KhunHeineken

I conceded this from the start. What else. Come on, should be easy. Most have no need for one with an agent. Come on, there must be more things, surely. So? You admit it can be done, that's my point. I am not talking about costs. I am talking about the ability of someone on a 30 day visa exempt stamp to do the same things as someone on a retirement visa. So far, you have come up with very little they can not do. Where's the big list of differences????

And I just asked you to name something else. I conceded this, but also said agents could fix it, but I'll concede anyway. Name something else. Can you name something else? Shouldn't be too difficult, the retirement visa being so supreme and all. Right, so it can be done. That proves my point. Yes, all very relevant to most expats. Yes, but worthless. Many have no need. Simple as that. So, now it's all about the yellow book, not the retirement visa. Nice try, but let's get back to general case scenarios and not $40k USD stock trading. Talk about a deflection.

Addressed that in another post. I agree. I have never said "living" in Thailand on 30 day visa exemption stamps was an option. I asked about what extra "rights" does a retirement visa holder have that someone on a 30 day visa exemption stamp have, other than not having to leave Thailand and getting a 5 year driving license as opposed to a 2 year driving license. Simple question, really. Nothing paying an agent can't fix. Do you deny this?

Just addressed that in a post. Not having to leave Thailand, and a 5 year driving license, as opposed to a 2 year driving license. That's it. Can you think of any other thing the retirement visa holder can do that a 30 day visa exempt stamp holder can not do? It can be done with an agent, therefore it can be done. Do you agree? Yes, or no? Same thing, agents cover it, therefore, why would one need a yellow book? Everything can be done here by someone with no more than a 30 days visa exemption stamp. You said it yourself, with the assistance of an agent. One can even go from a 30 day visa exemption stamp to a retirement visa. Costly, but can be done. So, please do tell me, what can someone on a retirement visa do that someone on a 30 day visa exemption stamp not do, other than the two things I have mentioned?

Well, who am I to argue with a Mod, but think about it. It's been 800k / 65k for decades, yes, decades. You know this. The 800k / 65k is supposed to be / prove what you are / can live on in Thailand. The cost of living all around the world, including Thailand, has gone up significantly in the decades since the 800k / 65k was introduced. It can't stay at 800k / 65k forever, can it? It's probably due, if not overdue, for an increase. I remember this debate some time ago. The result, after many posts from many members, was the only extra benefit was not having to leave Thailand, and getting 5 year driving license as opposed to a 2 year license. That was it. Other than the above, a person on a 30 day tourist exemption stamp could do anything and everything someone on a retirement visa could do. Eg. sim card, buy a vehicle, buy a property, rent a property etc etc.

I'm not pro crypto, but it's clear you are anti crypto, probably because you do not understand it. Many governments around the world are looking towards a cashless society in the future, and that does not mean Visa or MasterCard. They are looking towards having their own central bank issue their own currency in crypto. Blockchain technology has many benefits.

You missed the part about him being the richest man in the world, therefore, he can afford to pay the best advisors, and those guys are smart.

If a company collapses, shareholders are lucky to get 5 cents on the dollar. Have you seen what happens where there is a "bubble" and it bursts?

You do know that a lot of companies are investing in crypto, right? Probably the same companies you are investing in.

The retirement visa / extension appears to be stable, and has been for many years. So much so, in my opinion, I think at some stage in the future the 800k / 65k will have to increase. Maybe something like 1 million / 80k, but that is for another thread. Just be aware the retirement visa gives you no more rights here than someone on a 30 day visa exemption stamp, except for getting a 5 year Thai drivers license, as opposed to a 2 year driving license. It is, in effect, nothing more than a 12 month tourist visa.

I'm bringing it up with you, because you are the one singing its praises. Sure, I would accept that. So why doesn't Thailand attract wealthy retirees, and to this visa class? I have yet to meet a foreigner ever admit to making a bad decision in Thailand. I didn't know there were any complaints. I thought everyone was "content." Huh? Sad, or happy, I'll just stick to the truth / facts.

I wish them well, and hope the Thai government maintains this visa class for them.

Live music is one of my favorite things about Pattaya. Also, all the different cuisines here. Restaurants representing a lot of different countries here. It's great. I used to go to the Wonderful Bar 1 and 2 on 2nd Road sometimes, but the bands there dropped off, and the traffic just a few meters away picked up. Not so pleasant anymore.

Now, getting back on topic. What happens if / when they stop issuing this visa?

Have you seen the price of lamb in Australia lately?

You'd like to think so, but you are so wrong. Go on, tell us all, how much did you sink into the village?

That's even funnier. She's really got you around her little finger. I wonder how much she skimmed.

More like, what you will not be doing, because Somchai at the TRD Office pushed you out the door so he could go on his lunch break, and you took it gospel. Then, you post on here about how you will do your Frank Sinatra impersonation in reltaion to this tax policy, "I did it my way."

I remember those older guys. Not the best. Been playing there for years. There's a younger band in there now. Very talented drummer. Sings, and drums, both well. It still has the glass wall at the back, and sliding glass down the side. Go and check it out. A word of warning about all the bars and bands I have mentioned, they give bands a night off. Try to chose the nights the house band is playing, because that's the band I am describing in my posts.

Doesn't say much for average "spend" of a retired expat here, does it? They may want to clear the country out of this retiree demographic in the future, but that's for another thread.

There's a funny little bar on 2nd Road at the entrance to the Myth Night Soi. It's on the right hand side as you look at Myth Night from 2nd Road. They were there when it was the Made In Thailand Soi. Been there for decades. The owner must be family of the land owner. It doesn't get a big crowd, but last time I went it was busier, so good luck to them. I go in there sometimes to support the place. Funny staff. Very old, but not pushy, and always happy and joking. The band guys are friendly and play whatever you want. If they ask you for a request, they usually play three songs of that band one after the other.

I've been in both. The one on Soi Baukhao is good. Friendly and pleasant staff. Great vibe. The one on LK the staff are pushy. Went a couple of times, same experience, never been back.

You've been in Thailand 28 years. Business has changed a lot in those years. I'm not the one who bought and paid for 4 house that I can't own. Well, have haven't sunk my money into Thailand, so, yes, a safe, risk free and stress free retirement for me, and at any point Thailand causes me grief, I can move next door. I have no financial ties or emotional ties here. As I have said in the past, I show Thailand the same loyalty it shows me, zero. It's a condo, and no photo for you, rice farmer.

This goes to the very heart of the debate. You want to view it your own way, and do it differently, to suit your lifestyle, but you ignore the fact that this tax policy is similar to the immigration laws here that we take seriously and strictly abide by. The Thai legal way is the way to "view" it, and Thai law does not cater for your views, or the different way you want to do it, or your lifestyle. Get it?

How, exactly. would it improve? I believe drug addiction is a medical issue, but I also believe it's the not victim's fault a crime has been committed against them by someone in desperate need of money for drugs. The community has a right to be protected.