Presnock

14 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

Good luck that America would never ever do such thing in foreign countries... 

yeah, I realize we have folks doing that but They just shut part of that down - no US aid for free!  And, we do no have lobbyists pouring illegaly into those "enemy" countries as they are no stupid enough to let us do that to them.

11 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

First, I would stay away from the Revenue Dept. Wait and see if and how they are going to enforce this. May never happen.

 

If they want me they are going to have to drag me down there, kicking and screaming in protest. I cannot see how the Thai Revenue Dept has any right to tax foreign income. None of their business, I refuse to pay.

 

Thais have long kept two sets of account books. One of which gets shown to the Tax man.

 

Many Thais keep no records at all and simply give the tax man a brown envelope if he comes calling.

 

Have two bank accounts. One you show the tax office, which always stays within the max allowance. And another account for additional funds.

 

If all else fails, leave Thailand. Time we farang stood up and told em where to stuff it.

sNot sure I totally agree with you, I do believe in paying taxes to some country - though as an American I have no choice.  Now the US is changing some tax laws so that those Americans being tax resident in foreign  countries can opt out of US taxes and just pay Thailand or whatever country they are there as a tax resident.

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

To me another IDIOT and I apologize to you for saying this, but to allow them to run rough shod to speak over you so that you could not be totally prepared when you went there, to just accept what you know to possibly be incorrect against you but saying it isn'e worth wasting your time...the next time it might not be so easy as if they see just how easy some expats are they might try even more angles that are not correct!  Glad you are happy.

On 2/8/2025 at 10:50 AM, Stiddle Mump said:

Another interesting, but for me at least, difficult study to read. Maybe the translation skewed the sentences. Thanks to the diligent and tenacious Red.

 

Does the study has come from the angle that vaccinations, can be worthwhile?

 

I'm not keen on using computer modeling and estimating and visualising in these sort of studies. They start off from a hypothetical stance, and from then on it's basically vague and irrelevant. Nonsense even; in a scientific sense.

 

I find the reference #11 (The NIH in America) particularly irksome. They are either simply stupid, or compromised. There is no science behind their statements what-so-ever. It's money for old rope for these white-coat dunces.

 

IMO, the covid vax cannot help the recipient at all, and they have done nothing but harm.

When the pharmaceutical companies get the govt to pass legislation preventing anyone from suing those pharmaceutical companies developing and producing the vaccines due to irregular testing then to me that is a sure sign that the pharmas are guitly as many people believe.  On top of that an interesting fact easily checked by googling "new Billionaires" during COVID-19".  Wonder why they didn't release all he details of the lack of proper testing earlier?  Way too much money at risk!  Lots of politicians with advance notice got their share too I bet.

3 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

The school work was started 3 weeks ago. IMO poor construction quality. looks like they  are trying to have this done for Songkran. I have never seen such watery cement and it is not poured on gravel, but direct on the dirt and is a fraction of the depth we see in places like Singapore, Miami,  Lisbon etc. 

They were pouring cement during the peak tourist season in the block south of  Market Village, and you don't need to be a genius to know what happened next: people walked into the cement. There are footprints through one stretch. They don't even properly  mark off the work so the clueless people just wander on through.  They are trying to bring in  lowered sections at each end of the block. Unfortunately, they didn't take into consideration the width of child strollers or wheelchairs, so they are not compatible, They are not even standardized. I don't know what they were thinking. Doesn't look like there were engineers supervising either, otherwise the defects would have been addressed.

advance planning of work projects is the same as "preventive maintenance" in the Thai mind.

On 2/11/2025 at 8:12 AM, lordgrinz said:

 

Foreigners don't come because it's a "family friendly" place, they come to get stupid drunk, maybe get high, chase after younger women (or ladyboys), and indulge all kinds of perverted fantasies. These same people go home and brag about their stay and how it's a lawless society where anything goes, then the cycle repeats itself. I mean people aren't seriously deluded into believing that Pattaya is anything more than a World Class City of Sin, right? 

