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Immigration Issues - ED Visas, Medical Tourists, and Being Prepared and More...

7/23/2014

6 Comments

 
Picture
Central Market in Dalla, Myanmar, across
the river from Yangon.
First things first; in the latest video, ED visas have long been a viable alternative for those looking to stay in Thailand. Look for Thai immigration to make it more difficult for those who have already been in the country for months or years on tourist visas or visa exemptions. Also, don't be surprised if you are asked to show proof of income or show a bank book.  It seems to me, immigration wants tourists who are really tourists and students who are students first and foremost.
One other method foreigners use to stay in Thailand for prolonged periods of time is with chronic medical issues. What I was unaware of is that some tourists have been receiving extensions for illnesses like vertigo, high blood pressure, eczema, and just about anything they can get away with. This is another area Thai immigration will examine more closely.
James Dean Ultimate Collector's Edition (Blu-ray)
So what's going on with this site, my channel, and last but not least, me? Lots.

In addition to being called by Thai immigration to make videos to help explain and spread the word about the new visa-related policies, I still need to add several videos from Klongtoey. One video is of a former methamphetamine addict named Ber, the other is a man named Bang who last week I brought a couple bags of food. Plus, I am working on various videos and podcasts for the members section. This alone is enough to keep me busy. I am also trying to make sure to squeeze in the writing of my books.

Next month, I'll be in Vietnam. I'm not sure how long, but anywhere from 5-10 days. In addition to photographing the streets, the markets, and the Mekong River, I'm going there to look into a trip from the north of Vietnam all the way to the end of the Mekong. Not long enough but I am trying to save some cash for equipment and other travels. There's only so much to go around. 

For the past two weeks I have been following the Paleo Diet and have dropped six kilos. I haven't really been hungry, I feel lighter, stronger, and have more energy, and it's only been two weeks. I'm looking forward to see how I feel after six months. 

Now, the biggie...

I am considering putting together tours to Myanmar and Cambodia. I've been to both places more times than I can count and what I don't know, the fixer that would be tagging along can fill in the blanks.

In Myanmar, there are numerous places we can go that I know of that many tourists have never been or will never go. Hidden, unforgettable restaurants, tourist attractions slightly off the beaten track, and possibly, a balloon ride over Bagan. 

In Cambodia, there are the old war haunts like Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, or Rabbit Island, and of course, no trip is complete without firing some machines guns and rockets at the firing range. I'm still in the preliminary stages of figuring things out, but hopefully, towards the end of this year or the beginning of 2015, I'll put on a tour for 6-10 people.
The Steve McQueen Collection (The Great Escape / The Magnificent Seven / The Thomas Crown Affair / The Sand Pebbles) [Blu-ray]
American Classics Men's James Dean Street Walker T-Shirt, Gray, Medium
6 Comments
drew
7/24/2014 10:47:20 am

Great to see thai immigration cracking down on these people who are abusing these visa's.

Reply
Scott Mallon link
7/24/2014 01:20:31 pm

Depending on which side you're on. I am slightly shocked at how many people are pissed off at the changes. If it were any other country, there might not be such hard feelings, but because it's Thailand, some feel it's their right to stay here.

Reply
Bud
7/24/2014 06:50:59 pm

I had not known aboout people using medical excuses to stay in Thailand. I have started to notice more people on the the streets that probably shouldn't be in the country. And I'm not talking about the African drug dealers or the Russian mafia, but yes them too. I am talking about falangs that don't seem to have the means to support themselves. They, presumeably worked and paid taxes in their home countries, so let them go home and utilize the social services that they have paid for. They certainly aren't going to get any in Thailand. The up side is that the streets will look better.

Reply
Scott Mallon link
7/24/2014 10:39:11 pm

Thailand has been changing for many years. I got here towards the end of it's heyday and after about eight years, everything started changing. It's inevitable and frankly, now that I'm older, I don't mind the change as it keeps everyone and anyone from moving here. If I wanted to surround myself with foreigners I would not have moved here. I may live somewhere else in the future, at least part-time, but Thailand is still one of the better places to live in the world.

Reply
Steve
7/25/2014 12:33:01 pm

Hello Scott,
Again I appreciate your candid "Down Home" viewpoints! Im certain after having lived several times abroad that,each time ,I noticed undesirable elements in each country who help to destroy the good in each country through sheer arrogances. It seems the true natures of great/good Thais has been take advantage of! Some of us think our money is God!

Reply
Gary Stamey link
8/4/2014 07:23:31 pm

Found your Cambodia/Thailand comparison to be extremely enlightening! You compared actually cost in the two major cities, this was most helpful.

Your incite-fulness about whether an older exPat vs a younger exPat, those with sufficient fund$ vs those that wished to stay and play,etc were spot on.

Every country in south east Asia and many 3rd world banana republics have similar stats. The exPats that live in them all figure they have their own personal paradise. For them, the goods outweigh the bads...

You break down the "looking at the world through rose colored glasses vs common sense"! Thanks again...

Reply

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