MrGraz

Seems like Putin has had his little moment to stomp around the playground with his chest puffed out.

It seems fairly obvious to me that if Thailand prevents people under 50 from staying here long-term (whether they are working illegally or are simply well-off) then there will be an impact on long-term property rentals and purchases.

But there will also be an impact on short-term rental prices in high season as many of the places that used to be taken all year would then be available all year, including the high season.

So in tourist areas where traditionally there have been a lot of long-term foreign residents (Pattaya, Phuket etc) I think one can reasonably expect all accommodation prices to move downwards, and possibly by quite a large amount. Many rental prices have been absurdly high here for a long time, as have many purchase prices, so it is probably just a long overdue correction.

Given the number of people who have bought "investment" condos in Pattaya on the hope of either renting them out or selling them on, the domino effect could be quite substantial. Personally I would not be surprised to wake up one day and find that my condo is worth only half what I paid for it, but I knew that when I bought it. I certainly would never buy one here other than to live in myself.

Our thinking is nearly the same. Fortunately rentals make up maybe 10% of my portfolio...they certainly don't or won't make-or-break me. I've been extremely cautious knowing the volatility and uncertainty of Thailand can change the landscape of things literally overnight.

I will say that if property prices do drop anywhere in the 30-40% (even 50%) range, I might be a buyer for my own retirement home needs. Although when I look at how many years I'm likely to remain alive on this 'ol Earth of ours, and play monthly rent costs over that estimated number of years, it's very difficult to justify dropping that big lump sum for house or condo ownership. From a pure fiscal logic point of view, rental just makes a lot of sense unless money is truly a non-factor & you want to live the 'high life'.

As someone who has invested moderately in Thai condo property for the purposes of generating modest recurring rental income, the new visa restrictions are somewhat of a concern to me.

I don't worry so much about continuing to pull in high-season rentals at 1-month durations (and those honestly make up 90% or more of the income potential). But I do worry that the likelihood of attracting longer term rentals (6-month to 1-year) will be significantly impacted. I haven't been pulling in long-term rentals that often anyway, but I could see that possibility virtually disappearing.

Any others see this is a possible concern?

Here's my vision of a basic 'cost of living' budget that, IMO, should be more than acceptable for most single folks in Thailand. It should be comfortable, if not extravagant. It doesn't take into account any discretionary spending (beer, companionship, etc.)...but you won't die living on this budget. (The amount shown for health insurance is undoubtedly not the cheapest option available, ymmv)

Edit: "Gas & Water" should be "Electric & Water"

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I only visited Taipei as a tourist but loved it, can you recommend any area names for preferred living - sub cities, districts or however categorized there?


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I live in Daan district, which is in the heart of downtown Taipei. Everything you'd ever need to conduct daily life is within walking distance or a few subway stops from here. There's also a huge park in the center of the city (Daan Park), which would be Taipei's version of Central Park. It's quite nice.

Hsin Yi district neighbors Daan and is home to the Taipei 101 building and wide array of shopping options (including the 101 mall, which is truly amazing).

Those two districts are where I conduct the vast majority of my life in Taipei & if I had to recommend a place to live in the city, it would be one of these two areas. My work is in Nangang well to the east of the city. I commute there directly via subway every day...takes about 35 minutes door-to-door to get from my apartment to my office.

Thanks, I noted the areas. Not sure how much longer I can stand Thailand & want not only to stay in Asia but live a more satisfying life closer to the quality I was used to in America. Undecided between Taipei & KL, depends also on work, but more so the Visa requirements for me & Thai wife. Much research to do still, but good living areas are impossible to find by just googling, you need eyes on the ground & experienced minds for that.


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I have an 'ARC' card in Taiwan which grants me residency tied directly to the work permit from my employer. With this, my wife is able to also stay & live with me in Thailand. My wife is mainland Chinese, and I will say that Taiwan actually quite frowns on allowing mainland Chinese into the island. What you can take away for this is, if I can have my Chinese wife living with me here, your Thai wife will be no problem provided you can get a work permit sponsored from an employer.

I will say though, that your Thai wife might not like it here (and possibly not in China either). Thais & Filipinos are generally considered 'lesser' in Taiwan. You typically see Thai men doing labor intensive work (construction, etc.), and Filipinas serving as housemaids & caregivers to the elderly. It's pure, blatant racism, but it is reality I'm afraid. To that end, Malaysia may be a better bet for your wife in the long run. (My 2 cents.)

I only visited Taipei as a tourist but loved it, can you recommend any area names for preferred living - sub cities, districts or however categorized there?

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

I live in Daan district, which is in the heart of downtown Taipei. Everything you'd ever need to conduct daily life is within walking distance or a few subway stops from here. There's also a huge park in the center of the city (Daan Park), which would be Taipei's version of Central Park. It's quite nice.

Hsin Yi district neighbors Daan and is home to the Taipei 101 building and wide array of shopping options (including the 101 mall, which is truly amazing).

Those two districts are where I conduct the vast majority of my life in Taipei & if I had to recommend a place to live in the city, it would be one of these two areas. My work is in Nangang well to the east of the city. I commute there directly via subway every day...takes about 35 minutes door-to-door to get from my apartment to my office.

Lite Beer, thanks!

If you have a 12 month extension from Immigration she can get the same extension as your dependent.

Lite Beer, thanks, this is helpful. Would her extension be pursued as a Non-Imm 'O' visa, or some other process/visa?

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere...I did some searching, but couldn't find an answer.

Assuming I have met all of the requirements & have a retirement visa in hand, what do I do about my wife who doesn't meet the retirement visa requirements due to age?

Non-Imm 'O' looks like the closest match, but everything I'm reading appears to indicate that it's for spouses/dependents of Thai nationals.

Thanks in advance for any advice.