Sign the petition to reform Thai Immigration and Article 37

The past year hasn’t been very good for expats living and working in the Kingdom of Thailand. A few changes in the Immigration rules and the enforcing of others has made it more difficult than ever to live in Thailand. First we had the changing of the rules for how people applied for the retirement visa. Then came the enforcement of the TM.30 form where landlords had to report the presence of foreigners on their property within 24 hours. And not only the first time, but every time you fly back into the country. Now it would seem that some immigration offices around the country are enforcing another law where we have to report to Immigration each and every time we travel out of our home province for more than 24 hours. I don’t know about you, but I travel a lot around the country promoting Thailand as a tourist destination. If my local Immigration office starts to enforce this last rule, it will make life so much harder for me.

Some expats, particularly pensioners, are saying that enough is enough, and they are packing their bags with the intention to leave the country. It is very doubtful that I will ever do that myself. I have lived and worked in Thailand for twenty five years now and I have no intention of living anywhere else. This is where I will retire and this is where I will be laid to rest. I love the country, though sometimes it is not easy to live here legally. I understand their slogan “bad guys out, good guys in” but some of their more more recent actions are also affecting the good guys. Regular guys who love it here and contribute to the well-being of the country in their own way.

>> READ AND SIGN THE PETITION TO REFORM IMMIGRATION <<

There has been a lot of talk on expat forums. A lot of angry and upset people uncertain of their future. Some of them, like myself have lived here for most of their adult life. Others are married to Thais and have their own family. Some are teachers. Some are retired. But what we all have in common is that we are at the mercy of Immigration officials. With the frequent moving of the goalposts and different offices interpreting laws in their own way, we just don’t know what will happen in the future and whether our extension of stays will be renewed or not. Of course, it is their country and they can pass laws in any way they like. But, we only ask for fairness and clarity, and to let the good guys stay in Thailand.

To this end, a group of expats, including lawyers, have got together to put up a website at reform-thai-immigration.com. They want to “open a dialogue with the authorities, to see whether it is possible for alternative, more practical and less time-consuming ways of applying the 1979 Law on immigration to be found.” In particular, they want Article 37 of the Immigration Act to be reviewed. Individually we are weak and have no voice. Together we can make a difference. Make your voice heard and sign the petition to reform Immigration rules. Doing nothing will change nothing. It is in your hands now. Click here to read the and sign the petition.

78 thoughts on “Sign the petition to reform Thai Immigration and Article 37

  • July 30, 2019 at 2:16 pm
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    It is Bangkok Post today.

    To all the non-believers, the article is finishing by ” Acting Immigration Bureau Chief, Pol Lt Gen Sompong Chingduang admitted the TM30 was problematic.”.

    If you wish this petition, WE CAN CHANGE THINGS.

    SSL was added. The names won’t be revealed.

    Reply
    • July 30, 2019 at 2:57 pm
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      Is this only in a paper version of newspaper? Can not find this article on their website?

      Reply
      • August 1, 2019 at 5:39 pm
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        Here is a compromise. Give us two buttons for the order of the comments:

        NEWEST FIRST

        OLDEST FIRST

        Reply
  • July 30, 2019 at 1:36 pm
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    Many thanks for taking this initiative ! If people don’t like it, they don’t need to sign.

    Reply
  • July 30, 2019 at 8:18 am
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    If Thailand wants to flourish, they need to make it easier for foreignors. Also, for those who have a permanent Residency, if the Thai government were to create a permanent Residency passport then they can also make more money and greatly help Thailand.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 11:16 pm
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    All Immigrants are registered at Thai-Gov. Computersystem, but the immigration and all other need more paper to store.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 8:20 pm
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    Could someone edit the petition page and remove the <img src = code. It is annoying and looks unprofessional… thanks

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 7:38 pm
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    This is not complicated. If someone (or some government) wants you around, they make it easier for you to be there. If they don’t want you around, they make it more difficult to be there. Up to you to decide if you’re wanted and welcomed (or not).

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 6:07 pm
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    I am retired here and my next visa extension is in 1Q2020; it will be my 19th. I have never had the slightest difficulty with immigration in Bangkok. I detest my annual trips to Chaeng Wattana, where I wait the entire day to extend my visa and obtain a multiple re-entry permit. I am willing to do this once a year, but not more frequently.

