This has been another difficult week for most of Thailand. Last week I talked about the disastrous flooding in far Northern Thailand, caused mainly by what was left of Super Typhoon Yagi. Now, after a week of nearly constant rainfall, the Chiang Mai area is also flooding.
As I write this I'm hearing of flooding in some of the outlying areas, and now the Ping River in downtown Chiang Mai is beginning to flood, with the forecast calling for the river to crest overnight around 3am. I'm watching a live webcam along the river, and keeping a close eye on the river level gauge as the water steadily rises. Flood stage is around 3.7 meters and the gauge already shows the water above 4 meters - and rising. That means downtown is
flooding, and it's going to get worse before it gets better.
This is the time to be extra careful if you're out and particularly if you're driving. It's also the time to look out for your friends and neighbors. We all know people living in the city, please take a moment to check on them and make sure they are OK. If you're one of those people living in the danger areas we'll hope for the best, and please be extremely
cautious if you go outside. If you can, stay home and let the water recede. As our mothers used to tell us...better safe than sorry!
Finally, be sure to check out the events listed below, including the General Meeting this Saturday the 28th, and Saturday Breakfast at The Duke's on October 5th. And make your plans now to join us on November 2nd for our annual picnic/BBQ and Horizon Village Resort. It’s our most
popular event, tickets will go on sale next week.
That’s it for this week, I hope all is well, and please be safe.
-Kent
Weekly Survey
The answers to the survey last week were really interesting, and very helpful. Response was good, and we thank you for that, but we'd like to hear from more of you so we're repeating that survey again this week. If you completed it last week please do not respond again (it screws up the results), but if you didn't respond last week and you live in the Chiang Mai
metropolitan area please give us a minute of your time and take this quick, 2-question survey. If you don't live in or around Chiang Mai this survey isn't for you, please look for a new one next week.
We have 3 guest speakers this month, our own Rick Hahn, Dr. Niratchada Sap-Anan from Bangkok Hospital, and Thomas Cardin from A.I. Tax Advisors.
Rick is on the board of the CEC, and serves as our Treasurer. He heads up the Media Committee as
well, and also spearheaded our Prepare for End of Life in Thailand program. Prior to retirement, Rick was a tech CEO so the topic he chose was right up his alley, as our education learning series continues with him speaking about one of his favorite new toys…“3 Simple Ways To Make Your Life Easier With AI”.
Our other featured speaker should be of great interest to most if not all of us. Dr. Niratchada Sap-Anan is a Sleep
Medicine and Neurology specialist at Bangkok Hospital, who counts a number of our members among her clients. They rave about her, so we should be in for a treat as she educates us about the fascinating subject of sleep and sleep disorders.
It's also time to hear again from Thomas Cardin, who has an update on the impending new tax on money coming into Thailand. He has kept us accurately informed since the tax was
announced, we're looking forward (with fingers crossed) to hearing what new information he has for us.
We hope you can join us at the Duangtawan on September 28, it should be a fantastic meeting. If you park in their car park and they give you a parking slip, be sure to bring it upstairs with you and get it validated at the registration desk. Get your ticket(s) now, we'll see you on
Saturday!
Join us for the best breakfast/brunch buffet in Thailand!
Remember, this is just a reservation (no
pre-purchased ticket required), but we ask that if for any reason you make a reservation and then are unable to come, please send us a quick email to info@chiangmaiexpatsclub.com and give us the names on your reservation that need to be cancelled. The email can be sent as late as 9:00am the morning of the breakfast,
and enables us to give your seats to someone else.
Also, we wish we didn't have to bring this up, but we need to remind you of a couple of things. This is an "all you can eat" buffet, not an "all you can eat and then take home" buffet. So sorry, no "to go" will be allowed from the buffet. Also, you can go back for more as many times as you wish, but please don't pile a plate full of food and then leave it to be thrown
away. It's not considerate, and extremely wasteful. Thanks for your understanding.
When:
October 5th at 9:30am.
Where:
The Duke's - Ruamchok.
Cost:
Click the link below to reserve your seat(s) and save 100 baht, lowering your breakfast cost to 345 baht (from 445 baht without a reservation) by clicking the link below and reserving your seats. Children under 12 are 245 baht.
Complete video series is now available for purchase!
As an expat living in Thailand have you thought about what will happen when you're gone? Don't leave your loved ones and friends
with a big mess - plan ahead with our comprehensive "Prepare for End of Life in Thailand" video series.
Earlier this year, our sold-out, 4-part presentation series helped over 125 expats in Thailand learn how to create a solid end-of-life plan. At the time, we had over 100 people tell us they would not be able to attend, and inquired whether we would repeat the program. Attendees raved about the valuable information and practical tools
they received:
"This series has really helped me understand what my plan needs to be, and how to accomplish it."
"Quite possibly the best B1000 I ever spent!"
"The handouts and checklists are proving quite valuable as I put together my own end of life plan."
