Your best video yet. Stop this insanity. Glad to see you getting pissed off, I am feeling the same way. I am 79 & am too old to do all this electronic BS!!!!
@@JAM-qn9ohmost of the commenters here are from the UK , USA , Australia , Europe … they all have ETA . Nobody seemed to complain when their home country requires an ETA and even charges for it .
This makes things go backwards not toward I come to Thailand regular to see my Thai girlfriend and most times I am through immigration in ten minutes This also has a feel of big brother Yes the visa exemption is good for me but if people already have applied for a visa to they have to do yet another layer of bureaucratic nonsense on top of that Security at immigration is quick check your finger prints / take your picture Stamp your passport thank you
I keep telling him he needs to make a new channel specifically targeting the goings on, he has unmatched clarity and a fantastic ability transmute his thoughts into words
I'm just a little guy who's been living here 16 years and has a daughter here and now on a retirement visa . I was going to buy a new motorbike but I won't now, X that by 1,000 expats and that's a lot of money that's not going directly in to the economy. I actually resent spending money here now after the way foreigners are treated. All I wanted to do was to be a father to my child and I was made to feel like a criminal with relentless hoop jumping and no compassion at the immigration office.
My ex wife was from Asia and I helped her become a naturalized citizen and the path was much clearer for her to immigrate to the US. They also never required her to report her residence every 90 days. The first green card is 2 years, the extension is good for 5 on a K-1 visa. Survive the initial forms and fees brain damage and they leave you alone, and that's if you immigrate *legally* .
@@johndoe1.196 It's hypocritical in the extreme, totally against the "compact for safe and orderly migration", because the outflow of $ from western nations worries the heck their control to maintain slave order has options and compromised ie global control of our legitimately earnt money. Their response is to pressure the Thai establishment using the "not so obvious" aims of the real WEF's agenda.
Hi there. First of all I am 100% behind your common sense and bloody obvious stupidity of the Thai thinking regards tourism attraction. I am British, 67 years of age, ex Royal Air Force Air Traffic Controller and extremely ashamed of Britain right now. I shan’t go too deeply incase I am thrown into prison for speaking my mind. I never thought this would ever happen in this country. All we fought for in past wars, lives lost to keep Britain Great!!! Enough about our present dilemma. Regards your topic. As you have clearly pointed out. The proposal of ETA is a very bad idea. As you said. It’s similar to a visa application!!!! I love it when you blow your top emphasising the obviousness of a situation. Keep up the great work you do an I will always support your ideology and common sense. Well, common sense to that is 😂. Keep it fresh Ben. Ian Little.
@@jameswalsh9653 Thats a great point but England put their ownership by force on a lot of other Countries in the past ( Malaysia Burma and India )for example ,so its a kind of Karma coming back on them ,with the current boat invasion .The truth is though that the deep state ( above Government Party's ) have designed the current invasion to happen World wide UK USA ,Australia ,and most of Europe .
Brittain's story is a tragedy. The US following behind. All empires eventually collapse, I suppose. The moral & ethical fiber of the people is not able to be maintained, especially when the hub of their culture is destroyed (religion). My condolences.
As a holder of an OA visa to be subjected to more scrutiny and added expense is unacceptable. With 90 day reporting and visa extensions and probably expenses of some sort to do with taxation and now the ETA even though I have a long standing visa is absolute nonsense.Enough is enough. I'm out of here.
@@robertharris6067 The announcement on the "proposed" ETA (it still hasn't been formally ratified), stated that it was only for those without a visa, i.e the 93 countries granted automatic 60 day entry permits. Anyone holding a valid visa would not need to apply for an ETA. From out of nowhere has suddenly come the notion that ALL foreigners would need to apply for the ETA. At this stage, that is certainly not the case.
