@Bob *********

Compare Thai income tax rates with your home country tax rates. The current Thai tax rates are actually quite high in comparison to my home country tax rates, US. If there is a big difference, there may still be some tax liability payable to Thai Revenue Department, even after paying tax in the US. This is assuming I am a tax resident in Thailand and they actually enforce the law. I think it will be quite confusing if this actually happens. I think it may be easier to prevent becoming a tax resident, if a person has a choice to live elsewhere. I honestly think many foreigners residing in Thailand may look at this the same way. This residency law may hurt Thailand more than help.

@Chris ******

Thanks, I'm currently on Non - O dependant one year multiple entry. I applied for this at Suvannakhet about 10 months ago. I will make one more border run to get a new 90 day stamp in a few weeks time. I am hopeful to do the one year extension during this new 90 day period. I want to go with the retirement visa if I can. My wife is currently being treated for cancer so she is in no condition to help me with the spouse requirements. Never a dull moment.

Prior to using Wise, I simply would draw money with debit card at a Kasikorn ATM from my bank in American. Not very economical but it was the only option I had. In these instances, my Kasikorn statement showed cash deposit only. Immigration did not question this. I did this for about 4 years. In the early days the US Embassy would issue guarantees for Immigration, much easier .

Is there any instance whereby the funds for bank account balance for Non-O retirement or spouse visa do not need to originate outside of Thailand? Due to family health issues, I had lost my retirement visa status for 2023. Hopefully this year my account will have sufficient funding for retirement visa requirements. However the funds will come from my spouse who will receive a return on investments inside of Thailand. I’m thinking a spouse visa may be ok with money originating inside Thailand, but possibly not the retirement visa. Previously I had been on a Non-O retirement visa for 10 years. The yearly extension renewal, they only checked bank balance. Not once did they check where the money came from. This may vary based on location. Any info is appreciated.

I asked the firm that does my US taxes in BKK. They recommended this company. I know nothing about them.