Need Advice For Retiring To Thailand

[pepsi666]

Hi Everyone

I am seriously thinking of retiring to Thailand (LOS)

BUT......

I have tried various links and websites for advice and so far all I have got is estate agents and various people trying to flog me something (this ThaiLongStay program)

I have subscribed to various magazines which are sent over sort of regular (but they are full of ad's)

Would anyone be prepared to help out with WHAT I actually need and require for retiring in Thailand ?

Do I actually need this longstay program or can it be done without it ?

Type of visa and would it have to be done BEFORE leaving the UK, and where do I get it from ?

Any advice about the 30+30+30 lease program ? who, what and where ?

I like the Pattaya/Mapbruchan area, but am open to suggestions

Is it worth renting for a while (just to see how things go) and any recommendations, please

I'd prefer recommendations rather than being pointed at a estate/lawyer/solicitor, people who YOU have worked with and not ripped off

I am over 50 so I know I qaulify for the reirement visa and have savings (but havent won the lottery)

A rough idea of living costs would be nice to know as well (gas/power/internet/shopping/etc)

Dont have a Thai wife or GF (my scouse wife wont let me) so actually owning a property is out of the question, hence the 30+30+30 thing or renting

[mosquitoman]

The only question I can answer is to rent a property for the first year say before taking the plunge into buying or leasing land.

MM

[lopburi3]

You do not need to use anyone to stay in Thailand on retirement. You could start by looking at the Non Immigrant O-A visa information at the London Embassy web site

Or you could both obtain a regular non immigrant O visa and one change to retirement extension inside Thailand were they only requirement is financial proof of 65k income per month or 800k in bank account 3 months (spouse does not need the financial).

You should rent as do not believe there is a real 30+30+30 under Thai law (there is a lot of half troths in the real estate arena) and you should take the time to understand before you get talked into something that may not be lawful or hold up in court.

Remember that goods shipped here will not be duty free so you will probably not want to bring much.

What will you do for medical coverage? What will you do for banking?

[geoffphuket]

Assuming you are in the Uk, a non O visa based on retirement can be obtained from the Thai consulates in Birmingham or Hull, or the royal Thai embassy in London by postal application only I believe. "Yes" these are best obtained before entering Thailand

There is no official long stay program in Thailand, so don't be fooled by anyone telling you otherwise.

In your situation a lease agreement is the way to go for property. You will need the service of a good lawyer to draw up a written contract and have it registered at the local land office . Last time I checked this has to be renewed every 15 years. if you don't do this, the agreement will lapse into a personal one with the land owner and if a dispute arrises you could find yourself in deep water. Ask around for recomendations, there's always someone who will advise a good lawyer.

My personal opinion would be to rent first and see if you like it or not; not everyone settles here - and it's not the same as being on holiday....so don't burn all your bridges back 'home'

Living costs...hmmm, well that depends on your life style. Expect the electric bill for a small house with 1 aircon' to be 1000-2000 Bt/month. Gas is bought by the bottle at about 350Baht - enough for 6 months or more. Internet - depends on how reliable a service you want! From few hundred baht a month, to many thousands!

A typical shopping bill at the local supermarket is likely to be half the cost of what you'd expect to pay in the UK - much depends on whether you're buying imported or local produce.

Phuket is good - Suppose I've got to say that, having been here for nearly 10 years now. Has everything, shopping, nightlife, beaches.

And my final piece of advise - GO FOR IT else you'll never know!

Geoffphuket

edit for typo

Edited May 6, 2007 by geoffphuket

[Penkoprod]

Another thing to factor in will be the ever upwardly shifting monetary requirements, and inflation

That 800,000 requirement stated above could be 1,000,000 in a short space of time, 1,500,000 in 10 years time, for instance.

Also exchange rates long term need to be considered. You need to ask yourself if you can meet the above requirements, should the Baht be at, say 50 or less to the pound (in time it could be)

Renting seems to be the better idea accomodation wise, at least in the short-medium term, but, that too isnt ideal.

You should note that some (most?) landlords tend to "gouge" tennents on thigs like water and electric bills, so, if you dont get a lease that stipulates you pay direct to water and electric companies, then find out just how much of a "premium" you will be paying.

The best advice anyone can give is to leave yourself in a postion where you can walk away without too much trouble and financial loss, should things go pear shaped for you.

