500,000 GBP to invest

[HUAHIN62]

Yes keep your money in a UK or US bank its very safe. The FDIC fund is $ 25 bn strong, the total deposits at US commercial banks is $ 9,3 tn and the banks have leveraged the deposits 32 times through financial dirivatives. Don't invest in Thailand its not safe keep your money in the US or UK as its as safe as Cyprus house. Just by the way a safe deposit box at a US bank is not covered by the FDIC.

[bocceball1]

Amazing ....read all the time "Don't invest in Thailand" ..."Thailand is a rip off" ...Etc. Well so far my experience has been great.....Just have to do your research, know what your doing, stay on top of it, and have a great life partner whom you can trust. . Personally I retired here in Thailand 10 years ago. Have property in the US that is providing me with my monthly income and soon I qualify for Social Security (means I'm younger than 62). Bought a double Townhouse in Bangkok 9 years ago (yeah, yeah, yeah, ...I know ...I bought my wife a townhouse)... Its basicly paid for itself by now (rent for the nine years owned is equal to what I paid for it). Then 5 years ago bought a beach property (yeah, yeah ,,,I know ....bought my wife a beachhouse) which we sold after 2 years for double what we paid. Took that money and bought a 200 sq wah property ON the beach and subdivided it into 4 separate lots. The area is in Rayong and property valuations are exploding as Map Ta Put is nearby and growing, The high speed Train (or I guess mid speed train now) will connect to Rayong in a few years, and the motorway which was finished 5 years back made the driving time to Rayong from Bangkok 1 1/2 hours. Have built a house on one of the lots (living in it now) and am in the process of putting 4 one bedroom units on two of the other lots .....for rental income. So keeping busy developing the property and enjoying doing it. Building costs here are low (around 10,000 baht/ sq meter ...done to my western standards with double walls, double 12cm glass etc for soundproofing and western quality build). Soooooooooooooo when done will have a NICE income in addition to what my US properties bring in.....

With all that being said ....my cash in..(.for the Bangkok house, 4 beach lots with one house on it) is $200,000 US.....less than what my previous 3 divorces in the US cost me....so it I have to walk away for all this with nothing....so be it.

That's what I did...What you do with your money is a personal decision that you have to research and decide, and hopefully its something you have a passion for enjoy ....be it stocks, Real estate or some other type of investmetn. Good luck.

[RAZZELL]

If I had £500k this what I would do.

Put a deposit down on two or three buy to lets in the UK (which still has the rule of law) with fixed mortgages for 10 years...will probably lose out in the first 2-3 years but interest rates can only go one way. Would have to do the numbers first.

I would then buy a piece of land somewhere in Bangkok where the "new" BTS/MRT lines will be built. Up in the sticks - maybe past Rangsit , near Safari world or out past Bang Na...all those factory and airport workers gotta live somewhere.

Then I would wait until they actually start building

Then I would build a 30 plus one room condo block (cost maybe £100-150k?) plus land. At 3-5k a month it "could" bring you in 120+k a month. I would imagine you could probably own this as a company rather than being in your wifes name (?)

Enough to live a reasonable life and nice hedge against currency changes.

And you could still have a nice lump in bonds, shares, the SET or whatever you fancy.

Good luck whatever you do

RAZZ

Edited September 1, 2013 by RAZZELL

[oztaurus]

Banks, insurance companies, large stockbroking firms, big chartered accounting firms etc all advise that investment is a long term strategy, buy and hold, don't chase the quick gains, look at Warren Buffet - the world's most successful investor, he buys for the long term (and has a lifetime yield of 19.8% pa) - do you really think you can outdo him?

Meanwhile all of those (except Warren) are busy buying and selling on a daily (or nano-second by nano-second) basis and making huge profits and building the biggest shiniest buildings on the most prestigious real estate in every CBD around the globe.

Things that make you go hmmmmm!

