How will the new visa regulations change Thailand's expat community?

[bangsaenguy]

Cleaning up the guys crossing the line is ok. Retirees will be ok. I am a bit concerned abut the offshore guys that are not eligible for a Type O. They are not abusing anything.

we are fine mate. I am 28/28. I flew out the other day and asked 3 diff immigration officers if i was ok, my passport if full of 28/28. They said, "no problem" I had also asked at soi 5 in Jomtien if i was ok, they said the same. I have had a mate i've known over 20 years come in the last few days with a passport similar to mine. They didn't bat an eye lid at Swampy.

Good news. I work in O&G but onshore so I don't get the good rotas that you do.

[Franky Bear]

Cleaning up the guys crossing the line is ok. Retirees will be ok. I am a bit concerned abut the offshore guys that are not eligible for a Type O. They are not abusing anything.

we are fine mate. I am 28/28. I flew out the other day and asked 3 diff immigration officers if i was ok, my passport if full of 28/28. They said, "no problem" I had also asked at soi 5 in Jomtien if i was ok, they said the same. I have had a mate i've known over 20 years come in the last few days with a passport similar to mine. They didn't bat an eye lid at Swampy.

Good news. I work in O&G but onshore so I don't get the good rotas that you do.

I've only just come offshore from land rigs in the middle east. I was 28/28 there for years also

[JonboyBKK]

As far as we know now officially immigration has not said they will draw a hard line on people only spending 90 days out of 180 days in Thailand. Is that correct or not?

What if you have a residence permit in another ASEAN country like China (which I do)? Would that prove you have a job outside and should be classified as a tourist?

It seems to me that if they enforce the new rules at their own discretion like only checking flights from neighboring countries and profiling which is the approach I think they will take, it will only affect those that can't afford to get around it. I don't plan on doing anything differently until they actually start pushing me at immigration because so far they don't even glance at my stamps. We will see after Aug 12 how serious they are about it but the fact that they already started backtracking on extensions leads me to believe they are trying to get rid of the low end of visa runners. People who can barely afford the van ride to make a run and are really doing jobs that Thai could be doing.

I do think it will change the scenery for the better as most people with low incomes won't be able to dance around the enforcement.

[BluesDrummer]

The answer is quite simple - those expats who are prepared to follow Thai laws, pay their taxes, employ the correct number of Thai staff, pay for the health benefit for the staff, get the correct visa for their circumstances, hold funds at the right level etc, will still be OK. What will happen is we get rid of all the dodgy spongers who are not prepared to follow the rules, pay their dues etc. This is not our Country, we are guests, if you don't like the rules, get out. The expat community will then be more respected by the Thais for appreciating we are guests here, and are prepared to adhere to the Thai rules and customs.

Some one once said - A Country makes it comfortable for their people and not for outsiders. If you want to live amongst them, be prepared to change your comfort zone.

[1BADDAT]

No. You've gone astray.

A guy named JingThing suggested a CYBER VISA.

I think such a visa is needed. It would enable talented westerners (some of whom earn more than 1000 USD per day) to remain in Thailand and work legally.

By contrast, work permits are readily available for "conventional employees" who are transferred here from their own countries. In my opinion, these people are generally mediocrities. Not all, but most.

I support Mr JingThing's proposal. I support wholeheartedly the idea that gifted youngsters (and oldsters, too) can set up shop in places like Chiang Mai and LEGALLY work, develop their skills, and contribute to the local economy.

Hi Dave

Can you please hook me up with one of these people who are making US$1k per day? I am relatively talented in the IT field but don't make anything even approaching this and would like to find out what they are doing to make $365k a year from it.

Please PM me with details. Appreciated.

Thanks

TL

As I am sure you have figure out by now every person on TV either makes the equivalent of the top .00001% earners their respective field or knows someone who is.

[1BADDAT]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Dave has obviously never spent time with the Diplomatic core ...

Civil servants earn the same wherever they're posted.

For an aspiring diplomat, BKK might be a useful first rung of the ladder, but it'll only ever be a stepping stone.

