Chesterpot

OP nice response. You could of easily had a big crack at me. You say you can afford a condo. While not directly related to your OP .DONT DO THAT.

You can easily stay here for quiet some time using TV multiple. With few stamps. Etc

Even since things became someone stricter esp re stamps.....you can stay here. Why not take baby steps. See how things go with tgf. Take 12 months plus to sort stuff out.

I've only been here 3 coming up 4 years....I run into so many disaster stories and so many GOOD ones.

Take time. I'm still trying to where to live in Los. I have great pad in bkk but hardly there. Spend my time travel Asia.

Good luck to you and gf. But please please. Don't buy her a pad or car or bike.

Buy her a beer and dress and let father time unfold

No worries mate, I'm not one to take offence easily or have problems with people.

Why would you advise so strongly against buying a condo I would like to ask?

I have already spent 3 months in Thailand. I am certain this is where I want to live providing visa issues are not too problematic for me. And the sooner I can learn my options about this the better for me as I hope to return very soon. I'm aware I have left this very late but can't turn back the clock.

Thanks for the advice with the gf, I am already aware of some of the potential pitfalls. I have no intention of buying her anything too lavish as I simply cannot afford it. If her demands become too much then she will have to find someone more affluent. It would not effect my desire to live here anyway.

Three months? Meaningless. You will know nothing until you have spent at least 2 or 3 years here full time. Seriously.

Please do not make large commitments or investments until you have had time to really digest everything regarding your life here.

And I could not agree more with the sentiment to never invest in property here, unless of course, it is money you are happy to burn.

I could go on and on with reasons, but at the very least you should stay here for some number if years before making this call. Both with regards to making the decision to buy, and with regards to how, what and where to buy.

As for the visa, personally I would do border runs while investigating the possibility of establishing a your own small company that could provide you with a work permit. The investment for such a company, if you can conceive of a proper business, might not be too much greater than what you'd spend on ed visas, but has upside potential. It depends on your personality and propensity for business. But it is not something to be entered into lightly. It takes serious research and hard work.

As for ed visa, I like the poster's comment about Government Universities versus private. Also, you do not need to attend school only for language. A good friend is getting his MBA here. It is not a degree of much value in western countries, but it gets more respect from immigration and may be more interesting and useful if you stay here long term.

I will give your comments due consideration. I am aware I am a complete newcomer to this area of the world. This is why I am seeking guidance from as many people in the know as I can. Thanks for the warning and if you can give more info I'm all ears.

I would love to hear more about other ED options if you could be so kind to share them.

Whats long term ? And how old

For the foreseeable future but without the need to find work.

31 years old.

Thanks for reading.

Asked and answered yesterday. Search "long term under 50"

Thanks for the reference. I checked though and didn't find the answer. Please clarify.

Sounds like your really trying to jump into things, you haven't been with your girl that long and you're head over heels.

I think you need to go home and save money. Gettng a job without actually living here will be something hard to achieve and there's no way it's going to happen in 30 days. Once you two get to know each other more and decide to marry that will open more options to you. Do some research and plan wisely.

I can understand how it seems like it's all about the girl, but I was thinking of this long before meeting her.

I am not looking for a job at this juncture but thanks for posting.

EDIT: Double post.

Hello

I am 47 and therefore under the age of an retirement visa.

I am studying business English at a Government University and can stay as long as I study which could mean forever. The Education visa for a Government University is slightly different than to an Education Visa for a private language school. I do not need to leave the country and there is no limit on my visa as long as I study at the University. Studying only involves a few hours a week and is also fun. I also do not need to go to the Immigration Office except on the first time. Every 90 days I do my report via post and the University does all the relevant documentations needed to obtain a visa or to extend a visa. This, I am sure, is also possible at a University in Chiang Rai.

Hello to you too.

This is something I have never heard about before. Any advice and information you can give me would be much appreciated as this sounds ideal.

My advice...take a reality check. Sounds like you have very little funds. You could do an online course to teach like many others. Without a degree you might make 25/30k a month. Your gf will need a piece of that at some stage. Thailand ain't that especially cheap. Hope you don't drink. Your only chance is a non b visa once you have a job. You could use tourist visas till you can achieve that.