Here is a link that show's one company's strategy of trading vs buy & hold - type any stock code like MSFT or GOOG (works best with US ones) and see the difference between playing the bank's game and taking the bank's advice. They claim a long term return (on their DOW 30 strategy) of about 3% based on a 7 year history .... that is 3% per month. .... well not really spam, but I thought I'd head off the haters

Thai condos? I used to have a 2 bed 2 bath condo (used to? long story, don't ask - you know the answer already ) near ABAC and Ramkhamhaeng unis. Cost 2.1 million baht, rented for 18K/month, even with expenses that was close to 10% ROI and I wasn't even hunting hard for bargains then. 6 months later I could have got its twin one floor up for 1.8million (if I still had the 1.8 - not bitter at all )

A couple of guys I know teach how to make 8 - 12% cashflow in Aussie properties, another one teaches up to 20% cashflow on rent-to's in very specific US properties (Warren Buffet is currently buying 100,000's of US properties using this strategy - could do worse than follow in his wake) and another guy has a really cool way of creating 100%pa capital growth in certain very specific Aussie properties (but it is a long term strategy - 8 to 10 years)

There are lots of things out there that are compatible with various risk profiles and diversified investment preferences. As others have said - do your due diligence, seek info from wider sources than Thai Visa forums before you part with a penny, know what your financial goals are and stick to pathways that lead there, don't go chasing pretty butterflies (when you are in LOS you will broaden your definition of what constitutes "pretty butterflies")

Good luck

Edited September 1, 2013 by oztaurus

[Pilotman]

Pay off mortgages, buy property in UK or Spain/Germany

[al007]

It is very simple you are coming to thailand find youself a young lady and give her the money to look after and you need not worry anymore

[seancbk]

Danny, well done on saving that much before 40.

You mention you have a kid and a wife, so your plan would be totally different to mine (single, will never have kids and may never have a wife)

Best advice would be don't rush into anything. Even if you take another few years to decide what you ultimately want to do with it, just put it somewhere secure and do lots of research into options.

Good luck!

[Gsxrnz]

Try seeking out some second tier merchant banks that specialise in finding equity investors for their commercial client base. You can choose all sorts of private investments with returns and risk levels that suit you.

They have client bases of developing and mature middle level companies seeking funding for growth and development - and I don't mean "start up" companies, but long established private firms that are seeking to seriously expand or grow through acquisitions etc. Often the merchant bank will form a strategy with their client to seek equity from investors with a view to selling or doing an IPO in a 3-5 year period.

These companies are traditionally owned by families or small partnerships that have matured over several decades to a point where they need serious dollars to become dominant in their market, or take a strategic step that will double their balance sheet. Traditional banks are reluctant to take part through debt so the company seeks new equity investors. Often the merchant bank will also take an equity position and assist the company with management and advisory skills to achieve their objectives.

You can put all your eggs in one basket or spread your investments - up to you. The real benefit here is that you are privy to balance sheets and budgets, and can see the anticipated cashflows etc. These are real companies with real assets and real cashflows. Sure, they're not all geese that lay golden eggs, but pick the right investments and serious returns and profits can be made with risk that is acceptable due to the tangible asset base they have.

Interesting.

It's worth a serious look, believe me. I could quote you some numbers that I've achieved through private investments such as this, but the tall poppy brigade will have a go at me and also suggest my SAS membership is questionable. Bugger it, here's the best investment, - Talking 350% p.a ROSF on an original investment made 18 years ago, and 25% return per annum post tax (fully imputed) on the current MV and been that way for the last 10 years, with unrealised capital gains of 1800% over those 18 years, and a lineup of shareholders that want to by me out - um.......nuh, I'll keep the golden Goose, ta very much - where else can I park the cash and get a return like that!

The real benefit is the physically tangible balance sheet. You can go and physically kick the tyres of the company you're investing in, and can even become a director if you have sufficient cash.

A less risky option is become (via the merchant bank) a shareholder in a structured company that purchases dedicated commercial property. Solid long term tenants (often internationally recognised companies), guaranteed rental income, leveraged debt from banks, guaranteed cashflows for the life of the lease (say 8-12 years), and capital gains on top. They're structured on the assumption that you've borrowed 100% of your investment so the COF is the bare minimum they return per annum, paid monthly.

[mjakob1900]

I don't think you have nearly enough money to retire at your age. There is no safe haven right now, especially not one with good yields.

I was just doing some math this morning on what I think would be the amount I would need to retire in Thailand as a single man and I'm 67. I had to figure that I might live to be 92 since my mom lived that long and my dad is alive and well at 96. So I figured 25 years. I didn't figure inflation because I have no idea whether the world will be in recession or high inflation. I just did a straight line.

I figured US$50k just to get set up. That's air fare, visa, a car, a scooter, insurance, licenses and other incidentals until I'm established.

