Presnock

On 2/14/2025 at 8:25 AM, Jingthing said:

I like Cream of Wheat too but based on the price here, I have never bought it.

Impossible to "stretch" it like Grape Nuts.

I may as explain what I mean.

To stretch Grape Nuts for a cereal breakfast I use a mix of other cheaper not crunchy grains including Thai sourced no sugar corn flakes, Australian no sugar multigrain Muesli surprisingly cheap, Orgran rice puffs also Aussie I think, and then just two tablespoons of Grape Nuts. The Grape Nuts crunch and taste dominates.

organic rolled oats from UK are pretty cheap here too, especially compared to other rolled oats non organic.

10 hours ago, hankypankee said:

Well done. Very much like a real Bob Smith post. He will surely be honored by your shout out to him. As we know, he has no ego. Maybe he's on the beach in Spain right now reading your tribute. 

Probably just a case of over tourism - seems now every day  another article surfaces with the govt touting the more and moree tourists coming plus how much money they are spending!  Ride the BKK trains and you will seldom  find an open seat anywhere!

7 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Why does anybody pay attention to that idiot? 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$

10 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy:Thai Rath

 

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has swiftly responded to allegations concerning potential land encroachment by a golf course owned by his family. Located in the scenic Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima, the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club faces scrutiny from Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives over its land title claims.

 

The investigation's roots trace back to suspicions that the sprawling golf course might be infringing on land designated for agricultural reform. As the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party and minister of the interior, Anutin has staunchly rebutted what he perceives as an attack with political undercurrents, asserting his readiness to validate the legality of the land's title.

 

The spark for this inquiry was ignited following revelations about the illicit expansion of the Lam Takong self-help settlement project. This project has been found encroaching upon lands including forest reserves and areas managed by the Agricultural Land Reform Office (Alro).

 

Thanadol Suwannarit, an adviser to the agriculture minister, has confirmed the plans to probe these infringements, especially the issuance of land rights that transition into full deeds after five years.

 

Among the disputed territories lies a vast 40,000-rai expanse covering multiple sub-districts around Khao Yai National Park's foothills. Within this vicinity are businesses linked to influential personalities, among them an unnamed “high-profile politician.”

 

While the golf course bears the necessary legal documentation, investigators will be examining its acquisition process to determine if it indeed overlaps with restricted Alro land.

 

Anutin has expressed that his family's venture has existed for decades, long predating current tensions. He has assured compliance by offering up relevant documents for official inspection. Nonetheless, he has criticised the scrutiny as unsporting, suggesting ulterior motives behind the investigation.

 

The situation echoes past controversies involving Thailand's elite, notably those with political strings woven throughout land ownership debates. The Ministry of the Interior, under Anutin’s command, recently revoked land titles linked to the Alpine Golf and Sports Club, property of the renowned Shinawatra family.

 

This move seemingly reciprocates preceding actions by the Ministry of Transport to reclaim lands in Buri Ram, tied to notable figures in Anutin's political sphere, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-15

 

 

DUH!  Surprised that he was so vocal about Taksin and ALpine golf course!  Also under contro of Taksin for decades>  Strange...

23 hours ago, Grumpy one said:

There are more than enough Muslims in Australia.

Fortunately they hate each other more than the locals , which brings out late night gun play.

The upside is they are thinning out their own fanatical garbage

We note regularly Sunni and <deleted>e bombing/killing each other.  Islam supposedly founded in 600 AD century, and after he died, the two different sides couldn't accept one or the other as the Muslim religious leader so they have been at war a long time.  I read not too long ago that the fastest growing religion today is ISLAM, and fail to understand why Christianity which claims to be a peace loving religion loses out in growth by a radicallized for most of the Muslims I have met in their own nations. Now they are pouring into the west., not assimilating into the western culture  but now massing together a a voting bloc so that they can elect one of their own to the local electorate and then begin trying to establish Sharia law as opposd to the western workd.  I also fail to understand that after living as slaves for millenia, female Muslims still do not overthrow those radicalized males.  Perfect example - supposedly Iran recognizes several different religions but especiall sunni Islam.  When they overthrew  the Shah in 1979, women had total freedom, free education through professional status, dressed western style clothes, etc . Yeah the SHAH was no freedom for all type and really horrible for quite some time but then moderated somewhat in his treatment of the citizens so I understand why they overthrew his leadership but why, like Afghanistan, the females accepted returning to slavery of the Stone Age.

