Pragmatic solutions in uncertain times.

[impulse]

I guess we have different definitions of “pragmatic”.

Every step the OP is recommending is still living within ever tightening loopholes.

Pragmatic is to suck it up and invest what has to be invested to get 100% legal.

If the return on the legal investment is too low relative to other options, pragmatic is some soul searching to figure out what it’s worth to stay in Thailand. Then take appropriate action.

If it’s not economically possible, pragmatic is selling non-portable Thai assets to get ready for the day the loophole is no longer big enough to live in. Rent until that day.

Pragmatic is making arrangements for someone to look after your stuff for awhile until you can make permanent arrangements if you get turned away at the border next trip.

Pragmatic is figuring out where you’re going if and when the day comes you can’t stay here within your means- and prepping for that transition day.

Everything else is wishful thinking. I hope it all works out, but...

Tell me just why you think I am not 100% legal. And be careful, very careful, what you say.

You've been here for 3 years and you're currently on a tourist visa, planning for your next visa run.

Edit: And you have decided you're not going to invest the minimum amount it takes to get legal.

I think that makes you the poster child for this crackdown.

That careful enough?

Edited May 19, 2014 by impulse

[kjhbigv]

If you do this,

"I have made copies of the leases on both of my properties. I will be taking them with me next time I do a visa run. But...I am unsure whether showing that I have two properties wins any points with immigration? Or will it spur them to make accusations of running a business, which I am not? A good topic for debate in itself because lots of my oil and gas friends also have high value properties here and some of them have been using visa exemptions for over a decade."

won't you be confirming you are not a tourist?

Immigration may think therefore you should not be using tourist visas nor visa exemptions

I agree. I am having my tenancy changed into my girlfriends name for my next "visa run".

I will also ensure I have 25k in my pocket.

I will also take a printout of my return flight booking in December.

Will also take Thai Bank account books showing plenty of cash to support myself.

After this run, I am going to get married as the girlfriend is 5 months pregnant and have talking about it for ages so makes sense, especially in view of a baby on the way.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

A good idea,many people complain the marriage visa is more complicated than a retirement,but hell all you have to do is take some photos of you together,and draw a map of where you live,on top of the financial stuff and copy of marriage cert,we where out of Phitsanoluk in about an hour this year,but it is a very good and not too busy office,staff are friendly,and want to help,also you have to show only 400,000b in bank ,not 800,000.

Yep. It is swimmingly easy to get married. The hard part is to get unmarried.

I will never marry for a visa. I may however give due consideration to move to a country like Indonesia that offers a 25 year visa if I do decide to marry one of its citizens.

I will not marry for a visa I am marrying because I love the mother of my future kid!

I also want to give my kid the best possible start in life by getting him dual nationality etc.

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[belg]

you can:

get married , prenuptial agreement

and/or

start a (useless on paper) business and pay salaries & tax (for nothing)

and/or

get an ED visa (NEXT CRACKDOWN FOR SURE)

and/or

just sell everything and move to a country that welcomes you

[A12341]

I don't understand the issues here. I you guys plan to stay here for an extended period of time, get a suitable visum (ie. not a tourist one). There's lots of options.

You may be right that there are options for the long-term, but if you happen to be between visas (e.g working on an online TEFL, and thus haven't applied for jobs yet), and your visa is about to expire, there is not enough time (one week) to organize and get the documents needed to apply for a new visa. If the changes go into effect in August, then at least they've given fair warning, but if they are already turning people away at Northern border points that is going to be a big problem for me. Basically begging and crying may be my only option.

[fatdrunkandstupid]

I guess we have different definitions of “pragmatic”.

Every step the OP is recommending is still living within ever tightening loopholes.

Pragmatic is to suck it up and invest what has to be invested to get 100% legal.

If the return on the legal investment is too low relative to other options, pragmatic is some soul searching to figure out what it’s worth to stay in Thailand. Then take appropriate action.

If it’s not economically possible, pragmatic is selling non-portable Thai assets to get ready for the day the loophole is no longer big enough to live in. Rent until that day.

Pragmatic is making arrangements for someone to look after your stuff for awhile until you can make permanent arrangements if you get turned away at the border next trip.

Pragmatic is figuring out where you’re going if and when the day comes you can’t stay here within your means- and prepping for that transition day.

Everything else is wishful thinking. I hope it all works out, but...

Tell me just why you think I am not 100% legal. And be careful, very careful, what you say.

You've been here for 3 years and you're currently on a tourist visa, planning for your next visa run.

Edit: And you have decided you're not going to invest the minimum amount it takes to get legal.

I think that makes you the poster child for this crackdown.

That careful enough?