    The TM 30 requirement has thrown my life here into uncertainty, which is incompatible with the retirement life I want to live. My landlord, a Thai national living outside Thailand, wants to comply and wants to retain me as a tenant, but is having trouble figuring out how to successfully accomplish the TM 30 registration. I want to stay in Thailand where I spend about seven months a year, but since I have retained my residence in my home country, it is easy for me to return.

    I have no idea how my next extension visit to immigration will turn out, and I have given up trying to find sensible information on ThaiVisa. I have already received quotes from two moving companies and have selected one of them, just in case. If I can extent my visa during my annual visit to Chaeng Wattana, I will, of course do so. If for some reason, I cannot, or am required to return there a second time, I have already reluctantly decided to leave Thailand and return home.

    I thank and commend those who are involved in this petition effort. My belief is that it has possibilities of some success if, after 1000s of signatures are obtained (I hope), the Thai media pick the story up. I suggest that it is seeking too much to ask for a change in the law because all can be accomplished through administrative action, just as the problem has been caused by administrative action and the unpreparedness of immigration to handle what it has brought about.

    Again, thanks.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 5:39 pm
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    They created a special ‘Smart’ visa for qualified professionals, entrepreneurs and now they treat people like criminals making them to report their location. Who will want to come to Thailand and spend their time and money if they are treated in such way. I think BOI (Thailand Board of Investment) is more appropriate organisation to send this petition.

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 10:14 am
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    Law reform is a difficult issue at the best of times with the best intentions . The result is more often than not unintended consequences not confined to Thais in this instance . If there is no Thai constituency for reform the need will not be recognised by the government. The issue is how to develop a Thai constituency to simplify the requirements . A purely Thai petition would be more powerful and a receptive ear in government to pursue the issues raised by such a group of Thai people would help immensely

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 9:52 am
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    Thaivisa.com has the money & power to try something, to be a voice, but they don’t dare

    just a website full of old moaners

    Reply
    • July 29, 2019 at 5:31 pm
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      I agree. But I also know the owner of Thaivisa (not George, he sold it) and he is a nice guy. He actually helped for this project. Not the moaners on the forum!

      I can’t continue to reply here. But if you believe in this project, SHARE IT TO GROUPS, friends, on Facebook, anywhere so we reach our goal.

      Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 9:18 am
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    Like you I have lived and worked here over 20 years. I have a condo in BKK and also at a beach location in another province. I, and many other friends are avid mountain bikers and like to leave BKK to ride in mountains. This law does not cater for people who support families, the economy, investment in the country. Precisely the people you would like to welcome or retain (good guys in bad guys out , right?)

    Reply
  • July 29, 2019 at 6:51 am
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    As of January 2020 I will be leaving Thailand after living here for 7 years, paying rent to a Thai owner, buying many high dollar items and contributing to the medical, dental and many other service industries.
    The requirements and treatment have gone too far for me. As much as I enjoy living here, I am no longer feeling welcomed or appreciated. Mandatory money in the bank, not accepting my pension letter and upcoming mandatory insurance have gone to far too. I applied at the Royal Thai Consulate and was verified for everything and now the Thai Immigration will not accept these very same document.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 9:33 pm
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    I am British and own a condo in Bangkok. I live most of the time in London.
    Do I need to notify anything to any officers and if so, how do I go about doing this?

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 8:44 pm
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    My browser says the petition site is not secure.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 8:42 pm
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    The webpage has now a comment section. We are at 645 signatures. We work in it every day for a week. We published this morning. We hope to get more and more signatures. Thaivisa just published it.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 8:12 pm
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    Your wording in the petition needs a lot of work and clarification. There are many spelling and grammatical errors which make it very difficult to read and some of it doesn’t make any sense.
    While totally supporting what you are trying to do you really should ensure the writing is up to scratch before submitting this.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 8:29 pm
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      You need to tell them, not me. It’s not my petition. But I think they will see your comment here.

      Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 8:31 pm
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        We are working on it. It was modified three times already…. nobody seems to agree.
        But it will be better.

        Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 6:57 pm
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    Your petition sight is not secure.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 6:02 pm
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    If I read this discussion just far away from the reality. Who think that a falang can change the rules in Thailand?
    I would say stay or leave, love it or hate it.
    No-one needs to stay here.

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 5:15 pm
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    When the text has been edited and revised, I am ready to sign the petition. I do not want to sign it as it is right now.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 6:09 pm
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      Actually since I already signed if you change any wording you really should send an email to us all who have already signed as we may or may not agree with the new wording. Or are you justr planning to send the Thai version?

      Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 10:00 pm
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        I understand the point. The proper way would have been to circulate the text first for a while and allow for changes and corrections to be made.

        Once the text was ready, you could start the process of signing.

        Obviously, this is too late now. However, changes will only be corrections of spelling and grammar. Not new arguments and not new information. I think it is not a problem.

        Will you insist that not one mistake can be corrected, because you have already signed it? I hope not!

        Reply
        • July 28, 2019 at 10:10 pm
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          Text was modified a little to make it more readable.

          Please help these Thai families, where they need to report because they had a 24 hours somewhere… this is anti-constructive for tourism and economy.

          Thanks for all signatures.

          Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 5:12 pm
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    The language of the petition should be cleaned up. I noticed several unfortunate passages. Please edit the text one more time.

    It is a good idea to ask the Thai government to abolish the paragraph about TM 30. It is not a good idea to ask the government to keep it but not enforce it.

    Please delete this suggestion at once.

    It would be nice if the Thai government would listen to a petition from a group of foreigners. But perhaps this is wishful thinking.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 5:15 pm
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      You would need to leave a comment on their website as I did not write this petition. But, maybe they will see it here.

      Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 5:29 pm
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        I visited the petition website. I cannot see any place where I can leave a comment. If you know how to do this, please let me know.

        Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 5:29 pm
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        Torben Retboll, you are welcome to edit it and send the version edited to “[email protected]”.
        It was really written by many people. Maybe it is not good enough. But we have to focus ONLY on TM30.

        Thanks,

        Sebastian.

        Reply
        • July 28, 2019 at 5:43 pm
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          Thanks for adding the address. I have already sent an email with some suggestions.

          Reply
    • July 29, 2019 at 5:24 pm
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      I want to repeat my suggestion about the order of the comments on your website.

      At the moment the oldest are shown first. The newest are shown last. This is not good.

      In order to see the most recent comments I have to scroll all the way down (sometimes a very long way down). This is not user-friendly.

      Please consider my suggestion. Please reverse the order of the comments. Let us see the most recent first. Please respond to this suggestion.

      Thank you for your time and attention.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:54 pm
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    if your not a citizen of Thailand what right to you have to tell them how to run the country and what to do you not like the rules go back where you came ……they are not holding a gun to your head just leave …..

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 4:21 pm
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      Why?
      We lives here, and are allowed to speak up.
      Also the TM30 is for thais to report, and it is thais that get fined.
      Only because we not are thai nationals dont mean we have to agree to everything.
      Laws and rules get changed all the times, this petention is only a suggestion that the goverment looks at the law 1 more time.
      If you don’t respect other expacts having an orher opinion than you, you can just don’t take any part in this.
      Nobody is holding a gun to your head.

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 4:55 pm
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      I am a permanent citizen, an activist and a person who believe in freedom of speech. Just like the 50 people who helped for that petition and the hundreds who signed it in 6 hours.

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 5:35 pm
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      An old and worn out reply heard repeated so many times over soon a lifetime that it makes me sick

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 6:25 pm
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      remember those words when you are dying on the road after a drunk driver hit you

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:35 pm
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    Good to try ! Thanks !

    Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:28 pm
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    Are these ‘notify immigration’ rules being applied though? I have never met anyone or had the problem myself of having to pay fines or paperwork not being processed. Many of my friends and myself regularly go on weekends. I have been living in Rayong for 6 years and am now living in Chonburi.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 4:01 pm
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      There are more and more ppl getting fined now.
      They are enforcing this no strickt in many provices, and more is to follow.
      So it affect many ppl.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:21 pm
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    Usual over reaction – the rules have hardly changed they are just being enforced in some parts of the country notably Bangkok – most Immigration Offices are not enforcing them or have no idea whatsoever of them – Nobody has a god given right to live in Thailand (unless you are Thai of course) if you want to live here then you have to abide by the still very relaxed Immigration rules – having to go to a Immigration Office a few times or keeping money in the bank for your next Retirement Extension – which most Immigration Offices are not enforcing by the way is hardly hard work is it? BTW your petition will get nowhere – Immigration have never listened o the complainers and I doubt they are going to start now – man up accept what’s happening and if you are struggling use a agent – it’s as simple as that

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:59 pm
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      You are right, and if you read the text in the petention all you say here is in there.
      And nobody stats that we not shall follow the rules.
      But if we can change this rules, we will get it a little easier to follow them.
      Some folks have to report up to 100 times a year ( working in 1 province mon-fri, living in anorher in the weekend )

      Reply
    • July 29, 2019 at 6:50 am
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      They will as soon as they realize how much money the fines generate. Let’s be honest, all they care about is money here.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:13 pm
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    The introductory text at the top makes sense and is well written. Then you get to the actual letter and it’s la la land.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:45 pm
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      And I am sure Tod Daniels did a lot for Thailand… I think he is a little angry that Tod was banned from a group and hits on the admin easily.

