Massive Fee Hikes For Work Permits Mooted

[cdnmatt]

Thailand does all it can to make life difficult for foreigners to live here, buy a home and stay here.

Hardly. Trying being a Thai who wants to emigrate to say Canada for example, then come say emigrating to Thailand is a huge hassle.

For one example, my ex-spouse was from Hungary, but we met in Canada, and he was an illegal immigrant at the time. We ended up getting him permanent residency status, and want to know what that entailed? A high-end immigration lawyer, about $7000 CAD (215,000 baht), 18 months, and a move to Eastern Europe. Statistically, we had a better chance of approval outside of Canada, and if we were declined outside, we had the chance of appeal. If we applied within Canada, there was no appeal process available.

I know that was PR status, so a bit different, but just work visa, or even a simple tourist visa to Canada is a huge headache. Let alone actually being allowed to emigrate to Canada. In comparison, Thailand is a piece of cake, so I'm sorry, but you can hardly fault the government for putting some restrictions and fees in place.

As for the land thing, of course Thailand has laws in place so foreigners can't own land. Wouldn't you do the same if you were in their shoes? If they allowed foreigners to buy land, probably 60% of this country would be owned by wealthy foreigners right now.

Edited September 1, 2009 by cdnmatt

[annacleg]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

Well said Tomster!

[hhgz]

There was nothing in the referenced article that mentioned the proposed amount of the fee increase. I don't see why the word "massive" was an appropriate description.

[SetteWm]

If it goes up considerably im going OUT!! For whats involved the system is fine how it is, however if they will be introducing new services that justify for the extra cost then i may oblige

Relative to the cost of living world-wide (in first or second-world countries), seems like things in Thailand are still pretty reasonable, even with all the problems. Whether it costs 3,4, 5, or even 6,000 Baht (less than $200 USD) it shouldn't be seen as something not worth the fee.

Bangkok Bill

[prinzregent]

Anyone who says they are leaving because the fees are going up is obviously not making any money here.

Somalia Ethiopia ? The girls are more beautiful there. ( see heart of asia )

Thailand does not need the Falang any more. But, if one goes, three russians come. And the new falang pay more money.

Some friends went to Paraguay and to Brasil. U can buy land, no problem with work permit. Bye Thailand. Others went to Cambodia or to Bohol. Bye Thailand. Or to South of France. Bye bye ...

Make it clear: Thai do treat FALANG like criminals:

" I still have to go and report myself every 90 days at the immigration office as if I'm some kind of fugitive. "

This is a main reason why Falang can not stay long time in Thailand.

Edited September 1, 2009 by prinzregent

[howzat]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

I agree with your sentiments 100%, but the real whingers will still piss and moan as is their want. They have nothing better to do.

You have got my vote on this as well. What is the minimum salary inorder to get a work permit. The work permit fee is a very small percetage of that isn't it.

[KayT]

Am I just imagining it, or does it seem that often when prices or feels are raised in Thailand--either commercial or government--it tends to be a very large increase, which often represents a burden and feels punitive?

It is true that fees here go up at a high rate, but we mustn't forget that they also remain stable for many years sometimes more than a decade! This is the way the bureaucracy works here.

In other countries rates go up on an annual basis to match the Cost of living index (or whatever it's called).

How much does a foreign embassy charge here now for a new passport compared to ten years ago?

I recall the huge outcry when IMM raised extension fees from 500B to 1,900B after having left it stable for about a decade.

Many posts were about "Thailand doesn't want us" and "I'm leaving" etc., well most of those people are still here.

We all have to accept the fact that prices have to up, but yes a gradual increase would go down better with everybody affected.

opalhort

p.s. English language question: in the above post what is correct "those" or "these" people?

Those is correct.

I hope that helps.

[TongueThaied]

This part is supposed to be a quote:

Since first joinng this Web site I have been amazed at just how much everyone moans. And then moans more again and again. To many of you are sounding so miserable and fed up here. Price Hikes for Work Permits. Can't live well as a teacher etc etc. Well may I suggest if the grass is so green elsewhere go, perhaps just go home to your own Country. Help your fellow Country men. Especially perhaps the ones who did not get a chance to travel. So go, because Thailand offers you one fabulous thing, there is no requirement for an exis visa. I suggest all you unhappy people hurry up to the airport and make sure you book a flight before all the others in the mass exodus. But if you decide to stay on stop moaning.

