Answered3 years ago
How can I prepare for moving to Thailand with my dog as a Canadian expat?
Hi, I have been lurking for a while, reading posts and getting a feel for the vibe. I’m a
66 year old Canadian woman planning on moving to Thailand (either Chiang Mai or Koh Lanta). Right now I live in BC, and have a lot of stuff to get rid of. I also have a Jack Russell who will be almost 10 when I make the move. I am looking to talk to a Canadian who has done this. Another woman around my age would be better, having a dog another plus! But I would be happy to talk with any Canadian who has done this. Very interested in the Canadian side of things, like how can I keep a Canadian bank account without an address etc. Please DM me if you feel like sharing. TIA
EDIT: I was in Thailand last spring for 2 months, mostly spending my time in Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai. My son lives in SE Asia and I want to be closer to him. I am looking for fellow Canadians who have made the move.
66 year old Canadian woman planning on moving to Thailand (either Chiang Mai or Koh Lanta). Right now I live in BC, and have a lot of stuff to get rid of. I also have a Jack Russell who will be almost 10 when I make the move. I am looking to talk to a Canadian who has done this. Another woman around my age would be better, having a dog another plus! But I would be happy to talk with any Canadian who has done this. Very interested in the Canadian side of things, like how can I keep a Canadian bank account without an address etc. Please DM me if you feel like sharing. TIA
EDIT: I was in Thailand last spring for 2 months, mostly spending my time in Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai. My son lives in SE Asia and I want to be closer to him. I am looking for fellow Canadians who have made the move.
Answer summary
A 66-year-old Canadian woman is considering moving to Thailand with her dog and is seeking advice from fellow Canadians, particularly those who have made a similar move. She wants to know how to maintain a Canadian bank account while living abroad and navigate the challenges of relocating with a pet. Comments from the community provide insights on visa options, pet travel logistics, maintaining healthcare in Canada, and the importance of finding pet-friendly accommodation in Thailand.
36 repliesnewest first
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Graham *******
I believe the statement saying "that those people from countries which have a double tax agreement with Thailand will pay no tax in Thailand" to be incorrect. In my opinion, double tax means that you will receive tax credit for taxes paid outside of Thailand. So, if you are assed as having to pay usd200 in USA and usd300 in Thailand, In Thailand you would pay 300-200=100 dollars in Thailand.
Ken ******
@Graham ******
yes thank you for your insight and interprerationGraham *******
@Ken *****
I am not an accountant or tax consultant, so do not act on my "opinion". BTW I think Thailand will commit financial suicide if they implement this new tax law.Graham *******
@Craig ********
I sent u 2 links, at the mo dificult to conclude what will happen
Craig *********
@Graham ******
you guys don’t pay tax on your pensions? Come to “Tax Canada” where we are taxed and double taxed on everything…Graham *******
@Ken *****
BS! Why would a foreigner choose to retire in a country which will impose a tax bill higher than their own country! Same for a foreign investor! For example a UK retiree on a state pension will pay zero tax in UK but will pay approx. 10% in Thailand!Ken ******
@Graham ******
thank you so much for your reminder. As with other policy like TM30 and 90 reporting which are not quite welcome for foreigners, they are going to implement anyway as it has been announced effective january 2024.This new tax policy has meaningful intention though, which is described as serving to alleviate the income inequality between the rich and the poorKen ******
and by integrity legal, a lawyer cum youtuber on visa, tax and other topics on thailand, quite update
Ken ******
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Ken ******
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Ken ******
a hot topic now , found some youtubers discussing
Ken ******
this is my thinking:
if the new tax law does not explicitly state that foreighners or expat retirees are excluded, then the new tax could cover or applicable to them. some people think that double tax treaty provides a good shield. maybe there is a point
most people do not
understand fully. For example,
one may not need to pay tax
in a foreign country as tax
allowance is much higher
than that of thailand. Then
what happens is that he may need
to pay tax in thailand
because the thai tax
allowance threshold is so
low. Also some tax items not
taxed overseas could be
taxed by thailand. So double
tax treaty may not help
if the new tax law does not explicitly state that foreighners or expat retirees are excluded, then the new tax could cover or applicable to them. some people think that double tax treaty provides a good shield. maybe there is a point
most people do not
understand fully. For example,
one may not need to pay tax
in a foreign country as tax
allowance is much higher
than that of thailand. Then
what happens is that he may need
to pay tax in thailand
because the thai tax
allowance threshold is so
low. Also some tax items not
taxed overseas could be
taxed by thailand. So double
tax treaty may not help
Ken ******
if you are serious，you better do it asap, there has been talk or rumour in social media or internet about tightening visa application or raising the requirement. On the other hand: thailand will implement worldwide tax for long stayer starting JAN next year, impact on retirement demand to be assessed
Chris ******
@Ken *****
Thailand has a double tax treaty with Canada.Chris ******
Cannot.
