We (Thai wife and I) are going back to live in Australia. We are both Citizens and that was why we lived in Australia for a few years, waiting for my Pension eligibility date to arrive, and for the Wife could be come a Citizen. There are three main reasons we are leaving - Medical Services and Costs - Immigration - Taxation.

For those unaware the the emergency Medical Services in Hospitals and Clinics in Australia are free for Aust Citizens, and for those who are retired, the vast majority of other Medical Services and Medications are heavily subsidised. This hit home to me about here (Quality and Costs) when I had to suddenly go to a Thailand Private Hospital (going to a Public one means stabilisation and transfer to a Private Hospital - that is the 'directive' here). The costs were horrendous - way more than I ever anticipated - and the quality was poor (compared to Australian Hospitals). Both my Parents were medical professionals and one of my daughters is a Theatre Nurse - I know a fair bit about all that stuff (quality and costs). I wont name names but I have so far paid 450K Baht - I complained and appealed but it was a complete waste of time - they refused to negotiate. I pointed out that I could buy a box of 100 of certain item in Australia and yet you charged me 6900 Baht - their response to that and all others I raised was 'that is charge we charge' - they should have truthfully added 'to all Foreigners'.

I had always intended to return and live in Australia when I was in late 70s - the prospects of going through the 'end game' of life in a country where medical services are at best problematic outside of the main Bangkok Hospitals and at worst are just backward, was never in my plan. Plus having to burn through a large share of my money (being the Wife's inheritance) was never going to happen, if I could avoid it. I have seen it happen to 2 Aussie Expats, and they both 'wasted' millions of Baht, that would otherwise have gone to their wives - one wife has had to go back to work and she is in her 60s (daughter at Uni).

I had always planned that the 'Expat Deposit' mandated to stay in a Thai bank account would be my 'insurance fund' if anything serious happened to my Wife or I - that has now all gone and some more. For a medical service and treatment that would have been free in any high quality Australian Hospital (yes they are all top notch), and would have cost up to $10,000 AUD (250k Baht) at a top private hospital. I know Yanks etc cost more - but for Aussies the Math does not add up.

The constant grind of reporting to the local Police every 3 months, and the annual extensions processes and their constant changes and crackdowns, and all the other Immigration rules and laws has worn me down - I have been sick of it for many years. I was putting up with it and now I am leaving I am extremely relived not to have to go through it again and again and again. I am extremely pleased never to have to be given another 10-15 minute lecture (in Thai) inside my house by some tinpot general about how lucky I am to be allowed to spend over a million baht a year in Thailand and live with my Thai wife.

IMO it is very clear that Thailand is implementing a new Taxation System, such that most people (Thais and Foreigners) will have to lodge a tax return. Their target is the unpaid taxation of those Thais who earn a lot of money through businesses and investments but never lodge a tax return, and the untaxed foreign income earned by Thai Tax Residents overseas. For those unaware, foreign income earned by a Tax Resident in Thailand is not taxable unless it is remitted into Thailand, and it is also tax exempt if it is remitted into Thailand more than 12 months after being earned. That will all change under the new system, such that income earned anywhere in the world by a Thai Tax Resident will become taxable income. This is the standard tax arrangement for most countries - and it is a part of the changes being implemented by Thailand to become 'OECD Compliant'.

I strongly recommend all Aussie Expats at least plan for an alternative living situation - just in case a new Thai tax system is implemented and Expats are included - Govt Pensions, Superannuation, Savings, Investments will all be targeted. IMO they will screw it up and they dont give a rat's rear about retired Expats - the Thai Govt will play on the Xenophobia. IMO Philippines or Vietnam are the current best bet for Aussie Expats. Both countries exempt foreign income earned overseas if it has been subjected to that country's taxation system - there has been no indication by Thailand that they would follow that same exemption. If the TRD does not give that exemption then IMO get out before they demand a tax return. For those saying it wont happen, I truly hope you are correct, but I would refer you to recent articles in the media - especially the one that states that the TRD and Immigration are working together to 'better manage' all long term Expats living in Thailand (not published here). And with the drive by Thailand to become OECD Compliant (for Trade benefits) this will mean a massive change to their taxation system and it will impact Expats.

