[Go-go bars gone as coronavirus hits Bangkok's sex district]

Oh ladies... stay strong, I’ll be there soon

[Report on sentence for Thai taxi driver who killed American with a machete]

Just goes to show you should always just say Mai and walk away from insane Thai. 100 baht, 10000 baht, this is not worth your life.

 

I’ll also mention in the thousands of rides I’ve taken, I’ve never had anything representing hostility. Maybe because I’m personable and know not to start fights or continue such instances. I am a guest here, the same way I act in other nations. This does not justify any actions.

 

But, preservation in the LOS is both a numbers game and an act of ensuring that you can save face for others. The insane screaming over a certain simple instance proved this much to me, despite being the smiley happy farang. I for one consider myself lucky if the taxi or moto doesn’t have a mechanical issue while using. I set my goals low.

 

Be careful out there and know your life is forfeit if a Thai decides so.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

 

 

[Help: My son has been arrested for overstay]

OP…. I’m sorry to hear that your son has caused you a parental heartache and I hope that I can give you some information which will help you.
 
In your original post you did not mention how your son came to be in Immigration custody.  This can be important as it will have a bearing on how his case will be handled.  There are two possibilities, namely:
 
Firstly: 
If your son was arrested or stopped by the police for an unrelated immigration offence, (for example a routine police check following an accident or something more serious) the police may well have asked to see his passport and discovered that he was on overstay, and hence immigration’s involvement.
 
If he has committed an unrelated immigration offence, then that matter will need to be dealt with first by the local police and Court.  Depending what the offence was, your son could be detained in the local police cells until an initial Court appearance which is normally within a week.  Depending upon the nature of the offence, it is possible also that he may be released on bail, but he will have to surrender his passport to the Court and stay at a specified address and report to police on a regular basis until the case is formally heard.
For your information, it can take several weeks before an offence is normally tried in Court.
 
The Court will also be informed of his overstay and that matter may also be dealt with by the Court at the same time as any other offence.
 
For your information, although the fine for overstay is set at 500 THB (approximately £12) per day, the maximum fine that can be levied is 20,000 THB (approximately £494).  The Courts, however, generally reduce the overstay fine to around 3,000 to 6,000 THB.
 
Once the offence matter has been dealt with by the Court, and your son has paid any fines (or served any prison sentence) imposed by the Court, Immigration will detain your son and transfer him to the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok to await deportation.  This transfer may take several days to arrange during which time he will be detained in a local police cell, or local Immigration facility.
 
Secondly:  
 
If your son was stopped by Immigration in a ‘spot check’, and they discovered that he was on four years overstay, they (Immigration) have the power to detain and deport him from the Kingdom without the need for any Court appearance.  Immigration can also charge him the maximum fine for overstay (20,000 THB) and this will need to be paid before he is deported. 
 
If he has not committed any other offences, he will be transported to the IDC in Bangkok to await deportation.  Transfer, as mentioned above, may take several days to arrange.
 
The police/immigration should notify the Consular Section of British Embassy in Bangkok that your son has been detained, where he is being held and the reason for the detention.  Unfortunately, this can often take several days to happen.  An Embassy representative will contact your son and inform him what assistance the Embassy can, or cannot, give.  See link below
 
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/451352/Thailand_Prisoners_pack_template_-_Final_Draft_for_publishing.pdf
 
Not wishing to frighten you, but the Immigration Detention Centre in Bangkok is everyone’s worst nightmare.  Conditions there are about as bad as they can get.  So, getting him out of IDC must be a number one priority.
 
I would strongly recommend that you contact the Consular Section at the British Embassy in Bangkok, their contact details are given in the link I’ve attached above and listen to their advice.  They deal with similar problems on a daily basis and are in the best position to give you advice. 
 
The Embassy will not pay for his flight out of the Kingdom.  However, you can send the Embassy money which they in turn will deposit in an account for him which will be held by the IDC.  The Embassy will make a charge for this service. 
 
