Why are some expats critical of 'covid counter jumpers' in Thailand?

Mar 29, 2022
3 years ago
Paulie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m not sure if anyone else agrees with me (I dont care if they dont, of course) but I find it quite amusing as to how many posts are generated by or related to covid counter jumpers, bottom feeders and similar broken souls who come on this site - and similar - to beg, borrow and bribe their way through extensions to which they are patently not entitled, yet are actively encouraged by others as to how to duck, dive and break the law.

Thailand has specific immigration laws, and they are in the main designed to (a) supply Non Imm retirement visas to the elderly, (b) allow some visas for those who genuinely wish to study sport/language etc, and (c) tourists of various extensions, normally to 90 days. Of course, there are marriage visas, dip, medical etc but..as visitors here, we are obligated to obey the law and comply. if nothing else, we show the Thai the integrity of our home nation.

The plea from most of us who have lived here for years, enjoying a peaceful life and keeping our heads down, is: piss off, get the correct amount of savings, get insurance, get vaccinated, and get the correct visa to visit us in due course - we‘ll be happy to greet you. But - pleeeaase - stop skulking around, telling everyone you’re contributing to the economy (you’re not) and getting those of us farangs who are trying to keep a good reputation, tarred with the same brush as you.

Please…go.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post expresses frustration towards some expats in Thailand who exploit 'covid counter jumpers' to stay longer than permitted, emphasizing the need to adhere to Thai immigration laws. The author argues that such behavior tarnishes the reputation of those who comply with the rules, advocating for better accountability, insurance, and adherence to local regulations while criticizing the current immigration system that promotes such loopholes.
Sam *********
Amazing how many people are offended by this post...I reckon a lot of the same folks who are gonna have a real issue staying here When Covid extensions are finally done
Nick *********
Ok Karen we know all about your issues
Darryl *****
yeah....leaving this one alone...already in trouble here.. 🙂 🙂
John **********
Nonce
Aron **********
Time of the month Pauline ?
Billie-Joe ********
@Aron *********
I don’t usually like statements like this, but on this rare occasion is very appropriate 🤣
Aron **********
@Billie-Joe *******
my thinking also
Billie-Joe ********
@Aron *********
some of us don’t have behaviour change associated with time of month, but the only explanation for this vile post could be this, right? 🤣
Mark ******
If you had made your concern that it is hard now to find relevant information about your visa, then that might be a concern (but you can just ask the question). Otherwise this is a unique time. Younger folks (under 50) have had a rare opportunity to stay in Thailand long-time (with COVID rules) and it makes sense that they want info on how to maximize their time. Once things get back to pre-covid arrangements, most of these posts will disappear too.
David *******
@Mark *****
STV? Elite? Investment?
Billie-Joe ********
@David ******
If you are travelling, STV is not appropriate as you must stay and pay for same place, elite and investment requires a lot of money. Not every human has this, why do people assume that everyone has the same wage and situation before travelling?
David *******
@Billie-Joe *******
I know this but I was replying to the post about those wishing to stay long term if under 50 and those are three options.
Mark ******
@David ******
I believe the thinking would be, why do that when COVID extensions offered another, usually much cheaper, choice. It won't last forever, but even if it did, who cares. Its up to the government to change the rules not the traveler.
David *******
@Mark *****
for sure cheaper and more convenient until you try a border bounce lol, could be a one way bounce !
Roberts ******
@David ******
Oh so now you are worrying about the people that could have problems doing that. What a great soul you are.
David *******
@Roberts *****
not worried at all, its up to them what they do.
Billie-Joe ********
@Roberts *****
well he is a voice of reason over judgment
Bruce *********
Most retired expats that I've met try to survive on about 1,000 US month. Not sure how that significant helps out the country. Then again I would not have written a post like this. It's not like those people who have stayed on covid extensions for 2 years are not paying rent or buying food or contributing to the economy themselves. The 1900 baht they pay every 3 months sure is helping out the economy in my eyes. Along with taking taxis to get to immigration.
Sam *********
Sure, maybe you need that much in Bangkok, (Never understood desire to live in BKK when there are many more interesting places to be in Thailand) but up country you can do with 30-40..just my experience and not knocking it..
Bruce *********
@Sam ********
I wasn't Chiang Mai for a couple weeks. I really liked it there and the cost of food was a lot less than Bangkok. You can get full on plates of food for 40 baht at an actual restaurant not Street food. You can definitely survive on 30,000 in areas like that especially if you are single. The moment you start dating someone then you're going to start spending more money. Also you won't be going to any high-end restaurants and eating steak and lobster if your budget is just 30,000. It's not uncommon for me to have at least one meal a week where it's 2,000 baht. If I go out on a date then that's double. For me that is a comfortable living.
Sam *********
If you need 200,000 to live comfortably in this country...
Bruce *********
@Sam ********
80,000 to 100,000 is living comfortably. 200,000 is living a fantastic lifestyle. Isn't the purpose of moving the Thailand for most people is to live like a king?
David *******
@Bruce ********
wow a total of 4k baht for extension and a couple of taxis lol that should boost the economy ! Your post is no better than his, how many expats have you met and where? Not all expats live in Pattaya many live all over Thailand and many with families and have lived here many years with property etc many employing locals, not all of them live in Pattaya sipping Chang. Ironically many of those on multiple covid extensions probably do that also lol
Mike *******
@David ******
why be such a negative Nancy. Let people live. Regardless of how they are staying in Thailand and the money they spend, it's all going to the Thai economy/people. You might think 40baht for a covid extender is nothing, but that little bit helps out the vendor each time a covid extender buys something. Trust me, I'm always about debating stupidity on Facebook book, but your arguments are just silly man. Let people enjoy Thailand regardless of the visa they are on. If immigration pits the stamp in the passport, then they deserve to be here.
David *******
@Mike ******
the issue really is not about them adding to economy though is it, its the crazy covid extension the thais introduced. it was good initially as people were genuinely stuck here, but stuck for 2 years? lol I can see some sense in some of the arguments raised by OP as Thailand make it difficult for retirees to live here with some pretty weird requirements with respect to applications, financial requirements, reporting etc. yet they create this extension lol I rekon they just keeping it going until they open completely to get more out of these on covid extensions. Trouble is theres probably a few living here on them and when they border bounce they will have issues.
Mike *******
@David ******
yes. Thailand is difficult. I'm just on the Ed visa now and might just get the elite visa next to avoid some of the hoops with retirement visa. I know it's not the best financial route, but it might be the easiest lol
Bruce *********
@David ******
I live near Thong Lo in Bangkok. I average about 100,000 baht a month in expenses. I think I'm contributing my fair share but most of the expats I know tend to hang out by Phrong Pong or On Nut. They're the ones who are paying 8,000 baht a month in rent and spending the rest on cheap food and drinks. They're happy with it so good for them but I meet very few expats who make a decent living here. By decent living I mean between 100,000 and 200,000 baht a month
Darren *******
@Bruce ********
I'm guessing most of the expats you know are teaching English? Most of the expats I know in Bangkok are earning in excess of 100k per month.
Bruce *********
@Darren ******
Most I have met are living off off pensions or benefits.
Darren *******
@Bruce ********
so not actually working then. They must have a pretty decent pension to be living and hanging out in Phrom Phong.
Bruce *********
@Darren ******
They buy Two dollar beers at Royal Oak or Robin Hood. Cheap Charlies in On Nut. $10.00 for 5 beers isn't much. Also Kosmo at W District for happy hour, they offer $1.00 beers and food is $3.00. This is all they get. So it's not as rosy as you made it seem.
Marc *******
Do i remember right, you arent able to speak thai but flexing with you money here? Life in thailand isnt all about spending money in thong lor. Whole islands (kc noi, kpg) live from cheap charlies and are happy since 30 years. Just a reminder.
Bruce *********
@Marc ******
you think 100K a month is flexing? No it's not and a lot of that money is booked on travel and hotels.