It is amazing how morons often use the term legal. When they have no idea about the law whatsoever. Happens world over, not just here in Thailand.

Anyway, I have tried to open a positive thread that will be of some assistance to those seeking practical solutions to manage risk to their assets.

However it has already been highjacked by muppets and keyboard warriors.

And so I will bid all of TV farewell. For good.

Cheers

FD&S

[impulse]

Anyway, I have tried to open a positive thread that will be of some assistance to those seeking practical solutions to manage risk to their assets.

However it has already been highjacked by muppets and keyboard warriors.

And so I will bid all of TV farewell. For good.

Cheers

FD&S

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

[ATF]

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

[watso63]

In your situation, as you have 2 properties and have (or had) several million baht in accounts in Thailand ...

Would it not be better in the long run to just get a 1 yr extension based upon investment ?

Understand that 10 million in investment , which can also be real estate will qualify.

So this may be the lowest risk option for your situation

More info on investment extension...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/659800-investment-visa/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My first visa was a 12 month multi entry B visa. It was granted to enable me to look for investment opportunities in Thailand. As part of my application I submitted a letter from my chartered accountant confirming that I had 500KUSD cash in at call bank accounts. After doing due dilligence for three years I have not found a single investment where in my assessment the pontential return (yield and/or capital growth) offset the manifest domestic risks such as corruption and political instability. I do however hold large short term positions on the SET from time to time. Moving forward I see nothing that may diminish the aforementioned risks. In fact they would now appear to be increasing exponentially. The tourist visa crackdown is another example with this nebulous "suspect" someone might be working statement by immigration and the subsequent threat to blacklist forever.

So no thankyou. No 10 million investment visa for me.

As with Simon43, I am shortly due for a border run. I will be monitoring the situation closely. Should I encounter any unjustified mistreatment by immigration whatsoever, I intend to transfer several more million baht out of the country and to also sell my hard assets.

I will move on to either Cambodia or Indonesia. As I posted in another thread, they have just introduced a 25 year visa for anyone who marries an Indonesian citizen. Those married to a Thai can only dream of such a luxury.

Oh. I should also mention another of my practical solutions. I sold one of my big bikes. I still have four others and a couple of trucks. I may sell them also depending on what transpires during my next border run. No...I don't view vehicles as assets, but rather as liabilities, but go figure, I had my bike for two years and made 10KTHB more than what I paid for it.

In my humble opinion Farangs here should watch very closely the way the Vietnamese have just turned on the Chinese living there. I was in Indonesia back in the early 90s and I saw exactly the same thing happen there. Mobs of locals running through the villages smashing up and stealing from the Chinese merhchants and gold shops.

Think of Thailand as a bus. No one is driving that bus at the moment. It is sailing down the highway at top speed. With no one at the wheel. When the crash inevitably comes, someone may stand up and blame the Farangs for the carnage. It is happening now in Vietnam. It has already happened in Indonesia. Don't for a second think it can not happen here. And if it does, it will happend very swiftly.

I do not wear a tinfoil hat, but, as my OP suggests, I am rather pragmatic. If Thailand wants to increase the risk to my assets by not providing clear rules, and consistent and reliable application of those rules, then I am left with little choice than to remove my assets from exposure to that risk. And if things really fall apart...I will also remove myself.

More paranoid than pragmatic I would say. Thailand's always been risky, but yuo've splashed enough cash about in the past already. Fine go ahead and plan for what you think's best for you. If you don't want the investment visa, to marry a Thai national, educate yourself or get a job then you are limiting yourself to what choices are on offer. If you did get blacklisted and banned for 5 years you have quite a few large assets/liabilities in Thailand that would be difficult to manage ie properties, cars, motorbikes etc. Not easy to shift in a hurry and I feel the vultures are already circling looking for distressed sales.

Anyway best of luck....oops, seems he's gone already. Ah well.

Edited May 19, 2014 by watso63

[marko kok prong]

I don't believe him ,he will be back,maybe just a bit depressed at present,as he now realises that he should of acted sooner,and not be in this mess.

[John1thru10]

If you do this,

"I have made copies of the leases on both of my properties. I will be taking them with me next time I do a visa run. But...I am unsure whether showing that I have two properties wins any points with immigration? Or will it spur them to make accusations of running a business, which I am not? A good topic for debate in itself because lots of my oil and gas friends also have high value properties here and some of them have been using visa exemptions for over a decade."

won't you be confirming you are not a tourist?

Immigration may think therefore you should not be using tourist visas nor visa exemptions

This is a very good point. One person on another thread said he was not allowed re-entry (first tourist visa for him, 3rd month I believe he wrote) because he was renting an aparment (albiet short term), and not a hotel.