5 minutes ago, XRules said:

This hit home to me about here (Quality and Costs) when I had to suddenly go to a Thailand Private Hospital (going to a Public one means stabilisation and transfer to a Private Hospital - that is the 'directive' here).

That's not accurate or location dependent, if govt hosp doesn't offer the service needed.

I had a cardiac event, stent placement, (NON emergency/life threatening) and stabilized at local govt hosp, and transferred to another govt hosp, 100 kms away for the stent placement. Where there are a couple private hosp. located, but taken to govt hosp, as 'we requested'.

Get the choice though, of almost free home country care, if accessible when wanting. If I had not been off the USA govt med plan for so long, I might consider the return myself, but the premiums for the pharmacy part, are quite high, whether I use or not.

Along with the housing back in USA, if starting over again. Combined, still cheaper for me here, along with minor things are seen instantly, and cheaper than the deductibles if having insurance in the USA. No practical reason to return, unless needing constant expensive maintenance.

18 hours ago, XRules said:

Plus having to burn through a large share of my money (being the Wife's inheritance) was never going to happen, if I could avoid it.

Sorry that you need to leave but the part quote is something that is always in the back of my mind. I consider the money in my accounts is for the wife when I shuffle off and do not want to see it wasted. Luckily I am still in good health at this stage.

19 hours ago, XRules said:

This hit home to me about here (Quality and Costs) when I had to suddenly go to a Thailand Private Hospital (going to a Public one means stabilisation and transfer to a Private Hospital - that is the 'directive' here).

IMO it is very clear that Thailand is implementing a new Taxation System, such that most people (Thais and Foreigners) will have to lodge a tax return.

I always use government hospitals, they've never asked to transfer me to private hospital.

My local one has all the latest gear, if not the best doctors.

Back in the UK the hospital staff would have all been 3rd world nationals.

Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that.

I understand many old folk get scared about their future, but not all of us.

Essentially you're leaving due to irrational fears ............

Edited June 27Jun 27 by BritManToo

XRules seems to be unaware of the Double Tax Agreement between Oz & TH. He might want to check it out.

Doesn't apply to everyone, but many find that it does apply to them.

8 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

XRules seems to be unaware of the Double Tax Agreement between Oz & TH. He might want to check it out.

Doesn't apply to everyone, but many find that it does apply to them.

Agree, the tax thing, and Imm isn't much of an issue. Imm is simply too easy to stay, unless the financials are a struggle to meet.

Tax thing, they seemed to backed off of, for whatever reason, and would think DTA would be applicable to many, to lessen any tax burden.

Definitely understand the almost free healthcare part for returning, but that's about it.

Best of Luck to OP

@XRules That was a long winding thing about how expensive it is in Thai hospitals. The fact that you are both citizens in Australia, doesn´t matter here, and you probably not have a Thai citizenship. If you add that and a possible lack of insurance, you get the answer why it´s expensive for you.

6 hours ago, mfd101 said:

XRules seems to be unaware of the Double Tax Agreement between Oz & TH. He might want to check it out.

Doesn't apply to everyone, but many find that it does apply to them.

Been there done that mate - know a lot about it (from another life) - know Canberra and the APS well. There is one big difference in the Aust/Thai DTA and most others. This is from the Aust/Thai DTA -

ARTICLE 18 PENSIONS AND ANNUITIES

1.         Subject to the provisions of Article 19, pensions and annuities paid to a resident of one of the Contracting States shall be taxable only in that State. (meaning wherever the person is a Tax Resident).

Article 19 excludes Pensions paid to former Government Employees only. That is deliberate I found out, because Aust wants all Pensioners staying in Aust - hence the reason you must actually live there to apply and wait 2 years before moving overseas.

That is very unlike most other country's DTAs where the following or something like it is written.

ARTICLE 18 PENSIONS

1.             Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Article 19, pensions and other similar remuneration paid to a resident of a Contracting State in consideration of past employment shall be taxable only  in that State. 

2.             Notwithstanding the provisions  of paragraph 1, pensions paid and other similar payments made under a public scheme which is part of the social security system of a Contracting State shall be taxable only in that  State.

I am not saying it is definitely going to happen - I am only stating the current situation. But as things stand now it is likely and a potential big problem. But I can guarantee that both Philippines and Malaysia (and Singapore and many others) specifically exclude money earned overseas by their tax residents if it is subjected to the tax system of that country. When this all blew up in 2024 Thailand TRD did not agree to that 'variation' and in fact the Head of TRD at the time said "Foreigners must pay their fair share of income taxes'. Who knows - dont run away for that one reason - but IMO make a plan and run if it is implemented.

