"The Stranded": Highlighting the plight of expats unable to return to Thailand; #2 Retirees

[teacherclaire 1,859]

"I keep an apartment in Patong (Phuket) but mostly stay elsewhere. I have been building a house. Of course all my purchases are in the name of my girl friend whom I met 14 years ago. 
 
"The reason the car is in her name so she can build credit in case something happens to me. I  pay all the expenses for her car, house, traveling and child's schooling and some of her parents' bills if needed.
 
"We never got married because she feels it's not necessary and because everyone thinks we are and she doesn't go without anything. 
 
"Her daughter calls me "papa" and I recognize her as my own. 

 

I have to be honest; this post made me very sad. Considering that I know many Thai people and I had my fair share of prostitutes.

 

I can only assume that the (poor) guy has done all to make him look like a fool. 

 

The house and car in her name, and they are not even married because it's not necessary, regarding his gf? WTH, people who love each other usually get married.

 

 Has the poor guy ever thought about the real daddy and about the possibility that she's still married? 

 

A good friend of mine found out that his wife was married to a Thai man before, but that took 18 years for him to find out?

 

 "Her daughter" calls him Papa, and of course, will she see him as the one who pays for all she needs.

 

She'll of course see him as the daddy when he's back, but where's the real daddy? Does the guy know all about her?

 

I doubt it, too many secrets where women could lose dace. 

 

 To get to the point. I've spoken to two Thai women married to foreigners who are happy that their husbands can't be here now. 

 

Life's much easier for them, and money comes in without having to do all for him, including sex when he had his Viagra. 

 

Who knows what will happen when he comes back? House sold, the car sold and gf has gone, she might soon have a new name which is very easy for them to do.

 

 I hope that all goes well, but there's this feeling that too many women are only married to have more cash.

 

 If these women miss something, then it's the money, not the older guy who might believe she loves him "too much."

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

   

 

 

[habuspasha 85]

2 hours ago, teacherclaire said:

people who love each other usually get married; Another woman keeps a secret for 18 years; 

 

And from this and the fact of a singular forced separation after 14 years of apparently loving support, our commentator deduces all kinds of chicanery and double dealing.  That's what's sad.  

It's our commentator who doesn't stand a chance.

[teacherclaire 1,859]

 

 

  Unfortunately, are they treating grown men and women like little kids without the chance to get back to their homes, filled refrigerators ( might be a bit smelly after such a long time), gf, friends and to the place they're used to live.

 

Now waiting in a cold country would be the last thing I'd need and I feel for all of them who're "stranded" somewhere. 

 

  If a married man is allowed to go back to his wife and family, but I am not permitted with my Non- O retirement visa, plus a re-entry permit, there must be something very wrong.

And this month, we'll see the first Chinese tourists?

 But they are so rich that they can't have the virus, or what?

 

I don't think that any of them would spend 15 days in a fragged up hotel like a prisoner.

 

 

[4MyEgo 14,882]

10 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

You to have to remember it is their country and you are but a guest, and maybe an unwanted guest in 2020.

One can't argue with that, however I think once the plannedemic is over you will have seen a lot of expats who were not allowed back in, sell up and others finding Thailand to have shown her true colours, the ones that were always there, but only seen by those who cared to see anything other than black and white.

 

That said, maybe if this government is ousted by the students things will change, but can't see that happening anytime real soon, I mean that story about David and Goliath was a story.

[Mr Meeseeks 4,172]

10 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

The common theme of all of the posts are the people who feel THEY have been wronged by not being allowed back into Thailand currently.

 

Right or wrong, it is not our decision but the decision of the Thai government.

 

I can say it is wrong, however, when you understand the intention of Thai politicians is to line their own pockets and not help the people, it is easier to understand.

 

It should be enough evidence to you to realize expats are not high on their list of important people. Maybe not even wanted anymore?

 

Instead of worrying yourselves sick over when can you return to Thailand, I would be giving serious, serious consideration to the fact that over the next 2, 5, 10, 20 years, the Thai government can change the rules anyway they see fit. New elections and new politicians can change the rules to suit them, not you!

 

Mandatory insurance is one. Only takes 1 Thai politician to be in charge of that budget to figure out he can make himself filthy rich charging foreigners for insurance. An low and behold? Buried way beneath 1,000 sheets of paper, he will probably or his family, be the owner of the insurance company you will be forced to use. That is exactly how Thailand works.

