TroubleandGrumpy

Made for people to express their views I thought. But as anticipated the virtue signalling folks with cognitive dissonence will always label anything they disagree with as 'sillyness' (or worse).

The Dems can charge Trump with as many 'trumped up' crimes as they like - they aint gonna stop Trump winning in November. The Dems can let as many illegals into the country as they like for their votes - they aint gonna stop Trump winning in November. The Dems can push divisive race based politics as they like - they aint gonna stop Trump winning in November. The Dems can push the women's right to an abortion and the fake 'pay gap' issues as much as they like - they aint gonna stop Trump winning in November. The Dems and all the RINOs and Swampers are terrified of Trump - and people should really ask themselves why and think. Not think about why they do not like him - and there are lots of reasons because he has a very abrasive personality. But they need to think about what did he do last time he was POTUS that was so 'terrifying'. In fact all the things they said Trump was going to do if he won in 2016, is exactly what Biden has done (remember Trump will start WW3?). Trump's biggest 'failures' was 'The Wall' - he could not get it done - and now Biden has shown everyone exactly why Trump wanted to build a wall. Relations between the 'Big 3' - USA, China and Russia, have not been this bad since the 'cold war'. World Trade is at an all-time low since the disaster of Covid and how the Dems managed it. Trump is being proven more and more correct, about how he was challenging what all the 'experts' like Fauci were doing, and saying that China was resposible, and that the WHO is 'controlled' by China. And of course, the Russia Gate BS has been shown to be just that - total BS - and the Dem impeachments were as false and abysmal as the Jan 6 insurrection BS. The aint gonna stop Trump winning in November. He is going to tear it all down and they are terrified - not for the People - for themselves. People are more and more realising that Trump may not be a 'nice guy', but they now understand that all the politically driven attacks the Dems and Media and EU have thrown at Trump, are just 'Fake News'. The fools and diehards will still vote Dems, but more and more People are refusing to be fooled anymore.

The top reason people buy EVs is virtue signalling and cognitive dissonence. There are other reasons though - I have a mate back in Oz with a Tesla S and it is awesome. But he has a lot of money and to him it is like an expensive toy. If I had that sort of money and was in Australia I would buy a Tesla. No way I would or will ever buy a cheap EV car - and in Thailand I would never buy any EV vehicle. That thing was almost as quick as my S1000RR - around a racetrack it would blow me away (cornering speed). I know another bloke in Aust that had a Toyota EV and one day it just would not start. He had to get it towed to his house and when the Toyota mechanic arrived days later, he could not figure out the problem. They took it back to the workshop and after a while they ascertained that the rear passenger door sensor was screwed and therefore the car woiuld not start - no lights or warnings - it was hidden deep - and only the high-end Toyota 'reader' device could find it. He refused to take the car back and demanded a trade-in - he got a great deal on a Toyota hybrid. Why would I buy a car that has the potential to leave me high and dry - either due to 'software' programming issues, or a lack of charging stations, and in 5-10 years the battery is going to be massively expensive when it fails, and the value of used EVs is awful and getting worse. IMO they are not that good for the environment - that is a 'belief' being pushed hard by vested interests. If/when an EV spontaneously catches fire and people's lives are lost (boat, carpark, building basement, etc), this whole EV fanaticism will fall apart like a deck of cards. This guy is just one of the many car expert pundits calling out the EV lunacy - watch the whole playlist.

Happened to me first time many years ago, and like most newbies I was shocked and just let it go. Then it happened again - so in the car I asked the wife 'what gives'. On the third occasion, I just walked out leaving everything as it was. I knew not to 'argue' as that could lead to 'problems' - so I just 'preacefully' walked out. That is how I deal with it - but it hasnt happened for a while - maybe I dont get out enough.

Very dubious advice IMO - not that I disagree. But taking tax advice from unknown random Thais? who work in the 'inland revenue' (it is called the Thailand Revenue Department), is IMO not a wise thing to do. There are many vloggers and tax consultants in Thailand who have said everything from 'all Expats must now pay taxes' to 'no affect on Expats'. But they all say one same thing - lets wait until the TRD provides full clarity and all the exemptions in how they will manage this new tax era. I hope you/they are right - but I aint leaving it at that until I know for sure. The last TRD 'clarification' attempt in November, lead to even more questions and complaints, so they have 'closed doors' and are working through the issues. The TRD probably want to delay implementation like Malaysia did, but it is clear that the PM/Govt wants more income taxes paid.

Why?

I feel that too - I married a Thai and also intended to die here. I am upset by all this, but my wife is 'ropeable'. She is seriously annoyed that they would try to impose income taxes on my money, and is adamant that 'those corrupt HiSos will not get any of your/our money'. She and all her family have never paid income taxes in their lives - just like the majority of Thais. She has always only every paid the tax that we all pay - VAT - and she says that is enough. She remembers when VAT started (at 10%) in 1990s and all the complaints made them reduce it to 7%. Thais have since then reluctantly accepted that VAT is the means by which the Thai Govt gets some of their money (and then wastes most of it on corrupted 'deals' and khrapp like submarines, street lamps, etc etc etc).

