@Cha****

, my friends aren't losers and it is very unfair for you to assume they are since you don't know any of them. I have heard too many stories of foreigners trying to start a business in Thailand. I will give you one example. One of my good friends was married to a Thai lady and agreed to go into business with her. He bought shelving and stock for a small food store at his wife's parent's house. After about three months his wife told him that they needed more stock. He asked what happened to the money from the sales and she just said it went to the family. It didn't take my friend long before he shut down the shop. Instead of learning from that experience, he paid for his wife to go to shool to cut hair. She then set up a hair cutting salon at their house in the village. She only had a few customers and closed the salon. She then tried selling donuts, which failed. After the fourth business, my friend finally learned that starting a business with his wife was not in the cards, but guess who was out all of the startup money? Just one of many examples that I have seen in 15 years living in Thailand. I would never start a business with my Thai family even though I have been asked many times. Channel, you need to get real.

But based on facts. Don't get me started Channel, just ask how many successful businesses have been started by foreigners with their Thai family or friends. In 15 years I know of many who have tried, but none who have been successful. By that I mean gaining back their initial investment and making a continuous profit.

My advice is never start a business in Thailand. Your life, your call.

This all must be very frustrating. I have lived in Udon Thani for 15 years, but left in March to take care of some business back in the US. I will not attempt to return for the very reasons that have been stated. Immigration likes to say no to most of what is asked to avoid work.

It will be awhile before things calm down. I figured about a year when I left Thailand in March. Only time will tell. I had a friend just return to Thailand from the US and in cost him about 7K US dollars.

@Michael ******

, I am thinking the same thing. Even though I have a Thai family that I would like to get back to, I am waiting for a vaccine before trying to return. It is just too expensive to jump through all of the hoops right now.

No surprise if the government is looking for ZERO cases of Covid to appear. That will not happen. Also, this plan sounds like it is only for the rich who have sufficient disposable income to spend on long distance travel. Exactly what percentage of the Thai population falls into that category? I would think most of Thailand's population does not have the money to travel during this time of high unemployment. Instead of focusing on the wealthy in Thailand, the government should be looking at ways to open up the country to general tourism where the real money is.

@John ******

, I will not go to Thailand as long as the current restrictions and cost are in place even though I have a Thai wife and child.

@Dave ********

, sorry that you and all of us are receiving such treatment. I wonder if any other countries are treating spouses of nationals in the same way, with the same expense.

I have alway had a Non-Immigrant O, Multiple Entry Visa based on marriage with a Thai national and have a ten year old son, so I could go back now if I want to pay and jump through all the hoops, which I am not at the moment.