mohinga

I saw the announcement and was pleasantly surprised. I immediately started fantasizing about getting a retirement visa and living on Bitcoin in the Kingdom. The next day the big news was that the Thai government was on the verge of collapse. So that fantasy didn't last very long. Stupid of me , I know; but what can I say?

I'm in a neighbouring country, and not up-to-date with the state of Bitcoin in the Kingdom. It seems to me that Khun Thaksin is maybe the driving force behind this change in regulations. Maybe due to his experience in Dubai? But if it's the end of the Shinawatra dynasty, would this kind of liberalization of the regulations go forward? Will have to wait and see of course. 

In the meanwhile, can anyone recommend a good source for news about Bitcoin in Thailand? This forum, Cryptocurrency News, is a bit moribund. The last thread before this one was from February.

Bit of a tangent; but I couldn't find forums specifically for 'banking' or 'crypto'. I became aware of this article on reddit (r/Thailand) where there was a poster trying to find out why his account was frozen. Among the reasons posited was "crypto trading". What is the current legal state of "crypto" in the kingdom? e.g. If I were to manage to get a retirement visa, would I be able to sell some bitcoin on a Thai exchange and have the funds transferred to a local bank? 

11 hours ago, jas007 said:

Here's some good advice:  pay no attention to any advice you read here.  No one here has a crystal ball, and no one here can tell you what the situation will be in two years. 

 

If you want to retire in Thailand someday, just keep planning and reading what you can.  There's a good chance nothing will have changed from today. 

 

 

You're right. Governments change, regulations change, and the ways the regs are enforced change. I just wanted to get a bit of an idea of how things stand now. If I make the move I'll be sure to consult a Thai tax accountant beforehand. Anyway, I'm pleased to know that there is, for now, a way to bring in large sums tax free when not yet a tax resident.

Agree about the zero tax thing. I have a couple of years left on a visa in a neighbouring country... no capital gains tax. If they don't renew the visa I'd have to shift to Thailand; where there is CGT. And it wouldn't work out too well for me since they don't value the cost of the assets at the date of arrival in Thailand. Instead, unless one can jump through a lot of hoops, the acquired cost is zero. So CGT is due on the whole amount. I'm holding Bitcoin, which could appreciate in the next couple of years; so I would sell it tax free, and transfer the funds to Thailand. Enough to live on for a few years.  I'm long in the tooth; so I'm not worried about not earning interest.

On 4/27/2025 at 4:22 PM, ukrules said:

If you stay less then 180 days in the first year then you are correct, you will not be a tax resident and you can submit as much money as you want - millions or tens of millions - doesn't matter although you're going to lose interest on any extra, but that might be worth it.

The goal for me is to pay zero tax, ever.
 

Been out of LOS for a many years; so only know about the latest rule changes from internet chatter.

I might have to leave my current country of residence in a couple of years; and would like have the option of getting a Thai retirement visa. I know things can change a lot in a couple of years; but I still have to make tentative plans.

If I were to go someplace in Thailand, say for instance Surat Thani, and start the application process for a pension visa, might I be able to get a bank account?

I'm unclear how the tax situation stands with respect to funds transferred into Thailand.

If I transfer funds into a Thai bank account for the purpose of getting a retirement visa (still 800k?) then are those funds taxed as income?

If so, then could that be avoided by doing the visa application and funds transfer in the second half of a calendar year? e.g. if funds transferred in late this year; but I  do not spend 180 days in the Kingdom this year, and only become a tax resident next year.

Lots of "ifs" I know; and I would definitely consult a tax accountant before making a move; but maybe someone has some insights to share?

Also if anyone knows of a good agent in Surat Thani?

I'm a pensioner on the MM2H programme. Every few months I'd check the britishexpats.com site for news; but it seems my url (vpn) is now blocked there. So I'm wondering about proposed changes in foreign income. I had read that sometime next year Malaysia will be taxing foreign income to come in line with international standards. This will not be a problem with pension income for most, since many countries have an arrangement with Malaysia. But other income could be subject to more reporting and taxation. Malaysia does not have capital gains tax for most investments. But I am interested to know if I should sell some holdings I have overseas this year in order to avoid extra paper work and possible taxation. I searched on Grok and it seems the date for implementation of the new regulations might have been pushed back to December of 2026; but I can't find any confirmation. I would prefer to hold on to my investment as long as possible; but will sell by end of this year if necessary. Any thoughts on where I might find good info on this subject?

So it seems that it's not really a capital gain but rather a tax on the final sale price. How many would be able to verify purchase price if bought in another country and another currency. The paperwork would be daunting.

I'm in Malaysia where, so far, there is no CGT. I could sell near the next cycle high (wishful thinking) and buy it back to establish a new, higher, purchase price. But that would likely lose me at least 5% of my holdings. Malaysian exchanges have very low liquidity, and big spreads.

