new2here

I would set up so that those holding visas like the DTV and various Non-Os (that require a local bank account) would be eligible to open an account at either SCB or Krungthai (because of their relationship with the national government) despite not holding a WP (which tends to be the key document many banks want) That way, Immigration would know that an account opened at SCB or Krungthai meets the requirements for type of account necessary .. AND the applicant would be able to open said account at a branch of SCB/Krungthai, by virtue of their holding said DTV or NON-On visa without the need/hassle of an “agent” or similar 3rd party. Both banks have a sufficient national footprint as far as physical branches goes and both are ATM “pool” participants.. So account access shouldn’t be a major issue. By limiting this to only 2 banks, it makes it easier for the regulators to make sure accounts are opened only for legitimate purposes and for those whose identity is confirmed.

Hi, I’ve asked this question to BBL before (I bank with them and at the Silom HQ office where most of these offices are located) I was told it’s still remitted to Revenue, but with a “999” type tax identifier.. It’s coded with BBLs payor ID* (as it should) but is tagged with an “unknown” payee code. (Note that BBL has many different tax IDs for its different operating divisions like retail banking, their asset management arm, etc) When/if it is later identified and assigned to a specific tax ID, then its re-coded and an update sent to revenue automatically

For me, I have done it, in-person, at my local RD office. To me fair, I have a rather straight forward return… none the less, I take all my papers; receipts (ex tax withholding forms from banks for interest received), tax withholding certificate from employer, etc then the staff just “plug in” what data goes where.. I’m usually done in about 15 mins or so. They usually ask some confirming questions; do i have a thai child, am I married etc.. All questions that might impact the final tax calculation. When done they show me my refund (i commonly get a bit back) and i’m in my way. My personal take here is so long as you don’t have an overly complex return and you generally know what is and is not necessary to report and what can be shown to revenue as a deduction- then i think DIY is very doable but the opposite I think also holds true.. If you’re not familiar with the process , have a more complex return - then a tax pro might be the better way to go

I agree.. I also think that it means the right can’t then use the excuse of “congress blocked our agenda” as the right effects controls both sides… true, not every R or D will always vote purely along party lines— but i do think that it makes it hard to argue that the opposition blocked you ..

Given the location of SAT1 on the airport property itself, there simply isn’t any way to construct a whole new, stand alone landslide terminal structure to accommodate both outbound processing (ie check-in faculties, outbound immigration and security) as well as all the inbound processes (commonly that’s just baggage reclaim and immigration)… plus you’d need road access to/from it for passengers, plus all the other trappings as well.. what you’d really be doing is creating an airport-within-an-airport To me, I’d argue the opposite, given the entrance is littler smack in front of you when you emerge from outbound security/passport control … and on the arrival side, as you emerge from the train level, you’re also smack in front of the inbound immigration area. To me, I’d bet that mathematically by time alone, even WITH - short train ride from SAT1, I’d you’re still actually closer to the immigration entry point, than if you had arrived at one of the mid or end gates on the F or G main building complex gates.

To me, there’s not much legitimacy to the whole VAT issue as that’s compulsory under the law.. so that is what it is.. yes, one can argue HOW it’s administered- be that “baked” into the menu/sticker price or added in addition too.. but the tax itself is legit the service charge.. that to me is different.. I agree that there’s a legit argument made for the case that by adding is a fixed cost and unavoidable - you have undercut what what a tip” is supposed to be - a post-sale, discretionary payment in recognition of service provided at some level or above.. by assessing it at 10% across the board and not voluntary, there’s no external motivation to go above and beyond .. nor is there any real risk to sub-par service either. So.. I do think there’s a legit case to be made for how “service charges” are done here (by many but not all) but the VAT is a different case.

I suspect another large part of this is the continued falling birthrate… kind of like South Korea.. they’re going to be in a situation where they are far more people drawing FROM the system than there are paying INTO the system.. so they’ve got to do something such as pushing out the retirement age (ie delaying when you can draw from the fund), up the tax rate on those working and paying into it, and/or cutting back on the benefits drawn from it..

i don’t disagree.. unfortunately given the depth and breadth of the investigation (as reported) there’s lots of “room” for a suitable person/people - to be found guilty of dereliction of duty if you will.

