[Needless death of a Thai teen whose friend was on the phone on a bike: So many questions about the Thai roads]

Basically it all stems from lack of law enforcement,plus many of these kids grow up in rural areas where it’s accepted. You won’t change a thing until the police start confiscating bikes and fining the rider and family. Until that happens,nothing will change,just another day in Thailand. Same has to be said about zebra crossings,pulled up at one yesterday to let the person cross the road. Nearly got rear ended,the car past me on the right to avoid hitting me, No one else stopped in the outer lane so I proceeded with caution. The person who  wanted to cross the road just waited until there was a big enough gap in traffic for him to cross.

So your dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t. Just like roundabouts,they honestly have no idea on how it’s supposed to work. They stop on the roundabout to let you enter,people here just don’t really give a flying F. 

[Thai police searching for monkeypox-infected Nigerian man]

Well if something is going to spread rapidly,it will be in Phuket and Pattaya. 
secondly, it just goes to show you how well the 90 day reporting system works if he has been here on overstay for a year. Good guys do the right thing,bad guys don’t. 
pits about time the government had a good look at the 90 day reporting system. Use that for people who don’t hold annual visas like retirement visa Non O. Seems ridiculous that you have a visa to live in the country for a year but need to report every 90 days.  It should be if granted the retirement visa you need to report any change of address during that visas validity. 
 

[Lottery vendors complain of unsold tickets after the launch of digital sales]

About time,selling of lottery tickets on major roads is a stupid idea. The main road outside the front of our complex has them lined up everywhere. Cars driving slow,not focusing on the road pulling up without indicating,pulling back into traffic to move up 20 meters to the next one.

If they want to sell them,sell them at petrol stations,tesco car parks,not on the side of the road. Driving in Thailand is bad enough without having one more distraction on the road.

[Tax residency of retirees]

I am an Australian citizen with the same criteria as yourself. Only a bank account in Australia with stuff all in it, I became a non resident for tax purposes in Australia,they will be asking regarding the interest you are getting in Australia from any money you have in your account.  The tax rates are different between a non resident and resident. I applied for a TIN here in Thailand and received it,did my first lodgement in January this year.  
if your receiving some income,if it goes above the taxable income you will need to pay tax. Here if your living here,I prefer to pay it here. Keep my taxation receipts in case I want to go back home one day so I can show I paid tax in Thailand. Can’t be double dipped.

But that is just my experience and option I chose.

[‘America is killing itself’: world reacts with horror and incomprehension to Texas shooting]

Worked with a lot of American citizens over the years. All of them owned guns,some for hunting,some for protection. But everyone of them said no way in hell will I give up my guns. Criminals have them and I want to protect my family if needed. So the merry go round continues,no one wants to see kids being killed at school. But when you have the freedom to own a gun,so do most others. People with mental issues that haven’t been diagnosed yet. It’s a <deleted> show and it won’t change. 
Final words,my heart goes out to all the families that lost their kids,I cannot imagine the pain your going through.

[Cryptocurrency tax exempt for trades on approved exchanges until end of 2023]

Read the article and still confused,but that’s Thailand.

The VAT I think they are talking about is the tax the exchange will need to apply to a sale of a crypto currency. This was suspended after backlash from I suppose most of the crypto exchanges here in Thailand as their exchanges wouldn’t be set up for that type of procedure. 
Plus I think the taxation office would probably want that VAT directly deposited into the government coffers. As far as I am aware anything over 150,000 Thai baht in actual profit from the sale of crypto must be declared as income and will be taxed at the correct rate. 
They tax office also recommends lodging a return if your gains go over 70,000 baht,even though your not going to liable for tax until it goes over 150,000 baht.

The reason I think they are trying to implement this VAT,hardly anyone is doing their tax returns,most Thais have no idea on how to lodge a return. Plus if your a foreigner and can’t read,speak,or write Thai how are you supposed to understand the documentation that you need to fill in for a tax lodgement. You will need to get a tax agent that understands crypto tax in Thailand to do that for you,not cheap. So the VAT tax would be a better option in the long run for the government and for most people,pay as you go tax. 
I see a certain exchange here in Thailand is constantly upgrading its website,maybe to accommodate these new incoming requirements. 
But they really need to get their <deleted> together and get something sorted regarding the tax situation here,it’s a joke. They are screaming out for money to top up the government coffers,so just make things simple. Bring in the VAT and that’s done,if you sell at a loss that’s your loss not there’s.

