moving to CM and in need of some info

[tonboy]

Dear readers,

Last year together with my (thai) wife we made the decision to move to CM for at least 5 years.
I own an internet development company and make websites and webshops for Dutch customers.
Last week I received a O-A visa with multiply entry.
There are many reasons more to come and live in Thailand, but that is something I keep for another posting. 

The last couple of months I have read many about living in Thailand and CM, but some questions still keep on coming back and I cannot find the coorrect anwers.
Hopefully some members can help me with the answers :

- Learning Thai , I really would like to learn some words, any experience with http://www.welearnthai.com/ are welcome, alternatives also.
- Good hospital for my dog. We have a 8 year old Malinois (Belgiam sheppard dog) who suffers of Osteo Artrose. He needs every week Laser Therapy OR hips replacement.
- Buying a pickup. We will arrive in BKK on March 8 and stay there the first week. Better to buy a pickup in BKK or CM ? Budget is approx. 400.000 baht, could be new (with montly payments) or second hand. Your advice please.
- Renting a house in CM. Budget approx 15.000 baht a month, period minimum 1 year. Which area is best to live in with a dog ?

Hope you are able to help me.

[DGS1244]

CM has very good vets and animal hospitals and veterinary college. Houses 10 - 15 k from the city much going north towards Chiang Rai cheaper and better for animals. 4 bedroom houses available for 12k Baht per month. 

 

[Pond Life]

I'd recommend buying your truck in Bangkok, more to choose from & they have magazines dedicated to selling used vehicles.

[bprhodes]

For learning Thai I recommend AUA near Tapae Gate: http://www.learnthaiinchiangmai.com

 

Check with http://expatautocm.com for P/U or car.  I bought my car there and am 100% satisfied.  Straight talk in english and excellent service.

 

 

[Trujillo]

You need to do more than learn a few words in Thai. Payap University has a good program. After the third month, you will have been presented with the alphabet and will be able to read basic words, upon which you can build rapidly. As they used to say in the US -- Reading Is Fundamental. 

 

Payap intensive Thai classes

 

I went to AUA near Tapae Gate and was met with the surliest reception have have ever received in Thailand for anything. Rude, unsupportive and generally acting like I was wasting the person's time...I left and never came back. I also looked at the teaching/learning material and was not impressed, compared to Payap. 
Things may have changed, but that's my firsthand, truthful experience. 

[LivinLOS]

4 hours ago, tonboy said:

I own an internet development company and make websites and webshops for Dutch customers.
Last week I received a O-A visa with multiply entry.

 

So starting with a visa which cannot obtain a work permit intending to work online.. 

 

How much have you looked into this ?? 

[LivinLOS]

1 hour ago, Trujillo said:

You need to do more than learn a few words in Thai. Payap University has a good program. After the third month, you will have been presented with the alphabet and will be able to read basic words, upon which you can build rapidly. As they used to say in the US -- Reading Is Fundamental. 

 

Payap intensive Thai classes

Did a few modules here padded out by a private Tutor.. Really enjoyed it and best I have done. 

[4MyEgo]

I don't live in Chang Mai, but you might want to start with the air quality: https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/04/thailand-air-quality-levels-in-chiang-mai-reaches-unhealthy-levels/ or perhaps ask the local Xpats here.

 

Personally I would buy new, at least you know it hasn't been in the river, smashed and repaired or the speedometer turned back from 150,000 kilometres to 50,000 kilometres, it happens, and you also have at least 100,000 kilometre/3 years warranty with most purchases. I purchased the Ford Ranger 2.2 XLT for 800,000 baht a year ago with free rego, free comprehensive insurance, and a few other freebies, very happy with it.

 

Good Luck and sorry if my reply appears negative, just stating the facts.

Edited February 13, 2017 by 4MyEgo

[hyperHowie]

What about Vietnam, particularly DaNang (central VN next to the ocean.) I found a $6 VERY CLEAN Hotel room run by a family w/ kids. It's blocks from China Beach and both air & streets are clean. Allegedly the cleanest city in Asia. Foid was good as were prices. Seems like Thailand bsck in the day.

 

What am I missing?

Edited February 13, 2017 by hyperHowie
Typos. Forgot a point

[elgenon]

YMCA has Thai classes

[elgordo38]

A lot of good advice mine is simple always save a bit for a rainy day. 