 

The folks that keep thinking the Thai government is on their side need to wake up and realize government officials join politics to make themselves rich and powerful. Nothing more and you should learn that and accept it.

 

Who in their right mind, retirement age, would think from 2020 on, Thailand won't get even worse for expats? Is the crazy requirement for 3,000,000 baht to move back to your OWN condo not evidence of that? Who in their right mind would come up with that kind of crazy scam. Can you image in the UK, US, Australia started charging Thai people 3,000,000 baht to go and visit their foreign homes?

 

For those that are just thinking they want to return to their residence in Thailand, perhaps you should be formulating a solid plan B if you ever have to exit for any reason. You don't need a Plan B if you sincerely feel the Thai government will do the right thing by you and you will be financially safe and secure the rest of your lives.

 

Thailand will always have the right to change the rules anyway they see fit and could honestly care less how it impacts your life.

 

Seems to me living in Thailand going forward would be a huge risk, filled with uncertainty over how things can change even more and not for the better?

 

It is a down-right shame for the people financially trapped in Thailand, but I think you can look at the evidence from years and years ago, that the attitude towards expats living in Thailand has changed and will continue to change.

 

Instead of human compassion, officials are hell bent on how they can profit from this misery. Insurance, quarantine, etc. is all about the money.

 

It is really best to give your own future some serious thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This person actually gets it. Good post. 

[Mr Meeseeks 4,172]

9 hours ago, teacherclaire said:

Life's much easier for them, and money comes in without having to do all for him, including sex when he had his Viagra. 

 

Who knows what will happen when he comes back? House sold, the car sold and gf has gone, she might soon have a new name which is very easy for them to do.

 

 I hope that all goes well, but there's this feeling that too many women are only married to have more cash.

 

 If these women miss something, then it's the money, not the older guy who might believe she loves him "too much."

Absolutely 100% spot on. 

[Pattaya Spotter 2,685]

53 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I think once the plannedemic is over you will have seen a lot of expats who were not allowed back in, sell up and others finding Thailand to have shown her true colours...

That may be true...and seeing how well Thailand weathered the pandemic in terms of cases and a minimal lockdown, people may decide to make the county their home and retirement choice (having learned not to travel during a pandemic). I could also see some number of expats and retirees in the Philippines, who have suffered the worst virus outbreak in Asia, and are still under various lockdowns (over 65s were only recently allowed to leave their homes to shop and eat after over 6 months of home confinement) and travel restrictions to consider relocating to Thailand.

Edited October 19, 2020 by Pattaya Spotter

[mrwebb8825 891]

Once again I'm seeing the same stories. While swearing Thailand cares only about money they promote themselves as single handedly supporting the economy of this country. 2 of the stories overlook the fact that they do NOT own a big, beautiful home but the gf/wife and extended family do. (their claimed main worry and objective to returning) when, in fact, those houses can be sold off and the family would go right on living where they have been for 100 years before a female family member meeting them. A little like winning the lottery.

Then it gets immediately followed by the "Chicken Little" stories yet we don't see those people packing up and heading home while they can access all their deposited funds.

Once again, blame China. Thailand nor any other country in the world started all of this.

If you check history, Thailand mistakenly aliened itself with Japan in WWII but rethought that when Japan collapsed.

[Peter Denis 6,706]

11 hours ago, Pattaya46 said:

Easy solution? maybe... but it doesn't allow me to  come back in Thailand before at best 6 months, because of the rule "equivalent of 500'000 B during 6 months in your checking account". I have more than this amount available, but not in my checking account!

What Visa would you be applying for that requires at least 6 months 500K on your bank-account?

The main routes for returning to Thailand are the following:

- Married to a Thai national > Non Imm O marriage Visa (or still valid permission to stay of 1-year extension of stay of such Visa)

- Over 50 years of age > Non Imm O-A or O-X Visa (or still valid Visa or valid permission to stay of such Visa)

- Under 50 years of age and not married to Thai national > still valid Elite Visa or STV (when from low-risk country)

But all of them would be confronted with the 2-week ASQ and pre/past arrival covid-tests.

[4MyEgo 14,882]

2 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

That may be true...and seeing how well Thailand weathered the pandemic in terms of cases and a minimal lockdown, people may decide to make the county their home and retirement choice (having learned not to travel during a pandemic).

If you believe the above, then all and good.

