Yaiban - What benefits does Thai citizenship offer?
David B. - The benefits of Thai citizenship are many. You can own land, you can work in any occupation without a work permit, you can get the local rate when visiting national parks and other places of interest. You are a Thai, and have a constitutional right to be treated as such.
Yaiban - What reaction do you get from Thai bureaucrats when you show them your ID card?
David B. - Most of them look at it with amusement, some just can’t understand it, and a few resent it. I have had no real problems – my ID card and passport are identical to the ones that the indigenous Thais use and bureaucrats have no choice other than to accept it. If I do get any issues, I politely point out that the King approves Thai citizenship and as such it is a decision that cannot be questioned.
David B. - Most people look upon it very positively, that a foreigner should have taken the trouble to be a Thai.
Yaiban - What are some common problems that you see other expats having and how could they best avoid those problems?
David B. - Thailand has a truly beautiful face, but a highly complex interior, and it is easy to become deluded into thinking it is Utopia, only to be disappointed later when you realise that it has its fair share of problems just like anywhere else. My advice would be to keep that in mind, and not to expect too much. Life can be hard in Thailand, and there is no safety net if things go wrong.
Yaiban - Has the recent global economic contraction had any affect on you?
David B. - The current economic crisis is the most far reaching that I have ever seen, and seems to have affected everyone. There will be several years of turmoil and uncertainty when life will be very competitive and even more demanding.
Yaiban - What advice would you give other westerners thinking about moving to Thailand?
David B. - Work hard and go with the flow. Life in Thailand as an expatriate takes unforeseen twists and turns and is usually a lot more difficult than people expect. If you are a retiree, be prepared for currency fluctuations that may have an effect on your income. Thailand’s economy is not stable and you should factor in a safety margin.