Since first joining this Web site I have been amazed at just how much so many people moan about other people who have the guts to post the facts, or, maybe just wish to post their opinions. I would assume that most people living here, choose to do so because they like it. Does that mean the have to shut the fµck up every time they see an injustice? Please be tolerant of the voices of others, and if you cannot be, or you cannot just skip over that which you find distasteful, please remember, the site IS NOT required reading. Go read the news or something. Or go for a walk and enjoy Thailand.

Edited September 2, 2009 by TongueThaied

[brahmburgers]

Personally, I think the work permits here should be atleast 10,000B a year; the purpose of this is to encourage employers to hire Thai people....

There's some logic to that. However, most work permits for western farang involve teaching English. All but a very few Thais (teaching English) just aren't as adept at English as native-speaking English speakers.

I once had a small group of Rajabat U students come up to me and ask me to help them with their English homework. Their English teacher was Thai. Upon a quick look at their assignment, I realized it was chock full of mistakes. Other times I've seen English language assignments (given by Thai nationals who are English teachers) which were ridiculously convoluted, difficult, and used English words that were ludicrously archaic.

It's no wonder that 99% of Thais have an abysmal handle on speaking English.

College and University graduates fare little better, and that's probably due to some of them having teachers who are native English speakers.

Thai Authorities should do all they can to facilitate a flood of English classes taught by native English speakers. In the big picture, it's a choice of whether to bring Thailand in to the international community as a functioning member, or keep Thailand as a 3rd world country who's main attractions are bar girls and interesting temple architecture.

Edited September 2, 2009 by brahmburgers

[macam]

You don’t even know what or if they will put it up or by what and if you or your company can’t afford a couple of grand hike obviously you are in profession.

[hhiser]

The I'll leave is croud is all talk. If they have not raised the fees since 2002 then its time they did, part of inflation. It will be interesting to see how much they raise it. To be honest they could raise it 500% and most would pay it, granted allot of people would be mad but I doubt one person would move away based soley on the fee increase.

Silly, 200% inflation since 2002? Which Thailand are you living in? What is the inflationary rate since 2002? I believe it has been minimal. They are still using the same rubber stamps that they had before 2002. They pay the office workers nearly the same wage, the wage increase is probably less than 20%. So why such a large increase? Greed we are seen as an easy target for the political shyster, and even the shyster tamada, and this does not worry you? The belief that we are all millionaires is making us targets. And as targets we stand out far too much, making us easy targets for anyone looking to make some fast cash! You should be worried!

[hhiser]

Personally, I think the work permits here should be atleast 10,000B a year; the purpose of this is to encourage employers to hire Thai people....

There's some logic to that. However, most work permits for western farang involve teaching English. All but a very few Thais (teaching English) just aren't as adept at English as native-speaking English speakers.

Thai Authorities should do all they can to facilitate a flood of English classes taught by native English speakers. In the big picture, it's a choice of whether to bring Thailand in to the international community as a functioning member, or keep Thailand as a 3rd world country who's main attractions are bar girls and interesting temple architecture.

If their were a KUDOS button I would definetly press it for this repl! Very well done!

[fxe1200]

For me and many others who volunteer our time and efforts (ie dont get a brass razoo) to help the homeless or disadvantaged in this country it has always been a pain to have to pay and apply for a work permit to do volunteer work. While many small charaties dont bother with work permits for short term volunteers, many of the larger ones do. This will make many agencies have to either restrict the number of volunteers or start to break the law. I have always paid for my own work permit where i volunteer because I dont want my small effort to be a burden - but if it goes to 6000 baht then that is more than my rent for a month.

Dave

Welcome to the club, Dave!

It is a drag for both, the charities and the volunteers, I know. I really wonder, why volunteers still come to Thailand. And it is not even the work permit, it is also the Visa fees. Before volunteers can start their work here, they have paid already 120 Euros in Visa fees in their home country plus the roundtrip flight. And then they have to deal with the rising cost for a work permit. This is ridiculous for somebody who dedicates his time and money to work for a charity. As I mentioned before in post #46 the work permit fee should be calculated according to the salary earned, and the Visa for a volunteer should be free.

