Thailand + 20 Year +

THAILAND 

NORTH EAST OF PAST LARGE TSUNAMI RISK

Just South west of Bangkok 

Nice modern residences. Affordable with an international investment portfolio & advanced security set up then medical - dental + legal 

Dr Sydney Nicola Bennett likes the home constructions

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi2Z8O2RiG0

https://m.youtube.com/@faranghomes

Hua Hin is a coastal town in Thailand known for its beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and royal heritage. It's a popular weekend getaway from Bangkok, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm with attractions like golf courses, night markets, temples, and seafood restaurants. The town has a long history as a resort area favored by the Thai royal family.  

Hua Hin is a coastal town in Thailand known for its beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and royal heritage. It's a popular weekend getaway from Bangkok, offering a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm with attractions like golf courses, night markets, temples, and seafood restaurants. The town has a long history as a resort area favored by the Thai royal family.  

Key features

• Beaches: 

Hua Hin has a long, sandy beach that is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and activities like horseback riding. 

• Royal connection: 

Once a quiet fishing village, it was transformed into a royal resort in the 1920s and remains associated with the royal family, which has helped it retain its traditional charm. The historic Hua Hin railway station is a notable landmark from this era. 

• Attractions: 

Activities include exploring temples, visiting night markets for local goods and food, playing golf, and enjoying water parks. 

• Dining: 

Expect a wide variety of dining options, including many restaurants built on stilts over the water serving fresh seafood. 

• Atmosphere: 

The town offers a more laid-back and family-friendly vibe compared to some other Thai beach resorts. 
Getting there

• From Bangkok: 

Hua Hin is about a 200km (124 miles) drive or a scenic train journey from Bangkok, making it an accessible weekend trip. 

• Transportation within Hua Hin: 
Getting around is easy with options like Grab, Bolt, and songthaews (baht buses). 

KILLINGS - ORGAN HARVEST 

There have been recent news reports and concerns regarding human trafficking in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where victims are sometimes threatened with organ harvesting if they do not comply with criminal gangs in cyber scam centers located near the Myanmar border. 

It is important to note:

• No specific evidence ties these activities directly to the city of Hua Hin itself; rather, the reports concern a broader, lawless area along the Thailand-Myanmar border.

• Organ trading is illegal in Thailand and universally condemned by medical associations. The Thai Red Cross Society has dismissed rumors of a black market for organs within the country, emphasizing that all legal donations are strictly voluntary and regulated.

• Thai authorities have also noted cases where claims of organ harvesting turned out to be lies or part of a scam operation to extort money from victims' families.

• The primary concern is the existence of large-scale, illegal cybercrime operations in northern Myanmar, which use Thailand as a transit country to lure victims with false job offers. These victims are then held captive, forced to work in scam centers, and subjected to torture, with organ harvesting used as a threat or a final, horrific outcome for some. 
Overall, while the threat and mention of organ harvesting are used by human trafficking gangs in the region, the Thai Red Cross maintains that a legitimate black market for organs does not operate openly within the legal medical system of Thailand. 

THAILAND 

The term "Thailand Golden Visa" informally refers to the Thailand Privilege Visa, a membership-based program that grants long-term residency in exchange for a one-time fee. This program is a more flexible option for wealthy individuals than traditional "Golden Visas" as it requires no investment in property or business, but it does not grant the right to work in Thailand. Different membership tiers offer varying lengths of stay and benefits, such as expedited immigration processing, airport transfers, and concierge services.  

What it is

• A membership-based, long-term residency program for those seeking to live in Thailand for an extended period without a job. 

• It is not a "Golden Visa" in the traditional sense, as it does not require a large financial investment in real estate or business. 

• It is officially classified as a Tourist Visa Type "PE" (Privilege Entry) and is managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC). 

• It grants renewable, long-term residency, but does not grant the right to work in Thailand. 

Benefits

• Long-term stay: 

Provides a renewable, multiple-entry visa with a stay of up to 20 years, depending on the membership package. 

• Convenience: 

Includes services like 90-day reporting assistance and access to exclusive airport lounges, priority immigration processing, and government concierge services. 

• Other perks: 

Can also include benefits such as airport transfers, spa vouchers, and annual medical checkups. 

• Flexibility: 

There are no annual fees, and the program is designed to offer a premium long-stay experience in Southeast Asia. 
Important distinctions

• No work rights: 

Holders of this visa are not allowed to work in Thailand without a separate work permit. 

• One-time fee: 

Unlike some other programs, it is based on a one-time membership fee rather than property or business investment. 

Membership Tiers

• Gold Membership: 5 years (approx. $25,500 USD)

• Platinum Membership: 10 years (approx. $42,500 USD)

• Diamond Membership: 15 years (approx. $71,000 USD)

• Bronze Membership: 5 years, a more affordable option with fewer perks and no privilege points 

CORPORATE TAX 

Thailand's corporate tax system features a standard rate of 20% on net profits, with a reduced progressive rate for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a new 15% global minimum tax for large multinational corporations starting in 2025. 

Key Tax Rates

• Standard Rate: 20% on net profits.

• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Companies with paid-up capital of less than 5 million baht are subject to progressive rates:

• 0% on net profits up to 300,000 baht.

• 15% on net profits from 300,001 baht to 3 million baht.

• 20% on net profits exceeding 3 million baht.

• Global Minimum Tax (effective Jan 2025): A 15% minimum corporate tax rate for multinational enterprises with global revenues exceeding 750 million euros, aligning with the OECD's global framework. 

