TroubleandGrumpy

And my post above gets me responses about 'genetics' and 'conversions not acquisitions'. Seems to me that some people really dont think about history very well, or like GenZ they have only ever been fed PC versions of history. The 'insurgents' in the south are Muslim terrorists - everything else in BS - they are Malay Muslims, but they are Muslims. Cartman summed up Disney Star War movies perfectly - 'put another chick in it and make it more gay'. He also summed up Muslim terrorists when Kyle said not all Muslims are terrorists (true) - Cartman said 'but all terrorists are Muslims'. The truth is that Islam conquered both Malaysia and Indonesia - just like Christianity conquered much of Sth America. The Christians did it through invasion and conquering - like the Muslims did in Nth Africa and parts of Europe. Muslims took over in both Malaysia and Indonesia more through 'stealth' - which started with trade and then with more Muslim people. What was once made into a separate Muslim Caliphate, against the wishes of the local Buddhist Thais, was taken back. The Muslims want their 'conquered land' back, and the Buddhist Thais do not want that to happen (again). The Muslim terrorists are protesting/fighting through violence - they even bombed a Bangkok shrine. There - history lesson over - they are Muslim terrorists - and I hope they kill them all or drive them out. Now - back to my first post (see below). May I suggest you read up on Fiji and how the Indians had taken control of much of the country - mainly due to apathy of the locals. I was in Fiji just before the coup in early 2000s - we visited several times and the 'Indian problem' was obvious (outside the resorts). May I suggest that you read up on all the wealthy Chinese families now in much control of Thailand - not all Chinese escaped to Taiwan. I have been in Thailand (on/off) since 2012 - and lived here several years at a time in several cities/towns - it is obvious here too. The problem is that 'academic history' does not tell all the truth anymore - very much only the PC correct versions of the truth. The Muslims conquered lands as surely as the Christians did - but we gave them back - the Muslims never do that. They are either killed and/or driven out (Spain, Italy, etc etc) or they stay and take over - that is the truth of Muslim history - look it up. What they were and the real reasons for the Crusades is not that easy to find - woke academics and PC people have watered it down. The reason they never 'give up' is that they are still like the early Christians were - conquer and convert them through any means (all in the name of God and Jesus) - use violence and commit atrocities whenever needed (all in the name of Allah and Muhammad).

ROFLOL - The Thai apologist strikes again. Mate - you are the deluded one not me/us. But dont worry, there are more of you than you think. I recommend watching Bangkok Pat explain about the types of Expats living in Thailand and who to avoid. He points out that not that many are the stereotype Sexpats in Pattaya/Patong as many people think, and that the vast majority came here to either retire or work, and elected to stay (like he did and me too). But as he says, even they are OK now and then, but he says the type to avoid at all costs are the Thai Apologists - he reckons most of them he has met are 'just insane' (same for me too). Perhaps you are not one and I certainly hope so. But I will say that with an estimated 300-400K Expats (single, retired and married) living in Thailand spending on average about 1 Million Baht a year (includes some years buying property and cars etc etc) that means they/we bring into Thailand 300-400 Billion Baht, or in TAT speak that equates to 6 to 8 Million tourists per year, every year, year after year. That aint nothing mate - but they are spending a small fortune on advertising and changing Visa rules just to get an extra few million tourists - when we are right here right now (still) - and they are trying to take our money through taxes for what in return? The problem is that unlike the very dubious TAT tourist numbers, Thailand does not record the number of retired/married (or working) Expats in Thailand, nor how much money they spend in the country - so therefore they dont know, but as per my previous post, the Thai Govt does not really want to know either. But they appear to be only too happy to tax us if they can - and yet risk more and more of us leaving, and less and less of us coming. The only similar thing more stupid to do would be to tax Tourists who spend more than 90 days in Thailand in any one year - all that would do is make sure they dont get 'repeat' business from tourists and less tourists would be coming (which is what they are doing to Expats who dont work here).

Clearly people like you and your mate need some lessons in the history of Muslim conflicts and their acquisitions of land. Perhaps you both think it is the Malays that are fighting for their 'homeland' and not Muslims wanting their own Religion to rule and not be 'ruled' by a Secular Buddhist State. I wont waste my time anymore - reality aint what some people want to see/hear.

That is your interpretation - not the intent. Most people know they took over slowly slowly by more and more of their people arriving and then through successive generations taking over the positions of power and control. Same tactic being employed in Europe right now.

I have never implied any such thing. Stop. Think. Re-read what I have said - all of my posts.

I agree - this never ending 'war' should be stopped one way or the other, and the example of Mindanao in Philippines and even that of Penang are two possible 'solutions'. Likewise, in Singapore there is a 'positive' Muslim community that has sorted out well the difficulties of being Muslim in a secular country. Thailand needs to look around for what has worked in the past and try to adapt that experiences to suit the Thailand situation. But as we both know, the 'Thai way' often means they are only focused on short term driven agendas of power and wealth.

You have issues - I suggest after reading my post below from yesterday that you calm down and think.

I have been there and over the Friendship bridge and back (in a bus). There is a 'shuttle train' that I am aware of - but nothing more. Do you get on in Bangkok and then get off the same train in Laos? Not what I thought it was/is. Don’t be stuck in traffic, take a train to Laos instead, says SRT (nationthailand.com) Train Guide to Laos – Richard Barrow's Thai Train Guide Anyone actually got on the train in Thailand and then got off in Laos? Maybe they have built something new that is not showing on websites or Google Earth?

I knew you would not read that - nor the section about Malaysia/Thailand. Obviously you either cannot read or you cant - either way, go away.

