Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing, well we're discussing whether or not recent policy changes from the Trump Administration could have an impact on Thai Immigration Policy. Let me just jump in why I think this is possible. 

I made another video contemporaneously with this one where I specifically pointed out the Destination Thailand Visa as I do believe the DTV may come into the cross hairs of policy makers especially in the aftermath of the upcoming election, but again that remains to be seen. That said, quoting directly from MSN, that's msn.com, the article is titled: Trump's Immigrant Visa crackdown targets Southeast Asia's Cambodia and Thailand, a decision experts find puzzling. Yeah, I've noted this in videos I've already made; I find it puzzling too. I mean Thailand is America's oldest ally in Asia. To impose this on the Thais is pretty nonsensical. Also in light of the fact that quite frankly, the underlying reason for this stems from issues pertaining to the Public Charge rule, which is basically the concern on the part of American policy makers that foreign nationals will come into the United States and avail themselves of so-called welfare benefits. The Thais, they are not a major culprit for that. If you're looking at a nationality group in terms of immigrants and non-immigrants in the United States, I would say the Thais are very, very low on the list of folks that are trying to game the benefit system in the US. 

That said, quoting directly: "Several Asian countries are hit by the Trump Administration's decision to pause immigrant processing for 75 countries including the Southeast Asian nations of Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. This suspension, which will take effect on January 21, is the first time the U.S. is restricting applicants from Cambodia and Thailand just months after U.S. President Donald Trump inked trade deals with both nations on the sidelines of the 2025 ASEAN Summit. He had assured Southeast Asian leaders at the event that they could view the U.S. as a "strong partner and friend" in the years to come. Quoting further: "Quote: Given the transactional nature of the U.S. dealings with other countries" - this is the language you need to listen to here folks; I'm going to read this again - "given the transactional nature of the U.S. dealings with other countries, these pauses can be seen as another way for the U.S. to coerce countries to strike deals that they otherwise would not be keen to do," says Nona Pepito, an Assistant Professor of Economics at Singapore Management University." That's well put and this is the point I'm trying to make. 

One, I'm puzzled by it. I don't think this is great policy in light of the relationship between the Thais and the Americans, so let's put that just out there sort of as a general rule. That said, the longer this goes on and the longer and more difficult it is for folks to, and I mean look Immigrant Visas are what they are, especially family-based. You're either the spouse of an American citizen or you aren't. You're either able to meet the financial requirements or you're not. I understand maybe doing the pause to sort of retool some of the ways in which they scrutinize public charge rule issues, okay fair enough. But the longer that this goes on, I have to imagine policymakers here in Thailand are going to start thinking about their own policies regarding Americans, but probably foreigners in general, when it comes to them traveling into Thailand. And I think there's some evidence for this mindset from a recent article in the Bangkok Post, bangkokpost.com, the article is titled: Government asks US to clarify Visa suspension. Quoting directly: "However, Mr. Sihasak questioned the inclusion of Thailand in the list, saying the number of the illegal Thai Immigrants in the US is relatively low compared with some countries which are not included in the suspension. He also highlighted the contribution of Thai nationals to the US economy." Yeah, very good point. 

Again, as far as a nationality goes of immigrants or non-immigrants, the Thais have got to be high on the list of good actors, people that act in good faith when coming to the United States and using visas. I'm not saying everybody. I'm sure there's a percentage of people that overstay or try to "Robin Hood" and live over there illegally. Yeah, I get it, but by and large I just don't see where that particular group is causing a lot of problems. That being said, quoting further: "pointing out that many Thais live and work legally in the country, own businesses, and are employed in professional sectors such as healthcare. Major Thai Corporations have also invested in the US, creating jobs for American workers. Quote: "They say we must move forward together, but this action seems inconsistent with that message," he said. "The US Government needs to clarify the policy and ensure coordination across its agencies." 

So again, going back to this. "They say we must move forward together, but this action seems inconsistent with that message." That's very diplomatic speaking there.  Let me be clear, I'm not trying to be Chicken Little. I don't think everything's going to blow up overnight in the US-Thai relationship, but the longer this goes on, and I expect the longer policy makers are left with the question in their mind of "hey if we're not going to be able to get visas to the US, why should we allow folks to come over here and live?" It percolates up more to the top of people's thinking as more time goes by. That's why I'm hopeful that this will be sort of an efficient quick retooling of things, a pause if you will as has been said in other videos made contemporaneously with this one and then we move on and keep going about our business, because the longer this goes on, I could definitely see a scenario play out where it starts to have ramifications on Immigration Policy for Americans specifically, but even possibly more broadly, for all foreigners here in the Kingdom of Thailand.