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:53 pm
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      Yepo, thats la la land.
      And the once that are rude will not be sent whit the petention to the goverment.
      The site is only a few days old, and will be edeted.
      I’ll give your feedback to admin of the petention.
      Tnx for feedback.

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 5:32 pm
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      Regarding your website: the order of comments is unfortunate.

      The oldest appear first. This is not a good idea.

      The order should be reversed so the newest appear first. Then you can scroll down to see older comments. Please change the order: newest first!

      Reply
      • August 1, 2019 at 3:26 pm
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        I disagree, why would one want to read the latest comment without knowing what was said before? Makes no sense at all…

        Reply
        • August 1, 2019 at 7:15 pm
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          If you disagree it means that you know nothing about website and how they should be made !
          YOU do not make sense, for sure !

          Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 3:12 pm
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    I think it would be much better project if they remove/edit some of those testimonials. Quote: “The lady was a right **** actually”. There were some more similar. If there are any lawyers among those expats, who created this website, they should instruct person who is responsible for this website content not to publish such texts. Leave such texts for some forum discussions not for official petition to the government.

    Do they want cooperation or any change of the laws, or they want to raise more anger among immigration officials? I am former civil federal government agency employee in Russia. We have a lot of former military, KGB employees who now work in civil government agencies (few people know about this, but it’s not a secret). Here in Thailand they have army/police all over the place as well. This type of people have specific type of thinking (can call this a professional deformation). The worst thing anyone could do is to insult them in any way.

    Actually we have some similar rules about reporting to the immigration/police. This is a soviet legacy. About 15 years ago even if you are Russian citizen you had to have ‘registration’ if you visit another country region. Police might stop a person in Moscow and ask for their ‘registration’ if they came from another region. Regarding foreigners everything is much easier, especially from western countries.

    Foreigners here are treated much better than our own citizens. Probably because government officials/police officers afraid of foreign media coverage or something like that. During FIFA World Cup 2018 police officers were officially instructed not to touch foreigners if they commit minor crimes: drink alcohol in public places, steal decorations on Nikolskaya street and other popular places. There was official Moscow government employee who told in news that foreigners could steal this decorations and keep them as a memory, we will buy new ones. Strange to see that Thai government don’t want to get rid of this tm30 form, it’s completely useless against criminals. Regarding terrorists it’s twice useless. What kind of idiot will report his location if he want to commit a crime.

    It’s strange to see how people, who created website and petition lived in Thailand for 10-20-30 years and don’t understand such simple thing: don’t insult government employees in public (especially in social networks). Call this ‘lose of face’ or anyhow they want. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

    Richard, if you know anyone who is responsible for this website, please tell them to remove those insulting testimonials.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:49 pm
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      Dear Boris,
      My email is [email protected]. Don’t be shy. Richard Barrow, Thaivisa, Newspapers, The Thaiger have nothing to do with it. Testimonials are exactly as taken from internet. Maybe you should ask to shut down the internet and also all freedom of speech.
      Sebastian.

      Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 8:19 pm
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        Hi, Sebastian.

        Since you are already here and you not afraid freedom of speech, there is no need for me to write a personal message to you. Everyone can read what we write. I am not shy, and have nothing to hide since I am writing this publicly in Richard’s blog.

        All I wanted to say is, there is no need to send those testimonials with curse words to Thai officials or display such testimonials to them on public page, which is used to collect expat signatures. Curse/rude words will not help to get Thais to do anything positive. Especially because they are so concerned about politeness and respectful conversation with anyone and especially government officials. I was referring to those customs when I mentioned “In Rome… “. Freedom of speech does not mean you are free to use curse words toward government employees when you send them documents/letters/requests. Of course you could do so, but do you really think it will make any benefit?

