I have lived and worked in 11 countries for several months to a year or more on 4 of the 5 continents. I have never worked in Thailand, but I am a Farang living in Thailand for now 15 years. I have always believed that I was a guest in the country that allowed me to reside and work. I have never had any problem with any of the emigration or police. I have a Thai driver's license and medical insurance. Thailand has the right to protect its citizens. Any Farangs who, for any reason do not obey the Thai laws are giving us, Farangs, a very bad reputation. The Thai government must arrest and judge these potential criminals. The Thai authorities want honest tourists or Farang residents, just like the French, British, or Americans want. Thailand is no different.
Politics is all about maintaining the illusion of competence. The important thing is to be seen doing something, no matter how ineffective, so that when the sun rises in the East tomorrow, the politicians can take credit for it. (Julius Ruechel)
Thailand Russia relation is much more older than any other. The czar of Russia and king of thailand had very good relationship. Thailand thanked Russia for never intending to colonize Thailand instead helped it to built its army to fight the colonizers. one should read the history of relation between Thailand and Russia to know why 90 day visa is given to Russians not even to Chinese who are the biggest tourist. It was due to intervention by russia that great part of Thailand was given back by the French to Siam. Russia has a big role to play in the creation of Thailand and why it was never colonized.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I'm here on an education visa and have to renew it every three months. I'm hopeful there won't be any issues but am always mindful that my stay here is at their discretion.
I agree. I just flew in last night. Immigration officer took my passport. My fingers and face was was scanned. No questions asked and she automatically stamped my passport for the 30 day stamp. I wonder if that was the case because I have never caused problems.
You are not living in the west.....'Old Expressions' don't apply here, there or anywhere. Open your eyes. Thailand has brought into the Chinese offer of a greater Far East Asia, along with Vietnam, Cambodia.
@@YeeLeeHawexactly. It amazes me how people will applaud and identify with power and encourage its abuse, particularly foreigners who applaud and encourage dictatorial governments in countries where they have zero rights and where that very power will eventually be used against them. Extreme naivety.
Every country shpuld have the right to determine who moves to their country and a secure border. And to deport those who dont respect the laws of their country.
It was already becoming a hassle. This just makes me feel even less welcome. I will be thinking twice about spending my tourist dollars and retirement years there in the future.
Eventually the political agenda in thailand will change and things will loosen up again. Nothing lasts forever. Thailand is highly reliant on tourism for its economy. They simply can't afford to drive away all foreigners and their plan to populate Thailand with foreign millionaires and nothing but ultra rich expats - well, how well do you think that's going to work?
considering the recent events by those two Kiwi guys and that Swiss guy (I think he was Swiss, who kicked the Thai woman!) I don't blame them at all!! if ya can't behave and show respect that you are a guest in that country then should not be allowed in or stay!!! I honestly don't blame them for clamping down!!! it only takes a few to f**k things up for the rest of us!!
You are moralizing. But this is a purely political, not a moral move. What do you think the Thai police force does about crime against foreigners by Thai people? Has it ever caused them to put measures in place? Violence against foreigners? Scamming of foreigners? Has it ever been a problem for them? Incidents like this take place everywhere in the world every day. There is also violence of Thai against Thai in Thai society. I'm not sure how much you know about the military junta currently ruling Thailand, but they are quite xenophobic. Since they came into power they have been "clamping down" on anything they can where foreigners are concerned. Believe it or not this also affects you in a negative way. So while I agree with you that the people behaving this way should be asked to leave Thailand, I'd reconsider your sympathy with the (extremely corrupt) Thai police force and their actions which combined with media propaganda will make life in thailand more difficult for all of us.
At the end of the day, this is still youtube and short of Ben's expert guidance and nuance, opinions about Thai immigration law are like asparagus discolorations every time someone down there want's to make a name for themselves. Cracking down here and not over there while things are strict here but not as strict over there but more so over here.. I’m still waiting on my marriage visa but understand that I’ll be flying out at the end of the month to keep myself legal. I’m legally married to my beautiful Thai wife, I’m not a criminal, I don’t even drink so getting worked up isn’t an option. Cheers!
