not qualify for the 30 baht health scheme as we are not a government school. As also mentioned our work permit is tied in with our yearly contract so claiming unemployment seems a bit of a joke. Edited May 31, 2008 by garro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slip Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 TerryLH, I don't suppose you have an link to a more info in English about this? I guess that would really be asking to much? 15 years? I've done half of that already. dam_n it. Can you pay it backdated? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I've been on a WP for 11 years. I see a new thread here. I just assumed I was entitled to nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Garro said: "I think that the generous social welfare benefits are not available to all with a work permit even if they are married to Thai. I was recently told that our school does not qualify for the 30 baht health scheme as we are not a government school. As also mentioned our work permit is tied in with our yearly contract so claiming unemployment seems a bit of a joke." Social Security and the 30 baht scheme are not the same thing. Almost all employees are now required to be in the soc sec system. You pay 5% of you monthly salary, up to a maximum of 750 baht per month. The employer matches the payment. Because most/some foreigners don't know their rights, some employers try to take advantage of them and tell them what they want them to think. I've payed into the system at both government and private schools. You're probably right about 'unemployment' in the sense that most understand it, but worker comp also includes provisions for those who are employed, but have had something happen to them that won't allow them to work. It could be something short or long term. Think about falling down the stairs at work and breaking a leg. How long would you be off? Would your employer pay you for a lengthy absense? Slip I'll look for a link for you. Not sure if they'll let you make up for past work. If they did, you'd probably have to pay in both the employee and employer shares of the amount due. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomkagai Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I said:"Actually, if working, you are entitled to Thai Social Security, which is often referred to as Thailand's welfare system. The health benefits under this system are very good. There is also workers comp, retirement and some other things available. I've found that a lot of foreigners don't take advantage to the services they qualify for, usually because they don't know about them, or think they do and incorrectly think they are bad." Tomkagai said: "Assume sarcasm......yes you are entitled to Thai social security etc....but wouldnt have much chance of using it as seeing as the only time you would use it was when you are unemployed and if on a WP with an extension of stay...you have to bail the country within 24 hours or after a 7 day paid for extension...so doesnt give you much time to claim... , and pretty sure if you came back in on an "O visa", there would be some rule which says you cant claim as you are now here on another visa or something..?" Thank you for verifying my post. It seems you are one of the foreigners I was referring to. You are referring to workers comp, I believe. That is a very small part of the benefit package and one that i haven't even thought about. But, if you are here and unable to work, you might qualify for benefits. The benefit I use regularly is the health benefit. For a young worker this might not be important. For me, an older employee, it's very important. I recently had to have knee surgery and it was completly payed for by Soc Sec. I also get all meds payed for each month. That alone is worth almost 10x what I pay for social security. (750 baht per month). No exclusions for pre-existing conditions. No up front payments and them waiting to get reimbursed. Just sign for the services/meds. Contribute to the system for 180 months and you qualify for retirement (at retirement age). If you stop working, for whatever reason, you are eligible for continuing benefits for 6 months, without any further contributions. If you'll be around here longer, and not working, you can arrange to make small monthly payments to enable you to stay in the system and keep your benefits. Obviously that isn't much of a benefit if you are no longer here. Social Security has a brochure in English telling about the benefits they offer. Check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised. As far as what kind of visa you have, I've never heard that was a factor. It might be to get into the system, but once in, I think you're in. Some interesting info, the medical is not an issue for me at the moment as have a fully comp medical scheme for free from the company, never the less worth looking at what is availible...for future reference... Out of interest on the medical, Do they pay for the likes of BKK Pattaya type hospitals, or this restricted to the Gov hospitals ? Well at least If the company keeps paying the contributions for the next 8 years and I can claim a Thai pension.... That will be really something to look forward too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garro Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 I did hear about the pension before and that it was something like 20% of what your salary is during the last year of work (or something like that). The problem would be though that unless you had residency or citizenship it would be difficult to claim. It would not be enough to meet the minimum monthly income to continue on yearly visas. Or am I wrong again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 "Out of interest on the medical, Do they pay for the likes of BKK Pattaya type hospitals, or this restricted to the Gov hospitals ?" I'm in Khon Kaen and was given a list of about 8-9 hospitals to choose from. Some of them were private hospitals, but not all private hospitals in the area have chosen to participate in the program. If a private hospital doesn't have a specialist for what you need, they may have contracts to bring them in, or they might refer you to another hospital in the area that has a doc with the specialty you need. It would still be covered under soc sec, unless you were referred to someplace that wasn't in the system. In my experience, that has never been a problem for me. "I did hear about the pension before and that it was something like 20% of what your salary is during the last year of work (or something like that). The problem