By Barry Kenyon

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Thailand Elite cancels visa change at the last minute

By Barry Kenyon

August 16, 2023

On the very last enrolment day, August 15, that holders of the five year Elite ‘easy access’ five year visas had been instructed to submit an application for a 15 years upgrade to 20 years in total, they have received an email from Thailand Privilege Card Company informing them the new rule has suddenly and abruptly been scrapped. They can, after all, update their five year visa just three months or more before their personal expiry date. Just like before. But it is still ambiguous whether the transfer fees will remain the same in the future as they are now.

The cancellation of the order, which had originally been announced on August 1, began a two weeks flurry of confusion for holders of the five year option within the Elite program of visa choices. The most likely reason for the cancellation is legal advice to top Elite managements that they could face action in the courts from some visa holders arguing that their terms and conditions had been arbitrarily altered and with hardly any notice. There are currently 25,000-30,000 Elite members under all programs with the most popular option being ‘easy access’ or five years multiple entry.

As regards new and fresh Elite applications, paperwork must be submitted by September 15 to qualify for any Elite visa plan under the old regulations. The current programs will then be scrapped for new enrolments and a fresh tariff (details not yet known) will take effect at the beginning of October. It is widely assumed that Elite visas, which allow for stays between five and 20 years, with or without family members, will then be fewer in number and more expensive to buy. Social media rumors suggest that the five year option will jump from 600,000 baht to one million plus and the cheapest 20 years visa from 1 million baht to 5 million.

Although Elite membership does not offer Thai citizenship, a second passport or even permanent residency, it does carry perks such as fast-track immigration, free medical checkups and substantial discounts on hotel bookings, golf courses, retail outlets and the like. It is widely assumed that Elite will restrict the most generous perks to those who buy the most visa expensive options and/or visit Thailand most frequently. That model would be based on the familiar air miles strategy offered by airlines: the more you fly and the more you pay for your seat, the more privileges you can have.

The elephant in the room is the future of all Thai visa programs and not just Elite options. A deputy national police chief stated recently that some annual, renewable visas are too cheap whilst criticizing corrupt practices in the issue of retirement, study and voluntary visas. Meanwhile, the issue of some foreigners not having medical cover and being unable to pay their hospital bills is still a hot potato in political circles. The last major overhaul of Thailand’s visa regulations and fees was almost 20 years ago. On the other hand, Thailand must aspire to be competitive with other south east Asian countries who are just as keen to increase tourist and expat numbers. Thailand, in its hunt for high tourist spenders and wealthy expats, must be careful not to throw the babies out with the bath water.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ute-438274

[Jun]

Although Elite membership does not offer Thai citizenship, a second passport or even permanent residency.

All attractive features which are hard to withdraw.
We have already seen Thailand temporarily stop Elite members entering the country during Covid, whilst allowing Thai citizens in.

it does carry perks such as fast-track immigration, free medical checkups and substantial discounts on hotel bookings, golf courses, retail outlets and the like.

Other than fast track immigration, whether any of these is worth anything is unknown.

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What Thailand’s expats can expect from the new government

By Barry Kenyon

August 24, 2023

In order to achieve post-election constitutional power, Thailand’s Pheu Thai party finds itself abed with its former enemies allied to the military junta which seized power in 2014. It may seem a wobbly coalition, but it’s likely to last several years. Pheu Thai fears that its erstwhile popularity will dip, or perhaps ditch, in a fresh general election. The military-backed parties may face wipe-out as younger Thais in particular clearly prefer the radical reformist policies of the Move Forward party now consigned to sit on the opposition benches. That’s despite Move Forward having won the most seats in the May 2023 general election.

The most obvious consequence of the latest power alignment in Bangkok is excellent news for the marijuana industry and its thousands of retail outlets throughout the country. The total delisting of the drug as a narcotic in 2022 was a flagship achievement of the Bhumjaithai party which is (as usual) a vital component of the new coalition. During the recent election, Pheu Thai had voiced concerns about the weed and threatened to return it to narcotic status. Nothing more will be heard of that. Instead, the new administration will introduce a bill to clarify some ambiguous details such as business registration procedures, cannabis cafes and permissible marketing strategies. Pot smokers can rest easy, at any rate in private.

Thai authorities are likely to continue the policy of welcoming international tourists, no matter who and where from, to offset the weak numbers arriving from China. That country, prior to covid, was the principal recruitment source. So expect marketing campaigns, promoted by the Tourist Authority of Thailand’s offices abroad, to describe the charms of Siam whilst mentioning the welcoming atmosphere for niche-market Muslims, gays and medical tourists as well as tour groups and independent travellers. Thus immigration and visa regulations for short-term tourists are likely to remain fairly open – TM30 address registration notwithstanding – although expats on annual extensions can expect to see tightening of the rules regarding cash deposits and comprehensive medical insurance, as anticipated recently by deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. Whether the well-known immigration rear doors and escape hatches will remain unscathed remains to be seen.

