lizardofoz

British man 'killed by pirates in Thailand'

off the coast of Satun, a southern province bordering Malaysia.

I'm immediately reminded of the good book:

which is about pirates plundering passing ships off Tarutao.... an island in Satun province... during WW II.

You might be interested to know that most of the pirates in that book were mostly British prisoners of war. One group of prisoners against the other in the end. They were running out of food. The book is based around a true story from World War two.

Where do you intend sailing to? Pattaya Port or Phuket?

I would be going to Pattaya. I am still looking at options as I might actually be there with a work permit in Chomburi. Do you know anything about slip rates at Ocean Marina? I sent them an email but never got an answer.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Ocean Marina is off the planet expensive. They are still full and busy so are not inclined to give discounts or it seems not bothered to answer your email.

If you are going to Pattaya you would be best to import as it is to far to sail to Malaysia from there. Yes to the required 800,000B in the bank I thought 3 months ahead. If you cant afford that you shouldnt be on a retirement visa. You need to declare you boat for import at the time of arrival and not check it in and then ask. For the record in Phuket I obtained a retirement visa with only a 30 day on entry stamp but I didnt come in by ship. It is most important that you have either a "O" or a "B" type visa before arrival by yacht and I recommend you use a agent and book it all up ahead with the agent before you arrive.

I cant see how you could have a work permit before you arrive as you need to apply in the country from what I am aware. Rarely would they issue one without seeing you first and a lot of forms signed.

What sort of boat do you have?

I am contemplating sailing my sailboat to Thailand and would hope to have a retirement visa in my Passport. From the Customs webpage, this doesn't seem to be addressed. Would I be paying taxes for a personal vehicle as if I were importing a car? Seems as though the taxes in that case would be around 200% adjusted price of the vessel. If viewed as personal effects I saw a note saying type-0 are not allowed the 1 personal vehicle importation exemption for residents. Can anyone clarify this for me? Am I going to have to sale my boat instead of sailing it?

Where do you intend sailing to? Pattaya Port or Phuket? Suggest Phuket as the optimum sailing and recreation area from a yachting point of view. Also close to Langkawi Malaysia which is duty free. Importing is simple and very regimented. Customs usually refer to the internet for simiiar boats to get a value. If you have a known make the valuation will be simple and straight forward. VAT to pay plus some smaller fees + you then have to pay to have the boat registered at the Harbour Masters office ( needs to be renewed every year- small fee). You can own the boat 100% asa no commercial vessel. Your retirment visa will be accepted if you are the skipper/crew on entry so you dont have to go out and come back in again to activate. The is a exellant agent in Phuket. Porntip Logistics - owner Porntip. She speaks very good English. If you choose Pattaya / Lam Chabang Port she can also handle there even though she is Phuket based. You do not have to have any sort of specific visa to import a boat into Thailand. All you need is a address for the registration and a few other simple details. You can apply for your retirment visa in Thailand if you wish - also very simple and easy - but you need to have 800,000B in a Thailand bank account in your name for over 3 months before you apply. Retirement visa application is around 1,800B - if you want to leave and come back to Thailand frequently then you need a multiple reentry permit 3,900B. This can all be done at the Phuket Town Immigration office if you come to Phuket. There a volenteer western helpers at immigration for assistance filling the forms out. A few photo copys etc of all documents plus a letter from your bank that the money is in the account is all you need.

A simple answer to all your questions ::: IT IS ALL A VERY SIMPLE PROCESS.

Certainly look at www.windowsonlifestyle.com for related information on importing and also visa applications.

I have been involved in importing about 7 yachts so far all managed by Porntip Logistics for import.

I have lived in Phuket for around 13 years - own a boat and imported it when they relaxed the regulations. Have never regretted doing that!