so far not a single thing you are afraid of has been confirmed, and really, as things are trending, if they ever do come to past, most of us O/O-A visa holders will be long gone from these mortal coils!? But even if it happens soon, the most likely scenario is: 1 - if there is more scrutiny it's unlikely to be much of an expense, and probably a one time process or one with multiple entry validity (like the USA's ESTA which is $21 and good for 2 years (and the information it asks is not too onerous for the most part, just asking personal information that anyone would easily know ... the only issue with the ESTA is they want to know your 'social media' account usernames, which is pretty damn intrusive, and I strongly doubt Thailand would be asking for that kind of information.) 2 - 90 day reporting is free and dead easy if you have a computer or smartphone. I fill it out every 90 days and all I need to remember is the web address, my ID, passowrd (all in my password software valuts so I don't even have to remember that) and my passport number. 3 - Taxation is unlikely to be of any issue at all other than if you are trying to hide income illegally ... of your income is from a pension, then the high probability is you get your tax assessment sent over or downloaded from your country's tax service and add it to your extension application. If your income is taxed or tax exempt in your home country, then the chances are it will also be exempt from any taxes in Thailand , but as of now the truth is we don't know what the actuall tax rules will be, but most 'experts' are pretty sure it's not going to do much to affect most people on retirement visas. But, your choice, so good luck with whichever choice you make.
Heading to Vietnam that's where I will be going. 3 months visa without any hassles. Don't ask you how much money you have in the bank. Get a multiple visa even better.
Well they can't get online reporting right so how is this going to work,I'm Fed up with All the changes it makes you uncomfortable to stay here in Thailand.😢
Why would an "O" visa holder need to use the ETA? We've already been vetted to the extreme, and will be returning to Thailand with a prepaid re-entry permit from immigration.
It's only about controll. When you wake up and see the powers that be globally are preparing for a covid Era of tyrany forever. Covid was the preview and Thailand milked it 3 years.
Again, I keep agreeing with you! Do you think the hotels appreciate additional roadblocks for tourism? Hope the government is watching your videos. Direct and helpful input. … love the movie suggestions 👍
Ben talk to Tim Newton he believes the ETA is a good thing. I agree with you and the damage it can do to Thailands tourism industry. Your point about the retirement sector not wanting to deal with more online forms etc. if you can get Tim on board he has a large audience who follow him. I think he’s looking at the ETA from a different perspective and not seeing the potential trouble it might bring.
After my trip this November, i think i'll hold back on booking any future trips to the Kingdom until we know what will actually happen..... If i'm going to travel 6000 miles from the UK i want a smooth a journey as possible......
It’ll eventually be implemented. TM30 forms, universal handout income, digitalization, foreign income taxes, harder to open a bank account and soon to be ETA are all signs but the biggest red flag is them spear heading the 6 in 1 SEA visa. This leads to one database for ‘you know what’ purpose which tells you that the 3 letter acronym organizations have already full control. Some long term foreigners have left for laos and Cambodia cause they saw it coming. Will these 2 countries be also affected, probably but it’ll take a longer time for them to fall in place. As for someone who fell in love and stayed in Thailand since the 90s, I’m truly sad but with all the subtle implementations it’s very clear where this is all heading. Thailand is no more what it’s used to be. Solution: Adapt and be ready to move.
Bravo, that's how you gotta do things Ben, say it as it is, let them know that these no sensical stupid ideas only hurt Thailand in the long run... We need people like you to let off some stem on our behalf... Thought retiring to Thailand was the answer to ever peacefull life, guess gonna have ta start looking for pastures new cause life here is getting more and more problematic... This place has lost it's soul covid saw to that... Tooany people have fallen by the wayside for no good reason, i ain't gonna go down that road... Keep up the good work dude and more power to you✊
I think this will be a revenue generating tool eventually. They will add the tourism tax to the application of this ETA and solves the collection issue. Do not need to depend on the airline, travel agent, check-in counter, etc. to collect it.
they could simply enlarge that automatic electronic operated passport control for all passports which have biometric recognising , I think most passports have it allready and they still could have extra checking if needed
That is what is so perplexing. As noted in the video, Thailand has the ability to monitor undesirable entrants. This ETA is superfluous and could detrimentally impact tourism, it is a bad idea. --BWH
I was a US Border Patrol Agent for years and after a couple years I got good at reading body language and was able to spot illegals even away from the border in downtown San Diego.
Have you reached out to the Thai political opposition of these policies to give them ammunition to oppose it publicly? In order to educate the Thai public on why they should resist these policies as well.
