davejones23

I am still at a loss to work out the benefit other than to the employer to have access to endless amounts of labour who are willing to work for minimum wage.

I sometimes despair at the amount of people who aren't able to think things through. There are probably countless benefits, but here are just a few to get you started...

Many carers in the UK are from the Philippines. There just aren't enough British people that are willing to do the job. So the benefit is that old people get looked after by caring Philippine people. Without these carers many old people would suffer.

Another benefit - we all get cheaper goods. Keep labour costs down and this keeps the cost of goods down. Many people in the UK complain that things are expensive there, bit they'd be a whole lot more if wages were higher.

Another benefit - we can eat British more fruit and vegetables. These are mostly picked by foreigners, as there aren't many Brits willing to do the work. This helps the environment as well, as it means less produce in imported. Also helps many British farmers survive.

Another benefit - we can get building work done to a high standard by builders with a real work ethic. I've had British and Eat European builders, and the British ones are generally of a much lower standard at a much higher price. And most British builders don't turn up, work an hour or two and leave, etc. East European builders tend to work hard until the job's done. That is my experience.

I could go on and on. But maybe you can learn to think a little and the small list above my get you to think a little outside the box. It's not too difficult once you get started.

Have been non-resident for tax purposes for many years but had to pay CGT on sale of a UK property last year and another this year. All done via my UK accountant who is normally very much on the ball. Have double checked with him but it was something this gov brought in early on.

If that's not the case, would really like to know.

I still get an Inland Revenue form for every tax year though it's normally 'nil' to declare.

As of now I don't own any UK property or have any income there until my State Pension kicks in. Not sure whether to start taking it now or wait till I need it.

Although I work on 'mobile' offshore rigs I let my Seaman's Ticket expire thinking it wouldn't be of help any more.

I know the 'night spent in the UK' rule but haven't been there for a few years anyway.

What do I know, just a simple drilling hand.

From HMRC website (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/international/tax-incomegains.htm)...

In general you will not be liable to pay tax on capital gains if you are not resident in the UK but there are exceptions. Read more in the section 'Tax on capital gains from assets in the UK' later in this guide.

If you're not resident in the UK, whether you pay Capital Gains Tax on UK assets will depend on a number of factors:

• if you have previously lived in the UK, and if so, when you left the UK, the period of time you were resident in the UK before your departure and the length of time you live abroad
• whether you are still ordinarily resident (only for tax years up to and including 2012-13) in the UK - that is, your normal home is the UK
• whether the assets are held for the purpose of carrying out work through a UK branch or agency

This website has details about CGT only starting in April 2015 --> http://www.step.org/details-uk-plans-capital-gains-tax-non-residents-property-disposals.

I looked into all this via a tax advisor and was told I didn't need to pay any if I sold my UK property. Maybe you have different circumstances. Ask your accountant why you aren't exempt. Does he know that you're non-resident for tax purposes? Have HMRC agreed that you are? And to be clear, being out of the UK for a few years with the intention of returning does not give you non-resident tax status. You may not pay UK tax in the years you're away, but you are still resident for tax purposes, meaning you'd still pay CGT on UK assets.. Non-resident tax status is for people that have permanently left the UK and severed all ties and have no intention of returning. That's what I have done. Left 4 years ago and haven't been back at all. I don't intend to ever live there again.

This government documents seems to clear state that they are changing the rules from April 2015 because non-residents currently don't have to pay CGT. So I think only your accountant can know why you paid it.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/298759/CGT_non-residents_condoc.pdf

Below is what the Bangkok Bank webpage says regarding requirements to open a new account...no mention of any insurance requirement: Link. Partial quote below from the link.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see if anyone else reports their experience in opening a Bangkok Bank savings account at the HQ Bangkok Bank Building Silom Branch.

Capture.JPG

My guess is that's it's not enforced, but they get some people to buy the insurance. You'll get a range of answers like above.

I hope the army can get the taxis outside Hua Lamphong train station to use their meters. Some do, but sometimes all I get are fixed rate quotes. I've heard both tourists, Thai people and honest taxi drivers complain about them.