Not many know, Russia and Thailand go way back, like way way back, Russia helped designed the Thai Flag, helped create Thai Military, Thai Anthem, The first visit of Czar of Russia was to Thailand. Thai Prince married Russian princess. Thailand was grateful to Russia despite been a powerhouse, it never had intention to colonize Thailand unlike the west, Thailand is just grateful for what Russia did in the past. 90 Day visa is here to stay for good. nothing will change it.
It’s hard to see how this would be a bad thing. Unfortunately there are a lot of foreigners not following the rules in Thailand, and some of these people are making the Kingdom a less desirable place for both Thai’s and foreigners. (Inflationary spending through the use of funding of questionable origin… These long stay vloggers have caused a lot of damage too…)
_"These long stay vloggers have caused a lot of damage too"_ I beg to differ. They are promoting Thailand to millions of tourists completely for free and they support local Thai businesses with the money they earn from vlogging. Win, win.
Perhaps discuss the implications regarding those that use agents with legitimate financial requirements or not with no red flags who have been in country for years? Just a suggestion?
Any correlation to Canabis, half the foreigners on Koh Phangan are high all the time, and while driving, number weed shops must surpass 7-11 now in Thailand
that black list thing a few years ago was nationalist politics. people have been using the tourist visa to live in Thailand since the Vietnam war ended. The mini-van network was built around the long-stay tourist. Of course, this was all when Samui was still beach bunglows in coconut plantations. They tourism industry was built of forcing these people to move around every 30 days. That's why the fine for overstay was never more than 20K baht. Then, they wanted to upgrade from dirty backpacker hostels to resorts and suddenly the people who were staying long time on tourist visa were vilified as "taking advantage of the system" (AS IF THEY WERE NOT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM) when in fact, the entire tourism industry was built around these people. Immigrations rules were meant to accommodate tourist industry and it grinds my gears to hear that nationalistic interpretation of history. That nationalistic garbage is the excuse they used to change the rules. The reality is, the worlds security measures changed after 9/11 and thai immigration needed to update. Politicians used that nationalistic garbage to sell their policies. none of it was true. the entire tourism industry was built -thai immigration rules were made to encourage - long stay tourists... and in a blink of an eye, people who have no power to object are vilified. i've been here a long time... and i can tell you that every time the witch-hunt starts its for one person's political ambitions...and you only know it in hindsight.
Yep this is 100% accurate. but what's worse than the thai politics itself is all the expats on the internet acting like representatives of the Thai government, applauding the "crack down" on long stay foreigners and talking about "abuse" of tourist visas in a condescending way. Expat forums are now full of people on their high horse about "legitimate" and "proper" use of visas. Maybe it's a form of Stockholm syndrome?
We want to be allowed to enter Thailand after the court case for over stay through friendship bridge Visa's. I thought that the Visa was for one month not two weeks and during the vang ving visa party environment in Laos it was common for people to get more than three land crossing Visas. What about the statute of limitations and a pardon for a bag of pot. This stuff was wildly available and the took tuk driver used the pot gram sale as a tool to sell me out to the police so they can fine, collect bail and extradite over one gram. The Thai anti trafficking police were getting trained in Laos with c.w.s at the soccer field and they broke both my legs after shooting on goal at the scrimmage so that builds animosity
Next year I’m moving to Thailand and spending the 25,000 USD on a five year elite visa. I want to be in the country legally without stressing. It’s way cheaper than the golden visa options an in any other country. I’m not old enough for a retirement visa.
There is no test of moral character for visa renewal as far as I'm aware. I think upon renewal or extension of visas, applicants should be required to show they have an understanding of the penalties under Thai law for certain offences. This could be in the form of a multi-choice questionnaire or similar, which could be completed online. It need only be basic, but would hopefully lead to a reduction in some of the bad behaviour we are seeing, and the arrogance that some seem to have.
