Retiring In Thailand

[KWAN]

Now in my 60's I hope to retire in Thailand. I will have enough funds/income to live on but not enough to meet legal requirements. Therefore will have to leave the country for the 3 month period stated. Anyone recommend a suitable, cheap bolthole? Cambodia or Laos??
Cheers

[Texpat]

I recommend not retiring here if you can't meet the monetary requirement.

[pai nai ma]

visit for an extended period before you commit to the place.

[dirtydog]

I will have enough funds/income to live on but not enough to meet legal requirements.

I think all you need is a letter from your embassy stating you earn over or have an income over 45,000baht per month.

[Thetyim]

The requirement for a retirement extension is 800k baht p.a. either as income or bank deposit or combination.
Surely you can muster that up.

[MeMock]

I agree, if you can't find 800k pa then you shouldn't be retired.

[Thetyim]

Therefore will have to leave the country for the 3 month period stated.

I don't understand that sentence
Where does it say you must leave for 3 months ?

What nationality are you Kwan ?

[Ivor Biggun]

I concur. I'm 56 and have adequate income but the Thais change the rules every so often so plan for the unexpected.

[BigRed]

I agree, if you can't find 800k pa then you shouldn't be retired

sort of agree, but aren't people teaching for less than this?

[blackgang]

As far as monthly income, you have to have 65,000 baht if you are American, I do not know what is required for Brits.
And you have to go to the Embassy in BKK or the Consulate in CM and pay them $30 Notary fee for the letter..
And this is the requirement for a NON O Retirement visa.

[Ivor Biggun]

If you have doubt then don't retire.

[Ivor Biggun]

Anyone recommend a suitable, cheap bolthole? Cambodia or Laos?? Cheers

Where do you intend to reside ?

[KWAN]

Thanks for replies so far. I am a Brit. I am ready for retiring (over 65).
I just fall short of 800,000 in the bank, likewise monthly income, but certainly enough to lead a quiet life in LOS. Understand (vaguely) after the extension visas, 90 days etc. one has to leave the country for 3 months. Only bright side is ex girlfriend in England says she will invest in condo for me (in her name of course). Cheers

[Thetyim]

Thanks for replies so far. I am a Brit. I am ready for retiring (over 65).
I just fall short of 800,000 in the bank,

Well you should be getting a state pension of at least 300k baht per year so you only need to show another 500k baht in the bank

[Panda]

I admire the guys who have made a permanent move and been able to do it on a budget income. But its fool hardy to think just anyone can do it long term, especially with the disadvantage of advancing years. Life is full of pitfalls and worse if income is limited. Better to have an escape plan in reserve (ticket home) in case things go pear shaped.

[Ivor Biggun]

If you're on the limit then life wont be enjoyable. For get it

[Thetyim]

If you're on the limit then life wont be enjoyable. For get it

There is a flip side to that argument

If you had to live on 10k GBP per year where would you rather live
Thailand or Uk ?

[Ivor Biggun]

There is a flip side to that argument If you had to live on 10k GBP per year where would you rather live Thailand or Uk ?

I agree but if he has no back up due to his age and illness arises then he's in trouble. 6 months out of the UK exempts one from privilages.

[Deck Ape]

If you're on the limit then life wont be enjoyable. For get it

There is a flip side to that argument

If you had to live on 10k GBP per year where would you rather live
Thailand or Uk ?

Exactly. Kwan, have you visited or lived here before?

[Lorenzo]

Philippines has a few nice places. Have a look at dumaguete, Negros ... Davao, Mindinao and Moalboal Cebu. You can have a few nice months in either of these places.

[KWAN]

Many thanks for the useful feedback. The reply about combining income with bank balance seems ok. Have been visiting LOS for the last 15 years on and off and even with their laws and ways, surviving the tsunami, drugged and mugged in Bangkok this year I still love the country. Thanks again to all.

[Chairman Mao]

Can't he just do 3 visa runs to Cambo, then a tourist visa from Laos to make up the 6 month bollix.

Wouldn't fancy that at any age though. I'd make a bit more money than you have before moving out here.

[Deck Ape]

To each his own. You couldn't pay me enough to live hand to mouth in a cold damp place at the end of my days.

[Thetyim]

Kwan, you mentioned that your x-gf might buy a condo
Does this mean you are aiming to live in one of the top tourist spots?

The cost of living is much less if you live in the sticks and would more than make up for having to pay rent.

[EmperorTud]

I admire the guys who have made a permanent move and been able to do it on a budget income.

Nothing is permanent on a Non-Immigrant visa.