CMBob

On 1/8/2024 at 1:34 PM, placnx said:

I used to use the TM7 form (retirement) that can be filled in on a computer, but at CM Immigration in 2022 they said I have to fill out their form by hand. Did this change again in 2023? I didn't try using the fill-in form.

Last month I used the fill-in (editable) form and typed my TM7 on my computer for my annual extension (retirement) here in CM.  No issue (nothing was said about that to me and I've done the same for a lot of years).

As I mentioned before, it's hit or miss in CM as to whether whoever is reading the online TM47 filings decides to reject the filing because a hotel (or whoever) in Thailand has filed a TM30.  Even in that case, I can still file the TM47 in person (neither the main office or Central Festival cares about the TM30 apparently) but, to be able to start up again with the TM47 online filings, I had to go to the office behind the main office, tell them what happened, and they updated it (they only wanted to see my passport to get this "update").

What's frustrating is the the occasional "hit" seems to directly contradict the rules they published 3 years ago.  Oh, and returning from abroad back to my regular address , I've had no problem continuing with the TM47 online filings (probably because no new TM30 was filed out side of Thailand).

7 hours ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Sorry (to the OP) for butting in here, but I have been asking myself this question like forever; say, the hotel won't do the TM-30 filing (and I follow your advice), can I use that hotel's refusal to do the TM-30 filing (which they are supposed to do by law anyway) to cancel the booking, and get a refund if I paid already?

I too have wondered what happens to people needing some immigration service where they need a TM-30 Receipt but their hotel (or, more often, a landlord) refuses to do one.  I'd guess that telling an Immigration Officer that would get somebody nowhere.  I've read many posts over the years where this has happened but don't recall any such poster following up and subsequently explaining what happened or how the problem was resolved.  

1 hour ago, fussing said:

..... I was wondering if you ever came across anyone trying to change a 90 days non-o visa from one province to the same visa in an other province (using the TM86 form). If possible, I could change my CM visa in CR. It will save me the trip to CM..

 

 

Sorry, like Novacova, I don't know anybody who's done that.  It makes no sense to me that you can't do it in CR provided you've changed your TM-30 registered address to CR; however, like I said before, I have zero clue as to the local rules/practice in CR (let alone the rules/practice of a given officer there).  

I'm presuming you are seeking a one-year extension based on retirement and, yes, there's no doubt you will be required to present a copy of a TM-30.  You obtaining a printout of the TM-30 filing from your 1-night stay here in CM will suffice (ask right up front if the hotel will do the filing and, if not, go find another hotel that will do so).

Once you're set there and go back to Chiangrai, you're going to want to do a TM-30 filing there so you're fine for future matters (that's presuming you stay in Chiangrai).  And ask the IO in CR if you need to do anything else (such as filing any other address change document.....I only mention this as I don't know what CR requires).  

And, once you extend here in CM, see if they give you a new TM-47 (90-day address Receipt of Notification) with a new date for reporting because, if they don't, then you'd be wise to report 90-days from your last entry (or whatever your current Receipt of Notification says).  As poster said above, they should be giving you a new Receipt and date.

(P.S.  I'm rather doubtful any CM Immigration Officer participates in this forum).

7 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

So your that special a hole that cut in front of those of us that were in line waiting for our que number to be called.

Real nice.  As I said, I got in the short line to one before the line people's table. Was only a couple of people ahead of me and and it took 5-7 minutes or so.

24 minutes ago, ProbPossConf said:

CMBob...What transpired when you went to the tent.  Did you have to get a tent queue number, were your documents checked, did mentioning you had an appointment allowed you to jump the tent queue?

All my paperwork was in order and the tent person quickly scanned through them and gave me a queue number.  My mentioning that I had an appointment didn't seem to make any difference.

I'm not sure what you mention about a "tent queue number" as I just went up to the people up front and somewhat wormed my way to a window after a few minutes.  If they're giving queue numbers just to see the "tent people", I skipped that process and jumped in a short line before the tent people tables. 

I had an appointment (for annual extension based on retirement) December 7th and went immediately to the central counter as I did the prior year; however, they then told me I first had to go to the outside "tent" and get a queue number from the people there before returning to the central counter.  Was almost late for the appointment.  And, yea, I was not thrilled about it.

My advice to those having an appointment is to get there at least a half hour early as it takes some time to get through the hordes getting initial approval and queue numbers from the outside group.

From Google: "The full list of 22 countries temporarily exempt from K-ETA are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)." Would note I don't see Thailand in that list (i.e., I have zero clue what requirements involve your Thai wife).

The K-ETA is easy to do online and allows entry without having to fill out the arrival card.  I applied for one 4 months ago and had it within 3 days. 

15 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

....Interesting though to see that 30 day extension of VE and TR are included. Does anyone know if this is province specific or can anyone do this?

Supposedly available other places but not sure if the VFS thing is working in CM.

Can't help with a specific place but almost all the furniture shops (ones selling wood/teak chairs, tables, carvings, etc.) likely could handle both safely packaging and shipping it for you.  Years ago (as in 2 decades), I had teak furniture shipped back to the US but it was handled through the shop I bought the stuff at Baan Tawai.  Took about 3 months and, as expected, shipping was a bit more than the 4 large items  shipped.  A few years later, I bought an approximately 3.5' x 30" rather delicate teak carving and had that shipped by wherever (I forget) I bought it (and it arrived in fine shape).  Not sure where you bought your item but maybe that shop is used to handling shipping or at least could recommend a place.

