KhunHeineken

I don't think it's wild speculation. The Thai government have a few options, one of them being to just do nothing, but I don't think they will take that option.

I agree with what you say, however, is it possible they may use this tax policy to "tip out" Cheap Charlies, thus, only keeping the retired expats with money? Whilst we know the Thai economy is not in good shape, why are they pulling the trigger now on this?

I said exactly that from day one, and it was called "scaremongering." Discussion that connected this tax policy with immigration and a visa extension was not allowed. I would not be surprised if exactly what you describe is the way it unfolds.

Not quite. Many other countries offer a reasonable pathway to permanent residency and / or citizenship. Perhaps not necessary to return to one's home country for either of the above.

Some people's lifestyle here will just not allow them to minimize their tax to a point they pay next to nothing. Not every retiree is living on a pension from month to month. In any case, it may not go down the path of being seriously implemented. Maybe it will be no more than what I have just described in another post, that is, simply paying for a certificate of clearance.

I never used the words "strictly enforce." I've said from day one it might be just paying 300, 500 or 1000 baht for a certificate of clearance that will be needed for an extension, in the same way we pay 300 bah for a certificate of residence. Maybe the TRD just want a similar corrupt perk. The Thai's will have "face" because they are seen to be "taxing" foreigners. There will be a easy and simple extra corrupt earner for the TRD. Foreigners will be happy because it's only 1000 baht when they should be paying more, so no need to leave Thailand for 6 months. Who knows how this will unfold, but I also said from day one, we'll have to pay "something" and that "something" may not necessarily mean one's correct amount of tax.

Getting back on topic, say this tax policy goes ahead, what enforcement options do you think they will implement?

I know it's a lot more complicated, I agree with you on that. However, I would not be surprised if the Thai government simplifies it in order to still make a baht, but the system is basically laughed at. I have even said all the TRD might want is 1000 baht out of every expat tax resident for a document needed for an extension, just like the certificate of residence. It should be free, but most pay 300 baht. Some shouldn't have to pay the 1000 baht but will have to pay it anyway, and others should pay maybe 100,000 baht but only pay 1000 baht. It could be laughable, but at the end of the day, that money goes into the pocket of the TRD, and goes all the way to the top. Another method is all they may do is ask you to produce a document from your Thai bank showing your overseas remittances. They may tax you on that figure and not explore the the source of the income. If you refuse, no extension, and leave Thailand, and come back on a tourist visa. I have posted before, who is brave enough, or stupid enough, to take the TRD to court over this? They will make an example of anyone doing so. Basically, it will be pay "something" or no extension. Like yourself, I can't see them being interested or care about assessable / non assessable, pre 2024 savings blah blah blah. They will simplify it and give you the bill. Pay it, or accept the consequences.

It's not about if paying the tax is a problem, it's about what the Thai government can / may / will do if people do not pay tax. I've suggested no visa / extension to be one method of enforcement they may consider.

I've never suggested expat retirees were targets, or being targeted. Expat retirees simply meet the definition of a resident of Thailand for tax purposes, being in Thailand for 180 days, thus, are open to being taxed the same a Thai national who may also be a resident of Thailand for tax purposes.

The Thai economy is not in great shape. They will be chasing every baht from everyone. The Director General has been tasked with broadening Thailand's tax base. That means, getting more people on their tax books, including foreigners. Time will tell how this unfolds.

I agree. I posted a while ago I don't want to be one of the first group of expats to be made an example of with this policy.

Toughen up, Princess.

How does the TRD know that a Non O visa holder is ONLY on a pension? This why the tax is on the remittance, not the individual, and most pensions go over the threshold.

Not everyone on a Non O is on a pension living month to month. In any case, most pensions from around the world still go over the threshold, so they make money out of the pensioners, as well as other more wealthy retirees.

I remember when it was called "scaremongering" for saying it. It's an easy way for enforcement. The Thai government would be aware how easy it would be to add this requirement.

Fair enough, I just wouldn't leave it to the last minute for your extension. Just a prediction, which I, and others, have posted here before. In my opinion, there's an easy revenue stream just stilling there untapped for the Thai government. That revenue stream can be legit, or otherwise, or a combination of both, depending on the individual. I accept everyone has different thoughts on this issue. I'm just not in the "I'll do nothing" group, but each to their own.

Fair enough. I accept this. I was and still am a little suspicious of this visa though.

Fair enough. I like to tell them nothing here. I used to also put down a fictitious figure on the TM6. The vacating Thailand for 6 months of the year is something no one wants to do, but it may well come to that for those who are not prepared to pay money for nothing.

So, you are basing YOUR actions on what you think, but do not know for sure, Chinese, Russian, and Indian expats will, or will not do. Good Luck with that. BTW, please supply a link as to what they are doing.

Why do you want to sign up? Have you not read all the posts from members that all of this will never happen? It will just all go away.

I haven't speculated anything. Another member posted about under filling tanks, and I posted I would not be surprised if that's what happened. Nothing has changed since then. It wasn't my theory. It was another members "theory." All I said is I would not be surprised. Why don't you take you issue up with the member who posted that they under fill tanks? I don't trust the Thai's, especially where business is concerned, meaning MONEY. Look at the OP heading. It was posted by Admin. They called it "Death island." Why would an island in Thailand be called such name? How would it get such a reputation? Wake up. They tried to say similar to the fiends and families of the bed bug victims. Until the truth was released in the global media. Then, it was all back flips. Why are you trying to wave it away, which I find "immensely disrespectful" to the deceased, and his friends and family. Do you have financial interests on the island, or in the industry?

"scaremongering" - what a load of BS. It's called freedom of speech. Thailand has the death penalty for drug trafficking. There's no death penalty for tax evasion. We often discuss people caught for drug trafficking who are facing the death sentence, but dare to discuss a fine, or a possible visa violate attached to not paying a tax liability in Thailand, and you call it "scaremongering." Really???? "scaremongering" - is that the best you've got?

I wouldn't say a tax refugee. I've paid more than my fair share of tax over my working life. None too happy that any of it went to people who have never worked a day in their life, but that's for a different thread. By choice, I remained a tax resident of Thailand in 2024. Depending on how this unfolds, it will determine if I decide to remain a tax resident of Thailand in 2025. Unlike others, I can easily do 6 month outside Thailand a year. So, Vietnam may see me as a tax refugee of Thailand, along with many others.

Don't you own a dive shop in Phuket? If so, how can your view on this incident be subjective?