By Barry Kenyon
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Have I missed any commentary on the recent local elections? Either by Barry Kenyon, or anyone else who might have someting sensible to say.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
2 Barry Kenyon articles today.
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Everyone passes the buck on paying for emergency medical treatment in Thailand
By Barry Kenyon
February 23, 2025
The unfortunate British tourist Pamela Gatehouse is facing medical and repatriation costs of around 80,000 pounds (3 million baht) and much more if a private plane evacuation proves necessary. Her husband says their travel insurance proved worthless because they visited India before Thailand, a technicality which invalidated all claims.
Inevitably, the British embassy was contacted but there is no slush fund to cover non-insured tourists or expats. Indeed, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London has in the past pointed out that British taxpayers cannot, and should not, subsidize overseas tragedies no matter how pitiful. Any other policy, of course, would open the floodgates as Brits abroad would queue up in huge numbers to benefit from the unexpected generosity.
Gofundme might help a bit – it has provided over 7,000 pounds (30,000 baht) to date in the Gatehouse case. Traditionally, most of the cash in medical emergencies is volunteered in the first few days, soon drying up. The only other routes to try are compassionate friends and relatives back in the UK or negotiations with the private hospital to arrange a discount. There have been examples where hospital administrators have knocked off 10 percent as the case nears outpatient status. Worth a try.
It is a common myth that travel insurance, which the Gatehouses paid for, covers any and all medical issues abroad. Allianz Travel Insurance points out that “if a situation is not specified in the terms, it’s not covered”. Claims are regularly rejected because of ambiguous terms such as pre-existing conditions, foreseeable events and risky behaviour. Travel insurance is a competitive, even cut-throat industry, with companies trying to look as cheap as possible whilst maximizing their own escape clauses.
In the past 12 months, Brits in Thai hospitals for serious operations (assuming they had any insurance) have been rejected by their cover companies for not wearing a crash helmet, failing breath or drugs tests, negligence in personal conduct, inadequate vehicle insurance, self-incrimination (overstaying a visa), failure to return regularly to UK, refusal to accept outpatient treatment when offered and a host of other phrases which disguise the horror of individuals’ misfortunes.
As regards compulsory medical insurance, Thai authorities are diffident. Cheap package deals for the millions from India, China and Russia would rise in cost if mandatory cover was introduced. A few expat visas such as the 10-year Long Term Residence and work authorizations require it, but well over 90 percent of foreigners can visit without any insurance requirement. Meanwhile, the Thai health authorities regularly grumble about foreigners’ unpaid bills.
In early 2024, the Thai government launched a medical support scheme for foreign tourists which was centrally funded with 50 million baht (11 million UK). It was discretionary, complicated and not well publicized after the initial press conferences. There were the usual warnings about carelessness, intention to take part in an illegal activity or risky conduct. Much of the fund was spent on compensation for the relatives of foreigners who died in traffic accidents. The scheme ran until December 2024 but has not been renewed so far as is known.
A recurrent promise of the government has been to introduced a travel tax of 300 baht (7 pounds) on all foreigners arriving in Thailand. The revenue would be used to repair or renovate public monuments visited by tourists with a smaller percentage perhaps paying the costs of foreigners’ accidents. Maybe anyway. But there has been no travel surcharge to date and no recent announcements. When it comes to significant medical treatment in any south east Asian country, you are essentially on your own. On the other hand, 99 percent of travellers won’t have a problem.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-491691
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Canada joins UK, US and Australia in refusing to verify retirement income
By Barry Kenyon
February 24, 2025
The Canadian embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will no longer issue letters of guarantee about the income of Canadian citizens wishing to obtain annually-renewable visas in Thailand. The ruling also applies to the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai. The announcement parrots the line used by the British, American and Australian embassies in the past – officers have no way of verifying the truth of claimed income or cash reserves in the home country.
Those affected, principally retirees, will need either to show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (which never insisted on embassy confirmation) or use the method of transferring at least 65,000 baht on a regular and continuous basis for the preceding 12 months. Individual immigration offices may differ in the precise detail they require applicants to produce for retirement or marriage visas. The evidence can include detailed home-country bank statements and even proof of the source of the cash if monthly transfers are involved.