Twas married to a Thai since 1975... It's always some cluster f+ck as long as I known it...too many restrictions and money. I'm living in Philippines and go to Thailand as I desire .. Cambodia Laos is looking as a good idea as well Take lawyer guy... glad to hear my thoughts expressed...I get passionate myself about stupid stuff. Best Regards
I agree. In 2022 I stayed over 30 days because they allowed us to stay up to 45 days at that time. Last year my wife got very sick. She wanted to go home to get looked at by Thai doctors and recover from major surgery. Through all of that and all the doctors visits I never even realized they changed it back to 30 days. I got dinged for a 12 day overstay. Now we've got this ETA and I have a bad feeling about my chances of going back with my wife because of a computer system.
I tried to apply for a 90 day tourist visa last year. I went through the web process with the embassy in Los Angeles, but when I tried to pay the site wouldn’t accept my credit cards. I contacted the embassy and we tried everything, I even had them walk me through the application….. I even applied and received a new credit card and I was still denied. I ended up getting a 30 day on arrival and extending for another 30. That’s why I came to you guys for my retirement visa.
Have to remember that most of the workforce is working in Thai government institutions. All of these are in "administration" and in meeeting after meeting day long. They are sitting and thinking out rules and regulations.
I visited thailand 7 years in a row.i love everything about thailand.i have spent more than 60000 dollars there.i am afraid the polititions have won. I wont be back
Feel the same way. Been visiting Thailand every year since 1993, have spent a few bucks & enjoyed it. I am 79 & this electronic BS will be the thing that stops me from travel to Thailand in the future, along with the severe jet lag coming San Francisco.
@@IntegrityLegalThailand Whilst I'd like to concur, These plans have been long in the making. Think more on the lines of what they learnt from the big green tick roll out and its intention coupled with a shared digital money control union. Then ask yourself if Bill, Klaus Tedros and 99% of the Davos crew agree? They have already dangled the free B10,000 carrot.
Exactly what I thought some weeks ago when I heard about the ETA. I have a so called retirement visa so why should I fill in this form . They already know a lot about me concerning my finances! The stupidity to take the UK as an example when daily the boats with illegal immigrants come into the UK . How do they check these people??? It is indeed the most stupid idea I have ever seen.
It's also crazy that pensioners, living in their own country, with no intention of staying longer than 90 days in Thailand, still have to show £18,000 in their bank account to get 90 days Non Immigrant O visa. They are only staying 90 DAYS!
Thai Passport - I have been here 20 years and the process of becoming a citizen seems impossible - In the future please explain how US Retirees might be eligible and what the process is...
I'll convince my wife that it's pointless going back to her home country. Georgia here we come. With a lot of money.. none for Thailand. Thailand, the land of the free. Lol
Shame the Government don't talk to others before thinking of making changes and the negative reception of implemented not just ETA but tax and tourist tax. At the moment it is all talk nothing has been set yet but wait to see the details and another reason to be flexible to change it is your money so you have options if the conditions does not suit you.
I just went through the UAE on the way back home from Thailand they have the perfect system. On your first visit you have to see an immigration officer at the usual desk. They scan your face, on your next visit you can go through the e gate on entry and exit. No eta needed for as long as your passport lasts
Thanks Ben for the video i can relate to this but in another way. Thai governments are becoming masters of triple and quadruple handling everything. It's like i go from Pattaya to a 7/11 in Phuket to buy some milk and come back with it to Pattaya, Everything is done the long way round. I purchased a motorbike in July, still have not received the Plates, i had to go to immigration TWICE for a piece of paper which i believe states my proof of residence, then i have to take it to the bike shop and show them. While i was at immigration i was directed to four different counters and told to come back later that day to pick up the document which they could have printed out in seconds. They don't seem to know or take advantage of the latest technology and make things easier for them and us.
Yeah Thailand is not going to be a good destination anymore, I’ve been coming for years, twice a year and spend 20 k there, guess that’s not good enough
Side note: QR codes pose a huge cyber security risk, since it allows for bypassing a device’s security protocols. Very easy to corrupt. I always try to avoid using QR codes. No thanks
So my understanding is that they were planning on introducing the ETA as a pilot project in December this year, but this got postponed so now it's up in the air to when it's actually gonna be implemented.
Refer back to the ghouls at the WEF, they don't want you travelling. Kept in your 15min cities, owning nothing and loving it. This is the stage, 2nd act and it'll only get worse.