It will all cost bucks. When I was 31 I wanted a Porsche. I could actually afford one. I didn't buy it. Now I'm here living on my hard earned.

Thanks for the response.

I have enough money to buy a condo and support myself and her for a while. I have investments which should support a relatively modest lifestyle. Unfortunately I am rather partial to a bit of a drink but I can get by with Hong Thong.

I am not seeking work here. But I thought there were other options than just a Tourist visa. I hope I am right.

Why sink money into a depreciating asset like a condo in Thailand ? Renting is usually far more cost effective, and if your neighbors are demented, you just move. You can make money in Thailand, but it is painful. Most live in Thailand and work elsewhere, returning home during their down time.

I will need to balance the potential depreciation versus the constant drain on funds from renting. It would seem strange to me to be more cost effective to rent in the long run but I am a newcomer to this particular market. The point about neighbours is well received however.

I am not looking to make money within Thailand. I am relying on investments for now which has served me well for some years. Maybe it won't last forever, but I really should be fine for some years without needing to change much.

OP nice response. You could of easily had a big crack at me. You say you can afford a condo. While not directly related to your OP .DONT DO THAT.

You can easily stay here for quiet some time using TV multiple. With few stamps. Etc

Even since things became someone stricter esp re stamps.....you can stay here. Why not take baby steps. See how things go with tgf. Take 12 months plus to sort stuff out.

I've only been here 3 coming up 4 years....I run into so many disaster stories and so many GOOD ones.

Take time. I'm still trying to where to live in Los. I have great pad in bkk but hardly there. Spend my time travel Asia.

Good luck to you and gf. But please please. Don't buy her a pad or car or bike.

Buy her a beer and dress and let father time unfold

No worries mate, I'm not one to take offence easily or have problems with people.

Why would you advise so strongly against buying a condo I would like to ask?

I have already spent 3 months in Thailand. I am certain this is where I want to live providing visa issues are not too problematic for me. And the sooner I can learn my options about this the better for me as I hope to return very soon. I'm aware I have left this very late but can't turn back the clock.

Thanks for the advice with the gf, I am already aware of some of the potential pitfalls. I have no intention of buying her anything too lavish as I simply cannot afford it. If her demands become too much then she will have to find someone more affluent. It would not effect my desire to live here anyway.

I've been in and out of Thailand over 30 years and don't own a condo or house........rent, rent, rent thats all I have done and it works out - a good 75% of the people that buy want to sell someday and can't and most of the time, at a loss - you can rent a very nice place for little money in Thailand - but if you are dead set on buying, the prices in Chiang Mai for nice paces are hard to beat...........find one you can buy in your own name.

Thanks for your input, the advice is appreciated.

Marry the G/F. You could then apply for a Visa based on marriage and/or an extension of stay also based on marriage.

If work is not an option the only other possibility is to undertake some form of approved education using an Ed visa.

We are too early in our relationship for marriage but I appreciate the suggestion.

ED visa is something I have considered, appreciate advice on obtaining one for living in Chiang Mai. Ideally with a college close to Nimmanaemin Road.

Why not just get regular tourist visas?

There is no limit to how many times you can enter Thailand per year on tourist visas and you only need to leave between the 60 and 90 day mark (if you get 30 day extensions).

If you come in from Laos on a double entry, you have 6 months (with 2 extensions), then get your next double entry visa in Phnom Penh, that is another 6 months.... fly out to Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, or really anywhere to do your second entry border runs.

When you fly back in dress smart and always carry at least 20,000 baht in cash in case they want to see proof of funds.

Go to Hong Kong for the next double entry, Penang after that.... lots of places you can fly to to get a fresh visa.

It does seem like it's simply a choice between an ED visa or repeated TVs for me.

Are you 100% certain that the TV is limitless? I have read conflicting information about this. If it is indeed limitless, that would be very handy.

Thanks for the tips. Is getting a double entry visa as straightforward as getting a normal TV?

