Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing, are foreigners "second class citizens" in Thailand? I thought of making this video, after reading a recent comment on our channel. Quote: "It's a shame with what is spent in Thailand by retired expats, many hoops still have to be jumped through and second class citizens we are." 

Well a fair point and I do understand. I am not unaware of the frustrations associated with expatriation in Thailand both from retirees and those looking to work in Thailand or just folks who just are digital nomads or just people who want to take a long stay vacation, folks that use things like Thailand Elite Visa, that there are many folks who have this notion that "hey we still have got to deal with visas!"

I can sympathize with the "I feel like a second class citizen", but let's clarify something. You are not a second class citizen because you are not a citizen at all. You don't have Thai nationality. Visas are a benefit, they are not a right. I'm really not saying this to talk down, I'm saying it to realign people's expectations for what rights they have in Thailand and a right to reside does not exist without Permanent Residence or Citizenship. So when somebody says "hey I feel like a second class citizen in Thailand" that's not even correct, you are not a citizen in Thailand, second class or otherwise. Again, not saying this to put a fine point on being condescending or something, that is not my purpose at all. Understanding that look you are in a foreign country; you don't have an unfettered right to be there; you do have the ability to seek a benefit at the discretion of relevant Immigration Officers if you meet certain requirements, yeah you can stay here. Let's be clear, compared to virtually every other jurisdiction I can think of in Asia, let alone the rest of the world, Thailand is pretty darn reasonable when it comes to maintaining status especially in a retiree context. The financial requirements are very reasonable compared to other jurisdictions. Yes there is a level of discretion associated with Thai Immigration but there is a level of discretion associated with Immigration in any country and understand, without citizenship, there is no right to reside barring of course Permanent Residence in Thailand but there isn't a right to reside. So again, I think using the term "second class citizen' is very much a misnomer.