[Five year old girl savaged by stray dog: "Dogs are protected" says local official]

There’s no money involved in rounding up stray dogs,costs them money. 
No one seems to own these Soi dogs,they are left to fend for themselves. But run over and kill one and everyone in that Soi owned it and wants compensation.

[Are we better off ignoring the news for our own peace of mind?]

The problem with the news today,it’s controlled by certain parties that pump out their naritive and agenda. You just need to look at the news channels in the US and Australia and the UK. They give you the news that they want you to have. Not only news channels but certain social media platforms do the same thing,if they don’t like what your saying,your blocked. I like Russel Brand and Joe Rogan personally,they are willing to chat with people with different opions.

But it’s pretty hard these days to get away from the news,it’s everywhere. 

[New crypto tax.]

35 minutes ago, davidst01 said:

We have a small business and paying tax. My wife made the comment why are we paying so much. The actual % that we are paying is a joke compared to the West but we are doing the legal thing like yourself. 

 

When I ever sell I will do the same as you and pay tax. I dont want anyone freezing my bank accounts etc...Best to do the legal thing

I agree with you,better to play it safe than be sorry later on.

No one likes paying tax,but it’s apart of life. But looking at the tax rate here compared to back home it’s not to bad. Tax back home hits  48% plus a few levies for high income earners. They do give a 5o% discount on crypto sales if you have held that crypto for more than 1 year. 
But the cost of living here plus the 35% tax compensates for that. My misses has never paid tax in Thailand,she never earned over the 150,000. So it was a bit of an experience for her to see the PIT return. Even more of a shock going to the revenue department office and having to hand over the money. The lady at the counter nearly had to pull it out of her hand,LOL. But it’s all done now for another year,hopefully I will be able to time the market and buy back in again during this crash.

one thing I learnt,keeping better records of my purchase prices and sale prices.

Anyway hope things work out well for you when it comes time to sell.

[New crypto tax.]

2 hours ago, davidst01 said:

I believe that one is subjected to captial gains tax laws in thailand at the prevailing rate. 

 

this page is out of date:

https://www.belaws.com/thailand/taxes-cryptocurrency-thailand/

 

but maybe they can help

 

I use a tin pot accountant in my city. they told me dont declare it... I havent yet sold any but interesting to hear this

The reason I was asking,I was hoping someone might have a link to that handbook guideline the revenue department were supposed to have available at the end of January.

I have just had my tax return completed by a legal and tax company and they calculated my capital gains using the PIT guide line as per revenue departments instructions. The rate depends on income earned and it goes from 5/35%. I was able to get a deduction for my medical insurance that I have with AIA so I was pleased with that. 
 I am not saying everyone should do a return as that’s your choice. I preferred to get on done this year because I did go over the tax free threshold. I also think that because of the situation the Thai economy is in at the moment they will be looking at things a lot more closely than they did before. I am here on a retirement visa and just don’t want the hassle of the revenue department knocking on my door later on. My Thai misses thinks I am crazy lodging a return and paying tax. She tells me no one pays tax here unless your a big company. I replied,you are Thai and they can’t kick you out or cancel your visa. She just laughed and said up to you.

So from what I can gather the profit made from crypto will be taxed at 5/35%. 
If your legally married you can claim for your wife’s allowance or assistance you give to her family. Not sure how much you can claim as I just claimed as a single.

Hope this information might help.
 

[New crypto tax.]

Crypto enthusiasts out there might be able to clarify the new ruling on crypto gains and the tax that will need to be paid. Last year there was a lot of hoo had about the withholding tax that would be applied to the sale of crypto currency’s. I see that the revenue department decided to abandon that course of action mainly due to the exchanges not wanting to adopt it. 
I can understand the problems that may cause the exchange and people selling their crypto at a loss. Bad enough losing money on a trade,but having to pay 15% tax on top of you loss would be heartbreaking.

But after looking around on various sites and reading a few articles I can only seem to find that the 15% WHT was thrown out. I can’t seem to find any definite clarification on how gains on crypto will be taxed. Surely the came to some decision on the matter.

Did they approve. Flat 15% tax on crypto profit,or did they leave it as it was. Meaning that any profit made from the sale of crypto would be classed as personal income. I see the revenue’s department tax guide allowing the first 150,000 baht to be tax free. Then it increase up to 35% depending on what your income for that year was.

Just hoping someone in this group might have a link on the crypto ruling that’s being applied now.

 

[Campaign needed to educate Thai drivers about stopping at red traffic lights]

Probably work as well as the helmet safety campaign.