Moral character? Is that what you think the corrupt people who seek positions of power care about? The only test that they will ever apply in Thailand, as in most countries, is financial. So long as you have the money, there is nothing you can't do here without consequences, whether you are foreigner or thai
I came to Thailand in January for 1 week. I'm coming in June for 3 weeks and coming in September for 1 week. Hopefully, I won't be turned away in September. If so, so be it.
Umm good answer but 6 months in how long? 2023 I entered Thailand about 8 times spending about 7months some stay I had the 30 days tourist extension’s as well and 2024 I entered once and stayed 50 days with an extention. Never overstayed. I’m Planning to visit again in May so would that be ok?
@@MK-sb1kv I think 6 months in the same year is when they might start hassling someone. I don't know how common it is. Probably depends on the officer you get.
The kingdom is one of my favourite counties. I hope these stricter rules will be even stricter and permanent. The culprits are nationals of certain counties.
problem is they might arrest u cos the hotel u stayed at was to lazy to file a tm30. or maybe they stopped u for speeding & need to make their foreigner arrests quota. speeding is breaking the law too. maybe ur "culprits" precipitated this action but it's ez for lazy police to apply it to anyone handy
Was in Thailand on an education visa. Left Thailand for an employment contract in the US before my visa expired but neglected to get an exit stamp. My contract is almost up and I wish to return to Thailand will I have a problem?
Im leaving the last day of april to apply for my retirement visa when i get there. Ill have a one way ticket, am i going to have issues? What do i tell immigration? Should i pre-apply for a 90 day visa?
You could have issue on both ends. Usually the airline at check in will question you're 1 way flight. There are legit reasons for a 1 way. Not sure about youres.
Leaving america, and i aint going back. Landng, then heading to see Ben to get my retirement visa started. Hoping that gives me a pass with immigration there.@@jimhaas9983
In most cases only the airline will make an issue about a one way ticket because they're responsible for flying you back if rejected at immigration. You can ask to sign a waiver at check in if you don't want to buy an onward ticket
Thailand does attract a lot of low value visitors. Just visit Pattaya for a look, plus all the Russians taking over Phuket, most of whom have to be on bogus visa$ … 😵
No bogus no visa. Russians have 90 days visa waiver. So they can do 2 border runs for an easy total of 9 months. People whining about the Russians, and the Thai government gave them the regulation EU people can only dream of.
I have lived and worked in 11 countries for several months to a year or more on 4 of the 5 continents. I have never worked in Thailand, but I am a Farang living in Thailand for now 15 years.
I have always believed that I was a guest in the country that allowed me to reside and work. I have never had any problem with any of the emigration or police.
I have a Thai driver's license and medical insurance.
Thailand has the right to protect its citizens. Any Farangs who, for any reason do not obey the Thai laws are giving us, Farangs, a very bad reputation.
The Thai government must arrest and judge these potential criminals. The Thai authorities want honest tourists or Farang residents, just like the French, British, or Americans want. Thailand is no different.
Yes, if you are a guest but dont behave as such.. you are unwelcome. The west should have taken such policy for their nations.
Politics is all about maintaining the illusion of competence. The important thing is to be seen doing something, no matter how ineffective, so that when the sun rises in the East tomorrow, the politicians can take credit for it. (Julius Ruechel)
Basically. If you behave and follow rules and laws everything is cool
Not surprised after seeing what they let happen in Phuket during the past couple of years
They'll be cracking down on Russians in Phuket shortly. A lot of dirty money.
What did they let happen in Phuket in the past couple of years ?
@@lolitapitpong3826russian gentrification
Half the Russians in Thailand are scrambling.
Only half!😅
Agreed, there mafia has taken over Phuket. Take a cab, learn Russian.
Thailand Russia relation is much more older than any other. The czar of Russia and king of thailand had very good relationship. Thailand thanked Russia for never intending to colonize Thailand instead helped it to built its army to fight the colonizers. one should read the history of relation between Thailand and Russia to know why 90 day visa is given to Russians not even to Chinese who are the biggest tourist. It was due to intervention by russia that great part of Thailand was given back by the French to Siam. Russia has a big role to play in the creation of Thailand and why it was never colonized.
