Business Group Calls for 5-Year Professional Visas for Expats

[gemguy]

Breaking New:

New Government Decree # 101

By Law, the citizens will not be allowed to suggest anything sensible or logical to any Government officials.

Penalties can or will include fines of up to 1 million baht and or 2 to 5 year prison terms in attitude adjustment camps under the laws of:

Anti Audacity and Conspiracy attempting to change the thinking of the Status Quo.

Cheers

[JLCrab]

<snip>.

RESULT: Thai-company closed and moved to another SEA-country where our business and Farangs was more than welcome. Today, we have over 50 fulltime staff and are continuing our growth.

<snip2>

I have no idea as to Khun Khunpa's personal circumstances with his company. However this is a list of BOI software companies (beginning with the number-names and 'A' page) so maybe his experience is not necessarily the norm

http://www.boi.go.th/index.php?page=search_promoted&primary_select=C_NAME&primary_sort=asc&secondary_select=OFF_PRO&secondary_sort=asc&language_search=English&province=all&keyword=software

Can't help but see 90% of them being in Bangkok. Another negative for Thailand, everything concentrated in a small and relatively expensive area, basically sucking available workforce away from more affordable and livable areas.

The Bangkok address may be a corporate address with workforce locations dispersed around the country especially near large universities such as those in Khon Kaen where there is a software park near KKU.

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Incidentally, the word professional gets tossed around a lot. A true professional is someone with a terminal degree. Without citing the degrees - doctors, lawyers, certified cpa's, scientists, engineers with adv degrees, teachers, etc.

People building websites and managing social media, spammers, content scribblers are not professionals.

If they are good at what they do and earn a living doing it, they are professionals.

Unfortunately, this is the common wisdom as and it is 100% wrong. Let me guess, you don't have a college degree but think of yourself as a professional?

Tradesmen, technicians, anyone in real estate, 98% of people in insurance, 50% of people in finance, general accountants, office staff, hair salon girls, it gurus and global nomads are not professionals.

You mix professionals and educated...

Simple Definition of professional

• : relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill

Are you able to build a website?Are you able to understand trade exchange? are you able to create accounting reports, fill them, find the best way to lower the taxes from a company? are you able to do a proper hair cut?

All those require specific training, skill, knowledge... and make them professionals.

Those who can do that are professionals...but I think what you write is more linked to jealousy than real opinion.

[jaywalker]

The vast majority of TVF members need not apply, as they can't even spell.

I fall into this category of highly specialized skills. I have a Thai company BEGGING me to work with them for 75,000 baht a month.

I'd rather be beat in the ass with a mad rattlesnake than take that offer.

So you prefer to be unemployed?

PS. If/ when company "begs " someone and they turn it down on the basis of money offered, said company would up the offer IF they were "begging"

The issue isn't really the money. It's the headache of them hiring me to direct a project, and then ignoring every thing I say.

I have been there done that on a couple smaller projects in Thailand.

I wouldn't take the job for 500,000 baht a month.

As for unemployed... I am not.

[jaywalker]

Could you please post your full post as I only saw Baht 75,000 which I wouldnt call an offer. That was a signing fee, right?

Why do so many people judge the attractiveness of a job by the number of zeros in the monthly salary? Is money your only motivation? If so, you have a lot to learn about life.

You are correct. Finding something you enjoy doing means more than zeros at the end.

I had a job once where all I did was sit in my truck all day and supervise a work crew.

It paid $15,000 USD a month.

I HATED it, and quit after 18 months.

[JLCrab]

< snip >

Are you able to build a website?Are you able to understand trade exchange? are you able to create accounting reports, fill them, find the best way to lower the taxes from a company? are you able to do a proper hair cut?

All those require specific training, skill, knowledge... and make them professionals.

Those who can do that are professionals...but I think what you write is more linked to jealousy than real opinion.

However if the requirements to obtain the proposed 5-year visa specifically state that one must have at a minimum a 4-year bachelors degree, that makes that observation rather moot.

Edited March 4, 2016 by JLCrab

[khunpa]

<snip>.

