At last, someone of no lesser standing than Associate Professor Kalapapruek Piwthongngam, Director of the Isaan Centre for Business and Economics, Faculty of Management Science, Khon Kaen University confirms what we have known for years. His recent study shows that an Isaan woman married to a farang will receive approximately B9,600/month for her family to help with expenses. The study also shows that the GDP of the north-east was boosted by B8.7bn especially in retail, wholesale, automotive and engine repairs as well as household items. However, the best figures would be those that show 747,084 jobs were created.

Doing a quick bit of arithmetic I have no doubt that I not only do my share but that of a few others as well. My guess is that there would be a lot of others out there like me. Now, if only the government would recognise this report and go some ways to reciprocating and say relax the visa and reporting conditions, there would be a lot of happy people in Thailand.

Yes I see where you are going with that point of view.

However its my belief that no one actually cares about the Issan woman at all.

If the farang wasn't paying the money the woman would be absorbed into the community somehow and still survive.

Actually the Govt probably think the money paid to the Issan woman is wasted.

Thats not what I feel about the resultant increased economy created by the farang but thats what I reckon the Thai's think about it.

Yep a bit of a double guess.

Nothing to do with this underestimated report but TIT, I'm on my way out of here.

I have no problem with the once a year VISA extension, and the 90 Day Reporting I do by mail, very easy. I do wish they would allow me to become a citizen after being on a one year extension for over 7 years now, and I haven't left the country for over five. I also wish they would allow me to join the Social Security plan at say ฿1,500 a month, which is what my employer and I were paying combined when I was employed.

Link to the report in The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/11/17/national/national_30019207.php

I agree. Doubt this will change anything b/c Thais make everything/do everything/create everything/own everything and know everything. And I suspect to some Thailand is the "hub" of The Universe.

I have no problem with the once a year VISA extension, and the 90 Day Reporting I do by mail, very easy. I do wish they would allow me to become a citizen after being on a one year extension for over 7 years now, and I haven't left the country for over five. I also wish they would allow me to join the Social Security plan at say ฿1,500 a month, which is what my employer and I were paying combined when I was employed.

Could you tell me/us how you do the 90 Day Reporting by mail? Great way....nice. Sorry if I'm a bit off topic.

from here:

http://www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php?page=90days

Notification by registered mail

1. Photocopy of passport pages with following pages
   - front page showing name / surname / Passport No., ect.
   - current visa
   - last entry stamp of immigration
   - last extension of visa
2. Photocopy of departure card TM.6 click to view Example TM.6 card
3. Previous notifications of staying over 90 days (if any) click to view Example document
4. Completely filled in and signed notification form TM.47 click to view Example document (Don't forget to sign name.)
5. Envelope with 10 Baht stamp affixed and return address of foreigner for the officer in charge to send back the lower part of form TM. 47 after having received the notification. This part must be kept for reference and for future notifications of staying over 90 days.
6. The above mentioned documents must be sent by registered mail and the receipt of the registration kept by the foreigner.
   Send the mail before the renewal date 15 days to Immigration office

   Notice :
   - Your registered mail must be sent to the Immigration office at least 15 days before the due date of notification.
   - Your new form will be stamped as of the expiration date of your old receipt.
   - Please keep your receipt of your registered mail in case of lost mail.
   - Your document can not be processed if you have passed the 90 days limit. ( You must come to the nearest immigration office or Immigration Division 1 in person to pay fine 2,000 Baht)
   - Waiting for reply mail over 1 month, please contact Immigration Office with your registered mail receipt.

Yes I see where you are going with that point of view.

However its my belief that no one actually cares about the Issan woman at all.

If the farang wasn't paying the money the woman would be absorbed into the community somehow and still survive.

Actually the Govt probably think the money paid to the Issan woman is wasted.

Thats not what I feel about the resultant increased economy created by the farang but thats what I reckon the Thai's think about it.

Yep a bit of a double guess.

Pretty sad beliefs you have, as well as what you 'reckon' to be fact

Glad your beliefs and reckonings are that of a minority

/Closed - discussion moved over to news topic here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/770487-farang-husbands-providing-massive-boost-to-isaan-economy/