Pattaya City Expat Club has a useful and detailed summary of the matter in its current newsletter, though obviously the remarks apply principally to Chonburi provincial immigration offices. The Canadian embassy states that the issuing of letters of guarantee had always been an informal arrangement, not a mandatory service required by immigration authorities. The embassy does not claim that abuses have actually been found.
The latest ruling will likely require Canadian expats with annually renewable visas to have a bank account in Thailand. They may run into the problem that new bank accounts are more difficult to open at the moment because of the government crackdown on unrelated abuse relating to scams and fraud. New banking registration rules allegedly begin on March 1, including requirements for photo IDs and a restriction of one SIM card per bank account. However, there have not been any recent announcements by the Bank of Thailand about implementation.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ome-491858
_______________________________________________________________
Everyone passes the buck on paying for emergency medical treatment in Thailand
By Barry Kenyon
February 23, 2025
The unfortunate British tourist Pamela Gatehouse is facing medical and repatriation costs of around 80,000 pounds (3 million baht) and much more if a private plane evacuation proves necessary. Her husband says their travel insurance proved worthless because they visited India before Thailand, a technicality which invalidated all claims.
Inevitably, the British embassy was contacted but there is no slush fund to cover non-insured tourists or expats. Indeed, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London has in the past pointed out that British taxpayers cannot, and should not, subsidize overseas tragedies no matter how pitiful. Any other policy, of course, would open the floodgates as Brits abroad would queue up in huge numbers to benefit from the unexpected generosity.
Gofundme might help a bit – it has provided over 7,000 pounds (30,000 baht) to date in the Gatehouse case. Traditionally, most of the cash in medical emergencies is volunteered in the first few days, soon drying up. The only other routes to try are compassionate friends and relatives back in the UK or negotiations with the private hospital to arrange a discount. There have been examples where hospital administrators have knocked off 10 percent as the case nears outpatient status. Worth a try.
It is a common myth that travel insurance, which the Gatehouses paid for, covers any and all medical issues abroad. Allianz Travel Insurance points out that “if a situation is not specified in the terms, it’s not covered”. Claims are regularly rejected because of ambiguous terms such as pre-existing conditions, foreseeable events and risky behaviour. Travel insurance is a competitive, even cut-throat industry, with companies trying to look as cheap as possible whilst maximizing their own escape clauses.
In the past 12 months, Brits in Thai hospitals for serious operations (assuming they had any insurance) have been rejected by their cover companies for not wearing a crash helmet, failing breath or drugs tests, negligence in personal conduct, inadequate vehicle insurance, self-incrimination (overstaying a visa), failure to return regularly to UK, refusal to accept outpatient treatment when offered and a host of other phrases which disguise the horror of individuals’ misfortunes.
As regards compulsory medical insurance, Thai authorities are diffident. Cheap package deals for the millions from India, China and Russia would rise in cost if mandatory cover was introduced. A few expat visas such as the 10-year Long Term Residence and work authorizations require it, but well over 90 percent of foreigners can visit without any insurance requirement. Meanwhile, the Thai health authorities regularly grumble about foreigners’ unpaid bills.
In early 2024, the Thai government launched a medical support scheme for foreign tourists which was centrally funded with 50 million baht (11 million UK). It was discretionary, complicated and not well publicized after the initial press conferences. There were the usual warnings about carelessness, intention to take part in an illegal activity or risky conduct. Much of the fund was spent on compensation for the relatives of foreigners who died in traffic accidents. The scheme ran until December 2024 but has not been renewed so far as is known.
A recurrent promise of the government has been to introduced a travel tax of 300 baht (7 pounds) on all foreigners arriving in Thailand. The revenue would be used to repair or renovate public monuments visited by tourists with a smaller percentage perhaps paying the costs of foreigners’ accidents. Maybe anyway. But there has been no travel surcharge to date and no recent announcements. When it comes to significant medical treatment in any south east Asian country, you are essentially on your own. On the other hand, 99 percent of travellers won’t have a problem.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-491691
_______________________________________________________________
Canada joins UK, US and Australia in refusing to verify retirement income
By Barry Kenyon
February 24, 2025
The Canadian embassy in Bangkok has announced that it will no longer issue letters of guarantee about the income of Canadian citizens wishing to obtain annually-renewable visas in Thailand. The ruling also applies to the Canadian consulate in Chiang Mai. The announcement parrots the line used by the British, American and Australian embassies in the past – officers have no way of verifying the truth of claimed income or cash reserves in the home country.