Good mornin Mr.Hart , Thank - You for your your - practical approach & 📢🔊Matter - of - fact REASONING ! N-o-w THAT is a contagion despera-t-l-y need in so many - societies . 🎯NEVER will I target Thailand for Anything of ANY KIND IF this NONSENSE continues! Better Circumstances . . . . 👉elsewhere 🌏. Enjoy the day , Good Health to you all . 👋. .
The ETA is the best way to collect the tourist fee. This I believe is the only reason for the ETA. If Thailand wants to experiment with this system, then let them do it. If it impacts tourism, they will scrap it. Also, I understand, and other commenters have stated that the ETA will not apply to those that already have a visa (O/OA, Marriage, LTR, Privilege, etc.). It’s a minor inconvenience and a great way to collect the tourist fee that airlines and others refuse to collect.
Benjamin strongly disagreed about with you about Andrew Blinken but could not agree more in regard to this ETA a QR code does not has the "nose" of a seasoned and trained immigration officer!
And again you just said it innocent tourist that shouldn't have any problem getting into the country will be caught up and denied by the electronic system and then that's where it all goes bad
![Lethal Company Music Video 🎵 "Follow The Orders" [VERSION A]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QeooZB4Z7RA/mqdefault.jpg)
Your best video yet. Stop this insanity. Glad to see you getting pissed off, I am feeling the same way. I am 79 & am too old to do all this electronic BS!!!!
Absolutely agree...the land of smiles becoming a migraine
Just be glad ( or not ) that you are still alive .lol I am not far behind you .
@@JAM-qn9ohmost of the commenters here are from the UK , USA , Australia , Europe … they all have ETA . Nobody seemed to complain when their home country requires an ETA and even charges for it .
Go back where you came from?
This makes things go backwards not toward
I come to Thailand regular to see my Thai girlfriend and most times I am through immigration in ten minutes
This also has a feel of big brother
Yes the visa exemption is good for me but if people already have applied for a visa to they have to do yet another layer of bureaucratic nonsense on top of that
Security at immigration is quick check your finger prints / take your picture
Stamp your passport thank you
As usual,Ben you nailed it!
100%
If it smells like WEF doodoo, sounds like WEF doodoo, and looks like WEF doodoo ... yeah, it's WEF doodoo.
Good to listen to someone who is so wide awake to every thing that is going on in the western World
Yes! If only more could see what is going on
@@neilgillespie4498why do you think we’re (at least I) here? 55555
@@ridge-roads do what I can to make people wake up !
I keep telling him he needs to make a new channel specifically targeting the goings on, he has unmatched clarity and a fantastic ability transmute his thoughts into words
Ben for president and prime minister
I'm just a little guy who's been living here 16 years and has a daughter here and now on a retirement visa . I was going to buy a new motorbike but I won't now, X that by 1,000 expats and that's a lot of money that's not going directly in to the economy.
I actually resent spending money here now after the way foreigners are treated.
All I wanted to do was to be a father to my child and I was made to feel like a criminal with relentless hoop jumping and no compassion at the immigration office.
My ex wife was from Asia and I helped her become a naturalized citizen and the path was much clearer for her to immigrate to the US. They also never required her to report her residence every 90 days. The first green card is 2 years, the extension is good for 5 on a K-1 visa. Survive the initial forms and fees brain damage and they leave you alone, and that's if you immigrate *legally* .
@@johndoe1.196 It's hypocritical in the extreme, totally against the "compact for safe and orderly migration", because the outflow of $ from western nations worries the heck their control to maintain slave order has options and compromised ie global control of our legitimately earnt money. Their response is to pressure the Thai establishment using the "not so obvious" aims of the real WEF's agenda.
What is travel authorization if it isn’t a visa?…very well said dude.
Hi there. First of all I am 100% behind your common sense and bloody obvious stupidity of the Thai thinking regards tourism attraction. I am British, 67 years of age, ex Royal Air Force Air Traffic Controller and extremely ashamed of Britain right now. I shan’t go too deeply incase I am thrown into prison for speaking my mind. I never thought this would ever happen in this country. All we fought for in past wars, lives lost to keep Britain Great!!! Enough about our present dilemma. Regards your topic. As you have clearly pointed out. The proposal of ETA is a very bad idea. As you said. It’s similar to a visa application!!!! I love it when you blow your top emphasising the obviousness of a situation. Keep up the great work you do an I will always support your ideology and common sense. Well, common sense to that is 😂. Keep it fresh Ben. Ian Little.