Another possibility is I could re-establish residency in my home country at/near the next ATH, and then only have to pay CGT on any further price rises. Neither of these two options appeal to me. So I'll just bide my time hoping that there will be more options appearing over the next few years. I can't see Thailand embracing the Bitcoin ethos; but maybe there will be more flexibility regarding stablecoins. 

I have a vague idea of the tax situation for CGT re: crypto; but it's confusing. The %15 tax on gains seems acceptable; but, from what I can see, it seems that is based on the sale price. One can sell at a loss; so what then? Does the exchange still withhold  %15. It would seem fairer to calculate the CG based on the actual gain. If that were to be the case, then how would the cost base be assessed? If I were to return to my home country and re-establish residency  for tax purposes, then the cost base of my holdings would be assessed at the price on the day of return to my country. i.e. "deemed acquired". But how does it work in Thailand? If, for example, I have some BTC that I bought a long time ago when not a resident of Thailand, would it be assessed as bought then? If so how would I provide proof of purchase price? Or is the purchase price somehow calculated upon the date of becoming a resident here?

4 minutes ago, ALLSEEINGEYE said:

As a Canuck I would really like to know what pizza cake is. Never heard of it. Maybe because it's so bad?? hehe

Born and raised in Montreal. Spent the '50's, 60's and 70's there, after which wandered elsewhere. Sometime in the '90's (maybe) started hearing of a famous French Canadian dish... poutine. Never saw it or heard of it when living in Montreal; a city known for its cuisine.. so many good things to eat... Ben's smoked meat, St. Hubert BBQ, and great pizza from Mob owned joints. Guess I'll go to my grave never having know the delight of eating poutine or pizza cake.

So I gather that there is no provision for the purchase price to be deemed the price on the asset at the time of becoming a resident of Thailand for tax purposes.

I am not a resident for tax purposes in my country of origen. I am on the Malaysian MM2H programme, and am looking for alternatives as the rules are in flux here. Malaysia does not tax offshore income (yet), and pension money I remit to here is taxed at source in my "home" country (which has a tax treaty with Malaysia).

Most importantly, Malaysia does not (yet) tax capital gains.

I could theoretically sell everything while here in Malaysia, and buy it back to establish a new "purchase price". But that is messy.

I have no wish to return to my home country; and see no reason to pay tax there if I don't have to.

I guess I'll just wait and see how the next few years work out with the MM2H programme. One thing I'm sure of is that all governments will be trying to squeeze as much tax out of the plebs as possible.

I'm not asking about how to become a resident for tax purposes in Thailand. I think that is easily done. I  understsand that, under the terms of certain visas (retirement?),  one can choose to be taxed in ones' own country, or in Thailand. I think I read that there are some financial benefits to choosing Thailand... e.g. bank accounts having more benefits.

My country of origen is not a concern; since it is not the U.S., but rather a country that taxes base upon residence... not citizenship.

I do know that if I were to return to my country, and re-establish residence for tax purposes there, my holdings would be deemed "acquired" on the date of my return... not on the actual date of purchase.

So I am trying to find out if Thailand has a similar standard for valueing assets liable eligible for capital gains tax.

Maybe someone here knows from personal experience. But not likely... in which case maybe someone could recommend a Thai tax service that I might contact.

My question is this: if I were to establish residency in Thailand, and choose the option of being taxed as a resident, how would capital gains on existing assets be calculated? Specifically, if I had assets like precious metals on account with service, or bitcoin, and I sold them at some point, would the capital gain be calculated from the original purchase price (i.e. long before becoming a resident of Thailand), or would the price of acquisition be deemed to be the price of the asset on the date of my becoming a resident?

Okay, thanks for that. It was in a Malaysian newspaper last month that I read about that incident. Pretty sure it was a land border crossing; so it may have just been on a whim of the immigration officer.

7 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Info for entry requirements follow.

 

Your 2 does of vaccine will be accepted.

A tourist visa you apply for at a embassy or consulate allows a 60 day stay that can be extended for 30 days.

You can enter without a visa and get a 30 day visa exempt entry that can be extended for 30 days.

I can't make out the url of that website. Is it a Thai government site? Also would like to know if booster shots are required for those over 60 yrs. of age. I read that a Malaysian woman was denied entry because she did not have a booster.

Thanks, I'll check it out. UOB has a branch in my town. Having an app that is widely accepted in Thailnd is basically what I am looking for. I will also see if CIMB has such an app. Since I am already set up with them it might be easier. The past few years Malaysian banks have made it more difficult to open accounts... even for Malaysians.

2% commission is not a big deal compared to extremely poor exchange rate for physical cash MYR/THB at exchanges. I think the solution I'm looking for is still in the future. So I will see what CIMB can offer me. I could make trips to their ATM's and draw baht at a good rate of exchange, and (I think) no fee. Too bad they don't have a branch in Hua Hin where I'm hoping to stay. Could be that their debit card might also work for hotels.