Those affected, principally retirees, will need either to show 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account (which never insisted on embassy confirmation) or use the method of transferring at least 65,000 baht on a regular and continuous basis for the preceding 12 months. Individual immigration offices may differ in the precise detail they require applicants to produce for retirement or marriage visas. The evidence can include detailed home-country bank statements and even proof of the source of the cash if monthly transfers are involved.
Pattaya City Expat Club has a useful and detailed summary of the matter in its current newsletter, though obviously the remarks apply principally to Chonburi provincial immigration offices. The Canadian embassy states that the issuing of letters of guarantee had always been an informal arrangement, not a mandatory service required by immigration authorities. The embassy does not claim that abuses have actually been found.
The latest ruling will likely require Canadian expats with annually renewable visas to have a bank account in Thailand. They may run into the problem that new bank accounts are more difficult to open at the moment because of the government crackdown on unrelated abuse relating to scams and fraud. New banking registration rules allegedly begin on March 1, including requirements for photo IDs and a restriction of one SIM card per bank account. However, there have not been any recent announcements by the Bank of Thailand about implementation.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ome-491858
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Anyone travelling to multiple countries ought to get insurance cover valid for all those countries. Otherwise, what do they expect?Barry Kenyon wrote: ↑Mon Feb 24, 2025 6:48 pm Her husband says their travel insurance proved worthless because they visited India before Thailand, a technicality which invalidated all claims.
I agree it's not something the taxpayer should cover.
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
They probably expect the same thing most people expect, especially those who travel without adequate insurance, that nothing will happen to them because these thing always happen to somebody else.
Maybe they forgot that to the entire world, they are "somebody else" . . .
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Moses
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
====Cheap package deals for the millions from India, China and Russia would rise in cost if mandatory cover was introduced.===
Than more I read from Barry, then more I have impressions - he is lazy unprofessional pseudo-journalist who never checks facts...
travel insurance is mandatory for Russians visiting Thailand from the first day Thailand and Russia signed the visa-free exchange agreement - from March 6, 2003... such insurance is a mandatory part of the package in all Russian travel agencies, so it can't "rise in cost"
most banks in Russia include free travel insurance in the package of services for most credit cards
3 weeks ago I got sick in Indonesia (high temperature and cough), the bank concierge listened to the message about my illness and 15 minutes later a Russian-speaking doctor from an Indonesian hospital called me, he listened to me, wrote out and sent via WhatsApp a prescription for medication... I bought these medications and kept the receipt, and upon returning to Moscow I sent a photo of the receipt to the bank and got my money back for the medication, and the bank paid the doctor... and all this did not cost me a penny, including insurance for 90 days during the year, which covers both ordinary leisure and active sports, except professional, and exacerbation of chronic diseases... coverage is US $100,000
almost all Russian tourists arrive with such insurance...
Than more I read from Barry, then more I have impressions - he is lazy unprofessional pseudo-journalist who never checks facts...
travel insurance is mandatory for Russians visiting Thailand from the first day Thailand and Russia signed the visa-free exchange agreement - from March 6, 2003... such insurance is a mandatory part of the package in all Russian travel agencies, so it can't "rise in cost"
most banks in Russia include free travel insurance in the package of services for most credit cards
3 weeks ago I got sick in Indonesia (high temperature and cough), the bank concierge listened to the message about my illness and 15 minutes later a Russian-speaking doctor from an Indonesian hospital called me, he listened to me, wrote out and sent via WhatsApp a prescription for medication... I bought these medications and kept the receipt, and upon returning to Moscow I sent a photo of the receipt to the bank and got my money back for the medication, and the bank paid the doctor... and all this did not cost me a penny, including insurance for 90 days during the year, which covers both ordinary leisure and active sports, except professional, and exacerbation of chronic diseases... coverage is US $100,000
almost all Russian tourists arrive with such insurance...