21 hours ago, 1FinickyOne said:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a tax accountant to deal with the approaching deadlines for income tax? 

On this forum alone, there have been several tax agencies offering their services.  Can easily contact and find out about charges.  Though from what I have read, one can take their finance paperwork to a local revenue dept office and they will fillin the forms for you or advise you about your assessable income,.  Unless one's financial situationis very compolicated, I would think it should be easy and if complicated, then yes, contact one of the local tax agencies such as "expattaxthailand.com" Carl has provided me with info previously and they offer a 15-minute free consultation on one's taxes.  Good luck.

On 4/21/2021 at 6:28 PM, Presnock said:

Hum

Every body is different.  Many of the things you mention that you have been eating in attempts to lose weight are not weight losing foods.  Mangos are high in sugar albeit natural sugar but still sugar thus high calorie.  Nuts are high calorie too but are suggested snack foods, just don't eat very many in any one day.  Sandwiches include bread, if white bread totally useless for your health and if whole grains then again high in calories.  I am now 74 and three years ago i weighed 83 kilos and wanted to drop a few kilos for health reasons. Until 65 I ran 5 miles (8km) every day at about a 7-min mile sometimes less.  After 65 I worried about my knees and hips as there were very few non-cement or asphalt places to run so I began walking.  Now as I mentioned 3 years ago I started a 5 mile walk in the AM before the sun came up and a 5-mile walk in the evening when the sun was very low or gone.  I also changed some of my diet, eating steel-cut oatmeal, blueberries, strawberries, flax seed meal and low-fat or non-fat yogurt and used walnut milk or almond milk.  I also include 2 tblspoons of apple cider vinegar with the mother and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  In the first 2 months of this I lost 8.5 kilos and then the next two months I lost nothing and then I began gaining weight.  The body naturally starts adjusting when a diet changes and the change is maintained.  Then, to stop gaining weight I normally eat just about anything other than white rice - like white bread is useless.  But, I ate all my meals daily between 6AM to 4 PM and no snacks of any kind other than occasional walnuts (12 halves) in the afternoon.  I maintained the weight to 75kilos but last year I decided to lose 5 if I could.  I cut down on more meats and opted for more veggies.  I did lose that 5 kilos but a long while and am maintaining 69/70 kilos now with a 6 mile walk every morning before sunup.  Also I lift weights 2-3 times per week 1 and 1/2 hour plus about 6 months ago I started serious core exercises about 60 minutes per session, on days I don't lift weights and due to age and studies, I use light weights only but do enough reps to totally tire the muscles each time with 20 second pause between sets and as I do more and more I add additional weight or increase sets and managed to drop 3 inches off my waist with no weight lost so obviously converted fat to muscle which also helps burn more calories.  I walk the 6 mile walk at a 16 to 18.5 minutes per mile even wearing my n95 mask when the pollution is about 40 (I have a monitor to check it every time I go out.  There are numerous exercise programs (also include stretches with any program) on you tube so one can easily find one that suits your desires.  Good luck on the loss of weight or just a shift from fat to muscles.