[impulse]

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

Now that he's gone, I'd like to apologize to the rest of the TV readers.

I react poorly to veiled threats. Even the ones over the interweb.

I'll try to be better, honest.

[John1thru10]

Myself, I was offered to stay at a friend's in Saigon (HMC), Vietnam. I have never been to Vietnam, and I've always been very interested to learn about this country, and it's differences compared to Thailand.

Visas for (US passport) Vietnam are relatively easy to obtain (at least from what I've read), requiring a letter of invitation for VOA (small fee, somewhere around 50 dollars US), plus something like 100-150 dollars US for a 3 month VOA at major airports.

My plan is to hopefully go there before my current 30 day exception expires, and stay there in Vietnam at least 3 months, learning about the culture and working at home (I'm a composer and animator). And while in Vietnam, apply for a new US Passport through the embassy there, so that I start fresh. Mine is currently like a phone book from world travel as a touring-artist over the last 8 years. That won't solve everything in terms of living in Thailand again, but it will surely help, to have a fresh passport. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll love Vietnam just as much, and can learn more about a new culture for me.

With the possible exception of the cranky British retirees here, who call everyone else 'riff raff' and 'criminals' a little too quickly for my tastes - I wish everyone the best of luck! Thailand has been a far more beautiful, educational, inspiring, caring experience than a lot of posters (or a randon Thai border official) can possibly understand in some snap judgement, for this farang. I wrote 2 operas about the country, made a movie, fell in love twice and lived with those 2 people for years. So much more. Good luck, everyone.

[John1thru10]

Myself, I was offered to stay at a friend's in Saigon (HMC), Vietnam. I have never been to Vietnam, and I've always been very interested to learn about this country, and it's differences compared to Thailand.

Visas for (US passport) Vietnam are relatively easy to obtain (at least from what I've read), requiring a letter of invitation for VOA (small fee, somewhere around 50 dollars US), plus something like 100-150 dollars US for a 3 month VOA at major airports.

My plan is to hopefully go there before my current 30 day exception expires, and stay there in Vietnam at least 3 months, learning about the culture and working at home (I'm a composer and animator). And while in Vietnam, apply for a new US Passport through the embassy there, so that I start fresh. Mine is currently like a phone book from world travel as a touring-artist over the last 8 years. That won't solve everything in terms of living in Thailand again, but it will surely help, to have a fresh passport. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll love Vietnam just as much, and can learn more about a new culture for me.

With the possible exception of the cranky British retirees here, who call everyone else 'riff raff' and 'criminals' a little too quickly for my tastes - I wish everyone the best of luck! Thailand has been a far more beautiful, educational, inspiring, caring experience than a lot of posters (or a randon Thai border official) can possibly understand in some snap judgement, for this farang. I wrote 2 operas about the country, made a movie, fell in love twice and lived with those 2 people for years. So much more. Good luck, everyone.

[marko kok prong]

Myself, I was offered to stay at a friend's in Saigon (HMC), Vietnam. I have never been to Vietnam, and I've always been very interested to learn about this country, and it's differences compared to Thailand.

Visas for (US passport) Vietnam are relatively easy to obtain (at least from what I've read), requiring a letter of invitation for VOA (small fee, somewhere around 50 dollars US), plus something like 100-150 dollars US for a 3 month VOA at major airports.

My plan is to hopefully go there before my current 30 day exception expires, and stay there in Vietnam at least 3 months, learning about the culture and working at home (I'm a composer and animator). And while in Vietnam, apply for a new US Passport through the embassy there, so that I start fresh. Mine is currently like a phone book from world travel as a touring-artist over the last 8 years. That won't solve everything in terms of living in Thailand again, but it will surely help, to have a fresh passport. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll love Vietnam just as much, and can learn more about a new culture for me.

With the possible exception of the cranky British retirees here, who call everyone else 'riff raff' and 'criminals' a little too quickly for my tastes - I wish everyone the best of luck! Thailand has been a far more beautiful, educational, inspiring, caring experience than a lot of posters (or a randon Thai border official) can possibly understand in some snap judgement, for this farang. I wrote 2 operas about the country, made a movie, fell in love twice and lived with those 2 people for years. So much more. Good luck, everyone.

You sound like a friend of Arjunadawn,hey and lay off the Brits pal,stupid stereotyping like this add's nothing to your somewhat bizzare post.