RESULT: Thai-company closed and moved to another SEA-country where our business and Farangs was more than welcome. Today, we have over 50 fulltime staff and are continuing our growth.

<snip2>

I have no idea as to Khun Khunpa's personal circumstances with his company. However this is a list of BOI software companies (beginning with the number-names and 'A' page) so maybe his experience is not necessarily the norm

http://www.boi.go.th/index.php?page=search_promoted&primary_select=C_NAME&primary_sort=asc&secondary_select=OFF_PRO&secondary_sort=asc&language_search=English&province=all&keyword=software

We did not make a BOI, simply because we were told it would take too long to get started. That might be our mistake, but for what I have esperienced I would not do it even as a BOI company.

Most people I know who invest and do business in Thailand do it only because they have personal interests here (a Thai-wife) and they might be in a business area with no other option than to make the company here.

[JLCrab]

Here are 3 that would dispel the lovie-dovie for location notion:

https://www.itorama.com

https://www.nomagic.com/contact/locations.html

http://www.cyber-image.com/f_prof.htm

Edited March 4, 2016 by JLCrab

[scorecard]

Makes sense, encouraging more under 50s and digital nomads to base themselves in Thailand would be a positive for the economy.

Makes sense

...and that is exactly the reason why it won't work here. It needs to make Thai sense which is slightly different.

Broad open question: Why under 50s?

Because I'm under 50.

I have no issue with older guys but the ones I've met in Bangkok typically don't want to go to the type of bars and clubs I like to go, which makes adding them as a close friend a bit pointless.

I meet and chat to older blokes all the time when I'm in certain places, but I don't form full on friendships with them where I'd call them and say let's go out for cocktails in Thonglor or let's check out Maggie Choo's tonight, because they just don't fit into that scene or lifestyle.

The reason I usually hear when I suggest those places is either "there's no bar girls.... why would you want to go there" or "I'm not going to that stuck up place, it's full of snobs"

Well duh!! That is why I am going to those places.

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

[seancbk]

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

Yes of course there is. I also enjoy other things.

However, I still think of myself as a young man and I still enjoy doing the things I did in my 30's and (earlier) 40's.

I must admit my social life in Bangkok is nothing like it was in Hong Kong. There it was about being the center of attention and having dozens of friends around me all the time. Here it's rare for me to have more than 2 or 3 friends out with me at one time.

I'm doing my best to get my social activities closer to how it was there, but it's hard to build a sizeable entourage here.

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

[phoenixdoglover]

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

Yes of course there is. I also enjoy other things.

However, I still think of myself as a young man and I still enjoy doing the things I did in my 30's and (earlier) 40's.

I must admit my social life in Bangkok is nothing like it was in Hong Kong. There it was about being the center of attention and having dozens of friends around me all the time. Here it's rare for me to have more than 2 or 3 friends out with me at one time.

I'm doing my best to get my social activities closer to how it was there, but it's hard to build a sizeable entourage here.

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

I'm calling "troll".

Or narcissist.

Good luck with your "entourage".

[Wilsonandson]

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

Yes of course there is. I also enjoy other things.

However, I still think of myself as a young man and I still enjoy doing the things I did in my 30's and (earlier) 40's.

I must admit my social life in Bangkok is nothing like it was in Hong Kong. There it was about being the center of attention and having dozens of friends around me all the time. Here it's rare for me to have more than 2 or 3 friends out with me at one time.

I'm doing my best to get my social activities closer to how it was there, but it's hard to build a sizeable entourage here.

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

I'm calling "troll".

Or narcissist.

Good luck with your "entourage".

Hello, you called!

May I be of assistance?

I thought the thread was about 5 year visa's for specialist types not the retirement home types.

[seancbk]

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

Yes of course there is. I also enjoy other things.

However, I still think of myself as a young man and I still enjoy doing the things I did in my 30's and (earlier) 40's.

I must admit my social life in Bangkok is nothing like it was in Hong Kong. There it was about being the center of attention and having dozens of friends around me all the time. Here it's rare for me to have more than 2 or 3 friends out with me at one time.

I'm doing my best to get my social activities closer to how it was there, but it's hard to build a sizeable entourage here.

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

I'm calling "troll".

Or narcissist.

Good luck with your "entourage".

I'm not really a narcissist, although I guess I have some of the traits. I definitely like looking at myself in the mirror (hahaha), I am very concerned with my appearance and what other people think of me.

I love being the center of attention and being noticed for the things I do, the things I own and the clothes I wear (etc).

Strangely though I am also very shy in certain circumstances.

I'd accept 'Player', although that has negative connotations implying someone who has a lot of girlfriends, whereas I believe in being faithful 100%, so I don't sleep around.

But I do like the 'Player' lifestyle.

'Baller' is another term I like, slightly less negative than 'Player' as it doesn't imply being unfaithful, just that you like the best things in life.

Yeah 'Baller' is more appropriate.

Now question for you. Why the negativity?

[seancbk]

I'm calling "troll".

Or narcissist.

Good luck with your "entourage".

Hello, you called!

May I be of assistance?

I thought the thread was about 5 year visa's for specialist types not the retirement home types.

LOL!

Yes the thread is supposed to be about that proposed new visa.

I just can't help it when negative people start questioning how I like to live my life and calling into question the veracity of my statements.

Troll indeed. Bangkok is an amazing city (albeit with some annoying restrictions), why shouldn't I, a younger guy, enjoy life as much as I possibly can?

Annoys me that some people can't accept that people have different priorities and interests.

Anyway, I tried to get the thread back on track once already. Let's try again.... How does a new 5 year visa affect the existing 5 year Thailand Elite Visa?

[Bangkokhatter]

Bars, clubs, cocktails.... lots more to life than that.

There is a much wider picture of happy / very happy foreigners living in Thailand who don't even know where any local bars are located. Their primary interest and joy is their family.

I'm well over 50, been here more than 3 decades, my focus has always been my marriage, my Thai son and his education, his delightful Thai wife, both now well established in their careers, and there 3 kids. My job description today is grandfather and it gives me more satisfaction and joy than I ever hoped for. Yes I do enjoy a Chang, at home or in a restaurant, mostly with family and close friends.

Yes of course there is. I also enjoy other things.

However, I still think of myself as a young man and I still enjoy doing the things I did in my 30's and (earlier) 40's.

I must admit my social life in Bangkok is nothing like it was in Hong Kong. There it was about being the center of attention and having dozens of friends around me all the time. Here it's rare for me to have more than 2 or 3 friends out with me at one time.

I'm doing my best to get my social activities closer to how it was there, but it's hard to build a sizeable entourage here.

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

Get you and your matching shoes, come on, talking about an entourage, are you some Sheik or Russian oligarch ?

To get back on topic and your question regarding the new proposal of 5 year visas vs the Elite visa and how it will affect the Elite visa, the target audience is different.

Elite visa is for those that don't work here but want to spend their downtime here without various visa hassles, and have to pay for the privelage....ideal for the oil and gas guys for example.

I would hope the new visa proposal is aimed more at people like me that work legally and have to go through the annual renewal , it really is a waste of everyone's time .

[TheWizardofRnR]

As I approach 70 and it gets difficult to get around , may I also suggest a 5 or 10yr. Visa for retirees who have been here at least 20 years ( Since I was 50 when I worked and paid taxes here, should count as part of your 20 . )

Please I live in Pattaya and the WC Ramp is scary for a Big Guy in a Wheelchair to get pushed up it , almost lost a hand as the kid helping my wife push me , almost banged me into the wall , going up the ramp that is too steep in a WC for safety sake !

Next time look for yourself , the only pix I found were to far away and too old to see any ramp ! Probably after complaining for years in Phuket Imm. a Officer came Downstairs to me, they built this office w/o a WC ramp and added it probably w/o asking how to do it right. Not too steep a slope , was all they had to do !

Edited March 7, 2016 by metisdead
Oversize font reset to normal.

