new visa rules for foreigners

[panuccino]

I really think that it is very simple this situation. I am from Mexico and my country has many regulations when it comes to foreigners that come to live in my country, they all follow the rules, they all pay taxes and thats it, they even have a happy life here or they go back to their origin country. If Marco wants to live in Thailand just follow the rules, pay the taxes, fill the formats and that should do it. If you plan to get a visa extension every 3 months in order to stay more in THailand and not pay taxes well... either ways in your origin country you'll have to pay taxes. Bottom line here is follow the rules and no-one will bother you. I wanted to move to Thailand 2 years ago, but the regulations (economically speaking) are very tough for me that I dont make tons of money in my country, but I wont try to find a tricky way to fool the government in order to stay there... unless they make exceptions. Im tired of typing.

[BodhiTree]

Bravo ! I am happy to learn that Thailand is finally going to take action and get rid of the thousands of foreigners who take advantage of our country by not paying any taxes.Also our kids will have a better future not being tought English by some "native farang" without any qulifications.If they want to stay and work here then apply for a work permit and pay taxes,simple!

Mr Somchai is very fair in his argument . He made an important point which many have completely ignored. English taught by "native farangs" without any qualifications. Try getting a teaching job in any of the so called developed nations without any qualifications.
The second point is pay taxes and get a workpermit. What is wrong with that? He is absolutely right, a lot of mediocre farangs in Thailand.

[puek]

there's a lot of mud-slinging here...on both sides. Clearly, a couple Brits and Swiss are unhappy with their experiences in Thailand. A shame really, but hanging out with bar girls, then marrying them seems like a recipe for potential disaster anywhere. I suspect anyone teaming up with some of the naughtier girls in UK or Switzerland would also run the risk of coming to a similarly bad fiscal end.

as for 'contributing' to society...good stuff, but hardly cause for waiving visa regulations. why not just get the non-imm visa as a foreigner married to a Thai and put the 400k THB in the bank for 2 months a year prior to renewal. People are claiming they spend a few million baht every year or so. why not deposit it and legally apply for the appropriate visa? And for those that claim they have spent literally millions on a home and land. If you read the visa regs, you'll see that there is an investor's visa whereby bringing 10million into the country and investing...even in a condo (and i believe in some cases, land and residences), you will be awarded with a 5 year residence visa convertible to a permanent residence permit.

Quit crying and just play by the rules. Frankly, if you can't afford to meet the fairly basic fiscal requirements, you really don't belong away from your home country. Bar bums and low-lifes really don't add anything positive to the country...just look at Soi Nana

[Asian Hand]

The list of items required to obtain a Non immigrant O-Visa (Married to a Thai) are available in english and Thai at the Immigration Offices. Another change this year is that henceforth submitting only a marriage certificate will no longer be acceptable. Now the foreign to a Thai marriage has to be recertified annually and that certification has to be included in the application. The Thai spouse is also now required to complete a questionnaire. If you are aware of all the requirements submission only takes 15 to 20 minutes. Approval takes 2 weeks to a month depending on whether you submitt to Head Office in Bangkok or in one of the provinces. If the couple have just been married getting that first married visa will be tougher. You will be subjected to an interview and Immigration Officers will come and verify your joint place of residence and will also likely as for local references. As for Permanent Residence, very few have been granted in the last 5 years. Be aware there is a quota on each country and that preparing the application can take 6 to 8 months because of the documentation required from your home country. If you are married to a Thai apparently the process is easier but again there have not been many PR's granted.

[buster]

We,Lao wife and I, together with our (local born)kids live in Thailand, speak the language, socialize with Thai friends, Thai neighbors and live by the rules and customs of The Kingdom.
There are differences in opinion,but as in all countries in the world, we need to adapt.
living by the rules of engagement seem to be harsh for many other foreigners we meet, not all mind you, but overwhelming
majority has "the trouble" with visa requirements as pointed out in this discussion.

It seems odd, but its really very simple to explain....
If people come to this country freewheeling and dealing,getting married to receive cheap visa and expect a different attitude
from immigration officers then theirs, and their spouses, then their in for a surprise. a NASTY one
If one respects rules and regulations their in for another surprise, a NICE one

Draw A is the draw were the NICE surprises are kept, every year applicants come with prepared cases and relevant documentation and get stamped without any problem !

Draw B is the draw next to the final draw called blacklist draw and holds the applicants and their spouses, agents, crooks, and other payed well wishers core whom think that everything is for sale in this country including spouse( no offence intended!!)
Wheeling and dealing, getting intoxicated and "allowed " to behave in a manner utterly impossible in their own country these people draw closer and closer by the year to get in to the final draw...............Black listed.