4 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

@XRules That was a long winding thing about how expensive it is in Thai hospitals. The fact that you are both citizens in Australia, doesn´t matter here, and you probably not have a Thai citizenship. If you add that and a possible lack of insurance, you get the answer why it´s expensive for you.

??? In Australia medical services are mainly free for us because we are Aust citizens that is why we are returning earlier than planned (75-80).

Good luck with insurance coverage and premiums when/if you hit 70-75. I got a new quote earlier this year and for both of us (she 60 and me 70) just to check and see what it would be. It was way above any previous quote I had gotten - they say premiums are going up 10-15% a year for most people. I know some blokes 75 plus have been refused coverage - some companies will maintain coverage, but the premiums are horrendous. And make one big claim and they will massively increase your premiums. Up to you - I am lucky to have the choice to go where medical services post 70 will not use up all/most of my savings.

11 hours ago, XRules said:

Subject to the provisions of Article 19, pensions and annuities paid to a resident of one of the Contracting States shall be taxable only in that State. (meaning wherever the person is a Tax Resident).

Article 19 excludes Pensions paid to former Government Employees only. That is deliberate I found out, because Aust wants all Pensioners staying in Aust - hence the reason you must actually live there to apply and wait 2 years before moving overseas

Reading your comment it says you must wait 2 years, becoming a resident, before moving overseas, then you can receive the aged pension.

I'm not sure how it works, you seem knowledgeable.

So we may see you back in Thailand after your 2 years back in Oz?

9 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Reading your comment it says you must wait 2 years, becoming a resident, before moving overseas, then you can receive the aged pension.

I'm not sure how it works, you seem knowledgeable.

So we may see you back in Thailand after your 2 years back in Oz?

You have to be living in Australia and a Resident/Citizen at the time you apply (not just visiting) and then you can get approved for the Pension (age and total previous years lived there rules). Once you are approved and after a certain period of time, if you meet other conditions (min 10 years total in Aust), you can move overseas and take the Pension with you (that is called Portability).

If you are living overseas and return to claim the Pension and are approved if you meet the requirements, you must stay living in Aust for at least 2 years before being able to get portability approved and then leave and take the Pension with you. When you return you must show/prove that you intend staying in Aust - some have had portability rejected because they clearly never intended to stay in Aust after 2 years (talked too much and were dobbed in). Like many others I went back and stayed a few years - then circumstances changed 😉 and we moved back to Thailand.

When I checked out the DTA in detail and contacted some people back in Canberra, the Articles 18 and 19 were written to allow foreign countries to declare the Aust Pension as taxable income if they wanted. Two reasons - One being that Age Pension is counted as taxable income in Australia (but is not taxed due to exemption and allowance) - Two being they dont want to be seen encouraging old men on the Pension to live overseas (and enjoy their lives away from fat ugly Aussie feminist women).

On 6/27/2026 at 9:07 AM, BritManToo said:

My local one has all the latest gear, if not the best doctors.

Back in the UK the hospital staff would have all been 3rd world nationals.

Brits just can't help themselves making racist comments. What does where the medical staff might be from have anything to do with the treatment they have been trained to give? Have you read of '3rd world nationals' being any more incompetent than British born doctors? Have you read last week's report into the appalling torture many - hundreds - of mothers were put through by one hospital trust. I'm sure that the majority of those mistreating and bullying during and after childbirth there weren't '3rd world nationals'.

On 6/26/2026 at 1:23 PM, XRules said:

We (Thai wife and I) are going back to live in Australia. We are both Citizens and that was why we lived in Australia for a few years, waiting for my Pension eligibility date to arrive, and for the Wife could be come a Citizen. There are three main reasons we are leaving - Medical Services and Costs - Immigration - Taxation.