for anyone wanting to lose weight, after I had figured I wouldn't lose anymore weight, I read Dr. William Li/s books on diet to beat disease and diet to beat your diet - these are not normal DIET books per se.  He researches foods for prevention and curing or diesease. uiHe expains why it is difficult to lose weight because we eat the wrong foods.  I changed my diet, eating only those foods that are healthy.  At the same time, I eat during one 5 hour period a day and fast the other 19 hours.  I eat a ton of fruits with my oatmeal, and greek style probiotic yougurt, a total waste if lo-cal or lo-fat so the greek style yogurt also has more protein, drink 2 cups of coffee a day 2 cups of green tea with ginger, no sugary drinks or diet drinks, seeds, nuts, turmeric, black pepper, chili pepper, sesame seeds, chia seed, sunflower seeds  no red meats mostly salmon sea bass or chicken with steamed or lightly sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and exercise 1to 2hours per day (6 km daily walking, 1 hour core when no weights and 1.5 hours weigts 2-3 times a week) and I lost that final 6 pounds..  I never snack, any bread is sour dough only but not too often and some hard cheeses.  With my cereal I also throw in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste - the weigth loss was as I am 78 years old

On 2/13/2025 at 12:56 PM, Red Phoenix said:

Because a positive PCR-test was considered 'proof' of being infected with Covid-19, irrespective of whether you had a cold or the flu or any other illness.  Also when you didn't had any symptoms.  

The PCR-test to determine Covid-19 infection, was - and still is - an absolute scam, and the article I posted makes the role of that test in fueling the pandemic hysteria, absolutely clear.

And so the title of the article should be read as 'Why is it that despite all the evidence that there was no pandemic, that people still believe in Covid?'.  

And the comments from all those that didn't even read the article with the arguments made by the authors, but immediately discarded it as a 'loony conspiracy' actually provides the answer to that rhetoric question. 

 

But just think how happy those 500+ BILLIONAIRES area that were created during that "pandemic" many in the Pharmaceutical industry!

5 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

But they did so now we're stuck with the momentous damage he's doing. 

Same thing happened in 2016, Trump won not because the people really liked him, but that they hated Hillary, this time they hated the Democratic team of Biden and Co. (Kamala), IMHO had the Dems chose a moderate poliician, then that person would have beat Trump.  I sure wouldn't vote for Trump, and didn't in either election but I would never vote for a Democrat due to their policies either.

5 hours ago, hotsun said:

The question is why would americans want permanent resident status in thailand? The country has no moral compass. They deal with russia china and iran. Thailand will forgive any bad behavior by foreigners for the right price

no love for any particular ideology, deal with western countries too, only concern is making money from all countries.  From the Nomad Capitalist, daily changes of visas, taxes, etal in many countries recently after the OECD agreement signed in 2023..

22 hours ago, jacey said:

can i renew my US passport at the US consulate in Bangkok with walk in appointment instead of doing online

read the Consulation instructions on passport renewal.  I did the on line and it was super easy with good service.

FYI: bill re-introduced in Congress to cease US taxes on social security

https://www.myfederalretirement.com/hr-1040-social-security

On 2/10/2025 at 4:33 PM, WDSmart said:

I have only one question: Are transfer deposits of US Social Security retirement funds subject to Thai taxes? In other words, are US Social Security retirement payments considered "foreign income"?

NOT AT ALL! Only taxable by the US!

On 2/10/2025 at 5:56 PM, Jingthing said:

Yeah I guess you're right. I was thinking in the U.S. context where it would mean what I said. State vs. federal. 

that is why one needs to read their own DTA agreement to better understand what their taxation position is.

On 2/10/2025 at 4:33 PM, WDSmart said:

I have only one question: Are transfer deposits of US Social Security retirement funds subject to Thai taxes? In other words, are US Social Security retirement payments considered "foreign income"?

non-assessable, thus not taxable by Thailand, only US 

19 minutes ago, connda said:

Why?  So they can appease overly-paranoid farangs who don't owe the TRD any taxes, but who have been scared s***less by this continued scary-talk on AN forums over the last year about "New Tax Rules" that aren't even new? They tweaked a regulation to close a loop-hole kids, the laws aren't new.