Chesterpot : I agree with Jacksam. Why you want to buy a condo when you can rent a nice place for 15-20,000B per month (be careful of renting from PH tho ... PM me if you want Company name)

Beachproperty rent for 3-5,000B per month is not gonna happen unless you and your gf are satisfied with a small studio in a crappy condominium and even then you have to pay probably 7,000B

Finally I hope you are aware of the situation with Chiang Mai Immigration - if not then read the thread "Promenada Imm. one stop" - maybe that will make you change your mind to live in CM ...

Simply because I want to own somewhere rather than pay someone else to live in their property. If I thought I was probably only going to be living here a few years then I wouldn't dream of it. But ideally I want to live here for a very long time and I believe I can afford to, especially with no rent costs (but accounting for maintenance).

Thanks for the thread suggestion, will give it a good read in due course. That said, I've met a fair few ex-pats who live in Chiang Mai and are very happy. Whether or not they have to deal with the same problems though I don't know.

You would be VERY lucky to purchase 3 or 4 Shophouses and rent them out profitably on a regular basis, most Thai / Chinese businessmen would want to buy their own premises rather than just rent.

Also your comment "Unfortunately I am rather partial to a bit of a drink but I can get by with Hong Thong" gives me significant pause for thought; I enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink, invariably Chivas, but if ever I was reduced to "getting by" with cheap local hooch I would admit I was an alcoholic ..... and that is not a problem you want to encounter in Thailand if you are lonely, depressed or have financial problems.

Patrick

I enjoy a beer as much as the next man. But if funds ever got tight I would budget myself accordingly. I am perfectly happy drinking a few shots of Hong Thong with ice.

Re Buying a Condo nice to have your own Place you can call Home away from Home, I have many Condos, Houses, Shophouses, Land in Thailand

Has it's Pro's & Con's Condo Maintenance is expensive you are never done paying the Developer for something or other, Houses ok but again no big financial return as the money you get for the rent unless long term you have to put all of it back into the property after the tennant leaves,

Best Property buy in Thailand is Shophouse I have 1 block 4 x 3 floor units in a reasonable location & Low maintenance cost plus helps with the cash flow,

My advice to Chesterpot if he is going to purchase property Buy a shophouse or 2 & for sure he will not lose,

Welcome to Thailand

Thanks for the welcome.

I am considering buying over renting at the moment because I don't want to spend years renting if I can just buy instead, but as I mentioned in previous posts I am not totally decided yet. I am not willing to buy any property that is not in my name however.

At 31 your options are limited:

• Ed visa, but these days there are far more checks that the visa is not being abused.
• Marriage visa, but you'd need also to deposit a large sum in a Thai bank.
• Elite visa - 500k for 5 years.
• Work visa, but that involves working, which you don't intend.

Lastly, as others have said, and because you are a relative newcomer, use a tourist visa for a year or two; not only is it the most economical and easy option, but it will allow you to take your time while planning your future. I agree too that you should rent for at least a year, buying can be a real burden, there are no guarantees your investment will appreciate in CM, where there is a surfeit of property to buy and more coming to market, and the market itself is generally very illiquid.

Thanks for responding. If I was going to take up the ED visa I would attend the classes. I want to learn to speak Thai to at least a moderate level. I feel it would be a pity to spend so much on the visa and not make use of the lessons regardless of the checks. Marriage visa not something I am willing to consider at the moment as I've not known the girl long enough. Elite visa would be fantastic but too expensive for me at this time. Work visa would depend on my getting a job but for now at least, I am living off investments.

It seems from what you and others have said that the only options really viable to me in my circumstances are a 1 year ED visa or repeated tourist visas. Will make new topics as to how I can best get those from where I am now. Will not rush very quickly into buying a condo but I think for me it's probably better than renting in the long run. Not decided 100% though.

Thai Elite Visa = 5 years = thb 500k

That would be fantastic but beyond my means unfortunately,

But you would have no problem buying a condo?

At your age with no intention of seeking employment here it is a good suggestion.

There are costs involved with constantly having to obtain tourist visas/ Ed visas from out of the country as well as schooling costs associated with Ed visa.

Now they may not amount to 500,000 over 5 years but they will not be zero either.

It would be worth your while to make a comparison imo

I don't understand the comparison to be honest mate. A condo is a physical property whereas a luxury visa is just that, a luxury. If I had more cash to burn I would happily pay for it but I need to prioritise the basics.

