Land Prices

[seaneee]

Hi All,

My wife is from Wiang Chiang Rung area . I spent New Year there, and im in love with the place. Im retiring to Thailand next year and im considering buying some land ( maybe 20 or 30 rai) that way somewhere. Does anyone have any idea how much per rai land is in that area?

My plan is to build a house and maybe start a small pig farm or something. As i will have a reasonable income from abroad it is not imperative to make lots of money, but it would be nice. Is anyone doing something similar? if so id love to hear from you.

[svenivan]

I have seen many of these guys, been here, fell in love with the place, came back, bought land, built a house, started a business....... found out after a year that they cannot compete with the Thais, business down, money gone!

My advice is to come here, rent a house for at least a year, check that Wiang Chiang Rung is the right area for you before you buy land, (maybe after a while you might find it would be nice to be a little bit away from the whole family, after a while you find that the family have 3 brothers, 6 uncles, 8 aunties, 23 cousins and some of them find it easier to go to your house to get a couple of beers than to go to 7/11).

You will also have time to check how the "pig-farm-business" is doing. Competing with Thai people on their homeground is not easy! A couple of years ago even the thai pigfarmers were suffering, price of pork was down 50%.

Having a pigfarm will probably include some employees and that will after a while create headache.

Maybe you find out that it is much more fun to spend some of your time playing golf instead, very good golfcourses both Santiburi and Waterford, and that creates much less headache.

Bla, bla, bla...

The important thing is: Do not rush it ! Because it takes time to just start to understand how things are working here.

Some people have been here for years and still have not a clue, I am probably one.

Yes, I did some investments that I rushed into and knowing what I know today I would never done it. And that was after been living here for 5 years!!!!

But Chiang Rai is a very good place to live, nice people, very beautiful mountains, best climate in Thailand etc etc.

Welcome to Chiang Rai!

[jubby]

Sven Speaks the Truth. Its very, very, very Good Advice.

Anyway, lands prices seem to have gone through the roof recently. You don't want to be seen as in the market to Buy.

Rent a place. Rents are ridiculously cheap, especially out in the sticks. I have a second home , big wooden House with modern Kitchen & bathroom for 1500 baht a month. Thais would pay 1000 baht but farangs are all (without exception) Rich so they can afford it.

Without a shadow of a doubt as soon as you've settled in to your rented accomodation. You'll be overwelmed by people trying to sell land to you. Some for very inflated prices , and some will have financial dificulties and be desperate to sell, so maybe you'll get a better, more reasonable price.

Chiang Rai's a beautiful place though, Indeed.

Welcome to the Rai

Check in the Farming Section for Pig Farming. But do ask yourself do you really want the headache, Its not a level playing field. I'm sure your not so new that you didn't know foreigners cannot own land, so I won't mention it. That Area's probably rubber country, so I doubt there's a lot of land available anyway.

Edited July 4, 2010 by jubby

[kandahar]

seaneee has been following the Farm Forum and the pig raising threads pretty closely. I suspect he is doing his homework.

I don't have any idea of land prices there. Have a look at the web and contact Jeff at Lanna Realty. He can probably find some answers for you.

Good luck.

[seaneee]

Thanks for he quick responses.

Sven i agree with lots of your good advice. Although im only 38, im not a newbie to Thailand having owned a house in Pattaya(company owned) for 6 years. I am quite proficient in Thai also.

Ive done the Pattaya party lifestyle and to be honest im really bored of it. Im lucky enough to have good investments in the Uk that will allow me a reasonable baht income, but the problem is that i have always owned and operated businesses and i will be bored quickly without something to do. I also feel this will be the same for my wife.

As for my wifes family, they all have jobs and most of them live and work in Bangkok, but i certainly wont allow free-loaders to scrounge off me. That said i believe my wifes family are all too proud to expect handouts. The family so far have actually given me more than ive given them.

The pig farming idea is just to keep me busy, but ive also been investigating a tourism led idea thatmight involve a Traditional Thai experience type resort where guests can get involved in cooking lessons, silk spinning, visiting temples etc etc and maybe seeing how a traditional thais live.

