Thai Govt Consider Visa Fee Waiver To Help Rebuild Tourism

Markaew · November 13, 2011

id increase that as well to 300 baht bloody tight fisted lot moaning about 3 gbp If you dont like it and live here just transfer via TT transfer a decent amount to live for say 6 months. If you dont have that you should not be here

Many Thais (and maybe some ex-pats too) are still under the misconception that all farangs are rolling rich. That's not my experience. Lots of farangs retire in Thailand because they get a better standard of living on their meagre pensions than they would back home. They can't just transfer large sums which they haven't got to tide them over for 6 months or so. Maybe, like me, they like to spend the cold winters back home somewhere warm and sunny.

Charging large sums to withdraw cash from an atm (irrespective of the actual amount drawn) does nothing to help the Thai economy or the Thai people. It just puts money into the pockets of bankers and we all know what a lovely bunch of unselfish fellows they are. This 150 baht (or 300 as you seem to prefer) charge is money that will not be spent in the Thai economy and for farangs living on the edge who often have young Thai families to support it can mean a lot.

Thai governments have encouraged farangs to come (and to live) and spend their dollars, pounds and euros for good reason. It seems a shame that banks are restricting this flow of cash by their own greed. 150 (or 300) baht may not sound a lot but it's clearly a good earner or the banks wouldn't impose it.

I disagree with your statement that the government wants expats residents verses tourists. It's very easy to come to Thailand up to 30 days or even 60 days compared to obtaining a visa for a longer stay. If they wanted farangs to live here the government wouldn't make it such a task to stay. The government prefers tourists that are ignorant of the culture and can be easily conned with the smiling illusion. An informed farang is not desirable here.

bitterbatter · November 13, 2011

I never paid fopr a visa on arrival, so what is the difference??

This isn't the same visa you get when arriving without one. This is a three month visa that can be renewed for two more months then extended for another after that. In the States these ususally run about $75.

HERE'S AN IDEA:

Let's start a petition on Thai visa, to request some serious changes to this two week tourist visa stamp situation! But it should be written with a really solid argument and sent out in a mass email to the council meeting by next week.

Jerrytheyoung · November 13, 2011

id increase that as well to 300 baht bloody tight fisted lot moaning about 3 gbp If you dont like it and live here just transfer via TT transfer a decent amount to live for say 6 months. If you dont have that you should not be here

Many Thais (and maybe some ex-pats too) are still under the misconception that all farangs are rolling rich. That's not my experience. Lots of farangs retire in Thailand because they get a better standard of living on their meagre pensions than they would back home. They can't just transfer large sums which they haven't got to tide them over for 6 months or so. Maybe, like me, they like to spend the cold winters back home somewhere warm and sunny.

Charging large sums to withdraw cash from an atm (irrespective of the actual amount drawn) does nothing to help the Thai economy or the Thai people. It just puts money into the pockets of bankers and we all know what a lovely bunch of unselfish fellows they are. This 150 baht (or 300 as you seem to prefer) charge is money that will not be spent in the Thai economy and for farangs living on the edge who often have young Thai families to support it can mean a lot.

Thai governments have encouraged farangs to come (and to live) and spend their dollars, pounds and euros for good reason. It seems a shame that banks are restricting this flow of cash by their own greed. 150 (or 300) baht may not sound a lot but it's clearly a good earner or the banks wouldn't impose it.

I disagree with your statement that the government wants expats residents verses tourists. It's very easy to come to Thailand up to 30 days or even 60 days compared to obtaining a visa for a longer stay. If they wanted farangs to live here the government wouldn't make it such a task to stay. The government prefers tourists that are ignorant of the culture and can be easily conned with the smiling illusion. An informed farang is not desirable here.

Tourist destination Countries have well understood that the main income was the second step after the first visit, when the tourist is charmed by the Country, want to live and retire there. in Europe, the best demonstration is Spain.

Buying a second home, then investing in all the house equipment, spending his money in local business this is the second step which is far more juicy than the initial tourist visit in Charter modes or as a backpackers. And for those afraid by the invasion of farangs....you can have rules for inheritage with heavy taxes so that in an average 3 generations (case of France), the successors have paid a second time the property to the State,or you can imagine other rules, like giving a maximum ratio of foreign ownership per area, it is up to imagination...Get a look to what is doing Malaysia, there is a minimum spending for Foreigners.

