TroubleandGrumpy

@Michael Howells Hi Mate - happy to give you some advice - I know a lot about this issue - a few questions if I may. How long before your 'eligibility' date did you arrive in Australia. How much did you tell CLink about your marriage and your wife. Have you 'officially' married (Aust Embassy etc.) or is it a Thai marriage only. Where are you living now - renting - with a friend/family. Do you have Aust bank accounts and licence or any other official ID besides Passport. Do you have Superannuation etc. - what is your source of funds (banks). Those questions will impact a lot on what you will have to do now. You will probably not win the appeal - depending on your answers. That advice (bring wife over) is actually good advice - I will explain more when you answer.

So you like boys that dress up as girls (Ladyboys) - that is OK - up to you mate 😘

Agree. The French - overall. Every country has their 'quirks' but judging the country based on one group (like New York) is not realistic. However, except for a few places, France has the rudest people towards foreigners - especially those that dont speak French - they are arrogant pigs IMO. They not only have a massive chip on their shoulders over their past 'destructions' by the English, they are downright antagonistic towards anyone that speaks English. I recall one mate of mine that was of a French descent (long time back) and he said that to him it looked like they are stuck in the 19th Century when they were a 'world power' and have never got over losing that mantle. That they were 'given' a seat at the table in the UN as a permanent member after WW2 and at the same level as USA, UK, Russia and China - only added to their delusions. Delusions of granduer are always manifested as arrognace. Whilst the UK's seat at the table is also 'unwarranted' (their intact Royalty justifies it somewhat) their manifestation is indifference.

I rest my case (see my earlier post above). Dentists in Thailand have been for a long time been pushing Expats for root canal treatment, when in fact that is often not the best most suitanble treatment needed for them. While Thais usually have very strong and well developed teeth, that is not the case for most Caucasian Expats - our teeth are often crap. Many decades of bad diets and minimal serious biting (Thais can crunch through soft bones) and genetic 'inheritances' mean older Expats's teeth are often best treated by drilling and either filling, covering with crowns, or removing and implants - unless you are a lucky one and have parents and grandparents that kept most/all of their teeth. And even then it depends on your bone structure and density - you cant fix what cant 'hold' - dentures are sometimes the best last option.

Yes and No. While I agree with what you are saying, I will also say that there are often other issues involved. If the tooth is less than 90% perfect, there is no point in 'saving it' unless you are young - it will be trouble again in a few years. The cause of the infection is critical - was it through the tooth or via the gums - exactly what caused the infection and how. Is it a teeth wide and/or gum wide issue, or is it isolated to that one tooth? How is the teeth's bone structure and density etc etc. Will a repair and antibiotics do enough of a job? Etc etc etc. I have had a LOT of involvement with Dentists since a very young age (Sjrogens), and my Brother studied to be a Dentist (didnt work out), and a close mate of mine was a Dentist. When I was told the same thing as you by a Dentist in Chiang Mai, with absolutely no explanation other than 'you need root canal' - I was dubious - and when I examined the XRay it was only a small amount - and the fact was I went in there to get that tooth treated. When I advised the Dentist what I wanted them to do, though the Thai wife, he said 'no no no - root canal first'. I declined. Next trip back home I went and saw my mate - he immediately said WTF - no way - not needed. He said the infection was small and came though the lower side of the tooth that was the problem. He repaired/drilled out the tooth, and gave it a crown, and gave me some antobiotics. All done on the same day using that CEREC system - and that was almost 10 years ago and the tooth is still fine. Back then there was very few Dentists in Thailand using the CEREC system - there are more nowadays - and it has improved too - now last as long as most 'lab made crowns'.

And they wonder why the Thai Police are tryiong to crack down on the Thai Trans people - the ones that 'work' in the 'entertainment' industry are criminally violent mentally deranged people. Never ever get involved in anything they do to themselves. If they are attacking an Expat women, and if you are young and strong and only if you can fight, then by all means maybe get in there - but not if you are one of us old blokes - those Trans are men and most of them can all fight (Mua Thai style).