Now YOU can access the complete video series on demand. Get the peace of mind of knowing your healthcare wishes will be honored, your assets will transfer smoothly, and your loved ones won't be burdened. The package includes:
- Access to all 4 video sessions (including Q&A)
- Comprehensive planning documents like a Living Will, Emergency Plan, and
more
- Free admission to our all-day workshop in October where we will assist anyone that would like help in preparing their plans and documents
- The opportunity to get your LIVING WILL drafted and executed by our legal expert for ONLY 3000 BAHT!! (This offer is being offered ONLY to those who have either attended the sessions in person or have purchased access to the
videos)
Don't wait until it's too late. Purchase the "Prepare for End of Life in Thailand" video series today for just 1000 THB. Get more information and enroll now at: https://tinyurl.com/yxy3bndh
Still thinking
about it…? Check out the Top Ten Reasons people don’t have an End of Life Plan by clicking the link above.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY - Since you paid to attend the sessions, you will have access to the videos for no additional cost. You will shortly receive an email with instructions.
The **FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report)** filing deadline is **April 15**, the same as the U.S. federal tax return deadline. If you miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS automatically grants an extension until **October 15** without the need for a formal request.
The FBAR must be filed by U.S. persons who have foreign financial accounts
with a combined value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Filing is done electronically through the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) using FinCEN Form 114.
No additional extensions are typically granted beyond October 15.
Tax Filing and Personal Tax planning is still keeping American International Tax Advisers team busy during this time of year. Feel free to contact Chris by email or call 094-681-9734 for a free consultation.
Testimonial
The AITax Advisers were knowledgeable about the unique challenges and requirements for expats, and they helped
me navigate the complexities of filing my taxes from abroad. They were also able to identify deductions and credits that I wasn't aware of, which ended up significantly reducing my tax bill.
Overall, the process was much smoother than I anticipated, and I feel confident that my taxes were filed accurately and in compliance with all US tax laws. I will definitely be using this service again in the future and recommending it to other expats in my
network.
“Enhancing Quality of Life through Learning within a Multicultural Community”
Lifelong Learning Payap announces upcoming courses. For more information, to register for a course or to be added to our mailing list, please go to
our website, www.lllpayap.com.
Thank you for contacting us. Here are the details and the attached of our promotion for members of the Chiang Mai Expats Club.
Beat the Burning Season Blues with a Vitality Boost!
Are you feeling worn down by the haze and smoke of burning season? Refresh and rejuvenate with our exclusive IV drip therapies at Boston Health POLYCLINIC, now at a breath
of fresh air with 10% OFF! From energy boosting VITABOOST to detoxifying Liver Therapy, we have the perfect blend for your wellness needs.
But hurry, just like the season, this deal won’t last forever! Book your session today and give your health the green light it deserves.
Club sponsor CNX insure has arranged a special group discount of 10% for club members with the respected London-based health insurance company, HealthCare International.
If you’re not yet in Chiang Mai but want personalized advice on becoming an expat in Thailand—covering visas, banking, licenses, and more—book a video call appointment through the link below. Get expert guidance tailored to your needs
before you arrive!
Mr.Thomas Carden of the American International Tax Advisors, in Bangkok, has agreed to give a presentation to anyone interested in learning more about the new Thai tax laws that were enacted in 2023 for tax foreigners living in Thailand. This Tax law became effective on 1 January 2024. If you have questions about how to prepare for this new tax on foreigners in Thailand, Mr. Carden will be able to answer those questions.
We will meet this Saturday, the 28th of September, on the 2nd floor of the Raintree Building at 2 p.m. There is no charge for this question-and-answer time, but be aware that they are looking for new clients to do things like register for your tax ID number and prepare the necessary papers you need to file for the 2024 tax period. They may make a pitch
for that, but you are under no obligation just because you attended this free Q&A.
Please come if you have questions. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.
You are welcome to arrive without registering due to the short
notice we've given, but if you plan to attend and could email
Visual Credits: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TAX ADVISERS, Bangkok
November 10th Congregational Meeting
Save the Date
Consider Joining CMCC Membership by speaking to Pastor Hanna
You can also give to
CMCC via Wise.comThe clearing time for a Wise transfer is 60 days. Please update your administrator or ask if you have questions. administrator@cmcchurch.org
Please Prayer for the hiring of a Thai National for the Church
Office.
For more information please visit www.cmcchurch.org, the CMCC Facebook Page for "Chiang Mai Community Church" or contact our church office using the emails above.
The CMCC Mailing Address is P.O. Box 18, Chiang Mai 50000,
Thailand
The Chiang Mai Expats Club (CEC) publishes various types of information for the purpose of helping fellow expats become acclimated and thrive in Chiang Mai. While we try to keep such information current and accurate, we do not have sufficient resources to provide assurance as to timeliness and accuracy. We advise members to confirm the information for themselves.
**
Mail Address
P.O. Box 166 Phrasing Post Office สำนักงานไปรษณีย์ พระสิงห์ 43 Samlan Rd., T. Phra Sing, A. Muang 50200 43 ถ.สามล้าน ต.พระสิงห์ อ.เมือง จงเชียงใหม่ 50200 Chiang Mai Email is preferred method of communication.