Thailand fall short of such schemes. Once you have visit Thailand in your life, be conned by the Chatuchak pickpockets, the magic is vanishing.

For westerners middle class families, with no interests in the Beer Bar and the GOGO Girls, 10 hours in Pattaya is enough for your life.

Handicraft are now sell worldwide by some specialised shops or even by Supermarkets (examples: every year, The "Thai or Chinese week" by Carrefour in Europe, and the ex tourist will find the stuff he has bring back with a lot of difficulties... less expensive at 10 minutes from his home- Typical case the big Chiangmai fans).

most of high income people want to relax with their Family in a nice environmemt, the GoGo girls and the Beer Bars are of some interests for a small foam.

Thailand should wake up and changes its attitude, but is it possible?.

Ricardo · November 13, 2011

KISS-Principle, just give all tourists (from the 30-or-so favoured countries) 90-days free visa-on-arrival, at both land & air borders, like Malaysia. This should have been done long ago. Long-stay tourists spend a lot of money, over a longer visit, and should be encouraged !

BlueTerrace · November 13, 2011

Thai Airlines announces that under it's new promotion, it will reduce it's Bangkok - Samui route from 6,360 bt., to 2,930 baht. Well, this is going from the aeronautical stratosphere, to somewhere closer to reality. Was ANYONE buying those $6,360 baht tickets? And we thought Bangkok Air was unreasonable. Well, the AOT had better do something. The high season is approaching, and the work to be done to rehabilitate Thailand's reputation at this point, is Herculean, to say the least. First the coup, then the disastrous coup administration, the the administration of the yellow shirts (does anyone remember Samak?), then the Pattaya riots at the international meetings of heads of state, then the airport takeover by the yellow bellies, then the international outcry and subsequent BBC airings of the documentaries about the jet ski scam operators, and the King Power scam, then the red shirt demonstrations, that shut down the capital for 7 weeks, and now the floods. What else can happen to Thailand? Is there anyone competent enough in the AOT to do what needs to be done to revive the tourist sector? Free visas is the least they can do. What about arresting people like the director of the Samui Immigration office, for his constant request for bribes? What about ousting the Samui mayor, for his tremendous level of incompetence, that is driving tourists away by the thousands. There is so much to be done. Where to start?

Why start? Depends what sort of tourist industry you want. The Thai authorities seem happy enough to let families, backpackers & the well to do 'new-frontier' trade go to TrulyAsia, Cambodia, 'Nam & Laos. While they target the lucrative 'drunk-in-a-bar', 'crashed-my-jet-ski' & 'hansom-man-massage' end of the market.

spidermike007 · November 13, 2011

.....

..... the lowly tourist spending $1,000 bucks+ every month is being treated like crap.

Dont get disheartend, it's still a vely luvely countly and it's people are so genuinely amazing, just watch how they bear it all, and how hard all concerned agencies are working together to make this crisis a "walk in the park" for everyone, ah' this bit of water and those farangs always complaining, complaining, complaining, they don't know... and hey doesn't becoming a victim in favor of "high grade tourist" make you feel proud, to be singled out as someone who doesn't spend enough in less then 30 days to support this countries tourism industry?

I think it's great!

and now even more so look at all the money that will be needed to fill all these bags....and support the economy.

Yeah,the villagers thought it great when I bought that fridge and Isuzu for them.

All those trips to the gold shop when I got 5,000 baht of love in return.

All those cases of Chang or Leo and boxes of chicken and sacks of rice out into the paddies.

Untold guest houses,restaurants and tuk tuk fares for visa runs.

Times that by tens of thousands of PT's that got told to get out-politely.

Then add inthe $1,000 /month in personal expenses.

It all adds up to something more than just keenyow felang.

Truck sales must be down.

