Glenaron

Coming from the US how hard is it to pick up an American vehicle? I drive a Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins turbo diesel, is something like that available?

I wanted to get some input from people who have brought pets into the country. I am coming from the US, Los Angeles to be exact and will be bringing my wife and 2 children a few weeks after I get there. We do have a wonderful pet dog, Nina (lab mutt) who we are unwilling to leave behind. What steps should I follow to bring her to the country? Will I find leasing a nice home in the 60K - 80K baht range with a dog? Will I have to worry about my pets safety from anyone? What kind of vaccinations are required, any other fees or anything in bringing a pet? Thanks in advance.

Scott

Well regardless of your "opinion" I will be there in less than 2 months. I have done minimal research into relocation because 1. I simply have had no time. 2. I was placed in the position 8 days ago. I will be working in the Jewelry Trade Center building and was trying to figure out my best resources for housing when I came across this site and figured I would ask some questions. Now that I have read through the other posts, I will plan on not making any posts here again. And actually if ever asked I will recommend some of the other sites(that have been extremely polite and helpful) I have been to rather than this one, due to the nasty emails I have gotten from people from my post here.

Good day.

Sorry lopburi, I have a 4 year commitment to this position when the company relocates me. I didn't mean to say that I will only be there for a few months.

I see it is clearly a mistake for asking this group for suggestions and recommendations, rather than offer constructive information or anything meaningfull I have been called a troll and naive (yes coming from Nebraska my entire life I may be naive, I thought your group my help remove some of my ignorance, obviously you are so caught up in your own self concevied grandeur you have no desire to assist anyone else). I'm sorry fellas I retract my questions and hope that I have nothing further to do with your silly little group. As for the (at) in my email that keeps programs from harvesting my email address and spamming me, if you aren't intelligent enough to ask first before berating someone over its use then you obviously arent the person I want to talk to.

I hate to lump everyone together but Expat friendliness has left a rather bitter taste in my mouth so far.

Ok here is my scenario, I have been hired by an Asian company as Director of IT to head up their shop in Bangkok. I am currently in Los Angeles and will be working at the company headquarters there for the next few months. When I apply for the Visa to come into the country do I apply with the US or Thailand? Do I need anything from the US other than a passport? I currently do not have a passport how long does this process take? What kinds of information does the Visa issuing authority need from me and my family (pregnant wife and 2 kids)?

Some other side questions, I will maintain my current salary here in the states in the $150,000 range. Is this going to be adequate to live comfortably in Bangkok or should I pursue an increase to cover living expenses. How can I arrange my finances to minimize my tax liability? Should I get a local salary and a salary here in the states or should i get a purely Thai salary as I hear Thai taxes max out at about $4K USD or is this incorrect?

I am bringing my wife and children with me, is it safe to bring them day one? Or should I wait a few months and find a home? I understand the domestic help in Thailand is of exceptional quality, what could I reasonably expect to pay for maid service, groundskeepers, nanny's and possibly a live in teacher?

As far as driving, coming from LA I think anything will be an inprovement, will I be able to drive? How does one get around there?

I am curious about purchasing a home and how mortgages are handled there, or would I be better off renting. Some cursory searches have shown me some very nice properties that seem too good to be true with servant house and guest homes for under $300K. When you purchase a house do they typically come furnished or is that an added expense? I don't think me shipping my home furniture would be a wise move. Anyway I actually have a lot more questions and hope that I can pick up more information here if anyone has any services or advice please post it here or feel free to email me at (deleted by author).

Thanks for all of your help.