The following recent statement was from a staffer at a Thai-owned agency that does job placement locally and overseas.

"1) Normally the immigration not allow u to enter to the country with Non

Imm B Visa more than 3 times a year (without work permit) coz it show that u

come to work in the country but not intend to pay for any personal income tax."

I know enough that the caveat of opening the statement with "Normally" allows for all sorts of adminstrative and legal interpretations of the text.

So, has anyone ever been denied entry due to any tax liability, real or perceived, or know of anyone who has had this problem with a Non-B multi visa? I am NOT working in Thailand but I have a Thai wife, family & home here since I am still working internationally with no retirement plans. As my avatar says, 'International Gypsy'.

PS. I recall years and years ago when multiple extensions on Tourist visas and even on 30-day entry permits were more acceptable, a Tax Clearance Certificate was required if your cumulative days in LOS exceeded (I think) 90 days in the calendar year. This paper was obtained through local travel agencies, cost 1000 baht and was issued within 24-hours. This was in Pattaya when the Immigration office used to be on Soi 8. I think the certificate was retained by the Immigration along with your TM card stub upon departure. Only once I was actually assessed as having back taxes and paid a whopping 820 baht through the same agent and getting an official receipt that was also surrendered on departure.

....I am NOT working in Thailand but I have a Thai wife, family & home here....

well, why don't you get a Non-O then?

Tax clearance certificates went out many years ago.

As I understand it you are liable for tax on income earned in the current year and brought into Thailand,

unless such income is covered by a dual tax agreement and has already been taxed at origin.

Money from savings is not liable to tax.

I have income from property in the UK, which is taxed in the UK.

I do a tax return in Thailand showing the income and the tax receipt from the UK.

Remember you get allowances for yourself and wife.

Result, zero tax liability in Thailand.

No agents. Go to the tax office yourself, with a Thai speaking friend, if necessary.

IME unless you make yourself a high profile, no one will ask you.

If you are married why do you have a B visa? O would be much easier.

That statement to total rubbish. Business people come and go as required with no restrictions. People working here and paying tax have to use such visa entry all the time unless they qualify for extensions of stay (many do not).

As for tax the policy is tax only on remitted income from current year but the laws read very broadly and anything/anywhere seems to be fair game for tax if not exempted by treaty if they wanted to change the goal posts.

....I am NOT working in Thailand but I have a Thai wife, family & home here....

well, why don't you get a Non-O then?

I got married AFTER I got the last Non-B. Maybe the NEXT visa will be the Non-O.

Thanks!

So, hijacking my own thread...

A Non-O visa application in the UK or US only requires a copy of my marriage certificate, correct?

It's the extension of a Non-O in Thailand that requires all that minimum xxx baht in the Thai bank account for xxx days bullsh!t, correct?

Since I am still workin' for da man, I will be in/out of the country at least 6 times in each calendar 12 months so the Non-O should still be just as flexible as the Non-B's I have used the past 3 years, correct?

Yes the non immigrant is flexible and good for your situation. Have marriage certificate and good to have copy of ID card and home register (although these probably not required in home country).

^ Cheers lop!

I have emailed the RTCG in Houston if they will have any problems with issuing me the Non-O multi since I am no longer US domiciled. They were good enough to issue my last couple of Non-B multi despite me being a Brit just passing through on business.

If they have tightened up, I will do it in Hull on the way back.