timendres

Not even close to true. I have spent ten years hiring kids fresh out of college. Sure, the "context" changes, and the world is moving faster and getting smaller. But as I read the paper from 1990, I kept nodding and seeing its relevance even today. 25yo Thais are interpreting the modern world within the framework of their culture and, in my humble opinion, managing it better than their western counterparts.

Well, in the case of my extension based on a work permit, the shear heft of the documents required, along with everything being in Thai, I was not about to even attempt such a task -- an agent is necessary. However, I did my first retirement extension on my own, as well as my marriage extension (with help from the wife). So, as you say, these do not require an agent, unless you just like having someone to hold your hand and do the talking for you.

I believe they will notify you before the visit. But even if they do not, you are "traveling" to Bangkok, and you can arrange an appointment with them when you return to Pattaya.

That has been my experience for 10 years - 9 with a work permit extension and this year with retirement. But it is an added expense that most do not want, or need, to pay.

I have had this issue with many computers in Thailand, and it has always been the result of not having a proper ground. When I have a proper ground, the same computer that gave me the tingles no longer does.

Not a chance that the wages are higher working in the casino. At least for the working girls. Support staff would likely see similar wages.

Just refer to your "Scout Coins" and you are in!

The laws in question are about minors. We have many laws regarding minors that would be unacceptable for an adult.

Old days, special forces. These days, crypto millionaire / digital nomad.

I am not sure if you actually need to put the 800k back before the second renewal. I think that if you keep it above 400k throughout the year, and you are using the income method for the second year, then you have met the requirements set out by the deposit method used for the first year - balance maintained above 400k. Since you are then using the income method for the second year, and you have proof of your monthly deposits, then I believe you will not need to have the full 800k in your account at renewal time. I plan to do this next year, but I have never done this, so it would be better if someone who has can confirm.

#1 - Be sure to get the "Credit Advice" document from the bank originating the transfer to Thailand. This is the document that shows the originating bank's initiation of the transfer. When you arrive in Thailand, go to SCB bank and get the same "Credit Advice" document from them, showing the receipt of the transfer. Chaeng Watthana wanted both of these documents when I applied using the deposit method. Not sure if KK will require both, but almost certainly one of them. #4 - You need to keep that balance above 800k until at least 3 months after you get your retirement extension. But I suspect you already knew that.

True. Not true. Insurance companies live and die by actuarial tables. They pay out what works within that context. For healthy people, it is sunk money. For those who make claims, it is a godsend. That is the nature of insurance.

Being on a retirement extension, and having considered these tax implications, I decided that if I needed to avoid the taxes, I would spend 190 days outside Thailand, but keep the retirement extension. With the extension and multi-entry re-entry permit, I can enter and exit TH at will, which is a convenience that I want. That said, the tax hit would have to be extraordinary to overcome to additional cost of splitting my time between here and somewhere else.

You use the word "crashing". This is not crashing. When that happens, you will not be able to see through your tears to post with your trembling hands.

The only place I ever had a proper oven was in a townhouse.

HEADLINE: Lockheed Martin Stock Reacts To News Of Thai Demands

I would be surprised if the rent could pull even 2,500 per month. More likely 2,000.

When I see the disappointed look on a Thai girl's face, I always explain, "But you ordered the Original recipe".

"Above the law".... or, they are the law.

I am not sure a sniper would be much use in a neighborhood like his one. Those townhouses (hong taos) have very little open exposure and are made of concrete. When I lived in one, my primary complaint was the lack of sunlight. A sniper, in close quarters like that, would have very little chance of acquiring a target. Especially one who know he wis a target. And with a hostage.

JIB is good, in my experience.

Please, and with the utmost respect, I beg you to reread what you have typed here. This is the introduction to every story of a man losing everything in Thailand. My suggestion would be to enter on the longest tourist visa you can obtain. Then I would extend that visa once while I was in Thailand. I am not sure what your passport allows, but if you can get a 30 day visa and extend that another 30 days, this will give you two months in Thailand. While you are here, you can meet with a legitimate (I stress legitimate) agent who can detail all of your options for you, and the cost involved with executing those options. Finally, my strongest recommendation is to not settle on one Thai gf/wife for at least one year. Date. Go out and party a little. Flirt with girls at the mall. Just do not commit to anyone for at least one year. This will possibly help you avoid disaster. And even if I did marry a Thai woman, I would likely never buy or build a house here. That is a more difficult decision to make, because some guys here have done exactly that, and they are very happy. But I believe they are the exception. Personally, I would not do it, unless I was simply "gifting" the house to the girl.

That is a fair point. If the amount of money is so large that it raises eyebrows, then either that money is not legitimate, or it is (say you have a high paying job for 10 years in Thailand, or a condo investment paid off big after many years). In the latter case, I am sure that walking into a bank, and enduring several hours of nonsense, would provide a reasonable means of moving that money. In the former case, might I recommend BTC?

Right. In my case, I believe the request for the deed was due to the fact that the actual owner was not in the "blue book" . Hence the request for a deed to verify the owner issuing the lease.

They requested the deed in my case as well. My agent stated that they only ask for this on the first application. We will see if they request it again next year.