 

2 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

I could also see some number of expats and retirees in the Philippines, who have suffered the worst virus outbreak in Asia, and are still under various lockdowns (over 65s were only recently allowed to leave their homes to shop and eat after over 6 months of home confinement) and travel restrictions to consider relocating to Thailand.

It's all about the levels of control in my opinion, Thailand managed their control measures very easily as the population is quick to listen to the oh mighty.

Edited October 19, 2020 by 4MyEgo

[metisdead 8,878]

A post with excessive use of ALL CAPS has been removed. 

[micmichd 1,583]

14 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

The common theme of all of the posts are the people who feel THEY have been wronged by not being allowed back into Thailand currently.

 

Right or wrong, it is not our decision but the decision of the Thai government.

 

I can say it is wrong, however, when you understand the intention of Thai politicians is to line their own pockets and not help the people, it is easier to understand.

 

It should be enough evidence to you to realize expats are not high on their list of important people. Maybe not even wanted anymore?

 

Instead of worrying yourselves sick over when can you return to Thailand, I would be giving serious, serious consideration to the fact that over the next 2, 5, 10, 20 years, the Thai government can change the rules anyway they see fit. New elections and new politicians can change the rules to suit them, not you!

 

Mandatory insurance is one. Only takes 1 Thai politician to be in charge of that budget to figure out he can make himself filthy rich charging foreigners for insurance. An low and behold? Buried way beneath 1,000 sheets of paper, he will probably or his family, be the owner of the insurance company you will be forced to use. That is exactly how Thailand works.

 

The folks that keep thinking the Thai government is on their side need to wake up and realize government officials join politics to make themselves rich and powerful. Nothing more and you should learn that and accept it.

 

Who in their right mind, retirement age, would think from 2020 on, Thailand won't get even worse for expats? Is the crazy requirement for 3,000,000 baht to move back to your OWN condo not evidence of that? Who in their right mind would come up with that kind of crazy scam. Can you image in the UK, US, Australia started charging Thai people 3,000,000 baht to go and visit their foreign homes?

 

For those that are just thinking they want to return to their residence in Thailand, perhaps you should be formulating a solid plan B if you ever have to exit for any reason. You don't need a Plan B if you sincerely feel the Thai government will do the right thing by you and you will be financially safe and secure the rest of your lives.

 

Thailand will always have the right to change the rules anyway they see fit and could honestly care less how it impacts your life.

 

Seems to me living in Thailand going forward would be a huge risk, filled with uncertainty over how things can change even more and not for the better?

 

It is a down-right shame for the people financially trapped in Thailand, but I think you can look at the evidence from years and years ago, that the attitude towards expats living in Thailand has changed and will continue to change.

 

Instead of human compassion, officials are hell bent on how they can profit from this misery. Insurance, quarantine, etc. is all about the money.

 

It is really best to give your own future some serious thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here in Thailand at least I get something for my money. In Heidelberg, Germany, I got a kick in my ass. 

[PhonThong 963]

If you are thinking of leaving Thailand. The best thing is to register with Western Union in Thailand in order to take your money out. It is easy and can be done online in a matter of minutes. I removed a million baht from Bangkok Bank and had it deposited within minutes into my bank in the states. It cost about 250 baht for each transfer. 

 The thing is, I had to go to Robinsons in Roi et and find the Western Union table and register. Then I signed up for Western Union Thailand online. Very easy.  

 If you are thinking about leaving Thailand and are worried about your money and how you can get it out. That's the easiest way I found.  Just a side note. I did it in different transfer amounts, making sure all were under $10,000. Didn't want to attract attention from the IRS in the US.

[mikebike 3,862]

On 10/17/2020 at 4:09 PM, fangless said:

Good for you!  Yet another lottery winner!

Not everyone can be so fortunate as you and I believe that those now stuck outside of LOS (is that still true?)  deserve a better deal than they are (not) getting!

 

PS; Hindsight is always a fantastic 20/20 science!

No lottery. No hindsight.

 

All it took was staying on top of global affairs and having a modicum of common sense.

[Jeffr2 8,081]

On 10/17/2020 at 1:51 PM, crazykopite said:

And it’s my understanding that those who own there homes now must have 3 million baht in a Thai bank this was announced last week as soon as I heard this I started withdrawing my savings Thailand is on a cliff edge and I am not going to risk losing my money if and when they put locks on the cash machines and limit what you can withdraw don’t say it can’t happen it happened in the U.K. a few years back never say never .

You'll have to provide a credible link to prove that this is true.