        I wrote about my experience in federal government organisation because I wrote few orders (registered in Ministry of Justice) and at some point I was responsible for writing official responses on citizen’s requests on behalf of my organisation. Thai government is little bit similar to Russian. In my country government organisation is obliged to reply within 30 days (not sure they have same in Thailand). Depending on topic of the letter received from citizen, it might be routed to any department or even to another organisation. During work on such document, original citizen request is read by many employees. Sometime, if the issue is really important, Minister or even some person in higher position might read it. Will this testimonial, in which person tells that immigration officer behave like a b***ch somehow help to convince them to change the laws?

        By the way, if some of those people who sign petition on this website, wrote a letter on the paper and describe how they contribute to Thailand it would make much more impact. Especially if all those letters will be send altogether along with petition text. Those elder people do like documents on paper more than some digital things (non existent in some of their minds) on the Internet.

        Since you wrote that I should write someone regarding shutting down the internet and freedom of speech, I assume you are referring to my background as a federal government employee and current political situation in my country in particular. I am not from the military/police or KGB/FSB. By the way, I quit my job on the federal government because:
        – I don’t want to steal money
        – I thought I could do more in commercial companies

        There is no need to paint everyone in black color and make such prejudgements that everyone want to live behind the wall in my country. The only people in my country who benefit from Internet and freedom of speech restrictions are politicians and their relatives/friends, who steal money on government contracts. Regarding prejudgements, if you have free time, the article in wikipedia: NKVD troika.

        Reply
        • July 28, 2019 at 8:29 pm
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          Boris,
          I agree with you. Now, people saying petition is not secure do not know where is server and we are installing SSL but it cost money, time, etc. Signatures are encrypted in the SQL-Database.
          Testimonials were for showing how it hurts people. If people want to send us GOOD STORIES and HOW TM 30 makes them problems with pictures of their families, I already asked that on another forum: ZERO answer.
          We really wrote that with many people and it is not perfect. A generous anonymous writer told us he will revise the text in next day I think.

          We need 10,000 signatures at least to look serious. I know friends who find it difficult to miss work because they have to report they went to Bangkok. It was not like that 3-5 years ago. People are more screen today at airports. I just think TM30, TM28 and pure bureaucracy.

          You worked with government, I also work with the THAI GOVERNMENT for 13 years, full time, in court, amphur, labour department, immigration. We made a nice Thai translation. We don’t want anyone to lose face. We want a better system.

          If nobody does anything, it won’t change. And now, it is getting worse.My personal opinion and 600 people signed that petition in about 10 hours only. At first, I didn’t want my name there. But there is nothing illegal, nothing bad, nothing done with bad faith. People asked who is behind that, they are worried their names will go to immigration. I live here for 15 years and I wouldn’t put my business and life in Thailand in jeopardy. I believe in what I do and I am a native French speaker. Not a perfect English writer… 🙂

          We need more.

          Reply
          • July 28, 2019 at 10:44 pm
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            «and we are installing SSL but it cost money »

            LetsEncrypt SSL certificates have zero cost associated with them – installation on a wordpress server takes 10 minutes.

          • July 29, 2019 at 1:36 am
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            > If nobody does anything, it won’t change.
            I am totally agree with you, Sebastian. There are so many things that could be done (and were actually done, during my work) or fixed just with a simple letter to government organisation from an ordinary people. If there is no feedback from citizens (expats in this case) – there will be no actions from the government. That how is this system work (at least in Russia): no paper (letter/request/issue) – no work. Nobody will move their finger by their own initiative.

          • July 29, 2019 at 1:49 am
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            Boris,
            I am not from Russia. I am a French Canadian. I changed some laws in Canada.
            I live in Thailand for 15 years. I sued Thai immigration twice and won. That was already crazy.
            Not many foreigners have permanent residency, I have it. I did NOT give any tea money for it.
            Things change. Gay marriage many years ago was forbidden everywhere. Marijuana too.
            Thailand is in the middle. It is not a third world country, they have a great weather and culture, but we need to improve it.
            Do you want to be my partner (there is no friend in business) and we bring different communities together, for a better Thailand?

            They will not change ownership of land laws.
            They will keep work permits, they will keep elite cards for the fortunate.
            Government might change in 5 years. Not new. No women in is the cabinet.

            I studied political sciences, law and criminology but I don’t care in politics in Thailand. I think it is a special country. Army is like a third power. But I care about the people of Thailand. Education, health, justice. Expats are bringing a large amount of money in Thailand, or tourists, higher and higher each year. We could make an association of businessmen from different countries wanting to help Thailand.

            I have no limit or restriction. But I did this project with other in good faith and I think it is GOOD. Could you get Russian community to sign it? That’s my challenge to see if you are the man I am looking for (and I have a girlfriend!!!!).