For a private sector employee, BKK is very much the short straw.

EXAMPLE

I once spoke to an HR Manager in London. The company maintained offices in NYC, Sao Paulo, Paris, Tokyo, Singapore and BKK.

The office in BKK never pulled in much cash. It was the least profitable of the company's overseas operations.

So I asked the HR Manager why they kept the BKK office.

The HR Manager laughed and said: "if we didn't have the Bangkok office, where else would we transfer the wan_kers".

True story.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe the global market conditions dictate where people are placed in the world and for different industries this may be different? I work in the automotive sector and oddly enough I work in Rayong, "the Detroit of the East". Of course I was also given the opportunity to move to India as well because their market is growing incredibly. I will not even get on a plane to visit there. So if 2nd and 3rd rate expats are in Thailand, what would the ones in my field be classified as in India?

[thaimlord]

No. You've gone astray.

A guy named JingThing suggested a CYBER VISA.

I think such a visa is needed. It would enable talented westerners (some of whom earn more than 1000 USD per day) to remain in Thailand and work legally.

By contrast, work permits are readily available for "conventional employees" who are transferred here from their own countries. In my opinion, these people are generally mediocrities. Not all, but most.

I support Mr JingThing's proposal. I support wholeheartedly the idea that gifted youngsters (and oldsters, too) can set up shop in places like Chiang Mai and LEGALLY work, develop their skills, and contribute to the local economy.

Hi Dave

Can you please hook me up with one of these people who are making US$1k per day? I am relatively talented in the IT field but don't make anything even approaching this and would like to find out what they are doing to make $365k a year from it.

Please PM me with details. Appreciated.

Thanks

TL

As I am sure you have figure out by now every person on TV either makes the equivalent of the top .00001% earners their respective field or knows someone who is.

:-)

Yes it was said tongue-in-cheek, with just a touch of sarcasm. Sarcasm is so hard to put down in writing.

TL

[mrtoad]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Perhaps you don't know how much MNCs are willing to pay first rate expats to get them to take up postings in Thailand.

Or perhaps you do but can't get one of those full expat deals.

I would hazzard a guess that Dave isnt able to find employment, hence his bitterness. Plenty of very qualified ovrrseas professionals here, you just dont find them sipping Chang outside 7-11.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ukrules]

Permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

But "cyber workers" are different. I have read that lots of these guys congregate in Chiang Mai. They offer a whole range of services (SEO, copy writing, programming, etc), and by all accounts are often very good.

Actually most of these migrant IT workers are just the same incompetent dregs who cant hold down a real job elsewhere.

In amongst them there may indeed be a few bright sparks who do brilliant work and earn thousands of USD a week, and even if it isnt fully legal their visa needs are fairly well catered for by the Thai Elite card, the cost of which amounts to income tax also as mentioned elsewhere.

But do many of these Chiang Mai miracle SEO mechanics actually have one of these cards, or even the means to buy one? Probably not.

SEO, LOL. Isn't this what people do when they don't have any real technical IT skills.

[ukrules]

I think the Thai Immigration Department should learn from TV members and make use of the TV database of comments.

Sifting through the comments here on TV they'll be able to extract and compile a raft of ideas for the control of immigration and immigrants already suggested by TV members when discussing immigrants to their own country.

Well we know they read this site as they recently said so to that American guy who does the youtube videos.

[Suradit69]

I don't think it will make that much difference at all really.

Whenever something happens, some people predict the world is coming to an end for farang in Thailand (the final nail in the coffin syndrome) and of course nothing notable occurs.

The crackdown might seem ominous if someone thinks that he and his cadre of visa abuser friends are the hub of the (totally imaginary) expat community and if one is frightened of change, but for most of us I doubt there will be a noticeable change.

What else? I think this forum will take a nose dive. And I think the new ThaiVisa bar in BKK may bomb.

The assumption that this forum is kept alive by those who make serial visa exempt entries or who overstay for years on end is presumptive ... although I think it might be interesting to see if the irrational chronic Thai bashing is reduced.

