Mr Wong

If you break off a branch simply stick it in the ground and it will grow and flourish without any care. It is extremely hardy and very fast growing. I am always hacking it back as it can get out of control. I just stick a few leaves in a cup of water in the microwave, it tastes like a bitter tea and is a potent pain reliever. I often see it growing . . . its not difficult to find. I have the green vien variety.

Hi . . . the ATO's definition of a non residemt is being outside of Australia for > 6 months pa. As a non resident there is zero threshold, every single dollar is taxed starting at 30 cents in the dollar. There is an exception courtesy of ATO legislation introduced by the Howard / Costello government . . . to improve liquidity of the ASX, foreign investment in the ASX was encouraged by waiving capital gains tax (and losses). A foreign investor in the ASX is required to pay 30% witholding tax on dividends . . . if however the dividend is fully franked then the tax is already paid and no further payment is required . . . however if the dividend is unfranked then the ATO will want 30% with-holding tax. The capital gains tax exemption does not apply to real estate or any listed company on the ASX company that sources its income from real estate. If for example one was deriving income from renting out property in Australia . . . there is zero tax threshold and tax starts at 30% from the very first dollar.

No need for a will for the 800,000 baht. Simply go to your bank along with who ever you want to have the 800,000. For a one off fee of just 100 baht the bank will include a special provision in your passbook that if you die then who you nominate will automatically have access to the funds. I have done this and know many other farangs who have done it. A lot cheaper than going to a lawyer who will try and milk as much as they can for themselves not just now but also after you die.

As Crossy says it depends on one's need. I have lived in Chiang mai, Korat, Roiet, Nong kai and Fang as well as numerous holidays to the south that I have lost count. Of them all, I like Fang best. I love it, but it could bore others to death. Its a bit of a back water with few tourists and I could count the other farangs that I have met here over the past 5 years on two hands. No traffic, easy parking, very low cost of living, friendly locals. When I roll up for a 90 day I am always the only one. Local hospital, dentist, mechanic and fresh food market are absolutely fantastic. Our Sunday walking street is the best I have experienced in Thailand, ableit now closed due to covid. Lots of community spirit. Worst thing is the air pollution come burning season around February - March. No beach . . . but I have my own swimming pool, snooker, gym and hot girlfriend to amuse me.

There are plenty of things here that annoy me . . . but overall the good things outweigh the bad. I find life here a lot easier than in Australia.

I notice that the daily deaths are always around about 1% of the daily infections. Is it then correct to say that if one gets covid then they then have a 1 chance in 100 of dying from covid ? . . . and that the risk of dying increases dramatically with age . . so for someone 80 plus year old the odds of dying are more like 1 in 20.

If you go with your partner to your branch of the bank account they can put a special provision on your account that if you die then your partner can access the account . . . for a one off fee of 100 baht per account to set up the provision. My experience with Thai lawyers is that they will set the will up in such a way that they will suck some hefty fee from your partner on top of the original fee for writing a will.