TPDH

https://theinvestor.vn/thailand-considers-easing-rules-on-income-from-overseas-d14531.html
 

I found this news article from 3 months ago where they said the exact same thing. If they were saying this 3 months ago I’d say the chances of it happening increases. This is something they’ve worked on for a while so I’d say it’s most likely to go through. 

The general sentiment on this forum seems to be that Bangkok has some of the worst air pollution in the world and that living here long-term will lead to severe health implications and a drastically reduced lifespan. However, this perception is far from accurate and greatly exaggerated.

Bangkok’s air quality is undoubtedly a concern, and it is not good. However, the purpose of this post is to answer two key questions: “How bad is it?” and “What does it mean for my health?”

How Bad Is Bangkok’s Air Pollution from a Global Perspective?

According to IQAir, which ranks cities worldwide based on air pollution, Bangkok was ranked 1,052nd globally in 2023, with an average PM2.5 level of 21.7.

Source: https://www.iqair.com/th-en/world-most-polluted-cities?continent=&country=&state=&sort=-rank&page=1&perPage=50&cities=WJv6Pqdvj8ph9xkuZ,

Similarly, the AQI (Air Quality Index) ranks Bangkok 813th globally in 2024, with an average AQI of 76.

Source: https://www.aqi.in/world-most-polluted-cities

From my observation, the majority of people on this forum likely believe Bangkok is among the top 30 most polluted cities in the world. This is simply not true. Even if you filter for cities with populations of 500,000 or more, Bangkok does not make it into the top 50.

While rankings provide context, what truly matters is the actual pollution level and its impact on health.

How Bad Are Bangkok’s Pollution Levels?

Bangkok’s average PM2.5 level of 21.7 and AQI of 76 are categorized as “Moderate” according to the Air Quality Index developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA defines “Moderate” air quality as: “Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.”

Source: https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics/

Therefore, Bangkok’s air quality is scientifically classified as “Acceptable” by the most widely used indices for measuring air pollution. Yet, discussions on this forum often portray it as “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous,” which is inaccurate for the vast majority of days throughout the year and based on 24/7 measurements from hundreds of independent sensors across the city.

Although air pollution spikes during January-April, it only reaches unhealthy levels on a small minority of days throughout the year. The annual average remains consistent with the figures provided earlier.

For those of us wanting to live in large cities, many alternatives also come with some level of air pollution. For example, Singapore has an average yearly AQI of 47 compared to Bangkok’s 76. No air pollution is usually not an option for big cities.

Bangkok Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of Bangkok residents is 79 years, which is comparable to developed countries. This is despite Thailand having poorer healthcare and higher risks of work- and traffic-related deaths.

If Bangkok residents experienced a significantly reduced lifespan due to air pollution, how could they still live, on average, to 79 years old? Bangkok's air has been polluted since before the 90s . The answer is that air pollution in Bangkok does not significantly reduce lifespan, as explained next.

Source: https://data.who.int/countries/764

Source: https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/table/lifexp/

Reduced Life Expectancy Due To Air Pollution

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), developed by researchers at the University of Chicago, shows how air pollution reduces life expectancy. The AQLI index is used by governments, the World Bank, World Health Organisation and many others.

"According to the AQLI, Bangkok’s average PM2.5 concentration of 21 µg/m³ exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m³. This elevated pollution level reduces the average life expectancy of Bangkok residents by approximately 1.5 years."

Source: https://aqli.epic.uchicago.edu/the-index/

To a large extent we can validate this conclusion further by knowing that the average life expectancy in Bangkok is 79. If you asked people on this forum, many would likely believe that living in Bangkok for decades would likely reduce your lifespan by up to 10 years. This is an extreme misconception and far from the truth.

Health Implications

Three of the most common diseases caused by air pollution are asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, Thailand does not rank among the top 30 countries for any of these diseases in either total cases per year or cases per capita, according to organizations like the WHO and the World Cancer Research Fund.

As an example to provide context: Sweden, which has negligible air pollution and only 5.4% of its population smoking, has 40 cases of lung cancer per 100,000 people, compared to Thailand’s 20.6 (men) and 9.3 (women) per 100,000. Similar trends are found across other developed countries with low air pollution and low smoking rates.

Source: Thailand Cancer Data

The global prevalence of COPD is 13.1%, but in Thailand it's only 5.6%.

