11 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

A lot of deceitful, lying influencers out there spewing all sorts of nonsense.

But also seen some influencers pointing out how stupid women are in modern society and trying to coach them to be better wives.

There is an 'epidemic' of women in 40s and 50s regretting getting divorced. The mainstream media wont cover it because it goes against the 'modern narrative' - which is women dont need men anymore. And although there are some women going on social media and speaking up about the lies they were told and how unhappy they are, but most women dont want to talk about it - because they then have to admit they were wrong.

Yes there are many women who got divorced and are doing better away from a 'bad' husband, but it is becoming very clear that most of them wanted something 'better' so they got divorced and 'took the money' and had a great time (so they thought). But now 5-10 years later they are 'used up' and their money is gone/going. They cannot find a man that is interested in them, other than for sex, and they are suffering the consequences of their decision. Only a Simp would partner up with such a woman - especially one with kids.

There is also an 'epidemic' of young men who have absolutely no interest in getting married, because of all the downsides they have seen occur and the general emasculating cr*p that has been thrown at them all through their schooling. They are staying single and enjoying their lives with their single mates. That is one of the many things women do not understand about men - we can be real mates with other men and we are honest and true with each other. Women only have allies and enemies in their lives, and other than Sisters and Mothers, they rarely have any real women friends in their lives.

I became a Passport Bro and retired overseas to look for a 'old school' Partner - and found her 14 years ago. No kids, old fashioned, and slim and feminine - I look after her and she looks after me. I was lucky I know - but there are a lot of blokes who post-divorce in the west never want to be in a relationship with a woman again - and I dont blame them. If I had not found a good one, I would have simply stayed single (and rented now and then). Western women are paying a big price for their feminist driven liberation from 'the patriarchy' - many men have had a gutful of them and their BS.

That is one of the many great things I will miss about Thailand - slim feminine women everywhere. In Australia the vast majority of women over the age of 30 are either overweight, on their way to being very overweight, or are already obese. That is the thing that women just dont understand about themselves - they are very self-destructive and need to be given reasons not to do the wrong thing (such as not getting fat). Take away the stigma of being fat in Australia and ta da - 15-20 years later most women in Australia are fat. They did the same with femininity - the feminists said it was a 'weakness' and now most women in Australia are 'manly' and/or aggressive.

Edited Saturday at 06:16 AM3 days by XRules

6 minutes ago, XRules said:

That is one of the many great things I will miss about Thailand - slim feminine women everywhere.

There's a bunch of stupid female influencers convincing fat girls it's ok to be fat. It's not ok, male or female. But it's hard work. As you get older, the body is not as effective at burning calories.

Regarding women, back home some women have great jobs. If you stay married for decades, you can amass a lot of wealth together. If you get divorced, then you take a big financial hit. But couples with good jobs who stay together do well.

They need to make the divorce laws more fair for men, but no politician will even discuss it. I wonder why.

Edited Saturday at 06:13 AM3 days by save the frogs

5 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

There's a bunch of stupid female influencers convincing fat girls it's ok to be fat.

Regarding women, back home some women have great jobs. If you stay married for decades, you can amass a lot of wealth together. If you get divorced, then you take a big financial hit. But couples with good jobs who stay together do well.

They need to make the divorce laws more fair for men, but no politician will even discuss it. I wonder why.

Exactly - no politician is stupid enough to risk losing 50% of the vote. I agree with Pearl - women should not be allowed to vote. There is many reasons why they did not have the vote/power for many thousands of years - they cannot take a big picture view - they view everything personally.

Obviously that will never happen now (probably), but I do think that the voting age should be raised to 20 at least. As someone that has employed and/or managed a lot of staff starting in the 70s, there is no doubt that 18 year olds are far more ignorant and stupid than they were last century. The vast majority of young women are crazy these days, and unfortunately the downside of single young men is that they dont have a reason to 'grow up' and mature (getting married and having kids makes most boys become men - and/or military service). The massive growth of left wing voting that is behind the woke global liberals getting into power is mainly because of one reality as stated by John Adams and a few other European politicians - "A boy of 15 who is not a democrat is good for nothing, and he is no better if he is still a democrat at 20."

But the one who said it best was French PM Aristide Briand - "The man who is not a socialist at twenty has no heart, but if he is still a socialist at forty he has no head."

On 6/27/2026 at 12:12 PM, XRules said:

??? 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.