For those unaware the the emergency Medical Services in Hospitals and Clinics in Australia are free for Aust Citizens, and for those who are retired, the vast majority of other Medical Services and Medications are heavily subsidised. This hit home to me about here (Quality and Costs) when I had to suddenly go to a Thailand Private Hospital (going to a Public one means stabilisation and transfer to a Private Hospital - that is the 'directive' here). The costs were horrendous - way more than I ever anticipated - and the quality was poor (compared to Australian Hospitals). Both my Parents were medical professionals and one of my daughters is a Theatre Nurse - I know a fair bit about all that stuff (quality and costs). I wont name names but I have so far paid 450K Baht - I complained and appealed but it was a complete waste of time - they refused to negotiate. I pointed out that I could buy a box of 100 of certain item in Australia and yet you charged me 6900 Baht - their response to that and all others I raised was 'that is charge we charge' - they should have truthfully added 'to all Foreigners'.

I had always intended to return and live in Australia when I was in late 70s - the prospects of going through the 'end game' of life in a country where medical services are at best problematic outside of the main Bangkok Hospitals and at worst are just backward, was never in my plan. Plus having to burn through a large share of my money (being the Wife's inheritance) was never going to happen, if I could avoid it. I have seen it happen to 2 Aussie Expats, and they both 'wasted' millions of Baht, that would otherwise have gone to their wives - one wife has had to go back to work and she is in her 60s (daughter at Uni).

I had always planned that the 'Expat Deposit' mandated to stay in a Thai bank account would be my 'insurance fund' if anything serious happened to my Wife or I - that has now all gone and some more. For a medical service and treatment that would have been free in any high quality Australian Hospital (yes they are all top notch), and would have cost up to $10,000 AUD (250k Baht) at a top private hospital. I know Yanks etc cost more - but for Aussies the Math does not add up.

The constant grind of reporting to the local Police every 3 months, and the annual extensions processes and their constant changes and crackdowns, and all the other Immigration rules and laws has worn me down - I have been sick of it for many years. I was putting up with it and now I am leaving I am extremely relived not to have to go through it again and again and again. I am extremely pleased never to have to be given another 10-15 minute lecture (in Thai) inside my house by some tinpot general about how lucky I am to be allowed to spend over a million baht a year in Thailand and live with my Thai wife.

IMO it is very clear that Thailand is implementing a new Taxation System, such that most people (Thais and Foreigners) will have to lodge a tax return. Their target is the unpaid taxation of those Thais who earn a lot of money through businesses and investments but never lodge a tax return, and the untaxed foreign income earned by Thai Tax Residents overseas. For those unaware, foreign income earned by a Tax Resident in Thailand is not taxable unless it is remitted into Thailand, and it is also tax exempt if it is remitted into Thailand more than 12 months after being earned. That will all change under the new system, such that income earned anywhere in the world by a Thai Tax Resident will become taxable income. This is the standard tax arrangement for most countries - and it is a part of the changes being implemented by Thailand to become 'OECD Compliant'.

I strongly recommend all Aussie Expats at least plan for an alternative living situation - just in case a new Thai tax system is implemented and Expats are included - Govt Pensions, Superannuation, Savings, Investments will all be targeted. IMO they will screw it up and they dont give a rat's rear about retired Expats - the Thai Govt will play on the Xenophobia. IMO Philippines or Vietnam are the current best bet for Aussie Expats. Both countries exempt foreign income earned overseas if it has been subjected to that country's taxation system - there has been no indication by Thailand that they would follow that same exemption. If the TRD does not give that exemption then IMO get out before they demand a tax return. For those saying it wont happen, I truly hope you are correct, but I would refer you to recent articles in the media - especially the one that states that the TRD and Immigration are working together to 'better manage' all long term Expats living in Thailand (not published here). And with the drive by Thailand to become OECD Compliant (for Trade benefits) this will mean a massive change to their taxation system and it will impact Expats.

What about waiting lists for free treatment in Oz?

As my old boss used to say, if you dont like it, hit the door.

Regarding the health costs in Thailand . Do you think that the Thai government is missing a financial gain opportunity ? If a mandatory in patient hospital levy was introduced for ex-pat retirees / long stayers based on age to a sliding scale to be treated in a Thai government hospital was introduced , it would be to the benefit of both retiree and government .

Good luck with insurance coverage and premiums when/if you hit 70-75

Most Thai people don't live that long due to motorcycle accidents while intoxicated.

The average man lives to about 78.

So you're talking about lack of insurance for the last 3-8 years of your life.

Insurance is legalized gambling. The insurance companies make a profit.

