Moving to Thailand

[paul2510]

Hi All

Just seeking some information. I have been offered a relocation to Thailand with my company, which does on paper look attractive. Apart from salary they include 65,000THB for accomadation and 40,000THB for a car each month, plus other different expenses, which i will not focus on. My main question is to understand what type of property should i seek, although i will be given a relaoction agant i prefer still to do a little homework myself. I will be working in the Klnog Toey area, near Suhumvit 24. Also as Thailand is new to me i am seeking information on what i should prepare for, any details would be appreciated, good or bad.

Edited April 20, 2014 by paul2510

[NeverSure]

How long would you be in Thailand?

The compensation package is far more than enough. I rent cars from Avis in Bangkok for 30,000 baht per month including 1st class insurance. Be aware that new cars have a high tax on them and are probably a lot more expensive than in your home country.

65K per month for housing will have you living like a king. Just be aware that you can't own a house and land in Thailand. You can own a condo. Rents are low by Western standards and I would rent a house. 25k plus utilities which are relatively low would get you a very nice place. Those on a budget pay 5 - 10K. There is a link at the top of this page to "Classifieds" which if you use the advanced link, will tell you about housing costs.

Do you have a wife and children to be with you? Thai public schools are less than desirable and you'd want to put kids in an international school which is expensive. This could be the deal killer unless your salary is very high.

I assume your employer will provide health insurance which you will need.

I would guess that most expats in Thailand live on much less than 100k per month all in, and do fine. Many English teachers live on 25K - 30K all in but I wouldn't want to do that. Somewhere in between is a decent lifestyle for a single person.

If you are single, go for it and have fun. If you are married with kids I'd think twice. I don't think Thailand is a place to raise Western kids and they will surely fall behind on the world stage. Just my opinion.

[thepool]

You need to focus on mundane issues like visas and work permits !

Will the company "fix" these issues for you ?

Best ask the question !

[paul2510]

Hi Guys

Thanks for getting back to me. Firstly good to here about the car hire, although the company will provide this i am unsure if i really wan tt odrive in Bangkok, given the the traffic. Ideally i can live close enough to the office to walk, but i will assess that when i arrive. My wife was actually born in Thailand but has not lived there for 30 years, so even for her it will no doubt be a cultural shock. My daughter will remain in Australia, she is currently at University so i do not want to interupt that, plus she is not overly keen on moving.

My company will provide health insurance which is a bonus. Just awaiting for my B Type Visa then i will start the move, then according to my relocation company my work permit will be finalised once i arrive in country and undertake the medical.

Quite excited. i know Bangkok can be a crazy place, but we see this as an adventure, if all does not work out i can always head back to Perth.