Then I figured a bare minimum of US$2500 per month which atm is 80,000 baht. Who knows what the exchange rate will be? Who knows whether it's best to transfer a bunch of money into baht, or leave it in the US hoping for a better rate?

The 80k pm isn't absolutely necessary, but there are always surprises. I do have more savings in the US and the ability to return to the US if things go sideways.

Bottom line is that I need $50k plus $750k with no thought for inflation. I could eat up a bunch more in medical bills if I have an accident or serious medical emergency. If a big medical problem isn't an emergency, I could fly back to the US where I have health insurance. Still the trip and all would be expensive.

If I need a minimum of US$800k + medical at my age, I think you're dreaming.

I tend to agree and very prudent numbers, less inflation.

what would you guys think about investing in a couple of condos to let. would that be a smart call for retirement income?

[mjakob1900]

Try seeking out some second tier merchant banks that specialise in finding equity investors for their commercial client base. You can choose all sorts of private investments with returns and risk levels that suit you.

They have client bases of developing and mature middle level companies seeking funding for growth and development - and I don't mean "start up" companies, but long established private firms that are seeking to seriously expand or grow through acquisitions etc. Often the merchant bank will form a strategy with their client to seek equity from investors with a view to selling or doing an IPO in a 3-5 year period.

These companies are traditionally owned by families or small partnerships that have matured over several decades to a point where they need serious dollars to become dominant in their market, or take a strategic step that will double their balance sheet. Traditional banks are reluctant to take part through debt so the company seeks new equity investors. Often the merchant bank will also take an equity position and assist the company with management and advisory skills to achieve their objectives.

You can put all your eggs in one basket or spread your investments - up to you. The real benefit here is that you are privy to balance sheets and budgets, and can see the anticipated cashflows etc. These are real companies with real assets and real cashflows. Sure, they're not all geese that lay golden eggs, but pick the right investments and serious returns and profits can be made with risk that is acceptable due to the tangible asset base they have.

Interesting.

It's worth a serious look, believe me. I could quote you some numbers that I've achieved through private investments such as this, but the tall poppy brigade will have a go at me and also suggest my SAS membership is questionable. Bugger it, here's the best investment, - Talking 350% p.a ROSF on an original investment made 18 years ago, and 25% return per annum post tax (fully imputed) on the current MV and been that way for the last 10 years, with unrealised capital gains of 1800% over those 18 years, and a lineup of shareholders that want to by me out - um.......nuh, I'll keep the golden Goose, ta very much - where else can I park the cash and get a return like that!

The real benefit is the physically tangible balance sheet. You can go and physically kick the tyres of the company you're investing in, and can even become a director if you have sufficient cash.

A less risky option is become (via the merchant bank) a shareholder in a structured company that purchases dedicated commercial property. Solid long term tenants (often internationally recognised companies), guaranteed rental income, leveraged debt from banks, guaranteed cashflows for the life of the lease (say 8-12 years), and capital gains on top. They're structured on the assumption that you've borrowed 100% of your investment so the COF is the bare minimum they return per annum, paid monthly.

these numbers stack up well.

only concern for me would be sustenance, which you seem to have.

in these markets, anything beyond 3 years shall be deemed to sustainable

can you pls suggest me a few of these second tier banks you would consider?

[Gsxrnz]

Try seeking out some second tier merchant banks that specialise in finding equity investors for their commercial client base. You can choose all sorts of private investments with returns and risk levels that suit you.

They have client bases of developing and mature middle level companies seeking funding for growth and development - and I don't mean "start up" companies, but long established private firms that are seeking to seriously expand or grow through acquisitions etc. Often the merchant bank will form a strategy with their client to seek equity from investors with a view to selling or doing an IPO in a 3-5 year period.

These companies are traditionally owned by families or small partnerships that have matured over several decades to a point where they need serious dollars to become dominant in their market, or take a strategic step that will double their balance sheet. Traditional banks are reluctant to take part through debt so the company seeks new equity investors. Often the merchant bank will also take an equity position and assist the company with management and advisory skills to achieve their objectives.

You can put all your eggs in one basket or spread your investments - up to you. The real benefit here is that you are privy to balance sheets and budgets, and can see the anticipated cashflows etc. These are real companies with real assets and real cashflows. Sure, they're not all geese that lay golden eggs, but pick the right investments and serious returns and profits can be made with risk that is acceptable due to the tangible asset base they have.