Which means on average they collect more premiums than they pay out in benefits.

Insurance companies make money off healthy individuals but lose money off unhealthy or unlucky people.

And they hire a whole bunch of data analysts to figure out the most expensive health benefits and then exclude those in the fine print.

That's the way risk pool management works.

Duh. 😜

Edited June 29Jun 29 by SiSePuede419
Pool, not poll

55 minutes ago, Tyke said:

What about waiting lists for free treatment in Oz?

No waiting list - we both still have an active Medicare card/account.

If you stay away continuously for over 5 years (no visits etc.) then your account lapses and you reapply and coverage is immediate. We have maintained an address etc in Australia - so no problems.

If you stay away under 5 years the account is automatically renewed when you arrive back and they will send you a new card to your new address after you provide that to them.

On 6/27/2026 at 9:07 AM, BritManToo said:

I always use government hospitals, they've never asked to transfer me to private hospital.

My local one has all the latest gear, if not the best doctors.

Back in the UK the hospital staff would have all been 3rd world nationals.

Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that.

I understand many old folk get scared about their future, but not all of us.

Essentially you're leaving due to irrational fears ............

"Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that."

Actually nobody will ask you but it's your duty to do so.

Maybe in the future at the immigration (extension of stay) you will will be asked to show your tax number. And it's easily checked with the revenue.

In your case it's a hefty fine then.

23 minutes ago, superal said:

Regarding the health costs in Thailand . Do you think that the Thai government is missing a financial gain opportunity ? If a mandatory in patient hospital levy was introduced for ex-pat retirees / long stayers based on age to a sliding scale to be treated in a Thai government hospital was introduced , it would be to the benefit of both retiree and government .

Yes they have - what they have now is stupid (as with so many things here). If you work for a period you get automatic Thai coverage, and you can maintain even when you stop working by making a payment. Not sure how many and how long - but I know of a couple of Expats that have maintained their Thai coverage.

Unfortunately, the Thai insurance companies are owned by the same people who own almost everything here (very wealthy Thainese families), and they dont want anything to change and they wield a lot of influence over the Govt. That is just one of the many many reasons why those families will do anything to stop PP etc from ever getting into power - because they will make huge changes that are good for all and not for the wealthy families. They have used the Military before and they will use them again if needed.

11 minutes ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Good luck with insurance coverage and premiums when/if you hit 70-75

Most Thai people don't live that long due to motorcycle accidents while intoxicated.

The average man lives to about 78.

So you're talking about lack of insurance for the last 3-8 years of your life.

Insurance is legalized gambling. The insurance companies make a profit.

Which means on average they collect more premiums than they pay out in benefits.

Insurance companies make money off healthy individuals but lose money off unhealthy or unlucky people.

And they hire a whole bunch of data analysts to figure out the most expensive health benefits and then exclude those in the fine print.

That's the way risk poll management works.

Duh. 😜

Yes that is a list of reasons why the insurance premiums here in Thailand for older Expats are ridiculous.

See my previous reply as to why that will not change for a long time.

7 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

"Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that."

Actually nobody will ask you but it's your duty to do so.

Maybe in the future at the immigration (extension of stay) you will will be asked to show your tax number. And it's easily checked with the revenue.

In your case it's a hefty fine then.

Well said mate - some people here just bury their heads in the sand and refuse to 'look around'.

In the future there will probably be a few Expats 'investigated' - and TRD can go back 7 years in their investigation. Their decisions are arbitrary (like Immigration) and whatever the TRD Officer decides is the decision. That decision will include all back taxes, plus big fines for not lodging each year, plus severe penalties for the tax money that should have been paid. You then have 14 days to pay all of it. Appeals only in Thai (not English). And to top that all off - PIT (Personal Income Tax) is a Provincial matter in Thailand and it will be a local Officer (Somchai) who makes the decision and interprets the 'rules'.

There is some very good articles in an online news source - some of it is advertorials and some is genuine news. The fact is that TRD is 'building' a new taxation system and it is being linked to the medical and the immigration systems. This is a direct outcome following the cancellation of the rule that removed the 12 month tax exemption for overseas earnings, plus their desire to join the OECD and the associated Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) system under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

There are many issues to be addressed and decided by TRD/Govt under the new taxation system, including will the banks be required to provide to TRD details of all foreign remittances in any calendar year by any single foreign person. Hopefully it will all go well and it will all be fair and reasonable, but unless Expats stay across the matter and plan accordingly, they may find themselves being asked to attend a meeting at their local TRD Office and/or have their annual renewal rejected for not having lodged a tax return.