Investments in large infrastructure projects to benefit the long-term economic and commercial development of Thailand will continue, especially those in the Eastern Economic Corridor which includes Pattaya. For example, plans to create 4 billion baht cruise port at Bali Hai are sure to be approved provided foreign backers are convinced about the potential. Not to mention an overhead monorail facility to link Pattaya rail station with the city center which needs to be coordinated with the fast-track train services linking U-tapao airport with Bangkok. Although such developments are years away from potential completion, Pattaya expats can expect to see a continuation of the crane, digger, tractor and traffic upheaval of the recent past. Progress demands temporary inconvenience, or so they say.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ent-438945

[Gaybutton]

expats on annual extensions can expect to see tightening of the rules regarding cash deposits and comprehensive medical insurance, as anticipated recently by deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn. Whether the well-known immigration rear doors and escape hatches will remain unscathed remains to be seen.

If that happens, we have no idea at this point just how tight that tightening might be. Much will depend on how steep monetary rules will be and whether farang of advancing years will even be able to get whatever the insurance requirements might be unless Thailand offers insurance at reasonable prices.

If new rules are too strict and are implemented immediately rather than gradually over a few years, then Thailand may very well be looking at a mass exodus of expats and a lot fewer new expats coming in. I'm not so sure Thailand would want that to happen, much less lose the money already on deposit when they leave. If it does, what then happens to that "good image" they're always so worried about?

One thing I don't expect: Any of the embassies to lift a finger or say a word in our behalf.

In any case, I doubt anything is going to happen any time soon. The idea of making things tougher on expats is for now just talk and the only one who even did any talking about it was "Big Joke" and he mentioned it only once, that I've seen, but that one time he mentioned it obviously has caused a lot of anxiety and panic. I haven't seen anyone in authority mentioning it at all. So it doesn't seem to me like it's a major priority just yet.

In other words, in my opinion it is premature to even start worrying. We don't have any idea yet what they're going to do, when they're going to do it, or even if they're going to make any changes.

Perhaps this is a good time to remind about one of my favorite quotes: "Don't worry until there is something to worry about." So far, nothing to worry about.

[Dodger]

I think Barry was brave to release an article forecasting the new government changes - when those in charge of the new government themselves don't have the foggiest clue yet. They've spent the past year "positioning" - not developing improvement strategies.

Regarding expat visa extensions; the only "facts" we have to draw on are those which are scribed in history. And based on those facts they (Immigration) has always included a "Grandfather Clause" when making changes to financial requirements related to visa extensions...as rare as these changes have been over the past half century (it's only happened twice).

If the same holds true, and there's no reason to think that it won't, any expat who has received at least two consecutive visa extensions (2 years) would be exempt from any changes related to minimum financial requirements regardless if they are using the monthly income method of the 800k savings method. The ones who would be faced with any changes that MAY be made are the newcomers. I'm sure many expats would have appreciated it if Barry would have emphasized this point in his article. Better yet, I think a lot of people would have appreciated it if Big Joke would have made this point.

Regarding health insurance mandates for "O" type visa holders, it's anyone's guess. Maybe they'll "Grandfather" this as well - and maybe they won't.

Welcome to Thailand!

[Gaybutton]

If the same holds true

Emphasis on "if". I hope you're right because I've always held, and still do, that 800,000 is too much as it is. And we all know if we do have to spend any of it, if we can't replenish it by their deadline, there goes your retirement visa.

Regarding the 800,000 baht, I don't know what happens if just before the deadline, say 3 or 4 days, something forces you spend a portion of it and there is no way you can replenish it in time. I imagine even in that circumstance you can probably kiss your retirement visa goodbye unless you can also switch over to the 65,000 baht per month method if you can prove it to their satisfaction.

In any case, what you say makes sense. That's what scares me. I rarely hear about much of anything in Thailand that makes sense and things get done that way. That's what makes my "I Don't Get It" list so long . . .

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Pattaya’s prospects to introduce 24 hours booze sales still over the horizon

By Barry Kenyon

August 26, 2023

The caretaker Thai Cabinet agreed this week that the three provinces of the rapidly expanding Eastern Economic Corridor, which includes Pattaya, should permit 24 hours opening of bars and clubs to boost tourist income in the post-covid era. However, this is one of those “in principle” announcements with various stakeholders still able to cancel, delay or interpret the rules more or less at free will. Certainly, the notion of the EEC business zone becoming a cheerleader for booze reform is a gaspingly original role. It’s best understood with a gin and tonic in your hand.

