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A new reality is dawning for expats in Thailand. A significant overhaul of the Thai tax system, effective January 1st, 2024, has thrown a curveball at the expat community, raising concerns and prompting a scramble for solutions. This article delves into the intricacies of this new tax tango, offering a roadmap for expats to navigate the complexities and unlock potential strategies to secure their financial future in the Land of Smiles. Previously a haven for foreign income, Thailand’s tax code offered a sweet deal to expats: Foreign earnings stashed abroad remained blissfully untaxed. However, the new year has ushered in a paradigm shift. Now, all foreign earned income brought into Thailand by tax residents, including expats, is subject to personal income tax. This marks a significant departure from the past, leaving many expats wondering how to navigate this uncharted territory. Understanding the Old and the New: To grasp the full impact of the changes, let’s rewind to the pre 2024 era. Expats enjoyed the freedom of keeping their foreign income untaxed as long as it remained outside Thailand. Income earned and brought into the country within the same year was subject to tax, but passive income like pensions and investments from abroad existed in a grey area, with no clear guidelines. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has transformed. The new law dictates that all foreign earned income remitted to Thailand by tax residents is subject to personal income tax. By Online Reporter Top File photo. For illustrative purposes only. Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chonburi — A collision between a minivan and a parked timber truck on Highway 36 in Chonburi resulted in injuries to two passengers on Wednesday evening, February 8th. Responding to the accident at 7:16 PM, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue unit found a damaged minivan with 19 passengers onboard, two of whom required immediate medical attention. The remaining 17 were uninjured. They were moved to a safer location due to poor lighting at the accident site. The minivan, operating on the Bangkok-Mabtaput-Rayong route, belonged to the Bangkok Bus Cooperative. It sustained significant damage to its windshield. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Customs Crack Down on 63.13M Baht Cigarette Smuggling By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 8th, 2024, Mr. Panthong Loikunnan, the spokesperson for the Thai Customs Department, publicly revealed a program for the strict prevention and suppression of the smuggling of cigarettes and e-cigarettes to Thailand according to the Thai government’s policy to maintain strict marketing mechanisms and for good health. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319543-thai-customs-crack-down-on-6313m-baht-cigarette-smuggling/

On February 8th, 2024, Mr. Panthong Loikunnan, the spokesperson for the Thai Customs Department, publicly revealed a program for the strict prevention and suppression of the smuggling of cigarettes and e-cigarettes to Thailand according to the Thai government’s policy to maintain strict marketing mechanisms and for good health. Customs officials worked proactively to investigate and crack down on illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette smugglers to Thailand, causing the problem of falling prices of tobacco. Furthermore, the operation could protect the rights of legal cigarette sellers in Thailand. From October 1st, 2023 to January 31st, 2024, the Customs Department was able to arrest 632 cigarette smugglers and confiscated properties in dispute of more than 47.5 million baht, and were able to arrest 62 e-cigarette smugglers and confiscated properties in dispute of more than 15.5 million baht, according to the spokesperson for the Customs Department. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Beach Umbrella Operator Arrested for Alleged Child Sexual Abuse By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —A 45-year-old beach umbrella and chair rental provider was arrested on February 8th, 2024, in Pattaya for alleged child sexual abuse charges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319542-pattaya-beach-umbrella-operator-arrested-for-alleged-child-sexual-abuse/

Pattaya —A 45-year-old beach umbrella and chair rental provider was arrested on February 8th, 2024, in Pattaya for alleged child sexual abuse charges. Pattaya police took the suspect, only identified by his nickname as Mr. Tum, into custody following a warrant issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Mr. Tum was arrested after he was accused of sexually abusing a 7-year-old Thai-German girl at a condominium located in Soi Thepprasit 17, Jomtien. According to reports, Mr. Tum is a resident of Surin province in Thailand’s northeastern region. He works as a beach umbrella and chair rental provider on Jomtien Beach. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Accident Involves Drunk Driving, Gun Threat by Alleged Police Officer By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A car accident in Pattaya early Friday morning turned into a shocking incident when the driver of a pickup truck, allegedly claiming to be a police officer, threatened individuals with a gun while under the influence of alcohol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319541-pattaya-accident-involves-drunk-driving-gun-threat-by-alleged-police-officer/