[John1thru10]

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

It's laughable that you began your first post by quoting forum rules against spreading rumours, and then immediately proceeded to name call (both Thais and foreigners), made sweeping pronouncements about the politics here and what you assume their outcome will be, and have now devolved to this. In my humble opinion, regardless of current visa enforcement measures, I feel I've been seeing guys with your attitudes here over the last 5 years enough that I think they are the real drain on the culture here. I don't know you, and maybe you're just having a bad day. But you read as one of the unusually arrogant long-term tourists who I personally avoid at all costs. In fact, the attitudes you express here are in direct contradiction to the culture you are within - and frankly, you are not even 1/10th as interesting as the average hard working Thai citizen I will now go see in my daily routine. So, figure out how well that means you 'belong' in Thailand, for yourself.

[simon43]

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

Wow!! You are so original. However did you think that one up???

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

Don't worry - you'll find me there as well (since many years)....

This useful thread has indeed been derailed by 'ostriches'. If you think that you will be all fine and good on your marriage, retirement or business extension, then you may be in for a big shock. These are troubled times in Thailand and it is foolish (IMHO), to sit smug and happy that you have a suitable visa extension to stay (for a year). Rules can change at the drop of a hat (as we have recently seen), and immigration officers can have a bad headache and deny you entry......

In my case, since I travel in and out of Thailand once or twice a year (working in Myanmar and Laos), the visa exemption suited me fine for my visits. No-one at immigration ever suggested that I was stretching or breaking the rules.

Note as other posters have mentioned - immigration officers have on countless occasions suggested to people 'do a visa-run'. They have not said 'don't do a visa-run because that is illegal'. Suddenly, everything has changed overnight and a sudden change could also take place for retirement visas, marriage visas etc.

So..... be smug ==> be stupid (IMHO)

Simon

[MZurf]

I guess we have different definitions of “pragmatic”.

Every step the OP is recommending is still living within ever tightening loopholes.

Pragmatic is to suck it up and invest what has to be invested to get 100% legal.

If the return on the legal investment is too low relative to other options, pragmatic is some soul searching to figure out what it’s worth to stay in Thailand. Then take appropriate action.

If it’s not economically possible, pragmatic is selling non-portable Thai assets to get ready for the day the loophole is no longer big enough to live in. Rent until that day.

Pragmatic is making arrangements for someone to look after your stuff for awhile until you can make permanent arrangements if you get turned away at the border next trip.

Pragmatic is figuring out where you’re going if and when the day comes you can’t stay here within your means- and prepping for that transition day.

Everything else is wishful thinking. I hope it all works out, but...

Tell me just why you think I am not 100% legal. And be careful, very careful, what you say.

You've been here for 3 years and you're currently on a tourist visa, planning for your next visa run.

Edit: And you have decided you're not going to invest the minimum amount it takes to get legal.

I think that makes you the poster child for this crackdown.

That careful enough?

It is amazing how morons often use the term legal. When they have no idea about the law whatsoever. Happens world over, not just here in Thailand.

Anyway, I have tried to open a positive thread that will be of some assistance to those seeking practical solutions to manage risk to their assets.

However it has already been highjacked by muppets and keyboard warriors.

And so I will bid all of TV farewell. For good.

Cheers

FD&S

Don't forget the free water on your way out!

[marko kok prong]

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

It's laughable that you began your first post by quoting forum rules against spreading rumours, and then immediately proceeded to name call (both Thais and foreigners), made sweeping pronouncements about the politics here and what you assume their outcome will be, and have now devolved to this. In my humble opinion, regardless of current visa enforcement measures, I feel I've been seeing guys with your attitudes here over the last 5 years enough that I think they are the real drain on the culture here. I don't know you, and maybe you're just having a bad day. But you read as one of the unusually arrogant long-term tourists who I personally avoid at all costs. In fact, the attitudes you express here are in direct contradiction to the culture you are within - and frankly, you are not even 1/10th as interesting as the average hard working Thai citizen I will now go see in my daily routine. So, figure out how well that means you 'belong' in Thailand, for yourself.

So you castigate this poster,yet yourself sir,have already slagged off British retirees,you are totally hypocritical,and also sound like a total bore,look in the mirror sir,before you caste barbs at others.

[jkinbkk]

Having previously lived and worked in Thailand on a Non B and Work Permit, I decided end of last year to cut loose from the rat race and just take it easy for a while.

I have the funds to support myself and now slowly plan to resume full time employment at some juncture. Here in Thailand or elsewhere, not sure yet? But I am in no rush!

This current fiasco as explained by the OP leaves me also very concerned about my next planned Tourist Visa run. It will be my 4th in 8 months.

I do not have property here, but I do have kids from a now dissolved marriage. My ex wife and I parted amicably and we have a notarised contact approved by the courts prior to our divorce indicating my limited financial responsibility for the kids, which in essence are School fees and a contribution towards their well being.