Jubby the renting option is something i hadnt thought of so thanks i will consider that. I have made rash decisions in the past and maybe living there for 6 months or so will give me a better idea of what i want. I have been chatting with another forum member who farms in Sisaket and im getting a good idea of how a pig farm works.

Kandahar, thanks for the contact info, i will contact him when i get there in September.

Any more information you guys could give me about Chiang Rai will be really appreciated. Id like to make some farang friends for when i live in CR.

[sceadugenga]

You seem to be well advised seanee, it's best to take into account the "worst case scenario" before investing, and believe me, there are plenty of "worst cases" in Thailand.

But there are plenty of success stories in the farang community as well, I can see that at 38 you're reluctant to indulge in a life of total idleness, I'm over 60 and still look around for things to do. I bought a largish block of land about 4 years ago and subdivided it, all on village type handshake chanotes (titles). I sat and looked at them all this time wondering what I had got myself into and then this year sold the lot at a good profit.

As the boys here say, take your time and have a look around then go with what you think is best for you. Let common sense prevail but let your heart have a say as well.

[PhilB]

Seanee Welcome to the Rai. All of the advice given here is spot on, and nothing that I can add. I have been living in Chiang Rung for about 9 months now and have enjoyed every day of it. If you have any specific questions about Chiang Rung fire away and I will see what I can do.

[villagefarang]

I think the guys have pretty much said it all. Rent first and take your time. Land prices vary greatly because they are often based on what the sellers need or want, rather than the value of the land. Over time opportunities present.

The area you are looking at is nice but not real close to town. If you are looking at pigs you need to be out of town but if you are hoping for a social life, Wiang Chai might be more convenient and that much closer to town.

We moved up here three years ago after thirty years in Bangkok. As much as we love it in Phaya Mengrai, we are still in a period of adjustment.

[svenivan]

Thanks for he quick responses.

Sven i agree with lots of your good advice. Although im only 38, im not a newbie to Thailand having owned a house in Pattaya(company owned) for 6 years. I am quite proficient in Thai also.

Any more information you guys could give me about Chiang Rai will be really appreciated. Id like to make some farang friends for when i live in CR.

Hi seanee, 38 years and time for retiring in Thailand next year! Some people are lucky (and maybe smarter than other).

When I read your original post I saw in front of me a guy 64 years old, came to Thailand maybe first time in December, met a girl in BKK, Phuket, Pattaya and followed her to Wiang Chiang Rung to celebrate New Years Eve.

So my advice was for him.

But still, the idea to rent first to learn to know the area, find out if you want to live 35 klicks from town etc etc then check out the prices yourself.

Landprices are going up. Land at Mae Fah Luang univercity, 20 klicks from town, was 80 000 baht per rai 5 years ago. Today they want 1 million baht for the same land and people are buying.

Welcome to CR, we need some new young blood here with new ideas.

[seaneee]

Hi seanee, 38 years and time for retiring in Thailand next year! Some people are lucky (and maybe smarter than other).

To be fair, i worked really hard since i ;left school and even had 2 full time jobs at times. Ive been job sharing with my dad ( property rentals and more) for the last 10 years and i have spent half the last 10 years in Pattaya where i own ( company) a nice house.

When I read your original post I saw in front of me a guy 64 years old, came to Thailand maybe first time in December, met a girl in BKK, Phuket, Pattaya and followed her to Wiang Chiang Rung to celebrate New Years Eve.

To be fair i thought your advice was good for me also.

So my advice was for him.

But still, the idea to rent first to learn to know the area, find out if you want to live 35 klicks from town etc etc then check out the prices yourself.

I know we could stay at my wifes grandads house which is big and he lives there alone, but storing all my furniture might be an issue.

Landprices are going up. Land at Mae Fah Luang univercity, 20 klicks from town, was 80 000 baht per rai 5 years ago. Today they want 1 million baht for the same land and people are buying.

I have seen some land priced around the 100k/rai price on the net, but ive also seen land at 500k/rai so i will see whats available when i get there.

Welcome to CR, we need some new young blood here with new ideas.

