TONS of Expats Saying BYE to Thailand, but WHY?

Thailand has been a main destination for expats for much longer than I've been alive. And while it still is, over the past few months I've noticed a bit of an exodus. Whether it be people leaving Thailand, or people deciding not to come in the first place. What changed? Why are so many people deciding that Thailand might not be for them?

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#thailandtaxes #thailandexpat #livinginthailand

[SjaakSchulteis]

I live since 2012 in Thailand. Nothing of what you mentioned was a reason not to stay here. I find it easy to stay here. Easier and less of a hassle than living in my own country, the Netherlands, where I have to fill in Taxforms, have to deal with insurances, government, city, police and what not. I used to say that we had to pay for everything, even if I scratched my bum. There is so little I have to do in Thailand and everything except health insurance is much cheaper than in my own country.
I can only say, that those who think they cannot live here: bye bye, good luck wherever you are. If Thailand is not good enough for you, than leave the country. I prefer to be with people who like being here, then those who always complain and not leave.

[thesummerthatwas]

I came here with permanent intent 6 years ago, and with a very open mind. However, what I have learned since, along with the perception that things are only headed downhill in all regards, has utterly deflated me and left me seeking a better SE Asian homeplace. Vietnam is #1 on my list at this time, but the Philippines is a strong contender.

[ViceCoin]

Ive decided to live in Vancouver Canada, Dubai, and Las Vegas as digital nomad, instead of Asia. No interest in drugs and dating.

[sjwlife]

I wonder if the new DTV will help alleviate some of the visa stress for younger potential expats. I have no illusions about any country. I'm just looking for a place where 2, 000 dollars a month can afford me a good quality of life. America isn't really an option anymore.

[stevecowboy]

Great video as always! Thanks for the good advice. The USA has a tax treaty with Thailand. Our social security or pensions will not be taxed.

[KMOinT]

As an older expat, I am living here on a retirement visa. That being said, younger people may find it difficult to stay in Thailand long term without a proper visa. This is not saying you cannot get a long stay via if you are younger, but it limits your possibilities.
Visa runs to neighboring countries is a thing here, but as Ian states in the video, immigration does seem to be tightening their belts on this.

Please do your due diligence in investigating visas and taxes if you plan on moving to Thailand long term. It may save you some headaches down the road. There are many YouTube videos that are full of incorrect information regarding taxes and visas for Thailand. Please be cautious before jumping in head first without all the facts.

[itsbrilliant-btsv]

So expensive now and the fun has gone. It's nothing like it was even 5 years ago.

[christianpatton]

My understanding from speaking to an actual Thai immigration lawyer is that the Thai authorities don’t want foreigners spending more than 6 months per calendar year in Thailand on a tourist visa. The easy way around this if you have the money is bounce to Cambodia or the Philippines for half the year.
As far as taxation many countries have tax treaties with Thailand that will protect you from paying tax again in Thailand if your home country has already taxed you. Also my understanding is tax would only apply to money received in a Thai bank account.
So if you simply withdraw money from an atm or western union yourself a cash pickup that might help you.

[Salamander]

Like the haircut. I think you're trending in the right direction, keep making great content and living a clean life. Best of luck my friend, will continue to watch.

[madazbbp]

Good assessment of what is and can happen.
For me as an Aussie, eligible for a retirement visa, I would be more concerned with policy like the cbdc roll out and possible WHO treaty compliance by Thailand Gov. These have seriously affected my decision of Thailand as a possible retirement destination.

[jimhollands]

I have lived in Thailand for 4 years. Thai logic and common sense is not easy to understand also those in power come up with proposed legislation which sounds dramatic but either gets very diluted or never happens.

[loganbinford]

I dig the haircut! The evolution of your look since moving to Thailand has become much more grownup.

[tyvid]

You say you believe the tax issue isn't probably going to be a big deal. You got that really wrong. Sorry but it is a massive issue and taxes on things like pensions you could be losing 15%+ in your income. I have been accumulating a private Superannuation fund in Australia to become my pension. Pensions in Australia are tax free so Thailand, under the Dual Taxation Agreement, means I am liable to significant tax. The tax scale increases all the way to 35%. My pension income goal will put me over 20% tax of my pension. Tell me that is not a big deal. Losing ⅕ of your money in tax. Buying a condo - bringing in money for example to buy a 5 Million Baht condo, they will tax you 35% of that just for remitting your money into Thailand. There are exemptions based on whether or not your sources of income have been taxed in your home country. And those taxes need to be higher than the Thai tax to be exempted. US social security are exempt. Military and government pensions are mostly exempt. Old age pensions are not. The rest of us are screwed. Needing to hire lawyers, accountants to sort out your tax. Really? Add all those additional costs on top plus the stress. Older guys don't need the additional stress. We all came here to retire, spend our pensions and enjoy life. Not have this absolute nightmare thrust onto us.
I have been coming to Thailand around 15 years. Am retired, have a part pension. But now, sadly I am looking elsewhere as well. I have hardly spent my money here this year and will not be buying any big ticket items. No cars and definitely no condo. Many relationships with foreigners and Thai ladies will sadly end because of this. The property market - let's see what it does to that. Cost of living in Thailand just got a hell of a lot more expensive for most of us in the future - 1 Jan is tax time. Let's see what happens. If it is enforced, or there are no new positive announcements beforehand, I am gone as well. All my furniture, motorbike will all be sold. My life disrupted, a lot of sadness but I have to do it to live somewhere affordable. So damned sad.

[lessharkboy]

You've had a glow up! Suits you man, you look better for it 😎

[paulhefner]

actually it can be crazy high if you bring 100k or more into thailand. Thailand has a progressive tax that is higher than the american tax rate at 50, 000 dollars and up. There are no business write-offs on income so you pay the highest possible tax. If you bring in a small amount then you may not worry too much, but even 30, 000 dollars will be taxed at over 10 percent on average. That is after you pay american taxes.

[Gregory-Masovutch]

The weather is extremely humid and the language might be an issue with its separate alphabet. However English is spoken by many folks. Sometimes you need a translater with Grab taxis. MRT in Bangkok is very good. The night markets are a lot of fun and good prices. Me and my wife live in the Philippines and we go their yearly. All the online shoppers here buy from Bangkok. Best time to travel there is November to February. A very friendly country.

[XP-hntq]

With all the Visa changes and problems back home, I've just been looking into getting my mom the Elite Visa. Seems like a good option for her since the things it offers and will take a lot of stress off me while traveling.

[nickjacques]

My wife and I were considering an Elite visa, however, the Tax law has stopped me from considering moving to Thailand. So we are not saying bye, we are not saying hello.

[lesbianalien]

If you dont want to pay tax on your pension. Send yourself western union from your home country. Cash pickup. Don't send it to your thai bank account

[nigelphillips]

Lived in Thailand for five and a half years, left because of covid 19, only been back once in july 22.