I think the point is 90% of Expats here are not paid in foreign currency. The title of article suggests it is cheaper now for Expats because of the baht's devaluation. We don't believe it to be so. capece?

If they are paid in baht and haven't had a pay rise, then of course they won't be better off. But surely it's up to them to negotiate their annual salary based on salary back home. So each year, or more often, your salary in baht would be re-aligned to current exchange rates.

And for new expats, they should be getting a better rate than last year's expats. There article is obviously comparing different cities now compared to where they were 12 months ago, with exchange rates and inflation taken into account. It's not trying to compare expats that are on the same wage as last year and paid in Thai baht. It's more a guide to the ebb and flow of how expensive places are.Maybe look at the longer term trend. If $1 was equally 100 baht tomorrow, then obviously existng expats being paid in baht wouldn't be any better off if they didn't get a pay rise. But it's pretty obvious new expats would be and also those who had the sense to up their salary at next review. I don't see how else they could complete the survey.

But as mentioned above, if it's too expensive here, then why stay? Move to one of the countries/cities on the list that are cheaper.

As an aside, many in the UK tell me how expensive it's got these days. But many here claim it's cheap. What's cheap and expensive is very individual, depending on what you earn and how you spend it, Someone earning 5K baht all their life and then earning 20K baht would feel super rich. But someone earning 100K baht could feel poor if they used to earn 500K baht.

For me, it's way, way cheaper than UK and it has also got cheaper for me in the last year. Those are the facts for me. If they're different for you, then so be it.

Send cash in a plain brown envelope.

Against the GBP is gone from around £1=48 baht to £1=54 baht, so that means I'm 12.5% better off. Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business/market_data/currency/11/11678/twelve_month.stm

And USD has gone from around 31 to 32.5 baht, so that makes you Americans just under 5% better off, so not as good for you.

Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

It's clear that you spend money on different things than the majority here.

I've no idea. I think many on here just like to complain. Bangkok is so cheap compared to London that I'm still amazed after all these years. I know very many people that have been to Thailand and haven't heard anyone say it's not cheap. They all rave about how cheap things are. They only people I hear complaining are on this forum. Maybe some have forgotten what prices are like back home or maybe they're poor. Try some of the other cities higher u the list and then maybe you'll know what expensive is. Bangkok is not expensive at all.

This thread isn't about how prices are in bangkok compared to London, however if you compare like for like Bangkok is much more expensive, but if it is cheaper now compared to a year ago. And the answer is NO.

Almost everything in the supermarkets has gone up at least 10 -15 % over the year, and because they make the volumes smaller to hide the price rise doesn't mean it isn't happening.

Maybe you should try to live here instead of listening to people who come on holiday.

Now if you want to compare prices of goods in London with Bangkok, then use items that are common in London, and by that I mean western food items .

I've lived in Thailand for over 4 years, so I'm well aware of prices. I mentioned friends that have holidayed here because they all agree with me. I've never known a single person to come here on holiday and say... wow, Thailand was expensive. Many come here because it's cheap. That is one of the attractions for many visitors. And for many expats.

"The baht makes products cheaper, despite higher prices for daily needs such as groceries, fresh produce, drinks and tobacco, clothing, services and eating out."

Slight contradiction there... !!

No contradiction. It's saying prices have gone up but they're cheaper now than 12 months ago for most expats because we've gained more from currency movement than we've lost by price rises.

Jeez, you guys have a tough time with simple facts.

You're on a different planet to me then.

You think everything is cheap here, on a direct price comparison? Did you ever venture to think about the cost of living vs. wages etc.?

Go to Makro and compare the cost of goods you would buy back home. You'll find the majority of good are 2 times the price of back home, and not only 2 times but sometimes 4 times, and they have shot up over the last year. The simple fact is most food is not cheaper than last year AT ALL, and is at least 20% more expensive.

Can you get your head around that simple fact?

Maybe that's where we differ. I don't buy the same food as I used to buy back home, so can't really compare like for like. I bought mostly local food in UK and buy mostly local food here. But dragon fruit in UK 4 years ago was over £2 (100 baht). Costs 10-20 baht here. Coconut in London £3-5. Here 10-20 baht. Or sometimes free straight from the tree. But those are cheaper here because they're imported into UK. Likewise UK food will be more expensive here than in UK.