Im not so sure about the new ideas, but i would like to meet a few fellow expats for occasional socialising. I feel this is imperative and a good safety net if things ever go wrong.

[villagefarang]

Here I was thinking you were a level headed guy with a good portion of common sense, and then you go and refer to us as "a good safety net if things ever go wrong". Now I'm really beginning to doubt my previous opinion. You give us far too much credit. Don't know about the whole safety net thing but we will try not weigh you down…too much. (trying to be humorous)

As for retiring at 38, I did it at 40 and have never been happier, so it can be done.

[seaneee]

As for retiring at 38, I did it at 40 and have never been happier, so it can be done.

Well as i said i dont think im the retiring type, and i might try to take up golf, but a hobby farm seems just the ticket. Hope to meet lots of new friends and we are trying for a family so a baby somchai might keep me busy.

How long have u been retired? What do you do to keep busy?

[mumbojumbo]

Take it easy, like many people have told u and remember "A fool and his money will soon be parted", and "Never spend more than you can afford to lose"

[villagefarang]

"As for retiring at 38, I did it at 40 and have never been happier, so it can be done. "

Well as i said i dont think im the retiring type, and i might try to take up golf, but a hobby farm seems just the ticket. Hope to meet lots of new friends and we are trying for a family so a baby somchai might keep me busy.

How long have u been retired? What do you do to keep busy?

I've been retired for roughly 16 years. Only the last three, here in the Rai. The first year was taken up with building the house. The second year focused on various projects, around and inside the house, as well as developing some hobbies and outdoor interests. My profile page lists some on my interests and has a link to my blog.

I started off small by walking the fields and trails in our area with my dogs and a camera. Then moved on to mountain biking, and areas beyond comfortable hiking distance. Later I progressed to motorcycles and exploring further afield. More recently I have taken to harassing members on the Chiang Rai Forum and tormenting all those I encounter on the back roads of the Rai, while straddling my new Ninja.

I have always valued life and living far above work or being productive. It often feels as if there are too few hours in the day and I wonder how others find time to work. Fortunately for society, I represent a small minority. I would not recommend my path to others, necessarily, as we all have different needs and dispositions.

I was merely offering encouragement to follow your own path and not be constrained by societal expectations. It may not be the case with everyone but chances are you already know what is best for you. Hope that answers your questions. If not, ask something else and I'll make another attempt.

[seaneee]

"As for retiring at 38, I did it at 40 and have never been happier, so it can be done. "

Well as i said i dont think im the retiring type, and i might try to take up golf, but a hobby farm seems just the ticket. Hope to meet lots of new friends and we are trying for a family so a baby somchai might keep me busy.

How long have u been retired? What do you do to keep busy?

I've been retired for roughly 16 years. Only the last three, here in the Rai. The first year was taken up with building the house. The second year focused on various projects, around and inside the house, as well as developing some hobbies and outdoor interests. My profile page lists some on my interests and has a link to my blog.

I started off small by walking the fields and trails in our area with my dogs and a camera. Then moved on to mountain biking, and areas beyond comfortable hiking distance. Later I progressed to motorcycles and exploring further afield. More recently I have taken to harassing members on the Chiang Rai Forum and tormenting all those I encounter on the back roads of the Rai, while straddling my new Ninja.

I have always valued life and living far above work or being productive. It often feels as if there are too few hours in the day and I wonder how others find time to work. Fortunately for society, I represent a small minority. I would not recommend my path to others, necessarily, as we all have different needs and dispositions.

I was merely offering encouragement to follow your own path and not be constrained by societal expectations. It may not be the case with everyone but chances are you already know what is best for you. Hope that answers your questions. If not, ask something else and I'll make another attempt.

I just read your blog page, and we share quite a few hobbies and interests. Motorbikes used to be my life, but after my brother in law got killed on a blade i vowed never to ride anything bigger than my nouvo. I have two beautiful Pug dogs.( Kup-Kip and Pakbung) and i love walking them and playing with them. I also have a mountain bike, but hardly use it now. I have a lovely dlsr camera but i havent got a clue how to use it and joining a camera club has been high on my list of to-dos for many years.

