Pr A Question Still Remains Unanswered

[beano2274]

I have been on a marriage extension now for a few years and am thinking of going on the PR route, but this question still remains unanswered.

1. If I wanted to qualify could I go to the Tax Office and ask them if I could pay the tax required (I believe it to be 40,000baht in total for 3 years) to them directly and get a receipt? At that time would I be issued a new tax number as I already had one, but have reclaimed about 80% of my tax back from the previous years in Thailand, which I think would not beneficial for me.

2. If I paid the tax, would I have to show a Work Permit, as I do not work in Thailand but as a consultant outside of Thailand.

many thanks for any assistance

I will read the pinned topic again, but am sure the answers to my questions are not in there.

Oh yes I realise it is now two questions, and not one as per the heading of the Topic

[TerryLH]

I believe you'd keep the same tax number.

In my experience, the revenue offices I've done business with haven't been interested in a WP.

I don't have an answer about the taxes question.

The 40k you're talking about paying, plus the almost 100k for PR, would fund your yearly visa for the next 70 years, at current rates. Is applying annually that difficult?

[tombkk]

I don't think you can pay taxes without an income, and for that income you'd need a work permit.

Let me phrase that differently: For work you do while outside of Thailand, you don't pay Thai income tax (with exceptions). If you do work while in Thailand, of course you pay income tax - but you need a work permit.

Better yet: If you work in Thailand without an income (voluntary work), you still need a work permit.

I wonder under which category you can pay income tax without working...

That said, I agree with the poster who asked what you need a PR for, since you are married.

[gamini]

I had a PR once but my re-entry permit expired so it was cancelled. To get a new one is such a hassle and cost I don't see any real advantage either and you have to pay tax on any money you bring into Thailand. Nowadays it is so very easy to get a retirement visa that there is no incentive to get PR .

[TerryLH]

"...and for that income you'd need a work permit."

Not true at all revenue offices, if any.

They'll be glad to help you, even without a WP.

That's personal experience in two different provinces.

If you're using that money to qualify for a visa, immigration will want to see a WP, but the Revenue Office doesn't.

[Mario2008]

No, but for PR you are checked, that will include if you have a work permit or not. You will have some explaining to do if you pay taxes and don't have a work permit.

[Time Traveller]

Rest assured you will have no problem with the tax issue. In fact, the revenue department love it when people come and voluntary pay tax to them. The only problem you'll have is if you are trying to understate your income and tax liability.

Regarding immigration, it's unlikely that they would accept an application for PR in the case you are not working, so your idea might not acheive what is intended. It seems that they firstly check to see if you are working (and have a work permit), then they look at your income of the previous 3 yrs. Evidence of having an occupation is a primary factor in the application, whereas income/tax is a supplementary factor.

Also immigration shouldn't be bothering anyone who pays taxes without Work permit. I've never heard of this happening and wonder why would they even care. Has anyone had problems like this before?

[Pib]

I had a PR once but my re-entry permit expired so it was cancelled. To get a new one is such a hassle and cost I don't see any real advantage either and you have to pay tax on any money you bring into Thailand. Nowadays it is so very easy to get a retirement visa that there is no incentive to get PR .

Ain't it great how a Permanent Residence Certificate can not be permanent so easily.

[KamnanT]

Thailand's requirements to maintain PR are relatively benign (annual endorsement of the Certificate of Residence and Non-Quota Immigrant visa if and only if you intend to leave Thailand). Singapore "Permanent Residents" will find themselves having to answer tough questions if they aren't working and paying tax and US Green Card holders will get the same from the CBP if they are spending long periods of time (>180 days) outside the US. All Thailand asks is that you set foot in the Immigration office once a year. With the requisite endorsement fees, of course. And if you don't leave Thailand, you don't even need to do that.

[tombkk]

I had a PR once but my re-entry permit expired so it was cancelled. To get a new one is such a hassle and cost I don't see any real advantage either and you have to pay tax on any money you bring into Thailand. Nowadays it is so very easy to get a retirement visa that there is no incentive to get PR .

Right, but not everybody is at retirement age. In addition, the retirement visa regulation can be cancelled, whilst a PR is an internationally recognised concept and once it has been issued, it would be rather difficult to change the law.