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What are the challenges faced by expats in Thailand regarding immigration policies and bureaucracy?

Thai immigrationexpat challengesNon-O visabureaucracy in Thailandimmigration policiesPeter PrincipleCOVID-19 impacts on immigration
Mar 27, 2020
5 years ago
Joe ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Edited from the original...

If you are caught wondering about the rigidity of our various entities. Here is what I think has been going on.

The Peter Principle is in effect - people in the hierarchy tend to rise to their "level of incompetence"

Plus...

They have FEAR of losing face if they do anything new or different. Because they are afraid they will do it wrong. "Frozen in place" by fear of losing face - cannot do anything but go by the written rules - disregarding the crisis all around them. The thought of Innovating - allowing the bending of the rules causes great anxiety.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the perceived issues with the Thai bureaucracy regarding immigration, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. It references the 'Peter Principle' that suggests incompetence at management levels can hinder effective decision-making and innovation. The community shares personal experiences with Thai immigration rules and processes, highlighting frustrations regarding their complexity and rigidity. There are mentions of specific visa types, such as the Non-O visa, and the challenges of complying with immigration laws while facing obstacles like travel restrictions.
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James ***********
I was on the telly for a long time with Immigration yesterday. I have a Non-O / One Year / Multiple Re-Entry. Requires I leave the country every 90 days. Obviously can not leave the country now. He said (and to be confirmed with a trip next week to Chiang Wattana) that if I go now, I will get a one-year stamp, no 90-day departure required. We shall see and I'll report back.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
A Non O Marriage Extension of Stay would be easier but there is the Income or Cash in the Bank to deal with
5 years ago
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Brett *********
You will need the banked funds etc. To do that.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can convert back to an Extension of Stay (EoS) because I conduct my business as if I were still on an EoS)... That is I pay Social Security Taxes every month for 4 Thai Employees. And I pay my Personal income taxes monthly. Many people on a Non Imm B Visa Multi-Entry don't do this. When I apply for the EoS I have to show receipts for the last 3 months for each. And a form for each that shows the totals for one year. Also there is a end of the previous year 2019 (2562) Audited Balance Sheet (financial) that has to be Certified by DBD (Department of Business Development. I have to have copies of many documents. The stack is about 7-8 cm thick. Mostly what I have been doing is scan and print items that Pam (my Assistant and Bookkeeper) sends me.

If a person on a Non Imm B Multi has been doing all the things then that person could possibly get an Extension of Stay. One big wrinkle though. In the month after EoS application an Immigration Agent visits the company office, the 4 Employees must be there. The visit doesn't turn out to be much. If a B Visa person had the taxes up to date and an audited Balance sheet and can do the other things. They could get an EoS. But likely they would have to pay someone like Pam about minimum of 15K up to about 20 or 25K to get it done.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
James I am doing the same... Applying for a B Visa One Year Extension of Stay (that I used to have). I will post what I just wrote a friend.
5 years ago
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James ***********
I have doubts also...but I can not leave now (or at least come back, as all borders are closed) and Immigration acknowledged that & said they were dealing with this from a policy perspective...because, If I do not leave, then what? They will have to make some accommodation. And, even on the 'phone, this person could not say what outcome to expect...
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ja***
 I seriously doubt that would happen, but would be very interested to see. Good luck though, please let us know what happens.
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Maxim ***********
They want money? Great! Make the process online. Charge me double price... I dont care If I can stay home.
5 years ago
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Reiner *********
It's funny to read so much bulshit here... How can your own government... Name it.... Deal so unprofessional and discrscing to their people....and nobody tell it here. But blame the government.... Here

Nice guests... I would think twice before I write this kind
5 years ago
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Maxim ***********
@Reiner ********
 I have been blaming the Canadian government for 2 weeks. They make me fly Khon Kaen to Chiang Mai for a damn letter.
5 years ago
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Maxim ***********
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Chris *********
this is the sound of a hammer hitting a nail squarely on the head
5 years ago
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Ben *********
I hear I believe you. It's time to put aside stigma of old traditions and culture. We are one global humans need to stand up and reach out. Peace.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The new emergency rules says no criticism. I edited my post
5 years ago
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Terry ****************
They never learn that failing brings on better results the next time. A perfect no flaws record of little to no action? Not.

Even in the next meeting. They may or may not schedule another one! These measures of accomplishments are the soul of the society in their hands. The title should read “drop the ball”. It’s author is in session. The students? Eyes wide open …
5 years ago
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Henri ******
@Terry ***************
 Failing is never learned from, and leads to more failure. Those who strive not to fail are seen as asskissers
5 years ago
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Henri ******
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James **********
Well said
5 years ago
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James **********
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