paddypower

I do have a modest request. MY wife gets 2 pensions from the Danish Government. One is an old age benefit and the other is from her contributions to the national pension plan. Are there any Danes on this thread? Hoping to share any thoughts about the situation, where there is no double taxation treaty between Denmark and Thailand.  tia

15 hours ago, Mike Lister said:

It's all been said repeatedly, twenty, thirty fifty times over. We're not experts or even trained in Thai tax law, our objective has been to provide basic information about what we know and how the system operates. That's the Simple Guide and that's what it does. I recognise it has been well received and viewed nearly 80,000 times and frankly, that's really satisfying for us.

 

But still today, as we've seen very recently, there's a tag team of three or four members whose noses have been put out of joint some six months ago and who continue to look for ways to obstruct, be abusive, be uncooperative and generally hinder progress. You would imagine that professional and educated people might be able to debate pro's and con's at a sensible level, but no. No challenge is too small, no issue too insignificant, if it comes from me, it must be attacked, not the concept but the person! And if you think the forum picture of these things is ugly, the behind the scenes picture has been ten times more messy. Orchestrated letter writing, abusive PM's, complaints to the owners, dear god it's like being and adult back in ferkin kindergarten.

 

 

don't worry, according to the tv show ''3 Body Problem'', the aliens will be here in 400 years and they have promised to do away with taxes (and anyone bugging you) completely. and thanks for all of the research, Mike.

On 4/18/2024 at 8:20 AM, Mike Lister said:

That seems to be closer to the horses mouth and seems more likely. But as always, the devil is in the detail. With all due respect to the earlier poster who is not unreasonably trying to get to the bottom of the matter, an agents interpretation of what is already cloudy and the subject of interpretation by everyone else, probably doesn't add value.

Plus; I'd be particularly wary of unsolicited tax advice. The biggest international tax/legal public practices are prohibited from spamming, under ethical rules.

On 4/17/2024 at 8:42 PM, advancebooking said:

I think its true if one is looking in Pattaya or Phuket central. 

 

But if one moves to a normal regional non tourist thai city and lives there. Then I disagree with your statement. 

no so in Surathani. i get to chat up and am always welcomed in Thai, by half doz. of the women at Sizzlers, Home Pro also. It's just a matter of treating them, one on one like a human being. Most are single and say they do not want a Thai boyfriend or husband.

On 4/16/2024 at 12:21 PM, Will B Good said:

Yes....how the hell do they make a profit?...... never seen more than half a dozen cars in the car park.... and walking around they are deserted.

yeah and its odd how HP is many a Thai stockbrokers research dept. darling . Like we say here at the beach side on the East coast - many large new luxurious resorts, few people = ''laundly''.

16 hours ago, transam said:

I call them a deterrent..............🤗

agreed. same with Russia, North Korea, China (very unlikely, as they have conventional forces to achieve their aims). This is just aimless thinking: Russia would never drop one on Ukraine even if (I dearly hope) they look like their losing their 'special' war. North Korea has its begging bowl out, as it waves its missiles; but again unlikely, although the country is lead by nutcase #1.

19 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

I hate wars of all mind.

The problem is others want to be in others lands eg Northern Ireland, China Myanmar etc 

 

Why not find a solution by other means ,eg mediation, therapy , NLP ?

Sit down together and talk this out with proper psychologistsvand counsellors !!!

Northern Ireland? - read your history books, bro. History has shown that most colonialist/conquering nations have left a trail of destruction, behind them,, due to political ignorance or, just plain ego. African countries, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh to name but few examples,are prime examples of  conquering nations dividing up lands that left them disfunctional.

37 minutes ago, MPoll said:

I did the same for many years. Extensions were very simple. It’s one of those things you do if you can afford it and the cost is worth the benefits for you. It’s a personal decision.

It's also a cost/benefit decision. This year end I will switch to pension income basis. so Il take 400k out for 6 months, invest it at 5% net of tax (that is 20,000 baht return on investment for 6 months) and rebuild my 800k balance using my incoming monthly pension. We  live off Thai investment incomes/rents). the 40,000 baht a year saved will be invested in maintaining my wine storage unit 🙂

1 hour ago, Celsius said:

once you get a car, you'll get bored with in within 1 month. In Thailand leasing is also possible, although I am not sure about higher end cars.

 

The YOLO effect can be quite tricky sometimes.

 

I would definitely go for a condo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

that reminds me of one of those bad jokes I heard about having a girlfriend. ''Don't buy one, just treat it like you would a book. Go to the library and return it after you've read it''. (pretty disgusting attitude, but then it did come from a bar fly) .

On 4/16/2024 at 12:24 PM, turgid said:

I recently got a decent (tax paid) inheritance.  I already had enough to see me through, I dont have kids, I have an actuarial life of  10 years +- 5  and own a 7 year old Nissan that's getting a bit tired.

I am of an age where this could be my last significant car splurge  until I am forced to downsize to an electric golf cart or cremation urn.

Lucky me - not complaining - yet.

I visited the Bangkok motor show and looked again at an expensive German SUV Hybrid that i've admired for a while.

No I dont need it. Yes I want it. Yes I know >30% will fall off the value when I drive it out of the showroom.

