Jasper Posted February 1, 2018 Posted February 1, 2018 Top Ten hard truths of living as an expat in Thailand By Tim Newton There will be bumps along the way between your visits to the beach, bar and immigration office (sometimes the bumps will be at the beach, bar and immigration office). Expat life is what you make it here in the Land of Smiles. Moaning about it never helps but accepting the bumps is part of the adventure. Here are our Top Ten Hard Truths for expats in Thailand. 1. VISAS ARE A PAIN IN THE NECK You have plenty of options but the options never quite fit into your line of work or expectations. But between the Non-B visa, Retirement visa, Education visa, Tourist visa, Elite visa and Smart visa, along with a few visa runs and trips to your local immigration office, you can usually fernangle a long-term stay in Thailand (yes, we know we used nick names for some of the visas). One way or the other you will need to keep your paperwork up to date as the fines for over-stays and visa problems can be quite aggressive and difficult to negotiate your way around these days. There’s plenty of good information on the net about visas but, despite what you read, interpretation may be different on the day you visit the local office and depending who you end up speaking too. At the end of the day, ask yourself how difficult is it for Thai citizens to live in your country… 2. YOU CALL IT CORRUPTION. THEY CALL IT BUSINESS. You are a guest in a foreign country. Thailand has a long history of independence and hasn’t been tainted with a lot of western influence. Unlike Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia. Philippines and India (just to list the countries around Thailand), there has never been western colonisation of the Kingdom. And most Thais will be delighted to remind you of this proud fact. The down-side is that your perception of western efficiencies and customs are going to be challenged whenever you want to do just about anything. There will be times when you will be asked, or invited, to put your hand in your pocket to get something happening – it could be a building project, a visa, getting your accounting done or getting a signature on a contract. If you are running a business in Thailand you’ll be invited more often than if you’re just living the single life here. Be shocked, be angry, be determined to point out your isses with corruption – it’s not going to change a system that has been in place for generations and unlikely to change much during your time in the Kingdom. Continued https://www-phuketgazette-net.amp.cloudflare.com/v/s/www.phuketgazette.net/lifestyle/top-ten-hard-truths-living-expat-thailand/amp?amp_js_v=1-4-71# ChristianPFC, traveller123, vinapu and 1 other 4 Quote
steveboy Posted February 3, 2018 Posted February 3, 2018 It had crossed my mind to retire in Thailand. Such good value and good fun... But most of these "hard truths" give me goosebumps. I rather put up with the 24 hour travel time to and from Thailand. One alternative I also thought was to retire to Kuala Lumpur, and make many shorter trips to the countries around that attract me the most. But in the meantime I'm so happy where I live now. calluna15 1 Quote
a447a Posted February 3, 2018 Posted February 3, 2018 The best thing about places like Pattaya is that I can leave whenever I want. I've seen so many examples of retirees for whom the dream has turned into a nightmare. No, thanks! Quote
steveboy Posted February 3, 2018 Posted February 3, 2018 The best thing about places like Pattaya is that I can leave whenever I want. A good vacation: happy to leave, and happy to come back. vinapu 1 Quote
