smilingjim

Forgive me if this has already been covered - but there are so many threads and I can't find the answer if it has!

Has anyone applied for the 30 day extention post 1 October? If so, what happened?

My double-entry tourist visa expires on 2 November (second one) and I want to decide whether to apply for the 30 day extention (waste of money and time if restricted to 7/15 days)

or do a border run and get 30 day VOA.

I'm planning to fly back to the UK end of November

This is a complex issue with so many different things to consider:

1) Are you planning to leave the UK permanently?

2) How much time will you spend in each country?

3) How much work will you do in each country?

4) How clients should be invoiced for work done and who by - you or your employer?

5) Make Thailand a local office/regional office/representative office.

6) Set up a Thai company?

These are just some of the things to think about.

From a taxation point of view you need to consider which country you will be liable to tax in - normal rule of more than 6 months being where you are assessable for all income. In your situation you may be able to be non-resident in any country (leass than 3 months in each)!

You are in the fortunate position of having a flexible employer/situation so can plan to your best advantage.

Would suggest you get 1 year or the new 3 year (embassy in London only) NON IMM B multiple entry and sort out your options whilst in the UK and when you are over here.

Speak to a tax specialist about your tax issues a(PM me if you want more advice)nd a Thai lawyer/business specialist about options for business set up here that is best for you in your situation.

Cheers

Jim

I've checked this out with the Uk embassy website in London. Link below:

http://www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/3yr_nib.htm

These visas are specifically aimed at people travelling to Thailand for business reasons NOT for working in Thailand - I've had one already for 1 year.

dear Sunbelt:

Pperhaps you can tell us if your sponsorship documents (for people who qualify) will enable us to obtain this 3 year visa? I've already decided in principle to return to the UK for a visa and was going to get the 1 year Non IMM B visa (Hull told me no problem) but obviously the 3 year visa is preferable!

although I aprrecaite only the Thai Embassy in London can issue this.

Thanks

Jim

Is one due to pay Thai tax on interest (already taxed in UK), and State pension when they are transferred here for living expenses?

I've read all the postings with interest (i'm a retired UK/International tax specialist).

Lots of good info but what are your future intentions and what do you want to achieve?

You need to consider residence/domicile/capital gains tax/ income tax and Inheritance tax and then plan accordingly. It would be worth your while talking to a specialist unless you consider none of these to be an issue for you!

Jim

I am trying to open an account in the Channel Islands. However the money laundering regulations with regard to proving my address is causing a problem. I need to provide 2 docs proving my address.

I can get a letter from the bank but as I rent a house in Thailand the utility bills are in Thai and either do not have a name or are in the name of the owner.

Anybody got around this?

Does it have to be the Channel Islands?

You haven't said which bank.Each bank has its own rules but basically these are normally acceptable in your circumstances:

1)A letter from your employer confirming your address in Thailand (if you are employed) and throw in a copy of your contract of employment.

2) Credit card, or bank account statements.

3) A certified English translation of your lease or utility bills.

Cheers

Jim

Can anyone offer some advice about transferring money OUT of Thailand. Is it correct that the amount is limited to US$20,000 per transaction? If so, how often are you allowed to make a transfer & what documentation (if any) do you need to present?

Technically you can send money abroad from the banks but they make it very difficult. You haven't said why you are tranferring abroad - is it business related?

Easiest way is with Western Union - through one of the Thai banks which acts as an agent.Bank Of Ayudhya, Siam Commercial or United Overseas bank.

Contact them and they will give you full info and current restrictions on amounts.

Country website for Thailand below.

http://www.westernunion.com/info/homePage.asp?country=TH

I went to Penang a few months ago but decided to go by air as it was a lot less tiring! When I checked the train fare it was about 1400 baht one way from Bangkok. If you book 2-3 weeks in advance on Air Asia you can get a fare by air (approx 1650 Baht including surcharges) but you also have to pay the departure tax of 500 baht.

Taxi to Georgetown about 250 -300 baht.

What do you mean by cheap hotel? What's your budget? Check out this website for rates:

http://www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/malaysia/penang

I stayed at the Hotel Continental on Penang Road for about 800 baht a night and they have an agent there (Patrick Tan). I've used agents and never had a problem but you can also do it yourself - unless you think you may have problems getting a new visa without their help! Reember they wil lcahrge you for theri servcies. Cost me about 600 baht for the agent to get a double-entry tourist. Their fees depend on type of visa.

You haven't said what type of visa and why you need to go to Penang. Can't you do it in Laos - a lot closer for you!

Is the purchase of land by farang in LOS now non-existant?

Was it ever?

LaoPo

Well, with regard to any legal ways around the law that leave you in control and protected.

I don't think so...but maybe there's someone* who has 'any legal ways around the law'....? not me!

* that someone could become rich...very rich indeed

LaoPo

As I underastand it the only way around this problem is to buy the land through a 100% owned Thai Company and then transfer the shares up to the 49% limit for a foreigner but you need a good Thai lawyer to structure it all from start ot finish - in advance!

Is the purchase of land by farang in LOS now non-existant?

Was it ever?

LaoPo

Well, with regard to any legal ways around the law that leave you in control and protected.

I don't think so...but maybe there's someone* who has 'any legal ways around the law'....? not me!

* that someone could become rich...very rich indeed

LaoPo