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

"Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that."

Actually nobody will ask you but it's your duty to do so.

Maybe in the future at the immigration (extension of stay) you will will be asked to show your tax number. And it's easily checked with the revenue.

In your case it's a hefty fine then.

I pay/have paid at the source and don't consider it a duty to double up.

I import and spend large amounts of my retirement funds in this economy and resent the idea of an import tax. I have already scaled down my remittances because of these maybes.

If a tax number becomes part of the extension process, I'll probably join the rush to get one. As long as I'm not the unlucky first one to cop this treatment, I'm sure there will be sufficient time to comply.

1 hour ago, XRules said:

insurance premiums here in Thailand for older Expats are ridiculous.

Not really. There are insurances with high deductibles and increasing premiums.

And there are insurances without increases.... unless you will have a case. So the trick is to wait and pay by yourself till the big bang during the last days of life (or cancer) when you need them to cover millions of Baht.

So there is always a choice

3 minutes ago, Old Croc said:

I pay/have paid at the source and don't consider it a duty to double up.

I import and spend large amounts of my retirement funds in this economy and resent the idea of an import tax. I have already scaled down my remittances because of these maybes.

If a tax number becomes part of the extension process, I'll probably join the rush to get one. As long as I'm not the unlucky first one to cop this treatment, I'm sure there will be sufficient time to comply.

It's your duty already

2 hours ago, deadbeat said:

As my old boss used to say, if you dont like it, hit the door.

Is that where you are got your deadbeat name from, your old boss 😂

Don't let the door hit you in the ass - NOBODY CARES!! - BUH-bye!!

On 6/26/2026 at 4:23 PM, XRules said:

We (Thai wife and I) are going back to live in Australia. We are both Citizens and that was why we lived in Australia for a few years, waiting for my Pension eligibility date to arrive, and for the Wife could be come a Citizen. There are three main reasons we are leaving - Medical Services and Costs - Immigration - Taxation.

For those unaware the the emergency Medical Services in Hospitals and Clinics in Australia are free for Aust Citizens, and for those who are retired, the vast majority of other Medical Services and Medications are heavily subsidised. This hit home to me about here (Quality and Costs) when I had to suddenly go to a Thailand Private Hospital (going to a Public one means stabilisation and transfer to a Private Hospital - that is the 'directive' here). The costs were horrendous - way more than I ever anticipated - and the quality was poor (compared to Australian Hospitals). Both my Parents were medical professionals and one of my daughters is a Theatre Nurse - I know a fair bit about all that stuff (quality and costs). I wont name names but I have so far paid 450K Baht - I complained and appealed but it was a complete waste of time - they refused to negotiate. I pointed out that I could buy a box of 100 of certain item in Australia and yet you charged me 6900 Baht - their response to that and all others I raised was 'that is charge we charge' - they should have truthfully added 'to all Foreigners'.

I had always intended to return and live in Australia when I was in late 70s - the prospects of going through the 'end game' of life in a country where medical services are at best problematic outside of the main Bangkok Hospitals and at worst are just backward, was never in my plan. Plus having to burn through a large share of my money (being the Wife's inheritance) was never going to happen, if I could avoid it. I have seen it happen to 2 Aussie Expats, and they both 'wasted' millions of Baht, that would otherwise have gone to their wives - one wife has had to go back to work and she is in her 60s (daughter at Uni).

I had always planned that the 'Expat Deposit' mandated to stay in a Thai bank account would be my 'insurance fund' if anything serious happened to my Wife or I - that has now all gone and some more. For a medical service and treatment that would have been free in any high quality Australian Hospital (yes they are all top notch), and would have cost up to $10,000 AUD (250k Baht) at a top private hospital. I know Yanks etc cost more - but for Aussies the Math does not add up.

The constant grind of reporting to the local Police every 3 months, and the annual extensions processes and their constant changes and crackdowns, and all the other Immigration rules and laws has worn me down - I have been sick of it for many years. I was putting up with it and now I am leaving I am extremely relived not to have to go through it again and again and again. I am extremely pleased never to have to be given another 10-15 minute lecture (in Thai) inside my house by some tinpot general about how lucky I am to be allowed to spend over a million baht a year in Thailand and live with my Thai wife.

