Is there an Expats lobby group to help Expats in Thailand

[thhMan]

This may have been asked before and may already be in practice and if so... who do I contact.

If not, then who or what group is lobbying the Thai government to give expats the rights that would enable us to go about living in this fantastic country, without being subjected to the whim of an individuals/Governments temperament at any time of the day.

Where an expat can have the right to work, own land, have a family, divorce and so on, while maintaining the rights afforded to their Thai counterparts.

At the moment, all I see is expats being jostled here and there, being made to jump hoops, take illogical chances when purchasing land/property and then living under the law of an individual who is used to make that purchase on behalf of an expat.

There are many expats living in Thailand, because they have chosen to do so, regardless of why and also regardless of the lady/man aspect that some come here for.

We expats do have rights and we should be lobbying Thailand to allow us those freedoms that many Thais enjoy abroad, because without a voice we are just cattle that can be steered at the whim of the Government or an Individual, when they choose to do so. And perhaps a group can bring more international attention to the human rights aspect of the expat situation in Thailand.

I guess the first question would be... Do we have the right to create a group and if not, is that a law that is legal?

[krisb]

[samuibeachcomber]

your sentiments are fine,but unrealistic.consider yourself lucky they've let you in.Go down to your local bar and sip a chang and enjoy the view!

[dagobert]

One right they do give us all, is the right to leave when and if we have had enough of it,

It,s the same thing in many Asian countrys regarding all the points you have pointed out.

It totaly pisses me off aswell "BUT" thats the way it is....

Excepting our money in the country, but a very complicated exit should we choose to

leave.

[chiang mai]

Good grief, you'll be wanting consumer protection and equal rights next!

You haven't been here long, have you!

[soihok]

Thaivisaforum is the nearest you're going to get.

[thhMan]

your sentiments are fine,but unrealistic.consider yourself lucky they've let you in.Go down to your local bar and sip a chang and enjoy the view!

Unfortunately, that sort of mentality wont solve any issues, neither is the mocking remark prior to your post.

I dont drink, dont play the fields and instead have 2 children in Thailand and have a wonderful wife that I met the first month I was here. That was eight years ago and would like to be able to buy some land and build a house in my name.

I would also like to open up a small business in my name and just build a future for my kids. To this day, my wife still doesnt understand why there is always immigration involved in our lives and neither does a few close Thai friends.

Nothing is for certain and I would like to have land in my name, should something tragic happen to my wife or circumstances change. As a husband, I take care of her and should I meet a tragic end or circumstances change, then she is ok and so are my children.

I am not retired and I have worked those 8 years, slowly building up my families finances and putting my kids into better schools along the way.

I would be very happy to start a small business and have the opportunity to leave it to my children to take over when they are ready. The same goes for a home and everything else we as a family have worked so hard to obtain.

[Neeranam]

Good question and topic OP.

Basically, most expats here have an attitude of not WANTING to integrate into Thai society.

They HAVE made it easier for us but ask married expats if they are taking advantage of the new laws pertaining to gaining Thai citizenship and you'll find many laugh. Many can't even be bothered to learn the language.

In fact, most probably don't even know about them. Not a favoured topic in the expat bar - they prefer to criticize Thai drivers or discuss the price of baloney.

There are many expats living in Thailand, because they have chosen to do so, regardless of why and also regardless of the lady/man aspect that some come here for.

Sadly, many who are here for the ladyman, keep the same sex tourist attitude once they settle. They are usually old and too set in their ways to fight for their rights. As long as Pink Pussy Noi strokes his "poong" every night, he is in paradise.

Edited August 23, 2014 by Neeranam

[dagobert]

How can you be intergrated into a society if you have no rights.

[soihok]

Have you got any photo's of this Noi character?

[Neeranam]

How can you be intergrated into a society if you have no rights.

Not sure if you are serious or not. You must have very low self esteem if you think you have no rights and are doing nothing about it.

These people might be a good place to start.

http://www.migrantwatch.org/aboutus.html

Edited August 23, 2014 by Neeranam

[thhMan]

Good question and topic OP.

Basically, most expats here have an attitude of not WANTING to integrate into Thai society.

They HAVE made it easier for us but ask married expats if they are taking advantage of the new laws pertaining to gaining Thai citizenship and you'll find many laugh. Many can't even be bothered to learn the language.

There are many expats living in Thailand, because they have chosen to do so, regardless of why and also regardless of the lady/man aspect that some come here for.

