New plans for expats & visas

[laser]

"...Surachate said he’s drafting suggested amendments to the 1979 immigration law to make things smoother for expats seeking to reside, retire or work in the kingdom. “I can guarantee it will be easy to apply and live here,” Surachate said. “[But] bad people will have a hard time.”

Proposed changes include abolishing 90-day reports and introducing 10-year visas for foreign retirees,

Surachate said. A data link between the immigration and Thailand’s consular affairs around the world was recently established. Experts will also be consulted to see what restricted professions should be open to foreigners.

“The amendment process will take probably about two or three months,” Surachate said – an optimistic assessment when at least half a year is usually needed to pass legislation. At the same time, he said the immigration is working with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to inspect past tax records of expats living in Thailand in order to weed out those with suspicious activities. “I’d like to remind all foreigners that their stays and businesses in this country have to be legal,” Surachate said. “We’re watching you”

Full article: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured ... ats-visas/

[GroveHillWanderer]

Good news about abolishing 90-day reports if it turns out to be true.

[Big Boy]

It's unlikely to progress beyond the Ministry of Silly Ideas. We were only discussing Thailand's low unemployment a few days ago. No 90 day reporting, visa extensions taking 1/10 of the resource. How many will that make unemployed?

[lomuamart]

I'm not sure, BB.
If Imm could wipe away some of those archaic laws then that might make their lives easier too. And other stuff like the crazy reporting within 24 hour thing.
Unemployment? I doubt it. It's always been jobs for life and that's the way it will always be.

[Big Boy]

Like it or not, this country thrives on cheap, paper intensive systems because it keeps the nation employed for a pittance. Most of us are from countries with much more sophistication, but much higher unemployment.

What is better, making people unemployed whilst making life easier for a few aliens (probably creating a need for social security etc), or retaining status quo with low wages and almost 100% employment?

[oakdale160]

A plan that will have the effect of making life easier for ex-pats might have the disastrous effect of encouraging more and more of them to move here adding to the constant whining and criticism.

[caller]

Maybe he's thinking logically. That all the paper shufflers aren't really needed and would be better employed looking for the bad guy's. More pro-active work as we have witnessed recently. 80+% of expats will be genuine, 20% not, or whatever average they believe it is. Far better using his resources to concentrate on finding the bad guy's, knowing 8 out of 10 are good and it's in effect dead time spending so much time processing the applications.

[lindosfan1]

Caller, would hope you are right, but you said logically, not seen a lot in Thailand.

[Big Boy]

Thailand's law enforcement doesn't work that way. They'd rather set up an office or road block somewhere, and let the crime come to them.

A proactive police force is something I've been championing for several years, but TIT. I honestly hope that I'm wrong.

[Lost]

The 90 day reporting was always a huge pet hate of mine. It seems an unnecessary, waste of time. Then they started talking about having to offer up social media information and the like. Then discussion began on electronically tagging tourists. Xenophobia was peeking.

None of it happened, mind. I doubt they'll abolish the 90 day reporting either but at least the mindset may be changing ever so slightly.

[Big Boy]

All of this talk keeps him in the public spotlight.

[brianks]

You up in Hua Hin don't know how good you have it. Down here in Nakhon Si Thammarat the male nemesis at Immigration, that has made life miserable for everyone, has been moved out. No recent citing s of him anywhere. Now office is always empty and everyone is processed quickly like I used to get in Hua Hin.

Now if they eliminated both the 90 day check in and the 24 hour check in return to country would be a very positive move. If you had to drive over an hour to Immigration you would understand why my rant. I can dream can't I?

[Big Boy]

I am certainly not disagreeing with it, and I have several friends who also have to make stupid trips. I honestly sympathise, and Id love to see this new Ministry of Silly Ideas suggestion implemented. However, I've lived here long enough now to be a realist.

Yes, maybe Big Joke wants proactive policing. However, who gave him the nickname? Wasn't it his own people? It just won't happen.

[Nereus]

Now if they eliminated both the 90 day check in and the 24 hour check in return to country would be a very positive move. If you had to drive over an hour to Immigration you would understand why my rant. I can dream can't I?

Don't know about the 24 hour BS, but the 90 day reporting online continues to work OK for me.

[buksida]

It will never happen. Thaksin bought in the 90 day reports because it is a cash cow in terms of late fines. Keeping paper pushers in jobs is also a priority, as is keeping tabs on all those pesky farangs that want to live here.

Even those wearing the rose tinted glasses must admit the possibility of the junta doing something that will net them less money and make expat lives easier is about as likely as Sek Loso getting elected for PM.