Seems those people like myself and @Dogmatix and @stat and @Mike Lister and many others who have been 'discussing' this matter (not always in agreement), and the possible implications, and the possible counter measures - and who were called 'phrophets of doom' by the 'bar-boys' and 'emus' on this forum, have been doing the right thing when raising the issues and debating the negatives. Well, who would have guessed - several Thai tax law exdperts have come out and said it too. Maybe now the 'bar-boys' and 'emus' will realise that this is not an issue to be treated with disdain (and those discussing it), and that the 'She'll be right mate - have another beer' is not going to be the right strategy in the long run. It might not become such a big issue - but it certainly can if things are not clarified and detailed explanations are not provided by the Thai RD. As the post above says - we will have to 'report' remittances into Thailand and dfeclare them either taxabale or non-taxable income (as it stands), and good luck convincing Somchai in the Thai RD that your pension/savings are not 'income' that can be taxed in Thailand - and even more good luck when arguing with Pronchai that a DTA means you pay no taxes 🙂 In this modern world of social media and its massive influence on all Govts (especially Thailand). It is only because of Expats like us 'complaining' on this forum, and other websites, and our Thai partners, that this issue is being 'responded to' by people that do have an influence in Thailand. There are no guarantees either way, but these days it is very much that the 'squeky wheel' gets the oil - and the 'noisier' we are the better. So get active boys and put forward your thoughts and opinions - right or wrtong it does not matter. And 'Good Luck Everybody'. Forcing me to pay income taxes will mean my Thai wife and I will be leaving Thailand - period. My reasons for all that are in my previous posts in thge other thread (many times).

Seems those people like myself and @Dogmatix and @stat and @Mike Lister and many others who have been 'discussing' this matter (not always in agreement), and the possible implications, and the possible counter measures - and who were called 'phrophets of doom' by the 'bar-boys' and 'emus' on this forum, have been doing the right thing when raising the issues and debating the negatives. Well, who would have guessed - several Thai tax law exdperts have come out and said it too. Maybe now the 'bar-boys' and 'emus' will realise that this is not an issue to be treated with disdain (and those discussing it), and that the 'She'll be right mate - have another beer' is not going to be the right strategy in the long run. It might not become such a big issue - but it certainly can if things are not clarified and detailed explanations are not provided by the Thai RD. As the post above says - we will have to 'report' remittances into Thailand and dfeclare them either taxabale or non-taxable income (as it stands), and good luck convincing Somchai in the Thai RD that your pension/savings are not 'income' that can be taxed in Thailand - and even more good luck when arguing with Pronchai that a DTA means you pay no taxes 🙂 I can just see it now - in 2024/25 they will post a question - "What am I going to do now? Please help". Well, they are welcome to read through all the posts written by blokes like myself and Dogmatrix and Stat and Mike and all the others who also think this deserves 'attention' and should not be ignored. And/Or take the advice we all have given that suits you and your situation. And/or go see an tax/legal expert. In this modern world of social media and its massive influence on all Govts (especially Thailand). It is only because of Expats like us 'complaining' on this forum, and other websites, and our Thai partners, that this issue is being 'responded to' by people that do have an influence in Thailand. There are no guarantees either way, but these days it is very much that the 'squeky wheel' gets the oil - and the 'noisier' we are the better. So get active boys and put forward your thoughts and opinions - right or wrtong it does not matter. And 'Good Luck Everybody'. Forcing me to pay income taxes will mean my Thai wife and I will be leavbing Thailand - period. My reasons for all that are in my previous posts (many times).

Lived in CM for almost 4 years - have stayed in KK several times - am married (10+ yrs) and over 65 and starting to 'settled down'. We plan to move to KK in a few years time - has everything we need and want. CM is 'good' - but it has several problems - extremely bad air for 3-4 months, crowded with Chinese tourists 3-4 months (they will be back), very remote (a long way to anywhere), over-priced property both rent and buy, airport taxi mafia (not as bad as Phuket, but bad), getting around without a car/bike is not easy or cheap (baht buses for tourists, but not really useful for residents). CM has two parts - the area near the 'walled city' that is mainly locals and tourists, and areas well outside for residents and Expats. Very easy to get around in a car/bike - unlike Bangkok and Pattaya. Great golf courses and a great night life and close to 'advanture/nature' stuff. Not a large amount of 'bar girls' like Pattaya. KK is quieter but has everything someone of a mature age needs. Not as much bad air, very few tourists (big plus), easy to get anywhere to else in Thailand and overseas, property pricing not over-inflated (yet), very easy to get around. Not a large number of Expats, which IMO is a good thing, because there are many 'strange ones' in CM (and lots of Yanks). KK is growing - big plans - ring roads and fast train and international airport are all coming - KK will be second only to BKK in 10 years, maybe less. Udon is good for Expats (only an hour or so away) but it is 'full' and they cannot expand - easy for border runs there too.