IMO it is very clear that Thailand is implementing a new Taxation System, such that most people (Thais and Foreigners) will have to lodge a tax return. Their target is the unpaid taxation of those Thais who earn a lot of money through businesses and investments but never lodge a tax return, and the untaxed foreign income earned by Thai Tax Residents overseas. For those unaware, foreign income earned by a Tax Resident in Thailand is not taxable unless it is remitted into Thailand, and it is also tax exempt if it is remitted into Thailand more than 12 months after being earned. That will all change under the new system, such that income earned anywhere in the world by a Thai Tax Resident will become taxable income. This is the standard tax arrangement for most countries - and it is a part of the changes being implemented by Thailand to become 'OECD Compliant'.

I strongly recommend all Aussie Expats at least plan for an alternative living situation - just in case a new Thai tax system is implemented and Expats are included - Govt Pensions, Superannuation, Savings, Investments will all be targeted. IMO they will screw it up and they dont give a rat's rear about retired Expats - the Thai Govt will play on the Xenophobia. IMO Philippines or Vietnam are the current best bet for Aussie Expats. Both countries exempt foreign income earned overseas if it has been subjected to that country's taxation system - there has been no indication by Thailand that they would follow that same exemption. If the TRD does not give that exemption then IMO get out before they demand a tax return. For those saying it wont happen, I truly hope you are correct, but I would refer you to recent articles in the media - especially the one that states that the TRD and Immigration are working together to 'better manage' all long term Expats living in Thailand (not published here). And with the drive by Thailand to become OECD Compliant (for Trade benefits) this will mean a massive change to their taxation system and it will impact Expats.

You are making the right move if you will be needing ongoing medical care. I would say that Australia has one of the best medical system in the world.You have the choice of paying for expensive private insurance or using the free public system including hospitals , doctors , allied health eg physios etc. x-rays CT scans MRI scans. For pensioners free dental and most chemist scripts are only $7.70 .The ones that are not subsidised under the PBS Scheme are only $25.00. The only downfall you will find is the very high cost of living electricity , insurances , rents food , council rates but you will still be in front if you just have to have one major operation in one of the the free hospitals.The pension scheme is also generous. Good luck with your move.

2 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Good luck with insurance coverage and premiums when/if you hit 70-75

Most Thai people don't live that long due to motorcycle accidents while intoxicated.

The average man lives to about 78.

So you're talking about lack of insurance for the last 3-8 years of your life.

Insurance is legalized gambling. The insurance companies make a profit.

Which means on average they collect more premiums than they pay out in benefits.

Insurance companies make money off healthy individuals but lose money off unhealthy or unlucky people.

And they hire a whole bunch of data analysts to figure out the most expensive health benefits and then exclude those in the fine print.

That's the way risk pool management works.

Duh. 😜

Isn't that the idea, for a company to make a profit? Yes, most of the people will never use their policy but it's there if needed, hence the term insurance. Some people do want to live as long as possible for many reasons, and having that insurance there can prolong a life for a year or more, which I'm sure most would like to have.

Per the OP, good luck and I'm thinking you'll be happier back where it's actually home, as we will.

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

"Not registered to pay Thai tax, nobody has ever asked me to do that."

Actually nobody will ask you but it's your duty to do so.

Maybe in the future at the immigration (extension of stay) you will will be asked to show your tax number. And it's easily checked with the revenue.

In your case it's a hefty fine then.

I'm not Thai, I have no business with the Thai government beyond immigration.

4 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Brits just can't help themselves making racist comments. What does where the medical staff might be from have anything to do with the treatment they have been trained to give? Have you read of '3rd world nationals' being any more incompetent than British born doctors? Have you read last week's report into the appalling torture many - hundreds - of mothers were put through by one hospital trust. I'm sure that the majority of those mistreating and bullying during and after childbirth there weren't '3rd world nationals'.

So you agree with me, the NHS ain't that great.

First arrived in Thailand in 1962, lived and worked here in the 1980s, married a Thai lady in 1990, retired here in 1993. A long time ago I took the decision to live and die in Thailand. I have no reason, whatsoever, to change that decision.