Uk Man Needs Advice

[Mister Fixit]

Hi

I'm from the UK, leaving there on 31 October. Staying in BKK for a few weeks where I know someone, then heading down to Koh Samui probably permanently, but certainly for 6 months or so.

I'm divorced, grown children in UK and NOT looking for a Thai wife - yet! I'll see how the land lies there.

However, my pal on KS has a pal with an IT business who is looking for someone to help out - maybe even put some money in. We'll meet up and just see how it goes.

However, my pal in BKK is sending me a letter stating that I shall be enrolling on the teacher training course at his college and then teaching English. I might - depends.

I gather that this will allow me to apply for a 12 month non-immigrant multi-entry visa. However, I may end up in Koh Samui instead and may get some work there. Is this discrepancy likely to cause a problem?

Are there any other problems anyone can foresee?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi

I'm from the UK, leaving there on 31 October. Staying in BKK for a few weeks where I know someone, then heading down to Koh Samui probably permanently, but certainly for 6 months or so.

I'm divorced, grown children in UK and NOT looking for a Thai wife - yet! I'll see how the land lies there.

However, my pal on KS has a pal with an IT business who is looking for someone to help out - maybe even put some money in. We'll meet up and just see how it goes.

However, my pal in BKK is sending me a letter stating that I shall be enrolling on the teacher training course at his college and then teaching English. I might - depends.

I gather that this will allow me to apply for a 12 month non-immigrant multi-entry visa. However, I may end up in Koh Samui instead and may get some work there. Is this discrepancy likely to cause a problem?

Are there any other problems anyone can foresee?

Lots. Doesn't your friend know the hurdles. I actually think not.

[Thetyim]

" permanently, but certainly for 6 months or so."

Yes, and in a jail if you do not do it right.

You post does not mention a work permit.

You will need one if you want to do work of ANY kind

[Mister Fixit]

I hadn't actually got as far as mentioning work permits - I was still *trying* to discuss visas.

I was intending to post a new thread regarding work permits in due course.

As to my friend, I gather he *does* know the hurdles and the various ropes, but I was trying to take this one step at a time.

Perhaps the more knowledgeable ones could mention some of the potential hurdles?

BTW, what about retirement visas? I think I may qualify but don't know yet about what the criteria are. Any ideas/suggestions etc?

[lopburi3]

I hadn't actually got as far as mentioning work permits - I was still *trying* to discuss visas.

I was intending to post a new thread regarding work permits in due course.

As to my friend, I gather he *does* know the hurdles and the various ropes, but I was trying to take this one step at a time.

Perhaps the more knowledgeable ones could mention some of the potential hurdles?

BTW, what about retirement visas? I think I may qualify but don't know yet about what the criteria are. Any ideas/suggestions etc?

Long stay (retirement visa) basic:

No work.

You did not provide an age so how would we know? For retirement requirement is age 50 and 800k baht per year from outside Thailand. But if you plan to work it is not what you want.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I hadn't actually got as far as mentioning work permits - I was still *trying* to discuss visas. <_<

I was intending to post a new thread regarding work permits in due course.

As to my friend, I gather he *does* know the hurdles and the various ropes, but I was trying to take this one step at a time.

Perhaps the more knowledgeable ones could mention some of the potential hurdles?

BTW, what about retirement visas? I think I may qualify but don't know yet about what the criteria are. Any ideas/suggestions etc?

Age and Nationality will help

[astral]

In the first sentence he said he is a Brit.

Unless you are 50 years old I suggest you apply for double entry tourist visa. Used carefully, see other posts in this section, that will allow you to stay for 6 months.

If you get a job later you can go to Penang and get a Non Imm B visa to go with the Work Permit that you will need fof the job

[Mister Fixit]

I hadn't actually got as far as mentioning work permits - I was still *trying* to discuss visas. 

I was intending to post a new thread regarding work permits in due course.

As to my friend, I gather he *does* know the hurdles and the various ropes, but I was trying to take this one step at a time.

Perhaps the more knowledgeable ones could mention some of the potential hurdles?

BTW, what about retirement visas?  I think I may qualify but don't know yet about what the criteria are.  Any ideas/suggestions etc?

Long stay (retirement visa) basic:

No work.

You did not provide an age so how would we know? For retirement requirement is age 50 and 800k baht per year from outside Thailand. But if you plan to work it is not what you want.