Based on a lot of the stories we read each day, not only is it a male oriented search for something out of the ordinary but many young ladies too seem to be chasing something and many times leading to much worse than they or their family can imagine.

4 minutes ago, bunnydrops said:

You said something about lobbyists?

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/bondi-ends-fbi-effort-combat-foreign-influence-us-politics-rcna191012

But, I thought we were talking about US citizens, foreigners trying to influence the US officials/citizens is another different animal, but they too have been invading the country from different borders.

3 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

Well on the other tax thread one guy had been to the tax office 4  yes 4 times because they would not give him a TIN and said he owed no taxes...

 

The guy could not let a sleeping horse lay.....And was desperate to pay taxes whether he owed them or not...

like I have read too many times since last year and have responded too, plus numerous webinars from RD officials to tax agents to "tax experts" some of which did in fact produce accurate charts and info where one could read for themselves.  What I have seen ifrom hundreds of questions and answers, many times repeated daily, is that at this point everyone should realize that the Govt, Finance Ministry, Revenue Dept, tax agents, forum users, continue saying exactly what is at the beginning of this forum - this is an opinion forum.  Now, if one has specifics, one can go to the RD web page and can find some accurate information but which most likely will not fit 100% of one's question, thus must GUESS again.  Or one can go to one of the numerous local rd offices and learn that there too they will guess at your situation even if there is a CLEAR answer to many questions especially for American retirees on a civil service pension or drawing social security - this has been answered numerous times over the past year - there is no gray area about these two incomes - they are exempt by the DTA between the US and Thailand.  Other countries too have some exemptions.  Other retirees, not working in Thailand, have an LTR which exempts their foreign income remitted into Thailand.  Others have ony funds coming out of savings with documentation proving that these funds were in the savings account prior to 01 January 2023,  One group of LTR folks may be working with a BOI assisted work permit and thus pay a lower tax on their earnings - one can easily check out the benefits of  the BOI LTR.  Getting a tax ID number although one doesn't have any assessable income remitted - by definition, the RD should not issue a ID number and even when advised about this, the expat/foreigner wants to argue or continue seeking that ID number.  I sure don't understand what is wrong with some of these people.   But if someone wants to waste their time, achieve no workable and accurate filing tax forms that are incomplete and useless for that individual, I guess I should ask myself why even waste my time so  I will cease to respond to any queries on this subject but I do wish the best to all.

47 minutes ago, Enzian said:

And has that change actually been set in stone, or does it need to be formally published or could it still be taken to court or something?

I could be mistaken but I thought this was published in the Gazette but in any case, it wasn't really a change to the law, just an interpretation that was used for many years so the arliament didn't have to weigh in on it.  Go back tro the original forums where this interpretation first began and read the thousands of guesses on the meanings and how it affects expats and local thai workers in or out of the country.

17 hours ago, thesetat said:

the lady was estimating without using any form. she showed me calculator showing 27000 baht for the amount of my SSI. Not including my kids portion. 

you could maybe get the same figure by checking with any of the taxagents!  at least you could get a 15-minute free consultation - especially if it is about exemption of US SS payments!  or just READ the US-Thai DTA article 20!

17 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

Until then, have your wife call TRD helpline #1161 to get valid information.

15 hours ago, anrcaccount said:

 

I know, that's why I said " with your logic" .

 

Meaning that, if he was trying to declare it this year, he should have also tried to declare it for many years previously. 

 

 

Current US-Thai DTA has been in effect since signing in 1997!  easy enough to check instead of guessing all the time.

Exactly as I and several others have previously mentioned.  Read the available information on assessable income and then MOST non working retirees have no assessable income to fill in on a form without any space for such activity STILL even though we are half way through the tax reporting season for 2024.  IMHO too many foreigners continue to visit local rd offices in which those employees have absolutely less information on non-assessable reporting but in some cases just blatantly lie.  If you have questionable income, check the RD website - and then just make up your mind or prepare documents showing the exemptions you are entitled to.  Many folks have obviously gone to these local non-informed employees who just copy their boss's directions for all to file and let the rd decide if you owe any money or get a refund, and this obviously is because the Finance ministry/Govt leaders can't really make up any new changes or interpretations by the majority of govt folks on what is what in the tax world of yesteryear! in hopes of finding a treasure chest somehow.  MHO anyway.  

