Expats angry at huge concessions in latest Thai visa announcements. The disenchanted argue that the 60 days visa-exempt can evidently be extended at local immigration for 30 days more followed by a border run to start the whole process again. Some immigration officers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport have allegedly told new arrivals they can now do as many border runs as they like. - Pattaya Mail

Expats angry at huge concessions in latest Thai visa announcements

Pattaya MailJuly 19, 2024

There are many ambiguities concerning the latest visa options.

Longstay expats with expensive visas say the new 60 days visa-exempt policy and the 180 days Destination Thailand Visa have made the Elite visa and the annual extensions of stay for retirement and marriage worthless. Geoffrey Fisher, a Brit who recently paid 900,000 baht (about 20,000 UK pounds) for the five year Elite visa said he had wasted his money as more or less anyone can now stay in Thailand almost indefinitely for a paltry sum.

The disenchanted argue that the 60 days visa-exempt can evidently be extended at local immigration for 30 days more followed by a border run to start the whole process again. Some immigration officers at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport have allegedly told new arrivals they can now do as many border runs as they like. Separately, the five years and multi-entry Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers 180 days on entry for 10,000 baht (around 200 UK pounds) plus the chance to extend for a further 180 days. The process can then be repeated by briefly leaving the country.

American expat Dan Silverman, who holds a yearly extension based on retirement, said, "It's just ridiculous. I have to keep 800,000 baht in a Thai bank, obtain medical insurance, face ever-changing regulations and regularly report my Thai address throughout the year, or be fined." He added, "And for what, when you can come and go as you please with the new visas?" Views such as this are currently being voiced widely on social media as expats digest the latest visa announcement.

Of course, the critics may be over-reacting. Information officially published so far does not specify the number of times the visa-exempt discretion may be used. The DTV requires a cash bond or other proof of 500,000 baht. It is principally aimed at digital nomads and freelancers working for foreign companies (not Thai based) and applicants are expected to show to embassies contracts of employment or portfolios of work undertaken.

Yet the foreign affairs ministry also accepts DTV applications from participants in Thai "soft power" activities such as Thai cooking classes, Muay Thai training, medical treatment, music festivals or seminars. Although applicants have to show some relevant documentation on application, there is wide concern about the ambiguities. One expat with a one year marriage extension said, "Would an appointment letter from a hospital for extracting your teeth enable you to get 180 days plus an extension of 180 days? Does a foreigner learning Thai cuisine need five years to learn how to cook?"

Immigration consultants say that the basic problem is that the foreign affairs ministry controls visas from embassies, but the immigration bureau under the interior ministry is responsible for extensions and what happens after arrival. Immigration lawyer Jessataporn Bunnag said, "The DTV throws a great deal of responsibility on embassies to check out initial applicants and on the immigration bureau to monitor extensions and repeats." He expected some clarification once the impact of the changes had been analyzed.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post suggests that questions may be emailed to deeperdiveThailand@gmail.com Next week that newspaper will interview Narunchai Niddad, deputy director of consular affairs at the foreign affairs ministry. One is bound to wonder how many of the beneficiaries of the new visas will understand that, once they are in Thailand for six months or more in a calendar year, they become tax residents of Thailand and subject to the income tax policy of the Thai Revenue Department. Whatever that is.



Revanschresor ebbar ut: Flygbolagen vacklar. Efter pandemin såg vi en kraftig ökning av så kallade revanschresor – där människor spenderade stort på semestrar efter lång tid av restriktioner. Men nu, med ökade levnadskostnader, är resenärer mindre benägna att betala höga priser för flygbiljetter. Detta tvingar flygbolagen att erbjuda rabatter för att fylla sina säten. - Dagens PS

Revanschresor ebbar ut: Flygbolagen vacklar

Sommarens semesterperiod är i full gång. Om flygbolagen jublar över det? Knappast. 

United Airlines har nyligen meddelat att de förväntar sig en svagare lönsamhet, vilket följer samma trend som Alaska Airlines och Delta Air Lines. Orsaken? Ett priskrig som pressar ner biljettpriserna.

Pessimismen sprider sig till Europa

Den dystra stämningen i USA börjar nu kännas av även i Europa. 