Penkoprod

[pepsi666]

Thanks for the replies, VERY much appreciated

I thought the 30+30+30 was Thai inspired, it featured quite a bit in the forums

Would that import duty be for ANYTHING I bought in from the UK (ie funiture, fridge/freezer/car, <its a Jeep>))

I would be keeping my house in the UK, but renting it out, (and just in case things dont work out)

I have a HSBC bank account, would that suffice or would it have to be a Thai bank (Krung, military, National)

If I got the 'O' Visa, would I be doing these border runs ?

[geoffphuket]

Thanks for the replies, VERY much appreciated

I thought the 30+30+30 was Thai inspired, it featured quite a bit in the forums

Would that import duty be for ANYTHING I bought in from the UK (ie funiture, fridge/freezer/car, <its a Jeep>))

I would be keeping my house in the UK, but renting it out, (and just in case things dont work out)

I have a HSBC bank account, would that suffice or would it have to be a Thai bank (Krung, military, National)

If I got the 'O' Visa, would I be doing these border runs ?

You could make a personal lease agreement for 100+100+100 years but it wouldn't be valid at the local land office - or in court

I believe you can bring in secondhand, personal belongings, within 6 months of your arrival on an 'O' visa - tax free.

FORGET trying to import a vehicle unless you've unlimited finance available to pay the import duties! It's much cheaper to buy a secondhand one here.

800K Bt has to be on deposit in a Thai bank for the yearly visa extension.

No visa runs

geoffphuket

[lopburi3]

The six month duty free rule applies to those with a work permit - not those on retirement.

Vehicles are highly taxed so would not even consider that.

The banking question is how will you obtain funds in Thailand. Wire transfer is usually the most cost effective way which means you need to set up a wire transfer agreement before you move here and then open an account here to wire into. Even having the same bank here and there does not really help that much as they are completely independent. But not a major problem - just on the of details to watch for.

800k only has to be on deposit if you can not meet the 65k monthly income as certified by your Embassy. But for extensions of stay from Immigration here it would have to be in a bank located in Thailand.

Once you obtain an O-A visa or extension of stay (you renew yearly) you do not have to make border runs.

[geoffphuket]

The six month duty free rule applies to those with a work permit - not those on retirement.

Vehicles are highly taxed so would not even consider that.

The banking question is how will you obtain funds in Thailand. Wire transfer is usually the most cost effective way which means you need to set up a wire transfer agreement before you move here and then open an account here to wire into. Even having the same bank here and there does not really help that much as they are completely independent. But not a major problem - just on the of details to watch for.

800k only has to be on deposit if you can not meet the 65k monthly income as certified by your Embassy. But for extensions of stay from Immigration here it would have to be in a bank located in Thailand.

Once you obtain an O-A visa or extension of stay (you renew yearly) you do not have to make border runs.

We've some friends that brought their entire house and garage contents here several years ago, on a retirement basis - they didn't have to pay any duty at all - I stand corrected if the regulations have changed since.

geoffphuket

[lopburi3]

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/House...nuNme=HouseHold

Requirements for Duty Free Allowance

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

Requirements for Changing of Residence

1. Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the requirements listed below:

2. Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or

Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand will be regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:

(2.1) The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or

(2.2) The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.

3. Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) will be regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

Note : Nonresidents entering into the Kingdom with a non-immigrant visa "code O" who wish to retire in Thailand or accompany spouses of Thai residents are not qualified for (1)

[Krub]

Thanks for the replies, VERY much appreciated

I thought the 30+30+30 was Thai inspired, it featured quite a bit in the forums

Would that import duty be for ANYTHING I bought in from the UK (ie funiture, fridge/freezer/car, <its a Jeep>))

I would be keeping my house in the UK, but renting it out, (and just in case things dont work out)

I have a HSBC bank account, would that suffice or would it have to be a Thai bank (Krung, military, National)

If I got the 'O' Visa, would I be doing these border runs ?

A lease registerred at the land office is good for 30 years. You are coverred in court for that period.

Any further extension of the lease is up to both parties at renewal time. A clause to that effect can be included in the original lease but is not recognized by the land office and has not been tested in court.

Furniture is cheap in Thailand, probably cheaper than the cost of shipping, electrical goods will not work in Thailand which is 100V and not 230 like the UK. Buy a car locally as shipping and taxes will make it prohibitive

If your HSBC account is in Bangkok it will do for immigration otherwise open one once in Thailand near your place of stay

Once you have a Non-Im O visa, get it extended in Thailand for a year before expiry of your first 90 days period of stay. That way no need to do 'runs'. For that extension, you need a letter from UK Embassy stating an income of more than 65k per month.

Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are expensive (by Thai standard), maybe look at Chiang Mai area also.

I would come for at least a year and travle around before deciding where to settle with a long lease.

Good luck

[sierra01]

Which parts of Thailand are 100 volts Krub? I lived in Lampang and BKK and it was all 220 volts, so anything form the UK works on that.

[lopburi3]

The electric in Thailand is the same as in the UK/Europe and much of the world. 230v at 50Hz.

[sierra01]

Oops, scratch out 220 and insert 230, thanks Lopburi.

[geoffphuket]

Thanks for the replies, VERY much appreciated

I thought the 30+30+30 was Thai inspired, it featured quite a bit in the forums

Would that import duty be for ANYTHING I bought in from the UK (ie funiture, fridge/freezer/car, <its a Jeep>))

I would be keeping my house in the UK, but renting it out, (and just in case things dont work out)

I have a HSBC bank account, would that suffice or would it have to be a Thai bank (Krung, military, National)

If I got the 'O' Visa, would I be doing these border runs ?

A lease registerred at the land office is good for 30 years. You are coverred in court for that period.

Any further extension of the lease is up to both parties at renewal time. A clause to that effect can be included in the original lease but is not recognized by the land office and has not been tested in court.

Furniture is cheap in Thailand, probably cheaper than the cost of shipping, electrical goods will not work in Thailand which is 100V and not 230 like the UK. Buy a car locally as shipping and taxes will make it prohibitive

If your HSBC account is in Bangkok it will do for immigration otherwise open one once in Thailand near your place of stay

Once you have a Non-Im O visa, get it extended in Thailand for a year before expiry of your first 90 days period of stay. That way no need to do 'runs'. For that extension, you need a letter from UK Embassy stating an income of more than 65k per month.

Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are expensive (by Thai standard), maybe look at Chiang Mai area also.

I would come for at least a year and travle around before deciding where to settle with a long lease.

Good luck

Wrong - Thailand has 220v 50hz mains supply, so most Uk appliances will work. Tv's maybe an exception depending on sound specifications . Thai Tv's have 5.5Mhz carrier as oposed to the Uk's 6.0Mhz.

geoffphuket

[Krub]

Thanks for the replies, VERY much appreciated

I thought the 30+30+30 was Thai inspired, it featured quite a bit in the forums

Would that import duty be for ANYTHING I bought in from the UK (ie funiture, fridge/freezer/car, <its a Jeep>))

I would be keeping my house in the UK, but renting it out, (and just in case things dont work out)

I have a HSBC bank account, would that suffice or would it have to be a Thai bank (Krung, military, National)

If I got the 'O' Visa, would I be doing these border runs ?

A lease registerred at the land office is good for 30 years. You are coverred in court for that period.

Any further extension of the lease is up to both parties at renewal time. A clause to that effect can be included in the original lease but is not recognized by the land office and has not been tested in court.

Furniture is cheap in Thailand, probably cheaper than the cost of shipping, electrical goods will not work in Thailand which is 100V and not 230 like the UK. Buy a car locally as shipping and taxes will make it prohibitive

If your HSBC account is in Bangkok it will do for immigration otherwise open one once in Thailand near your place of stay

Once you have a Non-Im O visa, get it extended in Thailand for a year before expiry of your first 90 days period of stay. That way no need to do 'runs'. For that extension, you need a letter from UK Embassy stating an income of more than 65k per month.

Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok are expensive (by Thai standard), maybe look at Chiang Mai area also.

I would come for at least a year and travle around before deciding where to settle with a long lease.

Good luck

Wrong - Thailand has 220v 50hz mains supply, so most Uk appliances will work. Tv's maybe an exception depending on sound specifications . Thai Tv's have 5.5Mhz carrier as oposed to the Uk's 6.0Mhz.

geoffphuket

Mea culpa, my mistake.

[pepsi666]

hold on, hang about, I wouldnt be bringing anything major like a TV with me, might consider bringing my Yank style fridge/freezer

It would be my furniture, beds (its a water bed) and odds and ends, it would probably be a lot cheaper to get major items from Thailand, rather than importing them

UK TV I can get via the internet (thats why I asked about internet connections) in fact I can get most US and UK TV via the internet, even more so if TV streaming goes ahead (Thai TV is appalling, even the English speaking channels (BUT hey Ho thats Thailand)

[Naam]

We've some friends that brought their entire house and garage contents here several years ago, on a retirement basis - they didn't have to pay any duty at all - I stand corrected if the regulations have changed since.

in 2005 i brought in a 40foot high cube container with 60m3 contents on a retirement visa. import duties had to be paid (1,800 us-dollars) but this amount was negligible in comparison with the total value imported.