For me... London rent £2,000 for 1-bed place. Bangkok - similar condo £500. So a saving of £1,500 a month. Water - cheaper, Electricity - cheaper. Coffee in a cafe - cheaper. Local fruit and veg - cheaper. Beer - cheaper. Public transport - cheaper. Nice restaurant £100 in London, £20-30 here. Petrol - cheaper here. Car insurance - cheaper here. I've heard that cars and schooling are more expensive, but I don't have kids or a car, so doesn't affect me. I spend under £2K a month here in total. In UK I spent £4-5K a month for a similar lifestyle. So for me it's definitely cheaper.

What's more expensive for people that think it's more expensive here? Apart from imported stuff, I really can't think of anything that's more expensive. Seriously. Please enlighten me

I love Thai food, which is one of the reasons I moved here, so maybe save there while others buy imported food.. Never been inside a Makro store, so no idea of their prices.

Actually the Baht has been pretty flat against major currencies for the past 5-6 months. And if you happen to get paid in THB things have actually gotten a lot more expensive in the last year.

Exactly.

Oil is priced in US dollars, so a weaker baht means every one in Thailand pays more for fuel. Transportation costs affect every thing, so yeah, inflation has ticked up a bit.

This article is spin, as in "Thailand is a bargain, come back tourists, come back"

For tourists it holds in forex terms but makes no allowance for domestic inflation.

Depends where you come from. A UK tourist gets over 12% more baht now than 12 months ago. Inflation in last year is much less than that.

Anyway, don't really care about you lot. It's mega cheap for me after living in London and I have more money than last year. So all good here. If not so good for you, then you have my sympathy.

Against the GBP is gone from around £1=48 baht to £1=54 baht, so that means I'm 12.5% better off. Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business/market_data/currency/11/11678/twelve_month.stm

And USD has gone from around 31 to 32.5 baht, so that makes you Americans just under 5% better off, so not as good for you.

Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

It's clear that you spend money on different things than the majority here.

I've no idea. I think many on here just like to complain. Bangkok is so cheap compared to London that I'm still amazed after all these years. I know very many people that have been to Thailand and haven't heard anyone say it's not cheap. They all rave about how cheap things are. They only people I hear complaining are on this forum. Maybe some have forgotten what prices are like back home or maybe they're poor. Try some of the other cities higher u the list and then maybe you'll know what expensive is. Bangkok is not expensive at all.

Believe it or not, something's are cheaper back here. Competition on the high street is absolutely fierce and they don't have ridiculous import duties on things.

Not everyone wants to drink bitter and drive a Merc but if you do, doing it here is a bargain.

Even the police drive BMWs for gods sake. My wife noted the other day, Mercs and minis are like Camry's and civics here.

But in the UK they have 20% VAT. So little import duty, but make it up on sales tax.

The solution - don't buy imported goods. Why live in Thailand and buy imported goods. May as well stay at home and buy them. Many on here complain about Thailand but still live here. If home is so great, what are they all doing here? Oh I just remembered - complaining 24/7.

Will this be every ex-pat or just those outside the EU area? It's a massive tax increase for us expats.

What is the criteria for maintaining UK residency for tax purpose? (How many days do you have to spend in the UK)

UK residence – tax liability

1.3 When you are UK resident you are normally taxed on the arising basis of

taxation. This means that all your worldwide income and gains will be taxable

in the UK. Therefore, even if your foreign income and gains have already

been taxed in another country they will still be taxable in the UK and you must

declare all of your foreign income and gains on your tax return.

1.4 In many cases, relief is given in the UK for foreign tax paid on foreign

income and gains under the provisions of the relevant Double Taxation

Agreements (DTAs) or via unilateral relief. There is more information about

DTAs in section 10.