Sounds like you may have been too kind. I find that with Thai people you have to strike the balance between being kind, and saying no. If you are too generous they lose all respect for you. If you are too stingy, they lose all respect for you. The trick it to find the balance. It seems to require saying "no I will not buy that case of beer you or asking for", or "no I do not feel like spending any money on gold right now", from time to time. Perhaps you were a little too willing to please?

Jerrytheyoung · November 13, 2011

one more idea:

In Issan along the Mekong, it is ideal for setting up retirement homes. Young Thai Ladies of Issan will find a job taking care of old people, as nurse or assistant nurse.. . (Better than dubious massage parlour or Beer Bars).

I am sure there are not only the Mekong but plenty of other suitable locations in Thailand, ...plus it is complementary to Medical Tourism.

But, people must be authorised to retire here, first in their own house then, when it is time they leave their thai house for the retirement home: it is a whole concept which start with a non xenophobic policy....

Edited November 13, 2011 by Jerrytheyoung

chooka · November 13, 2011

The only way tourism will come back is if the government lowers the baht like the dollar, euro and pound did the last 2 years.. A retour flight from Europe cost already 40,000 baht and then getting 40-41 baht for 1 euro makes the holiday to expensive, same for dollar and pound.

Also would be a good idea to get rid of the racket of charging Bht150 for using a foreign ATM card

id increase that as well to 300 baht bloody tight fisted lot moaning about 3 gbp If you dont like it and live here just transfer via TT transfer a decent amount to live for say 6 months. If you dont have that you should not be here

I'm lost in the translation here, what is a Id, 3 gbp and a TT. I have absolutely no ideal what you have said as I don't speak ewok.

chooka · November 13, 2011

one more idea:

In Issan along the Mekong, it is ideal for setting up retirement homes. Young Thai Ladies of Issan will find a job taking care of old people, as nurse or assistant nurse.. . (Better than dubious massage parlour or Beer Bars).

I am sure there are not only the Mekong but plenty of other suitable locations in Thailand, ...plus it is complementary to Medical Tourism.

But, people must be authorised to retire here, first in their own house then, when it is time they leave their thai house for the retirement home: it is a whole concept which start with a non xenophobic policy....

I don't think it will work as Thai's generally care for thier elderly parents in thier own family enviroment and don't ship them off to nursing homes where they are forgoten and never seen again. Thai and western culture is very different and somehow I do not think they would embrace the concept.

Randee · November 13, 2011

i go to my home country every year/15 months and get a 1 year visa ... s'easy option

Randee · November 13, 2011

one more idea:

In Issan along the Mekong, it is ideal for setting up retirement homes. Young Thai Ladies of Issan will find a job taking care of old people, as nurse or assistant nurse.. . (Better than dubious massage parlour or Beer Bars).

I am sure there are not only the Mekong but plenty of other suitable locations in Thailand, ...plus it is complementary to Medical Tourism.

But, people must be authorised to retire here, first in their own house then, when it is time they leave their thai house for the retirement home: it is a whole concept which start with a non xenophobic policy....

I don't think it will work as Thai's generally care for thier elderly parents in thier own family enviroment and don't ship them off to nursing homes where they are forgoten and never seen again. Thai and western culture is very different and somehow I do not think they would embrace the concept.

"ship them off to nursing homes where they are forgoten and never seen again" - LOL!! DRAMA DRAMA!!!

Jimi007 · November 13, 2011

There are varous NON-Immigrant visas ---- which do you have and how do you get the 1 year extension? I'm here on a muli-entry NON-Immigrant O for visiting family. My wife is Thai.

I have an O-A retirement visa. I go to immigration and apply for it with proof of income. I never understood why they make people with marriage visas do a border run every 90 days.

ratcatcher · November 13, 2011

There are varous NON-Immigrant visas ---- which do you have and how do you get the 1 year extension? I'm here on a muli-entry NON-Immigrant O for visiting family. My wife is Thai.

I have an O-A retirement visa. I go to immigration and apply for it with proof of income. I never understood why they make people with marriage visas do a border run every 90 days.

