Why does the Thai govt. make it so hard for me to spend a lot of money in Thailand.

[ThomasAJ]

During the last month of researching about the best visa for me I kept thinking to myself "why why why is it all so hard when all I want to do is spend a lot of money in Thailand and improve their balance of payments".

I want to go in and out of the country freely whenever I choose, spend lots of $s there that are earned overseas, but I have to jump through hoops to get a 1 year non-immigrant B visa, AND soon it will no longer be available.

Does anyone know of a good reason other than pure conjecture.

Something like - on a certain date (approx) the minister/govt official said...

[jacksam]

You can obtain several visa waiver to thailand(for many nationalities).

These can be extended. You can also obtain tourist visas with perhaps two or three entries in your own country.

I think Thailand is extremely flexible. They have to protect themselves against people working here. Overall I feel they are very flexible towards genuine tourists. On top of that, for people like myself (over 50) , I can live here.

Of course they also allow visa extensions based on marriage.

Not so flexible in my country AU.

HOW about your country??

With all your wealth you can even buy an elite card.

What's the fuss

[glegolo]

Maybe because this is how the world looks like, even your own country (probably USA) doesnt freely and willingly open up their borders for whoever.....

Glegolo

[ratcatcher]

Are you of the age where you can get a Non Immigrant "O" and use that method? Maybe Cambodia, Burma or Viet Nam would be more receptive to your wealth?

The only reason I can think of is TIT.

[Langsuan Man]

They want you to pay for a Thai Elite Card, that way they can insure that you are not a cheap charley but a quality tourist

Brilliant marketing concept, make the free or minimal cost way too complicated and inflexible, that way people will pay a small fortune for the convenience

[KhunBENQ]

Reasons: no explicit statement/timing for that.

An ever ongoing battle between the desire of getting money out of tourists and the xenophobic fear of foreigners that might exploit the country (illegal work, criminal activities).

Some good reasons to be suspicious about the second group.

I you are over 50 go the Non O-A visa route. Gives you up to two years of free movement in/out (with a little planning and not cost a fortune).

Are you?

[samran]

You can turn up unannounced here can't you?

Try being a Thai citizen and turn up unannounced to your home country and then come back and tell us about how hard thailand is making it for you...

[Petchou]

How is it easy for other nationalities to access even with right resources to most falangs countries?

Time to stop complaining... If you respond to requirements, things are quiet simple and you can get one year visa with multiple entries for peanuts.

[OJAS]

I think that the simple answer to your "problem" would be to meet and marry a Thai woman. Believe you me, based on my experience, your "teerak" would then be more than willing to provide you with whatever assistance you might need in spending a lot of money in Thailand!

AND you would then become eligible for a long-stay non-O visa and subsequent annual extensions of stay based on being married to her!!

There you have it - 2 birds killed with 1 stone!!!

[paz]

How is it easy for other nationalities to access even with right resources to most falangs countries?

Time to stop complaining... If you respond to requirements, things are quiet simple and you can get one year visa with multiple entries for peanuts.

The difference is that "falang countries" are often of high average income and resources, while Thailand is not.

And to "respond to requirement" is just another way of saying "if you're younger than me, or unmarried, go away".

[ldiablo]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

[pigeonjake]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

and you have proof of this,,,???

many posters have given good reasons and you come up with this,,,lol

[brewsterbudgen]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

Why? What did you do?

[mrtoad]

If the OP is he high roller he claims he is, then should be no problem getting a Thai Elite card, or for the top high rollers an ED visa.

[MrWorldwide]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

BS - they dont want SOME of us here, and in some cases I dont blame the Thais at all. The problem with this crackdown hasnt been the stated aim - to expel those working illegally in Thailand - it has been the implementation. If there are individual IOs with an axe to grind, then they've had ample opportunity to do so - in the OPs case he hasnt even gotten that far but on paper he sees like an ideal candidate for the Elite Visa.

[TomYumpoochai]

Reasons: no explicit statement/timing for that.

An ever ongoing battle between the desire of getting money out of tourists and the xenophobic fear of foreigners that might exploit the country (illegal work, criminal activities).

Some good reasons to be suspicious about the second group.

I you are over 50 go the Non O-A visa route. Gives you up to two years of free movement in/out (with a little planning and not cost a fortune).

Are you?

Have you tried getting an O-A in the uk? I was quite happy shelling out for a non O when i hit 50. Now i can only get an O-A from london and only after getting certified that i dont have a couple of african based diseases or drug addiction and the 3rd stage of clap

.......find a doctor that will test you for that lot in the uk. Mine just looked at me as if i was drunk.....

[HooHaa]

i would suggest it is because you think a few bucks entitle you to do what you please.

[RolandRat]

OMG ! Another wannabe, how many more lying gits are come here spouting rubbish.

If you got than much money mate why you so bothered about accessing a "cheap" country long term. That speaks volumes !! Spending your SAS or Special forces pension too huh...mmwwwaaahhhhhh

[vantam]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

hey man, you got it right.

they really don't want us here.

True.

glad to see someone who speaks honestly here.

[Time Traveller]

ThomasAJ, just write them a check and shut up already.

Your problem is solved

[SoiBiker]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

Why should they?

[paz]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

Why should they?

So why the both of you are staying where you feel to not be wanted ?

[SoiBiker]

Because quite honestly they don't really want us here.

Why should they?

So why the both of you are staying where you feel to not be wanted ?

I don't feel strongly about it either way. I'm not needy enough to get upset about whether the locals want me here or not.

[FritsSikkink]

It is not hard at all if you have that much money just buy an Thai Elite Card.

[Digitalnomade]

wanted or not, I stay!

[Squeegee]

"I claim to or actually have money therefore I should get everything I want."

Bring on the apocalypse, that'll sort the wheat from the chaff.

[puukao]

I told the street merchant, "I give you 3 million baht!!!!" They replied, "10 baht." I say, "NO, 3 million baht I give you and no change!!!' Another response, "10 baht." UGGGGG!!!!!

later that night I was mugged by a few farang.

[mrtoad]

OMG ! Another wannabe, how many more lying gits are come here spouting rubbish.

If you got than much money mate why you so bothered about accessing a "cheap" country long term. That speaks volumes !! Spending your SAS or Special forces pension too huh...mmwwwaaahhhhhh

Well if The OP is so loaded, he won't have any problems. Likely case is, he's another Digital Pikey

[darkian]

Well if The OP is so loaded, he won't have any problems. Likely case is, he's another Digital Pikey

What's a Digital Pikey?

[HooHaa]

Well if The OP is so loaded, he won't have any problems. Likely case is, he's another Digital Pikey

What's a Digital Pikey?

it is a derisive term a claque lifelong salarymen, labourers and pensioners on here apply to those who make a living on the internet on their own terms and whose youth and unmarried status make it difficult to live and work in thailand due to an absence of visa to suit their circumstance.