Dsi To Crack Down On Illegal Foreign-Run Businesses

[limbos]

Would those foreigners include Montenegrans. That's right crack down on all the foreigners running their businesses through a Thai proxy when the whole dam_n country is run by an alien through a Thai who has absolutely no control. Oh the irony of Thailand!

The Montenegrin citizen you're most likely referring to has now a brand new Thai passport since a couple of weeks.

[timewilltell]

"Illegal foreign run business"

Get legal or risk the consequences..........your choice

Carry on DSI

Well it might be good if it was actually clear what is legal and what is not as most of the time it is not clear at all.

The article says it is illegal to run a business as a property developer, so does that mean a Thai property development company cannot have a foreign investor - obviously not as there are hundreds - I would imagine Ital-Thai is partly foreign managed and funded and they are a major company.

A business cannot be more than 49% owned by a foreigner but then we are told that's not correct if the business owns land then the percentage must be less and so on. If they make the law clear then people have a chance to do things right.

The Irish consul in Phuket runs a property development company as does the Australian consul in Phuket. Are we to assume they are running businesses that are illegal?

We are told 30 year leases on land and property are legal, then we hear that actually they are onsidered a circumvention of the Thai property ownership laws, leases are altered to stop a foreigner upholding the lease (farmer Joe), cancelled through fraud (Four Ways to lose Your Property thread), companies are stolen using forged documents (Colin Vard story), yet nothing is done to help these people get back the stolen assets eventhough they thought they were within the law.

The British ambassador states that people have a right to expect some security here in Thailand (google the nationmultimedia.com interview) and is asking Thailand to consider 90 year leases which would boost foreign investment in Thailand and compete with the security provisions being made by Yhailand's neighbors. He reports the Thais are considering it and that they do want foreign investment to continue. Then we get reports like this.

It seems often whether something is legal or not is based purely on the ideas of the particular official or how much money may have passed hands rather than on what the law actually says or means.

The ASEAN community zone is something Thailand can benefit from but not if it sticks it's head in the sand and continues its nationalistic xenophobia which will gradually isolate it from it's neighbors who will benefit by attracting foreign investment over Thailand which cannot be good for his country. It is time for Thailand to tackle the corruption, force the tax department to collect VAT properly due (how many times have you bought stuff and been asked for an extra 7% if you want a receipt? And always Thai run companies because they an get away with it or pay enough). Time to get their act together because their time is running out and they are already behind so many of their Asian counterparts.

Edited January 2, 2012 by timewilltell

[JurgenG]

I love to see a group of Thai chasing their tails. Thai's can't handle the competition and are not trained how to really operate a business. Look at the foreign owned and operated establishments in Pattaya. Russian, European, North American and etc. Seem to do a much better job then Thai.

When foreigners want to get something, they often choose a Western owned business, why. More trust and confidence. As with Thai, Thai will screw anyone from the top to the bottom of the caste system. They have no respect.

So, let's here it for the western owned businesses. Give them a thumbs up.

It's even true for religion. I talked to a number of "educated" Thais who say they prefer foreign monks as they have usually a deeper understanding of Budhism. It's especially true for the followers of Ajahn Chan who nowadays run very successful temples or place of meditation in Thailand.

Edited January 2, 2012 by JurgenG

[moskito]

_{farang does not come from guava, there are many fruits in thailand with the added "farang", "manfarang " for example means potatoe, .... fruits with farang in the name usually means they are not originaly grown in thailand, they were brought here maily by the french, the name for france in thai is "farangset", and this became the general name for "faragners" and similarly foreigners, same as anything in liquid form is called nam, so we have all been labeled from their name for the french ,or its a mix of foreign and french}

Exactly Osiboy...and thats why I go now for a NAM CHANG ....oh wait...does nam chang mean Elephants chingchong? ...it really does tast similar sometimes (; pom chop man FARANG duai krap

[sirchai]

Chinese prostitutes and cold beer. Yeaah.That's why we're all here......

[473geo]

"Illegal foreign run business"

Get legal or risk the consequences..........your choice

Carry on DSI

Well it might be good if it was actually clear what is legal and what is not as most of the time it is not clear at all.

The article says it is illegal to run a business as a property developer, so does that mean a Thai property development company cannot have a foreign investor - obviously not as there are hundreds - I would imagine Ital-Thai is partly foreign managed and funded and they are a major company.