[JR Texas]

We've some friends that brought their entire house and garage contents here several years ago, on a retirement basis - they didn't have to pay any duty at all - I stand corrected if the regulations have changed since.

in 2005 i brought in a 40foot high cube container with 60m3 contents on a retirement visa. import duties had to be paid (1,800 us-dollars) but this amount was negligible in comparison with the total value imported.

JR Texas: All good advice......just would add that you should not purchase anything of significant value, especially a house or condo or car. Things are too unstable now.......many expats have left LOS and others are in line to leave in the near future.

Thailand is no longer (and never was) "paradise." Xenophobia has surfaced and many expats (rich and not rich) feel like they are no longer welcome here. The visa rules, related to the securitization of migration, are making it increasingly difficult for expats to live and/or invest here.

Just rent a small condo and start talking with as many expats as possible about the situation. The more information you get, the better your decision-making will be. Some expats are totally unrealistic and will always take the "Love Thailand or Leave It" position.....or the "Nothing is Wrong with Thailand" position. Others have a more balanced view. Still others, perhaps, myself included, take a rather strong and negative position with regard to where Thailand is heading.

My view is that Thailand is rapidly losing its status as a desirable retirement haven. But that is my view. Some people love it here. It certainly helps if you are extremely rich. But, even then, you still have to deal with the deteriorating situation on the ground.

GOOD LUCK!

[lotus eater]

I can get most US and UK TV via the internet, even more so if TV streaming goes ahead

How? I mean I don't find that much bbc tv available - especially on my tt&t internet connexion in Chiang Mai. However I readily admit my lack of expertise. Can someone enlighten me - in simple terms - about getting much from bbc2 or bbc4?

[Edonista]

Hi Everyone

I am seriously thinking of retiring to Thailand (LOS)

BUT......

I have tried various links and websites for advice and so far all I have got is estate agents and various people trying to flog me something (this ThaiLongStay program)

I have subscribed to various magazines which are sent over sort of regular (but they are full of ad's)

Would anyone be prepared to help out with WHAT I actually need and require for retiring in Thailand ?

Do I actually need this longstay program or can it be done without it ?

Type of visa and would it have to be done BEFORE leaving the UK, and where do I get it from ?

Any advice about the 30+30+30 lease program ? who, what and where ?

I like the Pattaya/Mapbruchan area, but am open to suggestions

Is it worth renting for a while (just to see how things go) and any recommendations, please

I'd prefer recommendations rather than being pointed at a estate/lawyer/solicitor, people who YOU have worked with and not ripped off

I am over 50 so I know I qaulify for the reirement visa and have savings (but havent won the lottery)

A rough idea of living costs would be nice to know as well (gas/power/internet/shopping/etc)

Dont have a Thai wife or GF (my scouse wife wont let me) so actually owning a property is out of the question, hence the 30+30+30 thing or renting

Actually farangs are no more welcome in Thailand.

And for sure Thailand does not deserve your financial support.

I suggest you to retire in Philippines or Malaysia

[rocky3]

The Thai's do make it difficult to immigrate to Thailand. Its virtually impossible to move here and start a new life. There are alot of restrictions on employment, but you can retire here as long as you meet the income requirements and are over 50 years of age. 65K per month income is what the law requires now. You can get a non immigarnt O visa in UK and yearly extensions once you are here and continue to meet the income requirement. I believe you still must report your address every 90 days while in Thailand even while on an extension of stay.

Edonista Why are you so negative about Thailand?

[pepsi666]

Hi Everyone

I am seriously thinking of retiring to Thailand (LOS)

BUT......

I have tried various links and websites for advice and so far all I have got is estate agents and various people trying to flog me something (this ThaiLongStay program)

I have subscribed to various magazines which are sent over sort of regular (but they are full of ad's)

Would anyone be prepared to help out with WHAT I actually need and require for retiring in Thailand ?

Do I actually need this longstay program or can it be done without it ?

Type of visa and would it have to be done BEFORE leaving the UK, and where do I get it from ?

Any advice about the 30+30+30 lease program ? who, what and where ?

I like the Pattaya/Mapbruchan area, but am open to suggestions

Is it worth renting for a while (just to see how things go) and any recommendations, please

I'd prefer recommendations rather than being pointed at a estate/lawyer/solicitor, people who YOU have worked with and not ripped off

I am over 50 so I know I qaulify for the reirement visa and have savings (but havent won the lottery)

A rough idea of living costs would be nice to know as well (gas/power/internet/shopping/etc)

Dont have a Thai wife or GF (my scouse wife wont let me) so actually owning a property is out of the question, hence the 30+30+30 thing or renting

Actually farangs are no more welcome in Thailand.