Ken ******
@Chris *****
pls see graham's interpretation below
Christa ********
OP@Chris *****
does that mean they can’t double tax or they can?
Krista *******
I’m Canadian and have been here for almost 10 years. Feel free to dm me 😊
Christa ********
OP@Krista ******
thank you, I will
Helen ********
@Christa *******
check out Canadians in Thailand | Canadiens en Thaïlande there is some info there... also the typical idiots but that's Facebook. We did this but without the dog. Feel free to pm me and I'll be happy to answer anything I can.Christa ********
OP@Helen *******
messaged you in the other group!Christa ********
OP@Helen *******
thank you, I will. Also, just joined the Canadian group, waiting to be accepted
Kool *******
Every country Thailand does business with has a chapter of the chamber of commerce here, and it is a very good place to network to find your answers and concerns. For Canada it is this.
********************************
Allison *******
@Michele *****
,you might be able to help
Steve ********
As an Australian i know there is a group for Aussies in Thailand . There may also be similar for Canadians . Have a search for FB groups and you might find one specific to your needs , if you haven't already of course .
Suzanne ******
You will need to find a pet friendly accomodation thats the hardest part.
Rob ******
Probably be a one way trip for your pooch, thailand has rabies and most countries have strict policies on coming back home
Laurence **********
@Rob *****
Not true. There have been a few changes in Canada regrading pets returning or new ones coming in. Done it both ways a few times. Must frustrating was bringing a dog back to Thailand that was from Thailand. JAL, Korean and China Airlines are all good. Air Canada would definitely be my last choice. Thailand is not quite the fantasy place some people like to create instead of accepting the reality. 20 plus years for me. Don't buy property, it's just not worth it. Rent! Yes I made that mistake sort of. Thailand is nowhere as good or as cheap as it used to be. I've found better places to live. Pollution is a big problem in Chiang Mai. Bank account...you just use a friends address and never tell them anything ever. BC Med.... You never left. Look out for yourself nobody else will and never advertise what you are doing. Good luck. Oh yeah having a dog is a bit of a pain here. Very different from Canada.Suzanne ******
@Rob *****
not true if she wants to return to canada she can...dog just needs to be vaccinated, same as going to thailand
Jeffrey *******
I just read in another FB group about someone flying direct from Vancouver to Bangkok…but don’t remember the airline. Maybe try out Thailand before you make that move a permanent change. When flying to Thailand with a pet, you have some paperwork to work thru with that. I flew recently from the USA/Florida to BKK with two 7 kg dogs on Korean Air. Thailand is not pet friendly. Very few open green spaces for walking pets. Renting when you have pets is a big challenge. Good luck.
Suzanne ******
@Jeffrey ******
air canada flys direct from vancouver
Ruth *******
@Suzanne *****
really? That’s great to know!
Todd *********
@Suzanne *****
only seasonally. Starts in November
Greg *********
Use the address of a friend or family member to maintain a banking connection in Canada.
Note - Ontario has a 2 year residency exemption available for our provincial health care plan coverage (OHIP). Not sure about BC. That would negate the need for a 3 month wait to get back on provincial health care train if you decided to come back for any reason.
If you've never been to Thailand before you're most likely going to love it. If you have, then you already know.
Good luck!
Note - Ontario has a 2 year residency exemption available for our provincial health care plan coverage (OHIP). Not sure about BC. That would negate the need for a 3 month wait to get back on provincial health care train if you decided to come back for any reason.
If you've never been to Thailand before you're most likely going to love it. If you have, then you already know.
Good luck!
Henrik *****
Have you been staying in Thailand for at least 2-3 month ? ( 60 days touristvisa + 30 day extension.
Else that would be the first step, to see if Thailand really is the dreamcountry, when it becomes everyday life.
Before selling out, try Thailand long time.
Else that would be the first step, to see if Thailand really is the dreamcountry, when it becomes everyday life.
Before selling out, try Thailand long time.
Christa ********
OP@Henrik ****
just edited my post.Activity
18 joined18
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