The reason married Visa is 'harder' and why they clamped down on them years ago, is because there is no age requirement, and many 'undesirables' who were under the retirement age, used that method to stay in Thailand. As soon as they started clamping down, they found lots of marriages were scams.

Ditto - same story for myself. But I was not 'lucky' really. After a few years of fun, I had decided to find a 'keeper' and I took my time looking (and I did not look in bars). Too many guys fall for the first pretty girl that shows interest - and they reap what they sow - we all do. Far too many things to list - but number one was some advice I got many years ago. If you have a bigger age gap than 10-15 years there could be problems later - I am in 60s now and she is in 50s (and still under 50kgs). No tattoos. Not too 'forward and confident'. Etc Etc Etc. My life has never been better than the last 10+ years - if I could go back in time, I would come to Thailand and find her 20-30 years ago. But we all live and learn - and one thing I have learned the hard way, is that if it is an unhealthy relationship, then get out as soon as you can. Do not do what I did way back in time and try to stick it out. But also, dont just 'storm out' - plan very carefully and organise things and take your time - and dont tell anyone - women are highly skilled at finding out what you are doing - dont even tell your best mate (his GF/wife will talk - they all do). There is absolutely no advantage is saying anything or being a big princess and making a big scene - you will lose if you do that. Paul Simon said there are '50 ways to leave your lover' and none of them are about yelling/telling her - You just slip out the back, Jack Make a new plan, Stan You don't need to be coy, Roy Just get yourself free Hop on the bus, Gus You don't need to discuss much Just drop off the key, Lee And get yourself free. There is nothing better than having a great wife, but there is nothing worse than having a bad one.

I have had both, and am currently going through the marriage extension process. Marriage is IMO better, and more 'secure' as long as you stay married. The annual paperwork for the Retirement is less, and the initial vist etc and waiting period is also a bit annoying - but they are both annoying. The biggest issue for me is the 400K in a bank for a few months, versus 800K locked away forever. Not so much the amount, but that they force those retired to lock away twice as much as someone that is supporting a Thai wife. I am also of the view that going forward all those on O retirement extensions in Thailand, will also be required to have mandatory health insurance like those on O-A retirement extensions. And it will probably be mandated that it be one of those ripoff policies setup by the Thai only companies that are basically scamming retired Expats. All in all, I think marriage extension is better, and in the longer term will be more secure. For those worried about losing their Visa if divorced, the reality is that that process takes a while and it is not hard to switch over to a retirement Visa - and much easier if you use an agent.

I used Dental World some years ago - near the moat on south east side of the road. Choose one of the Dentists that has trained overseas, as well as in Thailand of course. I used one that was trained in Australia - forgot her name (so has the Wife). First questions I asked her was about Sydney University - she knew exactly the answers.

Fair enough - but there are a lot of them who will do it - as long as you do have something to leave for them when you 'go'. One key is where you look for them - and how old they are - if you want a 20-30 year old, you are being stupid/silly (they often leave). Likewise, one that worked in a bar is also likely to leave and not stick it out.

Lots of free Apps available - there is even a list of them on the BeeeTV website - I dont use them anymore. I mainly use an IPTV service that provides movies (many newer ones) and live sports from UK, USA, Aust etc. (and with replay and storage). It costs money, but it is worth it - very few technical issues and works great 90+% of the time - unlike many freebies I have tried over the years.

Never has been a problem for me - but make sure you have the 'Thai accepted' address (can be a bit difficult). Regarding the contents - do not ever get sent to yourself an illegal/banned medication or substance in Thailand. If you are ever caught, the penalties for an Expat are severe (Thai remand/jail is terrible) - and then they deport you (permanently). In regards to your medication that is not readily available in Thailand, I would go visit your local Province hospital. Ideally with someone that speaks Thai - especially if you are in a rural Province. Ask to meet with a Dr who specialises in whatever area of medicine that you need the medication for. Take an empty packet of the medication with you, and a letter/prescription from your previous Dr. Ask him/her if it is possible to get that medication in Thailand - they might not be able to get it for you - if not try another 1 or 2. Some things are not available from a local Pharmacy - but they can be obtained legitimately through a Hospital or a local Dr.