But if Thai politicians will ever learn, I have my doubts.

[YouYouYou]

Oooh Breaking news!!!..work permit fees up! What's new?? All gov. fees go up all the time eh?

e.g. Non imm O's, overstay fees, residency permits etc. All have done so in the 2000's by considerable rises.

No surprise and I personally don't care on this one as my Thai boss pays for the WP ....So who is this hurting here ...not the guava eh

Oh and when you actually consider costs ..it still amounts to bugger all of your salary: that is, if you are actually earning a reasonable amount ...if I paid for my own WP and Visa it would amount to way less than 1% of my salary LOL ...ohhh such a big cost eh.

Edited September 2, 2009 by YouYouYou

[cyb]

You don't even know what or if they will put it up or by what and if you or your company can't afford a couple of grand hike obviously you are in profession.

Explain yourself,

It seems that you are confused as i am by your post.

[JSPS]

Anyone who says they are leaving because the fees are going up is obviously not making any money here.

That's one reason I have never gone in for the expat life. You're totally at the mercy of the host government and can be jerked around at will.

It might not even be the host government that is jerking you around, it might be just a particular official. But you have dam_n all chance of doing anything about it. You're a Farang and should know your place.

[pedro01]

I really do not care either if I pay 3000 or 6000 Baht for my work permit. There are a lot of low budget people in Thailand who really cry about everything the Thai Government is doing. If this is the case, the best is: you really leave Thailand.

Together with the tax (90.000 Baht and the social insurance and other things) I have to pay appr. 180.000 Baht per year.

Do you people know how much tax and fees and everything you pay in the European Union or in the USA???

That´s peanuts here in Thailand compared with what G8 countries charge.

I go on with my work and duty, even if they charge 20.000 Baht. Sometimes I guess it might be good when the government would charge really a lot. Really 20.000 Baht or more.

Because that will kick the low budget people out of Thailand, who recently cry from morning to night, about all the government of Thailand is doing.....ehwwwwwwwwww. About the bad Thai government, about bad Thailand in general. Why are you here, if you don´t like that country??

May be the atmosphere in Thailand is less poisioned and the people who are a problem for this country are for all times gone.

So I hope a special farang tax will be charged. Under 100 IQ points 5.000 Baht per IQ point. Over 100 IQ points 1000 Baht per IQ point.

That would make Thailand to an interesting country of leading farang specialists investing in the right things.

I wait for the day. ZG

LMAO ! Brilliant idea !

[dale8]

Hello, the Thai government will increase whatever fees that want to the foreigners because they can as all foreigners are wealthy. The foreigners that can not pay the new increase will have to leave so that will be more jobs for the Thai people. The foreigners that can pay the increase can pay a lot more so they will make more increases to get more money for the government because they can. The companies that can pay foreigners to live in Thailand will pay the increase as a part of the wage package, and the foreign people do not vote so the Thai government will not have to listen to them whine.

[nontabury]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

Bring on the "look how much money I've got" crowd.

Oh, here he is! Didn't take long.

If you're spending 12k on a good night out in Thailand you've seriously lost your mind....and are being taken for a ride....

Have you never been to a nice restaurant ? (without bog rolls on the table to wipe your face with) A bottle of decent wine can start at 6K easy.

It's not really very nice to tell someone they have lost their mind or been taken for a ride for eating at decent places !

As some one who does not need to work,I would not want to talk down to people who may find a 3,000b increase excessive,just be thankfull 3,000 is a small amount to you. 12k for a good night out in Thailand,including a ride,"sorry" you're being ripped off.

6k for a bottle of wine,this is more than most Thais earn in a month,better to buy a 20b bottle of water,giving the other 5,800

to a poor Thai family,the next morning you'll feel much better for you're act of kindness

[cochran]

All in all, I challenge you to have the same quality of life in UK or USA for the same price you can do it here.

Easy.

Better quality housing, far better motor vehicles not to mention choice of those vehicles, second hand and new, are available at cheaper cost. Better education, and many other things conducive to a higher quality of life are available in Britain and Australia that aren't available in Thailand, such as safer roads, social security, better healthcare, etc, etc, etc.

Simply put, the same quality of life just isn't available to 99% of people in Thailand, be they Thai or foreign.

I really disagree with you.

