kinyara

Lost count of the number of times you've posted that falsehood regarding Western tourism. You came out with it pre-Covid when Western tourism was increasing albeit by small numbers which is understandable given they are mature markets. You then said they wouldn't come back post Covid and never reach previous levels, surprise surprise you were wrong again. Thailand is and always has been a mass market destination while also having plenty of exclusive offerings for the smaller number of high value to tourists. However if you are trying to keep a huge volume of the unskilled labour force employed it's only natural you look to the high volume growth markets of the future. Thailand's tourism growth is founded upon developing new markets while retaining it's traditional mature markets, the fact it can retain disaffected malcontents like yourself speaks to its resilience and the positives it offers for all.

So in the headline tourism figures you now become 2 tourists a year from a higher spending long stay market. Congratulations for contributing to the growth of tourism and vindication of this governments new tourist policy. 😂

Amusing that a crappy little local rag like The Pattaya Mail has learnt to play the clickbait game and stir such online angst with a headline that bears no connection with reality. I guess, " A mate of ours doesn't like the tourist visa changes " wouldn't quite carry the same gravitas with their target market.

I don't have a problem acknowledging good/improved service when I experience it.

Jomtien Immigration Office, they've added a couple of buildings to relieve volume in the main office, as well as some internal improvements that have improved the service level. 👍 15 minute walk actually, the office is ideally situated en-route for a nice lunch and beer on Jomtien beach road after handing in my documents and passport.

15 minutes this year for my retirement extrnsion, 90 day online report less than a minute from the comfort of my sofa. Moaners will be moaners.

A realistic summary I think. Even though I won't have large financial exposure I've already thought out what I think is a sensible approach for me with the current information available. 1) Brought in 2024 living money in 2023 2) Bring in minimal transfer of only 60,000 during 2024. 3) Bring in home currency cash from my annual trip overseas to exchange to Thai Baht in small amounts to cover one off item purchases or internal travel. 4) Withdraw the same amount each month from my bank account receiving overseas transfers to demonstrate a regular pattern and leve of living expenditure. 5) Follow closely the experience of those first timers who file between Jan-Mar 2025.

As a single guy if I had a potential tax liability of that magnitude I would definately do as you are doing and spend less than 180 days in Thailand - absolute no brainer. Difficult to impossible however I would have thought for those settled with families who by nature of those they are supporting are likely to bring in more than the average single guy.

I'm in the same remittance range as you, ie under my UK personal allowance. In case you haven't already worked it out, in a worse case scenario if you were bringing in £12k at 46/£, were single and under 65 with no other deductable allowances your tax bill would be 26,700 baht - effective rate 4.8%. I personally can't see a scenario even if I double my remittances where it would benefit me to spend less than 180 days in Thailand. Might be more of a consideration for renters rather than homeowners

Hope there's no delay as I'm really looking forward to having a Sunday afternoon beer watching Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton overtaking the food vendors 3 wheelers.

Thanks. Out of interest what do you regard as normal ?

I got a Senior Management Job in Rayong from having my CV up on a global industry specific online recruitment platform. Wasn't even looking for a job as I'd just decided to retire, but a Western agent saw that I had the relevant experience and was living locally. 300k baht a month tax free + 2 months annual bonus + health insurance etc etc. Friend of mine who still works in Bangkok, Head of IT for a well known Multinational, pretty much the same route. All about having the skills and experience to offer not available locally and marketing yourself on the right platforms.

It was one of the ladies on the reception in the building on the right.

Due to all the conflicting reports, I went into that section of Jomtien Immigration 2 weeks ago before I left the country to ask whether I had to do one on my return. I was told if I was returning to the same address they already have on the system and own the property I would not have to do it. The lady specifically asked whether I owned or rented the property - perhaps that's a distinction they use that hasn't already been mentioned, who knows.

Agreed and it's a bizarre approach that goes against their idea Thais will still be technically in control of voting rights. By making an increased 26% non voting you move to a situation of 49% foreign ownership vs 25% Thai ownership. Perhaps that's something they can better sell to Chinese investors in new developments who will gobble up the first 49%. I'd like to think most condo owners decision making is not based on nationality but common sense, however if you have Chinese investors buying in bulk to break the law and run it as a pseudo hotel, the non voting rights proviso will facilitate it. Terrible decision. NewNative's proportioned down 49% method makes far more sense from a Thai perspective.

Yet another admission that the lack of an effective law enforcement body is negatively affecting legitimate operations. The bad news for the head of the Thai Hotels Association is that his industry's problem doesn't go away even if you maintain the current ownership ratio let alone increase it. So how about pressuring this government to do something about that issue. No hope there unsurprisingly given the slow return to normal being playing out currently. If the situation is as bad as he says, objecting to an increase of foreign % ownership on that basis should be a source of national embarrassment given tourism is one of the main drivers of the economy.

" Old Pop " - Captain Fiction at it again. If you want to come here and your budget is 45,000 just do it and get on with your life. It affects no-one except yourself.

Germany's single person tax free allowance is even less than the UK's so his point was still absolute nonsense. Good luck trying to live in Germany for a year on less than 12,000 Euros. Thailand's tax system is favourable tax wise to low income earners and I agree many Thais can survive on 210,000 tax free. That's at odds with the criticism made in the post I replied to.

Where do you get the notion that people would expect to live off a personal tax allowance for a year ? That idea doesn't even hold any reality back in the UK where I'm from.

You're reading my mind, we're currently full but in light of current news I already requested confirmation of the current split of the Thai 51% hoping that the Thai individually named are above 25%. Good luck to any foreigner trying to persuade their Thai wife to transfer back to his name if possible !! 😀

I'm going to confirm with him next time I see him. I don't want to get too excited yet but I suppose if it's ever going to happen it's got as much chance as any of changing under the current government and its vested interests, and the difficult economic situation that appears to be hitting on a number of fronts.

Yes but not too bothered about that one off hit, I know the level of cost involved from a friend who managed to make the change because there was available foreign % ownership in his development. From memory it was around or not excessively different to 1 years company fee.

Re the above tax exemptions can you confirm my understanding is correct. I'm a 58 year old single guy therefore qualifying for the 60,000 tax free allowance. Technically if I brought in only up to that amount I would not have to file a tax return. However if I brought in up to 210,000 baht although I would still pay zero tax I technically would have to file a tax return. ( 150k of assessable income but it would be at 0% rate ). I'm only asking because I could potentially limit my 25/26 tax exposure by bringing in 210,000 tax free this year, albeit I think I'd technically have to file.

Reading all the comments I guess I must be the only person happy with this potential change. Should it happen I'll be the first person down the land office changing my company owned condo into my own name. Certainly a positive move for someone in my position.

No, just the bill was all they need.