[Prawit demands action on zebra crossing and traffic law enforcement in Thailand following death of doctor]

I give them about the same chance as they have of stopping the burning seasons and pollution created from that as they have of stopping the amount of idiots on Thai roads. The law states that you must wear a helmet,and everyone follows that law to a tee. The law says you must have a license to operate a motor vehicle,yeah right. As long as you can perform a Wai and become a monk for awhile nothing will change,it’s Thai culture. 

[Thai crypto taxes]

As from what I understand so far regarding tax on crypto would be.

If you make a profit of 150,000 Thai baht in a calendar year,it’s tax free. If the exchange has been taking out that 15% WHT on that 150,000 baht you should in theory be able to claim that back as a tax credit. ( wouldn’t hold me breath ). 
Next any profit gained through the sale of crypto currency’s are classified as income for that year. So anything over that 150,000 would be taxed accordingly using the sliding scale for income tax in Thailand,the highest bracket at 35%. There are no reductions at present for holding that crypto for more than a year like some countries do. I went to the revenue dept awhile back and asked for some clarification on the matter,they had no idea as I must have been the first person to ask about crypto and the tax liabilities. So it’s seller beware,better to Follow the sliding scale and play it safe.

In most countries you need to pay tax on crypto,so it’s no different here. They have been pretty relaxed on taxing crypto up until now. But we all know that Thailand has been hit pretty hard due to covid,they lost a lot of money in revenue and will be looking at clawing some of it back anyway they can. 
 

[Thai drivers just can't understand what indicators are for...]

The only drivers that complain about Thai drivers are non Thai. When your all taught to drive like idiots it’s the norm.

[Are the re-pats you know happier in the home country...]

I came here after a divorce in my early fifties,found it difficult to get back into a relationship back home. No issues in that department here in Thailand,thought I was 20 again for a year or two. Finally settled down and been in a great relationship for 5 years now,couldn’t be happier in that department. Yes the cost of living is definitely cheaper here if your on a fixed income,and you can sow your seed more easily. But I do miss the cooler climate,friends,son,daughter,grandkids,nice parks,going for a walk along the beach,safer driving conditions. Thailand definitely has its good points and also many bad points. The only reason I am still here is cost of living,take that factor out of the equation and I would rather be back in my home country with my Thai misses. Maybe come back to Thailand for a few months a year to enjoy what it has to offer. 
Some could live out the rest of their lives here,some as they get older find things not as easy as it once was. I will mention this but not using it as an excuse. I suffer from a learning disability,never really any good at school and left as soon as I could to work. I have never been able to speak or understand the Thai language and find it very frustrating not being able to have conversations with my misses family,friends,or even the neighbors or people at the market. Not their fault that’s mine. Maybe things might have been a bit better if I could communicate with more than just my misses who speaks and understands English very well. I do get frustrated easily,that’s my nature,so having to rely on other people to communicate for me makes things worse. 
Horses for courses and this horse hopes to return home again soon. Will I regret that decision when that happens,not sure, but I have to give it a shot. Plus the misses has a lot of friends that are married to foreigners and have moved away from Thailand. Not one of them regrets that decision,so the misses is looking forward to a new life in a new country too.

[Is there a tax when selling BitCoin In Thailand?]

It’s a bit of a grey area at the moment.

some say no tax,some say 15% withholding tax,some say it’s classed as income. If it’s classed as income you will need to pay tax according to the revenue departments tax guide The first 150,000 baht is tax free. Meaning if you earn up to 150,000 baht and nothing over for the year it’s tax free. Then if it goes over 150,000 baht you pay tax according to the sliding scale.

If you are fluent in Thai or have a Thai friend that can help you,get them to contact the revenue department and ask how they tax crypto currency’s and what the tax rate is. 
A lot of Thais don’t lodge tax returns and assume it’s tax free,seller beware especially now the government will be short on a cash. I assume they will be looking very hard at ways to claw back some money and crypto profits could be on there radar.

[Where to live in Phuket.]

As always,depends on your budget and transport options. Lived in Kata on the hill opposite Big Budha for 12 months. It was nice but still close to everything. Maybe Rawai or Nai Harn if you want to be close to the nightlife but not right on top of it if it kicks off again. Everyone has their own favorite spot,best just to rent short term while you check out the place and decide what suits you.

[Positives and Negatives of Thailand (from Western perspective)]

Pros =  cost of living and younger partner.

Cons = immigration,humidity and crazy drivers.