Sources: ERS Journal

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263376205_COPD_prevalence_in_12_Asia-Pacific_countries_and_regions_Projections_based_on_the_COPD_prevalence_estimation_model

Asthma follows a similar pattern. In Thailand the prevalence rate of Asthma is only 3.1%. Well below most modern first-world countries.

Source: Our World in Data

This does not mean these conditions are nonexistent in Thailand, but they are not as widespread as many believe. In fact, over a dozen first-world countries with low air pollution face larger problems with these diseases.

For less severe conditions like runny nose, cough, or itchy skin, the EPA states that only people who are "unusually sensitive" to “Moderate” air pollution may experience these symptoms. For these individuals, it may be wise to move to a place with little to no air pollution. But these people are a minority.

Mitigation Strategies

For most office workers, exposure to moderate air pollution can be limited to 2–3 hours daily or less. I'd imagine that most office workers in large cities don’t spend more than this amount of time outdoors anyway, even if there had been no air pollution, so their freedom or quality of life is not significantly impacted.

Additional mitigation strategies includes: Using air purifiers at home and work so that during the vast majority of the day you're breathing in close to perfect air, Wearing PM2.5 masks when riding motorbikes or in heavy traffic, Maintaining good overall health to reduce vulnerability to air pollution and limiting outdoor activity during days with 150+ AQI.

With these precautions, office workers can likely reduce the impact of air pollution on life expectancy to well below one year. While there is no exact data on this, if the average life expectancy reduction in Bangkok is 1.5 years due to air pollution, it seems reasonable to assume that limited exposure and mitigation strategies could reduce this impact by at least 30%.

Conclusions

1. Bangkok’s air quality on a yearly basis is classified as “Moderate” and “Acceptable” by leading measures like the Air Quality Index. It is not classified as “Unhealthy.”. Nor is it classified as "Good".

2. The reduced life expectancy due to air pollution for Bangkok residents is approximately 1.5 years, consistent with their high average life expectancy of 79 years.

3. Office workers implementing basic mitigation strategies can likely reduce the potential life expectancy impact to below one year.

4. Serious diseases caused by air pollution are not strongly prevalent in Thailand, further supporting these conclusions. As for experiencing milder symptoms, according to the WHO and the AQI index "moderate" air pollution mostly affects sensitive groups of people.

Final Words

I have no agenda here and I am not interested in picking sides. My only goal is to understand how bad Bangkok's air pollution is and what it means for my health. Yes, Bangkok politicians should prioritize reducing air pollution in Bangkok to below WHO's guideline of 5 µg/m³. Yes, some people are more exposed or sensitive to air pollution than others, and children are indeed at higher risk.

Ultimately, while Bangkok’s air quality is not good and especially not during this period, it is not as detrimental as many believe. By understanding the data and taking simple precautions, it is entirely possible to live a very healthy life here as many of us have done for many years.

Hi

I’ve done the Mae Hong Son loop twice and really loved it. This winter I plan to try another route and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? 
 

I’ve heard good things about the Nan loop and Chiang Rai in general but I’m not sure they’re as good as the Mae Hong Son Loop? 

6 hours ago, Delight said:

 I visited Chonburi Taxation Office.

 

Albeit that they spoke very little English -It was obvious that I had to pay tax on my 2024 income from UK.

For example they had written in English the procedure for acquiring a  Tax Identification number (TIN)

 

They also stated that the process for paying tax could only commence beginning 2025.

The tax authorities will not contact you.

You have to volunteer.

Under current rules, if you transfer your income into Thailand when you're a tax resident here, then yes you have to pay taxes here. But if you keep foreign income abroad you don't need to pay taxes on it. That's what they've been talking about changing but it hasn't changed yet. 

21 hours ago, stefdec said:

Hey,

I guess they were busy. It took 17 days for them to come back to me. They asked for a list of documents about my activity, my company and my income. It was then accepted exactly a week after.

What documents did you provide? And did you apply as a remote worker (employee) or as a freelancer? 

Hi

I’m from Denmark, my wife is Thai, we got married in the USA. We registered the marriage in Thailand through a Kor Ror 22. I’m now at the Amphur and the officer says we can’t get divorced in Thailand and that we have to get divorced at the US embassy. 
 

Is this correct?
 

My understanding was that even if you married abroad you can still divorce in Thailand if the marriage is registered here and we’re both residents here. 

Hi

I need a few more weeks to prepare documents for a new visa. Can you still do visa border runs from Bangkok to Cambodia and have it all done in 12 hours and get 60 days? 
 

