@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.

@Thom *********

yup, and they all have different flags also...why are you telling me this ?🤣

@Jim *******

becareful with words like "all", that's an absolute and "all" 61 treaties are different. In general, government pensions are most protected class of income. Many countries private pensions, retirement funds, annuities, are taxable in one or both states, depending on the treaty.

It's also very important to note that many people who live in Thailand full time, will likely end up paying tax only in Thailand and not their home country, many people assume it's the other way around.

As an American, who is a tax resident by citizenship, I am fully aware of having competeting tax residency. It depends on the treaty and the income class. Some might limit certain income from being tax in another, but certain income types might still be taxable on both. Often (not "always") that is passive I come like capital gains, dividends, royalties, interest, etc. Even with an exclusive right to tax clauses.

Taxes are not based on nationality or visa status. Tax residency is determined by how many days you are in the country

Income is determined assessable based on section 41 and 42 of the revenue code.

If you are living only one a government pensions, it's unlikely a concern. If you are living on a private pension or active income, I would advise you to seek a competent professional.