To my mind when one applies for a Tourist visa and shows proof of a long standing bank account with a Thai Bank it clearly shows you are not in fact NOT a Tourist!

Preempting how reactionary and pedantic the immigration officials are likely to be the chance for debate will probably be nil if doubt arises form the documents I produce.

So my addition to the list the OP has made are:

1. Bring along the divorce papers in Thai

2. Produce Western Union cash collection documents.

When this potential visa problem first echoed via the jungle drums I asked my brother to send me a few small amounts of cash (GBP400 per despatch) from the UK. This can be done via the internet. I have kept these transaction receipts as proof of my finances. I will undertake another such transaction next month. This gives me some 7-8 transaction receipts of funds to cover my stay as 'A Tourist'

I return the funds to him the same way end of every month.

I believe this to be a more 'Tourist Centic' way of showing financial independence without (hopefully) drawing scrutiny to ones finances.

[ATF]

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

It's laughable that you began your first post by quoting forum rules against spreading rumours, and then immediately proceeded to name call (both Thais and foreigners), made sweeping pronouncements about the politics here and what you assume their outcome will be, and have now devolved to this. In my humble opinion, regardless of current visa enforcement measures, I feel I've been seeing guys with your attitudes here over the last 5 years enough that I think they are the real drain on the culture here. I don't know you, and maybe you're just having a bad day. But you read as one of the unusually arrogant long-term tourists who I personally avoid at all costs. In fact, the attitudes you express here are in direct contradiction to the culture you are within - and frankly, you are not even 1/10th as interesting as the average hard working Thai citizen I will now go see in my daily routine. So, figure out how well that means you 'belong' in Thailand, for yourself.

John1thru10 (Religious Maniac) Lived with 2 people for years (Closet Gay) Wrote Two Operas (Mozart Complex) Composer(What?) Going to Vietnam (Doesn't Watch TV)

Look Buddy you are confused get back on the meds.

Edited May 19, 2014 by ATF

[marko kok prong]

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

Wow!! You are so original. However did you think that one up???

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

Don't worry - you'll find me there as well (since many years)....

This useful thread has indeed been derailed by 'ostriches'. If you think that you will be all fine and good on your marriage, retirement or business extension, then you may be in for a big shock. These are troubled times in Thailand and it is foolish (IMHO), to sit smug and happy that you have a suitable visa extension to stay (for a year). Rules can change at the drop of a hat (as we have recently seen), and immigration officers can have a bad headache and deny you entry......

In my case, since I travel in and out of Thailand once or twice a year (working in Myanmar and Laos), the visa exemption suited me fine for my visits. No-one at immigration ever suggested that I was stretching or breaking the rules.

Note as other posters have mentioned - immigration officers have on countless occasions suggested to people 'do a visa-run'. They have not said 'don't do a visa-run because that is illegal'. Suddenly, everything has changed overnight and a sudden change could also take place for retirement visas, marriage visas etc.

So..... be smug ==> be stupid (IMHO)

Simon

So tell me what would be in Thailand's interest to suddenley cancel,all retirement ,marriage,buisness visa's and work permit's,whoever eventually is in charge of the country would not do this,as it is worth a lot of money to the country, i see no Pol pot on the horizon,so really i think you are getting worked up over nothing.

[John1thru10]

Myself, I was offered to stay at a friend's in Saigon (HMC), Vietnam. I have never been to Vietnam, and I've always been very interested to learn about this country, and it's differences compared to Thailand.

Visas for (US passport) Vietnam are relatively easy to obtain (at least from what I've read), requiring a letter of invitation for VOA (small fee, somewhere around 50 dollars US), plus something like 100-150 dollars US for a 3 month VOA at major airports.

My plan is to hopefully go there before my current 30 day exception expires, and stay there in Vietnam at least 3 months, learning about the culture and working at home (I'm a composer and animator). And while in Vietnam, apply for a new US Passport through the embassy there, so that I start fresh. Mine is currently like a phone book from world travel as a touring-artist over the last 8 years. That won't solve everything in terms of living in Thailand again, but it will surely help, to have a fresh passport. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll love Vietnam just as much, and can learn more about a new culture for me.

With the possible exception of the cranky British retirees here, who call everyone else 'riff raff' and 'criminals' a little too quickly for my tastes - I wish everyone the best of luck! Thailand has been a far more beautiful, educational, inspiring, caring experience than a lot of posters (or a randon Thai border official) can possibly understand in some snap judgement, for this farang. I wrote 2 operas about the country, made a movie, fell in love twice and lived with those 2 people for years. So much more. Good luck, everyone.