Sadly, many who are here for the ladyman, keep the same sex tourist attitude once they settle. They are usually old and too set in their ways to fight for their rights. As long as Pink Pussy Noi strokes his "poong" every night, he is in paradise.

I agree and I dont begrudge them for that.

However, some just want to live in Thailand... with our family.

Thailand is not the first country I have lived in, but it is the first country I have chosen to stay in forever... Thats why I have worked so hard to obtain that.

Unfortunately, the cowardly attitude from losers is always the same.. "If you dont like it leave"... its very narrow minded and non productive.

To get a lobby started would be a step forward and hopefully getting some things changed would help other groups, such as teachers etc.

Its not asking for immediate reform, but presenting a group that would like the opportunity to express an opinion that can be discussed and acted upon, whether good or bad... At least bringing up the issues with government agencies would be a good step, instead of keeping it all in-house within this forum.

[JockPieandBeans]

@ tthMan

We expats do have rights and we should be lobbying Thailand to allow us those freedoms that many Thais enjoy abroad, because without a voice we are just cattle that can be steered at the whim of the Government or an Individual, when they choose to do so. And perhaps a group can bring more international attention to the human rights aspect of the expat situation in Thailand.

To use the UK as an example. Giving rights to every minority group has led to the current state of the UK and many other Countries. I have to disagree with you, by saying that minority groups should not have a say that is to the detriment of the local population of whichever Country, those minority groups should be made to comply to the laws and customs that Country.

That is not to say that I am unsympathetic to what you are trying to say / do. I too have looked into starting a business here in Thailand, but currently deem it a non starter. I would even happily donate my time, free to the local school, if I did not have to jump through hoops to be able to do so.

In essence, I think we all, or certainly the majority of us knew the score when we decided to set up camp in Thailand. I do not think that we, as foreigners have any right to try and tell the Thai's how to run their Country.

Their Country, their rules and we should respect that.

[lanng khao]

Have you got any photo's of this Noi character?

runs the chompuu hoi noi bar in buckeow...

[Neeranam]

There are expat groups around the country. We have one in Khon Kaen and regularly speak with local government. But like I said before, most think they are on an extended holiday.

[canuckamuck]

It would not hurt to have some representation. But it will take someone with a fire in their belly and access to cash to do it.

We have some basic right in this country, but it would be nice if they could make it a little easier for people here who are in a long term marriage and have kids here.

[thhMan]

@ tthMan

We expats do have rights and we should be lobbying Thailand to allow us those freedoms that many Thais enjoy abroad, because without a voice we are just cattle that can be steered at the whim of the Government or an Individual, when they choose to do so. And perhaps a group can bring more international attention to the human rights aspect of the expat situation in Thailand.

To use the UK as an example. Giving rights to every minority group has led to the current state of the UK and many other Countries. I have to disagree with you, by saying that minority groups should not have a say that is to the detriment of the local population of whichever Country, those minority groups should be made to comply to the laws and customs that Country.

That is not to say that I am unsympathetic to what you are trying to say / do. I too have looked into starting a business here in Thailand, but currently deem it a non starter. I would even happily donate my time, free to the local school, if I did not have to jump through hoops to be able to do so.

In essence, I think we all, or certainly the majority of us knew the score when we decided to set up camp in Thailand. I do not think that we, as foreigners have any right to try and tell the Thai's how to run their Country.

Their Country, their rules and we should respect that.

Agreed... But its now my country... my family.... Im sure there are others here who also believe Thailand is their country.

Things dont change by remaining silent... Thats my point.

[Neeranam]

Have you got any photo's of this Noi character?

No, but she generally is past it it Thai years (over 30) so settles for any old Tony, Dave or Henry. Generally originating in Buriram or other Southern Isarn areas, having dark skin and can be heard saying things such as , "same same, boom boom, poom pui, and ting tong".

[jcisco]

Unless you are a citizen of a nation, for the most part the laws and the purpose of government are not there to serve you. And specific to your enquiry, in most countries disposing of property can only be done to a citizen. and by property I mean land.

Singapore is the same, everywhere else I think in this region is pretty closed on that topic.

[jcisco]

I think you need to be asking who/where your wife can be lobbying to change the laws regarding your citizenship.

Edited August 23, 2014 by jcisco

[lanng khao]

I think you need to be asking who/where your wife can be lobbying to change the laws regarding your citizenship.

and once he's in they won't let him out ,unless sombody bar fines him and makes a holiday visa for him.

[kurnell]

I like to sneak a fart into the policeman's booth when they are not looking as my way of protesting

[Neeranam]

I think you need to be asking who/where your wife can be lobbying to change the laws regarding your citizenship.