The medical services outside the major cities are pretty poor, and in the big cities you need to pay big bucks for real estate which is not 2 hours drive from the CBD.

The ordinary 2 bedroom apartment in Sydney now incurs nearly 10k per year in strata levies, council taxes and water bills. For that kind of money you can rent in Thailand.

I've put some numbers in the Oz aged care calculators, my expected expenses are 130k AUD per year. I think for that kind of money I can hire 2x24 hours helpers in Thailand.

It is true that the super as a private pension could be taxed in Thailand, but the LTR visa helps avoiding taxes.

There are always shades of grey, or rather shades of green on the other side. Nothing is perfect, so not much point of overthinking it.

19 hours ago, gearbox said:

I've put some numbers in the Oz aged care calculators, my expected expenses are 130k AUD per year. I think for that kind of money I can hire 2x24 hours helpers in Thailand.

??? That is extremely high - on what basis have you calculated that??

19 hours ago, gearbox said:

It is true that the super as a private pension could be taxed in Thailand, but the LTR visa helps avoiding taxes.

That is true and will remain true if the LTR conditions are confirmed in the new Thai taxation system. I have a feeling that it will not be confirmed - could be wrong - could be right. My reasoning is that the new Govt will not support foreign people 'buying' the ability to avoid paying taxes in Thailand. Because the LTR is managed by the BOI, and not the Dept Foreign Affairs or Immigration Office, they have been 'giving away' the ability to avoid paying income taxes. That was not what the LTR was supposed to be and I think changes will be made. Hopefully those already with an LTR Visa will keep their exemptions for their current validity period, but I expect the taxation exemption to be changed and/or cancelled. Can you imagine the outrage when/if the matter hits social media - foreigners have bought a Visa and they pay no income taxes?

Edited Sunday at 02:39 AM3 days by XRules

14 hours ago, XRules said:

??? That is extremely high - on what basis have you calculated that??

This is what the calculators came to when you have assets and the government contributes zero to your aged care costs. From 2025 the rules are changed and there are multiple cost components, when you add them up it comes to nearly $400 per day.

Edited Sunday at 05:16 PM2 days by gearbox

On 6/26/2026 at 3:23 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.

It's happening in Japan also trying to go to Vietnam or some other country in Asia it's not going to work it's all coming together just the way it is and as far as immigration goes they're cutting down on people that actually can immigrate into the country legally I know because I've lived in Asia for over three decades before it was easy to get what we call permanent resident now it's not all that easy. Good luck to all of us still living in Asia.

American social security is not taxed in Thailand nor is it taxed in Japan. America has treaty with these two countries that's tax treaties.

14 hours ago, gearbox said:

This is what the calculators came to when you have assets and the government contributes zero to your aged care costs. From 2025 the rules are changed and there are multiple cost components, when you add them up it comes to nearly $400 per day.

May I ask what calculators?

5 hours ago, camper star said:

It's happening in Japan also trying to go to Vietnam or some other country in Asia it's not going to work it's all coming together just the way it is and as far as immigration goes they're cutting down on people that actually can immigrate into the country legally I know because I've lived in Asia for over three decades before it was easy to get what we call permanent resident now it's not all that easy. Good luck to all of us still living in Asia.

Yes it is happening everywhere. Some places are still allowing 'attractive' Visa arrangements and zero taxation issues, but they are all being pushed to deal with the large number of criminals who have been using countries to hide their wealth, income and activities. Thailand has a very large number of them, and going forward they will be clamping down more and more of foreigners . Unfortunately, that will also include those that have retired/moved here and are not criminals.

Governments and international bodies are implementing standardized, cross-border frameworks to eliminate shell companies, track digital assets, and force automatic exchange of financial data. These interlocking systems deny tax evaders and criminals the ability to hide illicit wealth and their activities. It is being enforced through the use of Trade and Banking and Diplomacy. Thailand is desperate to become a full member of OECD and other Trading Bodies and there are 'qualifying' conditions including being a far more active participant in the global crackdown on criminals and tax evaders. Thailand is also desperate not to have their International Banking arrangements curtailed for any non-compliance - hence the massive over-reation by the Bangkok Bank regarding annual extension letters. It is only just beginning.

5 hours ago, camper star said:

American social security is not taxed in Thailand nor is it taxed in Japan. America has treaty with these two countries that's tax treaties.

USA is one of 6 countries that imposes income taxes on its Citizens irrespective of where they are living. Scroll down the list in this Wikipedia page and you will see the countries that impose income taxes like USA does - Eritrea, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Tajikistan.

International taxation - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_taxation

USA citizens do not have to pay income taxes to any country other than USA - unless the IRS given an exemption to a citizen or foreign company. Because the USA has the power to enforce that, the vast majority of countries comply. USA Citizens in Thailand do not have to worry about paying income taxes in Thailand. Other country's DTAs all differ a little and in regards to Australia, the Age Pension and Superannuation Dividends and Payments are 'technically' taxable income.

That does not mean taxes must be paid - it means it is 'taxable' and therefore the individual must work out whether they have to pay any income taxes or not. My calculations were that in 2024 I did not have to pay income taxes, and therefore as per the current TRD 'filing rule' I did not have to lodge a tax return because I owed no taxes (I got that in writing from a Thai Tax Lawyer). However, under the new taxation system being developed by TRD it is likely (not guaranteed) that Expats with 'taxable income' will be required to lodge a tax return and thereby show they do not have to pay income taxes. This what they wanted to do last time, but they pulled back when remittances collapsed - but it is likely to be like this in the future (so that they are OECD/CRS compliant per taxation).

Foreign-sourced income tax-no logo

https://www.expattaxthailand.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FOREIGNERS_PAY_TAX2024.pdf

I should not have raised taxation in my 'departure venting' - but questions are being asked so I should replay. There is SFA to worry about if all you have is a Pension and some small savings. However, if like me you have substantial retirement funds earning income, then you need to plan ahead and be prepared - that is all. I always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike - just in case. And I have always lodged a tax return in Australia over the last 14 years of being in and out of the country - just in case.

8 minutes ago, XRules said:

USA is one of 6 countries that imposes income taxes on its Citizens irrespective of where they are living. Scroll down the list in this Wikipedia page and you will see the countries that impose income taxes like USA does - Eritrea, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Tajikistan.

International taxation - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_taxation

USA citizens do not have to pay income taxes to any country other than USA - unless the IRS given an exemption to a citizen or foreign company. Because the USA has the power to enforce that, the vast majority of countries comply. USA Citizens in Thailand do not have to worry about paying income taxes in Thailand. Other country's DTAs all differ a little and in regards to Australia, the Age Pension and Superannuation Dividends and Payments are 'technically' taxable income.

That does not mean taxes must be paid - it means it is 'taxable' and therefore the individual must work out whether they have to pay any income taxes or not. My calculations were that in 2024 I did not have to pay income taxes, and therefore as per the current TRD 'filing rule' I did not have to lodge a tax return because I owed no taxes (I got that in writing from a Thai Tax Lawyer). However, under the new taxation system being developed by TRD it is likely (not guaranteed) that Expats with 'taxable income' will be required to lodge a tax return and thereby show they do not have to pay income taxes. This what they wanted to do last time, but they pulled back when remittances collapsed - but it is likely to be like this in the future (so that they are OECD/CRS compliant per taxation).

Foreign-sourced income tax-no logo

https://www.expattaxthailand.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FOREIGNERS_PAY_TAX2024.pdf

I should not have raised taxation in my 'departure venting' - but questions are being asked so I should replay. There is SFA to worry about if all you have is a Pension and some small savings. However, if like me you have substantial retirement funds earning income, then you need to plan ahead and be prepared - that is all. I always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike - just in case. And I have always lodged a tax return in Australia over the last 14 years of being in and out of the country - just in case.

You will only potentially pay tax on foreign income deemed assessable and remitted to Thailand.

8 hours ago, XRules said:

May I ask what calculators?

The government calculator.

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-home-fee-estimator

On 7/6/2026 at 3:04 PM, NoDisplayName said:

You will only potentially pay tax on foreign income deemed assessable and remitted to Thailand.

That is one of the things they are changing - my advice is to stay across the issue. Although it will be in the headlines when it happens.

On 7/6/2026 at 10:41 PM, gearbox said:

The government calculator.

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-home-fee-estimator

That is for calculating how much to move into an aged care facility with 24x7 nursing care and all the associated services - that includes paying for the facility and all associated costs like food transport etc etc.

We will be staying in our own home and looking after ourselves - with as required free at-home services as and when required provided by the Govt.

On 6/29/2026 at 9:47 AM, SiSePuede419 said:

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

What a crock of 5h1t!