Your son will not be allowed any personal possessions or physical money whilst in the IDC, but he can debit his account held by IDC in order to pay for better food, drinking water, mattress or other essentials etc. which he can request the guards to obtain for him.  He will also need funds available to pay for his flight out of the Kingdom.
 
Regarding his flight, again the Embassy staff will best advise you on this matter.  Generally speaking, Immigration will want the deportee to be flow back to their home country by a single carrier, without stops, whenever possible.  This should not be a problem as there are several carriers that fly direct between Bangkok and the UK.
 
I strongly advise that you, or his friends, do not purchase a ticket for him without talking to Immigration first as Immigration need to approve the flight before a booking is confirmed so that they can arrange transport from the IDC to the airport.  This can take a couple of days to arrange. 
 
It has been reported that when family or friends have obtained a ticket without Immigration approval the individual was not transported to the airport in time to catch the flight and as a result the airline considers it to be a ‘no show’, which means no refund and having to purchase another expensive ticket.
 
You need to be aware that a single ticket from Bangkok to the UK, booked at relatively short notice e.g. a couple of days, will be expensive – single fares tend to be 2/3rd the cost of a normal return flight and the short notice booking inevitably attracts a higher premium charge.
 
Once a flight has been approved and booked, Immigration will transport your son from the IDC in Bangkok to the airport.  At the airport your son will be taken to the airport detention facility until his flight is ready to board.  His passport will be given to the flight crew and this will be returned to him when he exits the plane in the UK.
 
For your information…  Your son will be banned from entering Thailand for the next 10 years.  This may present him with a problem if he has property and bank accounts here, but that is the least of his problems for now.  Get him out of IDC ASAP.
 
I hope this information has been helpful and best of luck.

So now he has become a burden on his family because of his irresponsible actions. Sounds like someone that has all the right cards.

Also, giving advice to a criminal is against forum rules.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Help: My son has been arrested for overstay]

Nobody is entitled to squat in or emigrate to any country. This is true for any nation worldwide. It is only Europe and USA that allow and encourage welfare leeches to break the law and enter the nation in order to rake in benefits.

 

If there were jailtime for such obvious violators, there would be more time for immigration to spend on the law abiding tax paying farang and not the overstaying jokers who can’t even survive in their homeland.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

[Success opening BKK Bank account]

The thing that matters most is having someone who banks there that can introduce you. If said introducer is respected and has much activity there, they won't bother asking for much of anything else, except your passport. Everything else is just window dressing.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

A small update on this topic. Me and my girlfriend are leaving the LOS this month, and never returning. In just three long months I've learned alot about this country, outside of peeking at the TV forums. But, needless to say, we have brighter grass ahead of us in her homeland.

 

Thanks for anyone with any input into this topic. I didn't expect it to be so popular. ????

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

2 hours ago, impulse said:

If you want to climb a mountain, I'd ask the guys who have already been to the top, not the guys who camp out in the lodge and come up with reasons not to even try it.

 

Bangkok, Chiang Mai and some other locations have shared work spaces where digital nomads rock up and do what they do.  You won't find them posting visa advice on TVF, for various reasons.  Mostly because they have better things to do, and obviously don't get a lot of respect here.

 

On your next trip, find some of those shared work spaces and ask the folks who may not have reached the top of the mountain yet, but are further along the path than the lodge.

 

 

Thank you for the input. I'll keep this in mind next time I'm in Bangkok. I'll beat the pavement and learn all I can personally from people in similar positions. ????

 

2 hours ago, ukrules said:

If you're going to incorporate in Thailand and have a Thai business partner who you trust with 51% of 'your' private companies shares then sure, start hiring and give yourself a job. This is an easy process from what I understand.

 

If you're an American then look into Amity treaty companies, not sure on the rules for those but I believe you might be able to actually own all of your company instead of 49% or BOI like someone else mentioned.

 

Or, just setup a small office in Thailand employing the minimum number of people to get yourself a visa / work permit and contract with your offshore entity whatever it is / wherever it is.

 

You mention military application, it's not bomb detectors is it ? LOL, someone already tried that.