If anyone thinks these visa issues will be a seismic event, he might read this book to put things in perspective.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Suradit69

[DaveWalsh]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Perhaps you don't know how much MNCs are willing to pay first rate expats to get them to take up postings in Thailand.

Or perhaps you do but can't get one of those full expat deals.

I would hazzard a guess that Dave isnt able to find employment, hence his bitterness. Plenty of very qualified ovrrseas professionals here, you just dont find them sipping Chang outside 7-11.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Take a look at your post count and tell me why I'm laughing.

[tonytigerbkk]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Perhaps you don't know how much MNCs are willing to pay first rate expats to get them to take up postings in Thailand.

Or perhaps you do but can't get one of those full expat deals.

I would hazzard a guess that Dave isnt able to find employment, hence his bitterness. Plenty of very qualified ovrrseas professionals here, you just dont find them sipping Chang outside 7-11.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Take a look at your post count and tell me why I'm laughing.

Is it to do with mental health problems?

[KittenKong]

I'll bet you spent ages spell checking that.

No. My spelling is good and my automatic spell-checker is even better.

You'll be pleased to hear you only made one grammatical error that I could see.

I don't pretend to be a teacher so it's not the end of the world. No mistakes would have been nice though, just for the personal satisfaction.

[Jingthing]

More ideas for immigration reform:

Freelancing in Thailand work permits Liberalization

Not full businesses. One person operations with foreigner as worker.

A process where bona fide and qualified freelance workers who do intend to work IN Thailand can make applications for full legalization with visa and work permit. On a case by case basis. Judged value to Thailand or not. Perhaps because such applications would be more complicated and subjective, all routed through a specialist in Bangkok.

Change the rules for those on retirement extensions.

ALLOW volunteer work without work permit. Many retirees have the time, have the skills, and want to help out and many Thais could use the help.

Edited July 22, 2014 by Jingthing

[David48]

More ideas for immigration reform:

Freelancing in Thailand work permits Liberalization

Not full businesses. One person operations with foreigner as worker.

A process where bona fide and qualified freelance workers who do intend to work IN Thailand can make applications for full legalization with visa and work permit. On a case by case basis. Judged value to Thailand or not. Perhaps because such applications would be more complicated and subjective, all routed through a specialist in Bangkok.

JT ... can translate that (the above) for me ... I have no idea what you are suggesting.

"Freelancing in Thailand work permits Liberalization" ...

Thanks in Advance ...

.

[slipperylobster]

I don't think it will make that much difference at all really.

I agree ... it will just force Tourists,long stayers and married to the more appropiate Visas.

The rock has been thrown into the pond ... we are experiencing the ripple effect.

That will die down until the next rock is tossed in.

.

...or the next Tsunami ~!

[mrtoad]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Perhaps you don't know how much MNCs are willing to pay first rate expats to get them to take up postings in Thailand.

Or perhaps you do but can't get one of those full expat deals.

I would hazzard a guess that Dave isnt able to find employment, hence his bitterness. Plenty of very qualified ovrrseas professionals here, you just dont find them sipping Chang outside 7-11.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Take a look at your post count and tell me why I'm laughing.

Guess what Davey boy, I don't spend most of my day being bitter about not having a visa, or a worry about a knock on the door for overstay.

So, tell me what is your point exactly? Let me guess 14,000 posts over 8 years equals 1,750 posts per year, 4.69 posts per day - yeah I can see that must take up a massive part of my life and work

DaveWalsh 6 days 22 posts, an average of just under 4 posts per day at present. I do wonder how many posts under your previous name?

We can do let's compare, but I really can't be bothered, It's obvious you fell from a lemon tree.

[SiggiCM]

More ideas for immigration reform:

Freelancing in Thailand work permits Liberalization

Not full businesses. One person operations with foreigner as worker.

A process where bona fide and qualified freelance workers who do intend to work IN Thailand can make applications for full legalization with visa and work permit. On a case by case basis. Judged value to Thailand or not. Perhaps because such applications would be more complicated and subjective, all routed through a specialist in Bangkok.

Change the rules for those on retirement extensions.