They don't.

wayned · November 13, 2011

First of all. there is no such thing as a marriage visa. The visa is a Non Immigrant - O (other).. It can be extended if your (legal) spouse is Thai and if you have 400000 baht in the bank or proof from your embassy that your income is at least 40000 baht per month. If you meet these requirements you can be issued a one year extension based on marriage and do not have to make a "border run" every 90 days, but you have to do a 90 report at the local immigration office. If you cannot meet the financial conditions and are legally married to a Thai or have Thai children You can get a 1 year Non "O" visa to visit family. With this type of visa you do have to make a "border run" every 90 days. The financial requirements differ at Thai Consulate in different countries and change at will.

There are varous NON-Immigrant visas ---- which do you have and how do you get the 1 year extension? I'm here on a muli-entry NON-Immigrant O for visiting family. My wife is Thai.

I have an O-A retirement visa. I go to immigration and apply for it with proof of income. I never understood why they make people with marriage visas do a border run every 90 days.

They don't.

Ricardo · November 13, 2011

id increase that as well to 300 baht bloody tight fisted lot moaning about 3 gbp If you dont like it and live here just transfer via TT transfer a decent amount to live for say 6 months. If you dont have that you should not be here

I'm lost in the translation here, what is a Id, 3 gbp and a TT. I have absolutely no ideal what you have said as I don't speak ewok.

"Id" = "i'd" or short for "I would"

"3 gbp" = 3 Great British Pounds (approx equivalent of 150 Baht)

"TT" = Telegraphic Transfer

Feel the force, Master Letitbe !

This modern SMS-speak really is destroying our English-language, IMO.

Jerrytheyoung · November 13, 2011

one more idea:

In Issan along the Mekong, it is ideal for setting up retirement homes. Young Thai Ladies of Issan will find a job taking care of old people, as nurse or assistant nurse.. . (Better than dubious massage parlour or Beer Bars).

I am sure there are not only the Mekong but plenty of other suitable locations in Thailand, ...plus it is complementary to Medical Tourism.

But, people must be authorised to retire here, first in their own house then, when it is time they leave their thai house for the retirement home: it is a whole concept which start with a non xenophobic policy....

I don't think it will work as Thai's generally care for thier elderly parents in thier own family enviroment and don't ship them off to nursing homes where they are forgoten and never seen again. Thai and western culture is very different and somehow I do not think they would embrace the concept.

a

It is not for Thai people, it is for westerners.... If you join a nursing home in Europe, it is very expansive and in some Countries they take all your income. I think life can be better life for some western elderly people. For the issan girls some would prefer working in nursing home than in Bar or massage parlours.

Some Thai academics (involved in Medical)were thinking that it was also a possible track to explore.

I know an establshment training nurses in Issan, they are permanently searching positions for their graduates: a lot of possibilities in the Middle East, but English teaching is so poor in Issan that none are acceptable because of language issue. Nursing home can be one of the solutions better than Pattaya or phuket Go go Bars....

kohphangan · November 13, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Rinrada · November 13, 2011

Good News .... AEON bank does not charge the B150 but there in not that many ATMs - none at the airport, one in Pattaya etc check it out!

Bunter

Actually there are 3 locations in Pattaya that I know of that have Aeon bank facilities.

1)Outside the Home Pro next to Big C Pattaya Tai

2)On the 1st floor of the newly named Big C "extra"

3)Inside the AEON banking center at the Lotus on Pattaya Neu

that if you bought property when the Thai baht was 70 to the pound you are sitting ...actually bought at 72Bt=£ but dont feel flush.

Re AEON ....New one in The Terminal 21 joint on Soi 19 ...Stayed at the Honey a couple of night and 2 minutes walk ....Front door and down to basement ..hits you in the face ..great banh even gave the ATM a hug when I took the dosh out ...lots of funny looks but think they understood.

Dump the Fees

Quote Air fare including tax..and give us old married guys a 1 year on entry.......and .......free beer

Jerrytheyoung · November 13, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Go to Langkawi, Penang or Tioman....

kohphangan · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Go to Langkawi, Penang or Tioman....