 

 

I am American, so Amity seems like a good choice. 51/49 ownership with 49% having preferred voting rights is perfectly acceptable and rather common, isn't it? But in my case yes I believe 100% would be fine. Hiring requirements and otherwise are all the same I believe, 4 Thai workers = 1 visa for you, the farang trying to get the visa. Not too bad of an option, especially if you can make a profit doing it.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

5 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

The CEO reference was to show/highlight over inflated ego. Read post over and over. Demonstrates exaggerated idea perception of Thailand and crapping on about state edge technology. Need  to get a grip as you do.

Jackdd, just gave best advice on this foolish thread. Come live los on METV or other options and take it from there. Talk about "walk before you can crawl".... This thread takes the cake. 

 

I have over 50 employees. I'd say keep your posts constructive. ????

6 hours ago, onera1961 said:

I did check smart visa (s) category a while back. I think your start up must participate in an approved incubator program. I think you should first talk to incubator programs (like dTac Accelerate). There are dozens in Thailand who are focussed on various technologies of Thailand 4.0.

 

There is a vetting process otherwise every digital nomad will become Smart Visa (S) applicant. 

This is visa for scientists, engineers, executive of tech companies, and  investors willing to put up at least 20 million. It is not designed for drop-shippers, crypto traders, affiliate marketers, bloggers, or Amazon sellers. 

 

Or you can be an employee of a Thailand 4.0 industry and get a Smart visa (T)

If you're on to revolutionary technologies go to Silicon Valley and and find angel investors who can invest into your technology or you can find angel investors in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, or India. 

 

I'll seek out consultation and reach out to some relevant firms. If it's really as easy as being hired to a new tech company, then that is very ideal. This is something I'm highly interested in so I will persue it alongside long term residency. The S-class SMART visa has slightly different requirements, listed on the SMART visa web portal. As you can see, the biggest requirement is getting the nod from the DEPA or NIA. As of this point it means I'm waiting a decision from them. In this case I'll let that process play out while still working otherwise.

 

I would, for example, just go the land investment route, but I still would like some clarity on wether working from home would run me afoul of the work rules. An amity treaty company seems like another good choice as well. I'll speak more about what may be most viable. SMART would be nice, but seems more like a prestige visa compared to some of the others.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

Thank you all for the input. I've done more research and reached out to Siam Legal in order to get a one year non-immigrant visa, which would be the first step for me on my journey to eventual residency once there's enough "time under the belt" so-to-speak. A SMART visa would be extraordinary, but I won't give up hope and I'll await to hear from DEPA anyways!

 

Marriage is also of course an option. ☺️ I'll keep this thread up to date on my "trials and tribulations" as they come.. I plan to be here for a long time and write about this country more.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

5 minutes ago, JLCrab said:

Marriage maybe -- but I would guess that under the Start-up option of the SMART Visa, it would be a matter of whether you have a 'cutting edge' technology that is exactly what a relevant authorized Thai agency is already looking for, or, that you have to convince an authorized Thai agency that you have a 'cutting edge' technology that is exactly what they should be looking for.

 

This is why I am speaking with the DEPA specifically, as the technology has military applications. I believe I offer a compelling case and argument in many ways. Just hoping to get some advice from anyone in a similar position, but I assume it's hard to find.

 

I'll look into the marriage visa more, that's always a suggestion from people I run into there ("Marry me") ????

 

13 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Seriously your starting to sound very naive. You mention "country I love" ....  reading your op seems perhaps your first visit. Doesn't matter, all the talk about your the CEO..etc. I like enthusiasm but as the USA series title "Curb your enthusiasm". As I posted earlier, your " honesty or rather sales pitch" will fall on Thai deaf ears. Which again shows your bit ahead of yourself. As JLcrab stated. MARRY.

Or as I suggested buy an elite visa. 

 

 

An elite visa does not allow work, and I telecommunicate and work 24/7, so I'd rather not run afoul of that due to a technicality. I suppose I could ask about the details regarding my specific case but I've heard stories of the elite visa not being such a golden pass as many say it is.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

Just now, JLCrab said:

Marriage.

