@Marvin ********

So you pay German taxes on income earned in Germany. You won’t be taxed on that money if you bring it into Thailand. The unknown is whether expats will have to file a tax return even if it doesn’t result in any taxes. Also unknown is if the tax rate you paid in Germany is lower than the tax rate in Thailand. Would you have to pay the difference?

No one knew last month and I’ve heard nothing yet this month. I expect more information will emerge in the next 3-4 months

No one knows but Germany has a tax treaty with Thailand to avoid double taxation

You should of course visit Thailand enough to know whether you want to live here. The 800,000 baht can be withdrawn if you decide to leave.

She is another example of the lack of long stay options for people under 50 years old.

@Dirk *************

From what I understand there are a list of things you need to do and there is a point system. The tax obligation, maybe marriage, Thai language skills, public service, etc. I am a retiree who has never worked in Thailand but was initially intrigued when I heard a rumor that there was a marriage pathway. I joined that FB group and learned that I was not going to get there without the 3-yrs of tax payments.

I do know a couple of Americans with Thai permanent residency. They have been university professors in Thailand for over 20 years. They aren't much interested in citizenship. I don't really care about it anymore myself. I don't personally know any westerners with Thai citizenship.

@Dirk *************

You don’t need to be married to get Thai citizenship. You do have to have paid Thai taxes for three years. There is a Facebook group dedicated to Thai permanent residency and citizenship.

I just bought a scooter in Ubon Ratchathani using my yellow book

@Aake *********

The OP is an American and cannot do this because our embassy no longer provides income affidavits. This is the OP’s first 1 year extension. If he deposits 65,000 baht to his Thai bank account each month for 1 year then he can use the income method by showing a 1 year bank statement.

@Nick ***********

Extended at Bangkok immigration for 6 years and the rules didn’t change. Go 45 days early and you always have time to deal with any issues.

@Nick ***********

The OP asked about Bangkok Immigration and in Bangkok the documents are valid for a week.

Also, there any many bank branches inside the CW center along with the Immigration office. If you need to do bank business then you can just go downstairs.