It has been argued for years, why does Thailand make the VISA rules so strict, when all countries in the west open their doors to Thai people?
Once you get married and settle down in Thailand, there should be an easier way to stay than doing the same mountain of paperwork each year?
Whether marriage visa or retirement visa, it is nothing but a pain to go through this year after year, when you have never moved and live in the same place.
Some folks are so tired of dealing with this that they will pay an agent 15,000+ thb just to do the paperwork for them.
The government seems to have a phobia for expats from educated countries like the UK, USA, Australia etc. but no phobia from China? (Maybe because China already owns half of Thailand).
There really is no sound reason for this as most married and retired expats contribute financially to the economy and do so for many years.
I have long suspected the govt does not want expats to educate their Thai GF or wives as to corruption and other evils they are hell bent on keeping from the public.
Thailand would be a heck of a lot easier if the govt would ease up the visa regulations for married and retired expats who follow the rules!
Let the married and retire expats enjoy their lives with no worries.