And for sure Thailand does not deserve your financial support.

I suggest you to retire in Philippines or Malaysia

Thank you for your reply, if you didnt have anything to say, BUT I do support the mecy Certre in Pattaya, WHICH not many Thais seem to want to do, I am not coming over to sponge off thailand, in fact I will be putting money into the Thai economy, can you say the same ?

I will not make any hard and fast moves, as you say, Thailand is moving away from foreign investment and foreigners not as welcome any more, but I think that is a minority, we have them in the UK, but they have their own part, its called the BNP

[eljeque]

Hi Everyone

I am seriously thinking of retiring to Thailand (LOS)

BUT......

I have tried various links and websites for advice and so far all I have got is estate agents and various people trying to flog me something (this ThaiLongStay program)

I have subscribed to various magazines which are sent over sort of regular (but they are full of ad's)

Would anyone be prepared to help out with WHAT I actually need and require for retiring in Thailand ?

Do I actually need this longstay program or can it be done without it ?

*******Not necessary

Type of visa and would it have to be done BEFORE leaving the UK, and where do I get it from ?

*****Contact the Thai Embassy in the UK. Different consulates in different countries will give you different answers. It is in your best interests to talk to the people who will be approving the visa.

Any advice about the 30+30+30 lease program ? who, what and where ?

******NO!!! No 3, no 5, no 10, no 30, and no 30 + 30 + 30 + 30 + 30 anything. You do not need to lease anything.

I like the Pattaya/Mapbruchan area, but am open to suggestions

*****This is like asking someone to spice your food. Come to Thailand, get an inexpensive apartment, and then travel to a couple of different locations and talk to a lot of people at different venues. Also, the country is different from high to low season, at least in the Pattaya area where you mentioned.

Is it worth renting for a while (just to see how things go) and any recommendations, please

******Absolutely. Again, speak to the people wwhom you meet concerning houses and condos and apartments and get their views and why they have them.

I'd prefer recommendations rather than being pointed at a estate/lawyer/solicitor, people who YOU have worked with and not ripped off

I am over 50 so I know I qaulify for the reirement visa and have savings (but havent won the lottery)

*****Present proof of this information to theEmbassy in the UK and they will be very helpful.

A rough idea of living costs would be nice to know as well (gas/power/internet/shopping/etc)

*****It varies from person to person. What kind of life do you live? I know people who get by on 30,000 / month and others who spend that in a week or less.

Dont have a Thai wife or GF (my scouse wife wont let me) so actually owning a property is out of the question, hence the 30+30+30 thing or renting.

****** Rent. You can always move.

[pepsi666]

Thanks to all, some very good and sound advice,

I have downloaded all the forms from the Embassy, so this week, I'll be sounding things out,

I had some misgivings about buying right off, and renting is a better option, as its said, if you dont like one area you can move to another,

I have been in touch with the HSBC and my account can be transferred to their BKK branch, so I think the money side might be okay (AND I can still keep an account in the UK, just in case )

[dsfbrit]

I have an HSBC acount in the UK and Bangkok.

Go to your local UK branch and make sure you understand how their Electronic Funds system work.

Ask to speak to their treasury department.

Best to do all the transfers in Sterling as you get the TT exchange rate (see below):

http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+Bank/We...es/FX+Rates.htm

I have recently had problems with HSBC in the UK with funds transferred from my local branch and so phone their international funds desk in India?? now - and so far all has been OK.

I have shut down my HSBC Bangkok account as I live in Pattaya and do all my transfers to my Pattaya Thai Farmer account.

The HSBC account is a pain to operate unless you live in Bangkok - as I am sure you know HSBC has only the one branch (because of Thai law I am told).

Good Luck - Thailand is great

I retired here 4 years ago and despite the inevitable problems ie: visas, land issues and a military takeover - I think its the best decision I ever made.

[Naam]

Actually farangs are no more welcome in Thailand.

says who???

[Edonista]

Actually farangs are no more welcome in Thailand.

says who???

Immigration and Land Office.

[Edonista]

....and Central Bank of Thailand !

[Naam]

Actually farangs are no more welcome in Thailand.

says who???

Immigration and Land Office.

please quote or refer to any statement from immigration or land offices. you seem to know more than others.