Permanent Residency in Thailand

[Guess]

Following on from the dialogue on:
http://www.huahinafterdark.com/forum/fo ... 39-30.html

I will add my bit.

All that has been written so far on the subject ties up with my understanding. One thing I need to add though, after going down this route of enquiry three years ago, is that when you finally qualify to apply you are put on the list.

I asked if the list was public and it was. The names on it and there were many were predominantly Chinese sounding and came from many countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. There were a few from Nepal and India and even fewer from western countries (mostly Germany and Russia).

There are at least two guys based in Hua Hin who have been here in excess of 25 years each who can not even get on the list yet.

Another pre-requisite not yet mentioned is that you must speak fluent Thai. Even if you have the funds to grease your way up the ladder, is it worth it?

If it ever gets to the point of foreigners being kicked out of Thailand it won't matter what kind of status you have. Would you want to stay here in those circumstances anyway?

[buksida]

Thoroughly agree, I looked into application a couple of years ago after being on the same visa/work permit status for about six years then. I've seen samples of the Thai test and language/culture questions which wouldn't be a problem for me.

The things that put me off were the overall lack of benefits as you still need to go through all the crap if you want to work, you still need to report to the cops (though not as often) and you still can't really own or do anything more with it, plus its costs 7 grand just to fill the forms in. This and the fact that it costs about 200k if you get it (half if you're married) indicated to me that it was another version of Thakisn's "elite card" for rich tourists or retirees that don't want the visa hassles.

East and South Asians get better deals on visas, work permits and taxation than westerners also, the government have always and will always view westerners as rich tourists, or 'guests' as others like to point out. This blinkered view is regardless of your fluency in the language, length of time in Thailand, family and offspring or occupation. In more civilized countries such as Hong Kong residency is automatic after seven years I believe.

[Super Joe]

PR must be of benefit to some as you hear so many comlaints about visas, bank show money, obtaining extensions etc.
The main complaint you hear from farangs on retirement or support of family visas is the 'show money' every year, once you get PR you don't have to show it anymore you can use it.

I don't think its just for the rich, if you're working you need to show a salary, but you do not have to be working or earning anything if on a retirement visa.
If you're applying in support of Thai spouse or child you only need to show an income of 30k a month between you and your spouse.
If your married to a Thai it costs 100k Baht, you can take it out of your show money. It saves you money going forward though.

Also I think its easier here than Asian neighbours:
Thailand - you can apply after 3 years, no investment funds required.
Hong Kong - 7 years, but if you meet the criteria its automatic.
Malaysia – Apply straight away (I think) but have to invest about 80,000 USD in a bank (you can take out certain amount each year though), you can’t get a work permit on it.
Philippines - You have to deposit in a bank US$ 50,000 if 50 years old and $75,000 if under 50. You can take it out after 6 months and buy a condo.

Maybe I'm just gay and love the governemnt

SJ

[Super Joe]

Guess wrote:

you are put on the list.
The names on it and there were many were predominantly Chinese sounding and came from many countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. There were a few from Nepal and India and even fewer from western countries (mostly Germany and Russia)

It may have changed since you asked Guess, you're not affected by other countries. This from the Thai Consulate in the UK:
"The Thai Immigration Bureau has recently announced quotas for all expatriates applying for residence permits at 100 persons per nationality"

SJ

[sandman67]

isn't there a language fluency requirement too?

I thought you were expected to be able to speak, read and write Thai.....and tested on it.

[buksida]

Maybe I'm just gay and love the governemnt
SJ

Your name isn't burger is it? Nowhere else have I seen such blinded adoration for the government

All of your points are about the 'application' for PR - anyone can apply, it costs 7 grand. How many 'familiy support' visa holders have actually got it? Its near on impossible even getting that visa class in Hua Hin!

I'm coming from a working and tax paying angle so the 'show money' aspect is irrelevant to me and PR has very few benefits over my current status. Once a year for a visa renewal isn't a great hardship - its just extremely frustrating that it gets harder every year despite the number of times you have done it, each time is like the first.

Sm, Yes you need to show proficiency in Thai language.

[Super Joe]

What I've talked about is what the qualifying requirements are for application.

Yes I think the government allow foreigners to do just about anything here, apart from own land, so I think we've got it easy, obviously others aren't happy with them so take the opposite view.

SJ

[buksida]

Yes I think the government allow foreigners to do just about anything here, apart from own land, so I think we've got it easy,

The scores of people who have posted about their visa problems on this forum may disagree with you there ... but each to their own I guess.

[Super Joe]

I'm not saying there isn't red tape, but everyone seems to get there, don't know any people not being able to stay becasue of it.

SJ

[buksida]

That in no way makes this country special or any easier than others, of course money talks and it is usually the solvent of such matters - it also seems to be the driving factor for all of these visa restraints and the PR issue. If you're rich you're welcome, this government has no respect for anyone else regardless of whether they have proved themselves to society or not.

We'll have to agree to differ on this one.

[Super Joe]

So we're all rich then, wahey

Drinks are on you.

SJ

[Guess]

It may have changed since you asked Guess, you're not affected by other countries. This from the Thai Consulate in the UK:
"The Thai Immigration Bureau has recently announced quotas for all expatriates applying for residence permits at 100 persons per nationality"

SJ

Maybe, it was back in the height of the Taksin era. Also they maybe some difference between PR and Nationality.

However this is just one point and the quota may be 1,00 per year which would have got rid of the list I saw very quickly.

My other points are still valid though especially the one regarding two local businessmen who are still waiting and have to pay their wife's and themselves large sums of money and pay high taxes just to keep the business visa going.

I, personally, have not had much hassle getting visas up to now but I am expecting some agro next time so I will review the situation then.

Currently I am on my fifth consecutive Non-Immigrant. One visiting family and friends (no money) one marriage (400,000 Baht) and three business (no money) but taxes to pay and books to submit.

[Super Joe]

Hi Guess,

Why don't your two friends go down the family support or retirement (if over 50) route ? I take it they are not operating their businesses anymore from what you say.

SJ