KhunHeineken

Ok. Can you briefly state which "stuff?" I agree. It has not been in the news. There have been no announcements from government about it. That's said, do you think you should at least give the possibility some consideration? You have to admit, it's the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way to force expats into a TRD Office. More like a prediction, actually. You are the one that posted how Thailand often reverses policies. No argument from me, but not usually when money is involved. However, you don't comment on how often Thailand creates new policies. If the lack of expats filing, or the amount of revenue they receive from expats does not meet their expectations, do you think it's possible they will make a TRD certificate a required document at extension time? Yes, I know there is no requirement now, but what about in the future, and I mean the near future?

Yes, is funny how some members "cherry pick" things to suit their comfort zone here. Many are relying on "TiT" for why this tax policy will not / can not be implemented. However, to assure themselves, they go to their local TRD office where they are told by low level staff member "no need to file" and then "TiT" goes out the window, and the staff's information is taken as gospel. Apparently no "TiT' when you hear it from a low level TRD staff member. It's laughable.

Seems like a credible source. Did he put it in writing for you, so you can show immigration?

I have said in the past I expect there to be chaos, and the whole implementation of this policy may well become laughable, which it pretty much is now, and we haven't reached the deadline yet. It's interesting that your experience was not the same as a few others. Some others went to their local TRD office and were simply told no need to file, and they left.

What country did you decide on for the other 6 months, or will you go back to your home country? For me, it's Vietnam.

I have bank accounts in a few other countries. Why has it triggered only in Thailand, and only at Kasikorn?

Expat goes to a TRD office because he needs a clearance certificate for his extension. He hands over a bank document showing his remittances for the last calendar year. Staff assess it's over the threshold, allow for age and marital status deductions, if any, and throw the bill at him. Bang on about assessable, non assessable, DTA's, pre 2024 savings, loans blah blah blah blah and the staff will say, "you come back tomorrow. next customer please." Eventually, the expat will just pay. No, best they can do is say you need a certificate from the TRD or immigration will not process your extension. Cheapest, easiest, and most effective way to force compliance. It forces ALL foreigners to go to a TRD office, assessable, non assessable, DTA, pre 2024 savings, loan whatever. Yes, but that would be "chasing." Why chase, when you can make them come to you? There are no right and wrong answers. Only time will tell how this unfolds.

EXACTLY, but as foreigners here, they can take away that "onus" and force us to produce a certificate from the TRD at extension time. Why wouldn't they? It's perfect for them. They can't do it to Somchai the rice farmer, but they can do it to foreigners. I have no doubt they will at some stage.

They already had my ID. which is my passport, which is obviously my nationality. Why only Kasikorn doing it????

Yeah, pretty sure. I've never seen a Thai passport with a Thailand visa in it, have you?

Why? According to some, we can all just say our income is not assessable. Simple as that. And the TRD knows all this how???? Once again, I am speaking in general terms. Not everyone has an LTR. True, but the TRD knows NOTHING about our individual circumstances, accept that we have remitted FUNDS over the threshold. Can you see the need the TRD may have to establish the source of one's income? If so, how do you think the TRD would go about doing so?

I'm giving Thailand a chance this year. I could have vacated for 6 months in 2024, but decided to be in the game for the first year. Depending on how this unfolds, it will determine whether I remain in Thailand for the second half of 2025. Your decision ensures you have nothing to worry about, and can sit back and laugh at it all. Good for you.

Take my country, Australia, for example. The pension is $1047AUD. Aussie aged pensioners lose their supplements if they live overseas. $1047 x 26 (fortnightly) = $27,222AUD. $27,222 x 21.5 baht (current exchange rate) = 585,273 baht. Here's Thailand's tax brackets. There are some deductions for over 65 and married, but still some tax to pay. Can you post some figures showing some pensions that do not go over the threshold, that are not covered by a DTA, like Australia's? Thailand Income Tax Rates Thailand’s personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%. Taxable Income (THB) Tax Rate 0 – 150,000 0% 150,001 – 300,000 5% 300,001 – 500,000 10% 500,001 – 750,000 15% 750,001 – 1,000,000 20% 1,000,001 – 2,000,000 25% 2,000,001 – 5,000,000 30% Over 5,000,000 35% https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-much-age-pension-you-can-get?context=22526 Per fortnight Single Couple each Couple combined Couple apart due to ill health Maximum basic rate $1,047.10 $789.30 $1,578.60 $1,047.10 Maximum Pension Supplement $83.20 $62.70 $125.40 $83.20 Energy Supplement $14.10 $10.60 $21.20 $14.10 Total $1,144.40 $862.60 $1,725.20 $1,144.40

The way the game is currently played is you are a farang, with no rights here. Why do you think farang will get such an easy free pass?

So, that's it then. No need for any foreigners to file. Mods, please close all the tax threads. The conclusion is no foreigners have to file because the TRD have no way of knowing, or finding out, the "true" source of a foreigners income. Actually, they can't even make foreigners file because it's a "self assessment" system. Pre 2024 savings. No need to file. Job done. Geez, the Thai's really dropped the ball on this one. All that easy money sitting there for the taking and they have NOTHING in place to force foreigners to prove the source of their remittances. I wonder how long before they stop this simple loophole?

Correct, but I opened the account with an Australian passport, and updated my ID when I got a new passport. The bank/s are well aware I am not American. Also, why only Kasikorn, why not all of the Thai banks?

Most on this forum are retired, as I am. They couldn't care less about the Department of Labor. I've given examples of departments communicating with each other but you refuse to accept it happens. Not much more to discuss on the matter, is there?

Or, the same reason, taxation.

What's there to like about ANY paperwork in Thailand????

It's an old DTA from the 80's. Australia is in the process of renewing their DTA's with other countries, but it could take some time.

Given the uncertainty surrounding this whole tax policy, do you see a problem with being "defensive?"

I couldn't care less what problems they have with each other. I only care about what problems they can make for me.

If that's the case, why did I receive an email from Kasikorn bank, as did many others, and I have to go in there and sign some forms related to nationality and taxation?

I agree, and it's been well discussed. For new retirees looking to set up their retirement in Thailand, transfer in your 800k baht, and whatever money to purchase a property, perhaps a car also. Buy everything, but only stay in Thailand for 179 days that calendar year.

Huh? Police work for the government. You completely missed the point. Here's another example for you. A Thai drivers license. Foreigners need a certificate of residence to produce to the land transport office. Do you not see there are occasions where you need a document from one entity / department to produce to another department? Sort of makes your posts irrelevant then, doesn't it? Or, immigration will not process their extension without a certificate from the TRD. Do you get it now?