Some alternatives if Thai visas become too problematical

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Yossarian
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Post by Yossarian » February 6, 2008, 12:42 am

Here is from the MM2H website if it helps:

i Aged Below 50 years old

Open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000.00 (93,000 USD).
After a period of one year, the participant can withdraw up to RM240,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.
Must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 18,000 USD) from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

ii Aged 50 years and above

Can either choose to:
- Open a fixed deposit account of RM150,000.00 ; OR
- Show proof of monthly off-shore income of RM10,000.00 such as pension scheme.

Only applicants who are drawing from Government Approved Funds can be considered for the " Monthly off - Shore Income " criteria.
After a period of one year, participant who fulfills the fixed deposit criteria can withdraw up to RM90,000.00 for approved expenses relating to house purchase, education for children in Malaysia and medical purposes.

Participant must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000.00 from the second year onwards and throughout his/her stay in Malaysia under this programme.

Regarding the PI, I've never been there but a friend of mine moved to Cebu from Thailand about six months ago. He only lasted a couple of months. According to him, it was quite dangerous and people kept stealing things from him. So he came back to Thailand.



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Mainer
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Post by Mainer » February 6, 2008, 1:20 am

BobHelm wrote: I would just like them to be honest & come straight out & say it as in your 'dream'. Otherwise get a set of rules together (like Malaysia) that were constant, firm & fair & understood by all - Falang & Immigration :D
You said a mouthful with that, Bob. It is the unknowing what they expect from one day to the next, that gets me frustrated and downright angry with their system and lack of conformity to their rules and laws.

This is another thread I have enjoyed reading.

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arjay
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Post by arjay » February 6, 2008, 11:47 am

Try this then, - an extract from The Manila Times last August:-

The Manila Times
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Tourists can now extend stay up to two years

By William Depasupil, Reporter

A new Immigration policy now allows tourists and other temporary visitors to stay in the country up to two years and even longer, The Times learned Monday.
Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, in a memorandum order, announced that foreigners with temporary visitorâ?Ts visas may extend their stay in the country every two months and up to 16 months without prior approval from the immigration bureau.

After 16 months, Libanan added, a foreigner may still extend his stay by another eight months or up to 24 months if his application is approved by the chief of the bureauâ?Ts immigration regulation division (IRD).

Extension of stay after 24 months need the approval of the commissioner,� Libanan, in his memo, said.

Libananâ?Ts order, which is effective immediately, also directed the BI visa extension office to expedite the processing of all pending applications for extension of stay.
The BI chief decided to issue the new order following a 21-percent rise in the number of tourists who extended their stay in the country during the first semester of the year.

Data from the BI visa extension office showed that from January to June this year, a total of 196,172 applications for extension of stay were approved, compared to 161,984 approved in the same period last year.

It also showed that total tourist arrivals for the six-month period increased by 38,755 to 468,281 arrivals. There were only 439,526 arrivals in the same period last year.

These statistics indicate that our country is fast emerging as one of Asiaâ?Ts most favored tourist destinations, Libanan said.

The IRD chief, lawyer Gary Mendoza, said the new policy on visa extensions applies to all foreign tourists regardless of their nationality.

Previously, Mendoza explained, foreigners, such as Indians or Chinese, who must secure entry visas to the Philippines, were allowed to extend their stay every month up to a total of six months only.

Now, any foreigner, regardless of whether he is a visa-required national or not, may extend his stay every two months up to a total of 16 months without getting prior approval from the bureauâ?Ts management, Mendoza added


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aznyron
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Post by aznyron » February 6, 2008, 2:06 pm

arjay I hear from people say that Philipinnes is dangerious for forieners now I do not know how much truth is in that

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jingjai
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Post by jingjai » February 6, 2008, 2:34 pm

Mainer wrote:
BobHelm wrote: I would just like them to be honest & come straight out & say it as in your 'dream'. Otherwise get a set of rules together (like Malaysia) that were constant, firm & fair & understood by all - Falang & Immigration :D
It is the unknowing what they expect from one day to the next, that gets me frustrated and downright angry with their system and lack of conformity to their rules and laws.
Yes, I agree.
Awhile back, I posted this thought on another thread dealing with the same subject:
As I am now entering my so-called "golden years", do I really want to be dealing with this frustration and aggravation year after year after year... Not knowing what new requirements are coming next.:mad: :(

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Post by Bump » February 6, 2008, 10:09 pm

http://livinginthephilippines.com/forum/index.php

Looks like a new forum maybe someone wants to chat :lol:

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banpaeng
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Post by banpaeng » February 6, 2008, 11:27 pm

Something to think about.

It is easy to say (for sure if you are single) that you will move to another country. However if you are taking your spouse, it can be quite a challenge.

You will run into a lot of the same challenges you are facing in Thailand. When you move you need to be sure some of the things you will need will be there. The range is great but food comes to mind, having to be your spouses transportation mode, being your spouses interperter, and the list goes on.

