rjlee1

I think "Clockwise's" post answered this issue correctly.

That said, with regard to US bases around the world, consider this:

https://militarybases.com/overseas/

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-reveals-locations-4-new-strategic-sites-us-military-pact-2023-04-03/

https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-singapore/

So, the USA really needs a base in Thailand?

RJLee

The legal rights of farangs (or lack thereof) is a big consideration as to why I and some of my friends married to Thai women choose NOT to retire to Thailand.

Who was it that originally commented that a country will always be "third world" until the corruption is brought under control (Lee Kwan Yew)?

Well, it is a 'double-edged sword'.  In my opinion, the property laws should allow expats married to Thais, or who have permanent residence, to have legal ownership of at least the family's primary residence.  Expats being able to own land beyond the primary residence, I can see as eventually causing what happened in Vancouver, BC, as previously pointed out in this discussion. 

And yes, the Thai real estate market (and legal system) needs some serious reforming.  The house next to us in BKK was abandoned for over a decade by the owner; what a frelling eyesore and mess.  Our community manager tried, but could do little to get the owner to cut the yard and clean the place up.  We inquired about buying it, but the price was way out there (we are sure she figured that since she had a 'rich' farang living next door....)  Finally, finally, the bank managed to get a court to agree that she had been in default on the loan for years and allowed them to repossess and sell it. 

Previous comment about teeth, if u can lift the skull with a stick, will make ID much easier. From what I can see of the skull though, and looking at the tail and legs, I'm gonna say, "rat".

Yea, doesn't sound too bright to me turning away the US Navy.

My biggest worry is for disease. I hope I am wrong, but with all the raw sewage being spread around, and the waste water treatment plants being flooded and likely inoperable, I can't help but wonder how long before cholera and other water-born diseases start spreading. Later on, the mosquito population should explode and with it malaria and other diseases the mosquitos carry. You only have to see the news from parts of Africa to get a good idea of what is likely to happen.

Any country would be in need of help when about 1/3 of it is flooded. The Thai Gov't needs to get a grip on reality and accept whatever resources are offered to deal with this.

I can't help but wonder about how international companies are thinking about their investments. If any government can't provide basic infrastructure up to a standard that is expected, then companies are likely to leave. It is a simple matter of risk management.

I agree with prior comments about the flood control work needed; should have been done long ago. If they don't going with such work once this current disaster abates, well... Certainly I will have to think seriously about moving somewhere else.

Glad my family and I are not there now. What a mess.

Richard

I am looking for a law firm that would be knowledgeable of Thai tax laws as they relate to off-shore bank/investment accounts.

Can anyone recommend a law firm in Bangkok that would have expertise in this subject?

Thanks,

Richard