UK domicile – tax liability

1.5 If you are UK resident but not domiciled in the UK there are special rules

which might apply to your foreign income and gains. In these circumstances

you have a choice of whether to use the arising basis of taxation or the

‘remittance basis’ of taxation. If you choose to use the remittance basis for a

tax year you will pay UK tax on:

 any of your income and gains which arise/accrue in the UK; and

 any of your foreign income and gains that you, or another relevant

person, brings (or ‘remits’) to the UK, even if that remittance occurs in a

later tax year.

If you are a long-term UK resident and you choose to be taxed on the

remittance basis, you may also be liable to pay the Remittance Basis Charge.

Section 5 of this guidance gives more information about domicile.

Dual residence

1.6 It is possible for you to be UK resident under UK tax rules and at the same

time be resident in another country under that country’s rules. This is

sometimes referred to as ‘dual residence’. If you are UK resident and resident

in another country, and the UK has a DTA with the other country, there may

be provisions that determine where you will pay tax. You will need to look at

the guidance in section 10

You missed non-resident for tax purposes, which is different to all the above.

Interesting answers. I already have an account, so didn't affect me anyway. I was just wondering what other had been told. I'm not claiming it's law, enforced or whatever. I just saw the sign and wondered.

Go back and read the sign again. Slowly.

I already read it, so no need to go back to re-read. Maybe you can go take a loom and report back. No need to believe me if you don't want to.

Yeap., it would be good to see exactly what the sign/note said. That is, specifically saying buying accident insurance is a requirement to open an account or just saying/implying when opening a new account that getting accident insurance might be a thing to do. There have been some posts decribing how some Kbank branches have really been pushing their higher priced debit cards which include accident protection... some posters apparently fell for the hard sell and took the higher priced card while others stood their ground and took the standard/lower cost/no insurance card.

Sent from my Onda V971 tablet

I read the sign a few times because I was sitting right in front of it while the sorted out my stuff. I can't remember the exact wording, but it said that insurance had to be bought if you want to open a new account and weren't working in Thailand. It didn't say it was option, nice to have, etc. Similar to that infamous t-shirt slogan - No Insurance, No Account.

If you visit your GF's family the most important and interesting places (for them) plazas and gold shops.

LOL. I think they'd prefer the local market to a shopping mall - they're a bit old school. Never heard them mentioning gold shops either. Maybe you met the wrong type of girl if that's all her family want to do. Or maybe she's trying to fleece you. Has she mentioned the sick buffalo yet? You have my deepest sympathy.

They are queuing up to find work not to get freebies. They have a better work ethic than most Brits. Maybe you need to get back to the UK and talk to immigrants. You'll then see that 90%+ don't get any state help. Many start with nothing and still manage to make a living. Unlike many Brits who can't last a day without help.

So why don't they look for work in the many countries they pass through before getting to Britain. They don't look for work in France where they camp out for months. It's obviously because we are a soft touch.

Most are looking for asylum. You can't just turn up in UK and get benefits. It's just not possible, apart from maybe some exceptional cases. If you have a Thai gf or wife, take her to the UK on holiday and then get her to claim benefits? Do you seriously think they'd give her benefits? You are deluded if you think it's that easy.

........................Thats why the pot-less are queuing up in tents at Calais is it, noooooooo freebies........

They are queuing up to find work not to get freebies. They have a better work ethic than most Brits. Maybe you need to get back to the UK and talk to immigrants. You'll then see that 90%+ don't get any state help. Many start with nothing and still manage to make a living. Unlike many Brits who can't last a day without help.

Did you know that 32,000 migrants that were given permission to work in the UK claim benefits cos their salary is low..?

Also I was in business for many years and I KNOW about folk using illegal folk cos money was saved by both sides....

And did yo know there are over 31 million people working in the UK, and between 2 and 4 million British people claiming full benefits, as well as about 10-15 million others claiming other benefits.

32,000? So what? I'm British and I welcome them with open arms, as I did when I lived there. The UK needs people that are willing to work.

Do you also know that the NHS would cease to function with foreigners, because such a large percentage of nurses are foreign. And do you know that there wouldn't be anyone to care for the elderly without foreign carers? There aren't enough British nurses and carers. Not many British people want to be carers and would rather a life on benefits. What do you propose we do wit these elderly people? Dump them in the streets? I'd prefer to top up their foreign carers pay with some benefits. It's called compassion. The UK would be a much worse place if the likes of you got their way.