I am aware of the costs you mentioned. I believe I should be able to fund those without too much difficulty for the foreseeable future. I would assume they would amount to an awful lot less than multiple visas over a long period of time. But I will keep my options open and look into it more as you suggest.

The buy or not buy condo is often debated on TV. There are pros and cons as is with just about everything. My comment was directed to the OP who firstly has not lived here for very long and also has not know the tgf for very long. Point is take time. If someone has the money to buy a condo here does not in itself make it good investment.

Many don't include concept in economics called "opportunity cost" .....

In any event...work out where you want to live. Also where your at with gf in say a year.

Missed your age ....the elite card works but so does tourist visas....and can do for some time. Then evaluate things. Geeez you might be married by then.

That's if your crazy

I understand the pros/cons to a certain extent but I will surely research more before pulling the trigger. I would never dive head first into such a big outlay of cash. The idea of buying a place to live here was firmly in my head long before coming here. It's only after spending a few months here I am sure this is where I would be happiest, providing things work out with visas and finances...

I have no intention of marrying so soon.

The buy or not buy condo is often debated on TV. There are pros and cons as is with just about everything. My comment was directed to the OP who firstly has not lived here for very long and also has not know the tgf for very long. Point is take time. If someone has the money to buy a condo here does not in itself make it good investment.

Many don't include concept in economics called "opportunity cost" .....

In any event...work out where you want to live. Also where your at with gf in say a year.

Missed your age ....the elite card works but so does tourist visas....and can do for some time. Then evaluate things. Geeez you might be married by then.

That's if your crazy

I understand the pros/cons to a certain extent but I will surely research more before pulling the trigger. I would never dive head first into such a big outlay of cash. The idea of buying a place to live here was firmly in my head long before coming here. It's only after spending a few months here I am sure this is where I would be happiest, providing things work out with visas and finances...

I have no intention of marrying so soon.

OP nice response. You could of easily had a big crack at me. You say you can afford a condo. While not directly related to your OP .DONT DO THAT.

You can easily stay here for quiet some time using TV multiple. With few stamps. Etc

Even since things became someone stricter esp re stamps.....you can stay here. Why not take baby steps. See how things go with tgf. Take 12 months plus to sort stuff out.

I've only been here 3 coming up 4 years....I run into so many disaster stories and so many GOOD ones.

Take time. I'm still trying to where to live in Los. I have great pad in bkk but hardly there. Spend my time travel Asia.

Good luck to you and gf. But please please. Don't buy her a pad or car or bike.

Buy her a beer and dress and let father time unfold

Why would you advise so strongly against buying a condo I would like to ask?

Well...I can give you ONE very good reason.....in Thailand regarding property...."Easy to buy...Not so easy to sell"....(so basicly you're stuck)

Also in buying a condo......have mainteinance fees (how much?????) and it usually goes into the developers pocket NOT mainteninace so most condo's look like crap after time.

Better off renting a place for 3000-5000 baht/month for a year as indicated by prior poster if you are so set on buying a condo. this way you can suss the market for condos and MAYBE (????) find that perfect condo you are looking for ...

BUT always remember "Easy to buy.....NOT so easy to sell"....Also... if you're thinking it will appreciate in value ...A BIG maybe

Thanks for the advice mate.

I would hope first of all I can find a good condo I could be happy with for years to come. I don't expect to find this quickly. I'm happy to rent for months or longer if necessary.

I am aware of maintenance fees. It's something I will consider strongly when looking at a potential condo to buy.

When renting I will be looking at properties between about 10,000-20,000 Baht per month. I would not be happy living in an area and building that would be that cheap this stage of my life.

I will keep in mind that it will not be easy to resell my property, Hopefully I will not need to do this for a long time. But of course that's unpredictable. I am not considering it as an investment I will buy and sell. I am considering it as an alternative to paying rent for many years and having nothing to show for it at the end. I'm not dead set on this, it's just my current chain of thought. I'm often changing my mind before reaching a firm decision in the end.

OP nice response. You could of easily had a big crack at me. You say you can afford a condo. While not directly related to your OP .DONT DO THAT.