That is good though. Still, if they behave respectfully, they should be allowed to stay
i doubt it - russians &especially chinese get better treatment than us western falang
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I'm here on an education visa and have to renew it every three months. I'm hopeful there won't be any issues but am always mindful that my stay here is at their discretion.
You better attend the classes they will ask your questions in Thai!
As the old expression goes, 'If you've done nothing wrong, you've nothing to fear...'
I agree. I just flew in last night. Immigration officer took my passport. My fingers and face was was scanned. No questions asked and she automatically stamped my passport for the 30 day stamp. I wonder if that was the case because I have never caused problems.
You are not living in the west.....'Old Expressions' don't apply here, there or anywhere. Open your eyes. Thailand has brought into the Chinese offer of a greater Far East Asia, along with Vietnam, Cambodia.
People that think that's a good quote has never read a significant portion of our laws and do not understand how corrupt everything is.
@@YeeLeeHawexactly. It amazes me how people will applaud and identify with power and encourage its abuse, particularly foreigners who applaud and encourage dictatorial governments in countries where they have zero rights and where that very power will eventually be used against them. Extreme naivety.
Every country shpuld have the right to determine who moves to their country and a secure border. And to deport those who dont respect the laws of their country.
It was already becoming a hassle. This just makes me feel even less welcome. I will be thinking twice about spending my tourist dollars and retirement years there in the future.
Eventually the political agenda in thailand will change and things will loosen up again. Nothing lasts forever. Thailand is highly reliant on tourism for its economy. They simply can't afford to drive away all foreigners and their plan to populate Thailand with foreign millionaires and nothing but ultra rich expats - well, how well do you think that's going to work?
considering the recent events by those two Kiwi guys and that Swiss guy (I think he was Swiss, who kicked the Thai woman!) I don't blame them at all!! if ya can't behave and show respect that you are a guest in that country then should not be allowed in or stay!!! I honestly don't blame them for clamping down!!! it only takes a few to f**k things up for the rest of us!!
You are moralizing. But this is a purely political, not a moral move. What do you think the Thai police force does about crime against foreigners by Thai people? Has it ever caused them to put measures in place? Violence against foreigners? Scamming of foreigners? Has it ever been a problem for them? Incidents like this take place everywhere in the world every day. There is also violence of Thai against Thai in Thai society. I'm not sure how much you know about the military junta currently ruling Thailand, but they are quite xenophobic. Since they came into power they have been "clamping down" on anything they can where foreigners are concerned. Believe it or not this also affects you in a negative way. So while I agree with you that the people behaving this way should be asked to leave Thailand, I'd reconsider your sympathy with the (extremely corrupt) Thai police force and their actions which combined with media propaganda will make life in thailand more difficult for all of us.
👍🏿
A needed higher scrutiny on the ED Visa should be coming.
At the end of the day, this is still youtube and short of Ben's expert guidance and nuance, opinions about Thai immigration law are like asparagus discolorations every time someone down there want's to make a name for themselves. Cracking down here and not over there while things are strict here but not as strict over there but more so over here.. I’m still waiting on my marriage visa but understand that I’ll be flying out at the end of the month to keep myself legal. I’m legally married to my beautiful Thai wife, I’m not a criminal, I don’t even drink so getting worked up isn’t an option. Cheers!
Not many know, Russia and Thailand go way back, like way way back, Russia helped designed the Thai Flag, helped create Thai Military, Thai Anthem, The first visit of Czar of Russia was to Thailand. Thai Prince married Russian princess. Thailand was grateful to Russia despite been a powerhouse, it never had intention to colonize Thailand unlike the west, Thailand is just grateful for what Russia did in the past. 90 Day visa is here to stay for good. nothing will change it.
90 day visa exemption for Russians is a temporary arrangement due to expire April 30th 2024. We shall see. . . . .
This is an heads up for all overstayers, scammers and other criminals. Doubt they care that much, some money to the local police and problem solved.
Indeed.
The slicked back hair looks great on you Sir!