Local private gay guides and companions
[*] in South East Asia http://siamroads.com
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[*] in Thailand http://bkktour.info/
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Thailand exaggerating the appeal of soft power tourism - Pattaya Mail
by Barry Kenyon
February 28, 2025
The Thai premier’s latest push to promote the country by stressing its appealing and attractive features may not be enough to outweigh negative news. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the scandal of scam call centers requires urgent attention before Thailand’s reputation can be rescued.
Since Covid, Thai authorities in international marketing have stressed soft power initiatives which have included cultural activities and festivities across the board. Even visa initiatives, such as the Destination Thailand Visa, have been promoted as soft power by permitting cookery or Thai boxing training as reasons for long stay.
According to the Chinese report soft power initiatives in Thai marketing are commendable, but the timing now clashes with widespread perceptions that authorities here have not done enough to tackle the growing problem of scam centers in the region. The Bangkok government has tried many measures including cutting off electricity supplies to Myanmar and Cambodian border regions, but the scam controllers have simply moved base to other localities.
Thai authorities emphasize soft power through cultural initiatives, from festivals to long-stay visa programs like the Destination Thailand Visa, which supports activities such as Thai cookery and Muay Thai training.
There have also been news stories of thousands of kidnapped foreigners forced to work in scam call centers specializing in fake romance projects, drugs trafficking and financial fraud. Such tales may not have dented enthusiasm for Thailand in European countries, but has had a detrimental effect on the Chinese who are now turning to other destinations, especially Japan.
Thai authorities claim they are working hard to eradicate call centers whilst pointing out that soft power promotes the good name of the country whilst creating jobs and expanding economic influence. According to the 2025 Global Soft Power Index, Thailand is now 39th in the ranking order, a huge leap as more and more government marketing initiatives are clothed in soft power clothing.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ism-492305
by Barry Kenyon
February 28, 2025
The Thai premier’s latest push to promote the country by stressing its appealing and attractive features may not be enough to outweigh negative news. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the scandal of scam call centers requires urgent attention before Thailand’s reputation can be rescued.
Since Covid, Thai authorities in international marketing have stressed soft power initiatives which have included cultural activities and festivities across the board. Even visa initiatives, such as the Destination Thailand Visa, have been promoted as soft power by permitting cookery or Thai boxing training as reasons for long stay.
According to the Chinese report soft power initiatives in Thai marketing are commendable, but the timing now clashes with widespread perceptions that authorities here have not done enough to tackle the growing problem of scam centers in the region. The Bangkok government has tried many measures including cutting off electricity supplies to Myanmar and Cambodian border regions, but the scam controllers have simply moved base to other localities.
Thai authorities emphasize soft power through cultural initiatives, from festivals to long-stay visa programs like the Destination Thailand Visa, which supports activities such as Thai cookery and Muay Thai training.
There have also been news stories of thousands of kidnapped foreigners forced to work in scam call centers specializing in fake romance projects, drugs trafficking and financial fraud. Such tales may not have dented enthusiasm for Thailand in European countries, but has had a detrimental effect on the Chinese who are now turning to other destinations, especially Japan.
Thai authorities claim they are working hard to eradicate call centers whilst pointing out that soft power promotes the good name of the country whilst creating jobs and expanding economic influence. According to the 2025 Global Soft Power Index, Thailand is now 39th in the ranking order, a huge leap as more and more government marketing initiatives are clothed in soft power clothing.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ism-492305
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
Would you decline to visit Thailand because of a 300 baht tourist tax? Would you decline if the tax were 500 baht or even 1000 baht? I don't know how many people really would decline unless they are vehemently opposed on principle to such a tax.
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Still no firm date for the 300 baht tourist tax in Thailand
by Barry Kenyon
February 28, 2025
Tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong has again pushed the compulsory tourist tax on international arrivals into the uncertain future. He said it would start in this year’s high season provided that the scheme is endorsed in the Royal Gazette.