The same day there was a show related report in a reputable  international news outlet that 30% of Thai car finance applications were being rejected.

Apart from general economic doldrums this was reported as due to high interest rates and the low residual value of trade in vehicles after clearing the loan (or zero residual value due to misunderstood/mis-sold balloon loan arrangements).

 

I told the sales staff that as a foreigner I am ineligible for finance,  so I would regretfully have to pay cash - was there a deal to be had?

For overseas readers the price for the same specification in the US would be around $90K, in Thailand it's $150K 

I was told with cash I could get delivery of any of the 4 (12 USA) available Asean colours in 7 days. It's Thailand so you get no other options, specification, choices.

So presumably they have an Asean bonded warehouse somewhere where they just need to polish the wax off, load the Thai code for telco, GPS, language etc and deliver it. But no shortage of cars apparently.

All sorts of deals were available with finance - free insurance - a show deal that the free extended service for 3 years would be upgraded to 5 years.

For cash buyer - nothing. No discount, buy your own insurance,  standard 1 year warranty, 5 years service plan and extra 600K+ Baht.

 

I dont know what it costs to insure and warehouse this stuff, demand would appear to be low, the annual depreciation clock is ticking on the stored cars (Thailand typically runs 6-12  months behind in model years but the 2025 upgraded model is already announced in the US). 

With a same day deposit they had a guaranteed buyer without having to wait 30 days with a 30% chance the deal will implode.  

 

No "i'll check with the boss" but an unusually frank response that all the perks and benefits are funded out of the finance arrangement so nothing could be done.  

That says to me they are in the finance business not the car business. It's also why I havent mentioned the exact brand because I suspect that level of honesty isn't brand or dealership sanctioned.

Bemused - I passed - obviously I didnt want it that badly.   

 

Interestingly a condo purchase I was looking at has just offered me a 1M Baht discount if I can complete before the end of May.

So presumably their sales and incentive structure is a bit different.

 

 

 

 

Great story! Age wise, I'm in the same boat, (78) excepting I have to be careful with our retirement capital, as my wife has special needs. I had the opportunity to cash in capital gains of 1+ MM baht earlier this year. I was very close to buying a car, (which I seen listed for sale here in Thailand). It is similar to the one  I used to drive/race back in Canada 25 years ago. A 1984 manual Porsche 944.  the only reason I'm posting is - we all have our dreams. I don't think that buying a new car should be one of them - especially many German models, most of which look indistinguishable from cars built in SE Asia.  If you're keen on a German built car, why not wait for the coming financial collapse of the Thai economy. One of the first things to come available cheaply, is luxury cars.

On 4/16/2024 at 4:15 PM, Confuscious said:

First, it is a misconception that when someone is alone he/she is lonely.

Anyone can be alone without being lonely at all.
Many people nowadays made the choice to live alone to protect themselves from all the pitfals that have been created trough marriage/living together.
Specially for the man in a divorce.

And they are happy with their life.

Second, until 2018, I could meet a complete stranger and talk the whole day about anything.
When sitting at the local restaurant, people came to sit at my table to have a conversation with me as they knew that I could have a conversation about everything.
We had always fun at the meetings.
But after November 2018, something broke inside, and I could hardly have a sensible conversation.
Many times, I was sitting at my table without speaking a word to anybody.
Only a few (good) friends, who knew what I had been trough, understood my feelings and could have a conversation with me .
Avoiding at all costs sensible subjects.
Since 2018, I meet a few ladies (not barladies) and we tried to have a relation.

But I was unable to give and live in happiness.
Now, 6 years later, I came to peace with myself and I know that I am not fit for a relation anymore.
I am alone, but not lonely.
Many times, I travel to the beach or to some festivity and I enjoy the moment.
I have a few friends and I know a few people who are always friendly to me and are happy when they see me and have a short conversation with me.
But a relationship is not for me.

sounds like you might have had a mid-life crisis? (I've had at least 3 (starting at 40). Or depression (ditto for me since I had a mental breakdown at 52 from overwork). Good to see you have found your true self. very few people are that lucky.

i understand  it's common for many Thai wives to only go to bed at night, clothed. I'm a committed nudie, so for me, what's the point? Although I do understand the socio-cultural differences. I always find it odd that when you look at ''traditional'' post cards, images on monuments and so on - Thai women had no trouble baring it all  to the wind, in the old days.

15 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

 

I'm a Castle..

I'm a Castle...

Take this Stranger....

From my House.

 

Grand Funk Railroad Lyrics......

 

In fact, I agree with Mister John's comment...

1000 Percent.

I live my life, the way I want to...and,

Just like this.

 

 

You Gotta BLAST it...

To appreciate it.

 

Amazing tune, in fact...

Very popular on The Main Line, one great summer...

 

 

absolutely...Music was meant to be played VERY LOUD. and I don't mean most of today's divas and pretty boys, ..that.'s music??

On 4/10/2024 at 5:12 PM, Liquorice said:

Funds requirement for 1 year permit of stay, listed in clause 4 of order 35-2561.