NO 'legal' work, perhaps. I gather some people do carry out some sort of work despite being on a retirement visa. Illegal perhaps, but I suppose one has to be caught first!

As to age, well, I'd have thought it implicit that I was over 50 as I was asking about retirement, but I'm sorry if I was not more specific. I'm 55. And as someone noticed, I'm a Brit.

I do pass the capital criteria for a retirement visa, but having looked into it further since posting, not the annual income from abroad. I have a small pension and I mean *small*!!

It will pay a fairly hefty proportion of my (hopefully very modest) living expenses so I need to find some work or live on my capital.

So as you say, retirement visas look as though they are out.

[bkk_mike]

As to age, well, I'd have thought it implicit that I was over 50 as I was asking about retirement, but I'm sorry if I was not more specific. I'm 55. And as someone noticed, I'm a Brit.

I know people in their 30s (with rental income from the UK, or sufficient money in the bank!!), who are talking of retiring to a beach somewhere..

Just talking about retirement doesn't imply an age. It just implies you've got enough assets to live off for the rest of your life. (I know I intend to retire before 50 if I can manage it...)

"Nobody on their deathbed ever said - I wish I'd spent more hours at the office...." - I don't remember who said it, and I've probably got it slightly wrong, but I want to retire when I'm still young enough to enjoy life...

[Mister Fixit]

As to age, well, I'd have thought it implicit that I was over 50 as I was asking about retirement, but I'm sorry if I was not more specific.  I'm 55.  And as someone noticed, I'm a Brit.

I know people in their 30s (with rental income from the UK, or sufficient money in the bank!!), who are talking of retiring to a beach somewhere..

Just talking about retirement doesn't imply an age. It just implies you've got enough assets to live off for the rest of your life. (I know I intend to retire before 50 if I can manage it...)

"Nobody on their deathbed ever said - I wish I'd spent more hours at the office...." - I don't remember who said it, and I've probably got it slightly wrong, but I want to retire when I'm still young enough to enjoy life...

Lucky them! Everyone's circumstances are different. However, AIUI, a retirement visa is not available to anyone under the age of 50. Those younger may be able to 'retire' here, but not under a retirement visa.

I'm not a wealthy man, but I have a bit put by. At my age, I can probably live a fairly frugal life and enjoy myself. I'm not into big cars, I have no plans to take over the world, and I am happy all on my own-io. I've had my 4 kids who are all about grown up, set on their paths and I have no long-term relationship to worry about.

Nor, believe it or not, am I especially looking for such a thing with a Thai woman. As you may gather, I've had enough of that to last me a long time - 9 years of litigation over my youngest child from a second mother is enough for most people. Which does not mean that I will not be open to a relationship of some type, and at some time, but I won't be doing much about it until my feet are well under the Thai table.

It would send me round the bend not to be active, and if I can be active earning a crust here and there, I'll do it. I could 'work' by writing, which has earned me a few bob here and there and no-one in Thailand would be any the wiser if I emailed copy elsewhere. No need for a work permit there.

I think at 55, still active, fairly fit and healthy despite a bulging waistline and with a positive outlook there is much to be said for coming out to Thailand when there is little left in the UK. And don't get me started on Tony Blair ...!!

[Nam Kao]

Anti Thai Sentiment removed. /Admin

Edited September 26, 2004 by dr_Pat_Pong

[Mister Fixit]

Anti Thai Sentiment removed. /Admin

I take it this is a moderated group then.

If the message is relevant to my OP, then could the author please PM me with the message?

[wiredmark]

I do pass the capital criteria for a retirement visa, but having looked into it further since posting, not the annual income from abroad. I have a small pension and I mean *small*!!

You only have to pass with one of the criteria, ie the capital OR the income, and I understand you can also use a combination of both, ie 50% capital (400,00 Baht) and 50% income (40,000 Baht)

[Mister Fixit]

I do pass the capital criteria for a retirement visa, but having looked into it further since posting, not the annual income from abroad. I have a small pension and I mean *small*!!

You only have to pass with one of the criteria, ie the capital OR the income, and I understand you can also use a combination of both, ie 50% capital (400,00 Baht) and 50% income (40,000 Baht)

Many thanks for that. I thought it was both. I'll take another look.