After my experiences over the last few months and the recent decisions by the government I start to believe that there is a genuine push to reduce the number of farangs living in Thailand
- Visa restrictions.
- Limits on Foreign Ownership of Land.
- Investigations regarding Nominee Shareholding of Thai Companies
- Coup D’Etat
- Sufficiency Economy
- Strengthening Baht
All of these added together make it more difficult to live as a farang in Thailand.
IMHO, I believe they are interested in the tourist money but dont want the long term expats.They feel that their society is deteriorating due to the influence of these foreigners.
Granted Thailand has a reputation. And that reputation is justified and I applaud the government for trying to change this reputation. However, it is not the farangs that are behind this – it takes 2 to tango!
The nighlife scene for Thais is less obvious but it exists and the numbers involved are much higher! Its just that they are more discreet.
So why change all the visa regulations? It will only mean that genuine people (like me) will be forced to leave Thailand. When the investment visa was cancelled it removed the option for many single, under 50, wealthy farangs to live in Thailand on a long term basis.
Anyway, I think bordering countries will only be too happy to welcome us and after a while Thailand will start to feel the effects economically. Imagine all these farangs who are currently supporting THai families all over the country. With no social insurance available in Thailand – where will it leave these people when the money stops coming?
I still love Thailand and I would dearly love to stay here permanently but the current climate (politically, economically but NOT weatherly!) just doesnt make it a decent option. Perhaps I will be back in a few years and I would certainly love to retire here (if i get the Visa!).
All in all, its back to the Celtic Tiger for me in February 2007.
