DrPhibes

Sorry, did not mean for my reply to sound challenging. Just given the current political tension between the US and PRC, I would find it a bit risky. Would not like to have them pull me over in the layover and be held for some cockamamie reason just because they needed a political prisoner. Went through the PRC about 7 years ago and because the back of my passport had the tiniest dog eared lamination separation, was taken aside from my family, grilled, and almost missed missed the flight. Never fly through there again after that. I just looked up Xiamen for the flight back for this tax season and find they are not offering the CNX to LAX at this time. Thanks for your input. Have a GREAT New Year!

No way as an American would want to land in the PRC.

I assume you mean use of Medicare since you are in close proximity to the United States. There are 3 instances when Medicare will possibly cover you outside of the United States. I have attached a .pdf from Medicare that describes these situations and what is covered. Something I did not know until a couple of years ago (from a guy in a bar who I thought was full of it) was this thing about dependents for Social Security. Like another gentleman on this forum, I am going to reap the extra benefits of my wife and 6yr old child (both US citizens) come October this year (when my full SS benefits begin) when all 3 of us will start receiving SS up to the family max so about an extra $2,721/mo (after this last COLA) divided equally between my wife and child until the child turns 16 when the wife's part stops, then the child gets another couple of years of a boost up to $2,721/mo for his part (all of his is college money savings). I figure about 8 years of this extra boost added to my SS and I will have recouped what I have paid in all my life taking into account the tax hit on my wife's and mine and the fact that I will still be self-employed until I hit 70 at least so still paying in as part of Self-Employment taxes but not accounting for inflation or earnings I could have made on the money. Could not take it early as SS would have pulled back all they sent me due to working until I hit full SS age anyway. The self-employment is part year client based so I can reduce the size of the clientele as my energy wanes with age (it also keeps my mind very active). Hope this helps. 11037-medicare-coverage-outside-united-states.pdf

I've been flying each year for the last 8 years CNX to LAX mid-Jan returning end of April/begin May and have never seen economy under $1,000 USD. Sure your not thinking of BKK to LAX?

Yes.

Not to mention that for some reason the Thai Baht strengthens about this time of year also ;-)

I booked round trip from CNX to LAX on EVA, 1 stop in Taipei a week ago, leaving Jan 22, return April 28th for $1,200 USD. Normally a $1,500+ fare in years past not even counting for inflation. How cheap do you want pay to fly to the other side of the planet?

Yup, Enrolled Agent with the IRS but heading back to the US for a couple of years this summer while the smoke clears on several fronts here in Thailand.

But then they revamped the law to make people who got visas based on wealth and buying property have to be worth like 2x what they had to have for the original Visa for their renewal, crushing many who had bought houses and such but could not make the new requirements. This kind of thing is always the fear of those overseas.

You need to read and understand the treaty. Some things are taxed at the US side, some types of income are taxed at the Thai side. The question is the things taxed on the Thai side, will they allow a credit for what you paid in the US.

Underage is dependent on law and culture. In my day, it was normal for teenagers to head to make out point despite being underage. Parents knew, their only concern was not to get pregnant or a rape occur. BTW, did you know that in 1850's age of consent in most US states was 10, besides Delaware where it was 7. That was what was normal then and there.

Where upon after that statement, she was sent to prison for tax evasion. Look it up ;-)

Hmm, Not sure where the data came from and if the per visit amount is just high season numbers or an average over the year but let's work with that. For us, [(140,000 + $167,000)/2]/35 = $4,386/mo or $52,632/yr USD for a tourist. Some of us spend quite a bit more than that given we have families and private schooling for multiple children. I can see where the average retiree may not hit that number especially if in a 10,000 baht/mo condo and no kids. Housing(rent) and util alone for a family of 5 here in CM is about $1,600/mo or $19,200/yr for not a fancy house. Then you have private schooling for 3 kids at about $23,000/yr. Just those two things and your now at $42,200/yr and have not factored in any food, entertainment, vacations, health insurance, etc... and you can see that we easily exceed the $52.6k number. I understand that we probably represent a minor subset of the total expat community but not sure how minor given the large number of expat families here in CM with kids in international schools. Any other positive inputs on this is welcome. Hope all well with everyone.

How about taking care of us guys that are here year round spending a ton each every year. This scheme of taxing our money coming in (if it comes to fruition) is really going to backfire at a time when they need all the income they can get. Would be interesting to see how much year round expats contribute vs tourism in money.

Not many people are going to know your user name, I'm that old ;-)

Never heard of the guy but probably heard the phrase (or saw on a golf shirt) in my youth somewhere. Thanks!

So, as far as the dating app. She could be looking for a husband that was financially secure that she would date first and then marry (and then sex) knowing she would outlast him and inherit his wealth. Happens all the time here. Could also have been entrapment where the guy pays up a ton of money and all of this goes away. My 2 satang...

A beautiful walk spoiled by a small white ball. That's how it was for my limited golf life. Now I just take relaxing beautiful walks and feel much better ;-)

Agree, no quick answers. Ex: If you look at Articles 10, 11, 12 for dividends, interest, and royalties, they may be taxed by the country you live in as a tax resident but there are provisions on how that taxation works.

The only way I would fly with them again is if the Stews dressed as Vietjet Stews!

Sounds like the Golden Triangle high ends lusting after the casinos across the river 😉

There are a few in BKK with city views that are pretty spectacular and drinks as you describe, but I have yet to visit ones that rival CM for the more intimate city views and mountains (at least between flights out of the airport). Have had some Mekong river places, but would not call them "roof top" bars. I am prejudice, I love living in CM despite the 2 mo of burning that you can hop down to an island to avoid for a while. Good luck with the search!

Have never been to Vietnam but looking at Phu Quoc for some island beach time. We have been living in Chiang Mai for the last 8 years and have hit all but Koh Phangan and Koh Lipe but COVID took out about 4 years of travel to neighboring countries. Being only 1hr and 20min flight from BKK is enticing. How is the island and if we wanted to get off the beaten path for food (as in authentic Viet food) where would we go? More of a beach trip as a prelude for a longer trip in the future to see the cultural sights next time. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. As always, thanks in advance!

He probably did not have the chips in his junkyard of computers. Your spot on with being friendly and honest.

Just a positive review for Be-fixed. Took my 2018 Alienware 17 R4 laptop in when the LIPO battery started to swell (actually was starting to bow the computer next to the keyboard) battery is buried deep in the guts of the laptop so pressing on main board and such and alot of of disassembly to get to. Took it in (already bought the replacement battery to install) and wanted guts cleaned and CMOS battery replaced. Told him 2-3 days is OK, had it done in 3hrs. 500 baht. All checked out OK after pickup. A very good experience.