Interesting.

It's worth a serious look, believe me. I could quote you some numbers that I've achieved through private investments such as this, but the tall poppy brigade will have a go at me and also suggest my SAS membership is questionable. Bugger it, here's the best investment, - Talking 350% p.a ROSF on an original investment made 18 years ago, and 25% return per annum post tax (fully imputed) on the current MV and been that way for the last 10 years, with unrealised capital gains of 1800% over those 18 years, and a lineup of shareholders that want to by me out - um.......nuh, I'll keep the golden Goose, ta very much - where else can I park the cash and get a return like that!

The real benefit is the physically tangible balance sheet. You can go and physically kick the tyres of the company you're investing in, and can even become a director if you have sufficient cash.

A less risky option is become (via the merchant bank) a shareholder in a structured company that purchases dedicated commercial property. Solid long term tenants (often internationally recognised companies), guaranteed rental income, leveraged debt from banks, guaranteed cashflows for the life of the lease (say 8-12 years), and capital gains on top. They're structured on the assumption that you've borrowed 100% of your investment so the COF is the bare minimum they return per annum, paid monthly.

these numbers stack up well.

only concern for me would be sustenance, which you seem to have.

in these markets, anything beyond 3 years shall be deemed to sustainable

can you pls suggest me a few of these second tier banks you would consider?

I'm a Kiwi, so merchant banks in the UK are unknown to me. My favoured one in NZ is Murray & Co, but there are probably six or seven of equal calibre. Google and I'm sure you'll find plenty in the UK- obviously check their credentials. Look for those that specialise in small/medium size merger and acquisitions. While those words sound a bit top heavy and we associate them with large international corporates, believe me there is a whole host of small companies with balance sheets of say GBP5-50M that are hungry for equity that you can provide.

They generally stay below the radar because they aren't listed and keep out of the news.....until one goes global and suddenly the small investor that got on in the ground floor is beating off the buyers.

I missed out on a classic because I was too wary. A company called trademe was set up on a shoestring from a garage and sold for something like NZD750M about 8 years later. Still gives me nightmares. It wasn't via a merchant bank- the owner was asking for investors via his online auction website - considered giving him 10k, that would be about 10M when he sold to Fairfax.

[Nobbie49]

You may be able to handle financial scam artists which despite clampdowns remain ubiquitous in Th but are you able to handleThai women? Any Thai woman will put any of these skanks to shame.

[BuriramRes]

Danny,

I am launching a commercial website soon, should be ready in a couple of months, if you are interested as an active or passive partner.

It is demonstratable in part already. If you are interested contact me on ****Email removed per forum rule****

Edited September 1, 2013 by metisdead
13) Not to post email addresses in posts due to potential spam problems.

[Naam]

I am in line with a Small Capital Programs that has been returning 25% weekly for over 3 years now Minimum investment is 100k U.S.D.. You open an account in your name and the funds are blocked and cannot be touched by anyone, so they are safe. You can take out your weekly returns. P.M. me if you would like to pursue this. You would fill out a Customer Information Sheet and submit it. Upon approval you will be in contact with the Program Coordinator.

BULLSHIT (or you've missed a decimal point somewhere)

If it's returning 25% a week, that's more than 100% each month.

If you're doubling your money every month, and reinvesting it, and start with 100K, after one year, you'd have over $400m, and after 2 years, you;d be the richest person on the planet.

i don't think that troll will appear again

[davejones]

 

Sorry but we need more information first:

1.) I guess it's sterling because you mention a building society.

2.) Your age please?

3.) Are you semi retiring because depending on your age and the current rates you can get on investments 500G doesn't sound like enough to me?

4.) How many anklebiters and hangers on are involved?

I made a drawdown spreadsheet which included inflation etc. for myself and got a very big shock how quickly I would run out of money with no income. I hope you have done the same.

Den

 

Agree. It's shocking how quickly 500K can be spent.

Personally I'd invest most of it in property and collect the rental income. You're still young, so most likely the property will get more valuable forever the next 20-30 years. I don't agree with the person who said to hold cash, because inflation would destroy the value very quickly. Depends what sort of a return you're expecting. Property can be a fantastic investment if you pick a good location.

[JMR]

I'm also 39, have roughly 375k in the UK and that is where it is staying. My plan is keep working and saving till I hit 50. By then I should have 'bout mill in bank + monthly rental from place in Aberdeen.

