Sound investment tip

Re: “‘S’ man on a mission”, (Business, Dec 14). Kanit Sansubhan’s article stresses the need to invest in existing and new industries. In the “Current Engines” graphic, tourism is highlighted.

As a long-term resident of Thailand, could I and many thousands of similar people consider ourselves as being affluent, maybe even quality — and long-term tourists ?

After all, we are all expected to have an income or a bank account containing 800,000 baht. However, we are at times not made to feel welcome by immigration officials.

Using 800,000 baht as a base and assuming there are 100,000 of us (who knows, there may be 3 or 4 times as many) you have an amount of 8 baht plus 11 zeroes (whatever that is) invested in Thailand plus land (not in our names of course!) cars, motorbikes and other capital goods.

I would like to suggest that immigration officials look upon us a little more favourably — whilst finding more subtle ways to weed out the “baddies” and then maybe even more “permanent tourists” would bring in their millions.

It would also help the building industry considerably if some way could be found to recognise that farang finance land for their wives even if they cannot own it.

Another thought that comes to mind would be for the government to issue “Immigration Bonds” or something similar for financing new industries.

Therefore, retirees and long-term residents could feel more attached to Thailand if they felt that their money — instead of staying idle in banks — could be invested in bonds to finance the new industries mentioned by Kanit.

JULIBABE