The secretary of Pattaya’s entertainment and tourism association, Damrongkiat Phinitkan, has made the expected announcement that the move would benefit local businesses and strengthen the Pattaya tourist industry. However, his predecessors have been saying much the same thing since 2010 when the then-Pattaya mayor Itthipol Kunplome led a campaign to extend booze hours till dawn. It got nowhere. The current campaign is said to owe much to newly elected Move Forward member of parliament for Pattaya, Jaras Kumkhainam, with his own flagship proposals to make the resort competitive in world tourist markets.

Whether or not anything more is heard of the current 24 hour Pattaya booze freedom idea will depend on the Thai government once in office. Alcohol not likely to be a priority agenda item and the hot potato is likely to be passed to provincial committees and even to public meetings. Thus we are likely to hear once again the many well-rehearsed, conservative arguments about the need to protect youths, avoid a surge in the crime rate (including prostitution) and prevent an explosion of middle-of-the-night traffic accidents. These debates will doubtless earn their yawn of the month literary awards.

Even if bars were open 24 hours, it’s doubtful if many owners would leap at the opportunity to go the whole hog. Expansion on that scale has enormous implications for rents, salaries, contracts, staff hours and all manner of unforeseen expenses. A recent report on the Cambodian cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap found that nearly all nighteries, although legally able to operate 24/7, close around 2 am, or even earlier. There just aren’t sufficient customers to remain open. With Pattaya’s international tourist profile changing rapidly with fewer naughty bachelor boys turning up from Europe, America and Australia, booze liberalization maybe doesn’t have the punch it once did.

Further down the decision-taking line, we will hear much about restricted Happy Zones or Enjoyment Sandboxes where extended booze hours will be allowed with a special permit. One can imagine the howls if Walking Street is allowed to serve cocktails, but Soi Buakhao isn’t. And what if gay zones such as the Jomtien Complex or Boyztown are excluded? Government spokespersons have already said that all night partying must not go on in areas where people need to sleep. Best of luck sorting that one out.

Of course, Pattaya already has substantial 24 hours opening experience. Apart from police, emergency services and hospitals, there are more “we never close” 7/11 convenience stores in Thailand than in any other country except Japan. Foodland, alone of the major food halls, never closes even though an aisle or two are closed off at four in the morning for cleaning. Not to mention the shebeens or illegal drinking dens which do exist in Pattaya if you know where to look. Law reform in Thailand is well overdue with tawdry legal restrictions still in place to force the retail selling of alcohol into artificial windows from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to midnight. Dislodging Thai booze history will be no easy task.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... n-2-439206

[Jun]

Government spokespersons have already said that all night partying must not go on in areas where people need to sleep. Best of luck sorting that one out.

There are hotels in Jomtien & Boyztown.
Also, in most of the areas with girly bars too.

The perfect solution is to carry on as they are. Close all bars by 2:00 am, with a few select all night establishments open.

[Gaybutton]

Government spokespersons have already said that all night partying must not go on in areas where people need to sleep. Best of luck sorting that one out.

There are hotels in Jomtien & Boyztown.

But he doesn't elaborate on his concept of "areas where people need to sleep". He may not even mean hotels. He just as easily could be referring to something else, such as hospitals, residential areas, or whatever.

I can't see it working unless the same rules apply to all bars, no matter where they are - and the rules actually get enforced. You don't need me to tell you the odds of that happening.

If they do go with 24 hour bars, maybe they could come up with a rule demanding music volume not exceed a certain level beyond specified hours - again with real enforcement.

One thing seems clear to me. If they do allow 24 hour bars and no particular restrictions on music volume, if you're going to Pattaya and bar noise prevents you from sleeping, then either don't stay anywhere near those bars or bring along ear plugs - good ones . . .

[Jun]

I can't see it working unless the same rules apply to all bars, no matter where they are - and the rules actually get enforced. You don't need me to tell you the odds of that happening.

There's zero chance of proper law enforcement in Pattaya any time soon.
Of course, if there were a government that decided to properly clamp down on corruption and (for example) had the death penalty for any officials taking bribes, things might change.

If they do allow 24 hour bars and no particular restrictions on music volume, if you're going to Pattaya and bar noise prevents you from sleeping, then either don't stay anywhere near those bars or bring along ear plugs - good ones . . .

They already have no restrictions on noise. I've walked past restaurants at about 1:00 am with loud music playing outside their establishment.