I would never invest in Thailand as I have heard too many horror stories.My G/F has access to my Thai accounts and that money as far as I'm concerned is lost already.

[pomchop]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

NZ banks are paying 4% p.a for a 1 year term. Tax free if you're a non resident.

but do you have to GO to NZ and open the account in person? or can you now do it online?

[PattayaPhom]

You might just be able to afford almost one Rai of beach land. With only having 500k Sterling you may want to look at cheaper countries, or just keep it in the UK

[Gsxrnz]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

NZ banks are paying 4% p.a for a 1 year term. Tax free if you're a non resident.

but do you have to GO to NZ and open the account in person? or can you now do it online?

You can open an account directly with a NZ domestic bank online and IMT the funds. However, opening an account like this is normally for intended immigrants. Check out the requirements online at ANZ, BNZ, Westpac.

Some NZ banks do operate in the UK and you could probably open an account there. I'm not sure if an account opened that way would be considered an offshore account, or domiciled in NZ.

Although a foreign investor would normally open a NZD FX account with their own domestic bank in the UK. The rates your domestic banks offers is up to them, but would normally reflect the NZ market.

[nycjoe]

I am in the same position but older having sold my apartment in New York. They never fixed the stock market. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I am looking at water and sewer bonds and blue chip stocks with a history of paying dividends.

Right now I am in Lake Tahoe and thinking about putting it all on 00. 8D but I don't gamble.

[yoshiwara]

 

Sorry but we need more information first:

1.) I guess it's sterling because you mention a building society.

2.) Your age please?

3.) Are you semi retiring because depending on your age and the current rates you can get on investments 500G doesn't sound like enough to me?

4.) How many anklebiters and hangers on are involved?

I made a drawdown spreadsheet which included inflation etc. for myself and got a very big shock how quickly I would run out of money with no income. I hope you have done the same.

Den

 

Agree. It's shocking how quickly 500K can be spent.

Personally I'd invest most of it in property and collect the rental income. You're still young, so most likely the property will get more valuable forever the next 20-30 years. I don't agree with the person who said to hold cash, because inflation would destroy the value very quickly. Depends what sort of a return you're expecting. Property can be a fantastic investment if you pick a good location.

I couldn't agree more.

[humqdpf]

It is very hard to advise you as it is not clear what your current situation is with respect to family or dependants and what you need from any potential investments.

For instance, if you have dependents who you would like to leave money to when you die, that would call for a different investment strategy than if you just wanted to maximise your income for the rest of your natural life.

As it is not clear what your age is, it is not clear whether you are eligible for purchasing one of those retirement bonds that would give you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life.

Not knowing anything about you, all I can do is to advise the following:

- invest in one or more properties that can be rented out very easily. Make sure that you put aside money for refurbishment. You could purchase 2 bed apartments and then let them out long term to the local authority who use it for housing the needy - in certain countries (such as the UK) the local authority take care of everything.

- always keep a balance of cash that would keep you going for at least 6 months or preferably one year.

- 500,000 pound or dollars is not really enough to keep you going for the rest of your life even if you invest it well and are very lucky. I would strongly suggest that you continue working at something (english teaching, something online) so that you don't eat into your investment capital.

- if you were to invest even 25% of the money in Thailand, make sure that you have your social contributions paid up to date as you are going to need to avail of it in the future! The trouble with investing 25% is that you lose some and then have to supplement the investment with more and then you are sucked dry.

- leaving the money in cash is complete lunacy - very low interest rates will mean that you will have to eat into your capital from day one.

[mrbojangles]

so why when I google highest saving account interest rates in the UK does it say the best one is 1.7%? Perhaps you can share which UK banks pay 3% as I am interested to investigate their offers.

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

Santander 123 Current Account give 3% on balances between 1,000gbp and a max of 20,000gbp. 2.5% in a Halifax Reward Saver ain't too bad either (at todays rates anyhow). These are both instant access with no penalties, so Ok for keeping your spending money.

I don't think there is a timeframe on the Santander one but the Halifax is a 12 month deal, then it's back to shopping around again. It's a pain but to get the best deals you need to shop around frequently.

[ableguy]

You seem to be not too bright go back the UK and sign up for the dole and free medication

[DannyDubai]

"You might consider the Thai govt. banks fixed rate accounts. They have some that have no taxes(15%),and vary from 13 months to 18 months. They are insured and some have no limit. It is safe and secure and we are getting 3.3% and 3.6% not taxed."

