Hello, Forum!

self:

nationality: australian (current Aust passport also hold Brit. passport - born UK)

age: 52

wife:

nationality: australian (current Aust passport - born in  Philippines)

age: 52

My wife and I are considering visiting Thailand with the intention settling there permanently.

After a holiday and some travelling around, our short-term intention is to find some employment there (my wife is experienced in domestic work - I have 25 years mainframe IT experience).

Our medium term intention is to start a business in Thailand (prob. an Internet Cafe) and our long term intention is to stay there and makel it our home.

Could somebody please advise us on the best course of action - we are mainly interested to know what visas we would need in order to pursue our plans.

Thanks in advance,

Mal.

Where in Australia are you ?

I suggest you seriously reconsider your intention. Domestic work here would not pay your water bill - my last bill being 36 baht! Come for a holiday and have a good look around first.

Thanks, 7321 for your kind advice! I guess my main point is that whatever visa we get we want to have the option of working there if need be - at least until we have settled on a business plan.  

Dr_Pat_Pong => in answer to your question, we live in Adelaide - I think there is a Thai consulate office there.

Adelaide is visa friendly....but as regards the previous post... go and look first....you'll love it ....or hate it

There are 2 ways to stay in Thailand...

1) Buy Condominium... I can't remember how much you gonna spend... Contact Khun Apassara Satayavatin... 02-693-9333 Ext. 103 at One stop service for Visa & Workpermit Rachadaphisek... ask her for condition for permanent residential... Tel her that Mr.Wisarut Recommendation...

2) Setup company... Share register at least 2 Million Baht + Hire 4 Thai empolyees... for 1 Work permit+Visa... You can Your wife's Visa will be grant along with your Workpermit... Your work permit will be renew every year... This will be very much procedure...

I think the first way will be more convenient... ha ha... Go get contact Khun Apasara.... She is Government Officer...