It’s hard to see how this would be a bad thing. Unfortunately there are a lot of foreigners not following the rules in Thailand, and some of these people are making the Kingdom a less desirable place for both Thai’s and foreigners. (Inflationary spending through the use of funding of questionable origin… These long stay vloggers have caused a lot of damage too…)
_"These long stay vloggers have caused a lot of damage too"_
I beg to differ. They are promoting Thailand to millions of tourists completely for free and they support local Thai businesses with the money they earn from vlogging. Win, win.
No not want falang here only the super rich
Instead of stricter screening better to have stricter punishment.
Good point. I think this is called a deterant; make the punishment worse and ppl will be fearful of breaking the law.
Why should Thai's pay for the punishment?
Not really a great idea to encourage a military dictatorship to mete out stricter punishment against a group you belong to.
@@Chris-dw6cu Perhaps you should go to Thailand and you would find out that Thailand is not a dictatorship
I shouldn’t have any problems with immigration because I have both dual Swiss and New Zealand citizenship😀
Double whammy!!! LOL!!!
Lol very funny😅
You don't think they can cross-match your fingerprints upon entry if they wanted to?
Just stay away from traffic cops sat on steps near the beach and you'll be fine.😂
hahahha
Perhaps discuss the implications regarding those that use agents with legitimate financial requirements or not with no red flags who have been in country for years? Just a suggestion?
Any correlation to Canabis, half the foreigners on Koh Phangan are high all the time, and while driving, number weed shops must surpass 7-11 now in Thailand
that black list thing a few years ago was nationalist politics. people have been using the tourist visa to live in Thailand since the Vietnam war ended. The mini-van network was built around the long-stay tourist. Of course, this was all when Samui was still beach bunglows in coconut plantations. They tourism industry was built of forcing these people to move around every 30 days. That's why the fine for overstay was never more than 20K baht.
Then, they wanted to upgrade from dirty backpacker hostels to resorts and suddenly the people who were staying long time on tourist visa were vilified as "taking advantage of the system" (AS IF THEY WERE NOT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM) when in fact, the entire tourism industry was built around these people. Immigrations rules were meant to accommodate tourist industry and it grinds my gears to hear that nationalistic interpretation of history. That nationalistic garbage is the excuse they used to change the rules. The reality is, the worlds security measures changed after 9/11 and thai immigration needed to update. Politicians used that nationalistic garbage to sell their policies. none of it was true. the entire tourism industry was built -thai immigration rules were made to encourage - long stay tourists... and in a blink of an eye, people who have no power to object are vilified.
i've been here a long time... and i can tell you that every time the witch-hunt starts its for one person's political ambitions...and you only know it in hindsight.
Yep this is 100% accurate. but what's worse than the thai politics itself is all the expats on the internet acting like representatives of the Thai government, applauding the "crack down" on long stay foreigners and talking about "abuse" of tourist visas in a condescending way. Expat forums are now full of people on their high horse about "legitimate" and "proper" use of visas.
Maybe it's a form of Stockholm syndrome?
We want to be allowed to enter Thailand after the court case for over stay through friendship bridge Visa's. I thought that the Visa was for one month not two weeks and during the vang ving visa party environment in Laos it was common for people to get more than three land crossing Visas. What about the statute of limitations and a pardon for a bag of pot. This stuff was wildly available and the took tuk driver used the pot gram sale as a tool to sell me out to the police so they can fine, collect bail and extradite over one gram.
The Thai anti trafficking police were getting trained in Laos with c.w.s at the soccer field and they broke both my legs after shooting on goal at the scrimmage so that builds animosity
How is that bad?
Next year I’m moving to Thailand and spending the 25,000 USD on a five year elite visa. I want to be in the country legally without stressing. It’s way cheaper than the golden visa options an in any other country. I’m not old enough for a retirement visa.
Crazy.
Can I borrow 25k?
Do you still need to present to immigration every 90 days on an elite visa
Well prepare to pay Thai taxes as well on top of the elite visa.