He confirmed that air arrivals would be charged 300 baht (about US$9) per trip. Land and sea visitors would pay the same, but would be entitled to enter several times within the visa-free or 60 days parameter.
Payment is likely to be linked to the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) which will replace the much-maligned TM6 entry card which has been withdrawn and will be compulsory for all foreigners no matter what their visa status. Apart from Thai nationals, the only exceptions will be work permit holders and (maybe) VIPS.
The tourist tax has been postponed many times in recent years, mostly because of collection issues which now appear to have been resolved. The tax will be used partly to restore and renovate tourist sites and memorials, but also to provide some insurance cover for tourists. In the past, this has turned out to be discretionary compensation to relatives in the case of accidental death rather than a replacement for individuals paying hospital bills. As ever, wait and see.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-492302
________________________________________________
Still no firm date for the 300 baht tourist tax in Thailand
by Barry Kenyon
February 28, 2025
Tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong has again pushed the compulsory tourist tax on international arrivals into the uncertain future. He said it would start in this year’s high season provided that the scheme is endorsed in the Royal Gazette.
He confirmed that air arrivals would be charged 300 baht (about US$9) per trip. Land and sea visitors would pay the same, but would be entitled to enter several times within the visa-free or 60 days parameter.
Payment is likely to be linked to the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) which will replace the much-maligned TM6 entry card which has been withdrawn and will be compulsory for all foreigners no matter what their visa status. Apart from Thai nationals, the only exceptions will be work permit holders and (maybe) VIPS.
The tourist tax has been postponed many times in recent years, mostly because of collection issues which now appear to have been resolved. The tax will be used partly to restore and renovate tourist sites and memorials, but also to provide some insurance cover for tourists. In the past, this has turned out to be discretionary compensation to relatives in the case of accidental death rather than a replacement for individuals paying hospital bills. As ever, wait and see.
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... and-492302
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Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
The clouds are lifting about the Destination Thailand Visa
By Barry Kenyon
March 5, 2025
Eight months after introduction by a Thai government anxious to increase tourist numbers, DTV’s merits and demerits are becoming clearer. It’s essentially an activity-visa, usually soft power or remote working, which allows the holder a maximum six months’ stay during a five year period. Entry to Thailand can be made by land, sea or air. The DTV public Facebook group, with a membership around 30,000, has found in feedback that holders are not hassled at entry points as long as they show their relevant QR code.
So DTV is a multi-entry tourist visa: once granted it can be used over and over without re-showing or updating documentation or personal finances. This liberal tone is unlikely to be suspended without firm instructions from the Ministry of the Interior. There is no sign of that happening and DTV has been a Thai visa success story without recent competitors. The renewal of the 180 days maximum stay is automatic even if the need to leave the country is only a one-day border hop.
The original DTV policy last summer allowed the possibility for a six months extension at local immigration which would mean a maximum of 360 days in a 12-months period before the requirement to leave kicks in. As predicted, this avenue is problematical for the vast majority of DTV holders. As reported on Facebook, they are being told to go on a border hop or being refused locally as their paperwork or finances are not satisfactory. Most visa extensions in Thailand are semi-automatic or are granted with enough cash in the bank. DTV is in a category of its own with immigration officer discretion the sole criterion.
DTV has replaced several old non-immigrant visas. Thus DTV enables those with Thai families or receiving longterm medical treatment – separate categories from remote working or soft power – to have a six months’ stay (if needed) rather than the 90 days of the former non-immigrant categories. Interestingly, the six months extensions at local immigration which have been granted seem to have mostly been given to those specific categories on submission of updated records. DTV has also replaced the non-immigrant visa for martial arts training.
The negatives of DTV are those associated with classification as a tourist. It may be difficult to open a bank account or extend a driving licence to five years. DTV holders are decidedly not exempt from immigration bureaucracies such as reporting local address or abiding by 90 days reporting, if relevant. There are absolutely no perks such as those associated with other longterm options such as Elite or Long Term Residency.