Pattaya — A car accident in Pattaya early Friday morning turned into a shocking incident when the driver of a pickup truck, allegedly claiming to be a police officer, threatened individuals with a gun while under the influence of alcohol. The accident, reported at 3:46 AM on February 9th, involved a Honda Sumer motorcycle and a black Toyota Revo pickup truck at the intersection of Map Yai Lia Road 31. The motorcycle rider, 31-year-old Mr. Isara Waiyasilp, sustained injuries and received initial first aid from bystanders before being taken to the hospital. However, the situation escalated when the involved pickup truck driver, identified only as Mr. Phatcharin (family name withheld), 51, allegedly displayed signs of intoxication and refused to take responsibility for the accident. According to Mr. Isara, he was riding his motorbike on the road when Mr. Phatcharin reportedly crashed his pickup truck into him, resulting in his moderate injuries. Eyewitness accounts alleged that Mr. Phatcharin became hostile after the victim refused to receive money for the accident at the scene and insisted on filing a police report. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Songtaew Driver Brutally Attacks Competitor After Argument Over Chinese Customers By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: รักสยาม นิวส์ Pattaya — Two Songtaew drivers engaged in a heated argument on South Pattaya Road over who would transport Chinese tourists last weekend. The altercation resulted in one driver being hospitalized, while the other is now facing legal consequences. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319540-pattaya-songtaew-driver-brutally-attacks-competitor-after-argument-over-chinese-customers/

Pattaya — Two Songtaew drivers engaged in a heated argument on South Pattaya Road over who would transport Chinese tourists last weekend. The altercation resulted in one driver being hospitalized, while the other is now facing legal consequences. The incident unfolded around 11:30 PM on February 4th, near Grand Honey 3 on South Pattaya Road. Responding to reports of a fight, police and rescue teams arrived to find 43-year-old Songtaew driver Mr. Kongsak Prakotcheu lying injured on the sidewalk. Mr. Kongsak sported a swollen face, bleeding from his nose and mouth, and a closed left eye that caused significant concern. After receiving initial first aid, he was rushed to Pattaya Hospital for further treatment. The other individual involved, 47-year-old Mr. Phakaphon Duangkhum, surrendered to the police without attempting to flee the scene. During questioning, Mr. Phakaphon, also a Songtaew driver, admitted to kicking Mr. Kongsak twice, claiming the latter had hurled insults at him in front of his wife and child. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: รักสยาม นิวส์ Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Man Arrested for Alleged Hotel Booking Scam By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A man from Phuket was arrested in Mae Hong Son after he allegedly scammed more than 40 victims with damages costing approximately 800,000 Baht in hotel bookings. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319539-phuket-man-arrested-for-alleged-hotel-booking-scam/

Phuket –A man from Phuket was arrested in Mae Hong Son after he allegedly scammed more than 40 victims with damages costing approximately 800,000 Baht in hotel bookings. The Cyber Crime Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Sunthorn, 37, from Phuket. He was arrested in Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand. He is being accused of fraud by importing distorted information into a computer system. The arrest came after Thai police received complaints from more than 40 victims with damages costing more than 800,000 baht. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ukrainian Man Arrested for Overstay at Phuket Airport By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Ukrainian man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport for 114 days of overstay. Full. story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319537-ukrainian-man-arrested-for-overstay-at-phuket-airport/

Phuket – A Ukrainian man was arrested at the Phuket International Airport for 114 days of overstay. Royal Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that on Friday (February 9th) they arrested a 23 year-old Ukrainian man at the international departures terminal in the airport. He was found to have overstayed for 114 days. He was taken to the Sakoo Police Station to face overstay charges. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hua Hin to charge for street parking near Chatchai Market By Online Reporter The Hua Hin Municipal Council has initiated a pilot program to charge for parking on the streets surrounding Chatchai Market to improve parking availability for visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319536-hua-hin-to-charge-for-street-parking-near-chatchai-market/