A business cannot be more than 49% owned by a foreigner but then we are told that's not correct if the business owns land then the percentage must be less and so on. If they make the law clear then people have a chance to do things right.

The Irish consul in Phuket runs a property development company as does the Australian consul in Phuket. Are we to assume they are running businesses that are illegal?

We are told 30 year leases on land and property are legal, then we hear that actually they are onsidered a circumvention of the Thai property ownership laws, leases are altered to stop a foreigner upholding the lease (farmer Joe), cancelled through fraud (Four Ways to lose Your Property thread), companies are stolen using forged documents (Colin Vard story), yet nothing is done to help these people get back the stolen assets eventhough they thought they were within the law.

The British ambassador states that people have a right to expect some security here in Thailand (google the nationmultimedia.com interview) and is asking Thailand to consider 90 year leases which would boost foreign investment in Thailand and compete with the security provisions being made by Yhailand's neighbors. He reports the Thais are considering it and that they do want foreign investment to continue. Then we get reports like this.

It seems often whether something is legal or not is based purely on the ideas of the particular official or how much money may have passed hands rather than on what the law actually says or means.

The ASEAN community zone is something Thailand can benefit from but not if it sticks it's head in the sand and continues its nationalistic xenophobia which will gradually isolate it from it's neighbors who will benefit by attracting foreign investment over Thailand which cannot be good for his country. It is time for Thailand to tackle the corruption, force the tax department to collect VAT properly due (how many times have you bought stuff and been asked for an extra 7% if you want a receipt? And always Thai run companies because they an get away with it or pay enough). Time to get their act together because their time is running out and they are already behind so many of their Asian counterparts.

And the Asian counterparts are progressing so well because they allow and support "illegal foreign run business"?.........I think not.....the edges may be blurred but if "illegal foreign run business" exists, the sooner it is snuffed out and replaced by "legal foreign run business" the better..........in my opinion

[arthurwait]

Thanks for all the replies on the origin of farang.

I'm sure every Thai that says farang when they see a guava and calls a white foreigner a farang has researched this thoroughly and the research is his or hers meaning behind their thought.

Not sure if that was an attempt ti discard the posts above about the origin of the word, but you are highly wrong that any random Thai has any idea where the word comes from or has done any research.

No it wasn't an attempt to discard the posts.

The second part was being sarcastic.

So we're in agreement that when random Thais call a white person Farang it's not because they have done research on the orgins of the word or even care, just what the modern day meaning of the word that every Thai that has explained it to me uses the word for ? A guava with white flesh and a white man ?

[patroller]

fist whorehouse

Sounds incredibly painful.

[TAWP]

Thanks for all the replies on the origin of farang.

I'm sure every Thai that says farang when they see a guava and calls a white foreigner a farang has researched this thoroughly and the research is his or hers meaning behind their thought.

Not sure if that was an attempt ti discard the posts above about the origin of the word, but you are highly wrong that any random Thai has any idea where the word comes from or has done any research.

No it wasn't an attempt to discard the posts.

The second part was being sarcastic.

So we're in agreement that when random Thais call a white person Farang it's not because they have done research on the orgins of the word or even care, just what the modern day meaning of the word that every Thai that has explained it to me uses the word for ? A guava with white flesh and a white man ?

I have never heard that version before. I think the one girl you asked was merely fast on her feet and gave you an answer she thought up herself. So it isn't a definition that is widely spread around or anything. Most don't know/care and might just shrug their shoulders if asked, or smile with a blank stare.

[moskito]

ok my guava friends have a happy new year, i am out of here - and @ srichai ---- no Changbeer and no chinpros for me pls -- I had it all in the 80s, time to move on

[arthurwait]

Thanks for all the replies on the origin of farang.

I'm sure every Thai that says farang when they see a guava and calls a white foreigner a farang has researched this thoroughly and the research is his or hers meaning behind their thought.

Not sure if that was an attempt ti discard the posts above about the origin of the word, but you are highly wrong that any random Thai has any idea where the word comes from or has done any research.

No it wasn't an attempt to discard the posts.

The second part was being sarcastic.

So we're in agreement that when random Thais call a white person Farang it's not because they have done research on the orgins of the word or even care, just what the modern day meaning of the word that every Thai that has explained it to me uses the word for ? A guava with white flesh and a white man ?