Most expats who have done their homework, have done a dry-run on their tax assessments, and own nothing should just keep their records in a file box and then take a huge Chill-Pill and relax.  Trust me, the Thai government doesn't want to spend money to process paperwork for paranoid farangs who don't owe the Thai government any tax money.

Unless some farang feels like paying any amount whether correct or not just so he can feel ??SAFE??

On 2/7/2025 at 7:42 PM, Hummin said:

You can bash anything you want for me, I got my experience living many places, and I know what I enjoy, and not enjoy. So my decisions is rooted in experience and knownledge, not hope and dreams or illusions. 

 

And a good start, not being so negative to others experiences and choices. To many here have to constantly share their black view on everything

Just have to agree.  During my working days, I worked and lived in many countries, EU, Africa, Central AM and Asia.  I know what I like or don't like and how to survive in just about any different country.  I still love Thailand and have no plans of ever leaving.

On 1/17/2025 at 9:35 AM, impulse said:

 

I disagree.  Thailand has changed, for sure.  But so has "back home". 

 

The correct comparison isn't Thailand 2025 vs Thailand 1980.  The best comparison is Thailand 2025 vs Back Home 2025.

 

When I returned in 2019 to the USA after 20 years in Asia (10 of those in Thailand), it was not the same place I left.  I'm staying in China now for personal reasons (sick GF), but I plan to retire to Thailand.  I love it here.  (I'm in BKK for my monthly visa run). 

 

But I'd also be remiss not to check out Mexico, just because it's a 2 hour flight to see the family and get Medicare, not a 30 hour travesty from LOS.  That's the only downside to Thailand, especially with "pre-existing conditions" that make health insurance so expensive at my age.

 

actually I get a newsletter almost daily from "Nomad Capitalist" and from the articles I read, changes amond countries are taking place daily.  Some countries are searching for RICH and UltraRICH people while some will settle for well off retirees.  Tax systems are also changing in many countries as so many signed onto the OECD agreement.  Therefore, one even contemplating relocating to another potentially retiree-heaven, must be kept up to date on any recent changes possible changes by seeking a local forum to get the impressions of the expats in that location.  Best of luck.

34 minutes ago, wimpy said:

Do you have a source for this? Have not heard about it.

You can write to American Citizens Abroad for some info or to the Inernal Revenue Service (IRS) of the US about taxing of US citizens living abroad.

https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/international/tax-response-of-citizen-resident-aliens-living-abroad/ I am a member of the ACA so get regular emails about any issues Congress is working on.  anyone can join.

3 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Quick hypothetical question

 

I want to transfer 1,2 million in to my bank account tomorow from my savings, and I am going to stay 7 months this year.

 

I am obligated to pay tax this year?

we are foreigners so can give you tax advice...you need to check the law about remittance of foreign income.

32 minutes ago, CK1980 said:

I'm no expert but I think you have completely misunderstood what a DTA is. The clue is in the name, DOUBLE tax agreement. It is to avoid paying tax twice, not for 'anti tax heathens' to avoid tax. It is just for specific situations where you are earning money in one place and getting taxed on it, then living in another place where they try and tax it again. 

 

As I said, I think the confusion comes in as the tax should actually be paid in the tax residence country, so the DTA should be used to avoid paying tax in the original country.

 

 

suggest yu read the DTA for your country before making decision on what they are for.  All are different, some give exclusive taxing rights for the original country while some give taxing right to the tax resident country.

30 minutes ago, CK1980 said:

I'm no expert but I think you have completely misunderstood what a DTA is. The clue is in the name, DOUBLE tax agreement. It is to avoid paying tax twice, not for 'anti tax heathens' to avoid tax. It is just for specific situations where you are earning money in one place and getting taxed on it, then living in another place where they try and tax it again. 

 

As I said, I think the confusion comes in as the tax should actually be paid in the tax residence country, so the DTA should be used to avoid paying tax in the original country.

 

 

then you need to check your country's DTA.  The US DTA specifically claims taxing right on social security and civil service pension.  Some others do too but I haven't read them so....