wwest5829

I recall on first retiring here and riding the motorbike. Suddenly, a loud voice speaking in Thai was a my side. Scared the bejabbits out of me! One of those sound trucks which ride around advertising things. Thailand has been the only country where I had experienced this.

I certainly allow that the 91 indictments should play out, I trust the citizen Grand Juries and the citizen Trial Juries to hear the evidence and make their determinations in my name as an American citizen. OK, to allow that all of them and the Prosecutors, Defense Lawyers, Judges are all corrupted as being prejudiced against The Donald?

Thanks, Jerry.

I agree, Jerry. I will stay tuned.

Thanks but 1000 baht is best spent elsewhere. I am a US economic refugee retired on $2400. USD in a lower cost country as a career U.S. educator.

No, I won’t call you crazy. And I also want to see government spending to be brought under better control by Congress in a responsible way. The current demand to shut down the government is not the responsible way. As to Trump? President for four years and during his administration a Republican majority sponsored tax cut, primarily benefiting the wealthy and corporations while not cutting spending. The factual result of his administration? An increase in the national debt of trillions of dollars. OK, absolutely we need to bring the costs of demands for government spending on the national treasury into alignment with tax income. I look to fund Social Security earned by the lifetime of labor of the working middle class by raising the cap on Social Security contributions from income earned. I support an absolute demand that there be no earning of millions without taxation (SCOTUS ruled that corporations are equal citizens with me … treat them equally, taxwise).

Such a great current irony. The working middle class having the same interests being divided between those of us supporting Bernie’s approach and those supporting The Donald. So sad … look to the lifelong histories … which has consistently supported the working middle class?!

Thanks but I am not in Bangkok.

I do not own that car but my dash unit allows either a plug in for my iPhone or a Bluetooth connection. I can use my iPhone GPS. Just an idea to check out.

Take a look at FX Hotel Metrolink for location. But I cannot predict what hotels would have a room open …

Not a Brit but I would observe that in using the monthly income method would need to figure in the exchange rate. Sorry Cousins, as an American I am currently benefitting as I use the monthly income method of USD coming in each month.

I have heard the accusations. I have seen investigations without factual findings.

My current thinking, based on my current understanding is that the current tax treaty between the USA and the Kingdom of Thailand protects citizens of both nations from double taxation. As the USA requires Americans pay income taxes from all global sources, I am exempt from having to pay income tax on that income again in Thailand. The current proposal would immediately bring in diplomatic actions breaching the existing treaty (ies). Sooo ... currently I will read, listen but not raise my blood pressure over this proposal.

Representatives from American International Tax Advisors. They said they will return next month to update the Chiang Mai Expat Club members. The Club meets on the last Saturday of the month at Meliá Hotel in Chiang Mai.

I will be using a mail in ballot. Problem with my vote?

I retired here from the USA in 2011. I have always filed as required but the vast majority of years my total annual income, Social Security and MRD retirement funds, and a few stock dividends is under the taxable amount.

Ah, yes, the Kingdom of Thailand National Parks. Great land with scenic holdings. I think there is a great opportunity for attracting tourism IF Thailand development their National Parks akin to what I experienced growing up in the USA. Scenic sites, lodges for overnight or longer stays, restaurants, ... Yes hiking and camping available for those who wish (at age 76 and after camping with my family and Scouts until close to retirement ... bed, please.

According to the recent tax expert who spoke at the Chiang Mai Expat Club meeting, your statement is false. I think I will listen to those whose business is tax matters between Thailand and the countries having tax treaties.

I do count myself fortunate. Two monthlong visits to Thailand in 2009 and again in 2010. Followed up by my first eight months retired here. I was a fat boy in a candy shop … literally. Tried the assorted “candy” short time, university student arrangement, visiting the same girl in Pattaya, dating websites. In the end, I found I wanted to be with someone full-time. I suppose I had been “domesticated” over the years. At any rate, opted for having a Thai partner. Now happily married for six years and counting. Of course, I was fortunate as a bare back rider … the girls were all virgins … obviously (said tongue in cheek). Never any STDs.

I recently needed to transfer $10,000.00 USD from my usual US bank account to my Bangkok Bank Account. I monthly transfer $2200.00 for long term stay without any issue. The one large transfer caused a difference in handling, same as you experienced. So, I did two separate $5,000.00 transfers on two different days and all worked as I am used to.

So, you think a participatory democracy is a misnomer? Bottom line, the demes have the power (if they will use it). You are familiar with the Greek concept looked to by the founders?

Can you cite the facts? I ask because I am not privy to behind the scenes knowledge, nor have I studied in depth all his actions. Outside of that, I do not recognize what you reference.

And sometimes in history a dedicated, vocal minority presents a present and clear threat to a participatory democracy.

A determined Republican Party splinter group is currently holding Congress hostage to their very real threat to block the passage of the proposed budget bill hostage, as well as, shutting down the government (yes, I have a vested interest as I rely on my earned US Social Security monthly payments to live) unless they have their minority demands met. The current House Speaker (3rd in line to the Presidency) is under threat by that group with removal if he does not agree to their demands. What, exactly, is undemocratic about bringing the whole bill, as already proposed and written before the full House for a vote? Same as Sen. Tuberville blocking the Senate from voting on current military appointments, same as earlier, Sen. McConnell refusing to bring the President's SCOTUS nominee before the Senate to debate and vote. these are the types of actions giving credence to the idea that there is movement in the USA toward minority rule.

Given the state of the current Republican Party, one can only hope that their candidates are soundly defeated.