I think Britain could learn alit from Thai immigration policy 🤔😊
Well said!!! The USA is following Britain down the tube's!
@@jameswalsh9653 Thats a great point but England put their ownership by force on a lot of other Countries in the past ( Malaysia Burma and India )for example ,so its a kind of Karma coming back on them ,with the current boat invasion .The truth is though that the deep state ( above Government Party's ) have designed the current invasion to happen World wide UK USA ,Australia ,and most of Europe .
Brittain's story is a tragedy. The US following behind. All empires eventually collapse, I suppose. The moral & ethical fiber of the people is not able to be maintained, especially when the hub of their culture is destroyed (religion).
My condolences.
As a holder of an OA visa to be subjected
to more scrutiny and added expense is unacceptable.
With 90 day reporting and visa extensions and probably expenses of some sort to do with taxation and now the ETA even though I have a long standing visa is absolute nonsense.Enough is enough. I'm out of here.
If you hold an OA visa, the proposed ETA won't apply to you. Why get so worked up?
My belief is that it will.
@@brianwood8086 what visa do you have Brian?
@@robertharris6067 The announcement on the "proposed" ETA (it still hasn't been formally ratified), stated that it was only for those without a visa, i.e the 93 countries granted automatic 60 day entry permits. Anyone holding a valid visa would not need to apply for an ETA. From out of nowhere has suddenly come the notion that ALL foreigners would need to apply for the ETA. At this stage, that is certainly not the case.
so far not a single thing you are afraid of has been confirmed, and really, as things are trending, if they ever do come to past, most of us O/O-A visa holders will be long gone from these mortal coils!? But even if it happens soon, the most likely scenario is:
1 - if there is more scrutiny it's unlikely to be much of an expense, and probably a one time process or one with multiple entry validity (like the USA's ESTA which is $21 and good for 2 years (and the information it asks is not too onerous for the most part, just asking personal information that anyone would easily know ... the only issue with the ESTA is they want to know your 'social media' account usernames, which is pretty damn intrusive, and I strongly doubt Thailand would be asking for that kind of information.)
2 - 90 day reporting is free and dead easy if you have a computer or smartphone. I fill it out every 90 days and all I need to remember is the web address, my ID, passowrd (all in my password software valuts so I don't even have to remember that) and my passport number.
3 - Taxation is unlikely to be of any issue at all other than if you are trying to hide income illegally ... of your income is from a pension, then the high probability is you get your tax assessment sent over or downloaded from your country's tax service and add it to your extension application. If your income is taxed or tax exempt in your home country, then the chances are it will also be exempt from any taxes in Thailand , but as of now the truth is we don't know what the actuall tax rules will be, but most 'experts' are pretty sure it's not going to do much to affect most people on retirement visas.
But, your choice, so good luck with whichever choice you make.
Cambodia is looking great
SCAMBODIA ?
Laos looks even better then Scambodia
Thailand was a great country to visit years ago. Sadly not anymore. There are a lot better places to visit now
@@stevekalasin7021can you recommend me a few? I love Bangkok. Probably something similar.
@@NEILBAGELSTEIN123 nothing wrong with Cambodia. I go for a holiday every year. If I didn’t have a partner I would live there instead of Thailand
Love your TRUTH RANT Benjamin. Well said.
Heading to Vietnam that's where I will be going. 3 months visa without any hassles. Don't ask you how much money you have in the bank. Get a multiple visa even better.
Definitely!
100% you've never been to Vietnam lol idiot
Well they can't get online reporting right so how is this going to work,I'm Fed up with All the changes it makes you uncomfortable to stay here in Thailand.😢
👍 Great video, this is the travel version of the flawed self checkout counter in supermarkets
They have taken incompetence to a new level
Why would an "O" visa holder need to use the ETA? We've already been vetted to the extreme, and will be returning to Thailand with a prepaid re-entry permit from immigration.
Yeah, Ben! "Everybody else is doing it!" That´s what everybody else was telling me back then when I refused to take the "V". It never stops, does it!?
I would think, for retirees, the 90-day check-ins and yearly renewals should be enough.
