Thinking about living in Thailand - advice

Hi,

I need some advice from people experienced to living in Thailand. I currently work from home and manage some large websites which pay me reasonable commissions every month (about £4,000) and I am thinking about living in Thailand. I am looking for somewhere that I can relax, enjoy and work and not worry about the cold.

I have lived overseas in the past in Costa Rica which was great but moved back to the UK for a couple of years as my friends all returned back home and to work for large corporates. I am thinking about Phuket or surrounding areas but need advice from more experienced people here.

Can I live as a perpuatual tourist and just leave every 90 days, or do i need some kind of extended tourist visa? how does it work? also what is the expat community like? anyone else doing the same as me?

Your advice great appreciated,

Simon

You would need to get a multi entry Non Imm O visa.
Do a border run every 90 days which will get you a total stay of 15 months
Then you will have to fly back to somewhere like UK to get another visa.


If you want to live here then I would steer well clear of the tourist areas.
They will soon begin to piss you off.

The expat community is varied.
You might be lucky and find a decent crowd.

1. Don't sell up in your home country..have an escape plan.
2. 4,000 quid a month is alot of money..but commission?..how long will it last..Have a long term plan of income v expenditure ( I earnt double that and managed to get myself broke!!)
3. Don't become an alchoholic.( see point 2!!)
4. Remember; not all Thais are criminals and not all criminals are Thai..

Hello Simon and welcome to Teakdoor.

You may also apply for a retirement visa if you are of a certain vintage.

Thetyim's advice is very good and I suggest finding yourself a decent country retreat might be a good idea.

do a search on stickmans website for an article called the casino

but its here also

My post "Don't Move to Thailand" (1997). Revisited - soc.culture.thai | Google Groups

There is already too many Simon living here!

Stickman's guide to Bangkok
> Reader's Submissions:
> Don't Move To Thailand
> By Roscoe Johnson
> I have some advice to any westerners out there contemplating moving to
> Thailand.

> If you are rich and are sensible with money, then go ahead. If an
> international company or similar offers you a high salary job in
> Thailand then fine. If your are retired or have steady funds from
> aboard and want to live modestly on those funds, go ahead, but watch
> yourself. And if you're a young dude travelling around the world, and
> you want to spend some time in Thailand teaching or whatever for
> experience, then that's OK too.

> If you don't fall into these categories then "don't" consider it for a
> moment. Many middle aged westerners in particular (including
> professionals) like the idea of living there, having a business or
> making some money and "enjoying life" in Thailand. But very few make
> it. (Forget about western restaurant or bar owners and alike you might
> meet in Thailand boasting about their good life there. It is common for
> faltering foreigners to keep up appearances). Mostly they end up broke
> or crazed, sometimes both, then they leave. Thai business, visa and
> residency laws get you in the end. The "Thai way" will get you in the
> end. Have a minor run-in with a wealthy or important Thai and your
> status and possibly your life will be at risk. Their whole culture is
> geared around making sure that foreigners pursuing individual efforts
> are not successful. It's ingrained in them from an early age to believe
> that they are the never-colonized master race of Asia (yes they really
> think that) and their mythology runs so deep you'll never budge it.
> Remember, in Thailand you'll never have any real business, legal or
> ownership rights. But Thai's can go to your country (very possibly) and
> buy and own anything they can get their hands on (because of the more
> tolerant business laws). To Thai's, this is just further evidence of
> how clever they are, and how foolish are the foreigners to go to
> Thailand.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

I am thinking about living in Thailand

---

How many times have you visited Thailand and how long were your stays?

You mention Phuket? How often have you been there and for how long?

Simon, I think it might be easier if you tell us why you want to live in Thailand and what things interest you.

Don't be shy, if you want to shag yourself stupid then just say so, we can then point you in the right direction.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

Hi,

I need some advice from people experienced to living in Thailand. I currently work from home and manage some large websites which pay me reasonable commissions every month (about £4,000) and I am thinking about living in Thailand. I am looking for somewhere that I can relax, enjoy and work and not worry about the cold.

I have lived overseas in the past in Costa Rica which was great but moved back to the UK for a couple of years as my friends all returned back home and to work for large corporates. I am thinking about Phuket or surrounding areas but need advice from more experienced people here.