Good morning Jerry,

A rather short comment, would you,could you elaborate? This is how i started off back in 2004 heading to Penang and at that time obtained 4 multiple entries,which meant 60 days,then in my case over to Koh Samui pay 1950 baht gain another 30 days,then i would still need to exit border after that period, This was then repeated .My currant situation of Non "O" is better than this but not by much but say they will refuse me next time. I am also lead to believe that now they only issue maximum of TWO double entries,is this not the case? same as mentioned in previous posts from other members they limit to how many times you can come in and out per year? The reason i looked into the "O" visa was that in 2005 even the more relaxed Penang would only issue me 3 double entries leaving me problems for my remaining part of the year. Kind regards Jerry and would like to know what are the current rules of the 3 areas you mention...... kind regards from this end Jason

Bunter · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Great Post Jason - you do love Thailand and spend thousands to stay and enjoy the life in LOS.

We are like you would love to have greater flexibilty to stay in Thailand. This trip we (my Australian wife and I) went to Phuket for 3 weeks, then transited through KL and then had another 4 weeks in Pattaya.

We would have stayed in LOS longer but then we went back to Malaysia on the 30th day.

As you said "who wins" in our case its Air Asia and the Malaysian economy ..... WHO LOSES Thailand of course but they just dont get it!

If you can prove through bank account details that you have sufficient wealth to support yourself, we should be made welcome in the Kingdom.

Bunter

TechnikaIII · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Great Post Jason - you do love Thailand and spend thousands to stay and enjoy the life in LOS.

We are like you would love to have greater flexibilty to stay in Thailand. This trip we (my Australian wife and I) went to Phuket for 3 weeks, then transited through KL and then had another 4 weeks in Pattaya.

We would have stayed in LOS longer but then we went back to Malaysia on the 30th day.

As you said "who wins" in our case its Air Asia and the Malaysian economy ..... WHO LOSES Thailand of course but they just dont get it!

If you can prove through bank account details that you have sufficient wealth to support yourself, we should be made welcome in the Kingdom.

Bunter

"If you can prove through bank account details that you have sufficient wealth to support yourself, we should be made welcome in the Kingdom."

You could not use that as a reason for assuming unlimited access to Australia. Please explain why should Thailand have more flexible visas than Australia, where you come from. Why is it that a farang with money thinks he should be able to simply occupy another country, because he can afford to? (It's okay, I am an Australian too. I just want to hear your argument.) I can imagine you and others spitting the dummy if all and sundry insisted on simply walking through the immigration barriers of Australia, and by the weight of numbers threatening everything there. Let's put a specific colour on it: Any Chinese with money can live in Australia wherever they like, in unlimited numbers, without restriction. And lets add Africans, Arabs and Russians to this influx. Okay, you are retired and turning your back on Australia, but lets see how you answer on behalf of those who still make it their home.<br clear="all">

Jerrytheyoung · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Go to Langkawi, Penang or Tioman....

Good morning Jerry,

A rather short comment, would you,could you elaborate? This is how i started off back in 2004 heading to Penang and at that time obtained 4 multiple entries,which meant 60 days,then in my case over to Koh Samui pay 1950 baht gain another 30 days,then i would still need to exit border after that period, This was then repeated .My currant situation of Non "O" is better than this but not by much but say they will refuse me next time. I am also lead to believe that now they only issue maximum of TWO double entries,is this not the case? same as mentioned in previous posts from other members they limit to how many times you can come in and out per year? The reason i looked into the "O" visa was that in 2005 even the more relaxed Penang would only issue me 3 double entries leaving me problems for my remaining part of the year. Kind regards Jerry and would like to know what are the current rules of the 3 areas you mention...... kind regards from this end Jason

the 3 areas are in Malaysia, a lot of expats with Thai wife or GF are nowadays living in Penang or Langkawi (where there is an active community of Farangs sharing their life between Malaysia and Thailand). One hour by boat you are in Satun, then 2 hours later you are in Hat Yai where you have everything.

Malaysia has changed its rules it is now very easy to get a residence permit in Malaysia. in any case the bottom line is you have a 90 days free visa that you can renew by jumping in Thailand. From this year, you can also get a "10 years residence Pass" but you have to be working in Malaysia at the time of the demand.

A lot of people in Langkawi have migrated from Phuket and seem to find a nice life there.

Tioman if you like diving is interesting, but tiny island no car...