My biggest worry is that my monthly income would be only around 50/60 k but as time goes on my income will go up as my investments mature. I also should end up with around 6 or 7 mill baht when my property in Pattaya is sold to enable me to make the move to CR.

This is a very exciting time of mine and my wifes lives and i pray it all works out for us.

Thanks guys for all your comments and i hope to meet many of you when i get to CR.

[lukamar]

"My plan is to build a house and maybe start a small pig farm"

Before you spend a lot of money you need to be aware that some jobs are not allowed under Thai law. I'm defiantly not an expert on this, so you would be well advised to seek competent legal advice.

There are 39 jobs that are not allowed under The Foreign Business Act and restricted occupations. Work in agriculture, animal breeding, forestry, fishery or general farm supervision is one of them. In any event as a foreigner you would need a work permit to do anything. Normally foreign people are turned into immigration by their Thai competitors, so be warned. Having said that in the end it's up to you, lots of people run businesses without work permits, I know a guy in Korat who runs a goat farm, but they do run the risk of problems. BTW, you are also too young to get a retirement visa, retired or not.

[bifftastic]

"As for retiring at 38, I did it at 40 and have never been happier, so it can be done. "

Well as i said i dont think im the retiring type, and i might try to take up golf, but a hobby farm seems just the ticket. Hope to meet lots of new friends and we are trying for a family so a baby somchai might keep me busy.

How long have u been retired? What do you do to keep busy?

I've been retired for roughly 16 years. Only the last three, here in the Rai. The first year was taken up with building the house. The second year focused on various projects, around and inside the house, as well as developing some hobbies and outdoor interests. My profile page lists some on my interests and has a link to my blog.

I started off small by walking the fields and trails in our area with my dogs and a camera. Then moved on to mountain biking, and areas beyond comfortable hiking distance. Later I progressed to motorcycles and exploring further afield. More recently I have taken to harassing members on the Chiang Rai Forum and tormenting all those I encounter on the back roads of the Rai, while straddling my new Ninja.

I have always valued life and living far above work or being productive. It often feels as if there are too few hours in the day and I wonder how others find time to work. Fortunately for society, I represent a small minority. I would not recommend my path to others, necessarily, as we all have different needs and dispositions.

I was merely offering encouragement to follow your own path and not be constrained by societal expectations. It may not be the case with everyone but chances are you already know what is best for you. Hope that answers your questions. If not, ask something else and I'll make another attempt.

I just read your blog page, and we share quite a few hobbies and interests. Motorbikes used to be my life, but after my brother in law got killed on a blade i vowed never to ride anything bigger than my nouvo. I have two beautiful Pug dogs.( Kup-Kip and Pakbung) and i love walking them and playing with them. I also have a mountain bike, but hardly use it now. I have a lovely dlsr camera but i havent got a clue how to use it and joining a camera club has been high on my list of to-dos for many years.

My biggest worry is that my monthly income would be only around 50/60 k but as time goes on my income will go up as my investments mature. I also should end up with around 6 or 7 mill baht when my property in Pattaya is sold to enable me to make the move to CR.

This is a very exciting time of mine and my wifes lives and i pray it all works out for us.

Thanks guys for all your comments and i hope to meet many of you when i get to CR.

i reckon your set mate, once you make the big purchases 50/60k, rising as your investments mature will be plenty. Quite why you'd want to bugger around with pigs (not literally of course!) is a bit puzzling. I understand you'll want something to do but pigs is a smelly hobby. It's a tough one, knowing what to do to occupy yourself, me, I'm looking to buy a small house and find something that pays me a relatively small income, probably half what you'll be on, so if you find something less smelly and you need another farang to help you, let me know Oh and the g/f has already got the 2 small dogs (apparently half poodle half shitzu?) Yooli and Toong Ngern and they're lots of fun too. I always look forward to pootling around on the fino but she decided it needed 43 minnie mouse stickers all over it so now I'm slightly less enthusiastic!

Congrats on getting the visa for the mrs btw and I hope everything goes well with your move