I will agree that the housing building standards are higher in the west, but in terms of quality per unit of currency, you're far better off here. The motor vehicles are very expensive here, no doubt. I've seen no issues with healthcare here, am satisfied with the quality and more than pleased with the cost. Outside of some areas (like Pattaya) the day to day cost of living is much lower. For entertainment, daytrips, short vacations, and etc., you can do much more here on the same amount of money than you can elsewhere. Can't really comment on the social security issue here vs. other places. I know that the system in the US is in financial trouble, doesn't pay much now, and likely won't exist when I'm eligible, but have no idea how it works here.

I find that I can have a very enjoyable life here for much less money than in the US, and that's even with the somewhat inflated prices in Pattaya. Granted, my expat package helps, but even without this I'm financially better off here than there.

[Mario2008]

For me and many others who volunteer our time and efforts (ie dont get a brass razoo) to help the homeless or disadvantaged in this country it has always been a pain to have to pay and apply for a work permit to do volunteer work. While many small charaties dont bother with work permits for short term volunteers, many of the larger ones do. This will make many agencies have to either restrict the number of volunteers or start to break the law. I have always paid for my own work permit where i volunteer because I dont want my small effort to be a burden - but if it goes to 6000 baht then that is more than my rent for a month.

Dave

Would you live in an apartment back home that was $150 USD a month. Is there even such places?

Volunteer or not, I don't understand why people move to Thailand and live in lesser conditions than they would at home. Just out of curiosity, is it still volunteer work if you are getting paid for it? If you are not getting paid, why do you need a WP?

Because work requires a work permit and it doesn't matter if you get paid for it or not.

[pedro01]

I still think that if you don't like it just go home.

Tue 1 Sep 09, 8:10 pm

These frequent "Thailand, love it or leave it!" type comments are irrational. I have lived in Hawaii and five Asian countries, China three times, Singapore twice, and Thailand for the past ten years. I have visited several more countries. I have NEVER been in a place that I loved 100%, including my home country, the U.S. I seriously doubt that there is any place that I would or could love absolutely everything about unconditionally.

Sorry!!! I guess I will just have to stay here and continue to feel free to express an opinion about things if I want to.

Aloha,

Rex

Rex,

Is it fair to say that the majority of the 'love it or leave it' brigade have either just discovered the kingdom with rosy tints on or/and on a pension from their motherland, thus being quite-happy-thank-you-very-much-whats-a-work-permit?-you-mean-farang-people-actually-work-in-Thailand- brigade?

For the rest of us, it is really tough making a living in the current economic climate. And a hike in work permit application prices could, in my situation, result in seven Thais losing their jobs.

It's not the price hike, it's the message that it puts across.

GFL.

I am a love it or leave it guy. I've been here 13 years. I have skills that are relatively rare here and

As for 7 Thais losing their jobs because of perhaps a $200 per year hike in WP fees - well that business is obviously teetering on the edge anyway - so this is just moving the inevitable forward.

[Zombienation]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

Bring on the "look how much money I've got" crowd.

Oh, here he is! Didn't take long.

If you're spending 12k on a good night out in Thailand you've seriously lost your mind....and are being taken for a ride....

Have you never been to a nice restaurant ? (without bog rolls on the table to wipe your face with) A bottle of decent wine can start at 6K easy.

It's not really very nice to tell someone they have lost their mind or been taken for a ride for eating at decent places !

You really haven't a clue have you.

I regularly eat at places such as Le Banyan, Celadon or Le Normandie. Paying 7,500 for a Nuits St George or 5,500 for a Gevrey Chambertain of moderate quality seems rather naive and/or stupid, especially when you consider how much the prices have been inflated. A nice Merlot, Cotes Du Rhone or Cabernet will usually suffice and cost considerably less. Paying over the odds for a mediocre red, just because, seems like effete snobbery and thus the very definition of stupidity.

It's rather dangerous to make assumptions, as you accusatory reply proves. Dangerous and.......?

[Zombienation]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

Bring on the "look how much money I've got" crowd.

Oh, here he is! Didn't take long.

If you're spending 12k on a good night out in Thailand you've seriously lost your mind....and are being taken for a ride....

Have you never been to a nice restaurant ? (without bog rolls on the table to wipe your face with) A bottle of decent wine can start at 6K easy.