You mean a Malaysian bank debit card? Would that work for hotels etc? Or do you mean top up an ewallet with a Malaysian bank card. Or do I have to open a Thai bank account?

So I would need a Thai bank account to top it up? Or use cash (baht) at a 7-11? I see that TrueMoney works in some SE Asian countries; but not Malaysia. The problem with ringgit is that one can only get a halfway decent exchange rate at the border. Elswhere it's a big ripoff.

I don't know if this is the right forum... I looked for a "finance" thread; but couldn't find one.

It's been many years since I've been in Thailand, even though I have been living nearby in Malaysia. Covid...!
I'm thinking of maybe visiting when, and if, the covid restrictions are lifted. I would like to know if there is an ewallet that I, as a tourist, might be able to use for daily expenses. I don't have a credit card, and carrying MYR cash is not practical since the exchange rate is very poor. I do have a CIMB bank account in Malaysia, and I think I could get a good rate at their ATM's in Thailand... but they are not everywhere.
So if there was an ewallet that I could somehow load up that would be a good alternative. Otherwise I would have to change MYR for USD here, and carry a lot of cash. Years (decades) ago I used to be comfortable travelling in the Land of Smiles with a money-belt full of cash; but I'm older now.
A few years ago I saw a YouTube video on (I think it was called something like) "Satang Pro" ewallet. It used a cryptocurrency called Firo. I assume this died out; but something like it would suit me. e.g. an ewallet that could be loaded with BTC. This will be happening with Lightning network over the next few years in some countries; but maybe not so soon in Thailand.
The ideal would be if there were an ewallet that was used in both countries so I could load it with ringgit and spend baht. But too soon for that I guess...
Any suggestions?

3 hours ago, ryane66 said:

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3133977/coronavirus-uae-offer-third-dose-recipients-chinas-sinopharm

This article is on the Sinopharm vaxx, not the Sinovac one being discussed in this forum. I think a lot of people will confuse the two, partly due to wishful thinking. i.e. a big motivation to getting any vaxx is the possibility of international travel. It's yet to be decided, so I'm speculating here; but I think the major Western airline carriers will only credit the WHO "approved" vaccines. i.e. the 2 mRNA ones/Astrazenaca/Sinopharm and ?J+J?. It could also be the case that all carriers will only accept vaxx permits for the vaccines approved by the county of destination. So, again, mostly the WHO approved ones.

Personally, I will wait for things to evolve. Here in Malaysia there are 3 options: Pfizer, Sinovac and Astrazenaca. If a gun was put to my head, and I had to choose one it would be the Sinovac. But I am hoping that later this year, when a majority have been vaxxed, the government will allow more options. They have already indicated that they will likely throw open the process to private hospitals and clinics.

And, to me, the more interesting possibility is that they will approve the Russian jab. So far they have only seemed to follow Washington's and London's lead regarding approvals. More than 60 countries are using the Sputnik V, and even the Lancet has given it approval; but the Western powers don't seem to want to allow Russia to gain any influence. (e.g: U.S. stops Brazil from importing Sputnik V).

The MSM seems to love the mRNA vaxxes; and have reported on the "possible risks" of the Astrazena and J+J jabs. If there have been major problems with the Sputnik V vaxx they surely would have broadcasted them.

Absent such reports I'm opting for the Russian jab.

As far as safety is concerned, I see it as less of a risk than the ones currently on offer.

As for efficiency... well who knows? It could likely reduce the severity of a covid infection were I to get the bug. That's probably the best that any of them can offer.

Unfortunately I don't think it will be a ticket to international travel.

The Ledger Live app is secure, and can only be dl/d from their site. There have been malicious apps on Google Chrome; so best stick to the Ledger Live app. There are 2 models, the Ledger Nano S, and the more expensive Ledger Nano X.

I use a Nano S on Linux. It was a bit of a hassle setting it up; but Ledger's website has lots of tutorials. I assume it is probably easier to install on Windows.

If you haven't used your device in a while you will likely have to update firmware.

Reddit also has lots of good info https://old.reddit.com/r/ledgerwallet/

Youtube also has many tutorials. e.g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGe2GgfkO64&list=PLxdf8G0kzsUVkZ5_Jc6PyG_j4K8htg-i3&index=7

The main thing to remember is that your 24 seed words should be recorded manually (e.g. pen and paper) and never entered on a website, or electronically copied/photographed etc..

The device itself is a bit fidgity, and not as user friendly as some other wallets. But it's cheap, and does the job. I had one die on me once; so now I have a few just in case backup is needed.

.

I'm in Malaysia, and have no idea when I might be able to enter Thailand again... cuz covid. This is the first for me regarding the new banknotes. I have some of the old ones and am wondering how long they will remain valid. Any hints from the powers on high?