@Jo *********

So if anyone asks if they need a driving licence to drive in Europe, and I tell them it's not really needed as I've been driving for 40 years and never been checked. How ridiculous would that be. Just imagine the backlash and absurdity to make random checks on our European roads. Dooohhh. 🤡

@Dennis ********

Spot on 😜

It very clearly states on the Embassies website.

If you enter Thailand on a visa exempt, you need an onward ticket, sufficient funds equivalent to 20'000THB and hotel reservation.

So what's not clear about these requirements?

@Thomas ********

I've been driving cars for 50 years and never been asked to show my licence, does that mean we don't need driving licences?

@Garrett **********

Naa, the most common reason for denial of entry, and not only in Thailand, is attitude.

Seriously?🥴

Please show us where the Thai Government mentions the "Golden Visa" for US$300. 👀

If there is such a visa as you describe, it must be for a completely different country. For US$300, maybe Nigeria? Do you also get a free Royal title with it? 🤡

There's only one "Thailand Gold Visa" which refers to



offering a 5-year multiple-entry visa with VIP benefits and costs 900'000THB (around US$27'000).

For US$300 you might be lucky and a visa agent gets you a one year extension on your existing Non-Immigrant visa but more likely I'll be around US$ 500.

Beyond any doubt:

@THAI *****************************

What countries you can tour has absolutely nothing to do with the type of visa you have for Thailand but with your nationality.

@So *******

I'm sure there are other explanations too.

Yeah, some suggest "farang" comes from the word "Français," referring to the French. This is due to the French presence in Southeast Asia during the colonial period in the 17th century.

Others believe "Farang" is much, much, much older. Most likely influenced by ancient trade routes in the 13th century (Marco Polo time?)and eventually adapted in Siam.

In medieval times the Greek term "Frangoi," used to describe the Franks. The Arabic and Persian influence, was "faranj" which refers to Europeans or Westerners and in Sanskrit the word "parang," means outsider.

@So *******

No, not racism, that's called 'colorism" but still, generalisation and discrimination.

Just like racism, "colorism" can affect job prospects, particularly in industries like hospitality, entertainment, and media. Lighter-skinned individuals are often favored for higher-paying and more prestigious jobs, while darker-skinned individuals may face discrimination or be relegated to lower-paying positions. In some cases, job advertisements explicitly state a preference for applicants with fair skin. ( Have a look at Thai movies, westerns often play the "baddies" 😉)

On the other hand, the term "farang" which includes anyone who's not Asian it's a sort of racism. Typically referring to (white Westerners), experience both positive and negative racial stereotypes. African and South Asian foreigners, on the other hand, can face more direct discrimination or negative stereotypes.

Thai media often reinforces racial stereotypes, with depictions of ethnic minorities or foreigners in negative or simplistic roles.

Thailand may not have the same history of institutionalized racism seen in Western countries but these societal issues persist.

In the end it doesn't really matter if it's racism, sexism, colourism or nationalism it's still all discrimination.