I have never heard that version before. I think the one girl you asked was merely fast on her feet and gave you an answer she thought up herself. So it isn't a definition that is widely spread around or anything. Most don't know/care and might just shrug their shoulders if asked, or smile with a blank stare.

One girl ?

It's numerous Thais over the past 11 years. Starting with my Thai uni housemate in the UK who I shared a house with for 9 months. I don't think he was fast on his feet and neither is my now wife who I also met at the same time and place or every other Thai that has said so over the past 11 years.

Maybe they are all in on the same wind up.

[Balls]

I think, that in our home countries Thais should be given the same treatment as we receive in their country.

That means, for example, here in New Zealand, Thais cannot own land, only the house that it is built upon. You cannot own, operate or take part in farming or agricultural activities whatsoever.

Nor can it own more than 49% of a business, or work in non-skills shortage work classes, no matter what visa they have unless employed as a foreign specialist. When employed, they should be given salary which in many cases is enough for only self-sustenance.

It must be made more difficult for Thai nationals to open bank accounts, and when they do given non-interest bearing accounts so that maximum profit is made from them.

Most of all, our governments should be openly skeptical about Thai people, discriminating between themselves and "foreign criminals".

I really hate to rant like this, but openly discriminating against people trying to improve the country and gain a bit of a profit for a nice lifestyle in Thailand is not the answer. We don't send our money home to our countries in most cases, but Thais working in our countries do, 80% guaranteed! Consider this..

I think, that in our home countries Thais should be given the same treatment as we receive in their country.

That means, for example, here in New Zealand, Thais cannot own land, only the house that it is built upon. You cannot own, operate or take part in farming or agricultural activities whatsoever.

Nor can it own more than 49% of a business, or work in non-skills shortage work classes, no matter what visa they have unless employed as a foreign specialist. When employed, they should be given salary which in many cases is enough for only self-sustenance.

It must be made more difficult for Thai nationals to open bank accounts, and when they do given non-interest bearing accounts so that maximum profit is made from them.

Most of all, our governments should be openly skeptical about Thai people, discriminating between themselves and "foreign criminals".

I really hate to rant like this, but openly discriminating against people trying to improve the country and gain a bit of a profit for a nice lifestyle in Thailand is not the answer. We don't send our money home to our countries in most cases, but Thais working in our countries do, 80% guaranteed! Consider this..

Agree totally

[metisdead]

A troll post has been removed.

[Balls]

It's sort of sad how many expats apparently sit glued to their computers waiting for the next news item to be posted on ThaiVisa so that they can generate all the pointless bitter comments to be applauded & cheered on by others stewing in their own bitterness.

I certainly agree.

[TAWP]

One girl ?

It's numerous Thais over the past 11 years. Starting with my Thai uni housemate in the UK who I shared a house with for 9 months. I don't think he was fast on his feet and neither is my now wife who I also met at the same time and place or every other Thai that has said so over the past 11 years.

Maybe they are all in on the same wind up.

Fair enough. I have just learned to ignore when people fabulate without knowing, which can easily be detected by asking followup-questions. So by instead going by asking people that might have a decent education background, and asking followup questions, I would say that people in general have no clue where it comes from.

Yes, the fruit being named the same is brought up - but not the allegory to the inside of the fruit and the supposed skin-color of some farangs. It's a very retro-fitted explanation that doesn't make sense and will fall apart on any secondary query.

Anyway, we are digressing from the topic at hand...that the government should crack down on illegally run [foreign] businesses. Yes, they should.

[Nisa]

I don't like the laws about foreigners owning land and businesses here but then again I don't like that I have to personally obey speed limits and traffic signs but it is what it is and there is sound reason for the laws ... at least the land ownership and general business ownership.

Laws such as these are aimed to protect Thais and Thailand. Thailand's growth plans don't include the encouragement of immigration as some countries choose or chose to do in their poorer days. In terms of controlling land costs as well as long term future foreign influence, this is actually a somewhat sound policy.

The Thai government actually has smart and fair laws (finances & number of Thai workers) in terms of foreigners running a business that protect Thai business while encouraging economic growth. As for the types of business restricted, I don't know the reasons but assume there is one that again involves protecting Thailand's long term interests.

My biggest issue is the immigration laws. I believe anyone willing to renounce their old citizenship, who can speak Thai and would be an asset to the country should be able to immigrate and enjoy all the same benefits of a Thai. But this again, may have more to do with the countries current place in growth as it seems a lot of countries with non-immigration type policies seem to be poorer.

