EXPATS’ BUREAUCRATIC BURDEN

The 90-day reporting system is antiquated.

The government says the requirement is in place to protect foreigners from criminals. By way of analogy, the closest thing in other countries would be when criminals are released from prison.

They are required to check in with their probation officers much like foreigners in Thailand with visas and/or work permits having to check in every 90 days.

It is a total waste of time, but we all know that the 90-day report is in place to fine those not checking in on time.

Also, for foreigners with proper visas, we are also required to keep up-to-date a TM 30. This is another antiquated law!

When it was reinforced during the Big Joke era, landlords were supposed to be fined 2,000 baht for not completing the paperwork.

Immigration figured out the Thai owners were not going to do the paperwork or pay the fine. Answer, charge foreigners 800 baht for each instance of not completing the paperwork!

In addition, foreigners are required to have physicals to get a work permit and additional annual physicals to renew work permits.

Why is this required for only foreigners?

Locals are not required to do this to keep their positions of employment.

Now, they are trying to woo foreigners that are wealthy here to stimulate the economy. Foreigners that are living here are already helping stimulate the economy. A lot of us spend more than the tourists do!!

With all of this, I own my own condo, have a yellow book and a pink Thai ID card. By the way, I am still looking for options to move my family to another country!

Michael Parrot