 

This was an option I was considering. The Thai government wouldn't think I'm trying to game the system, I hope? I just want to make sure everything is on the up and up. I'm not trying to find loopholes as a guest in a nation I love. If it's common for people in my position to do that, then I'd feel better about it.

[The best path to becoming a long-term visa holder as a non-retiree, working-age tech entrepreneur.]

Hello, I've recently returned from a journey into Thailand. I must say that this beautiful country left quite the impression on me. All across this country I ran into people who gave me lots of confidence and trust in the people of this land.

 

I am young. Only 25. I currently run my own tech business, focused in an extremely competitive industry on the cutting edge of technology. I work in a very high demand field in a disruptive industry, and dedicate every day to what I do. I work from home and have made myself quite comfortable. You could consider me a CEO.

 

I've been looking into options for people who fit a mould like mine. Successful independently, with a skillset in a niche tech industry positioned for disruptive growth, and a desire to cooperate as many ways as I can alongside the digital development and other growth-oriented departments of the Thai government.

 

To this end, I discovered the SMART visa. The SMART visa program reads like it was designed for people just like me! The SMART visa has the S ("Startup") class, which would be what I'd imagine I would fit under considering my field and how we have not established our operative entity yet.

 

My plan is this:

1. File SMART visa S-class ("startup") application

2. Get endorsement from DEPA

3. Gather all required materials in digital and physical form, originals included

4. Go to Thailand, speak directly to immigration division in government complex, explain them what I'd like to do and see if there's any way to get worked through as quickly as possible. File extension of my 30 day visa and see if there's anything I need to do to speed up the process.

5. Wait to hear from immigration.

6. If approved for the SMART visa, I would immediately move to establish my entity in Thailand following all applicable laws and advice from the DEPA or other agencies, and work to satisfy the SMART visa requirements long before the 1 year period is up.

 

I would like to begin living long term as soon as possible in Thailand, hence why I am going back already. I would like to show them I am serious about becoming a proud contributor to these innovative programs and help entice others from my industry to look more into this great nation.

 

 

I suppose my question is, what is the best option to work into a long term non-retirement and non-work visa, for someone who is independently successful and can prove they have the funds and ability to create their own entity and operation. I believe the purpose of the SMART visa is geared for this, but I'd be curious if there's any other classes I'm seeming to miss in my searches. I could easily achieve the minimum term deposit requirements and be able to establish our entity in Thailand using consultation from my legal team.

 

Would a SMART S-class "Startup" visa be a good option for me? Or is there another path designed for single entrepreneurs with a track record of success and ability to innovate? I am willing and able to work in any way possible. I've already contacted the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and I see there is a medical certificate and a police report requirement. I also have applied for both Thailand-eligible medical coverage and have a gold US-based plan. Is this a strict requirement in these cases, for all of this documentation? I would like to know if I'm on the right path here, or if there's some simpler option that I could work with meanwhile?

 

Example, the required documentation for SMART applicants:

https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/document/SMART_S.pdf

 

I'm planning to work fully on the SMART process and try to cooperate with the DEPA as best as I can to bring my industry to the shores of Thailand. Could anyone give advice for a young entrepreneur who has discovered a deep love for the Thai people? I will be visiting Thailand again at the end of the month, in order to setup my new lodging and go directly to the offices involved with all of my documentation required. I figure I can always get better service directly at the agencies. My closest consulate is a 6 hour flight away anyways. Must I pick up and file an application at a consulate here in the US or would I be okay to go directly to immigration in Thailand with proper documentation (a US-based medical certification, for example, I hear that a Thai-based medical examination certificate can be seen as less legitimate).

 

Advice, thoughts? I'd love to have a long term visa and be able to work on integration without having the time limit breathing down my neck. I suppose I can extend to a 60 day visa on my stay but that's ultimately not what I'm looking for. I'd like to live in and establish my entity here in Thailand, so hoping there's someone with a similar experience who can share a good path forward and if I've got the right idea.

 

Thanks in advance. Happy to join this forum and chat with you blokes. I truly do love this country and want to see it become a great powerhouse in nascent tech industries.

 

-FDHT69