Many of my colleagues in Singapore were incredulous that a few of us would not go for PR. It was pretty much guaranteed in our industry (Pharma) you would get it after a minimum qualifying period. This was 20 years ago - within a few years it was very difficult to get unless you were Chinese heritage. At the BOI company were were at the foreigners were on the flat 15% tax - people were worried PR would effect that :-)
If the 800k Agents are suffering then so are Immigration. This is a very nice little earner for many Immigration Offices. As they say, "Never break a mans rice bowl". Good point about extra numbers. Yes, there will be some new people and many already here on visa runs or Ed etc will find it easier to stay longer. As for retirees switching switching - I do not know anyone doing it. Then again anecdotes do not make data but they do make cognitive bias for some :-)
Cost of a same day border bounce doubled when Visa Exempt went from 30 to 60 days. I am sure immigration will have their eyes on their rice bowl with the DTV.
"DTV offers retirees immense advantages. Many haven't seen it yet, but they will" You think immigration will not notice a shift change (I doubt it will be a shift change - you are talking about your tiny demographic) but let's say there was. What do you think the reaction from immigration will be - remember they do not issue the DTV but they control re-entry and extensions.
You think "Flooding" Thailand with foreigners might not have a backlash? FFS Would your Onnut "Bogan" pals with their DTV's appreciate the same for Australia?
"To register a company name in Australia is cheap and easy, and work contract templates are available on the web. As nothing has to be signed, countersigned, notarised, stamped or verified" To quote you
I would be careful what you post in public. Admitting using agents to get dodgy retirement visas. Now using dodgy hip replacement appointments or dodgy company documents for the DTV. Just what the DTV was instigated for.
Anecdotes do not make data. Come back when you have some. As for agent scam ie they cannot find the 800k says a hell of a lot. Just by that measure alone they are not exactly adding much to the Thai economy.
Quality tourists. I bet they all drink in the cheap Charlie bars around Onnut too. The demographic is all too recognisable :-)
Would a LTR not just be another completely separate application? When I was working a few of us in the office looked into PR. I came to the same conclusion I did about PR in Singapore. No real advantages to a single person in both who does not know if they are going to stay long term and may move anytime.
I actually do not know any retirees who have switched. I am thinking about it myself but only if I am actually going to do work in Thailand. It offers no advantages to me otherwise. I do not think DTB will have any effect on the property market except at the low end. You think those retirees switching are going to suddenly move upmarket in their accommodation?