Tax Basis and Compliance

Thai-incorporated companies are taxed on their worldwide income, while foreign companies are taxed only on income from Thai sources. The standard 12-month accounting period typically runs from January to December. Companies must file their annual tax returns (Form CIT 50) and make final payments within 150 days of the accounting period's end, and an estimated tax payment (Form CIT 51) is required within two months after the first six months. Other taxes include a 7% Value Added Tax (VAT), scheduled to increase to 10% on September 30, 2025, and withholding taxes on certain income types like dividends and royalties. 
Incentives

The Thai Board of Investment (BOI) provides tax incentives to attract investment in key sectors, potentially offering corporate income tax exemptions and other benefits. 

For detailed information and e-filing, businesses can visit the Thai Revenue Department website. 

PROPERTY TAX 

Thailand's property tax system, governed by the Land and Building Tax Act B.E. 2562 (2019), imposes an annual tax based on the government-appraised value and use of the property. The tax applies equally to both Thai nationals and foreigners. 

The primary categories and rates for the annual Land and Building Tax are as follows: 

• Residential Use:

• Primary Residence (owner with land): The first 50 million Baht of appraised value is exempt from tax.

• Primary Residence (owner with only house/condo, not the land): The first 10 million Baht of appraised value is exempt from tax.

• Secondary Residences: Tax is applied to the full appraised value.

• Rates: Generally low, ranging from 0.02% to 0.1%.

• Commercial or Industrial Use:
• Applies to land and buildings used for commercial purposes or as rental properties.

• Rates: Higher than residential use, with a maximum cap of 1.2% of the appraised value. Separately, a House and Land Tax of 12.5% of the annual rental income may also apply, along with personal income tax on the net rental income.

• Agricultural Use:

• Taxed at the lowest rates to support the agricultural sector.

• Rates: The total tax payable must not exceed 0.015% of the appraised value.

• Vacant or Undeveloped Land:
• Taxed to encourage development. The base rate begins at 0.3% and increases by 0.3% every three years for continued vacancy, up to a cap of 3%. 

Other Property-Related Taxes

In addition to the annual tax, several other taxes and fees may apply during property transfer or sale: 

• Transfer Fee: A fee of 2% of the registered property value, typically shared between the buyer and seller.

• Specific Business Tax (SBT): A tax of 3.3% of the sale price (or appraised value, whichever is higher) if the property is sold within five years of acquisition.

• Stamp Duty: A 0.5% tax applies only if the SBT does not apply (i.e., if the property is sold after five years of ownership).

• Withholding Tax: Treated as a prepayment of income tax. For individual sellers, it is calculated based on a progressive income tax scale and the duration of ownership. 

Annual property taxes are typically billed by the local municipality and are due by April 30th of each year. 

INCOME TAX

Thailand imposes a progressive personal income tax system on both residents and non-residents with Thai-sourced income, with rates ranging from 0% to 35%. Tax residents (individuals present in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year) may also be liable for tax on foreign-sourced income remitted into the country. 

Key Considerations

150,000 Thai Baht equals
4,693.29 United States Dollar

• Tax Residency: An individual is considered a tax resident if they are in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year.

• Residents are taxed on both Thai-sourced income and certain foreign-sourced income remitted into Thailand.

• Non-residents are generally only taxed on income sourced within Thailand.

• Foreign-Sourced Income: A significant policy change as of January 1, 2024, means that foreign-sourced income earned in 2024 or later is subject to Thai personal income tax if remitted into Thailand by a tax resident.

• Deductions and Allowances: Various deductions can reduce an individual's tax liability, including a personal allowance (60,000 THB), an employment income standard deduction (40% of income, up to 60,000 THB), and deductions for life insurance premiums, mortgage interest, and contributions to pension funds.

• Filing Deadline: The personal income tax return must typically be filed with the Thai Revenue Department by March 31st of the year following the taxable year (which runs from January 1st to December 31st). E-filing options are available on the Revenue Department website.

• Corporate Tax: For businesses, the general corporate income tax rate is 20%, with reduced rates and exemptions available for qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Value Added Tax (VAT): A general VAT rate of 7% applies to most goods and services. 

CLIMATE 

Hua Hin is consistently humid, with the perceived humidity peaking during the rainy season (June-October) and being lower during the cooler, dry season (November-February). Overall, it has a tropical and humid climate year-round, but visitors can expect the least muggy conditions in December. 

Humidity breakdown by season

• Cool/Dry Season (November - February): This is the most comfortable time of year in terms of humidity. While still humid, it's noticeably less so compared to the rest of the year, with December being the least muggy month.

• Hot Season (March - May): Humidity remains high, but temperatures are at their highest.

• Rainy Season (June - October): This period has the highest humidity and sees the most rain, though the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts. The humidity is at its highest in October. 

Visitor experience

• Expect high humidity: Even during the "cool" season, the humidity is a factor, though it's more manageable.

• Plan accordingly: To cope with the heat and humidity, visitors can take advantage of the sea breeze, stay in air-conditioned areas during the hottest part of the day, and use fans to help with air circulation.

• Rainy season: Be prepared for rain, but know that it usually doesn't last for long periods at a time. 

Irresponsible Irrelevant Relevance 

Hypersonic Torpedos

https://interestingengineering.com/military/chinas-new-submarine-launched-missiles

S.B.G & CIG