Deutsche Lufthansa har sänkt sin vinstprognos för året och varnar för att det blir svårt att nå lönsamhet för deras tyska enhet. 

Qatar Airways påpekar att överkapacitet på marknaden pressar ner priserna ytterligare.

I Sverige har SAS i sin tur rapporterat ett ökat flygande under årets andra kvartal, men likt de amerikanska kollegorna har man gått med förlust. 

Återgått till normala resvanor

Efter pandemin såg vi en kraftig ökning av så kallade revanschresor – där människor spenderade stort på semestrar efter lång tid av restriktioner. 

Men nu, med ökade levnadskostnader, är resenärer mindre benägna att betala höga priser för flygbiljetter. 

Detta tvingar flygbolagen att erbjuda rabatter för att fylla sina säten.

Överkapacitet och störningar skapar problem

Ett av de största problemen flygbolagen står inför är överkapacitet, när de återupptar tjänster som pausades under pandemin, skriver Bloomberg. Trots att människor just nu flyger en hel del, är det svårt att fylla alla platser till lönsamma priser.

Lufthansa expanderar för snabbt, enligt analytiker Johannes Braun, vilket kan leda till långsiktiga problem för företaget. 

Samtidigt skapar problem med flygtrafikkontroll och lönekonflikter på bolag som Aer Lingus ytterligare störningar och avskräcker resenärer.

Aktiemarknadens reaktion: En dämpad sommar

Aktiemarknaden har reagerat på den dämpade stämningen. 

Lufthansa har tappat omkring 27 procent av sitt värde i år, medan Air France-KLM har sjunkit 38 procent, delvis på grund av att folk undviker Paris under sommarens OS. 

En ljuspunkt är IAG SA, ägare av British Airways, Iberia och Aer Lingus, vars aktier har ökat med 12 procent tack vare förväntningar om en stark transatlantisk efterfrågan.

Framtidens test: Farnborough Air Show

Flygindustrins hälsa kommer att sättas på prov nästa vecka när flygbranschens ledare samlas på Farnborough Air Show nära London. 

Vanligtvis är detta en plats för stora affärer, men årets mässa väntas bli lugnare då både Boeing och Airbus kämpar med produktionsproblem.

Kommande rapporter

Nästa vecka kommer flygbolagen Ryanair och EasyJet rapportera sina resultat, vilket kommer ge viktiga insikter i efterfrågan på resor i budgetsegmentet. 

Ryanair har redan genomfört flera omgångar av rabatter för att stimulera efterfrågan, och vd Michael O'Leary har sagt för att sommarens biljettpriser blir lägre än tidigare beräknat.

Trots de utmaningar flygindustrin står inför, är det vissa analytiker som menar att det värsta kan vara över. 

Medan biljettpriserna i andra kvartalet var svagare, finns det förhoppningar om att sommarens topppriser kommer att vara högre.



Från och med den 15 juli 2024 kan resenärer med svenska pass resa in i Thailand utan visum, förutsatt att vistelsen inte är planerad att vara längre än 60 dagar. Undantagen från visumkrav gäller såväl turister som affärsresenärer. Särskilda villkor gäller för hur mycket man får arbeta under 60-dagarsperioden. Embassy of Sweden



 

Bangkok Post - Airport wait to be cut. The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to take measures to ensure immigration control at airports takes no more than 45 seconds per person. The move is part of efforts to support the government's expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors, which took effect on Monday.

Airport wait to be cut

Travellers at immigration booths in Suvarnabhumi airport, Samut Prakan. (File photo: Somchai Poomlard) 

The Immigration Bureau (IB) is set to take measures to ensure immigration control at airports takes no more than 45 seconds per person.

The move is part of efforts to support the government's expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors, which took effect on Monday.

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, the IB deputy chief, said on Tuesday that the bureau is ready to follow the government's policy.

The number of immigration officials will also be increased to ease long queues in front of immigration check-in booths at airports during peak passenger hours.

"We will try to ensure that each arriving passenger will take no more than 45 seconds to pass through immigration," Pol Maj Gen Phanthana said. 