I have read where some of you guys are even thinking about coming to the states. This is an easy transition until you are ready to settle down. Please make sure the infastructure you need for your Thai spouse is there. This includes stores and hopefully a Thai or two around for them to visit. The cities that have military bases usually has the infastructure you will need or very large cities. Having a Chinese Cafe in town does not qualify. That is like you saying there are Farang eateries in Udon. They kind of foot the need but not really. I have read many post how some of the folks on here are looking for this and that around Udon only to find it to be so expensive or not to be found. It is worse than that in a lot of places. If you come to the US, you will have problems if the infastructure is not there even in spices. Look in the kiction and see how many bottles of dried spices you find. In most Thai kitchens you will see very little as they use a lot of fresh herbs and such. Can they change, sure, but the learning curve is there.

From bringing a spouse to the US, I have seen how insulated most of the Thai spouses insulate there partner from some of the everyday hassles one would run into. I did the same once I brought my spouse to the US.

My last comment is only an opinion. I would think taking a Thai to a third country, to a language that is not native to either, would be very difficult to say the least. If both are fluent at Thai or the native language of their home country, the chances of milder frustrations would go down. Thing is most are not fluent at Thai or Thais at other languages. There are exceptions and I have met a few.

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banpaeng
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Post by banpaeng » February 14, 2008, 10:28 am

I know we deal in rumors quite a bit on here but for once here are some facts on living in the USA. This is not to advocate anything, just some figures that are current and correct.

Here are some new construction homes for sale in a nice neighborhood in Crosby Texas. This is a suburb of Houston. As stated this is new construction, in other words new homes.

1. 1166 sq ft $99,990
2. 1212 107,990
3. 1335 113,990
4. 1371 113,990
5. 1471 116,990
6. 1618 121,990
7. 1692 121,990
8. 1823 124,990
9. 2048 128,990
10. 2492 144,990

This is done for a comparison only. Have fun with the info. If it serves you so be it, if not so be it.

have a good day.

Bump
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Post by Bump » February 14, 2008, 10:56 am

Boy those are excellent prices, but it would seem money wise still more bang for the buck here. But I think if you built one apple to apples it might be similar. It certainly wold raise the cost of housing here.

Building lots in the states seem to be about twice a large as the lots here, one thing for sure they get a lot of money for thier dirt here.

You buy there as a norm the housing comes with heating units, aircons, kitchens with the cabinets and appliances already in, hot water already there. Western bathrooms with cabinets. Insulated homes, screens already in. Closets and storage areas in the bedrooms already completed. As a norm no need to install a water storage system or pumps. Garage or car port areas included in the price. Electrical system that come grounded. Plus built to stringent building codes that are enforced.

All of the above tend to be add on's here, so when you do that you will drive the cost of housing up here a well. But at the moment it mihgt still be a bit cheaper there.

But if you factor in the size of land, try to build a comprable house here factoring the current rate of exchange your going to pay very close to $90 K here these days. If you are building near the city center more, in the sticks less.

Normal standards here with the small lot, meaning a close as most of us really get to apples to apples about $77 K

Of course if you believe waht I have to say I know of bridge in America that is for sale cheap to, you can make fortune on tolls :lol: :lol: :lol:

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aznyron
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Post by aznyron » February 14, 2008, 11:14 am

Bump I agree with you but let factor in another very important issue you & I said YOU own your home in the USA not some thai G/F or wife who can steal it from under you also you have the protection of the Government in Thailand no protection plus police shake downs and also if you did the same survey in El Paso texas I think the numbers would be lower also do a check on apartment rentals one very important issue is you can drink the water in the USA no fear of e-colie bacteria
better know as sewage waste I did my own survey on apt rental what I am losing in currency exchange plus what I am paying for my living quaters would come out the same amount of money with a plus in USA I would have a kitchen plus USA TV broadcasting & super fast internet connection knows as cable now all of you posters can tell me to go home and yes I am planning to go home first I have to get my wife a visa for the USA then good bye to the land of corruption & deception and lies

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Post by Bump » February 14, 2008, 11:42 am

Ok I don't agree with the statement about whose name the house is in you can protect yourself here. The divorce laws in Califonia and Thailand are essentially the same. Never heard of someone getting a lifetime lease on house in the states, but I suppose it's possible.

Personaly although I have read about government shake downs, it has never happened to me in five years. I think your not as familiar with Law Enforement in the states as you believe you are. There are rogue cops there to. That why most departments have internal affairs divissions.

Buddy you want to go to the land of better T.V. I'm happy that you have recognized what is best you. But, there is no really no need to justify that by running Thailand down.

This country for the most part is exactly the same as when you thought it was going to be your ultimate dream. I assure you money is no reason to stay here.

Immigration law is what concerns me most, but the truth is it is exactly what it was when I choose to live here.