[seancbk]

Perhaps when I'm well over 50 I'll feel the same as you. I'm not married yet, but I do have a lovely Thai girlfriend and we will get married when the time is right.

As a retired chap your priorities are vastly different to mine. I'm not ready to stay home when there is so much excitement waiting outside in the city!

Get you and your matching shoes, come on, talking about an entourage, are you some Sheik or Russian oligarch ?

To get back on topic and your question regarding the new proposal of 5 year visas vs the Elite visa and how it will affect the Elite visa, the target audience is different.

Elite visa is for those that don't work here but want to spend their downtime here without various visa hassles, and have to pay for the privelage....ideal for the oil and gas guys for example.

I would hope the new visa proposal is aimed more at people like me that work legally and have to go through the annual renewal , it really is a waste of everyone's time .

Back to the visa... I've not seen any mention of cost or criteria for this visa, so far it seems to just be an idea someone threw out.

I'm waiting to hear more about it.

[Rocketsurgeon]

Building WP websites, managing social media, spamming, selling proper commercial goods or dodgy promises, 'marketing'.

None of this is professional work nor will Thailand ever allow visas for aforementioned cafe surfers to obtain B visas.

A clever approach would be to issue 90 day B visas outside the country. The applicant pays a tax on their income based on last six months or a flat minimum plus fees. They would also need to show the business is registered in their home country and their tax ID number. They'd recv visa, temp WP and tax papers.

Net personal income should not be less than US50k or corporate income of 3m thb.

After six consecutive 90 day renewels they can apply for annual which should be linked to taxes and income as retirement and marriage visas.

Finally, a criteria might also be that the person does all their work entirely from an electronic device. Nothing physical or even verbal in country.

If you want to manage Thai systems for Thai companies in Thailand and it requires verbal communication, there is a visa for that.

[Rocketsurgeon]

How might this loose proposal affect Elite visas?

How would we know?

Elite visa is just a glorified TR.

Thailand is after not only legal presence here, but revenue. It will also want to be certain of minimum funding.

My marriage visa went much smoother second year, but still a pile of paperwork. Be assured any new visa will also carry a mountain of paperwork as well.

Perhaps a 90 day visa with built in tax prepayment? Say only 10% So, 10+2k thb for 90 days, without fuss or paperwork? Just corporate reg papers (lol). Overstay more than six days and you're out of the program.

[Eyespy]

What tics me off the most ,being self-employed as a travel writer / photographer,and wanting to settle back in Thailand,there is no provision VISA wise for the likes of me.Freelance-Nomad...

Edited March 7, 2016 by metisdead
Font.

[JLCrab]

A saying in US from the early 1950's goes: "What's good for General Motors is good for the Country."

Maybe this can morph into: "What's good for (fill in the name of your favorite TVF poster) is good for Thailand."

[MiKT]

The vast majority of TVF members need not apply, as they can't even spell.

I fall into this category of highly specialized skills. I have a Thai company BEGGING me to work with them for 75,000 baht a month.

I'd rather be beat in the ass with a mad rattlesnake than take that offer.

LOL really? Telling us we can't spell, then go on and make 2 bad grammar mistakes. Ass is bitten by a snake and not beat, and by a snake, not with. Only the lowest life forms pick on spelling and grammar errors, but you specifically asked for it. You failed magnificently!

This visa won't happen, it makes sense and is badly needed, an automatic No here.

Presumably beating ON the ass WITH a mad rattlesnake would satisfy your low-life-form-gramatistic instincts, or are you insistent that the poor man gets bitten in the ass? Sounds positively Freudian to me.

[Charlie1]

I think the time is ripe for combined visas.

When people are married to a Thai national and provide for the kids, have a work permit already and live and work here for a considerable time, they fulfill already the requirements for three different visas (married, business, providing for a kid)

Why not make life easier for them and issue a sort of combined visa with unlimited stay and less bureaucracy?

That would be meaningful!

[yllorco]

I doubt if it happens. If it does, it will be at a corresponding cost for 5 years for both visa and work permit.