Will this be every ex-pat or just those outside the EU area? It's a massive tax increase for us expats.

What is the criteria for maintaining UK residency for tax purpose? (How many days do you have to spend in the UK)

It's still in consultation stage, so no real details are available yet. Hopefully it won't happen. But if it does you'll need to wait until the details are finalised.

I think you can just elect to be resident for tax purposes by just claiming you plan to return, or even giving a UK address.

Anyone feel free to correct me but as I understand, If UK-resident for tax purposes then you are liable for UK income tax on your worldwide income.

As non-UK resident for tax purposes you are only liable for UK income tax on income generated in the UK.

Can't have it both ways, though the politicians do give it to us both ways.

If you're non-resident for tax purposes you're liable to tax on UK assets that generate income e.g. rental income from a UK property. If you're an author, for example, and get royalties paid to you in the UK, it's not liable to UK tax, as you're not resident there. You're not liable for tax here either because the work wasn't done here and isn't paid here.

No truth in that story at the moment. But if those UKIP nutters got elected very possible

This story is definitely true and is being discussed, so not sure why you think it's not true, unless you're just a troll. Will affect me, as I'm non-resident for tax purposes and therefore assume I wouldn't be considered as having a close connection with UK. I left many years ago and have no intention of returning. So if this tax is introduced I'll be $2K a year worse off, unless I sell my UK properties, which I'm now considering. Not because of this tax, but because now may be a good time to sell - high prices, CTG probably coming next year, etc.

Too late I'm afraid, CGT is already in effect. Had to pay it on one property last year and another this year.

Doesn't apply to your principle residence (unless you're an MP and can juggle this around) but the Ex got that anyway.

Regarding pensions, tax allowances, etc., they don't care about us expats simply because we can't vote.

At the moment people that are non-resident for tax purposes don't have to pay CGT on UK assets. This is due to change in 2015. But apparently only the increase in value from 2015 onwards will be taxable. But no idea how they will work out that value. Not finalized yet, but seems pretty certain to happen.

I think many Brits that come to live here keep ties with UK and don't even want to be non-resident for tax purposes. So they are still in the tax regime and so have to pay CGT.

You said you had to pay CgT. But are you non-resident for tax purposes? Is that what you claim on your self-assessment and have HMRC agreed with you if you have?

Weaker baht? Really???

Against the GBP is gone from around £1=48 baht to £1=54 baht, so that means I'm 12.5% better off. Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business/market_data/currency/11/11678/twelve_month.stm

And USD has gone from around 31 to 32.5 baht, so that makes you Americans just under 5% better off, so not as good for you.

Most things I spend money on a pretty similar to a year ago.

It's clear that you spend money on different things than the majority here.

I've no idea. I think many on here just like to complain. Bangkok is so cheap compared to London that I'm still amazed after all these years. I know very many people that have been to Thailand and haven't heard anyone say it's not cheap. They all rave about how cheap things are. They only people I hear complaining are on this forum. Maybe some have forgotten what prices are like back home or maybe they're poor. Try some of the other cities higher u the list and then maybe you'll know what expensive is. Bangkok is not expensive at all.

"The baht makes products cheaper, despite higher prices for daily needs such as groceries, fresh produce, drinks and tobacco, clothing, services and eating out."

Slight contradiction there... !!

No contradiction. It's saying prices have gone up but they're cheaper now than 12 months ago for most expats because we've gained more from currency movement than we've lost by price rises.

Jeez, you guys have a tough time with simple facts.

Weaker baht? Really???

Yes, really. Just look at a currency chart for the last 12 months. I only checked USD and GBP, but baht has weakened against both compared to 12 months ago.

Actually the Baht has been pretty flat against major currencies for the past 5-6 months. And if you happen to get paid in THB things have actually gotten a lot more expensive in the last year.

Maybe, but the report is comparing now to 12 months ago, not the last 5-6 months.