Best option posted so far...

I don't invest in Thailand.

Cheers

[DannyDubai]

Sit on it how exactly?

I should add that I am 39 also and don't really need an income from it yet.

principally depends on two things... what rate the mortgage is.. obvious thing is to pay it off... second is whether you are non resident.. probably you are.. you still have to pay UK tax on rental income.. but that is net after mortgage...more if you pay the BTL mortage off.... any more income from UK investments and it is all taxable as I am sure you know.

I don't really agree, I don't want to pay off mortgages using my own money, I would rather user the renters' money.

[DannyDubai]

It is strange,people say don't invest in Thailand,when most, have,houses, wives,families. I personally invested,in a small business in Thailand,I recouped my investment in 4 yrs,plus it helped me to stay here,before retirement extension could be obtained. I have rental properties in the UK,giving me a regular income. If push came to shove I could be employed as and when I returned home,presently I choose not to take the option. I would advise the Op to buy another property in the Uk to let. Bearing in mind he isn't retiring just yet. Good luck on your endeavours Sent from my GT-P7500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I must admit, I do like the BTL investments.

[DannyDubai]

1. What's the interest rate on the mortgage? (Admittedly you get to offset the interest against your tax bill, but you should do the sums as the tax saving will be less useful if you're not earning in the UK any more - i.e. not paying 40-45% tax, so it may make sense to pay off the mortgage).

2. Hold an emergency fund in cash in a Thai bank. (If your wife is Thai, this could include the 400K for your visa, although you should old a bit more so that only a REAL emergency risks your seasoning.) With the way Thai banks work, I would NOT have this be in an account with an ATM card. The account with the ATM card should only hold money you intend to use...

3. Interest rates in the US and UK are at historic lows, so buying long term bonds is probably not a good idea. Short term ones you intend to hold to maturity would be fine though. However at your age, you should really be more into stocks than bonds. There might be an exception for bonds that adjust for LIBOR or adjust for inflation, but that's getting into FA territory.

4. If buying stocks I'm a great believer in doing your own analysis. Put some of it into regular index tracker funds (so the that part of the money will basically follow the market, so that your not heavily dependent on a single sector or company. But any stock picking should be in areas you understand. If you work in oil, you'll understand the service companies and people that do thngs like ROVs and wireline testing, etc. so you should choose a few companies that you already know that you think are doing the right things to grow.

5. One thing, you have a 4yo. You will have the added expense of schooling to deal with... For that reason alone, I'm not sure you've got enough to avoid working. School Fees for proper International schools aren't cheap.

Oil is one area where you can probably get a job doing 4-on/4-off in places like Angola, Myanmar, Australia, or, if you're desperate, Nigeria. So you could carry on working while rates are high, but still move to Thailand. (Thailand doesn't tax offshore income if you're in the country less than 180 days of the year, so is basically a tax haven for oil workers - i.e. you'd pay a lot less tax than if you're still living in the UK..)

My two cents worth.

P.S. My position is virtually the opposite. I'm part-way through moving back to the UK so that my kids are eligible for student loans. But I've paid the International school fees here over the years (moved here in 2001) so that they can drop into school there easily. But I've worked the whole time I've been here (just never employed in Thailand - pay is better in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney...)

great post Matey, thanks for that. How long do the kids need to live in the UK to be eligible for the student loans?

Personally, I am done working in shitholes now. And I don't want to be apart from the family also. Id happily work as a gardener in the UK if it paid enough ;-)

Cheers

[DannyDubai]

Hi Danny..my advice would be to carry on doing what youre doing for a little longer, whilst all this market uncertainty prevails...don't give up entirely on the advice offered by a FA, just ask around and find one who comes with strong recommendation, and take the time to talk to him, voicing your concerns about the level of risk..like so many others I would avoid investment in Thailand other than your quality of life there..to get to the position youre in today, youre clearly no mug, so trust your own instincts..i wish you well

Cheers Oliver. But I am sick to the back teeth of working in the Gulf. I just want to let the money work for me and not touch it whilst I do a simpler job.

[DannyDubai]

.

. As others have said - do your due diligence, seek info from wider sources than Thai Visa forums before you part with a penny,

Great advice, thanks. Up until now I was only really using this forum and hadn't thought about wider sources. Thanks man.