The Hua Hin Municipal Council has initiated a pilot program to charge for parking on the streets surrounding Chatchai Market to improve parking availability for visitors. The fees for parking near Chatchai Market, which is the main fresh market in the centre of Hua Hua, will range from 5 baht to 20 baht per hour, depending on the vehicle type and the amount of time the vehicle has been parked. Hua Hin’s mayor, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, on Friday (Feb 9) announced that the council had met with vendors from Torung Market (the night market) and Chatchai Market. The meeting aimed to gather feedback on sales organization, market development for better hygiene, and traffic management around Chatchai Market, following the council’s regulations set in 2023. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paetongtarn’s Puzzling Statement On Thaksin’s Lese Majeste Questioning By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra with his daughter/party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath PHEU THAI LEADER PAETONGTARN Shinawatra today (Feb.9) made a puzzling statement about her father/de facto party boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he has already been questioned by public prosecutors over lese majeste charges and is anticipated to literally return home. Paetongtarn told reporters that public prosecutors have already questioned her father, who has been currently staying at Police Hospital, on lese majeste charges over his verbal statements earlier made abroad in alleged violation of the draconian lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code. Her latest comment apparently contradicted with news reports that police attached to the Technology Crime Suppression Division and public prosecutors attached to the Office of the Attorney-General had awaited a yet-to-be-held questioning of the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict to whom no visits have been allowed by anyone other than his family members, given privacy reasons for the privileged patient who has been staying at Police Hospital in lieu of Bangkok Remand Prison for more than five months now. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paetongtarn fears her father will be re-arrested for violating royal defamation laws Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra admitted today that she is worried that her father, Thaksin, may be arrested for violating royal defamation laws in 2015. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319535-paetongtarn-fears-her-father-will-be-re-arrested-for-violating-royal-defamation-laws/

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra admitted today that she is worried that her father, Thaksin, may be arrested for violating royal defamation laws in 2015. Thaksin, currently convicted and jailed on corruption charges, could be released on parole later this month, given his age and medical condition. Thaksin has been charged with lèse majesté and an arrest warrant was issued. He is yet to be indicted, however, because he was in exile abroad when the initial charge was filed. As such, it is possible that he will be re-arrested if he is freed on parole. Picture: Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-10 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 10 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1319534-thailand-live-saturday-10-february-2024/

Romanian Tourist Falls to Death from Pattaya Hotel Balcony A 63-year-old Romanian tourist lost his life in a fall from the balcony of a 7-story hotel in Soi 5, Pattaya, on Friday morning, February 9th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319517-romanian-tourist-falls-to-death-from-pattaya-hotel-balcony/

Tragic scooter crash in Thailand leaves Queensland dad in coma Photo courtesy of 7NEWS A Queensland father’s life hangs in the balance after a scooter accident in Thailand left him in a coma, paralyzed, and burdened with astronomical medical expenses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319520-tragic-scooter-crash-in-thailand-leaves-queensland-dad-in-coma/

Thai Airways soared to new heights with a firm order for 45 Boeing 787 jets, potentially boosting the deal to around 80 aircraft, in response to the escalating demand for international travel, according to industry sources. Thai Airways takes flight with new Boeing 787 jets Photo courtesy of Reuters Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319521-thai-airways-takes-flight-with-new-boeing-787-jets/

Canadian man claims fear of criminal gang forced him to open plane door by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online The Canadian passenger, who attempted to open the door of a Thai Airways plane on February 7, claimed that he had to escape the aircraft because a criminal gang from Vietnam was after him. The foreign man was clean from drugs, and there was no mention of mental health issues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319494-canadian-man-claims-fear-of-criminal-gang-forced-him-to-open-plane-door/

The Canadian passenger, who attempted to open the door of a Thai Airways plane on February 7, claimed that he had to escape the aircraft because a criminal gang from Vietnam was after him. The foreign man was clean from drugs, and there was no mention of mental health issues. The 40 year old Canadian man, Wong Sai Heung, was arrested on February 7 at Chiang Mai International Airport when he attempted to exit the TG121 Chiang Mai-Bangkok Thai Airways flight during takeoff. ThaiRath reported that his actions affected 13 flights and 2,296 passengers. According to MGR Online, Wong is a computer engineer. He entered Thailand on February 3, visited Chiang Mai province, and then took the Thai Airways flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport en route to Canada. It was initially reported that the man’s action was motivated by a panic attack. Officers took him to the Phuping Vajanivej Police Station in Chiang Mai for questioning of the true motive behind his act. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-09 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe