@Michael ******

I wasn't encouraging everyone to ignore anything, I was simply stating facts, as in most people that aren't caught up in the system, mainly because they aren't working or don't have a business, those people will more than likely just be getting on with their lives, while all the rest are still chatting in these groups about tax returns.

@Jo *********

if people are on retirement visas and such like, and not working I agree, for anyone caught not paying tax, they would need to investigate that person, they don't automatically know everyone's personal circumstances, they can't look at everyone, most pensioners will just stay under the radar, and carry on living on there pension.

@Michael ******

good advice from who?? a Thai tax advisor?? They will be the ones scare mongering more than anyone, And you don't think those advisors have ulterior motives?? Any new tax rules and regulations seem to be targeting wealthy Thais, keeping money in banks outside of Thailand, waiting until the following tax year to avoid paying any tax, I personally don't think they are bothered about retirees not working, and just living in Thailand on their pension, and supporting the local economy, why are so worried about a tax return, your not going to get deported (I seen in another post it's a ฿2000 fine for not completing a tax return on time (I'm haven't confirmed that so please don't quote me on it) there has always been a need to complete a tax return, after staying in Thailand for more than 180 days, if say a retired person has never done one why start now.

All this mithering about the need to complete a Thai tax return, hasn't that always been the case?? but most didn't bother to do it, and nothing has happened, tax is automatically deducted from any thai savings accounts without you doing anything, I know that just tax on the interest on money that is sat in a savings account. unless they make it a visa requirement, or your bank requires some sort of documents to prove residency, do you think all the expats in places like Pattaya, that sit on a bar stool everyday, will start running around registering and completing tax returns?? I very much doubt it, they will continue to draw their pension from the ATM, and carry on living their lives like they have always done, and won't do anything, unless it's made compulsory and they are forced too, which may never happen.

UK passport holders now get 60 days visa exempt, and can be extended once for 30 days, at your local immigration office.

Just get a Thai friend to help you, be there just to supervise, give your friend some money or free clothes for helping out, in the unlikely event of the authorities coming along to question what is going on, just say it is your friend selling the clothes not you, you're just there to keep them company, you will be fine.

I was previously told if immigration has got your passport, and they have accepted your visa application as being complete, and it's just in the pile waiting to be processed, don't worry about overstay, I've had it happen to me, where the passport is only returned on the date of expiry, it can be a worry when you don't know what is going on, let us know how you get on. 🤔

@Colin ********

I've just noticed, well according to his Facebook page anyway, he is from Algeria, if that's correct, Algeria isn't on the list, so I'm sure he is very happy that the tourist visa will still be valid, so all is good.

@Colin ********

is it "irrelevant" that he has got 60 day tourist visa, "IF" he is from a visa exempt country, which in my first comment I didn't have knowledge of passport nationality, because the visa exempt is now 60 days, consulates and embassies are no longer issuing single entry 60 day tourist visas, to visa exempt countries, so that speaks for itself, I would agree that he has checked by now his eligibility, but when I first commented maybe he wasn't aware, that's the whole point of these groups to share knowledge and information, but anyway I understand your point, I'm not here for an argument, this conversation is pointless now, let's just agree to disagree and move on.

@Colin ********

I simply asked if he was from one of the 93 countries that now has the 60 day visa exempt, I don't know his passport nationality, if so that would make his tourist visa "irrelevant" but anyway it seems he has got the answer to his question, so it's all good.