Swall101

I’ve been reading a bit about the tax situation. Seems to be quite murky still in regards to exactly what could be taxed. Looking at the LTR retirement it says exempt from tax for monies abroad. I presume this would mean my pension would be taxed at source and not in Thailand too? Guessing same would apply to savings?

Thanks for all the great replies and sharing your experience it is much appreciated. Definately other options which seemed logical to me and you guys have reinforced that. Real shame that the visa specialists are not this transparent, especially as you are putting your faith in them to do the right thing by you (would be good to get your recommendations on specialists if allowed on open forum should I decide to take that route for ease). @khunPer really surprised at how reasonable the fees for IS on Samui are, being an island you would of thought they could name their price! Lot cheaper than some of the other areas I mentioned. Would you say that would be offset by higher property rental prices on Samui? eg. higher there than say Hua Hin? (any local rental sites you would recommend to do a bit of research?) Out of interest I've always wanted to learn a second language but never really had the time or need (shamefully), but this is something I aim to do in retirement to better integrate into Thai society should I be lucky enough to be granted a visa. Being there 18 years any tips?

Hi All Just found this forum and my first post. I’ve always dreamed about retiring in Thailand ever since my first holiday 20 years ago. That time is nearly here! My situation as follows: 55 years old this year (live in UK) My partner is 56 this year (not married but been together 16 years) We have an 11 year old daughter who we will look to put in an International School I am lucky enough to have a decent final salary pension which I can take at 55 Home owner in UK with small mortgage left on it I’ve written to a couple of well known visa agents to ask the same thing, what would be the best option for me visa wise, Elite, Non O retirement, ED, Guardian etc…. They have not been overly engaging and have pushed the elite visa as I mentioned the 10 year platinum (like the idea of the most hassle free, but comes at a cost). I asked them if that would be best in my circumstance and they said yes inc my daughter which would be 3.5m in total. I mentioned that could you mix and match eg. ED for my daughter and guardian for her mum as an option (understand it’s 1x child, 1x guardian) but never really answered the question. I’d love to hear your thoughts on potential routes you think I could take…. In regards to location, albeit I love Bangkok, I don’t think I’d want to live there full time, moreover weekend trips. So with this in mind and thinking about the other locations I have visited over the years we’ll probably look at, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin or Jomtien. Had a look at International schools in those areas and all look pretty good (prices do vary with Krabi being quite a bit lower overall). My daughters education is important and think going to school here could open up many doors in this part of the world. Has anyone got an opinion on schools in these areas they could share? Thanks so much in advance and look forward to your replies….