Thailand Dropping Out Of Global Community

So sad these days to read the press and forums around Thailand and the world, also very sad to hear retirees, tourists and foreign business people opinions and experiences becoming more and more negative about the Kingdom of Thailand. As a Thai, I hope that these world views do not represent the majority of Thai people. In the final analysis, I hope that these views are pursued by special interest Thais that only care about themselves and not representative of the Thai people.

Since the 1997 crisis, I have become so proud that Thailand has decided to participate in the Global economy with all of its pain and gains to move up the learning curve and become a part of the global community. Thailand has gained and benefited from increase wealth. The Global economy because of technology  changes very quickly advantages soon turns to disadvantages only the informed can shift course and adjust to compete. Thailand before 1997 exports were only 20% based on an overvalued pegged baht. Everyone in those days visiting Thailand would tell you everything was too expensive in Thailand compared to other Asian countries. But Thailand chose not to listen (Mei pang Mei pang) but instead followed the special interests and defended the baht to bankruptcy. Today, Thailand is in the opposite situation. Thailand’s exports have grown to over 60% but complaints directed at the BOT have risen from the special interest again without looking at the global trends. Will Thailand develop a black and white or right and wrong or with us or against us world view? Or will Thailand follow common sense and realize the world is mostly grey. Will Thailand again listen to the special interests?

The facts from World Institutions are the US can not continue absorbing Asia’s exports at the current rate. The US balance sheet will continue to be weak as the US readjusts its consumer economy and re-pricing of assets and risks. Next year Asia’s emerging economies lead by China will lead the world’s economic engine for the first time in history not the US. This means that the US dollar will continue its decline and Asia’s domestic economies must be more open including financial market reforms, technology, domestic market reforms, education and human rights.

Warnings to Thailand by World Institutions to develop its domestic financial instruments, Implement foreign exchange hedging by exporters. Develop value added exports, reform education and reform Immigration. Policies, open domestic markets improve human rights to Thais and non Thais. Increase technology investments not censorship and political oppression. Many professionals in Thailand work very hard every day to achieve these goals for a better Thailand.

But, special interests have different answers for Thailand’s future. A recent simple example is the decrease in hotel occupancy rates. Of course the hotel operators blame the baht and fewer tourists when in fact the number of tourist arrivals has increased and the number of new hotels built has increased. Government is not responsible for bad investor decisions. Instead of blaming someone else like children investors should do their homework before whining to the Government.

Flip flopping on issues and laws served Thailand well in the past when Thailand was trying to avoid becoming a colony. Today that strategy sends a bad message to the Global community, special interests making new laws or changing laws when events turn against them to serve their own interest.

Special interest will tell you that foreigners may not own business or foreign retirees may not own their own homes that they have bought and paid for after a lifetime of hard work and saving. Foreign Retirees live on a fixed income and live in fear of being kicked out of their homes or fear immigration’s disrespectful sour face in issuing their yearly visa depends on the immigration officer’s mood and ever increasing difficult immigration laws. Foreign Retiree’s economic contribution to Thai society offering security, supporting entire Thai families and raising children are ignored and their efforts are unwelcome by an ungrateful society. Half foreign Thai children are loved and adored as moving stars or singers but growing up they are tortured physically and mentally by other Thai children. Children are not naturally mean they are taught that way by racist parents. Turn this story of foreigner’s experiences in Thailand around and imagine yourself in a foreign country. Do you want your Thai children going abroad to study and being abused by raciest because they are different? Or do you want to retire abroad and then kicked out of your house at 65 years old because you are Thai? Do you want to go abroad and then be kicked out by new immigration laws? Do you want to go shopping abroad and be cheated by being charged more because you are Thai? Or would it be ok if while you are being cheated it is done with a sarcastic smile and you are perceived as rich. There is nothing more irritating than being smiled at while being cheated. Most foreign tourist save a life time to visit Thailand and contrary to popular opinion can not afford to be cheated. Incomes are relevant yes their salaries are higher but so are their cost of living savings rates are the same as a 4.000 Baht per month Thai worker. Foreigners are not stupid people just as Thais do not like to be called poor stupid farmers more and more of these stories are going around the world. I meet people around the world that knows and have friends in many small and large cities around Thailand not just Bangkok. Thailand is not just known by Bangkok in the world community anymore. Remember what you do to others will come back to you. Soon Thais visiting and living in other countries will be treated the same way as foreigners are in Thailand.