 

[Anyone else tired of the nonsense, and contemplating leaving Thailand?]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:26 PM, Bassosa said:

Same situation here. Surprisingly, my GF was receptive to the idea of moving overseas, possibly to Europe where I'm from. She's totally over this "leadership".

 

I also told her that if Thailand starts restricting the internet, a la China, then I'm for sure leaving Thailand. That for me would be the bottom line.

My Thai wife is the same,she loves her country but is sick and tired of the corruption and and lack of leadership in moving Thailand forward. A lot of her friends have moved overseas with their partners and do not regret it one bit. They tell her the usualthings,things  are a bit more expensive,but the wages compensate for that. We are planning on  moving  back to my home country when the timing is right. 
But until then we are here and go with the flow,down hill at the moment. 
I have enjoyed my time here,but I am starting to miss my home country,my son,grandkids,riding my Harley along the beach roads and up in the mountains. Plus after 2 years my wife can get permanent residency and citizenship,something I cannot do here. 
 

[The wife and I sleep in separate rooms. Anyone else in this situation?]

What’s the point of being married if you sleep in separate rooms,might as well be single and just hire a maid it would cost about the same. But I can see it being a better option if there are medical conditions involved. The misses tried that <deleted> when her nephew came to stay for awhile,an absolute no was the answer she got. No wonder so many thai men end up with Giks here.

[Is living in a Thai village in the middle of nowhere becoming more appealing now?]

We have a nice 3 bedroom home in a village up north,moms there now looking after the place.

it’s nice to leave the hustle a bustle of city life for awhile,go up there get some fresh air and veg out.

The biggest issues you face while living in a rural village are amenities if that’s what your used to. Plus the biggest one I have noticed is health care. Yes they do have some sort of basic hospital. But anything more than a fever and you have to travel to a bigger city with a bigger hospital. 
So that leaves transportation issues,find somewhere for the misses to stay while your in hospital.

Plus a lot of the time you might have to travel 2 to 3 hours just for a 15 minute appointment with a so called specialist. The. Only to be told come back in a week or two to see how things are. 
Also depends on what type of lifestyle you are used to,I personally can only handle it short term.

But horses for courses.

[Phuket Sandbox drama: Tourist flees hotel to find Thai wife]

What good is a sandbox in phuket if we are getting 6000+ cases day already. People leaving Bangkok and heading everywhere. Cases in Chiang Mai on the rise,schools closing. The sandbox idea was good at first before the Delta strain started kicking off in BKK. I can understand there thinking,trying to allow tourists into the island and keep them isolated,stop covid spreading to the rest of Thailand. Well that’s well and truly out the window now. 
Maybe they should keep the sandbox going and keep phuket safe from the rest of Thailand. LOL

[What is the story with hospitals announcing Moderna sign ups and then almost immediately saying they are completely full]

My wife registered for the Moderna vaccine the same time I did,we both got verification sent to us. Had to log in via the line app and pay. She logged in and paid instantly using her ATM card. Then We logged into my line app,she proceeded to do the exact same thing for me. Low and behold I couldn’t pay,could get to the section where you needed to input your card details,couldn’t even open it. 
So my thoughts are they are trying to get the Thais vaccinated,and slipping a very few Falang into the mix to keep us happy. But on a good note went to a place where they charge duel pricing,the misses complained about the practice and insisted the accept my pink ID card. Low and behold saved ourselves 100 baht. Paid for my pad Thai and a coke. 
So you win some you lose some.

But this vaccination roll out does seem to be turning into a <deleted> fight.

[Moderna Registration today at Chiang Mai Ram hospital]

10 hours ago, ramrod711 said:

I wish you luck, I hope the hospital comes through as advertised, but we all know there are no guarantees. My wife is Thai and the request for payment came to her phone, all I can do is hope.

I hope so too,just strange that my wife tried to register both of us and only she has been able to pay for her jab. As stated in my comment,I couldn’t get passed the payment section. But she managed to get registered at siraphat online,me not so lucky again. 
Hopefully someone in charge of this debacle will get their <deleted> together. I understand there are millions of people wanting to get vaccinated and are happy to pay. But there should be a system set up so you register once in your province and you get your number. First in best dressed,but if your further down the line so be it. At least your registered and your turn will eventually arrive. It’s a bit like the immigration website when trying to do your 90 day report,sometimes it works,sometimes it doesn’t. How long have they had issues on that site and they can’t seem to fix it once and for all. 
Anyway hope you and your wife are successful and get your vaccinations.