 

35-2561 (2019 (changed clause 2.22 of 327-2557 ENG.pdf 217.77 kB · 8 downloads  

MUCH appreciated. especially the reminder of the rules at 6.2. there are those who argue that using the piggy-back option when one's wife is not a Thai national, is unwise. That is, if it is granted by the IO you are dealing with, as it seems to be at their discretion. 

On 4/10/2024 at 10:42 AM, expat_4_life said:

 

I like to refer to this as the "2-3-4 rule" - makes it easy to remember

cute. I'll save that idea.

5 minutes ago, Henryford said:

 

When you are old, fat, poor and don't speak thai how many "normal" gfs would be interested?

old is a state of mind. one my buddies (who retired here 3 years ago at the age of 72), keeps fit, (despite a lot of back problems); speaks no Thai but seems to have a very successful social (short time) life. no bars.

1 hour ago, BangkokReady said:

 

What's your secret?

Fear.........fear of getting old alone. 🙂 I used to do weddings, celebrants vows the lot. favourite bit of advice was - 'it's not choosing the right partner, it's being the right partner'. that works for us, for 51 years. but don't forget - fear.

On 4/9/2024 at 10:43 AM, DrJack54 said:

First part of your post is correct.

You are in under consideration period. 

Do not allow funds to fall below 800k.

When you return you will be given a stamp and when the funds have been in bank for 2 months you can apply for 12 month extension.

After extension approved you must not drop below 800k for next 3 months.

After that 3 months not below 400k.

Then back up to 800k for 2 months prior to next application. 

Wash and repeat. 

 

Note: some folk opt to have a dedicated bank account for extension purposes and another account for day to day banking

agree, absolutely. You do have to be 100% careful. Some IO's, like mine, treat you like you're a potential criminal. I had a difficult time with the IO, showing her my 800k  term deposit bank book. You would think that's a non- brainer, right? I presented the original book, updated with a deposit the day before the extension application date; together with the certification letter from the bank. Immediately got accused of possibly cashing the deposit in and then re-depositing it. Was not aware a certified detailed statement of the deposit account was also required. Fortunately, I was able to go to a local bank and get the statement. The bank said they could only update it  to the date of the term deposit renewal -  Sept 30, 2023. But that was 4 1/2 months prior to the application date. That left the IO in a quandary (which is like Purgatory for Catholics, a temporary place of suffering, while you wait to go to Heaven). Very fortunately, the SCB officer was really helpful and gave me her business card of the SCB branch and suggested I tell the IO to call her. Problem solved.

On 4/12/2024 at 12:07 PM, DrJack54 said:

It's 2 months prior to date of application for extension. 

The 4 was a typo.

 

So it's all about the date of application. 

800k for 2 months prior to application + maintained at 800k for 3 months after application and not below 400k in other months

thanks - that's a big help.

On 4/12/2024 at 9:46 AM, JimGant said:

 It's up to you....😉

that reminds me of a couple of similar questions from bar girls I've chatted with, over the years.

On 7/3/2023 at 10:02 AM, Danderman123 said:

 

 

Yeah, this is a new take on an old subject.

 

Its obvious from this forum that marrying a Thai lady is fraught with perils, from her going crazy after marriage, financial needs, family demands, etc.

 

But one issue is common among many failed marriages - lack of interest between husband and wife, ie nothing to talk about. You see hints of this in bars where a Farang will buy a drink for a lady and they just sit there silently, until the Farang sees another Farang and they talk about Farang stuff while the lady is ignored.

 

On the other hand, I know a lot of bargirls here in Pattaya, and can talk about the one thing the ladies like to talk about - other bargirls. Who broke up with their Thai boyfriend, who is marrying a customer, who is borrowing money from everyone, lots to talk about.

 

But, take the same lady out of her bar environment, and there is nothing to talk about.

You're right. Also, having been married for a long time, we both notice that some western couples, out socializing (especially middle aged, so with no babies to distract them) who have the same problem. Sit there silently, b/c they have nothing to talk about any more. Sad. even worse, (imo) are the expat/Thai couples who sit in a cafe/whatever and the wife just obsesses herself with the photos in her mobile. I'd be up on a murder charge, likely. (later, of course) 🙂
🙂 

On 7/3/2023 at 11:41 AM, Danderman123 said:

Gentlemen,

 

I am only talking about ladies with no common interests with their Farang, and so, little communication.

 

My point is that its possible to have communication with a bargirl, if you talk about her interests - which center on bars and bargirls. Stray from that, and she is ready to sleep.

 

Which means, once removed from the bar scene, things get quiet quickly.

and sleep is the last thing on your mind, right? there was a great post a few years back from a fella who said he used  to get the most amazing massages from this wonderful lady. Then he married her. That was the last time he ever got a massage from her.

2 hours ago, sipi said:

Been married to a Thai for 20 years, we only speak when necessary.

The other farang cow I was with for 12 years never shut up.

that explains why there are so many happy married men I've  met, who have never bothered to learn any Thai.  😉

3 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Correct.

are there 2 Dr Jacks? '' I quote your first response'

'Ditto.

I would take it up to the 800k 4 months prior to application. 

Note not expiry'

which is it, 2 month or 4 months.? thanks.