DTV holders are not allowed to work in Thailand and the digital nomad discretion specifically excludes interaction with the Thai economy. Given the current government-backed enthusiasm of inspectors from the employment and immigration bureaux, remote workers should take care. There is also the vexed question of personal income tax and “assessable” foreign income transferred to Thailand. The still-controversial issue is not visa-specific but relates to Thais and foreigners resident in the kingdom for six months or more, with or without leaving the kingdom. If confused, best to speak to a native Thai accountant or lawyer.
The advent of DTV is a boon for repeat tourists with some “activity” in mind, but it’s neither a retirement visa nor an opportunity for resettlement with a limited investment. As Pacific Travel Advisers put it, “DTV is an enjoy-yourself visa, but don’t try to push out the envelope too far. It’s not for those wishing to make a forever home, although you can later transfer to other longterm visas if you qualify.”
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... isa-492839
By Barry Kenyon
March 5, 2025
Eight months after introduction by a Thai government anxious to increase tourist numbers, DTV’s merits and demerits are becoming clearer. It’s essentially an activity-visa, usually soft power or remote working, which allows the holder a maximum six months’ stay during a five year period. Entry to Thailand can be made by land, sea or air. The DTV public Facebook group, with a membership around 30,000, has found in feedback that holders are not hassled at entry points as long as they show their relevant QR code.
So DTV is a multi-entry tourist visa: once granted it can be used over and over without re-showing or updating documentation or personal finances. This liberal tone is unlikely to be suspended without firm instructions from the Ministry of the Interior. There is no sign of that happening and DTV has been a Thai visa success story without recent competitors. The renewal of the 180 days maximum stay is automatic even if the need to leave the country is only a one-day border hop.
The original DTV policy last summer allowed the possibility for a six months extension at local immigration which would mean a maximum of 360 days in a 12-months period before the requirement to leave kicks in. As predicted, this avenue is problematical for the vast majority of DTV holders. As reported on Facebook, they are being told to go on a border hop or being refused locally as their paperwork or finances are not satisfactory. Most visa extensions in Thailand are semi-automatic or are granted with enough cash in the bank. DTV is in a category of its own with immigration officer discretion the sole criterion.
DTV has replaced several old non-immigrant visas. Thus DTV enables those with Thai families or receiving longterm medical treatment – separate categories from remote working or soft power – to have a six months’ stay (if needed) rather than the 90 days of the former non-immigrant categories. Interestingly, the six months extensions at local immigration which have been granted seem to have mostly been given to those specific categories on submission of updated records. DTV has also replaced the non-immigrant visa for martial arts training.
The negatives of DTV are those associated with classification as a tourist. It may be difficult to open a bank account or extend a driving licence to five years. DTV holders are decidedly not exempt from immigration bureaucracies such as reporting local address or abiding by 90 days reporting, if relevant. There are absolutely no perks such as those associated with other longterm options such as Elite or Long Term Residency.
DTV holders are not allowed to work in Thailand and the digital nomad discretion specifically excludes interaction with the Thai economy. Given the current government-backed enthusiasm of inspectors from the employment and immigration bureaux, remote workers should take care. There is also the vexed question of personal income tax and “assessable” foreign income transferred to Thailand. The still-controversial issue is not visa-specific but relates to Thais and foreigners resident in the kingdom for six months or more, with or without leaving the kingdom. If confused, best to speak to a native Thai accountant or lawyer.
The advent of DTV is a boon for repeat tourists with some “activity” in mind, but it’s neither a retirement visa nor an opportunity for resettlement with a limited investment. As Pacific Travel Advisers put it, “DTV is an enjoy-yourself visa, but don’t try to push out the envelope too far. It’s not for those wishing to make a forever home, although you can later transfer to other longterm visas if you qualify.”
https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... isa-492839
Re: By Barry Kenyon
Barry Kenyon wrote: ↑Thu Mar 06, 2025 5:55 am
By Barry Kenyon
........ DTV is in a category of its own with immigration officer discretion the sole criterion.
...sorry, that's all I can do is laugh!-
Gaybutton
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Re: By Barry Kenyon
...sorry, that's all I can do is laugh![/quote]
How reassuring. Would that criterion be applied before or after paying the 10,000 baht fee for the visa . . . ?