ALLOW volunteer work without work permit. Many retirees have the time, have the skills, and want to help out and many Thais could use the help.

yes thais could use the help, but thais dont want any help, because the think they are the smartest and most important people on earth

[Soutpeel]

Work permits are handed out to people who, in my opinion, are generally either second rate (at best) or (more often) third rate.

Let's be honest -- how many first rate expats work for MNCs in Thailand? The answer is zero. First rate guys would never consider transferring to Thailand.

Tell you what Davy boy, you dont really have clue do you what the T&C's are for expats working at MNC's in Thailand do you ?

but for reference working in Thailand yields me about 25 to 30% up on a comparable position in Europe and the US..so if that 3rd rate fine with me, I will suffer in silence

so which reincarnated banned poster with an overstay problem are you ?

Edited July 22, 2014 by Soutpeel

[Soutpeel]

Why would they do visa and border runs all the time, if they earn more than $ 1000 a day ? They only need to work two weeks to buy the Elite card and get a 5 year visa

Elite Cards don't permit employment. They are basically glorified tourist visas.

have even got a tourist visa Dave ?... the border hops becoming difficult for you ?.... dont qualify for an Ed visa even ?.... Teaching "English" in Thailand must becoming a real drag for you...

[Soutpeel]

More ideas for immigration reform:

Freelancing in Thailand work permits Liberalization

Not full businesses. One person operations with foreigner as worker.

A process where bona fide and qualified freelance workers who do intend to work IN Thailand can make applications for full legalization with visa and work permit. On a case by case basis. Judged value to Thailand or not. Perhaps because such applications would be more complicated and subjective, all routed through a specialist in Bangkok.

Change the rules for those on retirement extensions.

ALLOW volunteer work without work permit. Many retirees have the time, have the skills, and want to help out and many Thais could use the help.

and pray tell how would one assess whether a person is bonofide or not ? all this does is open up another avenue for visa abuse.

how about this solution ?

THB 1.0 Million captialised Ltd company formed

No requirement for 4 employees

as business is conducted out side Thailand 20-25% withholding/provisional tax

Pay into social security fund

Pay for private medical insurance

Annual fully audited books by an independent audit company

[Soutpeel]

[

Is it to do with mental health problems?

Think he is laughing Tony cos he just found his TGAU of course it could be mental health issues as well or both perhaps?

[Just1Voice]

Personally, I doubt the "new" rules (actually old ones finally being enforced) are going to make the least bit of difference on expats who have spent the time, and money, to do things the right way. It's only the ones who have been trying to "play" the system who have something to worry about.

[i claudius]

Just back from my 90 day in Pattaya ,in out in 5 minutes ,asked to sign to say i had read the overstay rules ,the guy i saw and have seen for years just laughed and said doesnt really apply to you ,but just sign it once you have read the new rules.

[CharlieH]

A number of posts and replies to same have been removed for being off topic.

If you want to discuss visa reform etc why not start a new topic.

[CharlieH]

More off posts removed.

[mrtoad]

As an add on, and on topic. I really can't see there being any significant change, other than the transients and visa a users being cleaned up. Contrary to popular myth, there are a lot of expats working here with stable jobs, decent T&Cs and qualifications. There are also plenty of retired people here who will continue to meet the fairly simplistic requirements if obtaining a legitimate visa. The ones bleating that the sky is falling are those that have been on the peripheries of legitimately staying long term in Thailand, and may struggle to meet the requirements.

[rgs2001uk]

^^^^^,

as an add on, they never met the requirments in the first place.

Head out to On Nut in Bkk, all the e-bayers, on line gamers, import/exporters, on line traders, dodgy real estate agents, financial traders and currency traders and others of such ilk sem to have got the message, the place is like a ghost town.

Dont worry lads, your teerak still loves you.

As a side note, the mom n pop store I use reports sales of Chang, Archa and Cheers Extra have dropped off the radar.

[thairastawoman]

Yes, Thai speak English so well already, they don't need teachers anymore...

Edited July 22, 2014 by thairastawoman