Presnock

1 hour ago, rwill said:

They haven't extended the lines to Ratchaburi yet.

Well the operative word there is "yet".  I was totally surprised when I came back to BKK and the ease with which we can get around the city

now.  The way things are going, maybe progress will more the trains everywhere unless of course the city is under water by then.  Yeah, if

I lived in Ratchaburi, I would have  vehicular transportation.  I really like the several visits we made to Ratchaburi, some nice areas there,

especially near the Myanmar border.  The night skies when we stayed overnights were spectacular too.  Happy Holiday Season

2 hours ago, rwill said:

My wife is from Bang Khen.  She says she likes Bangkok.  Sometimes talks about how she would like to live there.  But I think she remembers Bangkok of 50 years ago.

 

Bangkok is good for shopping but the traffic kills it for me.

with the trains/metro going just about everywhere, why drive?  I moved to CM to get out of traffic 10 years ago, then daughter began college in BKK and wife and I wanted to be closer to her if there were any immediate problems so we kept our house in CM and rent a house in BKK.  Now with the trains etc, there is no reason to drive at all in BKK and now be able to go anywhere in a very comparatively shorter time.  But, I still like CM better but recognize all the available conveniences now in BKK.

32 minutes ago, gearbox said:

The Thais have much better deal than most of the countries in Europe,  they don't pay anything, only collect. Compare this to Europe where millions of so called refugees from that shole Ukraine are collecting benefits for almost 2 years. No wonder the far right is rising fast everywhere there.

I think the move to the far right is hitting most of the western countries as they are the favorite countries for those fleeing the autocrats as the immigrants keep finding govt to give them something for nothing while the citizens get taxed higher to pay for the bennies for the immigrants and for making the schools bi-lingual!

2 hours ago, radiochaser said:

Trumpers answer is violence?   I believe that most of the violence committed in cities like Baltimore, Chicago, New Orleans, Houston, Philadelphia (near where I live) and the like, is not committed by "Trumpers" but by supporters of the democrat party!

My wife opened a restaurant in the city of Philadelphia.  During the first month it was opened, there were 5 murders within a 1 block radius of the restaurant.   There were more murders elsewhere in Philadelphia.  That was in 2012.   And it became worse over the years.  

 

"Halfway through 2023, shootings are down and more killings are solved. But trauma persists.

More than 900 people have been shot in Philadelphia so far this year, a 20% decrease compared with the same time last year, police data show.

Halfway through 2023, the rate of gun violence in Philadelphia has fallen — albeit slightly. And while the moderate decline over the last six months offers some hope, it follows three of the city’s most violent years in recent memory, and the rate of shootings remains double what it was eight years ago."
I bet you 1000 baht that the people that committed those shootings, do not support Trump!

in most of the cities controlled by Dem's the local law has been adapted to letting minorities, youths, etc go without any jail time.  That is the problem,

people do not have to pay for committing crimes.  In one of the east coast cities, one car jacker was shot by an off-duty policeman when the perp tried to hijack him using a gun, that perp had 8 other arrests for armed carjacking the previous 8 months or so and was let out on self recognizance each time, no bail or anything else. It began with the BLM riots and their charges all dropped in most cities.  But the violence was brought out and preached by Trump as that has been his answer to anything said negatively about him.  He even talks about how he could out box Biden.  Anyone who has followed Trump since 2016 should easily see how his rhetoric has influence the masses to violence!  Just like jan 6 - he calls that a peaceful demonstration.  

4 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Japan is safer. But more expensive. 

 

Japan has the world's best Lost & Found. If you lose your wallet, there's a good chance you can go pick it up at the lost & found.

 

Ask Globulin if you don't believe me. He recently moved there. 

 

4 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Japan is safer. But more expensive. 

 

Japan has the world's best Lost & Found. If you lose your wallet, there's a good chance you can go pick it up at the lost & found.

 

Ask Globulin if you don't believe me. He recently moved there. 

 

spent a couple of years in Japan, Fusamachi and Tokyo and totally agree with this.  They are among the most honable/honest people in a crazy world.  I am embarrassed at how bad the US has become - mostly because so many folks are Trumpers and their answer is violence as he teaches!  my opinion anyway and I definitely am not a democrat but gave up on Republicans too

Most dangerous part of "runs" is the fact that if allowed to continue without some treatment (ask any pharmacist what one should keep at home in case of this happening.  As a world traveller (due to work) we always carried medicinal needs, including those for the runs as one might just get a mild case but which could get worse.  After a day or so one can be dangerously dehydrated and should seek immediate help either by pharmacy or doctor.  The pharmacies here are well aware of stomach problems and are always a great help in my opinion.  I always keep electrolytes at home as I exercise regularly and after a good sweat, drink a mixture of the same with water.  imodium is a great one to STOP the runs.  good luck

3 hours ago, JimGant said:

 

We must be on different frequencies..... I was responding to your, "If the the USA-Thai DTA article 20 Pars. 2 & 3 are applied, I won't have any tax bill in Thailand at all." And, yes, para 2 will keep your Social Security from being taxed. But para 3 clearly states that any income from an annuity owned by you is taxed by the contracting state in which you are a resident. Thus, Thailand, if you're a tax resident, gets first taxation dibs on your annuity income (if remitted). If you're just saying you won't have any Thai tax bill, it's not from any protection you believe para 3 is giving you.

according to the DTA art 20 1 & 2 and Article 21 para 2, us govt pensions can only be taxed by the US unless the person is not only a citizen but a resident of Thailand.  I receive a us govt pension based on 40 years working for the US govt and upon birth was a us citizen.

5 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

You said earlier this topic to me: What's new in 2024 is that your 65K (per month) is now reportable.

 

Fine. But it looks like you want to be 180+ days per year tax resident in Thailand with no reportable income.

 

Legally.

checkout your DTA with Thailand...sometimes certain incomes are not taxable by your residence country if you are automatically paying taxes in your home country's payments..also check out  "Thai.examiner.com" has some interesting reads on this subject too.  And, don't forget, The Thai committee is still working on this and there are a number of influential Thais that seem to be arguing against this progect too. As we all know TIT and anything could happen or not.

20 hours ago, jerrymahoney said:

I expect the first line of inquiry may be when Immigration says they won't give you an extension of stay without a Thai tax number (TIN)

 

Also from Mazars:

 

According to the Revenue Department, it will seek opinions from the stakeholders affected by the new rule and issue guidelines to provide more clarity. The plan includes an amendment of the personal income tax return form to facilitate the foreign tax credit claim.

 

https://www.mazars.co.th/Home/Insights/Doing-Business-in-Thailand/Tax/Thailand-Tax-Foreign-Income-Taxable-from-2024

 

When or if that happens,  I will comply.

 

I am not on here asking questions as to "How will they find out if ..."

suggest all read their country's DTA with Thailand and what can or cannot be taxed...US - article 20 is interesting

14 hours ago, Wrwest said:

I am in a relative same boat. USA Social Security plus withdrawals from retirement savings fund. All subject to USA income tax. But my annual total falls below taxation levels so there are no taxes owed to Uncle Sam. All these retirement funds were earned based on income from previous years. I am hoping that the USA tax treaty between the USA and Thailand will preclude any taxation of income that I am required to bring into Thailand (at 65K a month). I can envision a diplomatic issue here.

Read the DTA with Thailand, article 20 talks about pensions etc

2 hours ago, Presnock said:

THIS EXPLANATION FOR THE CANADIAN EX-PATS IS THE PERFECT REASON OR ALL TO CHECK ANY DTA YOUR COUNTRY HAS WITH THAILAND

Yeah, I originally asked a tax prep consultant about this and they told me that the govt of residence could tax my US govt pension but that then I would be give a tax credit in the difference between the two tax charts.  I checked the DTA today, Article 20 states the same as the Canadian DTA, that

state pensions could only be taxed by the state that pays that pension. i.e. the US govt. so I we shouldn't have to pay any tax to the Thai govt but only show them (in my case) a copy of the pension yearly chart or my W2's showing how much my pension for the year was and the tax with held.  But, TIT and listening to someone like on a video on "Thai Examiner.com", who knows what the final will look like.  Happy Holidays to all

1 hour ago, jaideedave said:

JG..thanks so much for clarifying this for me. I've tried to decipher the gov't docs and my "cognitive function" cells shut down.

That gives me peace of mind for now. cheers

THIS EXPLANATION FOR THE CANADIAN EX-PATS IS THE PERFECT REASON OR ALL TO CHECK ANY DTA YOUR COUNTRY HAS WITH THAILAND

1 hour ago, jaideedave said:

1. Pensions and other similar remuneration, whether they consist of periodic or non-periodic payments, for past employment, arising in a Contracting State and paid to a resident or the other Contracting State shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned State.

2. For the purpose of paragraph 1 such remuneration for past employment shall be deemed to arise in a Contracting State if the payer is that State itself, a political subdivision, a local authority or a resident of that State.

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/tax-policy/tax-treaties/country/thailand-convention-1984.html

GOOD ON CANADA.  HOPE IT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR FELLOW EX-PATS

2 hours ago, UKresonant said:

That's the over 179 days and you  get salt in the coffee version. Not so much of an incentive to exceed the threshold, if you are not permanently there anyway.

The tax system would become even more arrogant than my home countries system, as positive circumstance of being (tax) resident is perhaps substantially less. Except the temperature perhaps 

Final version anticipated, but when will they get round to it, is anybodys guess.

suggest all google "Thai examiner.com" for their inputs into this issue.  Several good articles.

On 12/15/2023 at 11:10 AM, jaideedave said:

I foresee a bureaucratic nightmare on the horizon. Another useless paper copying exercise aka visa renewals and lets throw in translation services.

 

In my case as a non resident of Canada my pensions are subjected to a 25% withholding tax.

However because my income is below a certain threshold my income is tax excempt. I pay zero taxes. (Form NR5)

How do I convince Somchai or Noi at RD about this legal decision?

I do have the letter stating this fact but thats all.

Fingers crossed this whole thing just fades away.

 

Check out your country's DTA with Thailand - if they don't tax it, and it meets the Thai threshold then the Thais most ikely can legally tax those funds.

8 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

They failed to make money on legalized weed tax. Can you imagine the nightmare if they move forward with this nonsense.

The seminar speakers also mentioned that they want to tax ALL income one recieves during the tax year, not only that remitted into Thailand and that they were also talking about credit card use and ATM withdrawals.  Since the countries with a DTA will supposedly exchange info on one's income, who knows where it will stop or begin? Have a healthy and happy holiday season

2 hours ago, UKresonant said:

 

Only above a certain threshold, or if you become a focus of attention I think. If you do not have obvious method of legitimate funds and they start digging. 

How would they even know if the person was a Tax Resident. That data load would be substantial!

Yes your non resident visitor could be withdrawing the money from the ATM..

 

 

When you exchange money at a booth they take a copy of your passport as required by the Bank of Thailand regs. So in theory they could have the data field with your passport number, but don't know what level the company needs to report at, I would be thinking not at that detailed level currently?

 

 

You have to fill one out over a certain threshold, as it has always been in recent years, If you have  obvious substantial amounts to report maybe better doing one for your own piece of mind (or keep the records of zero tax liability)

They want to discuss and assess your Tax return that was your duty to file .

 

Recent unquote-able article suggested not to all dash down the RD office. seems they may make things clearer, and they will be generally be after big fish.

 

Think they are more likely to detect unexplained wealth, like HiSo spending level with nothing plausible declared, like if it all was drawn on ATM cards. Or if that Thai official cannot explain their new Porsche purchase. 

Seminar I listened too said that they were checking out what to do about credit card use and ATM withdrawals too.  That they are looking at all income earned for the year whether it is within THailand or not as long as you are a resident in their country and whether or not you sent it all into Thailand that year or kept part of it in your home country.  Until the final version is out the final version will not be complete

9 hours ago, Neeranam said:

How so? Can't they choose to pay tax in Thailand rather than another country? They won't have to pay it twice.

Check out your country's DTA with Thailand for what they could charge as payble in Thailand

Wold be wise to check your country's DTA status with thailand as that is where one ould find out what will be taxed.  Fm the seminar I listened to, the Thai side wishes to taX ALL income be it earned or not and they will supposedly be exchanging data with one's native country as well for ALL income reporting.  