        • July 28, 2019 at 10:39 pm
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          Boris gets it.
          Sebastien n’a aucune idée! (Has no clue)

          Thank you, Boris.

          Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:50 pm
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      This testemonials is there for you to read what ppl think of the TM30 report.
      Later on the best will be screened, and will be sendt in whit the extention.
      But the once that are rude will bot be in the final letter to the goverment/Immigration.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 1:56 pm
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    Know you’re trying to help but this country is xenophobic par excellence. We are simply no longer needed (because Chinese and Indians) and are no longer wanted.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 2:48 pm
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      Chinese and Indians are subjected to the same rules and are hardly more wanted than westerners are. On the contrary, both at the individual level and at the immigration level, Chinese and Indians are not treated well and it’s actually easier to get things done as a westerner.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 1:54 pm
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    Many teachers come here because they want to have the opportunity to see the local attractions and learn about the culture and way of life. If this TM38 rule becaomes strictly enforced like in Chiang Rai then you are taking away one of the main reasons why foreign teachers want to come and work here. If that is the aim of the government, then so be it, however, if they want foreigners to work here then they are simply encouraging people to either break the rules or just live and work elsewhere…..

    Reply
    • July 29, 2019 at 6:37 am
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      I left Thailand years ago and moved to Vietnam. Less crime, less congestion, more beautiful country, super friendly people, lot less government interference.

      Reply
  • July 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm
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    I tried to sign petition but link to sign didn’t work.

    Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 1:53 pm
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      I think too many people were interested in this story and it has crashed their server. The notice says “Resource Limit Is Reached”. Please try again later.

      Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:41 pm
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      It should work. Server crashed because of high traffic. Try again.

      Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 3:43 pm
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        If you want a better server have some dedicated beasts hosted in US and your website should not be difficult to move.

        Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 4:22 pm
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        Why?
        We lives here, and are allowed to speak up.
        Also the TM30 is for thais to report, and it is thais that get fined.
        Only because we not are thai nationals dont mean we have to agree to everything.
        Laws and rules get changed all the times, this petention is only a suggestion that the goverment looks at the law 1 more time.
        If you don’t respect other expacts having an orher opinion than you, you can just don’t take any part in this.
        Nobody is holding a gun to your head.

        Reply
        • July 28, 2019 at 8:46 pm
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          Most retired foreigners spend their foreign exchange here. It is hardly appreciated. They will wake up when most have moved to neighbouring countries. Typical bureaucrats making laws that make no sense !

          Reply
          • July 28, 2019 at 11:01 pm
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            Nash, I understand the frustrations but really think comments like that do nothing to further the cause. Thailand is in no way dependent upon our money and most Thais in any position to make a change to the current requirements are far less likely to do so if they sense any kind of arrogance. Suggesting to Thais that they need us is most definitely not the way to go.

        • July 29, 2019 at 8:20 pm
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          Arve…if you were reading the postings on Thai Visa Advice facebook forum you would know in reality its the expat renter who is really being fined.

          Reply
      • July 28, 2019 at 11:18 pm
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        Hi Sebastien… My two cents…

        The English language wording of the petition, it stands now, is pretty poor, and it really needs a lot of cleanup before I’d want to submit it to any government entity on behalf of the expat community here…. Maybe you have someone in your circle who can handle that… But if not, let me know, and we can talk offline.

        Reply
        • July 29, 2019 at 9:51 am
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          I agree with John. I believe that this petition is a good start but it should be reframed and the language made very clear so as to represent all of the issues in a very concise manner. Perhaps specific issues put in point form to stand out clearly. We all love Thailand and what to see the best for our home whether we are Thais or expats. As a business analyst in my former life I see this as a set of related but disconnected business processes that could be redesigned to create a “one stop expat shop” that could easily resolve the multiple reporting events. Better for government, Thai people and expats. Really just a matter of process improvement. Good luck to us all.

          Reply
    • July 28, 2019 at 3:47 pm
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      The site was Down for a while, should be ok now.
      The admins have upgraded the server so it can handle the ppl that wil signe..
      Also remeber that you will have to confirme your signing via mail after.
      You will get a mail from “worldpress” whit a link where you verifing that this is you.
      Good luck.

      Reply
    • June 27, 2020 at 5:30 am
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      I tried to get there by clicking the link (I’m in Thailand with no VPN set up, just regular internet access) and I got a page saying access is forbidden.

      Reply

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