You can easily stay here for quiet some time using TV multiple. With few stamps. Etc

Even since things became someone stricter esp re stamps.....you can stay here. Why not take baby steps. See how things go with tgf. Take 12 months plus to sort stuff out.

I've only been here 3 coming up 4 years....I run into so many disaster stories and so many GOOD ones.

Take time. I'm still trying to where to live in Los. I have great pad in bkk but hardly there. Spend my time travel Asia.

Good luck to you and gf. But please please. Don't buy her a pad or car or bike.

Buy her a beer and dress and let father time unfold

No worries mate, I'm not one to take offence easily or have problems with people.

Why would you advise so strongly against buying a condo I would like to ask?

I have already spent 3 months in Thailand. I am certain this is where I want to live providing visa issues are not too problematic for me. And the sooner I can learn my options about this the better for me as I hope to return very soon. I'm aware I have left this very late but can't turn back the clock.

Thanks for the advice with the gf, I am already aware of some of the potential pitfalls. I have no intention of buying her anything too lavish as I simply cannot afford it. If her demands become too much then she will have to find someone more affluent. It would not effect my desire to live here anyway.

Marry the G/F. You could then apply for a Visa based on marriage and/or an extension of stay also based on marriage.

If work is not an option the only other possibility is to undertake some form of approved education using an Ed visa.

We are too early in our relationship for marriage but I appreciate the suggestion.

ED visa is something I have considered, appreciate advice on obtaining one for living in Chiang Mai. Ideally with a college close to Nimmanaemin Road.

Hope my last post did not sound too negative...but again reading this post of yours you want an ED visa????

This whole gig isn't cheap anymore. Also go to school for what? Learn Thai to talk to the gf.

Have you added up the yearly cost of living here.

Hells bells

No worries at all, I appreciate you taking the time to write to me.

I would prefer to learn Thai in a more leisurely fashion but I certainly intend to learn the language anyway as I want to live here long-term. It's not an ideal option and I'm aware of the cost. Still not 100% sure how to go about getting it though...

My advice...take a reality check. Sounds like you have very little funds. You could do an online course to teach like many others. Without a degree you might make 25/30k a month. Your gf will need a piece of that at some stage. Thailand ain't that especially cheap. Hope you don't drink. Your only chance is a non b visa once you have a job. You could use tourist visas till you can achieve that.

It will all cost bucks. When I was 31 I wanted a Porsche. I could actually afford one. I didn't buy it. Now I'm here living on my hard earned.

Thanks for the response.

I have enough money to buy a condo and support myself and her for a while. I have investments which should support a relatively modest lifestyle. Unfortunately I am rather partial to a bit of a drink but I can get by with Hong Thong.

I am not seeking work here. But I thought there were other options than just a Tourist visa. I hope I am right.

Marry the G/F. You could then apply for a Visa based on marriage and/or an extension of stay also based on marriage.

If work is not an option the only other possibility is to undertake some form of approved education using an Ed visa.

We are too early in our relationship for marriage but I appreciate the suggestion.

ED visa is something I have considered, appreciate advice on obtaining one for living in Chiang Mai. Ideally with a college close to Nimmanaemin Road.

There is no 30 day visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are only for 15 days and cost 1000 baht for those from certain countries.

You apparently have been getting visa exempt entries.

There is no written rule that limits visa exempt entries or the frequency of them. You should be able to get an other one now without a problem,

Yes, visa exemption is what I meant, apologies.

Thanks for the information.

Thai Elite Visa = 5 years = thb 500k

That would be fantastic but beyond my means unfortunately,

Whats long term ? And how old

For the foreseeable future but without the need to find work.

31 years old.

Thanks for reading.

Hey guys,

I have had 2 30 day visa on arrival stamps already within the past 6 months. In addition, I have had a 1 month extension stamp. Am I eligible for another visa on arrival already or must I wait?

Edit: I am from the UK.

Hello fellow forum members, first time poster here.

I am currently in Laos but hoping to return to Thailand soon to live with my Thai girlfriend.

I am looking to live in Chiang Mai and was wondering what my options for living in Thailand would be. Rather than state what I have already discovered myself I will listen to better informed people's opinions here.

Thanks in advance to anybody willing to help.