Tom Kagai

But I learnt from my Thai friends that I was very well off.  My weekly wage was more than my girlfriend's monthly office wage, and my appartment with pool and gym was the envy of all.  And I was a lot happier then than I am stuck back in the UK now.

Being nosey, cause i'm trying to get a feel for any risks involved in relocation:

You seemed to have it all initially, but how come you're stuck in the UK now?

Well, you've all been really helpful and given me much more than i was looking for. I only wrote in to make sure that, as a novice, i was understanding the way current visa procedures work and which fitted my scenario the best.

Out of interest though:

How variable has the retirement criteria been in subsequent years? (Astral)

Do some schools really offer an annual return air fare to see the folks? (Kenkannif)

(That seems incredibly generous)

Why Hull for the multi-entry non im.? I'll of course take your advice without question but is it because they are they more generous with granting them? (Dr P)

More generally, I really do know the difference between work & play (vacation). As long as there's a bit of time for both, we'll be fine won't we.

UK Property :

It is a great idea to rent out, not sell and it was my first consideration. But the UK's gone banana's in the last decade. i.e. Rent received would only just cover the outstanding mortgage yet, property values have gone up so much, that selling would release A LOT of equity (It's resale value is 3 times what i bought it for!)

(ALANW) - I was sorry to hear the story of your friends near-breakdown. If he was so out of cash that you had to fund his return, he can't have been aware of the need for an 'escape plan'. Can't believe he was so dedicated when preparing for work that he overlooked the fact that he may have to go home someday.

Once again, i'm very grateful to you all for sharing your experience & time.

You do need to crunch the numbers as you may have a lot of years ahead of you after an age 50 retirement so make sure you can keep up. Costs here are still relatively low for most things but how long will that last? Do you have other retirement income other than house sale/investment? Can you meet the retirement conditions in the future (we don't know what they will be). Would you be better working a few more years in the UK? When you say no ties in UK does this include no family? Remember medical costs here. And I would really advise having an escape plan for at least the first year as living here is not quite the same as vacation here.

If you are sure your 4 steps sound reasonable.

Firstly, THANKS. You've straight away summarised what's keeping me awake at night!

I've so far crunched the numbers that i found in ajarn.com (3 monthly budgets of working teachers) and i think i can make it work. In that climate, and with that diet, there is the danger that i'll live to 102 though!

Costs are low and i would hope that day to day costs can't go wild for the sake of 98% of the population. I worry more about the specifics applicable to ex-pats.

Other income - I've contributed to a company run pension for 20 years. It's got to be looked into when I close up here.

More years in the UK? - Right now, I don't think I can hack it (and i've got a reasonable income!) The pound is very strong, but will weaken as we're now having to import oil. Property prices are at an all time high which says to me 'now's the time to cut and run'. I'm 6 yrs & 3 months off 50, I might JUST be able to stay that long, but they'll be miserable years.

I have 2 retired parents who are enjoying life, and like any loving parents they want me to do the same.

Medical Costs - A tuk tuk driver went way too fast with me onboard once. He piled into the side of a car and we both needed painkillers, x-rays and dressings etc. It cost me $24 and the care was far superior to anything available in the UK. The taxi that took me to hospital, refused to accept a fare. God, I love that place and (most) of it's people!

I know life won't be the same as a vacation but i don't stagger from bar to bar even when holidaying. In fact it was really encouraging to learn that i'll need to take my shirts and ties over to be 'ajarn dee'.

You indicated that i have the right plan, and gave me lots more food for thought. I can't thank you enough.

I'm a 43 British guy who wants to live and work in Thailand. I've spent a long time reading your forum along with ajarn.com and it's all been unbelievably helpful. However, as each case is individual to an extent, i'd really like to outline my particular scenario and see what your opinion is of my best course of action.

I have been holidaying in Thailand for several years and quite simply love the place when compared to day to day life in the UK. I have no ties in the UK and i'm considering selling my property and seeking work legally in Bangkok (initially). I would like to add a TEFL to my degree and work over there as an English teacher.

When i reach 50 i would like to apply for a retirement visa and support myself on the equity that i have from the property sale plus earnings at that time. BUT in the meantime, is this what i should do (assuming that my house is sold and i am ready to go for it!):

1) Apply for a multiple entry non-imm. visa prior to leaving UK.

2) Immediately look for work in a school that will support a work permit application.

3) With a work permit obtained, revert to a non-im. 'B' visa.

4) Take it one year at a time until i turn 50, then apply for the retirement visa.

I know this may come across as a very simplistic plan, but i want to make sure that i'm not going to goof big-time before swotting up on the specifics of each step. The thing is, once i sell my house, I can't see me being able to come back, nor can i think why i would want to!

All tips are very much appreciated, as is the site!

Cheers.