@Ray *******

western countries call it tax and tell us it makes for great nations. African, SE Asian, central and South Americans, Eastern Europeans… we call it corruption and pretend it makes them lesser. Whatever we call it, it comes down to $$.

If Thailand ever decides to close up agencies (highly unlikely) everyone will get far warning to change. And yes lol, lots of nice options out there also

@John *********

sure, still stuck paying them. Nobody gets around. Optimally you take advantage of currency fluctuations and bring in more money when it’s financially advantageous to do so.

The limitation of the 800k is that it needs to sit in a current account in Thailand. Which, as you know offers barely 1%.

If comfortable investing here, bring the money over at advantageous rates and invest 2 years of expenses in the SET. Then you are earning baht.

And Canada (not sure about other nations) will direct deposit pensions in foreign accounts eliminating transfer fees and getting better exchange rates.

@Tony *********

any case law to support your story where the visa is at risk? Or old wives tale only?

@John *********

pensions, interest, rental income, investment capital gains and dividends. Same as everyone I suppose.

@Stephen *******

buddy, I feel for you. Stand in line to take a knee at govt offices. Didn’t get enough of that at home?😂😂

You are not ‘just interested’. You just not thinking. Here is what the outcome would be - absolutely nothing. As the stamp is 100% legal. Ur welcome.

But hey listen, as you obviously failed at retirement financial planning 101 and dont mind wasting the odd day standing in line, I could throw a couple of hundred baht cash your way to stand for me. Could also use a pool cleaner if you are that skint

@Stephen *******

nothing illegal about agents. You are supporting Thai business. Get with the programme.

If you enjoy wasting time standing in line at

Immigration and your bank in retirement, that’s your decision. Most of us retired to enjoy life

@Mike *****

for sure. You can’t get anywhere near that in Thailand. Which is why you don’t bring the money to Thailand. I get 7% interest annually Mexico. Interest rates are high. And I believe it’s similar in Cambodia right now also. Where you can keep it in USD. Would only get 4.75% interest annually Canada and higher tax.

There are no income requirements. Show 500k baht equivalent in a bank account in your name only

@Paul ******

true, if you use the 65,000 income method, that’s perfect!

But if using 800k, I make 7% on deposits now, that’s 56,000 interest annually on 800k. Agent renewal costs 16k. Thats 40k baht in my pocket every year. For doing nothing. No lost money on exchange, no bank transfer fees, no waiting in line at bank and immigration every year.

Gary, just reach out to

@THAI *****************************

and that specific question. They will tell you exact cost