The laws are fair IMHO. Why do they need to be changed?

married

working for 3 years earning 40k +

yellow house book

5000 baht fee

get enough points based on a few reasonable things(age/education/thai proficiency/length of stay in Thailand)

[Costas2008]

OP, a very good suggestion, you've put forward.

But judging from the posts on TVF, these expats, you are mentioning, don't give a toss about anybody else.

Only interested about themselves and have the cheek to point at the Thais with the me me first culture.

Yes, Thai visa is the only mediator between us and the Thai government.

But again, some members, spoil the whole effort by showing their ignorance and arrogance.

If I was a Thai official, I doubt I would like to help these people.

[Neeranam]

Yes, Thai visa is the only mediator between us and the Thai government.

Really?

[jcisco]

I think you need to be asking who/where your wife can be lobbying to change the laws regarding your citizenship.

The laws are fair IMHO. Why do they need to be changed?

married

working for 3 years earning 40k +

yellow house book

5000 baht fee

get enough points based on a few reasonable things(age/education/thai proficiency/length of stay in Thailand)

Yes, of course http://www.thaivisa.com/acquiring-thai-nationality.html

The barrier to entry is a little more complicated, than that short checklist would hint at.

EDIT: another example http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/562094-another-new-thai-citizen-me/

Edited August 23, 2014 by jcisco

[Mrjlh]

In every country it's the "local" native resident and the one who can "vote" that changes policy, not the immigrant. Maybe if you spoke to your wife and her relatives and even their friends and encourage them to start a movement to help Ex-pat's who live here and contribute to Thai society. Only then, and a big "maybe" would things get started. We can only provide the idea, they can provided the force behind it. It's their country, they need to be the force behind it. With a new and seemingly more common sense government in place, it may come to being. But....Good luck with that too.

[JockPieandBeans]

@ tthMan

We expats do have rights and we should be lobbying Thailand to allow us those freedoms that many Thais enjoy abroad, because without a voice we are just cattle that can be steered at the whim of the Government or an Individual, when they choose to do so. And perhaps a group can bring more international attention to the human rights aspect of the expat situation in Thailand.

To use the UK as an example. Giving rights to every minority group has led to the current state of the UK and many other Countries. I have to disagree with you, by saying that minority groups should not have a say that is to the detriment of the local population of whichever Country, those minority groups should be made to comply to the laws and customs that Country.

That is not to say that I am unsympathetic to what you are trying to say / do. I too have looked into starting a business here in Thailand, but currently deem it a non starter. I would even happily donate my time, free to the local school, if I did not have to jump through hoops to be able to do so.

In essence, I think we all, or certainly the majority of us knew the score when we decided to set up camp in Thailand. I do not think that we, as foreigners have any right to try and tell the Thai's how to run their Country.

Their Country, their rules and we should respect that.

Agreed... But its now my country... my family.... Im sure there are others here who also believe Thailand is their country.

Things dont change by remaining silent... Thats my point.

Agreed. With the exception that I see Thailand as my home, I don't think it will ever be my Country, I am not Thai and never will be.

I see your point only too well, and I will concede the point that it is a tad unfair, that a Thai can go to the UK ( for example ) and buy a house / land in their name and we cannot do the same in Thailand.

As I said on another thread, maybe the Thai's have seen the state of other Western Countries and are determined not to go down the same route.

If that is the case, then I can understand the mentality of Thailand being for Thai's, but we will put up with certain others, if we deem them to be of a benefit to Thailand and can meet or exceed certain criteria. Having seen the state the UK has become, actually, I applaud them on their stance. Although, for purely selfish reasons, it would be beneficial for me, you and others if they would change some laws / criteria.

You are correct, things do not change by remaining silent, but sometimes the more noise you make, the deeper others become entrenched.

[dagobert]

In every country it's the "local" native resident and the one who can "vote" that changes policy, not the immigrant. Maybe if you spoke to your wife and her relatives and even their friends and encourage them to start a movement to help Ex-pat's who live here and contribute to Thai society. Only then, and a big "maybe" would things get started. We can only provide the idea, they can provided the force behind it. It's their country, they need to be the force behind it. With a new and seemingly more common sense government in place, it may come to being. But....Good luck with that too.

Whould it may be possible to start up electronic patition to show support of such a thing.

[Costas2008]

Yes, Thai visa is the only mediator between us and the Thai government.

Really?

Well, haven't noticed any other site or forum, that our problems can be made public, in the 7 years I'm here.

Then again, could only be me and my incapability to search for other sites.