He added that airports are also implementing biometric technology to guard against transnational criminals.

Section 38 of the Immigration Act also allows immigration authorities to keep track of foreigners who are staying in the country, Pol Maj Gen Phanthana said.

The section stipulates that house owners, heads of household, landlords or managers of hotels who accommodate foreign visitors must report their presence to immigration authorities within 24 hours of their arrival, he said.

The government's expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors will now bring the number of countries and territories whose citizens can enter the kingdom without a visa from 57 to 93. 

The details of the expanded visa-free scheme were published in the Royal Gazette on Monday.

Those arriving under the visa-free scheme can now stay in the country for 60 days.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin previously said the immigration police and security authorities would have the necessary arrangements in place.

"I believe the scheme will bring benefits in the long run," the prime minister said.

The Ministry of Interior initiated the move to expand the visa-free scheme.

The updates to the scheme include expanding the list of countries exempt from visa requirements, increasing the number of countries whose nationals are eligible for visas on arrival, introducing a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote work and tourism, and extending the stay of foreign students for employment opportunities after graduation.

The DTV allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days at a time for tourism and remote work. The multiple-entry visa is valid for five years. Eligible foreigners are remote workers, also known as digital nomads or freelancers, and those who participate in activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, and music festivals. 

Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are also included.

Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, Immigration Bureau deputy chief, says the bureau is ready to follow the government's expanded visa-free scheme for foreign visitors. (Photo supplied)



Thailand Officially Grants 60-Day Visa Exemption to Passport Holders from 90 Countries and Territories. On July 15th, 2024, the Royal Gazette announced new regulations from the Ministry of Interior, granting visa exemptions for passport holders from 90 countries and territories for short-term visits up to 60 days.- The Pattaya News

Thailand Officially Grants 60-Day Visa Exemption to Passport Holders from 90 Countries and Territories

Kittisak PhalaharnTuesday, 16 July 2024, 14:50

National —

On July 15th, 2024, the Royal  Gazette announced new regulations from the Ministry of Interior, granting visa exemptions for passport holders from 90 countries and territories for short-term visits up to 60 days. 

This move aims to boost tourism and business travel as part of Thailand's economic recovery post-COVID-19.

Effective immediately, travelers from the following countries can enjoy visa-free entry for tourism, business, or short-term work: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

This special measure underscores Thailand's effort to attract more international visitors and revitalize the economy by enhancing ease of travel. The initiative seeks to encourage foreign investments and tourism, recognizing their vital roles in economic stimulation.

Travelers wishing to extend their stay beyond 60 days can apply for a 30-day extension at the Immigration Office. Additionally, those seeking to change their visa type for other purposes can follow the standard procedures set by the Immigration Bureau.

This announcement, however, does not yet apply to other recent updates including visa on arrival for 31 countries, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and Post-Graduate Stay Extension, noted TPN.

Read more about the Secretary to the Thai Minister of the Interior announcing the issuance of four updated ministerial regulations to modernize visa measures effective on July 15th.



Don’t panic because Thai Revenue has written to 100,000 tax residents urging registration - Pattaya Mail

Don't panic because Thai Revenue has written to 100,000 tax residents urging registration

Pattaya MailJuly 16, 2024

Contrary to fake news, no expats have received Thai Revenue letters urging them to register.

Panicky expats in Thailand have been advised that none of the 100,000 tax residents in receipt of advisory letters from the Thai Revenue Department (TRD) are foreigners. Nor does the letter have anything to do specifically with transmitting overseas income to Thailand. According to mainstream media, TRD Director General Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the letters had been posted to Thai nationals with financial assets, urging them to register. About half that number had done so and staff were following up on the rest.

Director General Kulaya stated that her department was widening the tax base and looking to increase revenue which had been negatively affected by the reduction in the number of condominium units sold over the past year. She anticipated that the main growth areas in taxation would be in energy businesses, financial services and tourism. She made no specific reference to overseas income although, of course, that is potentially taxable.

Expats are currently concerned about the closing of a tax loophole which means that their "assessable" overseas income to Thailand becomes taxable from the start of 2024 provided they are tax residents remaining in Thailand for at least 180 days during the calendar year. The actual parameters and liabilities remain unclear to say the least with some tax lawyers saying they expect TRD to make further announcements before the year's end.