I hear you mate - and understand. We too are looking at Bali as one of the potential places to move to if this thing goes 'belly up'. We intend to stay as long as possible this year and see how things go - hopefully they will follow Malaysia's lead and delay implementation for 5 years. This year for us (and many others) is going to be a test. I brought in extra funds before end Decmber last year, and this year it will only be the pension coming in - with clear documented proof. If I have to pay taxes on that in 2025 - or if during 2024 it becomes very clear that I will have to pay taxes in 2025 - then we are out of here. We have a detailed busget going out to 2037 and in that time we plan to bring into Thailand about 15 Million Baht - if/when we leave that will be gone. Now I know in the scheme of things that is not much - but when you consider 300K Expats and say half leave because of income taxes be imposed - that is an amount of money they should not be 'throwing away'. I too know a few single blokes living in/around Pattaya - most of them are looking where to move to if their pensions are going to be taxed - plus many are just sick of all the khrapp they have to go though just to stay here - and now being forced to pay income taxes measn they are looking elsewhere. Philippines, Indonesia (Bali) - but maybe Vietnam or Cambodia (if/when they implement fair and resonable retirement Visas). Plus then they can visit Thailand very cheaply - and staying less than 180 days in total here means no income taxes.

IMO the Thai RD has not yet responded to the BOI request to clarify whether LTR Visa holders are still exempt under this new rule. It is also MO that it is in breach of the stated aims of the OECD/CRS to stop money laundering, terrorist fundings and criminal activities, by Thailand offering people a 'special' Visa that they can buy and thus avoid all the stated aims of OECD/CRS. We will never know, but IMO the Thai RD have received a LOT of this type of 'request for clarification' from many sources inside and outside Thailand. When Malaysia looked to implement this 'new rule' they announbced it and delayed implementation for 5 years because it was far moe complicated than they had initiqally thought. Malaysia Delays Implementation Of Worldwide Tax Regime | Croner-i Tax and Accounting (croneri.co.uk) All Govts and Bureacracies worldwide are looking for more taxes follwing their Covid economic disaster, during which all of them kept their jobs.

That is an excellent post - thank you for the detailed information - very much appreciated. I hope that your post has shown people how serious this thing could be. As I have said many times before - Al Capone found out the hard way just how serious the Tax Dept can be. I will however state that it was 'implied' in my statement/s that tax was due. Let me explain - which I should have done in my post more clearly. If someone (you/me) calculates that they have no income taxes to pay (savings, DTA, allowances, etc) and does not lodge a tax return because of that, BUT Somchai at the local TRD Office does a check and audits you and decides you should have paid income taxes - and you cannot convince him that you did not - there is serious fines and penalties involved. My advice is meant to say that this is a very serious issue - dont panic - but dont ignore it either. It is not a slap on the wrist like a traffic breach or an incorrect/missing form. When any tax office in the world looks into someone who they think did not pay taxes, they are not mucking around.

There is another option - get a new single or multi entry 12 month Visa to visit Thai family from Laos. https://aseannow.com/topic/1311768-multiple-non-o-marriage-visa-in-savannakhet-november-2023-report/ You will need certain things done, because you are starting again (bank, medical, police, etc). I am thinking about doing that every year myself, instead of the ever changing and complex annual extension process with home visit. But I figure they will eventually shut that Laos option down if too many Expats do it. But in your situation it seems like the way to go - take a brief holiday to Laos and get a new Visa valid for 12 months. Maybe do it again next year, or you can decide to do an extension at that time. One thing I would definitely consider is to change your Visa start date away from anytime between December and March. That is the 'peak' season and the Thai IOs are overworked and more angry than usual during that period. Maybe get a 60 or 90 day Visa to visit the family from Laos or Cambodia - and then decide which way to get 12 months - either a new Visa or an extension.

I know that my/our opinions about dogs mean nothing in Thailand, and that the problem needs to be solved. It was solved in Bali many years ago when rabid dogs with rabies were attacking tourists - they culled them - nearly all of them were put down. The dogs numbers came back a bit and so has the rabies (it is endemic there and also here). When the numbers reach a critical point they will do another cull in Bali. But that will never happen here and as far as I see the only solution is a lot more places like the soi dog foundation - a lot more.

I agree - as long as it does not include the people who broke laws about insulting certain person/family. That is a separate issue and needs to be handled with kid gloves only when things have become politically stable. Otherwise the risk is more riots and deaths, and then another Junta coup.

I am sure they will want that and will try hard - but even if it does get to stay, I doubt that the Senators will mainly be appointed by the PM (elected at the next elections?).

My understanding was that not lodging a tax return when a tax payment is due, is penalised in Thailand with a 2000 Baht fine per event, plus 2% per month interest charges for all unpaid taxes, and if they decide you deliberately avoided paying tax (tax evasion) the penalty is a 5000 Baht fine and 6 months in jail - per event. If you have some reference or link that officially states otherwise please let me/us know. If you Google 'penalty for not lodging tax returns in Thailand' there are numerous websites providing details - not all the same amounts (as usual in Thailand).

I did not expect any less - was hoping for more - but got back what was expected.

Agree - what Thailand wants and needs is no more Juntas - ever. It will take a while, but reform will come one day. Letting Thaksin out is a move towards that reform - keeping him locked up serves no real purpose. Dont let him run for office again, but let him influence - and let the people decide.

Yes - but they got close last time and with the Senate being 'removed' in May, it is likely the next election will be closer to what the people want (which IMO is no more Juntas).

Yes - but it will happen one day - so why not start now.

Hey Somchai - make it 100 Million ! OK?? Yes Boss - no pwoblum - we do - +50 laan baht in money pweese - khop khun khrapp.

What could possibly go wrong ..............

One day I hope you understand. But until then, I hope that you will learn that you should respect the beliefs of others. Under Islam is is critically important that the deceased's body is handled a certain way and that certain rites and proceedures are followed - that is why it is so expensive. Understanding and respecting does not mean you agree - it just means you accept it is that person's belief. Not everything is right or wrong - you dont need to take a side on everything.

I agree - let him out on parole - conditional. It seems to me he is not after 'revenge' and that is a good thing and will help the country move forward after all the military coups this century. Same for his sister - it was all political. Let the people decide who is in charge.

There has been a lot of discussion about if and when Retired/Married Expats (RMEs) have to lodge a tax return in this 'new tax era' of the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) IMO the vast majority will not need to lodge a tax return - but as always it is best to get your own legal/financial advice on this and any other taxation matter or opinion. I have been researching and discussing this 'new tax era' since it was first announced in September 2023. I am still extremely annoyed that Thailand could even think about taxing RMEs, but my initial thoughts that this would screw over all RMEs has turned out to be not as bad as I first thought. Firstly - all Expats who work or own a business in Thailand have to lodge a tax return - my comments below only applies to RMEs who do not work or own a business in Thailand. The reason I say most RMEs do not need to lodge a tax return, is because my read of the Thai Revenue Code, is that it specifically states that 'assessable income' means 'taxable income'. IMO assessable income is not all the money brought into Thailand, but it is the specific money brought into Thailand that is taxable - and there are lots of exclusions and exemptions. Therefore IMO if your pension is already taxed (enough to cover any Thai taxes) and/or it is not taxable under a DTA, then it is not taxable income when it is remitted into Thailand. Additionally, all savings from past earnings before 1 Jan 2024, are not taxable income as clearly stated by the Thai Revenue Department. However, IMO any income earned overseas after 1 Jan 2024, from sources such as property rental, investments, etc., is taxable income, and if you bring more than 120K Baht of that type of money into Thailand, then you need to lodge a tax return. That does not mean you have to pay taxes on that amount - it means you add it all up and then claim whatever allowances and deductions are available. In a separate thread it is detailed how a married Expat over a certain age can get about 500K in deductions - this is something that you must either calculate yourself (and keep records) or get a tax accountant/expert to do that for you. There is no advice yet from TRD about what happens when a person has non-taxable savings overseas and that money earns interest - and then a portion of the total amount is remitted into Thailand. Obviously it is not all taxable (only the interest portion) - but how much of that interest is actually remitted when only say 10% of the total amount is remitted. Likewise, there are many other 'complications' that until now was not needed to be clarified - which is according to many Thai pundits, why the original rule was in place for almost 30 years (too complicated). IMO this 'new tax era' is a broadening of the existing tax laws to catch out those people and businesses who have been making money overseas (that is taxable), and then bringing that money back into Thailand in the following tax year, when it is not taxable. Certainy that has implications for Expats whose money being brought into Thailand is from working/earnings overseas, but IMO for the vast majotrty it has no 'deliberate' affect - note the work deliberate. Aside from the potential to be 'audited' in the future, and then fined and severely penalised for not lodging a tax return when TRD thinks you should have, I have one main concern for those RMEs who genuinely believe (like me) that they will not have to pay income taxes. That decision is soley at the decision of the TRD, and if the TRD ever (now or in the future) decide you have to pay income taxes, proving that you dont will be extremely difficult and expensive. TRD is not the Immigration Police - they do not have decades of experience in dealing with Expats, they dont speak much English, they operate only in Thai when appealed/challenged, and they have just as many (if not more) 'diifcult' officials, and they are extremely powerful - they can get you arrested, detained and deported. While some people have had positive interactions, I personally know 2 people who were 'audited' by TRD (businesses) and it was extremely difficult - without the benefit of a Thai speaking wife/business partner they would have been in serious trouble. A I said right up front, the thing that really worries me about this new tax era is Somchai in the local TRD saying - 'you bring 1 million baht, you pay tax'.

There are pockets of locations where it is OK sometimes, and others that are always bad. If you stay indoors in a/c until late mornings it is definitely better - the local fires all seem to be lit at night. But when the fires in Myanmar and Laos get bad, the place can be a 'smoke hole' for days on end.