Isan Farang

Need a car part that is available with Ali Express, have never used them before so i am wandering regarding customs charges For anyone that has used them, do they send the items by regular post and how did the customs part check out Total for the part and shipping is around 3.000 Baht

Myths about Thai expats and those income tax changes starting very soon Most expats in Thailand live on income or capital, or both, built up over many years with tax already paid in the country of passport. They are understandably worried by the imminent change in Thai Revenue practice – it is not a new law passed by parliament – which will potentially tax new and assessable foreign-sourced income beginning in January 2024. Pattaya Mail has received more concerned reader feedback about this issue than any other during 2023. With inauguration day fast approaching, here is our summary for the typical expat who does not indulge in major currency speculation, huge profit-taking from overseas businesses nor off-shore bank accounts hiding their cash. Has the Thai Revenue clarified the position of typical expats? No. It is commonly assumed that the Revenue is mainly interested in rich Thais and foreigners who have manipulated Thai tax rules in the past to avoid payments from overseas. Typical expats with home-country pensions or social security allowances are not part of this agenda, though in theory they could be caught in the crossfire. Talks are continuing between senior accountancy firms, lobby groups and the Revenue about this and other issues. Don’t expect answers any time soon. Will my international cash transfers to Thailand from January 1 2024 be reduced on arrival by a Bank of Thailand tax levy? No. There will not be any changes from current practice. You pay tax in arrears in Thailand by registering at the Revenue for a tax identification number and paying tax due, if any, in the next fiscal year. There is no PAYE procedure in Thailand. The misunderstanding that Thailand will tax international transfers as the cash arrives is a widespread misconception Should I apply for a tax identification number? Not unless you receive an instruction from a government source or the immigration, both very unlikely scenarios. It is almost certain that, at any rate in the early years, tax registration will be voluntary. If you believe you have been taxed already on your cash sent to Thailand, it’s best to do nothing now. There is no need to employ the services of tax accountants if you are a typical expat (unless working here on a work permit which is a separate subject). The tax situation as regards cash sent to Thailand to purchase property is a separate source of ambiguity. Most countries with expats here have a double taxation treaty with Thailand, so is that relevant? That depends on the exact wording of complex documents which differ substantially one from another. Double taxation treaties are designed to be used only in cases where Thailand and the first country cannot agree on who has the right to tax. If Thai Revenue were to clarify unambiguously that previously taxed income would not be retaxed, the issue would largely die. If I need to later, how will I prove that my cash transfers to Thailand have already been taxed? This will vary on an individual basis. An expat’s tax return or the response by the internal revenue service of the first country might suffice, or a simple statement on a tax form might be acceptable. Few experts, if any, believe that the Thai Revenue has the staffing or the expertise to deal with more than 300,000 expats who are tax residents because they spend more than 180 days here in a fiscal year. It bears repeating that the registration process will likely be voluntary. The Thai government is looking for the big fish, Thai or foreign, and not the small fry. How does Thai Revenue know about your international cash transfers? Most countries in the world, around 120 and including Thailand, are now part of the CRS (Common Reporting System) which requires financial institutions worldwide to fight tax evasion and to protect the integrity of tax systems by sharing your banking transactions with partner countries. This means that your international transfers have been/ are/ will be monitored by Thai financial authorities. Some experts believe that Thai Revenue will use CRS as the route to question rich Thais and foreigners about large international transactions. Amongst the countries not registered for CRS are North Korea and the Vatican. What is the Thai government really up to? The new post-coup government simply wants to raise cash, in part to help pay for its populist policies such as the 10,000 baht give away scheme. One can assume that nobody in authority has yet thought seriously about the effects of the change on the expat market here and the potential unpopularity amongst long-term visa holders including one year retirement extensions, Elite and the 10 year Long Term Residence. If you are an expat living in Thailand for at least half the year, without any major financial secrets to keep from Thai Revenue, then it’s best to do nothing until the situation is clearer. That’ll take several months yet. But no point in packing your bags in disgust and leaving for Cambodia. They are a CRS country too

Just checking if anyone knows what country the writing on the oil container relates to

If i use the ATM out of province with Bangkok Bank they charge me 15 Baht per transaction.

Are you refering to HSBC Jersey transfer to Wise, i have a USD account with HSBC Jersey. I have not sent funds to Thailand for a while, but previously they charged me $50 for a swift, as they told me there was a intermediary bank involved. I used to have an account with HSBC Thailand, and they closed my account and moved everthing to Jersey

Thanks for the info, i am in Chiang Rai. How many trips to CM would i need to make to get a new passport.

I can confirm there was No sexual activity or ridden a bike or motorcycle, 48h prior to the test I will book an appointment at CM Bangkok hospital and bring the results i obtained in Ubon, will update after the visit.

No sexual activity or ridden a bike or motorcycle, 48h prior to the test? I have already booked the flights to return to CR I observed there is a Bangkok hospital in CR, just checking on your thoughts if thats worth a shot.

Many thanks for the information, i live in both Ubon & Chiang Rai. Soon i will be heading back to CR can you advise whare to go in CR ?. Do you know of a Urologist in CR, or i can also head to Chiang Mai Yes a had a Ultrasound check If i am correct i need to get a Hb1Ac test and i will repeat the PSA to compare on the two readings i already have. Are these reading all shown by a blood test I just checked both reports and found the following and they have HbA1C 1st check HbA1C = 5.8 2nd check HbA1C = 5.6

Sheryl would be interested in your opinion On early Nov 2023 i went for a medical checkup at a private hospital - first check in Ubon, my age is 68, on the report it stated detected. Mild Fatty Liver Moderate Enlarged Prostate Impair Kidney Function eGFR(CKD-EPD) 66.42 Suspected BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) PSA was stated as 7.82 The doctor asked if i had a problem to urinate, and i informed her there was no issues. She asked me to take tablet Tamsulosin Uroflow 0.4mg and return back on January for a follow up. I then decided i would cancel the follow up and get a 2nd check up at another hospital This week i went to another private hospital - 2nd check also in Ubon and this was detected High Blood Sugar - 102 Found high levels of Liver Cancer Found high levels of Prostate Cancer PSA was stated as 12.7 Alpha Fetoprotein 7.1 He told me to come back in April and on the appointment slip is says - Blood Test AFP/PSA I have both reports so if there is any other info you need let me know

You are receiving incorrect info, I opened a FCD with BB in Ubon, the bank had me sign all the papers in Ubon and then it was sent to Bangkok, after complete i was given the book at the Ubon branch.

This info was verbal, it may be this year the head office will send a new requirement to follow. So as of now there is no official document with any changes for 2024 returns as far as i am aware. Its a now waiting game

Today i went to the Tax office in Ubon, to get my tax refund that was deducted from my FD savings last year. The lady told my wife my pension and savings being sent from the UK is not to be taxed. She said if i am a pensioner and have no employment i do not fill out any tax documents. When my wife said there are some supposed new rules starting from Jan 24, the lady smiled and said Thailand has many new rules but none of them are followed. She has worked there for 40 years.

Yes its the same, sorry about that.

You are correct i have changed the time period, the only part to be carried forward is the total amount of funds.