The TRD does not have access to foreigners' Thai addresses unless, of course, they choose to register with the government department. It has been rumored that such registration could become part of the process of renewing annual extensions of stay based on retirement or marriage, but the immigration bureau knows nothing of such a plan. In any case, there is no automatic connection between the type of visa granted and eligibility for tax residency. For example, some tourists could clock up 180 days in a year by exploiting the recently revised exempt visa regulations. There's a huge amount of water still to pass under this particular bridge.



Dengue infections in Thailand reach record 44,387 cases in first six months of 2024. The latest epidemiological surveillance report from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DCD) has revealed an alarming surge in dengue fever cases in 2024. As of July 10, the number of reported cases has reached a staggering 44,387, representing a 1.06-fold increase from the same period in 2023. | Thaiger

Dengue infections in Thailand reach record 44,387 cases in first six months of 2024

Dr. Nikhil PrasadPublished: 13:24, 16 July 2024

Visa exemption-60 days



Navigating Foreign Pension Income Tax for Expatriates in Thailand. After receiving numerous inquiries about personal tax management from foreigners residing across Thailand, I am revisiting this topic to explain the implications of foreign pension income in light of new regulations.- Pattaya Mail

Navigating Foreign Pension Income Tax for Expatriates in Thailand

Pattaya MailJuly 14, 2024

Peerasan Wongsri (Victor Wong]) Financial Analyst and Tax Expert.

After receiving numerous inquiries about personal tax management from foreigners residing across Thailand, I am revisiting this topic to explain the implications of foreign pension income in light of new regulations.

This report provides an in-depth look at how P.O. 161-162/2567 affects foreign pension income in Thailand, equipping expatriates with the knowledge to navigate this new regulatory environment effectively.

As Thailand continues to refine its taxation policies to accommodate its growing expatriate population, the recent introduction of regulations P.O. 161-162/2567 by the Thai Revenue Department is pivotal for those receiving foreign pension income. This change aims to streamline the financial transitions for foreigners living in Thailand, particularly those who rely on pensions sourced from abroad.

Decoding P.O. 161-162/2567
Effective as of early 2023, these regulations provide crucial clarifications for foreign nationals regarding the taxation of their pension incomes. Notably, P.O. 162 explicitly states that foreign-sourced pension income received before January 1, 2024, can be brought into Thailand without incurring local taxes, at any future point. This provision marks a significant shift in Thailand's approach to the fiscal management of foreign pensions, potentially affecting thousands of retirees across the kingdom.

Role of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs)
Thailand's network of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) plays a crucial role in the implementation of these regulations. These agreements, designed to prevent the same income from being taxed by two countries, ensure that pensions are taxed only in the country of origin. Under the new rules, DTAs will continue to protect expatriates by preventing Thailand from taxing pension incomes that have already been taxed abroad or are set to be taxed by retirees' home countries. However, should there be any discrepancy in tax rates, additional taxes may still be collected in Thailand, although such measures are not yet officially declared and enforced.

Financial Planning Considerations
Understanding and leveraging P.O. 161-162/2567 involves more than just knowing the law it's about strategic financial planning.
Tax Planning: Expatriates should consider how and when they remit their pensions to Thailand, taking advantage of the tax exemptions for income earned before 2024.
My Advice: Given the complexities of DTAs and Thai tax law, consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional is advisable. I can provide tailored advice on how to optimize pension remittances and minimize tax liabilities.

Challenges Ahead
Despite the clear benefits, the implementation of P.O. 161-162/2567 isn't without challenges. Expatriates must navigate.

Documentation Requirements: Ensuring proper documentation and compliance with both Thai and international tax regulations is essential.

Regulatory Changes: Staying informed about any future changes in Thai tax policy that could affect their financial planning.

Conclusion
The Thai Revenue Department's update via P.O. 161-162/2567 offers a more favorable and clear tax landscape for expatriates with foreign-sourced pensions. As Thailand becomes an increasingly popular retirement destination, these changes are welcomed by many in the expatriate community, providing clarity and confidence in managing their retirement finances.

