@Ally ***********

I agree with most everything you say. We do know that Thailand’s highest tax bracket of 35% equates to approximately USD 120,000. The USA has a DTA in effect. One concern some have is as follows.Earnings of several hundred thousand USD of qualified dividends is taxed in the USA at a maximum 23.8% (with the effective rate less then 20%). In contrast ,Thailand taxation is 35% maximum with the effective rate only minimally lower. With DTA in effect the foreign or Thai citizen is credited with what is paid in the country where the income is earned (USA in this example) and is responsible for the difference. This is not going to effect most foreign retirees as you mentioned but I believe some

(whether they are married to a Thai or not) will find themselves with a Thai tax bill at year end.

@Kool ******

Not all expats you mentioned live off of only their home countries pension entitlements. Quite a few live from earnings from capital gains,dividends,interest etc.,and even if earned in a country with a tax treaty with Thailand the tax paid in the non Thailand country may be less than in Thailand. If that’s the case the difference in taxation is paid to Thailand.

@Stephan **********

Very true. Most expats are not aware. Thanks for informing them.

@Stephan **********

True.

@Ally ***********

My understanding is that earnings on business entities,equities,dividends,interest etc.,brought into Thailand will be subject to taxation. Is that not the main reason for the change in the tax code ? To tax revenues earned overseas and brought into the Kingdom.

@Valerie *********

I’m very healthy walk 5 km four times a week and at a gym three times a week and do not need medications

@Valerie *********

Most do not offer new health coverage after age 64.

Pacific Cross offers new policies through age 74.

Passing a very thorough medical examination is required.

The cost of all of the examinations required for me was quite expensive. It likely is based on the individual. Past history of treated hypertension and GI reflux. Pre-existing conditions not covered.

Decided to self insure. Thailand healthcare is inexpensive unless you compare it to cost in a socialist system. The care is very good to excellent. Virtually no waiting times,too. Others may have different opinions. You may be better off if you can get comprehensive travel insurance. Good luck.

@Brandon ***********

Which means that you receive a tax credit for paid US taxes and then pay Thailand the difference in taxation. It’s much higher taxation in Thailand than the US.

Looks like many Americans will be paying more taxes according to this article.

For example qualified dividends and long term capital gains are taxed at most 23% and the income tax brackets are considerably lower in the US then in Thailand. Married filing jointly with standard deductions one is not in the 35% bracket until earnings are about USD $460,000 in the USA. The Thai 35% bracket begins at about USD $130,000. The taxable difference is about $ 330,000 USD at 35% if Thailand has a tax treaty with the country of earned income such as the USA. Those earning smaller sums of income in the USA would pay proportionally more.

Thailand needs the tax to finance its budget and demographics show a decline in income earning Thai due to falling birth rates. Thailand is the Japan of South East Asia.

@Kool ******

Currently in the States most Notaries use a rubber stamp. Some don’t even have an embossed type stamp.