I saw a post on reddit that you couldn’t do that in Laos as effectively anymore as you had to spend 2 days waiting in Laos. 
 

Any recommendation on which company to use is welcome too. Perhaps a company with nice buses instead of minivans. 

1 hour ago, jas007 said:

Some people confused? If so, you probably haven't seen many divorce cases gone crazy.

 

The OP doesn't say where he's from or even if he has any assets anywhere in the world.  Maybe he's penniless and will remain penniless until the day he dies. But maybe not.  Some people have various assets that can be seized, including pensions. 

 

It's better to assume the worst.  Maybe the OP is from the USA, for example.  Fifty states and 50 different jurisdictions. Fifty sets of laws. Maybe he leaves Thailand and goes back to the USA.  He moves to a state with draconian divorce laws and resumes his life.  Years later, a crazy woman somehow shows up in America and tracks him down.  She finds an attorney who will take the case just to make money, and she spins a tale of woe about promises made by the OP while they were married. She alleges that she was "tricked" into signing certain documents in Thailand, and things escalate from there.  The judge in the case is a mean feminist who wants to see that the woman gets "what she's entitled to."  Anyway, at that point, anything can happen. Even if the woman has no real case, by that time the OP has spent $$$$ on an attorney.  Maybe lots of money.  And once these things start, they can go on forever. 

 

Believe it or not, that's just a simplified version of what can happen.  I've seen cases that start out overseas, supposedly end with a divorce overseas, and yet pop up again in the USA, sometimes spanning multiple jurisdictions there.  Don't think it can't happen. Probably not, but you never know.

 

As I said, if it were me, I'd pay a little bit of money to a Thai lawyer and see that it's done right. 

Thank you. I did end up paying 5000 baht to a lawyer for a simple 1 page agreement in both ENG/TH stating that we’re both satisfied about how the assets have been divided and we’re not able to make any future claims or lawsuits. 
 

I’m from Scandinavia but lives here in Thailand. We got married in the US but registered the marriage here in Thailand. 
 

From what I understand you should divorce where you are a resident which for us is in Thailand and a divorce here should be recognized in most countries. 
 

Hoping this will be enough. 

On 11/13/2024 at 3:50 PM, Raindancer said:

Which city/ province?

Bangkok. But can be anywhere. Can handle it online and by phone. 

Hi

I’m looking for a family lawyer/attorney. Not too expensive. Any recommendations? 
 

Thank you. 

Thank you. Does anyone know where you can get a simple agreement for division of assets? 

On 11/11/2024 at 9:41 PM, BrandonJT said:

1) Read different people's reports. Some locations are better for different circumstances.

2) Laos does not support e-visa. You apply in person.  Anywhere that supports e-visa you are not even allowed on the property of the embassy.  All visa matters are handled through the e-visa system.

3) Each embassy sets their own requirements. Check the embassy website for what they require.

In Cambodia, if you don’t have to visit the embassy. 
1. How can they stamp the visa into your passport? 
2. If no embassy visit is required, can’t you just apply for the visa while in Thailand and then once approved you do a quick trip to Cambodia and then back to Thailand? 

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Upon divorce your permission of stay ends. 

Seems your current permission of stay based on marriage will expire prior to divorce.

Suggest that you encourage wife (still married) to attend immigration with you and change from extension based on marriage to retirement.

You would need 800k in bank account in your name only prior to application.

If you need to buy time you could obtain 60 day extension "to visit wife" 

Assistance from current wife often gets down to baht

Failing that...exit Thailand with border bounce and reenter visa exempt and start over with visa exempt to non O retirement process.

This thread outlines that option .

https://aseannow.com/topic/1311886-visa-exempt-to-retirement-extension-process-and-cost/

Upon divorce, I thought you got like 7 days to leave the country or to apply for a new visa? And that you have an obligation to notify immigration about the divorce? 

Just wanna make sure I do this right so I don’t mess up my chances getting a new visa. Unfortunately retirement visa is not an option due to my age. 

Ok great. My current passport needs to be renewed next year. Since the visa is 5 years. How do you go about transferring the visa to your new passport once you get a new passport? 
 

For the 500,000 baht in your bank account. Does that money have to have been there for X months? Or can I simply transfer 500,000 baht to a bank account today, get a bank account statement and then apply for the visa tomorrow? 