Call to Action
Expatriates benefiting from foreign pensions are encouraged to review their financial strategies and consult with tax professionals to fully understand the implications of these new regulations on their personal financial situations.

Victor Wong
(Peerasan Wongsri)
Financial Analyst and Tax Expert
Tel: 062 879 5414 Email: victorlawpattaya@gmail.com

For additional insights and the original article discussing expat legal concerns in Pattaya, click here: New tax rules for foreign-sourced income



Outstanding questions remain about new visa rules for Thailand. In the past, visa-exempt tourists with 30 days stamped into their passports had to apply at local immigration to extend another month. What is not clear is whether these tourists can extend their 60 days by visiting local immigration and obtaining a further 30 days: a total of 90 days.- Pattaya Mail

Outstanding questions remain about new visa rules for Thailand

Pattaya MailJuly 14, 2024

The latest Thai immigration rule changes are the biggest in 20 years.

The interior minister has now signed off on the latest immigration rules which will permit citizens of 93 countries to obtain a visa-exempt 60 days on entering Thailand by land, air and sea. This includes all the countries which provide significant tourist numbers including the traditional markets of UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Australia. The formal introduction date is Monday July 15, but reports from newly arrived visitors suggest the doubling of 30 days to 60 is already in place.

In the past, visa-exempt tourists with 30 days stamped into their passports had to apply at local immigration to extend another month. They had to pay a visa fee of 1,900 baht and provide evidence that their hotel, condominium or host had registered them with immigration (the famous TM30 address confirmation form). Now that visa-exempt visitors have two months on arrival, they are spared that additional bureaucracy.

What is not clear is whether these tourists can extend their 60 days by visiting local immigration and obtaining a further 30 days: a total of 90 days. Another ambiguity is whether visa-exempt tourists do a border run to repeat the whole exercise once again. If so, tourists without any visa could be based in Thailand for longer than the 180 days in a calendar year required for tax residency purposes. That possibility raises all sorts of questions as a tourist becomes an expat.

The interior minister also confirmed the introduction of the multiple entry, five-year DTV or Destination Thailand Visa which will enable stays of 180 days plus one extension of six months more. However, this must be applied for at Thai consulates abroad and requires proof of being a digital nomad or remote worker or medical tourist or person wishing to enroll on a course such as martial arts or cookery. Presumably the documentation required will be published before September 1 which was the previously announced start date for this visa. There is also the possibility that 500,000 baht or equivalent must be maintained in a bank account.

The new rules for visas also suggest that work permit requirements are no longer required for some activities. The digital nomad with a DTV will be able to work without fear of being arrested provided he or she can prove they are working for foreign companies. In the past, this was a hazy area although arrests were very few. Visitors on the 60 days visa-exempt regulation will be able to do occasional work such as attending business meetings or organizing sports event as long as such activity is neither paid nor systematic.

So it's likely that the fine detail of the new regulations will take some time to settle down. That's also true of the new regulation which will allow foreign students an extra year's stay in Thailand after graduation. There have separately been strong suggestions that, from June 2025, all visitors to Thailand will need to fill an online form, known as an Entry Travel Authorization, several days in advance of travel. Such bureaucracies are becoming common worldwide to enable authorities to check you out and notify you of your desirability before you pack your suitcase.



BREAKING NEWS: Thailand to waive visa requirements for tourists from 93 countries starting July 15. This expansion, up from the current 57 countries, was announced by Traisulee Traisoranakul, secretary to the Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, on Friday. The new regulation will allow visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Additionally, the number of countries and territories whose citizens require a visa upon arrival will increase from 19 to 31.- Hua Hin Today

Thailand to waive visa requirements for tourists from 93 countries starting July 15

Online ReporterJuly 12, 2024

Foreign tourists arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. File photo

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that Thailand will waive visa requirements for tourists from 93 countries starting July 15, 2024, in an effort to boost tourism and ease travel restrictions.

This expansion, up from the current 57 countries, was announced by Traisulee Traisoranakul, secretary to the Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, on Friday.