Edited November 14, 2011 by Jerrytheyoung

Rhys · November 14, 2011

Yes, free tourist visa, perfect for people living in Thailand for 10 years with tourist visa just as me !

And people who don't know what they are talking about still believe that it's not possible... funny...

Glad to see the Politicians have their priorities lined up.. 555 TIT

kohphangan · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Great Post Jason - you do love Thailand and spend thousands to stay and enjoy the life in LOS.

We are like you would love to have greater flexibilty to stay in Thailand. This trip we (my Australian wife and I) went to Phuket for 3 weeks, then transited through KL and then had another 4 weeks in Pattaya.

We would have stayed in LOS longer but then we went back to Malaysia on the 30th day.

As you said "who wins" in our case its Air Asia and the Malaysian economy ..... WHO LOSES Thailand of course but they just dont get it!

If you can prove through bank account details that you have sufficient wealth to support yourself, we should be made welcome in the Kingdom.

Bunter

"If you can prove through bank account details that you have sufficient wealth to support yourself, we should be made welcome in the Kingdom."

You could not use that as a reason for assuming unlimited access to Australia. Please explain why should Thailand have more flexible visas than Australia, where you come from. Why is it that a farang with money thinks he should be able to simply occupy another country, because he can afford to? (It's okay, I am an Australian too. I just want to hear your argument.) I can imagine you and others spitting the dummy if all and sundry insisted on simply walking through the immigration barriers of Australia, and by the weight of numbers threatening everything there. Let's put a specific colour on it: Any Chinese with money can live in Australia wherever they like, in unlimited numbers, without restriction. And lets add Africans, Arabs and Russians to this influx. Okay, you are retired and turning your back on Australia, but lets see how you answer on behalf of those who still make it their home.<br clear="all">

Hello Bunter... Firstly i have not posted here for an argument,i am seeking help for the situation that I and many others face. Again i am not talking about Australia,i do not want to live there,i don't LOVE Australia,i do however LOVE Thailand! I have visited Australia back in 2002 entered with a 3 month visa,after spending 3 months and realizing that i needed longer to travel such a huge country,i applied for another 3 months,this i got granted by showing that there was an onward ticket and showed them bank accounts. So straight away even your country was quiet happy Firstly giving me 3 months,that is 60 days more than you get from Thailand plus extended another 90 days WITHOUT having to cross a border. I was also able to extend again if a wanted to,although i would of had to sacrifice a flight ticket,or pay as it was back then £50 or so,however 6 months was enough for me,for such a massive country your HOT spots are very few,just miles and miles and miles of coast line,lets face it your number ONE attraction is a Big rock "WOW" in the middle of no where! That is your country dealt with,now look at other countries mentioned by other posts here. They all offer longer periods and do not have to deal with crossing of borders. Going back to Australia they have a point system if you wish to emigrate,i can tell you 100% if you can show whealth,and yes it is a large ammount,guess what? you gain way more points this way than telling them that your a Nurse etc. Australia Do welcome people with money!

kohphangan · November 14, 2011

Hello.. i am 46 years of age have been living here 8 years in January,i have been on Non "O" visa for 6 of these years... I do not work here and probably over 100 thai people or more can clarify this. I know some very key figures on the island. from Police, MP's,Council, Government,Resort owners,shop Owners and staff,Friends,all of these know that i do not work. I am also single,meaning no thai wife or thai girlfriends,i mix with Fa-rang girls,i do not own property,just rent all year round. I was in business made £ what i consider enough. I never set up pensions as i never wanted or needed to plan around this,but was granted my 1st Non "O" on showing them some bank accounts that had a large sum of money. I also opened a thai bank account and started off putting i think was 450,000 baht in and left in there but could use as my expenses. I am MADE to fly home every 15 months to the UK to apply again,and over the last several years pay i think £135 show letter of Guarantor and some bank accounts. On entry i am granted 90 days and then am FORCED to do a border crossing,for me the famous Ranong trip is my most frequent,where after my 4-5 mins on Burma soil i return back in to Thailand and granted another 90 days. (So KIND) yeah right!!