I would say I have met lots of guys that have came to the conclusion that living in a foriegn country doesn't fit them. They made decesion to leave and restablish themsleves in thier home countries. I respect that. If your not happy here and it doesn't fit you that is understandable. But there is no good purpose and doesn't change a thing for you to demean the country.

I may at times complain but never misuderstand something this is my adopted home, I have learned to accept the bad with the good. If I leave here it is going to be because I have to. If El Paso is the perfect place for you thats wonderful, it isn't for me.

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Post by aznyron » February 14, 2008, 12:57 pm

Bump there is no utopia I will continue to run the country down because I believe with all my heart they are screwing us with the thai baht and the immigration laws they keep changing
maybe they don't have a first amendment here but I am used to speaking my mind even if it is out of the ordinary as for dealing with locals for work you want they think you are stupid and want much more for there work than they would get from a thai that pisses me off I don't like being scammed. I consider myself lucky to have found a lady here who is not out to drain every last buck from me like the ones I have met in the past. if you like paying more for western food that your choice I don't like it if you want to eat thai food every day that your choice it not for me. going back to my statement about running the country down if you read any of my previous post about what I said about GW Bush you will understand were I am coming from I speak from the heart as well as the brain some times I put my foot in my mouth and when I do I apologize
I don't expect you to agree with me and that OK I understand were you are coming from
you are very happy here and I am happy for you I am just burnt out here it seem every thing I try to accomplish get destroyed and I did not come here to pitch pennies I can do that back in N.Y that why I did some research on apt in Texas (el/paso) there also another fact it seem no one here speaks english and yes it not my country I should learn to speak thai but if I recall english is the universal lang. and if you want to play in the global market than you learn the global lingo & that is english also another thing I hate here all sales are final I am used to getting a refund if the product does not measure up to it claim and store credit does not cut it for me
also the 3% surcharge if you use a credit card which I refuse to pay so there is nothing here any more that I need I found what I wanted and married it AMEN

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Post by Bump » February 14, 2008, 1:52 pm

Ok with all due respect Thailand isn't the problem you are Good Luck.

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Post by 38nholding » February 14, 2008, 3:32 pm

Every morning at 8 a.m the local farmer is herding his cows past my house with a pleasant "good morning". Ya won't get that in Texas.

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Post by aznyron » February 14, 2008, 9:07 pm

bump maybe your right but I see it different as for me being the problem I doubt it
I have read many of your post dealing with the thai baht and it sem to me you are also unhappy about the strenth of the baht and when you were writing post under your old name you once said if it continues you might have to leave LOS and I can not believe the thai baht being so strong with that all that has happened here in the past two years and I do believe they don't want us here also
which is OK with me it there country I am just a guest here and no matter what i do in the future
I will always be a non immigrant and I will always have to go to immigration every 90 days and i will never own any thing here because I am not allowed which is also OK with me now being that said illegals come up to the USA buy a car live in apt. even get free medical service and when they get caught the USA sends them back at tax payers expense here you go to jail pay fines and get deported and black listed which is still OK with me I just wanted to compare the difference and if your legal no problem you can work you can own any thing you like the doors are wide open for you and no 90 day check in and no one charges you extra for being immigrant and I said immigrant not non immigrant so if it my problem that OK because I have to deal with it
and I also have the right to complain and if writing my complaints in here help me vent my frustrtation then I will do it like I said we may not agree on most but we do agree on the baht so we are not that far apart the rest is unimportant to both of us

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747man
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Post by 747man » February 14, 2008, 9:15 pm

Ron, IF you are so P****D Off with " Your Adopted Country " STOP Moaning,Pack YOUR Bags and "Get the F**K Outta here !!!

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Frankie 1
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Post by Frankie 1 » February 14, 2008, 9:41 pm

What I don't like about some foreigners (muslims) who come to live in my country is, that they refuse to learn to speak my language, refuse to respect my culture, try to impose their religion on me, act as if they are superior to me, and constantly complain.

I think that some farang who live in Thailand do the same.
So, if you don't like it there, please feel free to leave.

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747man
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Post by 747man » February 14, 2008, 9:59 pm

Well I'm going to cross the bridge for my 90 Days next week,and get some CHEAP Vietnamese Ciggies at 70 Baht a Carton,Worth the 35 US$ For them,And a couple of Bottles of Nice Aussie or California Red Wine.... :lol: :lol:

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Post by Bump » February 14, 2008, 10:14 pm

No doubt about it I would love to have more money. But I would like that anywhere :lol:

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banpaeng
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Post by banpaeng » February 14, 2008, 10:25 pm

Ron, I reaspect your opinion even if I do not agree with it.

Now that I've said that, You totally blow my mind with going to El Paso. Do you speak Spanish. Other than not having to go to immigrations, you are jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

If that is your wish go for #-o

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