With most Thais making $6 a day, I can see the reason to discourage immigration as it would really take a significant amount of foreigner immigrating, investing and influence within the country to better this instead of taking away even more better paying jobs. Basically it would have to become seen as a Little USA or Little Europe.

Edited January 2, 2012 by Nisa

[spidermike007]

One girl ?

It's numerous Thais over the past 11 years. Starting with my Thai uni housemate in the UK who I shared a house with for 9 months. I don't think he was fast on his feet and neither is my now wife who I also met at the same time and place or every other Thai that has said so over the past 11 years.

Maybe they are all in on the same wind up.

Fair enough. I have just learned to ignore when people fabulate without knowing, which can easily be detected by asking followup-questions. So by instead going by asking people that might have a decent education background, and asking followup questions, I would say that people in general have no clue where it comes from.

Yes, the fruit being named the same is brought up - but not the allegory to the inside of the fruit and the supposed skin-color of some farangs. It's a very retro-fitted explanation that doesn't make sense and will fall apart on any secondary query.

Anyway, we are digressing from the topic at hand...that the government should crack down on illegally run [foreign] businesses. Yes, they should.

For many years, my friend and I have discussed the fact that the average Thai, was possibly not blessed with particularly high quality genetic brain stock. Some nations, such as the Indians, the Germans, and the Chinese were. The Thais, I do not think so. Think of when was the last time a Thai person won a Nobel peace prize, or a Pulitzer prize, or any other international measure of creativity, or intelligence. I realize this is a terribly politically incorrect thing to insinuate, but the writing is on the wall. Just the other day I went to retrieve a motorbike that I had reserved for a friend of mine, from a bike shop. Turns out he did not hold the bike for us, as we showed up too late in the day. That was after I had left a deposit for it. I asked for the deposit back, and the guy started screaming at me. Very emotional. I have rented from him many times in the past, and planned to continue using him for years to come. I explained that to him, and asked him if he was prepared to sacrifice the years of patronage, for a measly 400 baht? He did not even hear me. The thought of parting with 400 baht today was paramount to him. The future meant nothing. Is this an intelligent business mind? How many like this have you run into? Where are the brilliant minds? Are they only at the universities?

[Oberkommando]

Laws such as these are aimed to protect Thais and Thailand. Thailand's growth plans don't include the encouragement of immigration as some countries choose or chose to do in their poorer days. In terms of controlling land costs as well as long term future foreign influence, this is actually a somewhat sound policy.

Why would they want immigrants when they can harness a cheap slave labour force from poorer neighbouring countries, abuse their human rights without recourse then expel them when they have outlived their usefulness?

[wintermute]

An easy start would be all the folks selling on eBay. Easy to catch (read: tax 500 Baht a pop) too, just set up checkpoints outside of all the major post offices.

Perhaps DSI needs to set up more advanced methods in these dark times. They can practice Roman style decimation but with tax instead of execution. Just choose random foreigners out of the general pop. and make them pay one big lump sum each time to represent all other foreigners who may or may not be running illegal businesses.

[Naam]

Thais do have to becareful, look what's happened in Hawaii. Hawaiian people have lost their land in just a few generations.

right you are! especially the poor Thais should be protected by legislation from the danger that Farangs are bidding up property prices to a level which the average Thai can't afford. presently in the "village" where i live building land is a mere 26,000 Baht per wah², id est the average Thai earning 8,000 Baht a month is still able to buy one Rai for the pittance of slightly exceeding 10 million Baht.

if Farangs could buy land unrestricted and drive prices even higher what alternatives are left for the poor Thai chap?

p.s. no indigenous landowner in Hawaii lost his/her land except those who sold their land!

Edited January 3, 2012 by Naam

[Throatwobbler]

Just wondering if everyone who is getting all worked up and angry about this support Illegally run foreign businesses in their own country.

[Nisa]

Just wondering if everyone who is getting all worked up and angry about this support Illegally run foreign businesses in their own country.

or own or plan to own one here.

[timewilltell]

What's legal in other ASEAN countries is not necessarily legal here. Sometimes it is just not clear what is legal and what is not. As it stands at the moment I am clueless about what sort of business a foreigner can invest and be a part owner of up to the stated 49% - or is it just a company that does not own land?