There is no test of moral character for visa renewal as far as I'm aware. I think upon renewal or extension of visas, applicants should be required to show they have an understanding of the penalties under Thai law for certain offences. This could be in the form of a multi-choice questionnaire or similar, which could be completed online. It need only be basic, but would hopefully lead to a reduction in some of the bad behaviour we are seeing, and the arrogance that some seem to have.
Moral character? Is that what you think the corrupt people who seek positions of power care about? The only test that they will ever apply in Thailand, as in most countries, is financial. So long as you have the money, there is nothing you can't do here without consequences, whether you are foreigner or thai
@Chris-dw6cu as my wife says"in Thailand, with money. Can do AAANNYYTHING!"
No matter the country, if problems are at home, it's time to blame the foreigners. 🤷
Because foreigners are never a problem. 🙄
Tard
Based on your comment, the immigration should start screening IQs as well. Don’t let the stupid ones in so much.
You're always let guest become entitled in your house? If this is your logic
Don't be a guest in Thailand then.
I came to Thailand in January for 1 week. I'm coming in June for 3 weeks and coming in September for 1 week. Hopefully, I won't be turned away in September. If so, so be it.
No worries. You'll be fine. They don't pay much attention to anyone who hasn't been here more than 6 months
Umm good answer but 6 months in how long? 2023 I entered Thailand about 8 times spending about 7months some stay I had the 30 days tourist extension’s as well and 2024 I entered once and stayed 50 days with an extention. Never overstayed. I’m
Planning to visit again in May so would that be ok?
@@MK-sb1kv I think 6 months in the same year is when they might start hassling someone. I don't know how common it is. Probably depends on the officer you get.
The kingdom is one of my favourite counties.
I hope these stricter rules will be even stricter and permanent.
The culprits are nationals of certain counties.
problem is they might arrest u cos the hotel u stayed at was to lazy to file a tm30. or maybe they stopped u for speeding & need to make their foreigner arrests quota. speeding is breaking the law too. maybe ur "culprits" precipitated this action but it's ez for lazy police to apply it to anyone handy
Was in Thailand on an education visa. Left Thailand for an employment contract in the US before my visa expired but neglected to get an exit stamp. My contract is almost up and I wish to return to Thailand will I have a problem?
I'm trying to understand what is going on. BigJoke put on leave last week, and now this. Somebody at the top is pushing for more
power.
Im leaving the last day of april to apply for my retirement visa when i get there. Ill have a one way ticket, am i going to have issues? What do i tell immigration? Should i pre-apply for a 90 day visa?
You could have issue on both ends. Usually the airline at check in will question you're 1 way flight. There are legit reasons for a 1 way. Not sure about youres.
You might need to buy a onward flight. To get on you're flight. Be prepared.
If you want to be flexible on your return date the airlines make it difficult and add fees to change your return ticket.
Leaving america, and i aint going back. Landng, then heading to see Ben to get my retirement visa started. Hoping that gives me a pass with immigration there.@@jimhaas9983
In most cases only the airline will make an issue about a one way ticket because they're responsible for flying you back if rejected at immigration. You can ask to sign a waiver at check in if you don't want to buy an onward ticket
Thailand does attract a lot of low value visitors. Just visit Pattaya for a look, plus all the Russians taking over Phuket, most of whom have to be on bogus visa$ … 😵
No bogus no visa. Russians have 90 days visa waiver. So they can do 2 border runs for an easy total of 9 months. People whining about the Russians, and the Thai government gave them the regulation EU people can only dream of.
"Low value" visitor. Equating wealth to moral character. Hardly appropriate, given that the Swiss guy was rolling in money.
Perfect storm? Sounds more like some dark conspiracy to me
Its all of asia
Slick haircut !
Thanks yeah, I have not actually had a haircut in a while. Deciding what to do with it. Pretty sure I am going to keep it longer though.
--BWH
Do they want falang here or not ?
The disrespectful ones? Of course NOT
Rich falang only krup. 😜
We living in open air prison
America? 😏
Then leave.
The entire world is, yup. Too many 🐑 live amongst us to challenge the evil that reigns.
@@bobbybobberton6373 i think he was talking about europe but could also be america :D
Then leave.