Ok it could be worse..... But my my what is all this about???? I have proved by showing them in the UK that i have ££ to stay 1 year,they have seen it black and white... So WHY! do i then have to exit every 90 days,they have seen it,more than enough to last well over the year,and years!! this is why they granted it.. But NO i have to make that horrible journey for what? Who gains from this? Yes Burma do because i give them $10,the Burma boat drivers of course are happy,but what do Thailand gain from this other than gaining tax on fuel that i put in the car. If they asked for £300-£400 name a price instead of the £135 i would pay it..So instantly Thailand makes money..Ok it's sorry for Burma,but this is a thai visa site,it is THAILAND for all it's wrongs that go on here,i still love this country,and yes i even love their complete lack of really knowing what is going on. Correct it's not normal,their way of thinking to me is NOT normal,but that is why i am here,i do not want to live a NORMAL life!! I am not one of the big spenders here,just living a simple life,because this is what i want,but i have brought large motor bikes,as pictured a car that cost me at the time just under 1,000,000 baht and 3 weeks ago just spent 50,000 baht on a new scooter. My old visa was expiring in June 2011 so UK time it had to be again,this trip gets no change from £1000,probably more i do not count. On going to my visa office with bank statements in hand letter of Guarantor GUESS WHAT?? they were going to refuse me!!!!! things have changed and i need to be 50!! What a (i could swear here) joke it is... All the money i have spent here because i love the place i live, YES i love THAILAND and they do not want me,because i am not 50 and i i did not want to plan my future around a pension plan. I DO NOT NEED A BLOODY PENSION!! I only got my new one because of pleading with them,telling them do they realize just what i have been through planes expense,my UK expense,the hassle,and more importantly why was not informed. It did get granted but was told that i would not get another one next year unless the visa rules change. So yes Thailand may loose yet another person who loves Thailand has spent probably something like 6-7 Million baht and it's goodbye jason.. I know i said i love Thailand for lets say not being Normal,but this is just plain DUMB!! Thai visa i hope you are listening,change your rules for the people who can prove they have the money and time and wish to spend it in this Country. Put more controls on people that can not show ££ and if they are after the people who are working here,do something about it,round them up,there are plenty i know i can find so why can't they!! I am already forward planning this ridiculous situation by gathering my thai bank statements of proof of expenses and maybe even getting a petition for all the people i know here to sign to clarify my position. Number two in command of Police on my island who is a friend will be the 1st name on it. WAKE up Thailand!! no people here,no people coming, with a19 million target(HO HO) unless you change things you will need 19 Million + 1

Go to Langkawi, Penang or Tioman....

Good morning Jerry,

A rather short comment, would you,could you elaborate? This is how i started off back in 2004 heading to Penang and at that time obtained 4 multiple entries,which meant 60 days,then in my case over to Koh Samui pay 1950 baht gain another 30 days,then i would still need to exit border after that period, This was then repeated .My currant situation of Non "O" is better than this but not by much but say they will refuse me next time. I am also lead to believe that now they only issue maximum of TWO double entries,is this not the case? same as mentioned in previous posts from other members they limit to how many times you can come in and out per year? The reason i looked into the "O" visa was that in 2005 even the more relaxed Penang would only issue me 3 double entries leaving me problems for my remaining part of the year. Kind regards Jerry and would like to know what are the current rules of the 3 areas you mention...... kind regards from this end Jason

the 3 areas are in Malaysia, a lot of expats with Thai wife or GF are nowadays living in Penang or Langkawi (where there is an active community of Farangs sharing their life between Malaysia and Thailand). One hour by boat you are in Satun, then 2 hours later you are in Hat Yai where you have everything.

Malaysia has changed its rules it is now very easy to get a residence permit in Malaysia. in any case the bottom line is you have a 90 days free visa that you can renew by jumping in Thailand. From this year, you can also get a "10 years residence Pass" but you have to be working in Malaysia at the time of the demand.

A lot of people in Langkawi have migrated from Phuket and seem to find a nice life there.

Tioman if you like diving is interesting, but tiny island no car...