Also I wonder if a company can take a loan or mortgage from a foreigner or not, if so under what circumstances? How do the likes of these International companies with foreign investment carry on? Just not buy land or something. Anyway lease are also now supposed to be a circumvention of Thai landowning laws so to this who say just rent - how long is it safe to sign a rental agreement for or should all us francs just be like gypsies and move every 5 minutes in case we fall foul of the land owning laws.

Thailand needs to get it's act together and decide really what is and what's not acceptable and then publish it clearly so everyone can understand. Of course then these buffoons who populate the hierarchy of Thai officialdom might actually be able to say something of use instead of proposing another way to upset everybody and extract more corruption monly.

[chooka]

Yes and this crackdown will stop them employing Thais who then use the money to feed, educate and put clothes on thier children. Nasty, nasty nasty farangs. I can understand cracking down on big companies but little husband and wfie businesses who also employ 1 or 2 thai's.

[chooka]

Just wondering if everyone who is getting all worked up and angry about this support Illegally run foreign businesses in their own country.

or own or plan to own one here.

Go to Australia anyone can do it as long as you pay the taxes and register the business. My wife owns 4 rental properties and the land, registered a business (ABN) pays the taxes, rates and she is Thai, living in Thailand. (Not an Australian citizen)

Edited January 3, 2012 by chooka

[timewilltell]

"Illegal foreign run business"

Get legal or risk the consequences..........your choice

Carry on DSI

Well it might be good if it was actually clear what is legal and what is not as most of the time it is not clear at all.

The article says it is illegal to run a business as a property developer, so does that mean a Thai property development company cannot have a foreign investor - obviously not as there are hundreds - I would imagine Ital-Thai is partly foreign managed and funded and they are a major company.

A business cannot be more than 49% owned by a foreigner but then we are told that's not correct if the business owns land then the percentage must be less and so on. If they make the law clear then people have a chance to do things right.

The Irish consul in Phuket runs a property development company as does the Australian consul in Phuket. Are we to assume they are running businesses that are illegal?

We are told 30 year leases on land and property are legal, then we hear that actually they are onsidered a circumvention of the Thai property ownership laws, leases are altered to stop a foreigner upholding the lease (farmer Joe), cancelled through fraud (Four Ways to lose Your Property thread), companies are stolen using forged documents (Colin Vard story), yet nothing is done to help these people get back the stolen assets eventhough they thought they were within the law.

The British ambassador states that people have a right to expect some security here in Thailand (google the nationmultimedia.com interview) and is asking Thailand to consider 90 year leases which would boost foreign investment in Thailand and compete with the security provisions being made by Yhailand's neighbors. He reports the Thais are considering it and that they do want foreign investment to continue. Then we get reports like this.

It seems often whether something is legal or not is based purely on the ideas of the particular official or how much money may have passed hands rather than on what the law actually says or means.

The ASEAN community zone is something Thailand can benefit from but not if it sticks it's head in the sand and continues its nationalistic xenophobia which will gradually isolate it from it's neighbors who will benefit by attracting foreign investment over Thailand which cannot be good for his country. It is time for Thailand to tackle the corruption, force the tax department to collect VAT properly due (how many times have you bought stuff and been asked for an extra 7% if you want a receipt? And always Thai run companies because they an get away with it or pay enough). Time to get their act together because their time is running out and they are already behind so many of their Asian counterparts.

And the Asian counterparts are progressing so well because they allow and support "illegal foreign run business"?.........I think not.....the edges may be blurred but if "illegal foreign run business" exists, the sooner it is snuffed out and replaced by "legal foreign run business" the better..........in my opinion

I expect they are not supporting illegal foreign run businesses any more or less than they are supporting illegal domestic businesses. I would also Imagine heir laws are rather better understood as I have yet see anyone explain what the rules really are regarding foreigners and what proportions of foreign run businesses they can own legally and what they are permitted to do. The fact is the law is confused or at least the explanations of the law are and if you don't know what the law is how can you hope to do things legally here. I think a vast majority of foreigners actually do want to do things legally but get confusing and contradictory information from all and sundry, most of whom have a vested interest in you believing what they tell you to get the business.

Perhaps someone has a link to explain the Thai property ownership laws as affects foreigners. As a foreigner you certainly have an interest in property or maybe I am wrong and leases and companies are not worth the reams of paper they are written on in which case there will be thousands of businesses, investors and individuals and families who have no security whatsoever over their family homes or business premises. THAT cannot be right can it?

