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.
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
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."
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?