Also not everyone likes to live as cheaply as possible. I don't. If you want to then that's fine but don't go knocking other people and say they are flexing cause brother in the grand scheme of things, 100K is not that much money.
Darren *******
@Bruce ********
I certainly haven't seen Robin Hood selling beer for 2 dollars, even in happy hour.
Bruce *********
@Darren ******
Tiger. 79 baht.
Darren *******
@Bruce ********
I'll have to check as it's never been that price when I've been in there.
Clive *******
Mr pooh bah 🤣🤣
Billie-Joe ********
I don’t usually get triggered by Facebook posts but this whole post screams entitled old person with easy retirement visa.

You’re the type of person that made me scared to travel until I was 30.
David *******
@Billie-Joe *******
no such thing as an easy retirement visa which I guess is one of the reasons he posted lol
Billie-Joe ********
@David ******
I’m sure it isn’t easy, I posted this when angry with not much thought. My statement still stands though, removing the “easy” comment. I don’t know who decided that it was okay to judge and band everyone in the same category, some of us worked our absolute asses off in crap jobs for years just to save enough to see a little part of the world, some of us know that 1900TBH to extend as suppose to leaving the country and returning with the extremely high priced SHA hotels (and the rest) is the better option. Some of us would like to travel even though we are not rich, who decided that it is okay for one human to judge another human for this, just because it is not what they did.

