I am only a libertarian when it comes to certain issues. I don’t believe in small government and lack of regulation when it comes to banking for example. We need ombudsmen to oversee the activities of the banks; to force them to make a connection between performance and pay; and to prevent a re-occurrence of the the financial crisis that has beset the world since 2008.

However, I do believe in the right for people to travel and to settle in any country they choose. The rich world thinks they can keep their wealth and their privileged position by shutting their doors. The Chinese for many years sought to stop internal movement in China and to prevent citizens going abroad. In the case of the Chinese these policies have been reversed and the economy has hugely benefited from migrant labor.

In the West there has been a long tradition of immigration and an itinerant improvement in the economy. During the 16th and 17th Century many people fled religious persecution in Europe by going to the UK. They bought skills and capital that greatly benefited the UK economy.

In Thailand they are pursuing more and more draconian visa laws. Even foreigners married to Thai nationals must make visa runs or report to immigration offices every 2 months. Ex-pats in such places as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui have to make pointless long journeys just for a stamp in their passport. The process is a waste of time and money and just to discourage people from pursuing rights that marriage has given them.

I believe freedom of movement is like freedom of information. It is one of the cornerstones of a strong economy and a healthy democracy. Limiting movement is despotism and racism.