The new regulation will allow visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Additionally, the number of countries and territories whose citizens require a visa upon arrival will increase from 19 to 31.

In a further move to attract skilled workers, a new "workcation" visa called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) will be introduced. This visa will permit qualified foreign professionals to stay and work in Thailand for up to 180 days at a time.

The new visa measures, which are awaiting Cabinet approval, are expected to be a formality, according to Traisulee.

Traisulee Traisoranakul

"The Ministry of Interior is preparing to announce the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries, along with updating visa procedures to be more flexible, to support Thailand in attracting tourists worldwide," said Traisulee.

The updated visa measures include four key announcements:

1. Temporary visa exemption: The announcement specifies the list of countries/territories whose passport holders or travel document holders are temporarily exempt from visa requirements for tourism, short-term business, or work purposes and can stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days. The number of countries/territories receiving the visa exemption (visa-free) has been increased to 93, up from the previous 57.

2. Visa on arrival eligibility: The list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VOA) at immigration checkpoints will be expanded to 31 countries and territories.

3. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): This new visa type will be introduced for high-skilled professionals, freelancers, remote workers, and those wishing to stay in Thailand for both work and tourism. The DTV will allow a stay of up to 180 days per entry, with a visa validity of five years.

4. Special permission for study and work: This announcement updates the rights for international students entering Thailand for undergraduate studies and above, holding a Non-Immigrant Visa code ED. It aims to attract potential and skilled individuals to the country's labor market by extending their stay for one year after graduation to seek employment, travel, or engage in other activities in Thailand.

"Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has reviewed and signed all four announcements. They are now in the process of being presented to the Prime Minister for signing. After that, they will be published in the Royal Gazette, and all announcements will take effect from July 15, 2024, onwards," added Traisulee.

These measures are part ofthe government's policy under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to drive the tourism economy by attracting more international tourists and facilitating travel.



📢 Latest updates! Now at Suvarnabhumi Airport, there is an airline that provides self-loading luggage with CUBD machine. It has been increased to 16 airlines from the previous convenience. ✈️ Don't forget to check in and self-load your luggage with CUSS and CUBD system. 📍 Easy to use. No need to wait for a long queue. Very convenient. 📢



Chaos in Pattaya: Motorbike taxi drivers tarnish tourist hotspot. Pattaya City and Banglamung district officials are grappling with a surge in incidents involving motorcycle taxi drivers, jeopardising the area’s status as a top tourist destination. Disturbing reports have surfaced, highlighting assaults on foreign tourists and harassment of individuals mistaken for ride-hailing service drivers. | Thaiger

Chaos in Pattaya: Motorbike taxi drivers tarnish tourist hotspot

Puntid TantivangphaisalPublished: 15:42, 05 July 2024

The emerging scenarios: Thai expats and income tax. Countless foreign tax residents of Thailand daily search the internet for answers, but ignorance is not bliss. How does the Department of Thai Revenue (DTR) rule to tax remitted income from overseas from the start of 2024 affect me? Do I need to fill in a Thai tax form in the new year 2025 even if I think I do not have assessable income in 2024? How can I obey the tax laws if I can’t find out what they are? - Pattaya Mail

The emerging scenarios: Thai expats and income tax

Pattaya MailJuly 5, 2024

Speculation has replaced hard facts as the income tax moves rumble on.

Countless foreign tax residents of Thailand daily search the internet for answers, but ignorance is not bliss. How does the Department of Thai Revenue (DTR) rule to tax remitted income from overseas from the start of 2024 affect me? Do I need to fill in a Thai tax form in the new year 2025 even if I think I do not have assessable income in 2024? How can I obey the tax laws if I can't find out what they are? Will I be arrested? Meanwhile, the DTR remains inscrutable as the relentless calendar year passes the half-way mark.

To address the void, various scenarios are springing up on the internet and at webinars or meetings of various kinds. Mike Lister, a widely-respected and "advanced member" of the Asean Now popular forum on the subject, has suggested in a personal capacity that the remitted tax rule will be introduced softly at first. Overstretched DTR officials will concentrate on the big fish with large and untaxed remitted income and will leave largely unscathed the little fish such as run-of-the-mill pensioners (unless they are spotlighted for some reason).