I researched and learnt every cultural expectations before I came, and I practice and respect that every day, yet I see “expats” having no respect daily because they think Thailand is theirs, their country, their home. I don’t judge.

The “farangs” the locals judge are not us, it’s you who think you own this place that is not yours.
Billie-Joe ********
This post is disgusting.
Don *****
How are frangs are not contributing? They r not helping locals?
Lurcho ********
It must be good up there sitting on your high horse .

Specific = under the interpretation of officer you deal with on a given day
Mike *******
Funny how self entitled expats feel as though because they are on retirement visas, that they own Thailand. They claim Thailand as their own country, and shame on anyone who had found smarter ways to stay in this great country by not doing up
*******
k baht. OP, maybe your gripe shouldn't be with the people who are taking advantage of COVID extensions, rather than the immigration officers stamping them. But of course your foolish ramblings wouldn't make sense of you blame the Thais, now would it. And to say that these people are not contributing to a struggling Thai economy is just foolish and uneducated. I'm sure there are plenty of people on COVID extensions that spend far more a month than you living in your studio in Pattaya, waiting for happy hour to start, so you can get your Chang beer for 60 baht. Here's a news flash for you grumpy, you don't own Thailand, stop acting like a Karen and shut up.
Billie-Joe ********
@Mike ******
the hero 🦸‍♂️
David *******
@Mike ******
so how will they be spending far more here than long term visa holders unless 1) they are very rich and can spend months/years here spending savings or 2) they work here illegally?
Mike *******
@David ******
no one said anything about spending more. The comment was that they don't contribute to the economy. A far cry from what you're trying to reach at with your comment. Any person who spends a day or more in Thailand contributes to the economy.
David *******
@Mike ******
lol eating street food lol btw you typed this inferring they spend more than the OP "I'm sure there are plenty of people on COVID extensions that spend far more a month than you living in your studio in Pattaya, waiting for happy hour to start, so you can get your Chang beer for 60 baht."
Mike *******
@David ******
yes. Because I'm sure the OP is one of those clowns who lives like that. It's always the Pattaya retirees I see that have the biggest attitude about Thailand being thier county. It's all good David,
Sam *********
“Smarter ways to stay in this great country”…how about” exploiting loopholes that were setup during a pandemic to keep people from traveling unnecessarily” …Not to be used as a method for long term stay…but again, you are right …can’t really blame the visa holders, take the issue up with immigration.
Mike *******
@Sam ********
they are not loopholes if they are offered my the Thai government and immigration. How is anyone exploiting a policy set up by government. You think Thailand is the only country this happens in?
Todd *********
@Mike ******
Sam just isn’t grasping the reality of the situation.
Lee ********
@Mike ******
well said that man geezer is a nod off
Richard *****
Because its the land of bullshit ffs
Jared **********
Maybe if there was an ounce of consistency or normalcy in the entire government or some sense to the various visas, the process, and how over complicated they are this situation wouldn’t be such a dumpster fire.
Marguyvin **********
Some of us agree, some of us don't. But we're glad to provide you with some amusement. After all, life would be drudgery without finding some amusement in it, no? :p
Steven ******
The OP has got the attention he/she craved for.
Tod *********
You feel better after getting that off your chest do you
@Paulie ********
?

It is no secret I am definitely NOT a fan of "milkers" <- people who showed up before the lock down in March 2020 but managed to stay here by taking amnesty and then covid extensions for the last two years ;/

However with that being said it was the THAIZ that wrote the policy who didn't put in a limit, or any other check/balance to stop people from exploiting a valid loophole in the 60 day covid extension programs that have ran every 2 months since Nov 1 2020 and now run until May 24th.

You wanna blame someone? Blame the thai-powerz-that-b for writing a half-assed totally exploitable policy which people have been using to "live in thailand" simply by whining they don't 'want' to leave yet rather than having a policy that gave people 60 days to find a way to go back to where they came from.

We are already seeing the grief "milkers" are getting when they do leave the country and try to come back (either visa exempt or on a valid tourist visa) many MANY of them have been denied entry and I think once they get the land borders open for two way travel again you're going to see it happen there too.

