jayboy

It's been said before but it's worth repeating.Many expatriates have obtained a TIN in the last couple of years primarily to satisfy their overseas bankers who in turn are being pressurized by the regulatory authorities.Nobody wants to be debanked so lingering reservations have been overcome.I know some who have obtained a TIN but have no intention of submitting a Thai tax return until a more clarification has been obtained.Others will be submitting a return for 2024 but I believe showing no tax payable.As far as I know none have remitted current income in 2024.My sample is small (4 or 5) but I don't think any had much trouble obtaining a TIN.

Actually there's been some progress here in the last few years.Five star hotels and Bangkok and Hua Hin will ask for passport but will happily settle for PInk ID.

Glad it works for you.But access to fast line available to anyone over 70 (or even lower in practice). Don't need Pink card for this.

Plenty of easy alternatives.The Pink card can certainly be useful but it's not essential.

It's not needed.You will never be asked for it.It can however be useful eg upscale hotel check ins.The only occasion I'm aware of when it was definitely something to have was the initial Government COVID shot programme.But you may have had access to that anyway under social security cover. In short. better to have it than not have it, but it doesn't really matter if you don't.

Have worked in many Muslim countries in Asia (though not Middle East) and have never heard of any pressure on non Muslim foreigners to follow Muslim customs.It's true that some foreigners do not eat at the office during Ramadan to show solidarity with Muslim colleagues, but that is their choice.

No they don't.

You should be thoroughly ashamed of that comment.

How would that make sense? Drinking is a matter of personal choice and the damage it does is restricted to the individual, not the case with drinking/driving. Those who maintain they are in full possession of their senses after a few drinks (say 2-3) are simply wrong.They may feel that way but the science is clear.

The correct answer is of course that one should not drive at all under the influence of alcohol.Interesting that not one of the responses in this thread acknowledges this fact.

He is a man who quickly gets out of his depth if any kind of analytical ability is needed.He's basically a salesman geared to the low end Pattaya market.

No, it's the New York Times not the tabloid New York Post as the link to the article makes clear.I am sorry you found the sentence confusing and my use of the expression "right on" is a bit dated and probably betrays my vintage.To be clear, there is no problem with a newspaper being left of centre.The problems at the NYT are not created by left wing journalists per se but by the spread - particularly by the young - and almost obsessive adherence to identity politics, essentially based around categories rooted in religious, ethnic, linguistic, national, gender, and sexuality in contrast to class-based movements.Even modest opposition to these ideas is regarded as unacceptable, which is why I found the publication of this article in the NYT slightly surprising.

I'm just surprised the New York Times, an excellent newspaper in many ways but captured by right on young journalists, published the article at all.

Actually I knew pretty much exactly what the accountancy/tax infrastructure was - as would anybody with decades of Thailand business experience. I admit to being sceptical about firms that emerge out of nowhere and are mainly focused on retirees.Some may be okay but much care is needed. Sorry, don't really understand your point here. Can't comment on ExpatTax without further knowledge/study but seems on basis of website to be well organized (though not entirely encouraging to see. - " If you have foreign-sourced income, you must obtain a tax ID number and file an annual tax return" - prominently displayed.

I don't disagree with any of this.The comparison with the home country is however rather misleading as there is an established architecture of reliable accountants/tax specialists which does not really exist in Thailand.I would still recommend anyone with complicated tax issues to use an internationally credible firm in Thailand. The example you provide of a relative newcomer is interesting, and reassuring given the relevant background of the Thai staff.I would definitely want to know exactly the past experience and qualifications of the farang in charge. Sparing your blushes, given your posting record, you have the sophistication to apply some decent due diligence.But many don't.

It's not that hard.Advice provided by recognized accountancy and tax specialist firms can be regarded as credible.The large number of dodgy Thailand based advisors generally cannot.These shysters have clocked there are many foreigners concerned about tax matters and are looking to feed off those concerns.It's not that they give poor advice - although sometimes they do - but they are not professionals, the very type that used to sell double glazing door to door.

Exactly.I would be amazed if she had entered into a contractual agreement or even had informally agreed.My guess is that it's just wishful thinking nonsense as you suggest. She is a global megastar, the only one that Thailand has.

Thanks.One wonders why consumers would buy the more expensive brand names rather than the generic variety when the product is identical in every way.I did for many years so I suppose the answer is habit/inertia.

There are several brands available in Thailand.I formerly used Sandoz 20 mg though at my pharmacy availability is less certain than before.It's now available again after an absence. My question is whether there is in fact any loss of benefit in switching to a cheaper brand of generic eg Xarator 20 mg which I've been using recently. I'm not concerned to find the cheapest alternative, more interested to know whether there is a difference in quality or efficacy.

I'm afraid this confused rant simply confirms my original impression.

You don't speak for Kiwis - and you Gllipoli reference is irrelevant.

Your comments and questions were asinine and reflect poorly on your character, intelligence and education (and gullibility given your absurd golf club anecdote).They don't represent the views of most Australians.The ambition for a Australian republic is entirely understandable and will in my view come to fruition in my lifetime, and will be arranged in friendship and good will. And for heavens sake learn how to spell Haig's name correctly.

You speak for yourself not most Australians.

Australia has been independent from Britain since the 1901 Constitution.Until at least 1950 the majority of Australians considered themselves British, though entirely independent of the UK.The link has inderstandably weakened in the last half century with most new immigrants less influenced by cultural ties with the UK. The ANZACs of whom Australians are justly proud would have no time for your attitude and the boorish way you express yourself. The royal link will be terminated at some point which is entirely natural.But with most Australians it will be done with respect and affection.

Wrong.The distorting factor in movies over two decades has been catering for the China market.