I am sure someone will have to put up to the alter .. you can’t have that big and visual of a disaster .. with all the associated public outrage and not have someone taken to task. It’s fair to argue who really is responsible, but in the end, someone is going to have be “the one”

I agree .. but I don’t think Thailand is set up for nor has the country invested in things like domestic infrastructure, to really make a competitive pitch to attract the high yield tourist.. that’s things like domestic transport, tourist safety and really creating authentic “experience” events. I ALSO think something that has long HELPED thailand- is also something that is going to HURT them in their pivot to higher yielding tourists .. Thailand has long, long been seen externally as — and has long lived off a reputation as a “cheap” mass tourism destination … and I don’t higher yielding folks are going to be attracted to places that carry a moniker of “cheap” IMHO

I DO think the whole “digital” payment universe is here and here to stay.. it won’t go away .. it is only going to get bigger.. to me the larger question is how big and how fast will that be? That said, I think there’s a lot of fairly big “issues” that will need to get addressed before it can really be seen as a primary, long-term and viable payment option on a national basis.. but I do think there’s groundwork has been set… For example, a) system integrity/security (ie what about breaches and losses from a breach?), b) system reliability (what if the larger system goes “down”?), c) speed (you have to be able to complete an e-payment transaction at minimum in the same time - or less - as a cash based transaction), d) data privacy and integrity (how and how will all that transaction data be stored, how long and who will have access?), e) the “unbanked” (you’ll have to provide a channel for those who don’t currently have any qualified bank account, to get one) f) hardware (what about those without a suitable phone or device? and lastly g) education.. you’ll have to invest the time to educate those who are just not familiar with digital payments.

Overall I’d agree.. but.. as far as improving the sidewalks/footpaths go- I have to give credit where it’s due and earned.. As others have noted, there HAS been a notable improvement in some areas … yea, that’s “some” and not “all”.. but given the size and scope of the city and the sheer amount of footpath that needs to be addressed - that’s going to take time, but as far what’s been done so far- they get a solid score from me. As far as the wiring goes, I suspect that’s more involved, not only from a technical and logistical basis, but i’ll bet that there’s other players that need to be synched (like the MEA) before work can be done.. by contrast the footpaths are largely BMA controlled and not a lot of outside players involved.

IMHO, I think it’s going to take time for TH to be a “ cash-less” retail economy.. and I also think it’s never going to be truly cash-less.. but ai do think a lot of everyday purchasing will move away from traditional coin/banknote based payments to some form of “digital” - be that debit/credit cards or QR/bank transfer. I just renewed my work permit at the MoLs Bangkok Employment Office - and they don’t take coin/banknote payments .. on card or QR.. So.. I wouldn’t be surprised to see other ministries move to this system as well - notably Immigration - for their fee payments. Looking longer term, i think the government will have to address issues like theft liability, infrastructure stability and reliability, and fees, before the notion of cash-only can really move to the principal payment platform.

I’ll say this.. I live in the Sathorn area and I brisk speed walk (as exercise) along Rajadamri Road from Rama 4 (ie Lumphini Park) up to Rama 1 (ie CTW) and the side walks there are perfect.. smooth, largely obstruction free, wide and level .. even on the major roads in my district - I’ve seen the city make pretty sizable improvements.. While I agree that it’s going to take time - lots of it .. and money - even more of it.. from my own perspective, it’s been a very good initial rollout

Hi, Ill say that it’s not IMpossible.. but its hard to do… banks really do want to see a valid work permit (and some want to see a WP that’s at least 6-12 months old and still has 3-6 months remaining) but.. each bank is free to see their own rules.. the “secured” card approach is one of the most common ways a non-citizen gets a card here .. but again, it’s not impossible to get a truly unsecured card … if you have a decent history with X branch of Y bank, I’d suggest you go and talk to the manager … S/he might be willing to assist you .. while credit card approvals aren’t done at the branch level, i’m sure that a “vote of confidence “ by the manager of the originating branch would be a positive for your applications approval odds.