So while there is no love lost between me and the "milkers" I totally accept they are playing within the shitty set of rules thailand has about covid extensions and do not begrudge them their extensions. (which is why I still give advice on how they can get them 😛 )
Garrett ***********
Tod They didn't put a limit on? Pretty sure they put a 60 day limit on it.
Kool *******
@Garrett **********
there is no limit on how many you can get, unlike a tourist visa, or visa exempt stamp, that only allows one extension, or, before covid when Thailand started limiting border runs to two a year, without returning to your home country, and refusing entry to those trying it. That is what he is referring to when he says unlimited.
Tod *********
@Garrett **********
nope at this time there is no limit, they did say in the last two police orders that continued the 60 day covid program that they will be "more strict" in the issuing of them to make sure people are not taking advantage of them BUT all that usually means is that they request proof you're leaving (onward travel) in the 60 days they'll give you for your covid extension.
Sam *********
Agree with most of what the OP has to say..there are many folks on here who put in the time the money and the resources to get year long visas, I think when they see people who have been extending these covid visas for TWO years, they wonder why THEY have to go through such hassle and red tape, while folks who seemingly would have been reduced to doing the border run tourist visa a few years ago, as that would have been all they qualified for, are getting extensions with permission to stay, with ease. All I’m saying is, if things are gonna operate this way, at least allow Non B and Non O holders to have a little leeway..
Nick ************
I've read this thread in total and have decided rather than give my opinion I am, instead, just going to get on with my life.
Nick ************
@Sam ********
that sounds reasonable to me.
Kevin *******
I apologize for being all of the mentioned! Lol
Nick ****************
My God man you have well and truly poked the Aussie and Canadian wasp nests here????
Braulio *********
You speak the truth!
Martin **********
I just wasted a few minutes of my life time reading this use and worthless post. Get yourself a better hobby than wasting other people's time.
David ***********
Feel better now?
John *********
How about letting the Thai authorities decide who is entitled to a visa and keep your unwelcome trunk out of it. OR, go to your local immigration office and tell them how to do it ;-)
Maxim ***********
I will continue to help such "covid counter jumpers, bottom feeders and similar broken souls" as you describe them incorrectly, because I value them as humans regardless if they are rich or not. Btw, you are an anonymous coward, so I don't know which reputation you are trying to preserve while hiding your face, lol!
David *******
My biggest gripe is the almost impossible to get citizenship for those living here. They need to align with other countries requirements.
Thomas *************
@David ******
foregive my naiveness. I kind of see the logic of wanting to having a permanent residency in thailand but I can't grasp why somone wanna gain Thai citizenship. What is the advantage other than being able to purchase a land?
David *******
@Thomas ************
I would be happy with PR or citizenship 🙂 Interested to buy land, well, own what I already bought also lol
Ken ********
You happy now you got that off your chest now move on
Nadine ******
Would you consider yourself as a chunk of 💩?!
Todd *********
There it is!!! The whiniest piece of useless online commentary you will read today. It’s long past time for you to move on paulie.
Dylan *********
Of course some old piece of shit would write this. Must be nice never having to worry about visas just because you pass some arbitrary age requirement
Sam *********
Plenty of ways to stay without an age requirement, Employment is first to come to mind..Before covid, If you didn’t qualify for a visa, that was it. You left for a bit and came back with a new TR with hopes that you’d be let back in for another 2 months...folks were not permitted to what amounts to an “indefinite stay”
James ***********
This is the lamest post I’ve ever seen
*****
Daniel **********
Tourism generated around 22% of Thailand's GDP (pre-covid). How can you say those of us who stay in Thailand don't contribute SIGNIFICANTLY to the economy? Piss off. 😂
Nick *******
An u are?
Garrett ***********
How is the visa someone else is on here anyone's business but their own? What makes you think you're better than someone else because you have an old pe.. retirement visa and someone's on a tourist visa?

The way people measure themselves in this world is...
Stuart *********
Wow there’s some entitled gits here for sure. “I’m alright jack because I’ve got 25k USD to put in a non interest earning account”, the rest of the plebs should piss off because the family they have here, the fact that they’ve lived here for years, and contributed considerably to the economy is irrelevant, because they’re not as rich as you.
Sam *********
If these folks truly do have “family” here, why aren’t they on some sort of legit long term visa instead of a covid extension?? I mean, he isn’t wrong. Covid has made it so people who would normally not have a snowballs chance in hell of being able To live here, are able to stay hassle free. In the eyes of many they are receiving perks. My thinking is, if they are going to keep endlessly renewing covid extensions, how bout giving some leeway actual visa holders? Example, not having to show the hundreds of thousands of baht and ridiculous amounts of paperwork just to be able to get your visa. I think that would be a very equitable way of dealing with this situation.
Garrett ***********
Sam Moehrke So you're jelouse someone has an easier time staying here than you do? Because that's what it sounds like...
Juls ******
@Garrett **********
finally nailed the point 😅🤣🤣

Or, he have trouble with immigration and try to please them with this post
Stuart *********
And how is getting a covid extension, which is completely within the law “bottom feeding”?
David *******
@Stuart ********
why are there still covid extensions for countries where there is no travel ban?
Garrett ***********
@David ******
Ask the government
David *******
@Garrett **********
trouble is, its extended again , then some leaving and coming back get issues having had so many
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