Can I live as a perpuatual tourist and just leave every 90 days, or do i need some kind of extended tourist visa? how does it work? also what is the expat community like? anyone else doing the same as me?

Your advice great appreciated,

Simon

---

Hi Simon
I would have thought if you were a manager of large websites your grammar and punctuation would have been a little more on the ball.
Nah I'm not having a word of it, your a troll you are.

:dnftt: :dtroll: :dnftt:

Is this another one of Nawty's thread?

Its B visa you ll need.

In a Phuket Gazette Questions and answers meeting with the Department of Employment , an Assie asked if it was ok to bring his computer to trade stocks outside of Toyland from his hotel and the reply was...If you want to stay legal leave your computer at home.

If you are going anything that could be construed as work, get a B visa.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Loy Toy

Hello Simon and welcome to Teakdoor.

You may also apply for a retirement visa if you are of a certain vintage.

Thetyim's advice is very good and I suggest finding yourself a decent country retreat might be a good idea.

---

Not close to retirement age (32 years old)...

The money I receive is quite stable but I know how easy it is become broke...

My grammar sucks and that point I completely agree with!

Simon

How about this -

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chitown

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

I am thinking about living in Thailand

---

How many times have you visited Thailand and how long were your stays?

You mention Phuket? How often have you been there and for how long?

---

and this -

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Simon, I think it might be easier if you tell us why you want to live in Thailand and what things interest you.

Don't be shy, if you want to shag yourself stupid then just say so, we can then point you in the right direction.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zubber

Stickman's guide to Bangkok
> Reader's Submissions:
> Don't Move To Thailand
> By Roscoe Johnson
> I have some advice to any westerners out there contemplating moving to
> Thailand.

> If you are rich and are sensible with money, then go ahead. If an
> international company or similar offers you a high salary job in
> Thailand then fine. If your are retired or have steady funds from
> aboard and want to live modestly on those funds, go ahead, but watch
> yourself. And if you're a young dude travelling around the world, and
> you want to spend some time in Thailand teaching or whatever for
> experience, then that's OK too.

> If you don't fall into these categories then "don't" consider it for a
> moment. Many middle aged westerners in particular (including
> professionals) like the idea of living there, having a business or
> making some money and "enjoying life" in Thailand. But very few make
> it. (Forget about western restaurant or bar owners and alike you might
> meet in Thailand boasting about their good life there. It is common for
> faltering foreigners to keep up appearances). Mostly they end up broke
> or crazed, sometimes both, then they leave. Thai business, visa and
> residency laws get you in the end. The "Thai way" will get you in the
> end. Have a minor run-in with a wealthy or important Thai and your
> status and possibly your life will be at risk. Their whole culture is
> geared around making sure that foreigners pursuing individual efforts
> are not successful. It's ingrained in them from an early age to believe
> that they are the never-colonized master race of Asia (yes they really
> think that) and their mythology runs so deep you'll never budge it.
> Remember, in Thailand you'll never have any real business, legal or
> ownership rights. But Thai's can go to your country (very possibly) and
> buy and own anything they can get their hands on (because of the more
> tolerant business laws). To Thai's, this is just further evidence of
> how clever they are, and how foolish are the foreigners to go to
> Thailand.

---

Excellent advice

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chitown

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by simonhere

I am thinking about living in Thailand

---

How many times have you visited Thailand and how long were your stays?

You mention Phuket? How often have you been there and for how long?

---

Actually been to many places in my life but not travelled to Thailand...

Heard of Phuket but not been.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thetyim

Simon, I think it might be easier if you tell us why you want to live in Thailand and what things interest you.

Don't be shy, if you want to shag yourself stupid then just say so, we can then point you in the right direction.

---

Living in Thailand is to enjoy the freedom and not to go shagging girls or guys... and enjoying a sunset beer after finishing a days work on my sites.

Make about 10 or 12 long stay trips before you decide to move here.

I it will seem to be a great place, but remember you are just a tourist.

The circus is fun, but the clown can be ugly when the makeup comes off!

Come to Thailand for a trip first.
Stay sober and LOOK about.
There are many different sides to Thailand.
Stay as long as you can before you decide.
....its not paradise.

