jayboy

I agree completely.It is a matter of shame for the Thai government.It would of course argue that discretion is best when negotiating for the release of hostages through back channels (not that I believe this for a moment).Personally I feel the lack of interest in the media and among the Bangkok middle class more keenly.We've seen it before of course - the disdain for unimportant agricultural workers. Have I got this wrong? Is there even one prominent public figure who is speaking out?

It's already a requirement for tax resident foreigners to file.I very much doubt whether 1% non working retirees actually do. As noted elsewhere implementation of requirement for tax certificate on exiting the Kingdom would do the job.

Tax clearance certificate seems most likely as the statutory requirement is still on the books.The practical implementation was phased out in the 1980's.

Perhaps but I don't see how it would be enforced.

Er, actually it's quite easy if we are referring to immigrants from the same stock/cultural background as the majority population - think Ukraine compared with Libya. It's a sensitive and complicated area of course.In the UK Nigerians, South Africans,Australians and Indians for example tend to fit in well because they share cultural characteristics including language. Educated immigrants from anywhere tend to fit in and adapt.Uneducated and religious zealots tend not to.

Yes there's an irony there if one believes those who voted for Brexit were essentially racist in motivation.They didn't get the immigration system they wanted - though to be fair I don't think there is much prejudice at all to immigrants from the countries you mention. In all these matters there's a need not to jump to simplistic and intellectually lazy responses (Not accusing you of that!).

I have no reason to believe this poll was not done properly though the sampling is rather small.However the extract omits a key point which is given in the Guardian article, namely that 2/3 respondents still believe it is a bad idea for immigrants to be of a different ethnicity/culture to the majority population.

Not necessarily.Since you seem to be unaware of it most middle class UK pensioners - even those you describe as Mr Average - have additional pension support in addition to the state pension.This could be a company or government pension, and/or a personal pension built up through savings/investment over a career.The state pension is in these cases a very small part of overall pension income. Schemes of this kind are I agree beyond the scope of those completely dependent on the UK state pension.I would go further by arguing people in these restricted financial circumstances should not be considering retirement in a country like Thailand.

In view of the possibility resident expatriates remittances from overseas will be taxed with effect from 2024 (details still vague I know) how will transfers of this sort be treated I wonder? In other words transfer of substantial amounts derived from savings to purchase high value items such as a condo.Surely this kind of transfer will not be taxed but I don't see how the Thai Revenue Department system will be able to differentiate from it from investment income etc

And that in a nutshell is the issue with the Pink Card. Having said that I have had no problem in using the Pink Card to book into 5 star hotels.But in any kind of transaction with banks such as opening accounts it's probably sensible to take the passport along as well.

I understand that a Thai national's Tax Identity Number is the same at his/her 13 figure national identity number as issued by the Ministry Of Interior. For foreigners with PR I wonder whether the same applies - ie the 13 figure number on the tabien baan/driving license/pink card etc - or is there a different method used?

A clear indication of who is the puppet and who is the puppet master.

No problem with number 3 at all. But it's absurd to put him in the same category as Heinecke and Link.The former two are $ billionaires for a start and extremely well connected.

Agreed, agreed and are you having a laugh?

I have been thinking about these issues too, but surely it's the case that we just don't know enough of the detail at this stage to make specific arrangements.I don't object to paying Thai income tax if fairly implemented.I do object to Thai income tax on inward remittances on sums which are from savings not income, and in my case have in part already had Thai tax paid on them years ago. Be that as it may some possibilities come to mind: - paying school fees directly to the school from off shore - using foreign credit cards for Thailand expenditure - hotels, flights etc - ramp up cash/bank holdings in Thailand now and of course reduce remittances to Thailand as far as possible.

Dream on.These are as rare as dragons teeth these days and certainly not available to Thai expatriates who deign to return unless they have some highly marketable skills.Most end up working for the family firm. I have interviewed quite a few of these people in my time.A key impression was how dreadful (not personally but in terms of being employable) were the alumni from second rate American universities.The best of them with advanced critical thinking faculties wrote their own ticket. The main problem even high flying Thai expatriates experience on return to Thailand is the lack of a personal network.Obviously this will vary depending on the length of absence.

I have no recent experience but decades ago (I'm talking 1970's and 1980's) in Bangkok bars and nightclubs there were some great girls, sweet natured, well mannered and beautiful - but they didn't last long because they were snapped up quickly and installed as mistresses by well off farang and Thai guys.There were a few places attracting both foreigners and Thais where these diamonds might occasionally be found.There was no real mass tourism at least in the 1970's and the expat residents were generally a classier (not better just posher) lot than the current typical Pattaya farang.The likes of Dan, with his distinctive gor blimey accent, were not a significant element.

Not really.The top resorts are an excellent and convenient escape from Bangkok.

Not a question, just an observation that the watch will be paired with my Iphone to share a number.

Thinking of buying new Apple watch.Should one buy from Apple store online (as I have done before) or via a local provider (AIS,DTAC etc) which will pair watch with Iphone?

There are no new tax rules, just broad policy directives which will eventually result in specific changes. In any case they are not "aimed on foreigners." Although one would not realize from the multiple and often hysterical posts on this thread, they are aimed at Thais with foreign assets/investments.Foreigners who are 180+ residents may obviously be obliged to pay whatever additional tax is required but they are not the main target.

I have had my eyesight checked at a top Bangkok hospital, and am therefore with records of the "medical'"side of my eyes.However as the next step I am now seeking a good optician who is familiar with contact lenses, spectacles and all related issues.Any recommendations?

I wonder who is going to police this.Consider the example of a resident 180 day+ foreign pensioner has never submitted a Thai tax return but in future intends to use a foreign credit card to cover as many Thai expenses as he can, eg hotels, big ticket purchases, ATM cash etc. His objective is to reduce remittances from overseas through the banking system to a minimum just in case he is required to pay Thai income tax. But how exactly will he be compelled to submit a Thai tax return and join the Thai income tax net? Is it voluntary - if so not many takers. I don't see how this will work.

Nonsense.The addition of Saudi Arabia gives BRICS a boost of sorts but is accompanied by much dirty baggage.China is facing a financial crash and Russia is a stumbling mess.South Africa is. ...well, no need to elaborate.Brazil is globally relatively unimportant and the rest of the new recruits don't amount to much even though Indonesia has long term potential. The U.S Dollar is not even threatened, let alone replaced .Still the currency to hold when times are hard. It's true that Western influence is declining but it is a remarkable exercise of moral inertia to suggest this is for the betterment of the real world.

I think this was the point being made.It's a very common error though it's not one made in the courts by judges. A 23 year old (or any age for that matter) having a sexual liaison with a 16 year old is committing an illegal act in most jurisdictions but it is not pedophilia.It doesn't matter what it is popularly referred to.