Who's On First?

[patsfangr]

I am a 62-year old U.S. citizen. My wife is a Thai national. We have been married for over 30 years, and lived in the U.S. for most of that time. We are planning to purchase a house in Thailand, and move there for permanent residence when I retire, which will be sometime within the next 1-2 years. I expect my monthly income from pension and U.S. Social Security to be in excess of $3000/month.

We are not certain of the best sequence of events required to meet our needs; or of the best Visa process for me to pursue, in order to complete our plan. My questions are:

1. Will it be OK if my wife preceeds me to Thailand in order to select and purchase the house?

2. Since I cannot own land in Thailand, should I pursue getting the land in her name, and the house in my name? What issues would arise with regard to property in the event that she should die before I do? (Painful, but practical question!)

3. Can property purchase be handled with her in Thailand, and me still in the U.S., if we are to split the land and house ownership?

4. What is the best way to get the money to purchase the property into Thailand? My wife has an old account with Bangkok Bank. I do not currently have an account with any Thai bank. These funds are expected to be in excess of $75000.

4. What type of visa should I apply for, since I am retired, but considering that fact that I may want to work in Thailand later? Should I worry about the work issue later, since I would not expect to seek employment immediately?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time passes. But that's quite a chunk of information to ask for in one shot! Sorry!

Thanks for any and all help provided!

[expatinasia]

All of your questions have been answered many times previously. I suggest using the SEARCH function.

[lopburi3]

1. Wife can come anytime and she should have a Thai passport (use to enter) and current ID card and be listed on a home register - do they are items that sould be checked.

2. I would just have her buy the house and not worry about the future (would you really want to stay there without her?) but will let others provide details. You might also try searching.

3. Those that have tried will have to answer; but as your signature is required for her to purchase land I highly doubt it.

4(a). Wire transfer it into Bangkok Bank account. As the money has to be declared hers alone to purchase property the account in her name only is fine.

4(. You should obtain a non immigrant O class visa on the basis of your marriage to a Thai national. Use marriage certificate as proof along with copy of her passport or ID card. You can extend that visa with 400k in Thai bank account and/or proof of 40k per month pension/income. That type of visa can also be used to obtain a work permit.

[Khun Larry]

I am a 62-year old U.S. citizen. My wife is a Thai national. We have been married for over 30 years, and lived in the U.S. for most of that time. We are planning to purchase a house in Thailand, and move there for permanent residence when I retire, which will be sometime within the next 1-2 years. I expect my monthly income from pension and U.S. Social Security to be in excess of $3000/month.

We are not certain of the best sequence of events required to meet our needs; or of the best Visa process for me to pursue, in order to complete our plan.    My questions are:

1. Will it be OK if my wife preceeds me to Thailand in order to select and purchase the house?

2. Since I cannot own land in Thailand, should I pursue getting the land in her name, and the house in my name? What issues would arise with regard to property in the event that she should die before I do? (Painful, but practical question!)

3. Can property purchase be handled with her in Thailand, and me still in the U.S., if we are to split the land and house ownership?

4. What is the best way to get the money to purchase the property into Thailand? My wife has an old account with Bangkok Bank. I do not currently have an account with any Thai bank. These funds are expected to be in excess of $75000. 4. What type of visa should I apply for, since I am retired, but considering that fact that I may want to work in Thailand later? Should I worry about the work issue later, since I would not expect to seek employment immediately?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as time passes. But that's quite a chunk of information to ask for in one shot!    Sorry!   

Thanks for any and all help provided!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The best thing you can do in Thailand is rent.

I highly recommend you leave the bulk of your money state side where you are more likely to hang on to it