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

 

Picture courtesy of NRECD

 

Thai authorities have raided three Chinese-owned factories in , Samut Sakhon for illegally recycling old electrical wires and plastic waste, raising serious environmental and fire hazard concerns. The crackdown comes after a similar illegal operation was linked to a factory fire in Ban Phaeo district last month.

 

The operation was led by Pol. Col. Arun Wachirasrisukanya, Deputy Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD), alongside Pol. Col. Aphisan Chairat, Chief of Sub-Division 5 of the NRECD, officials from the Ministry of Industry, and Samut Sakhon’s industrial department.

 

 

Authorities targeted three factories suspected of illegally importing and processing electronic and plastic waste from electrical wires. These factories were identified as:

 

• Theng Da Plastic and Metal Co., Ltd. (Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict)

• Unibro Metal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict)

• Hong Yue Renewable Resources Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (Kalong Subdistrict)

 

During the raid, authorities discovered serious violations at all three sites:

 

• Theng Da Plastic and Metal Co., Ltd. possessed a valid factory permit but was illegally melting plastic waste without notifying authorities.

 

• Unibro Metal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was found with large amounts of electronic circuit boards, classified as hazardous waste. Both factories were owned by Luo Fuquan, a 39-year-old Chinese national. He was arrested and charged with:

 

• Operating a factory without notifying authorities

• Expanding operations without a permit

• Processing hazardous waste without authorisation

 

The suspect was taken to Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

The other factory;

 

• Hong Yue Renewable Resources Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. was found melting metal, emitting strong fumes. The factory’s manager, identified as Yee Kwat, failed to comply with previous official orders. She was charged under the Factory Act and also taken into custody.

 

Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on illegal recycling operations, citing environmental and public safety risks. The three factories are now under investigation for potential links to other illegal waste-importing networks.

 

Related articles;

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1350253-massive-fire-engulfs-plastic-warehouse-in-samut-sakhon/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1350535-illegal-chinese-owned-recycling-factory-raided-4000-tonnes-of-scrap-wiring-seized/

 

 

-- 2025-02-12

 

 

After the original fires in the warehouses in Ayutthaya, plus other fires and discoveries of "Chinese" owned warehouse spread around the country, I fail to understand that there are apparently so many still around full of dangerous waste.  How can the government continue to allow this blatant disregard for the health of the people as tourists or residents of all types?  

Just now, OneMoreFarang said:

This goes too far. Next thing you suggest all those politicians should pay for their own lunch. Come on, that would be soooooo unfair. 

Yesdsir agree!  note, lst year the US Congress refused to even floor a non-insider-trading bill for a vote since so many of them have gotten rich over the past!

4 minutes ago, Walker88 said:

Absolutely. Make it mandatory on 10Ks. Let's see how good CEOs are at bribery, as that will be a new required skill set.

 

Also, full disclosure will make it more difficult to hide kickbacks, as folks can question the recipient of a bribe to ask him if he kicked back to the US CEO.

 

Foreign tax revenue departments will also want to see these corporate 10Ks to make sure the bribery recipient accounts on his taxes.

 

When the US has a convicted felon and civilly convicted sex offender at President, it has to be expected that morality goes out the window.

 

Next move will be threats. When bribes don't work to secure foreign business, corporates can threaten the families of those standing in the way of business. That happens now, but US firms are left out of such 'modern business practices'. So UNFAIR!

 

Climb aboard the toboggan, because the slope is quite slippery.

Also as a first step in stopping corruption outlaw lobbyists in the US as they are the 1st step in corruption IMHO.

