Permanent Residency

[beano2274]

I have had a valid extension for more than three years and would be looking to get PR, however, I keep reading about taxes and WP, here is my situation.

I have worked here for the past 3 years, the first year I had a WP, but then I moved to a Private University doing Part time work for them, during this time I paid taxes without a WP. I also claimed back the taxes from The Revenue Department. Now I have a new job and a WP, could I apply for PR this year, as although I have not had a WP for 3 years I have had valid extensions and also have paid taxes in Thailand, or must I wait for a further 3 years with this new WP?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. Extensions due to marriage to a Thai National.

[pjclark1]

I don't believe any PRs have been granted since Taksin was forced out.

Please correct me if anyone has had one since then?

[gotlost]

I don't believe any PRs have been granted since Taksin was forced out.

Please correct me if anyone has had one since then?

Seotember 19, 2006

[Richard4849]

A small number have been granted.

[tombkk]

Regardless of whether any PRs have been granted in the past four years, it is advisable to apply to as early as possible. Unfortunately, no applications were accepted in 2010 but let's hope this changes this year.

If you want to apply in the Business category, you need a work permit that has been valid for at least three full years. This may answer the OP's question.

[Ginkas]

Beano - a couple of points come to mind>

1. It is illegal to work without a work permit, even part-time or voluntary.

I wouldn't bring that to the attention of the authorities when you apply!

2. I believe you are expected to have paid tax on a minimum income of 80,000 baht per month,

although I understand they expect more than the minimum - 100,000 a month has been mentioned.

You can gain 'points' for other things, so if high in some areas can be lower in others.

I note you "claimed back the taxes", think this would also count against you (apart from the illegal working).

Looks like you have to start the three years from your new, legal, employment. Hope the salary is good.

Best of luck for the future.

[howzat]

I should forget PR as I feel the system is dead and burried. No information available and no return of application fees. The few that have been granted I think is a wrong information as British Chamber of Commerce made a direct request to the Governmenet for clarification with I am told no reponse.

[Richard4849]

Not wrong information. I have a friend who applied in 2007 and received it last year.

[Time Traveller]

I believe you are expected to have paid tax on a minimum income of 80,000 baht per month, although I understand they expect more than the minimum - 100,000 a month has been mentioned.

You can gain 'points' for other things, so if high in some areas can be lower in others.

I note you "claimed back the taxes", think this would also count against you (apart from the illegal working).

Looks like you have to start the three years from your new, legal, employment. Hope the salary is good.

No they do not expect more than the minimum for income requirements. Anyone who meets all of the minimum requirements will have their application accepted.

During the consideration process a points system is used (for a passing score and also to rank applicants in case there are more than 100 per nationality) and beyond the income level for maximum points it doesn’t make any difference about how much more tax is paid. Also since tax paid is retrospective, the committee is more likely to consider the applicants future career prospects for earnings after the PR is granted instead of what someone paid in tax x number of years ago. This might explain why adult applicants in all categories are expected to have a current occupation in Thailand.

The taxes paid and work permit really are separate issues since anyone can submit tax return each year whether they are working or not. Payment of tax itself is not enough to meet the application requirements. Also legally reducing tax and claiming refunds should not affect your application, and by implying it does is misleading applicants in overreporting income to the tax office or not claiming deductions they are entitled to.