It's not really very nice to tell someone they have lost their mind or been taken for a ride for eating at decent places !

As some one who does not need to work,I would not want to talk down to people who may find a 3,000b increase excessive,just be thankfull 3,000 is a small amount to you. 12k for a good night out in Thailand,including a ride,"sorry" you're being ripped off.

6k for a bottle of wine,this is more than most Thais earn in a month,better to buy a 20b bottle of water,giving the other 5,800

to a poor Thai family,the next morning you'll feel much better for you're act of kindness

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

[Zombienation]

Oooh Breaking news!!!..work permit fees up! What's new?? All gov. fees go up all the time eh?

e.g. Non imm O's, overstay fees, residency permits etc. All have done so in the 2000's by considerable rises.

No surprise and I personally don't care on this one as my Thai boss pays for the WP ....So who is this hurting here ...not the guava eh

Oh and when you actually consider costs ..it still amounts to bugger all of your salary: that is, if you are actually earning a reasonable amount ...if I paid for my own WP and Visa it would amount to way less than 1% of my salary LOL ...ohhh such a big cost eh.

Wow, what a nice person you are.

This may come as a shock to you...hold onto something....but you aren't the only person on this planet.

Ok, breathe slowly, lie down, the palpitations will pass.

[Geekfreaklover]

I still think that if you don't like it just go home.

Tue 1 Sep 09, 8:10 pm

These frequent "Thailand, love it or leave it!" type comments are irrational. I have lived in Hawaii and five Asian countries, China three times, Singapore twice, and Thailand for the past ten years. I have visited several more countries. I have NEVER been in a place that I loved 100%, including my home country, the U.S. I seriously doubt that there is any place that I would or could love absolutely everything about unconditionally.

Sorry!!! I guess I will just have to stay here and continue to feel free to express an opinion about things if I want to.

Aloha,

Rex

Rex,

Is it fair to say that the majority of the 'love it or leave it' brigade have either just discovered the kingdom with rosy tints on or/and on a pension from their motherland, thus being quite-happy-thank-you-very-much-whats-a-work-permit?-you-mean-farang-people-actually-work-in-Thailand- brigade?

For the rest of us, it is really tough making a living in the current economic climate. And a hike in work permit application prices could, in my situation, result in seven Thais losing their jobs.

It's not the price hike, it's the message that it puts across.

GFL.

I am a love it or leave it guy. I've been here 13 years. I have skills that are relatively rare here and

As for 7 Thais losing their jobs because of perhaps a $200 per year hike in WP fees - well that business is obviously teetering on the edge anyway - so this is just moving the inevitable forward.

Well, it's a lifestyle choice, thats the reason I moved here ten years ago and probably the reason I'll move back to the west. Nothing to do with profit margins, just more to do with the big picture - schooling for my kids, growing xenephobia by the locals. It's not the place it used to be.

[carbine1125]

Bring on the "I can't believe it - I'm moving to another country" crowd again.

So what if it goes up to 6,000 baht, that's still only around £100.00. Is a £50.00 (3000.00) a year rise for the right to live and work legally in a country really enough to make you leave Thailand? I spend twice that on a good night out - if it bothers you that much then your in the wrong country to start with, get yourselves off to Somalia, it's cheaper than Thailand apparently...

I agree, far too many farang bitching on this site!

[easybullet3]

thailand is just trying to find ways to bring in extra money from foreigners,, (hoping that this will help contribute towards the economy problems),, ie: 150 baht on all international ATM transactions,, etc

[pedro01]

Personally, I think the work permits here should be atleast 10,000B a year; the purpose of this is to encourage employers to hire Thai people....

Thai Authorities should do all they can to facilitate a flood of English classes taught by native English speakers. In the big picture, it's a choice of whether to bring Thailand in to the international community as a functioning member, or keep Thailand as a 3rd world country who's main attractions are bar girls and interesting temple architecture.

Problem is that a lot of the teachers are guys that came here on holiday attracted by bar girls and couldn't bear to return to the land of not getting laid.

[a99az]

I wonder if the extra revenue generated with a hike in work permits is going to do much to bolster the coffers of the government. It however will put a bit of a strain on some Thai schools and companies and cause a bit of a bad feeling I am sure.