They have not made click 125i for a few years. They did 150i for about 2 years, but now I believe they only make the click 160i. The lead was the replacement for click 125i.

Usually there is a fee for the card or added benefits for the account.

If you are paying 7000 it's probably insurance. If you not on a long term visa, they are more willing to open account for tourist that pay for extra insurance.

In general, the Immigration issued ones are 30 days from the day they write it, which may not be the day you receive it. It will explicitly state it on it.

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

oh really? I had not heard that. Very good news.

Really depends on your area. In general, tourist visa/exempt can get a drivers license as long as they can get the required documents. Mostly challenge for tourist in Bangkok and surrounding area is a resident certificate which requires a current 90 day report. Some other offices give them out like free candy.

@Bryan *****

do you question normal make you angry? Do you know this person motivation? Perhaps a Ph'D student doing his thesis on thai culture or something. I don't think it's any to get angry over or inappropriately stated.

Yes you can volunteer on any visa type. You can't work a volunteer job that would replace an actual job without a permit. There's a big difference.

If you want to go planet a tree or pickup trash with some group for the day, that's fine. You just can't have a full time regular role without permit.

Regarding making merit.... of course you can. If you would like, you can become a monk for a short while and, no that doesn't require a work permit either.

@Norbert *********

you need to find a better tax "expert". Not everyone with a nice suite and certificate on the wall is actually competent.

Here are the law changes I reference:

Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 5) Order 2022

Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 6) Order 2022

If you prefer a summary instead of the actual law: 4-is-foreign-sourced-income-exempted-from-tax.html

@Norbert *********

Malaysia taxes foreign source income that is remitted, same as Thailand. This was a more recent change with a phased changes. Act 830, signed in 2021. Started first phase in 2022 and full by 2026. There was exception and low tax rates, but most of those won't apply to 2025 and all gone by in another year. So, really same same as thai.

My consideration, would be Panama, most like Thailand in climate, costs, safety, etc. One of the best tax jurisdiction in the world. The closest Asian country with good reasonable tax laws would be Philippines, but they been playing with their taxes codes a lot so it's hard to say what's in the future.

It's really hard to say. Know that any place change in fast though.

Tax planning is probably and its great you are thinkingabout it. Where you live should definitely have a consideration of tax implications.

It's definitely got me looking at alternatives places to live. I have an active income with investments. If you are a pensioner, things can be a bit easier in most countries.

There are other countries than Thailand to consider that have better tax situation either similar costs of living, safety, climate, Healthcare, etc. Important to consider all your options but be flexible.