Oh and after the first three days that you can stand without booze n birds on tap.

Fuck up your life and party with the rest of us until it runs out and just like when you were 5 years old...

...you can go home with the piece of cake, balloon and party hat.



HAPPY DAYS:sexy::chitown:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Smug Farang Bore

Come to Thailand for a trip first.
Stay sober and LOOK about.
There are many different sides to Thailand.
Stay as long as you can before you decide.
....its not paradise.

Oh and after the first three days that you can stand without booze n birds on tap.

Fuck up your life and party with the rest of us until it runs out and just like when you were 5 years old...

...you can go home with the piece of cake, balloon and party hat.



HAPPY DAYS:sexy::chitown:

---

Some sound advice :) best to test the waters first.

^Joking apart. Yes.

It's not pretty, clean, or paradise. The Thais most likely will take everything you have and Phuket is constantly in the news for Thais kicking expats off their bikes and stealing their wallets or purses. Muggings and other attacks are common at night. Sunset beers and shags a-plenty. Phuket is great!

That sort of money I would choose Florida over Thailand.

^ Not unless you speak Espanol...

I question whether your original post and this one are for real.

Despite what you say below, your profile says you are in Pattaya.

You've never been to Thailand, but you've decided you want to live here?

And, are you aware that 90 day border runs are raising more and more eyebrows at the government level?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chitown

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

I am thinking about living in Thailand

---

How many times have you visited Thailand and how long were your stays?

You mention Phuket? How often have you been there and for how long?

---

Actually been to many places in my life but not travelled to Thailand...

Heard of Phuket but not been.

---

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

and enjoying a sunset beer after finishing a days work on my sites.

---

look at Koh Chang rather than Phuket

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vinlyn

I question whether your original post and this one are for real. Despite what you say below, your profile says you are in Pattaya.

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Superslooth...

I am doing it - I live in Pai, work as a programmer for US-based clients. I know at least two guys around here who are doing the same. One is independent (web business), the other contracting for EU clients.

Two main things:
- How to organize the visa. I have a Thai wife, so I'll just get 1 year Non-O visas, and leave every 3 months - it's fun to visit the surrounding countries anyways, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, etc... there's lots of destinations within easy access of BKK. If you don't have a Thai Wife, you can still get a 1 year non-O from certain embassies (Hull in England, I think). This is actually a 3 months visa valid for 1 year with multiple entries which means you can stretch it for just over 1 year.

- Where to find internet. This is where it's good to _not_ live too far out in the boonies. I am in Pai, internet is a bit painful but still kinda sorta OK. But I am considering moving to Chiang Mai. Samui (I think) and Phuket, BKK, and Chiang Mai have great fast internet. They just introduced True 8MB in Chiang Mai. You are not going to get this if you are too far out in the country.
Anyway, you'll need a main DSL line, and a backup. I have DSL from 2 different companies, plus CAT CDMA wireless for pretty much (so far) 100% uptime.

I am assuming if you are working managing websites then you are not in the category of drunk sexpat farangs. You'll find them everywhere in Thailand, and they are all too happy to tell you their many (often similar) stories, but in terms of advice, it's generally completely useless info. Like "don't leave your phone on the table or the lady will suddenly take off with it". Oh really? LOL.

I like Chiang Mai + extended beach vacations in March/April when the air in Chiang Mai gets seriously bad. But each to their own, best to travel the country a bit.

PM me if/when you get here...

PS: I know I could get a 1 year extension for my TW visa. I did that once, then lost it when I didn't get a re-entry permit. Then you need to report every 90 days. It seems to take a similar effort to get than to just leave every 3 months so I am taking the easy route now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dirtydog

That sort of money I would choose Florida over Thailand.

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If you're into the supersized ladies... :P

Your situation allows living just about anywhere as long as it has a proper communications infrastructure to support your work. Thailand has diverse variety of geography and lifestyle. You seem to have the need for a social group so you should consider locating in or near places which have a significant expat community with facilities that cater to the community and have homes where you can sit in quiet environment, enjoy a nice cold beer and watch the sun set. As others have said, you need to visit and spend at least couple of weeks in each potential location before you make the move. I suggest you consider these locations. In all these areas, avoid living in the tourist areas. Nice to visit but horrid to live in.