Hey

I’m in Thailand on a marriage extension but I’m getting a divorce soon. There’s only two months left on my extension and my plan is to change my visa after the divorce. 
 

Once divorced, In regards to my visa is there something I need to do like contact immigration etc? I’m assuming my extension will not be valid anymore and I’ll have X days to leave the country or change the visa etc? 
 

Timing is a bit poor as I’m waiting for my new passport which will come in 2-3 weeks and I’d like to have my new visa in that passport to avoid some hassle. 

12 minutes ago, johng said:

I believes they will ask both parties at the amphur about shared "stuff" and if both agree then there is no "plomplem"   no need for lawyers and written affidavits if both parties agree.

I see. I would feel better about having that in writing though so there’s no future problems about that? 

Hi

Me and my wife are getting an uncontested divorce at the amphur. There’s no children or shared assets or properties etc. We will keep each others assets separate. 

How can we get this in writing that we will keep each others assets to our self and there won’t be any division of assets? Is that a separate agreement we should bring to the Amphur or is that somehow added into the documents we sign at the Amphur?
 

Thank you. 

17 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

1) Yes, it is a multiple entry visa so you'll get a new 180 day stamp every time you enter Thailand.
2) No you cannot apply in Thailand. You must travel to a country and apply through the Thai embassy where you physically are at the time.  Proof of your current location is generally your entry stamp to that country in your passport and possibly a hotel reservation that shows you are staying in that country if you are applying online through e-visa.  If you don't show this then your application will be rejected and your fee for the visa will be forfeit.

3) That is why many people think the requirements will become more strict than they already have over time, and possibly new restrictions when entering with a DTV or applying for extension.  But as things stand right now, yes it is that simple.

Thank you very much. That's very helpful. 

1. Has it been established which city is the most favorable to obtain this visa? Vientiane? 

2. If you apply in person at for example Vientiane or Phnom Penh, should you still first send the application online through the eVisa system? 

3. Besides passport copies, a photo, bank account statement, hotel reservation, employment contract or a portfolio of your work - are there any other documents required? Those are very few documents so I suspect there's more. 

Hi

I’m currently living in Thailand on a non-imm O visa (marriage extensions) but I’m thinking about changing my visa to a DTV digital nomad visa.
 

1. As long as you leave and re-enter the country every 180 days, does that mean you can stay in Thailand for 5 years for only 10,000 baht? 
2. Are you able to apply for the visa online when you’re already in Thailand? They’re asking for “Document indicating current location” so I wonder if they’d accept my current rental contract in Thailand? 

3. Am I missing something about this visa? The visa almost seems too good to be true while

being easy to obtain. 
 

Thank you. 

5 hours ago, Porthos said:

They want to implement it next year.

 

"We are currently drafting a law and will expedite the proposal of a law to create fairness. We will try to start using it in 2025,” said the Director-General of the Revenue Department.

https://www.infoquest.co.th/2024/427464

 

This part needs to be amended in order to create fairness for taxpayers and wants to enforce it as soon as possible in the year 2025."

https://www.prachachat.net/finance/news-1647438

 

So that confirms they want to implement it next year. So then the only remaining questions are whether it'll be implemented at all (most likely it will) and if next year is feasible (which still seems like a stretch for such a big change). 

Hi

The global income tax bill is currently being drafted and it seems safe to assume that Pheu Thai is behind it. With the Peoples Party (Move Forward Party) being progressives and heavily inspired by the west, I assume they'd vote for this as well meaning the bill would get a majority vote and most likely pass. 

1. Do you also think the bill will most likely pass? 

2. If the bill is passed, how likely is it to be in effect for the tax year of 2025? 

Perhaps someone here is familiar with how quickly new laws are passed in Thailand. I asked ChatGPT and got a decent answer: 
"Passing a tax law on global income in Thailand would likely take more than three months due to the complex legislative process. It involves drafting, Cabinet approval, multiple parliamentary readings, and royal assent, followed by implementation procedures. A realistic timeframe is closer to six months to a year or more. "

27 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

90 days from reentry which is day 1.

Your due date is now November 16, 2024

Ignore any reminder email

What if you keep going in and out of Thailand every 2 months, then I assume you don't really need to file the 90 day report at all? Even though you're living here on a long-term stay visa. 

Quick update. When I was there on a weekday at 8 PM there was about 20 people in line and it took almost an hour. So don't take for granted it'll be quick.