Edited January 3, 2012 by timewilltell

[softgeorge]

Just wondering if everyone who is getting all worked up and angry about this support Illegally run foreign businesses in their own country.

or own or plan to own one here.

Go to Australia anyone can do it as long as you pay the taxes and register the business. My wife owns 4 rental properties and the land, registered a business (ABN) pays the taxes, rates and she is Thai, living in Thailand. (Not an Australian citizen)

Quite true, you can own 100% of the business and have never stepped a foot on Aussie land. You can buy whole damned country if you want and have the money. Everything is for sale to whoever want's it and where ever they come from. My inlaws have land and property investsments in Broome W.A quite a few hectares actually on the coast. Most of Australia and the businesses are foriegn owned anyway.

[Throatwobbler]

Just wondering if everyone who is getting all worked up and angry about this support Illegally run foreign businesses in their own country.

or own or plan to own one here.

Go to Australia anyone can do it as long as you pay the taxes and register the business. My wife owns 4 rental properties and the land, registered a business (ABN) pays the taxes, rates and she is Thai, living in Thailand. (Not an Australian citizen)

Quite true, you can own 100% of the business and have never stepped a foot on Aussie land. You can buy whole damned country if you want and have the money. Everything is for sale to whoever want's it and where ever they come from. My inlaws have land and property investsments in Broome W.A quite a few hectares actually on the coast. Most of Australia and the businesses are foriegn owned anyway.

The thing is this thread is not about legally owned foreign business but Illegally owned foreign business. So anyone who is legal here has no problem.

[PoodMaiDai]

All I can do is chuckle when I read such nonsense. DSI won't be doing anything to anyone.

[TheGhostWithin]

Well there are many factors involved that come into play some back your position and some don't.

Normally I would ignore your rant but when you claimed they are trying to improve the country I had to say some thing.

In my opinion they are trying to make it the same for them as they had at home only here they can enjoy a life style that home did and does not offer them. Kinda self serving catch 22. How many of these generous types are paying enough money for their employes to live with the same here as employe's in the same jobs back in New Zealand live. And that dosen't even take retirement and medical benefits into account. The ones who are really trying to help are the NGOs and yes they face some pretty stiff regulations. I see where doctors with out borders had to leave the country because they could not operate under those conditions.

Does New Zealand welcome Thai visitors with open arms such as Thailand welcomes them or is it like North America make it as tough as they can for a Thai to come visit for ten days.

As for opening a bank account all they asked was the same information as in America and Canada plus a passport. Interest makes no difference if you have enough money to put in the bank and get a significant amount of money from it in New Zealand or any place in the world you have a awful lot of it and it should not matter to you here in Thailand.

Consider this in your country the government has welfare to take care of your family here in Thailand they don't but they do have a strong family bond. Sad to say it is getting less and less as you improve there country.

Thanks for your response HelloDolly,

In my country, you do not need to be a resident, or even be in New Zealand to open a bank account - this can be done online. There is no discrimination for account opening, anyone can open any account, no matter where you are from or what your residential status is.

Unfortunately, as many foreigners come to New Zealand with False documentation (degrees etc, I have personally met some of these people with "doctors degrees" from China at the age of 21). It takes time to process people, but eventually they can get into the same roles as they perform in their home countries (assuming they are career professionals) - the salaries vary, though typically salaries would put them on a similar lifestyle to Thailand. One can never compare I guess, because there are things in Thailand you just can't get anywhere else (yes, that 30b plate of som tum really is the best thing on earth).

Depending on the family, one can play the role of the supplier or the reciever in the family welfare tree, which can be good or bad. Anyone with permanent residence or citizenship is guaranteed to be taken care of financially here if they are not working, or even working but paid on a lower bracket. This is a guarantee.

Visitors visas can be obtained under reasonably light regulations - having a certain amount of money sufficient to pay for your stay here, as well as a return ticket. Much the same as when I go to Thailand. Admittedly extensions are harder to arrange. I have just obtained a 12 month working holiday visa for my partner. She was required to have a clean criminal history, 225,000 baht in her bank, a return ticket (about 25,000 baht) and medical insurance (about 2,700 baht for the whole stay). I did not need to sponsor her, it was on her own two feet she obtained the visa. So, the system is similar to in Thailand.

In New Zealand, it is illegal to discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion or sex. If I were to double price in my store based on any of these factors, it would be illegal. My point is, why do we uphold these standards, if these same people are not willing to give us the same gratitude.