would be though that unless you had residency or citizenship it would be difficult to claim. It would not be enough to meet the minimum monthly income to continue on yearly visas. Or am I wrong again?" Not wrong. What most of us would consider a good retirement plan is just not in the cards here. Remember, the system wasn't set up for foreigners even though we are included. The pension would be very modest from what we would expect in most of our home countries. Thailand is not a place to come to live and retire on a local, or even expat salary because of the lowered pension amount. Most people have other pensions or resources to live on. I suppose that's why a lot of people still go abroad for a part of the year to earn money to live here in the manner they've become accustomed to. It's probably why the majority of us living here full time are older. There is also a choice you can make that would be a lump sum settlement. I've read about it, but can't remember the details right now. Yhe downside to that is that you are no longer eligible for the health benefits, just when you might need it the most. For younger folks planning on staying here, I think they should have a financial plan that takes into account some of this stuff. Perhaps something like a 401K or a similar plan. Unfortunately, that would be hard to accomplish on what most of us make here. I'll look for a link or cut-and-paste tomorrow if i have time. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Take a look here. http://sso.go.th/english/content.php?menu_...p;content_id=86 SCOPE OF COVERAGE The social security in its initial stage was only to provide coverage to limited target groups such as providing coverage to specific category of labor group or labor of places of business having more than 20 employees, etc. Thereafter, the social security coverage was gradually extended to increasingly every walk of life to ensure that the people are protected under the social security scheme. In principle, the objective of the social security scheme is to provide thorough coverage to every people who are of working age and protection was also extended to their family; their disability or upon retirement. Furthermore, the social security scheme started with a compulsory scheme under the law and applied first to regular employees. When the compulsory social security scheme has been operating successfully and satisfactorily was able to pay benefits to the insured, then a full-fledged social security scheme would be introduced in the form of voluntary contribution. This provided the opportunity to self-employed people or those engaged in free-lance occupation to also participate in the social security scheme. Under FAQ SOCIAL SECURITY FUND What is the Social Security ? What is the Act that the Social Security Scheme has to follow ? Who is the insured person ? Time of Registration ? Who can submit the Registration Form ? Documents for registration ? How to register with the Social Security Fund ? How do you pay the contribution ? What will the insured person receive from SSO after registration ? What benefits does the registered employee claim ? Details of benefits ? When will you receive the benefits ? What will you receive in case of sickness ? Documents shown for receiving medical treatment ? Can the insured persons seek medical care outside registered hospital ? If the insured persons seek medical care outside registered hospitals, how can they receive medical services fee ? How much does an insured person receive from maternity benefit ? How much does an insured person receive from invalidity benefit ? How much does an insured person receive from death benefit ? How much does an insured person receive from child allowance ? Contact Address ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slip Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Wow, thanks Terry, that's a lot of information in English. Impressive for a Thai government department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smileplur Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 (edited) Having just relocated to Thailand as a 'younger' man (27) married to a Thai, this is invaluable information. Thanks .... time to do some research I suppose. Edited June 1, 2008 by smileplur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jobpaktai Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Having just relocated to Thailand as a 'younger' man (27) married to a Thai, this is invaluable information. Thanks .... time to do some research I suppose. Another consideration is not "whether" you're married to a Thai, but "which" Thai you're married too. My wife's a mid-level public servant and I'm entitled to the same health care benefits as her which, like many public servant working conditions, is very generous. There may well be more benefits of which I'm unaware. In response to the question about whether you can use the services of expensive private hospitals, I know for us the answer is yes: for a certain treatment we're entitled to a certain benefit. This may cover 100% of the cost at the local public hospital, or some fraction at a more expensive private institution. The choice is ours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhardbkk Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 If I'm correct, as I am considered a media correspondent and paid outside of Thailand, I am not eligible for any benefits - despite being married to a Thai and with children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makescents Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Wasn't this thread about obtaining citizenship? MC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abdulrahman Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Wasn't this thread about obtaining citizenship?MC Yes,your' right,but useful informations too. I know that I'm eligible to Social Security,through my wife,but would like to understand better how the system works. I believe not even many Thais have an idea how it works,and are losing on benefits for this loss of information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryLH Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 "I know that I'm eligible to Social Security,through my wife..." I'm not aware this is possible. I always thought it was only available through your own employment. Can you give us some details, please? Family coverage would be great. Thai civil servants are under a plan that provides coverage for the whole family. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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