This is mostly of interest (but not only) to retired expat Americans particularly on O visas plus extensions.

 

If you're in that group, I strongly suggest that you watch this video of Mr. Hart speaking to the Pattaya City Expats Club. Many others will probably find it of interest as well. 

 

Mr. Hart is an American lawyer based in Bangkok who obtained Thai citizenship. 

 

 

Mr. Hart suggests that MOST such expats should take a chill pill and just IGNORE taking any action on taxation, such as seeking a TIN and filing.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it he boldly says. Implying -- DO NOTHING.

 

A reason he seems to vaguely account for this suggestion is because the USA left the OECD under Mr. Trump. He predicts Thailand will also reject OECD too.

 

I don't pretend to fully understand some of the arcane economic issues Mr. Hart speaks about though or why exactly the USA leaving OECD should particularly encourage retired American expats to do nothing about tax. I suggest watching the video yourselves and to comment, as probably others will have a different perspective than I do on this matter.

 

I do however feel it some ways he is somewhat speaking in RIDDLES and not specifics as far as what retired expats should actually do in terms of Thai taxation. You know like read between the lines kind of stuff.

 

For example he's clear to say Americans only on social security, "savings" and modest pensions

should probably go with if it ain't broke don't fix it do nothing mantra but he fails to get specific (indeed is adamant about refusing to get into specific cases) about his technical definition of "savings" and "pensions" as far as accessability or not under the Thai revenue with DTAs considered.

He does cite interest and dividends on savings as a possible exception to do nothing though. 

 

Understandably as a profit seeking business (nothing wrong with that) he would like to sell his legal services so going into "too much" detail might be like a chef giving away his secret recipe.

 

However, I am concerned that too many retired expats are going to take the if it ain't broke don't fix it slogan uncritically at face value without going deeper into their own specific situation.

 

 

 

Are those pants, shorts or Shants?

 

I did like his interpretive dance routine.

 

Laslty, what the heck is a "Tax Stamp Pimp"?

12 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Are those pants, shorts or Shants?

 

I did like his interpretive dance routine.

 

Laslty, what the heck is a "Tax Stamp Pimp"?

We Don't Need Tax "Stamp-Pimps" in Thailand!?! - Integrity Legal - Law Firm in Bangkok | Bangkok Lawyer | Legal Services Thailand

www.legal.co.th/resources/corporate-and-tax-advisory/thailand-tax-law/we-dont-need-tax-stamp-pimps-thailand/