Special interests will use the argument that Thailand is a small, pitiful, poor, uneducated, ignorant undeveloped country that can not compete and needs more time to develope. Slogans created such as “Thailand is for Thais” breeding racism by populist politicians. Special interest will tell you we are protecting Thai culture. Thailand has thousands of years of culture it will not disappear by joining the world community. Thailand is classified as an emerging country with the size and population of a European country. By following populist propaganda Thailand will not have to worry about exports exports will be zero will not have to worry about tourism tourist will go elsewhere that pretty much takes care of foreign exchange policy and foreign reserves there will be no need to participate in the world at all. The world has no time to wait for Thailand. The world will move on to Thailand’s neighbors Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia where conditions are better and where governments are anxious to join the world community and eventually to Burma ( Myanmar) and Cambodia.

Is this the Thailand we want? Do we just want to go on sabai sabai watching the world go by on TV because the world is too tough for our sabai sabai sanook sanook attitude?

Take a look at what our neighbors Malaysia are doing for retirees or Vietnam is doing for foreign investors while we watch sabai sabai. Below I will paste and copy Malaysia’s retirement program. I apologize to the blog purist that hate paste and copy but I do not have the writing skills to write it better. When asked by foreigners, is Thailand a good place to visit or retire or invest, I am ashamed to say Thailand’s neighbors will treat you better and more fairly.

Eligibility.
The programme is open to all foreign citizens except those married to Malaysians and citizens of Israel, Serbia and Yugoslavia. The restriction on foreigners married to Malaysians was made at the end of 2006. They are required to apply for a spouse visa.

Finance/Income
The following sets out the financial criteria which depend on the age of the applicant. If a married couple apply the oldest person’s age decides the appropriate criteria.

It should be noted that applicants who choose the fixed deposit option do not have to place it until their visa application is approved. At that time they will receive a “conditional approval” letter by the immigration department. They have to bring this letter, together with evidence of completing any other conditions specified in the letter, to the immigration department. The visa will then be stamped in their passport.

i) Applicants aged below 50 years old:

• Must open a fixed deposit account of RM300,000
• Can withdraw up to RM240,000 for the purchase of house, medical insurance or children’s education expenses after the deposit has been placed for one year.
• Must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000 from second year onwards and throughout stay in Malaysia under this programme.

ii) Applicants aged 50 years and above:

• Have to place a fixed deposit account of RM150,000. (If they receive a government pension or a pension from a well recognized global company in excess of the RM10,000 the requirement may be waived)
• Can withdraw up to RM90,000 of the fixed deposit after one year to purchase of house, medical insurance or children’s education expenses.
• Must maintain a minimum balance of RM60,000 throughout their stay in Malaysia under this programme.

Sponsor/Assistance
There is no longer a requirement for a Malaysian sponsor. This requirement is only necessary if you use an agent in which case the agent will act as your sponsor. If you need assistance making the application we offer this service (click here). You may make the application without coming to Malaysia and once the letter of conditional approval is issued we will advise you and you have six months to come to Malaysia and collect the visa.

Insurance Coverage / Medical Report
Applicants must possess a medical insurance coverage from any insurance company that is valid in Malaysia. This may be waived for older applicants who are denied coverage because of their age. All applicants are required to have a medical examination in Malaysia.

Education
Applicants are allowed to bring along their dependants (children) either not schooling or are schooling in primary, secondary or in any Institution of higher Learning. Dependants who are schooling are also required to apply for a Student Pass to continue their education in schools or Institutions of Higher Learning recognised by the government. Children have to be aged under 18 to be included under the MM2H visa programme.

Taxes
Successful applicants are bound by the policies, systems and regulations of taxes of this country however their overseas income will not be taxed in Malaysia.

Security Vetting
Approvals are given subject to security vetting clearance conducted by the Royal Malaysian Police.

Restrictions
Successful applicants are STRICTLY forbidden from the following:
* Being employed anywhere in Malaysia unless approved by the government.
* Participating in activities that can be considered as sensitive to the local people like political or missionary activities.


SEE “APPLICATION PROCEDURES” FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY"