metisdead Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 Some offensive posts and the replies have been removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nout Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 51 minutes ago, DiDiChok said: I puzzle about why nobody has suggested that all these "schemes" are in fact simply a way of getting not a better deck hair, but a different deck chair on the Titanic? Everyone is searching strenuously for the best set of rules to live by in Thailand, and that is laudable but pointless. What makes Thailand so attractive is that there are lots of rules to choose from that can be implemented in a myriad of ways and what worked yesterday almost certainly has no chance of working today. When I first arrived to stay, I tried to make lists of how to get certain things done. I soon gave that up and started "surfing the flow" as I call it. I suppose that there must be someone somewhere who understands the Thai psyche and the rules of "face" and "Greng jai" but I've been happy ever since I gave up trying. The Thai motto seems to be "Live for today" combined with the Buddhist "All life is suffering". But they can never be accused of not being inventive when trying to find a solution agreeable to everyone for a problem and that's fine by me. It's "Up to you" then to use the tools you're given to achieve a personal solution that's acceptable to you. Great post. You live here. Most people on this forum do not and have no idea about Thais or Thailand hence the rubbish and hate directed at thais by ignorant Thai bashers and haters. Sad negative people leading sad negatives unable to see positive potential but always see misery and negativity. Its great to know they are not here and in the case of the moaning aussies can't come here .. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bim Smith Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 7 hours ago, GeorgeCross said: they've got to start somewhere, give them a chance to at least get this up and running then the numbers should scale upwards easily Like the medical tourists. 126 so far. Big up. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nout Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 40 minutes ago, Trujillo said: So...again for us old, retired folks...why can a student return to Thailand but a retiree can't? Please tell me the logic again. They will eventually. You are not just front of the queue. Chill out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post herfiehandbag Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 I think we must accept that the new visa arrangements, with quarantine and insurance, are crafted to allow"new visitors, or more properly, new money. A consortium have exerted their influence to set up a scheme whereby a limited number of high spending tourists will be allowed to enter the country for longish periods. They will purchase insurance from certain companies, stay in quarantine facilities provided by certain companies, and stay in hotels and resorts owned by certain companies. No doubt those certain companies comprise the consortium which has arranged this visa. It has nothing to do with allowing those wanting to renew or extend visas, whether inside the country or locked out of the country. It has nothing to do with resurrecting anything from the debris of the utterly ruined tourist industry, they never benefited from it before, and couldn't care less about it now. Their only interest, if any, will be to acquire plum assets at fire sale prices for future ventures - casino complex on the seafront in Pattaya anyone? Put bluntly, those with influence perceive no benefit to themselves from those wanting to renew or extend visas, so they don't care. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Wake Up Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 My extension of stay is up in December and I have lived in Bangkok almost 5 years. I don’t have a condo, car, wife, thai kids and I took my 800 k out of the bank. I am fortunate to be able to live anywhere and I spend money. I enjoyed Bangkok and traveling Thailand and supporting some isaan families through their daughters. I like Thailand ladies and freedom. The odds of me now buying a condo, buying a car, playing golf three times a week and marrying a Thai woman and supporting her family are now zero. I don’t need the hassle in life. It is their country but it is my money and time. No hard feelings but I do feel for the poor thais who are being hurt by their government. I understand some retired guys are happy they are in Thailand and costs are going down and the economy will be bad so their pension will give them a better life and they will not get Covid. But those of us with money and choices and empathy think the Thai government only cares about itself and the elite minority. Look forward to coming one day as a tourist when there are no quarantines, the bars and girls are back at work and it is easy to travel to Bangkok. Until then lots of isaan families are in real trouble. Sellers of condos, houses and cars have little to no buyers. And Thais that live off tourism and retirees supporting girls are financially screwed. Sad really but Thailand is like a bad stock right now that no one is buying until new management takeS over and makes radical changes to the current business model. 12 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post connda Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, steevjee said: I'm in Victoria and the truth is that the vast majority here are in support of the strict lockdown measures, why? For the same reason that the German public supported Hitler and his autocratic Utopian dream when he came to power? His rule provided a new sense of safety and future prosperity for the German people who were utterly beaten down over the previous decade. But who studies history? Personally I find the general public's quick embrace of global autocratic rule to be profoundly disturbing, especially in commonwealth countries which are suppose to be the beacons of liberty in a "Free World." The general public in places like Australia gladly embraces the phantom spectre of a new normal that offers 'safety' and 'prosperity' if only the plebs submit to the rule of the new autocratic leaders and their scientific experts. Conformity, comrades, is the 'safe' way forward to a New Normal future! And in the meanwhile, snitch on your neighbours and be rewarded by your leaders! <heel click, salute> Yeah, I find this development rather terrifying. I do study history. Edited September 16, 2020 by connda 7 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post thetravelbee Posted September 16, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted September 16, 2020 (edited) Thai Government had no regard at all for many of us foreigners that own Properties in Thailand. Together with other specific groups (i.e. family/couple reunion, resume on going health treatment etc..) property owners also should have been given the priority to go back and look after their investment(s), without having to be subjected to stupid, useless, costly and time consuming additional procedures. What a scam ! The attitude of the Thai authorities re the Covid 19 and how they to it respond is neurotic at best bordering hyteria. The lack of sheer common sense and good jugement befuddeling ! Edited September 16, 2020 by thetravelbee Missing text 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sraisin Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 6 hours ago, Brunolem said: And for the time being, Thailand is probably better off the way it is than, for example, emulating Australia's Victoria totalitarian nightmare... The Australian situation was due to Am unplanned incident following poor judgement by an individual and arguably bad decisions surrounding the security at quarantine hotels. it was not a consequence of any reopening plan so I don’t understand the relevance. It does show how easy one single error can result in a significant outbreak and widespread infection. I am sure even the experts in disease control are learning every day and rewriting the books and models. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaZa9 Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 I ask again , what is wrong with 800,00 baht a year ? How many tourist drop 800,000 baht while they are here ? How many Thais spend 800,000 a year ? Forget all the ins and outs of who in Thailand gets the money, you will never control that , just be satisfied 800k arrives and is spent , and next year yet another 800,000 is SPENT ! Take the money ! Encourage the expats to stay on , and stop making they feel victimized , so they leave . Once they leave , I doubt even a few ever want to come back. Its simple , the expats are already here. By all means , check their expenditures , you do that already. So there's two 'alreadys'. Take care of your existing 'customers' , and they will once again promote Thailand to their countrymen as they once did , and all these ''schemes" and expenditures promoting them will not be necessary. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grusa Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 I have a cunning plan. I don't even want credit for thinking it up, so any civil servant can pick it up and run with it. Open the borders. Every person/family group entering is assigned a government assigned "minder" for ¿14? days to ensure/enforce compliance rules: minimum wage plus subsistence expenses and tips, chargeable to the "tourist". Substantial fines for delinquency, 80% to the minder. Draconian fines/jail to the minder for detected corruption. Not too expensive, provides employment to the tourist industry, does not majorly impact on freedom of movement within the country. Much cheaper than ASQ, and allows use of any and all tourist infrastructure, within conditions. This is not dissimilar to tourist arrangements in PRC, albeit for political reasons, when I visited some 40 years ago, day trip from HK. Only difference was, had to buy non-exchangeable currency. Bought $10 (US) spent $7, lost the rest, could hardly carry the goodies..........? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BernieOnTour Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 5 hours ago, hansnl said: On average bringing inti the country 50,000 Baht, per month that is. If that would really be the average amount, retirees are spending per month: Then I would understand that Thai officials aren’t really keen to get these guys back. ... however, I assume, you are drastically underestimating the spending power of us retirees ... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetroGTAndrew Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 8 hours ago, Berti said: Why wealthy? The visa costs 2.000.- Baht. Yep, and the ~50% inflated flight prices plus circa ฿30K for 14 days full board at an ASQ Hotel...... Andrew 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnarth Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 hansnl has the answer rich not get our money end of story Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BernieOnTour Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 Just now, RetroGTAndrew said: Yep, and the ~50% inflated flight prices plus circa ฿30K for 14 days full board at an ASQ Hotel...... Andrew ???????? Before you calculate only 30k THB for an ASQ Hotel, I would recommend to talk before to people, who where imprisoned in these cheap (and often not available) ASQ hotels .... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RetroGTAndrew Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 1 minute ago, BernieOnTour said: ???????? Before you calculate only 30k THB for an ASQ Hotel, I would recommend to talk before to people, who where imprisoned in these cheap (and often not available) ASQ hotels .... You're probably right!, That was however based on quick glance at a list of ASQ hotels reviewed......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerraplaneGuy Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 6 hours ago, mlkik said: As someone who has a non o retirement extention and visited my elderly Mother in the UK early March I have not been allowed to return. ...... Some people have said that this new tourist visa will be ideal for people like myself. I dissagree as I have an extention that is valid for another 4 months and a re entry permit. Why should I have to change this and apply for a tourist visa ? ... I understand your anger at not wanting to pay for a new tourist visa. But you speak of "change this ..." and I wonder if you think you'd have to somehow give up your retirement extension to get the new tourist visa? I wouldn't have thought so. I too have a retirement extension and I assumed that if I left Thailand I could return on the new tourist visa but still keep my extension in effect. I didn't think they would revoke it. Does anyone know? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy John Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 It would work if it was done right, but it won't be done right. What I want to know is will they admit they got it wrong in three or 5 months...or will they doctor the figures to make it look good? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacessit Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 1 hour ago, davidmann said: YES Nonsense. If they want to get rid of retirees, all they would have to do is start refusing extensions. That's a bridge too far, even for this lot. The Thai wives and GF's of retirees would be raising hell on social media, they have enough problems as it is with young Thais. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaigrifter Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, connda said: Another sage newbie with a couple of hundred posts telling those with a decade or more living experience in the LOS that "if you don't like it then don't let the door hit ya in the behind." Sadly, that sort of overused, worn-out cliche increasingly emanates from TV members who are not generally active on the forum and who seem to have just shown up to give the wasp nest a good whack or two. For what purpose? Yeah well, there ya go..... He's not wrong though is he? Edited September 16, 2020 by thaigrifter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterphuket Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 9 hours ago, Berti said: There are many tourism workers but they are still a minority. The majority is still in panic when it comes to Corona. We have to acknowledge that they are building up a quarantine industry to let in foreigners, but somehow I get the feeling they want to get rid of retirees. Yes I'm an retiree but I support also my Thai GF and her children, I bring also the money to this country. Perhaps more on an annual basis than tourists. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lacessit Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 10 minutes ago, TerraplaneGuy said: I understand your anger at not wanting to pay for a new tourist visa. But you speak of "change this ..." and I wonder if you think you'd have to somehow give up your retirement extension to get the new tourist visa? I wouldn't have thought so. I too have a retirement extension and I assumed that if I left Thailand I could return on the new tourist visa but still keep my extension in effect. I didn't think they would revoke it. Does anyone know? If the extension expires before you have a chance to get back into Thailand to apply for a further extension, the only option is the new tourist visa. I'm assuming if the extension has not expired, you are then able to renew it once you are in Thailand. I could be wrong. It's all looking like the usual confusion to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HampiK Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 Yes, the government should consider people with extension to let them in soon. But as I see there are still many Thais outside which are not allowed to come back yet, because there are not enough repatriate flights available. So you can complain about government, but on the other side some other countries also have restrictions. And the Thai government of course want to help first the Thais, which is understandable. Even when I would be stuck outside not would like it. And about let in all Tourists, we already see now with the actual setup there are always popping up some new cases of COVID affected persons who came back to Thailand (Thais and foreigners). What would be the best, as always is easy to complain but not easy to give a really better option. Everybody who is stuck outside tells, that they should be considered first. And i "guess" the retirement parts is a bigger parts, so better to let them wait else the Thais outside will have even more competition! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCP108 Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 47 minutes ago, TerraplaneGuy said: I understand your anger at not wanting to pay for a new tourist visa. But you speak of "change this ..." and I wonder if you think you'd have to somehow give up your retirement extension to get the new tourist visa? I wouldn't have thought so. I too have a retirement extension and I assumed that if I left Thailand I could return on the new tourist visa but still keep my extension in effect. I didn't think they would revoke it. Does anyone know? I thought you could only have one active/valid visa at a time, not overlapping ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomazbodner Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 3 hours ago, flyfrog said: And what about the stranded tourists here? They all have to leave on the 26th? Why don't they get any extension 90 days?? Can make some extra money with that no? Sure they could. Maybe they could offer them 20 year Elite visas at double the price? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Maneval Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 10 hours ago, Pottinger said: At last, a very concise and cogent critique of exactly how little difference present plans will make. One thing for sure, it will make a huge difference to the ability of the country to get the economy back. At least 90%+ of all folks like me who want to go back to their home in Thailand, will not, as long as these ridiculous requirements are in place. I feel sorry for the middle and low income people of Thailand, they are dying a sudden death. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micmichd Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 1 hour ago, TerraplaneGuy said: I understand your anger at not wanting to pay for a new tourist visa. But you speak of "change this ..." and I wonder if you think you'd have to somehow give up your retirement extension to get the new tourist visa? I wouldn't have thought so. I too have a retirement extension and I assumed that if I left Thailand I could return on the new tourist visa but still keep my extension in effect. I didn't think they would revoke it. Does anyone know? I have a multiple-entry OM visa and I left Thailand a couple of times. No problem coming back to Thailand. But that was in pre-covid times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert bloggs Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 4 hours ago, Brunolem said: Sources? 100,000 baht a month on average??? not in our house nowhere near ,and we live quite well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George FmplesdaCosteedback Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 9 hours ago, Enzian said: I'll probably be able to renew my retirement status this December, but if at some point next year I'm faced with the choice of staying in-country indefinitely or leaving and staying out indefinitely or forever, I'll crack and leave. It looks increasingly like I will face the same dilemma early next year too, and I have a 15 month old daughter to care for. I will have to go to settle my pension claim I think, but it looks like it will be very difficult to return. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khunPer Posted September 16, 2020 Share Posted September 16, 2020 IMO It's even more wrong to kick out the "stranded" tourists now, as they are already Covid-19 safe, and many wish to stay and spend money in the country, and they might benefit local turnover more than wealthy snowbirds. There might even be 15,000 of them already here,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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