Bangkok area - Offers the most diverse expat friendly services. All manner of restaurants, pubs, nightlife and shopping areas. Unless you enjoy living in a very large, crowded, high density environment, there are several places you can live within 40 or 50 km of central Bangkok where you can find a bit of peace and quiet. No beaches or mountains but lots of tropical riverside locations. Keep in mind, Bangkok has a major traffic problem so traveling into central Bangkok can be a frustrating experience.

Phuket area - Phuket has much to offer. Although on a smaller scale than Bangkok, Phuket has a significant resident expat community, plenty of nightlife, shopping and places where you can live in peace and quiet. Beaches and mountains are plentiful. If you enjoy seaside/seaview living this is the place for you.

Chiangmai area - Located in the north of Thailand. Has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Thailand. Chiangmai has a large resident expat community, and all the services to support the community. It can get hot in Chiangmai but generally is much cooler than most parts of Thailand. The good thing with the Chiangmai area is you can live in relative seclusion and only be 20 or 30 km outside central Chiangmai.

Plan to visit each of the above areas and stay at least 2 weeks in each.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dirtydog

That sort of money I would choose Florida over Thailand.

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Hawaii maybe, Florida no.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nikster

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dirtydog

That sort of money I would choose Florida over Thailand.

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If you're into the supersized ladies... :P

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He said Florida, not the UK.

UK women are now officially the fattest in Europe | Mail Online

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nikster

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dirtydog

That sort of money I would choose Florida over Thailand.

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If you're into the supersized ladies... :P

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I live in Florida, you dont want to live here!:) The weather is very very similar. The people very very different. I live on the west coast and suprisingly not too many supersized around here. Close proximity to the beach keeps them fit and tan. Mostly brains the size of peas though.

I would go with Thailand but take everyones advice to heart! Go there on vacation a few times and learn some of the culture before you decide.

Hi Simonthere,
Great idea you have. With £4,000 a month you can live comfortably in Thailand and do your computer work. Just tell the diplomatic missions you are retired and stay as as tourist. Every 60 days you will have to leave Thailand and you my not be agble to get multiple entry visas in nearby countries, but you will be able to get single-entry or double entry perpetually.

You are not allowed to work in Thailsand, but don't worry about that. The authorities have no chance of proving that you are.

I don't know why some people fear that you might become an alcoholic living in Thailand. You could as well become an alcoholic in the U.K.

Your grammar seems o.k. to me.

Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

I need some advice from people experienced to living in Thailand.

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You really do sound more of a Somchai than a Simon.

Quote:

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what is the expat community like? anyone else doing the same as me?

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Give it a rest Somchai, if you've lived overseas as you say you have you know what the expat community is like, same same game just different players.

Quote:

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Your advice great appreciated, Simon

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I've got some great advice for you Somchai, Don't take us for a bunch of cvnts.

Quote:

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The money I receive is quite stable but I know how easy it is become broke...
My grammar sucks and that point I completely agree with!

Simon

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Yes your grammar dose suck, now come on Somchai out with it, whats yer game?

He Needs a Non B, nikster, the O is not for anything to do with work.
Check it out on the Thai website.

Big Bang...............

you're a fokin idiot. :banhim11: :)

wow... just returned this forum as I was out of town for a couple of days.

I noticed my members name does say some Thai town but I did not add this nor add any town. This must of been added during the registration process.

Somchai? unsure what or whom you are referring to but my sucky grammar has little to do with asking members here for advice about living in Thailand. Apologies if my english is not first class but I strongly believe in content over english and I posted here to find out advice about living in Thailand.

However reading between the lines I got some gerat advice which I will use and thank you for all responding.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vinlyn

Despite what you say below, your profile says you are in Pattaya.

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Can't get anything past you can we, wish other members were so observant, yours says Hua Hin, are you telling a little porkie to us about being in Hua Hin?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by simonhere

I noticed my members name does say some Thai town but I did not add this nor add any town.

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It will change every few posts, sadly vinlyn doesn't seem to comprehend that in any way at all even though the same happens to him and everyone else with less than 1,000posts.