TroubleandGrumpy

Yes that is true - not an ideal solution if it goes that far. People should be able to disagree without going too far - but some cannot help themselves I guess - they take it too personally.

If that is the way you feel, then dont read the comments by Expats (mainly) on the website of the largest English publications in Thailand. I would say that you should just let it go and not seek to get anyone banned - put them on ignore and you wont see their rubbish - you can do that here - not on that place listed above.

My position is that you have an omnipotent impartiality towards what is happening in Gaza and are not taking any side. That is your right of course, but why dont you just come out and say it. Makes me wonder why you are posting so many comments on both the threads about the Israel Hamas war in Gaza.

Agree not all people you disagree with should be 'ignored' - but the vicious and nasty and trolls should be ignored (and hopefully if we all do that they will go away).

I think that a good new development would be that when/if you ignore someone, they cannot see your comments and posts (not just you not seeing theirs). I would rather they no longer see anything of mine, as well as me not seeing anything of theirs.

Mate - You asked for suggestions - I have one about something that has annoyed me for a while. When reading through a good/long post, when I see something I want to 'quote and respond' I cannot 'open in new tab' as such. When I right click on 'quote' the new tab is not that post - it is at the start of that page. Likewise, after I have posted a 'quote and reply' rather than take me back to where I was, it takes me to my post (the last post). Any chance of an IT Mod to allow open in new tab to work? Like when I right click on a notification - if I right click on 'open in new tab' for a notification, it opens that exact response message in the new tab.

Gen Z - not likely to have any 'contribution' to anything - exceptions always will - but as a rule - nothing there nor ever will be.

That is my read of your posts - mainly a Hamas apologist - not 100% but mainly. Come on then - just say it - what is your position?

Thanks Mike - much appreciated. Clearly he is thinking about someone working and getting a salary paid and taxed, when I am talking about someone that lives there 180+ days and is retired or married - like most Expats in Thailand that this change affects.

Cool - You and Morch can go have a lovely day - Hamas deciding to pay you both a visit aside (which I hope does not happen).

You remind me of what Paul Keating (Australian PM in 90s) said after being criticised by a political opponent in Parliament. "Mr Speaker, all I can say in response, is that it was like being slapped with warm lettuce."

Now why would you think that I care one iota about whether you are impressed or not. My 'side' is clear - I am on Israel's side and Hamas are murdering terrorists. What 'side' are you on Morch? You are more Hamas apologist than Israel apologist - but which side do you support.

I will say in response that obtusive arguments and refusing to do any research on an issue - that is my read of yourself.

Thanks - that will be interesting to see when it is finalised and changed. I am still concerned over what happens when they 'reject' an assessment and send me a tax bill. But actually I am more concerned about having to complete a tax return at all - hopefully Expats will be exempted.

IMO Thailand has zero chance of successfully taxing its Tax Residents and Citizens who are making money overseas. Only the USA has been able to get away with that for its Citizens - Thailand has no chance. There are so many reasons why - just to start all the DTAs they have in place preclude that being accepted.

You sound like an old spinster berating someone, or a young Karen going off about a random issue. Mate - go and do some research on the matter - it is very factual. I even gave you a suggested google search - which I do again. You dont have to come back and admit you were wrong or misinformed - but just go research it all. "Why is US the only country that taxes its non-resident citizens?"

Perhaps you need to take one side or the other (consistently) rather than sitting omnipotently on that fence.

Yes indeed - I too will be 'gone'. Whilst not 'wealthy' as such by western standards - I am well off and financially secure. But I am certainly wealthy here and it is one reason we are living here. That is what must surely one day make the Thai Govt think twice (I know not a natural thing). If they start taxing 'financially successful' Expats, all that will be left here are the Pensioners and 'strugglers'. All their 'high value' Expats - those that buy new cars and houses - will be gone. If/when places like Cambodia and Vietname improve (they are going that way), they will also leave too (and visit here).

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. I suggest you stop digging that hole - it is only getting bigger.

What this whole episode shows the Expats who did not know - perhaps more clearly than ever before - is that senior Officials in every Thai Government Department (and many Private Companies) have absolutely no idea how their organisation operates. I am reminded of how companies like Daimler and BMW and Siemens and Bayer actually teach their future Execs how the business operates - before they take on positions of authority. That does not happen in Thailand - going from the basement to the top floor is not an outcome - people pay for promotions and appointments here - or they are someone's relative. Most senior management in Thailand do not have a clue. That is why the Thai RD can release a change of 'procedures' to address a known tax avoidance method, whilst having absolutely no idea how that change could be implemented or the possible ramifications downstream. Clueless and Ignorant. Dont blame the people who actually work in the Thai RD - like in every organisation here in Thailand, it is NOT an option to point out to the Boss that they are wrong.

Wrong. Only if they are working for a foreign compoany in that country - for which IRS allows exemption. Google - Why is US the only country that taxes its non-resident citizens?

That's why I didnt reply

You are lucky on two counts - being under the USA DTA and also having a Thai wife in the 'system'. I have calculated my potential income tax obligations, and without DTA 'exemptions' I could be up for between 124K Baht and 178K Baht during an 'average' year. If I was to bring in money so we can buy a house - I could be up for well over 1Million Baht. What I do know about all DTAs, is that the USA very rigorously 'defends' its right to tax its own citizens, anywhere in the world. There is not many countries who will take on the USA and try to tax its citizens. IMO any US Citizen will be left alone by the Thai RD - unless extremely large amounts of money are involved. However, Australia is as weak as ***** and does not 'protect' it's citizens against paying taxes overseas. It is very unlikely (snowflake in Hell) that the Aust Tax Office will 'defend' me in any way - I will be on my own.