TV companies have been trying to make 'smart' TVs for a long time and have failed - and they get paid to include Apps in their 'software' OS. I found that the best way to use a modern TV is just for its picture and sound - disconnect the internet and reset with no net connected. Connect external devices to the TV via HDMI - Laptop, NVidia and 4K DVD/BluRay player (cheap to buy discs in Thailand 😉) I use either the Laptop or the NVidia device to access everything on the net and to play online movies etc. The laptop does all the 'standard' online stuff, and the NVidia is best for the Apps (including Netflix or whatever). I also have a 4K DVD/BluRay player for those movies I have bought the disc. I use the latop for playing basic movies, and the NVidia for the 4K ones - using an external SSD drive for their storage. But nothing beats the picture and sound quality of a 4K Disc - just awesome. The NVidia device is far better at streaming and is very user friendly, and it can be 'modified' as you wish. The laptop is far more flexible and can do a lot of things that the NVidia cannot do (easily). I have a surround sound system that comes from the TV (fibre out) - so irrelevent what device is the source.

9 Lies Vegans Like to Tell (legionathletics.com) That says it all - and it is often a phase that young silly female teenagers go through (and the boys trying to hump them). Up to you if you dont want to 'kill animals' but please dont tell me lies - Vegans are not healthier. Certainly they can healthier that those who eat far too much 'fast food' - but in moderation good quality meat is good for a human. Vegetarian died 'premature and painful death' due to lack of nutrients | Metro News

That is only for the wealthy retirees with lots of money - as pointed out already, because they still have to pay for medications and hospital treatments and clinic visits, plus all those Visa Extensions and Reporting issues. IMO marrying a Thai lady (a good one) who will look after you when you get very old/sick (and 90% do) is the best option. Additionally for much less than the retirement place - you can hire a Thai 'nurse' to come and look after you every day. I recall pre-Covid that some local Expat was setting up a business where you could hire a nurse - no idea if still going.

Any of them you would recommend - that either you or a person you know uses?

Rent for a while, then buy - if you have the money. Not sure of your CLink situation, but if you have that 'asset' it can affect your payments. Likewise, any rent you receive will be taxable from $1 onwards - no tax free threshold when not a 'Tax Resident' (check ATO site). Main issue is to have an 'address' that you will be able to use for many years - family member or a good friend. Before leaving 'move' into that house (get a rental agreement for 1 room) and change to that address with everyone (Govt, Banks, Licence, etc).

I agree with both the post by @MarkyM3 and yourself. We have not 'burned the bridge' but we did burn everything on the other side to the ground. We have no intentions of ever returning, but we will maintain our Passports and therefore the right to go back at any time it is ever needed. Fully burning the bridge means giving up citizenship and letting your Passport expoire. Becoming a Citizen or PR is just not an option in my situation, so therefore IMO having the option of going back is wise. You never know if you are going to get a serious medical problem that will take years and lots of money that you dont have to treat. You never know if your 'Tourist' Visa is going to be cancelled for some breach of Thai laws or from a run-in with a powerful Thai person. And many other reasons. Dont burn the bridge, but burn/sell everything on the other side.

Thanks mate - much appreciated. Back to Plan B - I will see if I can get someone in Australia to get some and send it to me here.

After reading through all the comments since I last 'played' before dinner/mnovie yesterday, two things are very clear: 1. A lot of the 'debate' is based in ignorance and apathy, and appears to me to be just old men having an argument (muh guilty of that too). 2. Participating in this post is not a good idea - responding to the ignorance with my own ignorance is just plain stupid and unhealthy. Back to debating about things that do matter in my life - such as, Thailand Income Taxes, THC based Pain killers for my bad back (golf), and other such matters that actually mean something. If the current Israel/Hamas war extends to involve other Terrorists, and goes towards WW3, then I am interested. Until then I pray that Israel organises for all Hamas members and enablers and supporters to meet with God for His verdict.

Get a life.