If true, it could take several years of semi-implementation before every foreign tax resident is the glum recipient of a tax identification number and the provider of a multi-page, completed PND 90 tax form. The downside of this view is that typical expats may spend the next few years still muddled and fearful about their personal futures. Incidentally, the PND 90 tax form is available in English contrary to some social media warriors, although reports say it will anyway be altered soon. Another reason for waiting.

Another softish approach to DTR was provided in a recent Pattaya Mail article by financial analyst and tax expert Victor Wong. He gave a lot of common-sense advice, such as keeping all your financial documentation in good order and – very importantly – emphasizing that submitting tax forms does not necessarily mean you have anything extra to pay. He also committed himself to the view that, because of double taxation treaties, elderly foreign residents here would not pay more cash in Thailand on previously taxed pensions.

Hopefully, this broad interpretation of double taxation treaties will stand the test of time. It should, however, be noted that the 61 international agreements with Thailand are far from unanimous in scope. For example, the US one insists that social security payments may only be paid in America, whereas the British equivalent covers only "government" pensions and also excludes the state or old-age pension. Moreover, some analysists maintain that double taxation treaties may only give limited cover because exempt income allowances may be more generous abroad than in The Land of Smiles. Thus the international agreement may only give a tax credit for Thailand rather than total immunity here.

All commentators agree that there are so many unanswered questions. Even an obvious matter such as whether use of a foreign (non-Thai) credit card is remitted income, in whole or in part, is the subject of blistering debate on social media. There is also much nonsense out there such as the claim expats will be taxed by Thai banks a uniform 35 percent on foreign remittances or that annual extensions of stay in some immigration offices already require proof of a Thai tax identification number. Like the tale that Adolf Hitler escaped Berlin and retired to a relaxing hill resort in Paraguay, such tales are best regarded as click bait.

The whole issue of taxing more thoroughly Thai or foreign residents was raised by prime minister Srettha Thavisin in the first two weeks after the Pheu Thai election victory last year: he wants more Treasury cash and quickly. The DTR responded with alacrity and, last month, went so far as even to speculate (that's what it is) that from 2025 all worldwide income would become taxable whether remitted to Thailand or not. Given the Thai government's ambitious policy to recruit one million wealthy foreigners to Thailand over five years, a rethink is already overdue. The prime minister started this whole ball game but has been silent publicly ever since. He should "come-out" clearly on the tax issue scope, or exempt certain categories, or even delay any move until proper research has been completed. The current silence is truly deafening.



On July 4th, 2024, Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the successful outcome of the government’s efforts to boost tourism in the first half of 2024, with over 17.5 million international tourists visiting Thailand and generating more than 825 billion baht in tourism revenue. - The Pattaya News

Thailand Welcomes Over 17.5 Million International Tourists in First Half of 2024

Kittisak PhalaharnThursday, 4 July 2024, 23:36

PHOTO: Prachachat

National —

On July 4th, 2024, Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the successful outcome of the government's efforts to boost tourism in the first half of 2024, with over 17.5 million international tourists visiting Thailand and generating more than 825 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The success is attributed to the "IGNITE Thailand's Tourism" policy, which aims to support and promote tourism across all dimensions, including secondary cities, particularly in the Northeastern region, under the strategy "5 Must Do Things in Thailand".

The top five international tourists came from China, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Russia. The number of visitors surged in the last week of June, with over 659,830 international tourists participating in Pride Month 2024, marking a 2.98% increase from the previous week.

Additionally, the Thai government highlighted its UNESCO Triple Heritage City in Nakhon Ratchasima, which includes the World Heritage site Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai, the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, and Korat Geopark, a recognized World Geopark. This makes Nakhon Ratchasima one of only four provinces in the world to achieve this status.

Tourists are also encouraged to visit nearby provinces and landmarks in Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin (collectively known as Nakhon Chai Burin).

The Thai Government spokesperson also noted that the number of international tourists is expected to continue rising, driven by the recent release of LISA's music video "ROCKSTAR" which took place in  Bangkok's Yaowarat and the start of the European summer holiday season.