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Sorry but i may be wrong. But i read today during my google searches that LTR are still required to file tax. I do not have time to find a link but you may want to check to be sure

T

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Sorry but i may be wrong. But i read today during my google searches that LTR are still required to file tax. I do not have time to find a link but you may want to check to be sure

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Sorry but i may be wrong. But i read today during my google searches that LTR are still required to file tax. I do not have time to find a link but you may want to check to be sure

Sorry, but you are wrong I listened to an official of the Revenue  Dept who stated that if you have an LTR then your foreign earned income is not assessable so you do not need to get an ID number nor file the tax forms which do not even have a line foe exempted income...only for within Thailand earned funds.  I have checked and double checked plus my income is from a US civil service pension and can ONLY be taxed by the US gpvt.  in the DTA in English easily read.

59 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Sorry but i may be wrong. But i read today during my google searches that LTR are still required to file tax. I do not have time to find a link but you may want to check to be sure

I 

36 minutes ago, anrcaccount said:

 

I know, that's why I said " with your logic" .

 

Meaning that, if he was trying to declare it this year, he should have also tried to declare it for many years previously. 

 

 

The treatt between the US and Thailand was signed in 1997 and article 20 was in effect then as well as now,  the change in targetting remittance for 2024 has no effect on this treaty between two govt and says Social security paid by the US govt can ONLY be taxed by the US govt and not the Thai revenue dept.  Don't you know how to read English?  Don't you  understand what a treaty means?   The treaty says that if one party wishes to depart from the treaty they have to give 6 months prior notice.  I haven't seen anything to that effect.  If you have please advise where that info is at .

Just now, Presnock said:

the dta with the Us was signed off on by us ambassador ITOH,  I was assigned to the embassy during this period 1996 or 97.  SIncxe then, that statement article 20 states that the US social security is taxed ONLY by the US govt.    IF you doubt me, just read the document id on       https://www.rd.go.th/fileadmin/download/nation/america_e.pdf   btw, there is an "_" between america and the e.pdf

btw, it will show a chart of all countries with Thailand and DTA click on United States of America  it will be article 20 about US Social security can be taxed only by the US.  If many people have this same problem after the tax season and get hammered by the rd all should contact the US embassy and complain that Thailand is ignoring this US treaty with the Thais.  If the thais wish to drop out they are required to give 6 months notice that they plan to do so and I don't recall seeing anything about that yet.  Then I too would consider leaving except I woud still have the LTR so no tax on foreign earned inocme remitted.

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

You are required to declare and file tax return on all monies transferred into Thailand even if no tax is owed

wrong!  It is in the rd websirte as well as interviews with RD and finance officials.  If your income is tax exempt here in Thailand then is is non-assessable income and you are NOT required to get a tax ID number nor are your required to fil any tax  forms!  If you want to obtain further formal evidence of such, go to the main tax office in the provincial capital and if they too can't provide you with a straight answer then make an appointment with the Revenue dept in Bangkok.  If they begin any harassment then contact the US embassy and if they won't support you then contact someone at American Citizens Abroad or US newspapers so that President Trump can advise the Thai revenue dept to read their documents concerning the double taxtion Agreement.  If this is what expats might face later as their local rd office refuses to accept the claim of non-assessable or exempt income then I am sure that the Embassy should be informed and State Dept in Washington also as well as international news offices on how the Thai revenue department is a power unto themselves or at least seems to think that in some places.

23 hours ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  If you order a cafe latte, you should get one shot of espresso.....but the remainder of the cup should be filled with the steamed milk, light foam.

 

  It appears they made a cappuccino instead of a latte - which is still only one shot of espresso but much more foamed milk than a latte.

 

  That's pretty standard anywhere unless you order a double shot.  

My wife really likes Starbucks and Amazon drinks - so I only get an Americano usually large and have never had any complainable bit about amoun and the price is that advertised on the board.

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Did it say the nationality of these perps, it mentioned they were wanted in Switzerland, are they Swiss?

story says that they are Swiss national