khunPer

1) Yes, I've been issued a TIN. I asked for it at the revenue office, custom department where also v.a.t. is registered. Got a tiny computer matrix printed slip as proof. I already had a Thai ID-number from my yellow house book application; so, same number. If you don't have an ID-number, you will get one when register for TIN. 2) Making a tax return, which is mandatory if you stay 180 days or longer during a calendar year in the kingdom; because, then you are a tax resident.

Higher minimum wages equals larger waist, a scientific study found about a decade ago. Seems right when looking at Southeast Asian countries, where more sweets and so-called junk food enters the market when more funds are available for spending...

Tourism already makes up around 20% of GNP, little scaring raising it even more, as tourism income is quite fragile; seems like a government in panic.

To me, it seems like Thais are mainly talking about having their savings in gold – numerous Thais still don't trust banks – they often mentions several baht of gold...

You can use monthly income method for extension of stay based on retirement. If has to be monthly foreign transfers of not less than 65,000 baht per month. You can use your Thai bank account as proof; i.e., letter and 12-month's statement from the bank. If changing from extension of stay based on marriage to extension of stay based on retirement, you'll need 12 months' foreign transfers as proof. However, if you can afford it, the 800,000 baht bank deposit method is "the easiest way". Your interest is at the moment around 1.5% p.a. minus 15% withholding tax in a 12-month fixed term account. But if converted to money and compared to 4% outcome before taxation the difference is not that huge in real money. The benefit of using the deposit method, and just leave the fund there, is that you don't need to worry abpout your foreign transfers comes every month, eventual currency exchange rate deviations, any change in funds available for the monthly transfers and the the proof of foreign transfers. I've used the deposit method for more than 15 years, easy peasy procedure.

Worth to notice that 2 grams of sodium equals 5 grams of salt... AI answer: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum salt intake of 5 grams per day (equivalent to 2 grams of sodium). While this recommendation generally applies, it's important to consider individual factors like activity level and climate when assessing salt needs, according to the Better Health Channel. Elaboration: WHO Recommendation: The WHO recommends a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day (or 2 grams of sodium) for adults to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Tropical Climate: In tropical climates, sweating is more common, leading to some loss of sodium. However, the body can typically regulate this loss and maintain adequate sodium levels with a normal diet. Individual Needs: While the WHO recommendation serves as a general guideline, individual needs may vary. For example, athletes or individuals engaging in strenuous activity in hot weather might require slightly higher sodium intake, but this is typically met through hydration and balanced meals rather than a drastic increase in salt intake. Acclimatization: The body can adapt to hot weather over time, and the need for extra salt may decrease as you become acclimated to the climate. Dehydration is the Primary Concern: In hot weather, the main concern is dehydration, not a lack of salt. Drinking plenty of water is crucial to maintain hydration and support the body's electrolyte balance. Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia, a condition of low sodium, is rare but can occur in certain circumstances, particularly in individuals taking certain medications or with underlying health conditions. Salt and Muscle Cramps: Some people believe that salt needs to be replaced during hot weather or strenuous exercise to prevent muscle cramps. However, muscle cramps are more often due to dehydration, not a lack of salt.

So, sex toys are now legal in Thailand...

You can use your savings account – or another savings account, if you wish to keep you "visa money" separated or move your deposit for extension of stay to a fixed account with better interest – a current account might not give you any benefits apart from the option of having a cheque book (you might never use) and lower interest on savings. Credit card – to my knowledge – requires that you have a stable salary income (with at least six month history) or deposit the amount you wish credit-limit for. More easy with a normal debit card, which you can use both for cash and payments – and also online shopping – or a smart phone app and QR-code for payments. With the SCB-app, for example, you don't even need a plastic card anymore; I was surpriced when my girlfriend told me, that she haven't had a plastic card for several years, just her phone...😉

Always worth to remember, that "some are more equal than others"...

Perhaps we shareholders then will get some dividends...

Is this even true anymore? Seemed just like another tourist trap to me but with lots of ganja shops for the druggies and layabouts. Not very impressive with some exceptions. "Idyllic" is depending where you live/stay on Samui – I still find my home being located on "the idyllic island of Koh Samui"...👍 – and you don't need to enter the local ganja shop, just pass it and enter the convenience store instead...

Likely, if you have a work permit and is partner in a partnership (co. ltd.) with a Thai.

Many books are "based on a true story", but not told as facts, as fiction makes the story more exciting. "Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho is an excellent example within the same subject.