Great to see someone call out the b.s wef written all over this aswell as trying to going cash free
It's obvious that they are in fact trying to diminish tourism. The real question is why?
It's only about controll. When you wake up and see the powers that be globally are preparing for a covid Era of tyrany forever. Covid was the preview and Thailand milked it 3 years.
Diminish long term seniors is my opinion...
Pandemic planning, roll out & compliance to WHO health control mechanics
@@kevo8498 but why? Seniors have the most money and spending power by far of all the age ranges.
Again, I keep agreeing with you! Do you think the hotels appreciate additional roadblocks for tourism? Hope the government is watching your videos. Direct and helpful input. … love the movie suggestions 👍
The problem is the people that make these rules don't have to suffer for any of them
Ben talk to Tim Newton he believes the ETA is a good thing. I agree with you and the damage it can do to Thailands tourism industry. Your point about the retirement sector not wanting to deal with more online forms etc. if you can get Tim on board he has a large audience who follow him. I think he’s looking at the ETA from a different perspective and not seeing the potential trouble it might bring.
Tim is an Australian authoritarian leftie. Of course he would love it.
After my trip this November, i think i'll hold back on booking any future trips to the Kingdom until we know what will actually happen..... If i'm going to travel 6000 miles from the UK i want a smooth a journey as possible......
Spot on sir ! Besides immigration obstacles. The direction of digital wallet, removal of currency and mass taxation is concerning.
I love your passion and no nonsense approach ❤
UK has Gill Bates walking into 10 Downing Street giving the PM his orders, I don't want to see that in Thailand.
Red tape, yeah that's exactly what tourists want. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
True sheep
It’ll eventually be implemented. TM30 forms, universal handout income, digitalization, foreign income taxes, harder to open a bank account and soon to be ETA are all signs but the biggest red flag is them spear heading the 6 in 1 SEA visa. This leads to one database for ‘you know what’ purpose which tells you that the 3 letter acronym organizations have already full control. Some long term foreigners have left for laos and Cambodia cause they saw it coming. Will these 2 countries be also affected, probably but it’ll take a longer time for them to fall in place. As for someone who fell in love and stayed in Thailand since the 90s, I’m truly sad but with all the subtle implementations it’s very clear where this is all heading. Thailand is no more what it’s used to be. Solution: Adapt and be ready to move.
Well said!!!
well said
Bravo, that's how you gotta do things Ben, say it as it is, let them know that these no sensical stupid ideas only hurt Thailand in the long run...
We need people like you to let off some stem on our behalf...
Thought retiring to Thailand was the answer to ever peacefull life, guess gonna have ta start looking for pastures new cause life here is getting more and more problematic...
This place has lost it's soul covid saw to that...
Tooany people have fallen by the wayside for no good reason, i ain't gonna go down that road...
Keep up the good work dude and more power to you✊
Great rant from Big Ben. 100% agree.
I think this will be a revenue generating tool eventually. They will add the tourism tax to the application of this ETA and solves the collection issue. Do not need to depend on the airline, travel agent, check-in counter, etc. to collect it.
And it could also diminish overall tourism numbers in the process. The knock-on effects from this could be very negative.
--BWH
they could simply enlarge that automatic electronic operated passport control for all passports which have biometric recognising , I think most passports have it allready and they still could have extra checking if needed
That is what is so perplexing. As noted in the video, Thailand has the ability to monitor undesirable entrants. This ETA is superfluous and could detrimentally impact tourism, it is a bad idea.
--BWH
I was a US Border Patrol Agent for years and after a couple years I got good at reading body language and was able to spot illegals even away from the border in downtown San Diego.
Have you reached out to the Thai political opposition of these policies to give them ammunition to oppose it publicly? In order to educate the Thai public on why they should resist these policies as well.
Love your passion and couldn't stop laughing about tattoo to forehead everything you say is so correct and so common sense.
Twas married to a Thai since 1975... It's always some cluster f+ck as long as I known it...too many restrictions and money.
I'm living in Philippines and go to Thailand as I desire ..
Cambodia Laos is looking as a good idea as well
Take lawyer guy... glad to hear my thoughts expressed...I get passionate myself about stupid stuff.
Best Regards
Thanks lawyer guy,!!