What ignorant statements you make - totally misconstrued and off topic - how do you know what I know. Besides the fact that I was not talking to you - your ignorance of the subject matter is astonishing - but not unexpected. Have another beer/bar girl and tomorrow have a long read - assuming you do read. Islam: The Politically Incorrect Truth (thereligionofpeace.com)

I would not assume that an LTR income tax exemptions/reductions will remain in place - they can and might change that - just like that. Unfortunately, this and last few Thai Governments (and most Thais) greatly under-value the amount of money that long-term Expats bring into Thailand. Early this year TAT said they were going to include Expats in their figures going forward. What happened? Where are those numbers? IMO what happened is that Expats numbers started declining and less Expats were arriving - they need more for their bonuses, and they quickly realised they could not manipulate the numbers - so they dropped the matter and stopped counting. A few years ago I was emailing with an Expat who was a consultant working for a Thai Govt Dept. They were doing something on calculating how much each retired/married Expat living full-time in Thailand was worth financially to Thailand. Their initial analysis showed that the amount was much bigger than anticipated because unlike Tourists, they buy or rent property long term, buy cars, food, petrol, travel, entertainment, etc etc. The Thais he was working with had no idea Expats spent so much over 5-10 years. There was a 'conference' (they love conferences) and when the Boss was given the prelim figures, he said 'stop' and cancelled the project. The Expat reckoned the reason was that the Boss knew that the Big Bosses in the Junta did not want that information being released and known by the public.

And therein lies the dilemma for many people - 'could' - there is no certainty about all of this situation. And if any person thinks that laying their financial life at the feet of the TRD is a viable thing to do, then I would suggest otherwise. Those with a lot to lose (in taxes) are either leaving, have left, or are thinking/planning on leaving - because they can live in a nearby country that does not tax retired Expats money, and still visit Thailand for <180 days and pay no taxes. Most of us with a little to lose are still here and are considering things going forward - we are waiting to see what clarifications TRD will (if ever) release by the end of this year. And those of us with nothing to lose dont care either way. What I do know is this - I dont trust any Thailand Government Department/Official. Not just because of corruption - but because they are incompetent and also because I have no legal recourse when/if anything goes sideways. If Somchai in the local TRD Office decides that I am 'rich Falang' and must pay huge amount of income taxes (ignores all my deductions etc.), I have very little (none really) legal recourse to challenge that decision. Anyone who thinks otherwise - then I remind you of the Expat who took a Thai Hospital to Court about being charged 2-3 times as much for the same services as a Thai, on the basis that under the Thai Constitution price discrimination is illegal. He actually proved his case, but the Judge ruled it was OK to charge Expats extra because they have more money and it is good for Thailand. This is a 3rd world country - but only when they are in serious trouble will some people realise that. We are preparing and waiting for TRD to release their long promised 'clarifications' and then we will decide what to do. My Thai wife is adamant we are not going to pay income taxes to those corrupt (insert Thai insults) who are currently in Government (for who knows how long).

Thousands of year ?? Muslims have not been living there for that long mate - learn some history. The Muslims took that land off those who had been living their for thousands of years - since before Buddha. But your point is valid - Thailand took over existing Muslim Caliphates - and perhaps it is time to give them back (for a negotiated fee).

Right but Wrong. Talking with Muslim terrorists never has worked anywhere in the world. You either drive them out or they win - there is no 'settlement' possible - they are not fighting for 'normal' reasons such as Ukraine etc (economic, social, power, money, wealth, etc etc) - they are fighting for a Holy Cause'.

I can see this is going to get serious - far too many bombings since new Govt took over. I think the Military/Police will soon be striking back at the Muslim terrorists.

I checked and apparently the train stops at Khon Kaen at 5am and you can get on there. Obviously the 133 makes a lot of stops from Bangkok and the list of stations is on this website - from Nong Khai I assume you catch the bus across the bridge and into Laos. Think I would prefer to drive car and just park on the Thailand side. Rapid No. 133: Bangkok to Nong Khai – Richard Barrow's Thai Train Guide

Yep - he just did not listen about sticking those tide pods up his nose.

Plus a lot of them went to Thailand - hence all the very rich/wealthy 'Thainese' families in Thailand.

It has been 'weekend at Bernie's' for over 2 years mate

He is officially not fit to stand trial - so how the hell is he fit to be POTUS. But then again, he is still a better POTUS than the long-necked Harris would ever be.

I wish I was single and mobile - I would do the same and spend my time between Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and maybe Hong Kong and Singapore. If I am never a tax resident anywhere, then I never have to pay income taxes - perfect. Then when older (75?) go back to Aust and 'fade away' in a country where medical services are basically free.

Yes Indeed. I know one and he has left already - did so before 180 days were up. I reckon any others will also have already gone - after moving any remaining money out of Thailand. Or they are waiting for other reasons and will leave later - never to return.

I certainly hope that they will still be 'not bothered'. TRD wrote letters to 100K Thais reminding them of income taxes - they did not write to Expats. But me thinks they are being pushed to get as much as they can from everyone - including Expats.

Regarding allowances exemptions and other deductions, they are fairly well documented and will probably be allowed for foreigners at the same amounts and under the same terms as Thais. However, there is absolutely no certainty over Expats using the provisions of the DTAs involved to gain additional exemptions, allowances, or tax credits. As one TRD publication has stated, just for them agreeing to tax credits, they recommend Expats get an official tax payment certificate from their home country's Taxation Department - and that is not an easy thing to do - especially when the start/end of the financial years do not line up (see last page). Foreign-sourced income tax-no logo (expattaxthailand.com)

My reply same as Stat's