You sound like a friend of Arjunadawn,hey and lay off the Brits pal,stupid stereotyping like this add's nothing to your somewhat bizzare post.

So typical, that you call anything that lives outside of your own experience 'bizzare'. While I have no doubt that you can't relate to being a well respected artist, invited by governments all over the world each year to be paid to come and live for periods of time in their countries, and provided housing and airfare to do so, should I apologize to you, for that? I don't think so, personally. In Thailand I feel compassion for a person's world experience being more limited, because it's not their own fault. But for you: not so much. I was first invited to Thailand by a person who was choreographing the King and Queens events at the palace, and I fell in love with the culture there. It didn't involve a lot of bar stools or soccer games on the big screen, I gues is the problem here. At that time, I chose to take advantage of being offered free 9 month tourist visas for several years - yes, back-to-back - and fell in love, and had a healthy relationship that didn't involve barfines. I'm sorry if you can't relate to that, either. But I owe you no apology for your own inability to relate to something outside of your experience. How's that?

[duanebigsby]

I don't understand the issues here. I you guys plan to stay here for an extended period of time, get a suitable visum (ie. not a tourist one). There's lots of options.

No there's not. Not married-under 50-not working-done the education visa already for 3 years.

He has stated he has millions of baht and property. There could be an Investment Visa possibility.

[John1thru10]

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

Wow!! You are so original. However did you think that one up???

Yeah you'll probably fit in better with the Teak Door crowd.

Don't worry - you'll find me there as well (since many years)....

This useful thread has indeed been derailed by 'ostriches'. If you think that you will be all fine and good on your marriage, retirement or business extension, then you may be in for a big shock. These are troubled times in Thailand and it is foolish (IMHO), to sit smug and happy that you have a suitable visa extension to stay (for a year). Rules can change at the drop of a hat (as we have recently seen), and immigration officers can have a bad headache and deny you entry......

In my case, since I travel in and out of Thailand once or twice a year (working in Myanmar and Laos), the visa exemption suited me fine for my visits. No-one at immigration ever suggested that I was stretching or breaking the rules.

Note as other posters have mentioned - immigration officers have on countless occasions suggested to people 'do a visa-run'. They have not said 'don't do a visa-run because that is illegal'. Suddenly, everything has changed overnight and a sudden change could also take place for retirement visas, marriage visas etc.

So..... be smug ==> be stupid (IMHO)

Simon

So tell me what would be in Thailand's interest to suddenley cancel,all retirement ,marriage,buisness visa's and work permit's,whoever eventually is in charge of the country would not do this,as it is worth a lot of money to the country, i see no Pol pot on the horizon,so really i think you are getting worked up over nothing.

He didn't say Pol Pot was coming. He said troubled times are coming: 12 people were killed the other night at the monument, just to remind you. I know this has happened before, but this time the situaiton is lasting longer, and the 2 sides are digging in deeper. The ASEA 15 is expressing extreme displeasure at Thailand for having no real government at this time, and that's not good for the future. And he's also right that these kind of long-term tourist stays were actively encouraed until recently. My first 3 9-month visas were free, and openly encouraged to be back-to-back. While it's true that these are old rules that were never enforced before, one is not to blame for taking the word of an official in following what they were told was proper conduct before now. Not having 20k baht in ones hand every time they arrive at an airport was a laughable idea all these years, and no official ever told someone they were criminal to not have that much cash on them. This is something new, and there was no warning. He's also right, that O-I extensions are the first in what could easily extend into retirement and non-im B etc. Things like this often begin with the easiest targets first: and no, this is not a 'normal' time in Thailand, as many people want to beleive.

Edited May 19, 2014 by John1thru10

[wwest5829]

In your situation, as you have 2 properties and have (or had) several million baht in accounts in Thailand ...

Would it not be better in the long run to just get a 1 yr extension based upon investment ?

Understand that 10 million in investment , which can also be real estate will qualify.

So this may be the lowest risk option for your situation

More info on investment extension...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/659800-investment-visa/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My first visa was a 12 month multi entry B visa. It was granted to enable me to look for investment opportunities in Thailand. As part of my application I submitted a letter from my chartered accountant confirming that I had 500KUSD cash in at call bank accounts. After doing due dilligence for three years I have not found a single investment where in my assessment the pontential return (yield and/or capital growth) offset the manifest domestic risks such as corruption and political instability. I do however hold large short term positions on the SET from time to time. Moving forward I see nothing that may diminish the aforementioned risks. In fact they would now appear to be increasing exponentially. The tourist visa crackdown is another example with this nebulous "suspect" someone might be working statement by immigration and the subsequent threat to blacklist forever.

So no thankyou. No 10 million investment visa for me.

As with Simon43, I am shortly due for a border run. I will be monitoring the situation closely. Should I encounter any unjustified mistreatment by immigration whatsoever, I intend to transfer several more million baht out of the country and to also sell my hard assets.

I will move on to either Cambodia or Indonesia. As I posted in another thread, they have just introduced a 25 year visa for anyone who marries an Indonesian citizen. Those married to a Thai can only dream of such a luxury.

Oh. I should also mention another of my practical solutions. I sold one of my big bikes. I still have four others and a couple of trucks. I may sell them also depending on what transpires during my next border run. No...I don't view vehicles as assets, but rather as liabilities, but go figure, I had my bike for two years and made 10KTHB more than what I paid for it.

In my humble opinion Farangs here should watch very closely the way the Vietnamese have just turned on the Chinese living there. I was in Indonesia back in the early 90s and I saw exactly the same thing happen there. Mobs of locals running through the villages smashing up and stealing from the Chinese merhchants and gold shops.

Think of Thailand as a bus. No one is driving that bus at the moment. It is sailing down the highway at top speed. With no one at the wheel. When the crash inevitably comes, someone may stand up and blame the Farangs for the carnage. It is happening now in Vietnam. It has already happened in Indonesia. Don't for a second think it can not happen here. And if it does, it will happend very swiftly.

I do not wear a tinfoil hat, but, as my OP suggests, I am rather pragmatic. If Thailand wants to increase the risk to my assets by not providing clear rules, and consistent and reliable application of those rules, then I am left with little choice than to remove my assets from exposure to that risk. And if things really fall apart...I will also remove myself.

I'm a bit confused. Several millions in Thai banks? At such a low interest rate, am I missing something?

[wwest5829]

In your situation, as you have 2 properties and have (or had) several million baht in accounts in Thailand ...

Would it not be better in the long run to just get a 1 yr extension based upon investment ?

Understand that 10 million in investment , which can also be real estate will qualify.

So this may be the lowest risk option for your situation

More info on investment extension...

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/659800-investment-visa/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My first visa was a 12 month multi entry B visa. It was granted to enable me to look for investment opportunities in Thailand. As part of my application I submitted a letter from my chartered accountant confirming that I had 500KUSD cash in at call bank accounts. After doing due dilligence for three years I have not found a single investment where in my assessment the pontential return (yield and/or capital growth) offset the manifest domestic risks such as corruption and political instability. I do however hold large short term positions on the SET from time to time. Moving forward I see nothing that may diminish the aforementioned risks. In fact they would now appear to be increasing exponentially. The tourist visa crackdown is another example with this nebulous "suspect" someone might be working statement by immigration and the subsequent threat to blacklist forever.

So no thankyou. No 10 million investment visa for me.

As with Simon43, I am shortly due for a border run. I will be monitoring the situation closely. Should I encounter any unjustified mistreatment by immigration whatsoever, I intend to transfer several more million baht out of the country and to also sell my hard assets.

I will move on to either Cambodia or Indonesia. As I posted in another thread, they have just introduced a 25 year visa for anyone who marries an Indonesian citizen. Those married to a Thai can only dream of such a luxury.

Oh. I should also mention another of my practical solutions. I sold one of my big bikes. I still have four others and a couple of trucks. I may sell them also depending on what transpires during my next border run. No...I don't view vehicles as assets, but rather as liabilities, but go figure, I had my bike for two years and made 10KTHB more than what I paid for it.

In my humble opinion Farangs here should watch very closely the way the Vietnamese have just turned on the Chinese living there. I was in Indonesia back in the early 90s and I saw exactly the same thing happen there. Mobs of locals running through the villages smashing up and stealing from the Chinese merhchants and gold shops.

Think of Thailand as a bus. No one is driving that bus at the moment. It is sailing down the highway at top speed. With no one at the wheel. When the crash inevitably comes, someone may stand up and blame the Farangs for the carnage. It is happening now in Vietnam. It has already happened in Indonesia. Don't for a second think it can not happen here. And if it does, it will happend very swiftly.

I do not wear a tinfoil hat, but, as my OP suggests, I am rather pragmatic. If Thailand wants to increase the risk to my assets by not providing clear rules, and consistent and reliable application of those rules, then I am left with little choice than to remove my assets from exposure to that risk. And if things really fall apart...I will also remove myself.

I'm a bit confused. Several millions in Thai banks? At such a low interest rate, am I missing something?

[impulse]

Bye Bye. Don't let the door hit you.

Wow!! You are so original. However did you think that one up???