I'm sad to say that no Thai people in my area in greater Bangkok have a clue about what is going on. Do they care?
If the uk is a model for anything,any other country should do the opposite thing
I agree. In 2022 I stayed over 30 days because they allowed us to stay up to 45 days at that time. Last year my wife got very sick. She wanted to go home to get looked at by Thai doctors and recover from major surgery. Through all of that and all the doctors visits I never even realized they changed it back to 30 days. I got dinged for a 12 day overstay. Now we've got this ETA and I have a bad feeling about my chances of going back with my wife because of a computer system.
I tried to apply for a 90 day tourist visa last year. I went through the web process with the embassy in Los Angeles, but when I tried to pay the site wouldn’t accept my credit cards. I contacted the embassy and we tried everything, I even had them walk me through the application….. I even applied and received a new credit card and I was still denied. I ended up getting a 30 day on arrival and extending for another 30. That’s why I came to you guys for my retirement visa.
We thank you for your business.
--BWH
Very well said. On the point again. Thank's
Have to remember that most of the workforce is working in Thai government institutions. All of these are in "administration" and in meeeting after meeting day long. They are sitting and thinking out rules and regulations.
I visited thailand 7 years in a row.i love everything about thailand.i have spent more than 60000 dollars there.i am afraid the polititions have won. I wont be back
It is always darkest before the dawn. I think I speak for Thailand when I say, come back. This too shall pass.
--BWH
Feel the same way. Been visiting Thailand every year since 1993, have spent a few bucks & enjoyed it. I am 79 & this electronic BS will be the thing that stops me from travel to Thailand in the future, along with the severe jet lag coming San Francisco.
Been going there since ‘75. Been to Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Cambodia.
That leaves Vietnam.
@@IntegrityLegalThailand Whilst I'd like to concur, These plans have been long in the making. Think more on the lines of what they learnt from the big green tick roll out and its intention coupled with a shared digital money control union. Then ask yourself if Bill, Klaus Tedros and 99% of the Davos crew agree? They have already dangled the free B10,000 carrot.
Looks like the undercurrent is to reduce the number of farang...shift away from tourism dependency... Covertly.
Exactly what I thought some weeks ago when I heard about the ETA. I have a so called retirement visa so why should I fill in this form . They already know a lot about me concerning my finances! The stupidity to take the UK as an example when daily the boats with illegal immigrants come into the UK . How do they check these people??? It is indeed the most stupid idea I have ever seen.
Your absolutely right about the UK freedom of speech has gone life is getting tough, the government have turned on pensioners, taxes are going up .
It's also crazy that pensioners, living in their own country, with no intention of staying longer than 90 days in Thailand, still have to show £18,000 in their bank account to get 90 days Non Immigrant O visa.
They are only staying 90 DAYS!
Thai Passport - I have been here 20 years and the process of becoming a citizen seems impossible - In the future please explain how US Retirees might be eligible and what the process is...
Everything you said is correct,just hope the powers that be have a listen to you?
More and more people are looking at Vietnam and Cambodia.
I'm looking at Bill Gates agenda
Basics economics:
If you want more of something, subsidize it.
If you want less of something, tax it.
Less tact required Ben, just tell it like it is.
I'll convince my wife that it's pointless going back to her home country. Georgia here we come. With a lot of money.. none for Thailand.
Thailand, the land of the free. Lol
Your best video in ages.
Shame the Government don't talk to others before thinking of making changes and the negative reception of implemented not just ETA but tax and tourist tax.
At the moment it is all talk nothing has been set yet but wait to see the details and another reason to be flexible to change it is your money so you have options if the conditions does not suit you.
I just went through the UAE on the way back home from Thailand they have the perfect system. On your first visit you have to see an immigration officer at the usual desk. They scan your face, on your next visit you can go through the e gate on entry and exit. No eta needed for as long as your passport lasts
This electronic surveillance stuff is unstoppable. It's just starting to get serious.
When are there enough tourists? Is there a limit?
Great Rant!
Most of the rest of the world does this kind of stuff, and Thailand seems to be tightening up it's systems if it wants to be eligible to join BRICS.
Thanks Ben for the video i can relate to this but in another way. Thai governments are becoming masters of triple and quadruple handling everything. It's like i go from Pattaya to a 7/11 in Phuket to buy some milk and come back with it to Pattaya, Everything is done the long way round. I purchased a motorbike in July, still have not received the Plates, i had to go to immigration TWICE for a piece of paper which i believe states my proof of residence, then i have to take it to the bike shop and show them. While i was at immigration i was directed to four different counters and told to come back later that day to pick up the document which they could have printed out in seconds. They don't seem to know or take advantage of the latest technology and make things easier for them and us.
Yeah Thailand is not going to be a good destination anymore, I’ve been coming for years, twice a year and spend 20 k there, guess that’s not good enough
The Thai's can't get it complicated enough 👎
Side note: QR codes pose a huge cyber security risk, since it allows for bypassing a device’s security protocols. Very easy to corrupt. I always try to avoid using QR codes. No thanks
So my understanding is that they were planning on introducing the ETA as a pilot project in December this year, but this got postponed so now it's up in the air to when it's actually gonna be implemented.
Refer back to the ghouls at the WEF, they don't want you travelling. Kept in your 15min cities, owning nothing and loving it. This is the stage, 2nd act and it'll only get worse.
Philippines has that QR Code thing. They use it in conjuction with getting your Passport stamped. It's annoying extra step before coming.
The digital barrier and control system....
The Alphabet Gangs already know everything about us. It's why it's at this stage.
I personally like these rants. But I doubt that you will reach any Thai officials with that. That would require a different approach
another excellent opinion piece
Add there double tax on retires, as much as I loved Thailand for the last eight years I'm definitely moving to Cambodia
Thanks for the report
Marvellous rant! Thailand taken over by WEF.
This will be my last straw for one. I will not be coming back to Thailand 😢
Sick of the state requiring me to have a phone, i don't want one, don't want to use one, for what?
I agree 100 percent
i agree your opinion 100% , when criminals want enter Thailand , they find there way , but a normal tourist is paying the hassle
Ben, you say what we all think.
Good mornin Mr.Hart ,
Thank - You for your your - practical approach & 📢🔊Matter - of - fact REASONING !
N-o-w THAT is a contagion despera-t-l-y need in so many - societies .
🎯NEVER will I target Thailand for Anything of ANY KIND IF this NONSENSE continues! Better Circumstances . . . . 👉elsewhere 🌏.
Enjoy the day , Good Health to you all . 👋. .
At some point we're all going to be tagged like pets
We are already tagged, and we do it willingly by carrying around our mobile phones nearly 24/7.
The ETA is the best way to collect the tourist fee. This I believe is the only reason for the ETA. If Thailand wants to experiment with this system, then let them do it. If it impacts tourism, they will scrap it. Also, I understand, and other commenters have stated that the ETA will not apply to those that already have a visa (O/OA, Marriage, LTR, Privilege, etc.). It’s a minor inconvenience and a great way to collect the tourist fee that airlines and others refuse to collect.
Isn't a passport used to verify your identity enough along with fingerprints and taking a photo on entry/exit?
ALL very well said.
Well said, Thailand gets a thumbs down from me, it should be called the land of headaches, not the land of smiles ☹
So we are going to pay tax when we send money to ourselves, I have never heard something that crazy.
Hmmmm..... A lawyer complaining about bureaucracy, paperwork, fees, and complexity???? Lol. Things are bad.
Don't need rentry stamp really so people with visa. We have to have return. Ticket doesn't make sense people have. Proper visa crazy
Ehhh. Will this waver the re-entry permit. Seems strange to do things twice
Great work sir!!!
The EU was going to require this, but I think they put it off. Data gathering?
Tim Newton said the ETA is the best thing since sliced bread!
Benjamin strongly disagreed about with you about Andrew Blinken but could not agree more in regard to this ETA a QR code does not has the "nose" of a seasoned and trained immigration officer!
you answered your own question..wef
when does the eta come in effect, hope not until next year, please keep us up to date
And again you just said it innocent tourist that shouldn't have any problem getting into the country will be caught up and denied by the electronic system and then that's where it all goes bad
What happens if someone needs to enter Thailand urgently??
Yep
Thats has to be the last straw surely 555555
Ben, do you know what i have to do for the TM30??
I think i'm better off with the ETA
Is the ETA happening? traveling in December Thanks!!!