You use the TM7 form for the 30-day extension.  Under reasons, just put in Continuing Tourism.

3 hours ago, 1FinickyOne said:

yes, but w/o an agent, you have to spend all that time beforehand filling out forms... yes, I know it is not that difficult and did it for 15 years before moving to CM where there are agents who do it for me. I appreciate the service - easy enough to do yourself if you prefer. Up to you. It is just a matter of how you want to spend your time. And I never have to worry if things are filled out properly or not. No stress. 

The really only valid argument to use an agent is because somebody would like to reduce the stress a bit or because somebody just doesn't know what non-bank documents/copies are needed (or simply doesn't want to bother gathering same).  Time spent is really isn't a valid point unless, I suppose, if one doesn't have an appointment and has to sit there for hours.

(1) We likely both spend the same time getting the paperwork from our banks (unless agents do that for you?).  

(2) Takes me about an hour to fill out the TM7 (which I do on the computer and print out), make the necessary copies, and sign the stuff..... all of which I do at home.  People using agents usually have to go to their agent's office with their bank paperwork and passport and then wait while they prepare the various paperwork and copies so they can sign the TM7 and copies there.

(3)  On the operative date, we both make our way to the Immigration office (people using agents sometimes make their way to their agent's office and the agent drives them to Immigration although some others have the agents pick them up at their home and drive them to Immigration).  I presume we both go home from there (although I know some people end up back at their agent's office and go home from there).

(4) I'm guessing you're at Immigration for 15-20 minutes or so whereas I have spent an additional 20-25 minutes the last two extensions (40 min total).  Being retired, the extra 20-30 minutes once a year is tolerable to me.

(5) We both pay 1,900 baht.  You pay the agent whatever.

I don't criticize anybody using an agent or argue that using one or the other is better, ultimately time-saving, or cheaper.  Like you said, doing it yourself or using an agent  is in the "up to you" category.  

2 hours ago, AAArdvark said:

They give appointments at central festiva?  Not doubting you I just didn't know. 

Nope, no appointments at Central Festival immigration office.  Only at the main office near the airport.

5 minutes ago, 1FinickyOne said:

quite busy, yes... just a note that 4 hours is far longer than I spend on my retirement visa - - with the use of an agent... yes, there is a fee but if time and ease and security matter, it is a breeze for a nominal fee... 

For my annual extension based on retirement about 3 weeks ago, I had an appointment at 10AM and was walking out the door with my extension at 10:40. I can handle that once a year.....and it's relatively inexpensive (only had to buy myself lunch afterwards).  In the future, I'll get the re-entry permit at the airport and avoid the wait.

15 minutes ago, roo860 said:

Is it a blue background photo for a 1yr extension at Chiang Mai immigration, used up my last one last year.

I remember having some of those a few years back as I remember that may have been a rule then; however, I don't believe it is any more (I've done a couple extensions and couple re-entry permits here in CM in the last 13 months and photos I provided just had a white background and there were no questions/issues).

There's an app called "Police i lert u".....which points out your location and gives you the option of calling the cops or an ambulance.  I downloaded it but haven't used it (just thought it might come in handy if I witnessed an accident or whatever).  Have no clue how well it does or doesn't work.

Confusing post as there is no such thing as a 15-month visa anywhere in Thailand.

If what you're looking for is conversion to a Non-O followed by a 12-month extension during the last 45 days of the Non-O, that's possible by any visa agent (or by yourself) so long as you meet the requirements.

5 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

It's 40% tax in the UK, hence my interest about how to avoid paying this much.

The subject of the thread is possible tax here in Thailand for expats who happen to be tax residents here.  If you're concerned about inheritance/estate taxes in the UK, maybe contact a UK accountant (it isn't the topic here).

4 hours ago, Neeranam said:

What do you mean inherited money is not taxable here? As a dual citizen, UK/Thai, if I sell my mother's house in UK when she dies, do I not have to pay inheritance tax?

Well, inheritances are pretty much tax free here in Thailand (if under 100,000,000 baht).  As to what you have to pay in the UK, I have no clue.

And, maybe it's a problem if you transfer the UK inheritance proceeds into Thailand as perhaps a Treasury official requires you to prove that the funds transferred are inheritance funds.  As to tax issues here (Thailand), it depends on whether you're a tax resident in Thailand, how the "new Thai tax" law is amended/interpreted, etc., etc.

On 12/12/2023 at 7:10 AM, Moonlover said:

The (not so) new tax that's being talked about is 'income tax'. You're talking about moving capital. You don't pay 'income tax' on capital. You're doing what many other folks are doing right now. Worrying too much.

Unfortunately, presuming the new tax law takes effect with all its glory (not), I just watched a video of a tax lawyer in BKK who said it will be up to the person to prove the money transferred wasn't from earnings or is exempt under an existing tax treaty.  I know the OP said it was "savings" but the tax lawyer argued that it would be treated as earnings (as that's likely where originally it came from) unless you can prove an exemption.  So best advice is for OP to transfer before the end of this month and avoid any possible issue.

One issue that bothers me is that certain things (for examples only, inherited money or US social security earnings) are exempt from taxation here in Thailand; however, when transferring funds from a common account (where you keep all kinds of things - interest, dividends, prior earnings, etc., etc. - how does one satisfactorily prove you only transferred inherited funds, social security funds, etc.?

 Please delete.