pitrevie

If you want the cheapest way, open an account with Nationwide. Just pay in what you need to transfer plus a bit extra as the exchange rate varies. Send the ATM card to your girlfriend and she can then use this in Thailand to withdraw from any machine. This incurs no charges and her limit is governed by the balance you keep in the account. If you dont want to use this method the cheapest method of transfer I have found is direct through the Bangkok Bank in London. You just send them a cheque for the amount you want to transfer plus 15 pounds for the charge.

This has been my experience and I get the impression the only buyers for used units are us farangs. I am moving to a new condo soon and will be selling my old condo which is completely modernised but there is no interest in it from Thais. I prefer buying used as it generally comes with all the fittings and furniture. When I vacate mine it will be fully equipped for someone to move in without having to buy a single piece of furniture.

My take on this is that any tax to be levied is only on income that is earned within the Kingdom. I am sure that my own government would be interested in any income that I received from any source but it isnt the policy to have double taxation. Therefore if you were being taxed on that income in Thailand your own tax authorities do not insist on double taxation. I think it only fair if you have a job or income in your host country that you pay tax on that income. I do not think they include your pension in this as that would be taxed at source

Thanks for that info but how does the embassy in Bangkok confirm your income? Do they base this on what is paid into the UK based account from your ex company or do they ask for some sort of statement from the bank in Bankok confirming transfers?

I will be moving to Thailand in about 1 year and hope to qualify for a retirement visa. I am British and will be 60 next year. My query is about the 800K you are required to have on deposit and the monthly income. Do these sums have to go through a Thai bank or will the Thai authorities accept a letter/statement from the HSBC (Bank) in Bangkok which is more convenient in my case as my bank in London is part of the HSBC group.