Hi jerry,

Your missing the point,i have traveled Malaysia,ok if things were so bad maybe Malaysia over the UK!! But!! and there is always a BUT!!... I don't want to live or go back to Bloody Malaysia unless i really have to... It is THAILAND i LOVE impartially the island of Koh phangan . Have been Penang Langkawi, Hat Yai... this must be a joke surely We must surely have different priorites in life!! Again pointing out that i am not interested in Thai girls,i have a clever and wise head on my shoulders and know that 90% of these girlfriends ends in DISASTER! You see many Danish,Swedish,Greek,French etc girls hanging around in Hat Yai??

Edited November 14, 2011 by kohphangan

allan michaud · November 14, 2011

I have been in Cambodia 10 years, 1 year business visa is only $290 not $750

By the way noone mentions that the 30 day free visa is only if you fly in, if you go thru land border only 15 days given. This seems stupid to me and only means people spend less time in the country.

kohphangan · November 14, 2011

You could not use that as a reason for assuming unlimited access to Australia. Please explain why should Thailand have more flexible visas than Australia, where you come from. Why is it that a farang with money thinks he should be able to simply occupy another country, because he can afford to? (It's okay, I am an Australian too. I just want to hear your argument.) I can imagine you and others spitting the dummy if all and sundry insisted on simply walking through the immigration barriers of Australia, and by the weight of numbers threatening everything there. Let's put a specific colour on it: Any Chinese with money can live in Australia wherever they like, in unlimited numbers, without restriction. And lets add Africans, Arabs and Russians to this influx. Okay, you are retired and turning your back on Australia, but lets see how you answer on behalf of those who still make it their home.<br clear="all">

Hello Bunter... Firstly i have not posted here for an argument,i am seeking help for the situation that I and many others face. Again i am not talking about Australia,i do not want to live there,i don't LOVE Australia,i do however LOVE Thailand! I have visited Australia back in 2002 entered with a 3 month visa,after spending 3 months and realizing that i needed longer to travel such a huge country,i applied for another 3 months,this i got granted by showing that there was an onward ticket and showed them bank accounts. So straight away even your country was quiet happy Firstly giving me 3 months,that is 60 days more than you get from Thailand plus extended another 90 days WITHOUT having to cross a border. I was also able to extend again if a wanted to,although i would of had to sacrifice a flight ticket,or pay as it was back then £50 or so,however 6 months was enough for me,for such a massive country your HOT spots are very few,just miles and miles and miles of coast line,lets face it your number ONE attraction is a Big rock "WOW" in the middle of no where! That is your country dealt with,now look at other countries mentioned by other posts here. They all offer longer periods and do not have to deal with crossing of borders. Going back to Australia they have a point system if you wish to emigrate,i can tell you 100% if you can show whealth,and yes it is a large ammount,guess what? you gain way more points this way than telling them that your a Nurse etc. Australia Do welcome people with money!

Sorry Bunter that reply should of been addressed to TechnikaII not yourself, V sorry noticed it to late to edit

Evergreen · November 14, 2011

Anyway...seeing this is supposed to be about the possibility of free tourist visa's for a period and not care homes.........Will this include double/triple entry tourist visa's or just the usual 60 day type of visa fee that is possibly going to be waived?

When would this be likely (if at all) to happen? I was going to be sending off for a triple entry tourist visa very soon as i arrive in Thailand early December. I don't want to spend a total of almost £100 for the visa process if the fee may be waived soon.

I see that there's just this statement that's been made about it but then as with alot of things in the past it could just vanish without trace and not transpire at all.

JimsKnight · November 15, 2011

I never paid fopr a visa on arrival, so what is the difference??

A Tourist visa allows you to stay 60 days. Some counties do not get 30 days on arrival...

30 days.Leave.

14 days.Leave.

Fly in every month? 30 days.

Most expats with half a brain don't wish to make an expensive journey to Burma,Malaysia or Cambodia once a month for a

30 day visa-every thirty days.

Tourist visas are for tourists, at least that's why they call them a tourist visa... As an expat I have a non immigrant visa and I don't ever do a visa run... I just get a one year extension every year.

Erm, not everyone is under 50 or married, just thought you should know that...

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Thai Govt Consider Visa Fee Waiver To Help Rebuild Tourism

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