12 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Peace ?????? Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Syria, Gaza, Gaza, Libanon, Bosnia, Congo, Korea, Israel, Ethiopia, Falkland, Panama, Georgia, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine.....probably I forgot some. You might add them.

And this you call Peace????

I don't. You must be an Alien. Just arrived??😂🧑‍🎄🎄🤣. Merry Christmas 🦌

actually since the gen X Y and Z have gotten their voting rights' age and it seems to be going downhill too rapidly.  Now we have such polarized political views around the world, it seems very few people are not only not happy with life but appear to be very belligerent and too often just attack!  A sorry state of affairs.  Glad I am in Thailand but it even seems to be showing up here.  Hope everyone has a healthy and happy holiday season.

if your pension is not taxed in Canada but does meet Thai tax table then the Thais will probably tax any money you send beginning Jan 1 2024, But like I said above, they are still trying to finalize the law.  

Based on what I heard on the 15th, the Thais are meeting regularly to work out all the details on this tax.  Also, since 61 countries have a DTA with Thailnd, they didn't go into anything about those but advised that individuals should check out their country's DTA for details.  Just google "DTA between your country and Thailand."  As for the USA our DTA indicates that the Thais will most likely provide a "tax credit" for any taxes we pay on our income of all types.  This most likely means that at the end of the Tax Year, we will have to provide a W2 showing income received and taxes paid on that amount.  BUT as I and others plus these 3 Embassy seminar speakers continue to advise that nothing is final until the final is written and signed off by a Royal Decree.  

2 hours ago, Liquorice said:

@Ravi98008

You currently have an extension of stay until April 16th 2024.
Your current passport expires March 6th 2025.

 

Submit your extension application as normal in 2024 using existing passport.
You will however only be given permission of stay until March 6, 2025, that being the expiry date of your current passport.

 

Towards the end of 2024 apply for a new passport.
When you receive the new passport, take it to Immigration, and they will transfer stamps from your old passport to the new.
Your permission of stay is not affected, and you'll receive a new stamp in your new passport still permitting you to stay until March 6th 2025.

 

This really is a no-brainer.
If you replace your passport now, you're losing over 11 months of a perfectly valid passport, as opposed to doing your extension in 2024 as normal and lose only 5 weeks permission of stay.

Your annual extension application date will change to March 6 for future years.

 

 

 

also, on the embassy web page about new passport applications, one of the qualifying questions asked is do you hae 6 months or less left on your current passport?  Not sure if you have over a year left on your passport, if they will process it or not.  Won't hurt to asked them first.

On 11/29/2023 at 11:03 PM, treetops said:

Yes, as long as the bank transfer process shows them as coming in from overseas.

As mentioned above, I do and have done the 65K monthly for years since the EMB dropped the letter of verificaton, you will have to have your bank provide a letter giving 12 monthly transfers from overseas of 65K, never less but can do more but EVERY month must be at least 65K.  The bank will verify your account, plus at CM they want a copy of EVERY page of your bank book too.  

On 11/27/2023 at 9:56 AM, Ebumbu said:

The problem with monthly transfers is that they're going to start being taxed on Jan 1st, 2024. Best to bring in the 800k or more now, if possible, to get in under the wire. 

Well, they will most likely, keep a count of funds coming into the country unless immigration is going to change amounts and then at the end of the year (first will be 01 Jan 2025, you will get a tax  bill on the funds brought into the country.  However, they are still working on the new law and NOONE really knows that the final will say so...

8 hours ago, NONG CHOK said:

To apply for a Thai one year visa you must have at least one full year left on your passport. If I were you I would re apply for a passport renewal immediately.

3 hours ago, steve187 said:

yes you can, then renew passport november/december 2024

USA passport has to be done through the consular section of the embassy.  Their web site says 6-8 weeks for the renewal - I just did mine and it took less than a month.  very quick and efficient now I guess.  Best to get it sooner rather than too late so that when you go to immigration to hem extend the long stay, take old passport and new passport, have them transfer the visa, and any pertinent data into the new passport plus your new expension.