wwest5829

I'm thinking the credit score, background check, plus the investment funds would secure a rental.

Sorry to disappoint you (actually not). Yes, I studied five potential countries in which to retire. Thailand got the nod but not before my visiting and traveling during four separate monthlong stays in 2009 and 2010. Sent in the retirement paperwork to retire as of July 1, 2011 (academic year contract, aged 64 1/2 years). Sold my 18.4 acres, motorhome, 3 cars and went to cash. And the house? Took some memorabilia after allowing Sons to walk through and take what they wanted (neither had a place of their own at the time). So, left the basement shop, furniture but arranged four crates to be shipped to Chiang Mai (two crates were books ... one I kept, one was 298 books in English of American History I donated to the CMU Library. So, I have no real property in USA. My residence has been Chiang Mai, Thailand. But, but ... what happens if all goes belly up? As they say, I will cross that bridge when I come to it ... stress over potential disasters is a killer. After all, as you point out, I can move anywhere ... as my Aussie acquaintances would say ... "no worries, mate".

Thanks for posting. Should ease the minds of those who are inclined to "skittishness".

When I was, “casing” Thailand on my four monthlong visits in 2009 and 2010, I traveled around to see where I would like to settle. As I prefer the mountains over seashore living, I was drawn to the North. From the cities I visited, it seemed that Udon Thani, Loei, even Mae Hong Song were doable but … well, Chiang Mai had five universities and I thought I might continue working with students having retired teaching undergraduate history courses. Perhaps conversational English. As it turned out, I found I was happily retired and so donated the suits, dress shirts, ties, etc. Uniform of the day remains sandals, shorts, polo shirt.

That might have been a good day with a tour group while other days might be very slow but … the fact that they still operate says there is enough to sustain the business idea. In my home country, I would not be surprised if tourism authorities were not supplementing.

Mainland Chinese and Twaniese Chinese ... OK, just curious if traveling together will result in any political dialogue.

Hmm, don't have a number but ... retired, little if any stress (rumors of changes to Immigration Visa requirements mostly). After 12 years, with traditionally raised Thai Wife and Stepdaughter, life is good. I am told I look and act ten years younger than my chronological are. I think, a result of living happily here in Chiang Mai.

In a related taxation action, Americans, please note: We are excited to announce that H.R. 5432 Tax Simplification for Americans Abroad Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Join us for a webinar with the sponsor of the bill, Congressman Don Beyer (D VA-08) on Wednesday, September 27 at 12pm ET to find out more! Click here to RSVP The Tax Simplification for Americans Abroad Act will: Create a simplified tax return form to help make it easier for Americans filing from abroad who owe no U.S. tax Eliminate double taxation for pensions and retirement distributions (including Social Security benefits), scholarships, fellowship grants, disability benefits, childcare expenses, family medical leave, and unemployment benefits Consolidate the FBAR into FATCA, increase the filing threshold, and eliminate the requirement to report separately to FinCEN Please call your House Representative today and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. Click here for how to call and what to say.

In this case, fortunate that different immigration offices vary in their demands. While I use the monthly income method, the Bangkok Bank record of monthly deposits from abroad (FTT) is accepted by Chiang Mai Immigration.

You cite exactly the article in question. As a National of the USA and taxed there, I would not be subject to the same tax again in Thailand. This citation is currently being used by some Americans in Thailand on the argument that they are subject to Thai taxation and thus not the U.S. taxation. Currently this does nor affect me, I file my income tax fo4 s annually but am below the level where I owe any income taxes.

I am more concerned with any rise in retirement/marriage Visa income requirements or maintained balances. As to this proposal, I suspect as an American, subject to USA income tax on worldwide income, the Amity Treaty would kick in. If I understand it correctly, the Treaty provides agreement that citizens of the two countries will be protected from double taxation.

Please note that Kad Suan Kaew Mall has been closed for some time.

The only Apple Store in Thailand is in Bangkok, as far as I know. However Studio7 is an authorized reseller and I have bought my Airlock, iPad, iPhone through them. I have been quite pleased with service. Repairs can be had at iCare or through a trusted local shop.

I recall years ago, when faced with this dilemma, a Mayor of a city in the Czech Republic made this offer. Free stay in city hotel, romantic dinner to encourage childbearing aged couple to come and get pregnant ... I do not know the outcome on the birthrate.

Perhaps cockwobble. Well ... it jumped into my head while reading AseanNow.

Not this particular wart issue but, with the aging I have had warts appear on shoulders, back. Thing is, and the reason I am commenting, the cryro treatment can lead to bleeding if you are on blood thinners. So, the Dr. At RAM skin clinic zaps them with laser which seals off the blood vessels affected.

She was 4 years older. We were together 4 1/2 years. Maggie May, 1971 …

Would work as big cool, cool but … yes. Misspelled as it should be jai yen, yen.

He certainly has my admiration. while I can order red wine in 7 languages and flirt with the waitress so she will bring the wine, I can only really use English.

I was told upon settling in retirement here in 2011 that there were three categories: Missionaries, Mercenaries and Misfits. I still don't know where I would fit. I suppose Misfit as the average person in my home country would not entertain the idea of leaving their own culture.

Yai yen, yen … not worth your time laboring over … oops, labouring over

I recall on my original request for the OA Visa in the U.S., they required health, police and financial statement. I found that justifiable and reasonable. Then they changed the requirements to include health insurance (should have “grandfathered in those who met the requirements at the time they were admitted IMHO). Why change the requirements for those already here … unless you are purposely encouraging them to leave in opposition to increasing the number of visitors to Thailand?

My hope is that, due to the family reasons you cite ... Marriage Visas will not be changed as it would be too detrimental to Thais married to retired foreigners.

The "middle way" might be to move the family to another SE Asia country. Bottom line is I have a limit to financial resources.

It has been a rumor for some time. Now upping the cost of the Elite Visa types. Rumor is Retirement Visa 800K balance or monthly income increase next. We will see. I am just saying there is a financial breaking point for me as I am only a working middle class financial refugee unable to afford retirement in my own country. Already voted with my feet from the US, hopefully, wiser heads will prevail here in the treatment of retired folk bringing in a steady stream of cash and not causing issues.