Fiction might reach more readers than facts. It's most likely helpful to tell these stories, either as fiction or facts. In my view helpful to understand about the ladies in the nightlife, and what they expect. Ans also to understand what you might expect from a relationship with a lady you meet in the nightlife, or who had a past in it. Some of the books I know about are first of all the often referred to "Private Dancer" by Stephen Leather. It got the cover note: "Should be compulsory reading for all first-timers to Thailand". The way the book is written, gives both an exciting fictional story and useable facts about the ladies in the "trade". A fact based book is "My Name Lon, You Like Me?", a true story by Derek Sharron about a young Isaan girl that came to work in both Bangkok and Pattaya. There are several books you might like to check out, like "Last Exit Pattaya" by Saifon Somdaeng, "a 33 year old bargirl from her eearly childhood to her 'Last Exit Pattaya'". "Lady of Isan" and "Lady of Pattaya" are two book by Michael Schemmann. And "Miss Bangkok" by Bua Boonmee with Nicola Pierce. I've heard many true stories from Isaan ladies – and also ladies from other parts of Thailand – one thingthat is common of them all is the kind of "lottery ticket" they "buy" in search for a better life, mainly with a foreign boyfriend or husband. Both through working directly in the nightlife to meet the "Knight on the White Horse", or indirectly by just having some normal work in a tourist area – where the knights assembles – in hope of making one of them interested in a nice lady, not originatiing from the bar-life. The details are different, but the goal seems to be the same: A provider and happy life. Some succed and become happy; some are even extremely lucky; some fails and return to their village; some get stuck to the barlife and or nightlife and cannot escape; and some got a life they didn't expect or whished, even ending up living unhappy if a foreign country.

It's depending on how many days you wish monks to pray for you and how many monks. Cremation only might vary from area to area or temple to remple, depending of creamation method is modern or charcoal. Where I live it was 6,000 baht for the actual creamtion in a mordern diesel fueled oven a few years ago; so, probably around 10,000 baht. Why not ask – or get someone speaking Thai – to ask in the local temple.

For paying electric bill I simple use the QR-code in the bill – easy peasy to bay via Thai smartphone banking. I use SCB and it works very well. You'll see the amount immediately and can check that it is the same as on your bill. You can chose with account to pay from, if you have more than one bank account in the same bank. You will get a receipt for payment instantly, which is stored in your phone.

100,000 baht, 50% deduction of income, not more than 100k baht 60,000 baht, personal allowance 190,000 baht, retirement deduction if over 65 years 150,000 baht, limit for income taxation ------------ 500,000 baht, before any income taxation. Additionally you can have 60,000 baht deduction for spouse, if she has no income of her own. Income taxationbegind with 5% for the first taxable 150,000 baht. - - - The online E-filling tax return is easy, but it cannot (at present) handle already taxed foreign income. If foreign taxed income exceeds the limit of for example 500,000 baht, and you wish to deduct foreign paid income tax in accordance with a Doubte Taxation Agreement between Thailand and your home country, you will need to fill an P.N.D.90 paper tax return form.

Taking cannabis to Thailand is same-same like bringing red wine to France...

There are more cannabis outlets than convenience stores. The latter I have 3 of within 200 meters healthy walk from my home, but within same distance there are 6 cannabis outlets... In Chaweng Beach a restaurant seems to attract customers for dinner by offering a "free joint"...

Simple resolution: Make sure to bring an official prescription with you, if you need to take medicine during your holiday trip. Your embassy or your home country's foreign ministry often have advices about this matter...

Ultra rich casino-fans might already have multiple more interesting offers than Thailand to choose from...

3rd May: Samui Bike Week by Chaweng Lake... Organizer's description: On May 2–3, 2025, thousands of riders from across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia will descend on Koh Samui for the 13th Annual Samui Bike Week — two days packed with roaring engines, live music, and serious island party vibes. What to Expect Over 10,000 motorcycles expected Up to 60,000 visitors per day Concerts, shows, and events every night at Pru Chaweng Huge street gatherings, vendors, beach parties, and lots of chrome on display! Fun fact Past events drew around 3,000 bikes — this year’s goal is triple that! Why You Shouldn’t Miss It Even if you’re not a biker, Bike Week is one of Samui’s best people-watching events: Stunning custom rides, beach parties, loud engines, live music, and an unbeatable festival atmosphere. Whether you’re cruising on two wheels or just joining the party, Bike Week 2025 promises to be one wild, unforgettable ride. Source: Adapted from Bangkok Post + Samui Social field notes Some of my photos from last, unfortunately little rainy night...

Normally it says: Gift tax of 5% is payable when the donor is a living person and the recipient is an ascendant (parents, etc.), descendant (children, etc.), spouse or others. However, the following gifts can be given without tax: Real estate received by a legitimate child if the value of the property is less than 20 million baht. Maintenance income or gifts received by an ascendant (parents, etc.), descendant (children, etc.) or a spouse when the amount is less than 20 million baht. Maintenance income or gifts to a person who is not an ascendant, descendant or spouse due to tradition or custom when the amount is less than 10 million baht. Gifts received by a person who intends to use the gift for educational, religious or public purposes according to the donor's intention.

Well done reaction by jet ski and speedboat, trying to extinguish the fire...👍

There are only 30 countries in the "Global" survey instead of the normally around 170 countries in Global surveys... Link to the Ipsos Happiness Index 2025: https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2025-03/Ipsos-Global-Happiness-Index-2025_1.pdf In Gallup's World Happiness Report Thailand ranks #49... Findland is #1, Denmark is #2, and Iceland is #3... ...and #6 here is Costa Rica. Link to Gallup World Happiness Report: https://data.worldhappiness.report/table