This useful thread has indeed been derailed by 'ostriches'. If you think that you will be all fine and good on your marriage, retirement or business extension, then you may be in for a big shock. These are troubled times in Thailand and it is foolish (IMHO), to sit smug and happy that you have a suitable visa extension to stay (for a year). Rules can change at the drop of a hat (as we have recently seen), and immigration officers can have a bad headache and deny you entry......

In my case, since I travel in and out of Thailand once or twice a year (working in Myanmar and Laos), the visa exemption suited me fine for my visits. No-one at immigration ever suggested that I was stretching or breaking the rules.

Note as other posters have mentioned - immigration officers have on countless occasions suggested to people 'do a visa-run'. They have not said 'don't do a visa-run because that is illegal'. Suddenly, everything has changed overnight and a sudden change could also take place for retirement visas, marriage visas etc.

So..... be smug ==> be stupid (IMHO)

Simon

You're right. This should have been a useful thread.

But it was teed up so poorly that it would have taken a Heculean effort to get it on track.

And then, at every opportunity, the OP himself put it right back in the ditch. It sounded more like "I got a lot, so let me tell you how life works, because I got a lot so I must be doing it right (you idiot, you)."

I'm on a WP, but that could end tomorrow. I'm careful not to gather up more assets than I'm willing to walk away from- I don't intend to outstay my paychecks by any more time than it takes to liquidate. But I'm always interested in more that I can do to hedge my situation.

I'd encourage you to start another thread and keep it on track. I've read your stuff. I know you can do it. Because I don't see this one ever getting back in bounds.

[CMCMANGOMAN]

A medical visa is available for folks wanting to get the one off gender reassignment or finally finish that pesky frontal lobotomy. The latter will definitely require an extension of stay approved by a $$$qualified Thai doctor.

With a medical visa the possibilities are endless!!!

[Globalist]

If the OP is as wealthy as he says, the most pragmatic solution is extension of stay based on 10MTHB investment.

The risk can be kept smaller than any of the other options discussed.

[marko kok prong]

Myself, I was offered to stay at a friend's in Saigon (HMC), Vietnam. I have never been to Vietnam, and I've always been very interested to learn about this country, and it's differences compared to Thailand.

Visas for (US passport) Vietnam are relatively easy to obtain (at least from what I've read), requiring a letter of invitation for VOA (small fee, somewhere around 50 dollars US), plus something like 100-150 dollars US for a 3 month VOA at major airports.

My plan is to hopefully go there before my current 30 day exception expires, and stay there in Vietnam at least 3 months, learning about the culture and working at home (I'm a composer and animator). And while in Vietnam, apply for a new US Passport through the embassy there, so that I start fresh. Mine is currently like a phone book from world travel as a touring-artist over the last 8 years. That won't solve everything in terms of living in Thailand again, but it will surely help, to have a fresh passport. Plus, who knows, maybe I'll love Vietnam just as much, and can learn more about a new culture for me.

With the possible exception of the cranky British retirees here, who call everyone else 'riff raff' and 'criminals' a little too quickly for my tastes - I wish everyone the best of luck! Thailand has been a far more beautiful, educational, inspiring, caring experience than a lot of posters (or a randon Thai border official) can possibly understand in some snap judgement, for this farang. I wrote 2 operas about the country, made a movie, fell in love twice and lived with those 2 people for years. So much more. Good luck, everyone.

You sound like a friend of Arjunadawn,hey and lay off the Brits pal,stupid stereotyping like this add's nothing to your somewhat bizzare post.

So typical, that you call anything that lives outside of your own experience 'bizzare'. While I have no doubt that you can't relate to being a well respected artist, invited by governments all over the world each year to be paid to come and live for periods of time in their countries, and provided housing and airfare to do so, should I apologize to you, for that? I don't think so, personally. In Thailand I feel compassion for a person's world experience being more limited, because it's not their own fault. But for you: not so much. I was first invited to Thailand by a person who was choreographing the King and Queens events at the palace, and I fell in love with the culture there. It didn't involve a lot of bar stools or soccer games on the big screen, I gues is the problem here. At that time, I chose to take advantage of being offered free 9 month tourist visas for several years - yes, back-to-back - and fell in love, and had a healthy relationship that didn't involve barfines. I'm sorry if you can't relate to that, either. But I owe you no apology for your own inability to relate to something outside of your experience. How's that?

Chroreographing,hmm,does that involve you wearing tights i wonder,you know nothing about me yet assume my life is a round of bar stools and football games on the big screen.yes it is called football,not soccer,unless you are an American,in fact i live in rural Thailand,so your off the mark there,you sound like you like boasting of your achievments,another sign of a frightful bore.