[TheFishman1]

Much better to buy at auction I bought a 2 yr old car with 14000 miles still under factory warranty for 306000 bht New was 988888 bht go fig TIT

[tonboy]

3 hours ago, LivinLOS said:

 

So starting with a visa which cannot obtain a work permit intending to work online.. 

 

How much have you looked into this ?? 

Very much, the Thai Embassy in Holland knows about this. No problem as I do not work for Thai Companies.  

[LivinLOS]

7 minutes ago, tonboy said:

Very much, the Thai Embassy in Holland knows about this. No problem as I do not work for Thai Companies.  

 

So you have checked with the labor dept.. Embassy and immigration obviously not being involved in labor law.

 

Thai company or customers or not.. Online work is work to the thai labor dept. People have been charged and deported for it. 

[laochef]

2 hours ago, TheFishman1 said:

Much better to buy at auction I bought a 2 yr old car with 14000 miles still under factory warranty for 306000 bht New was 988888 bht go fig TIT

Will move to CM, later this (or next...) year. Do they have auction houses in CM ? Any link(s) or names, would be helpful. Thanks.

[BarnicaleBob]

I would wait to purchase my vehicle until after you arrive in Chiang Mai.  I say this because sometimes there can be problems on ownership transfers that could go on for weeks, especially on used vehicles.  Also, if there is a problem with the vehicle that the seller did not tell you about, it is very difficult dealing with him when he is 500 kilometers away.  As for housing, you will have no problem finding a nice place for under 15,000 per month. 

[Trujillo]

Air quality is not a factor in moving here. It is what it is. Unless you are an invalid or suffer from acute asthma or respiratory problems, it will have no effect on you, other than give you something to bellyache about online. Along with poisonous strawberries. 

 

Chiang Mai has all the new car choices you need, unless you are buying a Lambo or A. Martin. Then Bangkok it is. 

 

The previous poster mentioning you having a visa incompatible with what you have already stated as your intention to work (illegally) might be something to consider, particularly after a miffed customer (or your stupid next door neighbor) decides to report you. 

 

I don't really understand how you have a Thai wife but seem to know nothing about the fundamentals of Thailand. Did you meet her overseas and have never been here? If you are not in Thailand, shipping a somewhat infirm dog here will be both very expensive and potentially hazardous to its health.  Osteoarthrosis laser therapy? In Chiang Mai? I would be surprised if anyone in Thailand is doing cold laser treatments, but you could ask around. 

 

http://Topic: Vet clinics in CM

[OneZero]

47 minutes ago, Trujillo said:

Air quality is not a factor in moving here.

There may be a few folks suggesting you speak for yourself about air quality not being a factor about moving to Chiang mai.

[tonboy]

46 minutes ago, Trujillo said:

Chiang Mai has all the new car choices you need, unless you are buying a Lambo or A. Martin. Then Bangkok it is. 

 

The previous poster mentioning you having a visa incompatible with what you have already stated as your intention to work (illegally) might be something to consider, particularly after a miffed customer (or your stupid next door neighbor) decides to report you. 

 

I don't really understand how you have a Thai wife but seem to know nothing about the fundamentals of Thailand. Did you meet her overseas and have never been here? If you are not in Thailand, shipping a somewhat infirm dog here will be both very expensive and potentially hazardous to its health.  Osteoarthrosis laser therapy? In Chiang Mai? I would be surprised if anyone in Thailand is doing cold laser treatments, but you could ask around. 

 

http://Topic: Vet clinics in CM

 

- The reason I ask where to buy the car is also because of competition between cardealers. And therefore also lower prices ?
- There are many so called "digital nomads" in CM, are they all illegal working ? Again, the Embassy in Holland has approved the visa based on my annual income from my company. 
- I met my wife (55) in Holland 8 years ago, but in fact she came to Holland in 1994 and get married here and divorced from her first husband 6 years ago. Now her children and my son are settled here in Holland, we want to settle in Thailand. Hope this answers your remark about knowing "nothing" about the fundamentals of Thailand. 
- According to the vet here, there is no problem with the dog other then having Osteoarthrosis. Cost for shipping the dog, with all examinations and vaccinations included is approx € 1.500,00. Expensive ? Not really I think. 
Before the osteoarthrosis gets worse and really makes his pain unbearable we want to have him operated, but cold laser therapy could help to delay the operation needed to solve this problem. Please understand, we have this dog as our mate already for 8 years, leaving him in Holland is out of the question. 
 

Thank you for your answers and the link

[Trujillo]

Thanks for the courteous reply.

 

As for air quality, or the lack of good quality air some of the months, I don't know anyone personally, or anyone they know, who has the slightest problem with the air pollution. Yeah, it looks bad and sometimes your eyes are irritated, but my prior personal observation still stands. 

 

I understand about the dog. You didn't mention his name. I have had a dog from a puppy here for over nine years. I understand the dilemma. 

 

I know this is off the subject, but just because she's originally from Thailand doesn't mean you have to move here for five years. You didn't say  if you have ever been in Thailand or not, but personally, if you have purchasing power and can work both remotely and under the radar, I'd make a short-list of other places to live. Like places that might have some kind of seasons other than hot, hot and humid, hot and rainy, and warm/cool and dry for three months of the year (and only in the far north).  And yes, I know what Dutch winters are like. . . . 

Or buy a small condo and come holiday in CM from December to the end of February. 

 

I think you have to understand that CM is a decent sized city and has many, many dealerships for cars. I'd probably go with the idea of not buying a used car or truck, unless you know the prior owners. Mostly you would be okay going used, but with a new one, you have a warranty. 

Then again, there are many places that sell "new used" cars and trucks here, from people who couldn't make payments. So you might find something newish and in your price range. 

 

" There are many so called "digital nomads" in CM, are they all illegal working ? Again, the Embassy in Holland has approved the visa based on my annual income from my company.  "

 

Yes, technically by the letter of the law, they are working illegally. But you did not tell the Thai Embassy that your company was based out of Thailand or that you would be continuing your work in Thailand, did you? As far as they know, your company generates income in Holland, from which you can support yourself as a non-working guest in Thailand. 

But as you say, if you can fly under the radar, no one will give a <deleted>. 

 

Edited February 13, 2017 by Trujillo

[tonboy]

20 minutes ago, Trujillo said:

I understand about the dog. You didn't mention his name. I have had a dog from a puppy here for over nine years. I understand the dilemma. 

His name is Lex. 

[LivinLOS]

1 hour ago, tonboy said:

- There are many so called "digital nomads" in CM, are they all illegal working ? Again, the Embassy in Holland has approved the visa based on my annual income from my company. 

yes !! 

 

If they havent got a freelancer visa and work permit set up by an umbrella company like iglu.. And hence paying Thai income tax etc.. Then sure of course they are 100% illegal. As I said already, ask the labor office, immigration (and embassies) are not responsible for labor law. Its like asking my car mechanic if I need a root canal. 

 

Thailand enforcement of any laws is weak, road laws, opening hours, copyright, prostitution, doesnt matter what law you want to name (except LM) Thailand doesnt do well at proper enforcement. But 100% clear is that any work, online or off, requires a work permit by law. Basing a relocation and lifestyle on breaking a countries laws and evading its income taxes seems an odd start. Exactly what westerners seem unhappy about in the west. 

 

http://www.phuketgazette.net/issuesanswers/Do-need-0145business-visa-work-online/1175
 

Quote

Do I need a ‘business visa’ to work online?

 

Is earning money through online advertising, website affiliate marketing or operating a business that has only an online presence whilst staying in Thailand considered working? Would that person be required to have a “business visa”?

 

Pol Col Panuwat Ruamrak, Superintendent of Phuket Immigration

 

If we find out that a foreigner is doing business online without a work permit, we will arrest them and take legal action through the court.
Somkiat Baiadul, an officer at the work permit division of the Phuket Department of Employment

 

Doing business online is considered a type of work, so foreigners are required to have a work permit to do so

 

Even uploading a blog post or youtube video to a monetized blog needs a work permit.. 

 

http://www.phuketgazette.net/issuesanswers/Is-uploading-videos-YouTube-considered-work/1532

[StevieAus]

We have lived a couple of hours north of Chiang Mai for over 5 years and visit Chiang Mai regularly

Great part of Thailand to live everything you need and cheaper than Bangkok

Re vehicles if you can afford buy new not second hand 

After saying that I have bought Toyota for over 30 years both in Australia and here with excellent service and reliability 

Five months ago bought a Ford Everest Titanium after sales service mediocre

Five weeks ago an hour north of Chiang Mai the car stopped without warning with smoke and oil pouring from the engine

The so called 24 hour road side service is a joke we were left stranded with 2 elderly relatives and a 6 month old baby no assistance at all

Its taken nearly five weeks to get fixed and getting information was like pulling teeth

Any car can break down but  bad service is no excuse

So from my experience if you want to buy a new Ford DONT

or at least not in Chiang Mai

[BarnicaleBob]

I agree with StevieAus about the Ford dealers in Chiang Mai, their service is just not up to par with the Korean and Japanese car dealers. 

About your on-line business, don't take this to the bank but I was once told that if you own a business in another country and all your customers are from someplace other than Thailand and all your financial payments are made to a bank outside of Thailand, you should be able to legally check on your business on a daily bases on-line from Thailand without the need for a work permit.

[elektrified]

4 hours ago, BarnicaleBob said:

About your on-line business, don't take this to the bank but I was once told that if you own a business in another country and all your customers are from someplace other than Thailand and all your financial payments are made to a bank outside of Thailand, you should be able to legally check on your business on a daily bases on-line from Thailand without the need for a work permit.

I agree with that and was told the same by a top lawyer at a high-end law firm in Bangkok when I moved here 10 years ago.

[elektrified]

With regards to your dog and his hip problem, I can't answer with absolute certainty about the laser therapy (although I doubt it is available). But there is an orthopedic specialist veterinarian here in Chiang Mai who is excellent. He is fairly young (maybe 38-40?), but is a Professor at CMU and specializes in complex orthopedic surgical procedures. It's been a few years and I can't think of his name at the moment, but if you get in contact with me by P.M. when you arrive - then I will get the contact info for you.

[MyFriend You]

14 hours ago, hyperHowie said:

What about Vietnam, particularly DaNang (central VN next to the ocean.) I found a $6 VERY CLEAN Hotel room run by a family w/ kids. It's blocks from China Beach and both air & streets are clean. Allegedly the cleanest city in Asia. Foid was good as were prices. Seems like Thailand bsck in the day.

 

What am I missing?

He wants to live in Thailand, has a Thai wife, why would he live in Vietnam??

 

[MyFriend You]

9 hours ago, Trujillo said:

Air quality is not a factor in moving here. It is what it is. Unless you are an invalid or suffer from acute asthma or respiratory problems, it will have no effect on you, other than give you something to bellyache about online. Along with poisonous strawberries. 

 

Chiang Mai has all the new car choices you need, unless you are buying a Lambo or A. Martin. Then Bangkok it is. 

 

The previous poster mentioning you having a visa incompatible with what you have already stated as your intention to work (illegally) might be something to consider, particularly after a miffed customer (or your stupid next door neighbor) decides to report you. 

 

I don't really understand how you have a Thai wife but seem to know nothing about the fundamentals of Thailand. Did you meet her overseas and have never been here? If you are not in Thailand, shipping a somewhat infirm dog here will be both very expensive and potentially hazardous to its health.  Osteoarthrosis laser therapy? In Chiang Mai? I would be surprised if anyone in Thailand is doing cold laser treatments, but you could ask around. 

 

http://Topic: Vet clinics in CM

Poisonous Strawberries???? Why didn't I get sick.............great for breakfast and ice cold Sparkling wine, can't afford Champagne

[LivinLOS]

5 hours ago, elektrified said:

I agree with that and was told the same by a top lawyer at a high-end law firm in Bangkok when I moved here 10 years ago.

 

That isnt the law.. Get them to put it in writing and watch them squirm. 

 

What you can get away without being caught for and what the law is are not the same. Work permits also integrate with taxation, or is it simply the plan to never pay Thai income tax despite living here full time and it being mandated. 

 

As per the official from the labor offices posted in the links I provide above.. a 100% online enterprise with no Thai clients needs a work permit.. Even uploading a youtube video or a blog comment, to an adsense enabled or monetized blog, needs a work permit. 

[elektrified]

1 hour ago, LivinLOS said:

 

That isnt the law.. Get them to put it in writing and watch them squirm. 

 

What you can get away without being caught for and what the law is are not the same. Work permits also integrate with taxation, or is it simply the plan to never pay Thai income tax despite living here full time and it being mandated. 

 

 

I don't disagree with what you are saying. I only stated what very large, well-known Bangkok law firm told me.