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What are the considerations and experiences in relocating an old wooden building in Thailand?

Old Wooden HousesRelocationThailand PropertyTermite ManagementConstruction MaterialsTeak WoodBuilding Codes in ThailandBuying Property in ThailandExpat ExperiencesHousing Preferences
Jan 12, 2024
a year ago
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone in the group bought and relocated an old wooden building ? I’m keen on the idea …

Any thoughts ? and not the usual 😬 wood …. There are a lot of insects in Thailand ! I am aware of all that 😉 . thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the experiences and considerations of relocating an old wooden building in Thailand. Participants share insights on materials such as teak and eucalyptus that are resistant to termites, the challenges of property ownership for expats, and practical advice regarding construction and renovation of old houses. Several comments highlight personal projects, the importance of using seasoned wood, and managing the risks associated with pests. There are also mentions of legal aspects related to property ownership in Thailand, particularly for foreigners.
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Let me clarify something ….. life is a very short affair … I quite fancy an old wooden house by our Khlong ….I am an antique dealer and decorator ….. I like beautiful things around me ….. I don’t care about the house being eaten by insect …. As for the sound of them munching , my hearing isn’t as good as it was …. Just saying !
a year ago
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T ****************
Termites abound in Thailand
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@T ***************
 please refer to my opening remarks
a year ago
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James ********
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Paul *******
My house is made of wood on the second floor hot in summer and cold in the winter
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
 . I was intending to try to have the best of both world , like one I have seen in Tak recently…. Ancient exterior, but heavily insulated on the inner walls and contemporary interior …. But thanks for your input
a year ago
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James ********
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Craig *********
I bought an old two bedroom house, approx 70 years old, took it to pieces, moved it and built this using the timber. My COVID project, I'm a carpenter and joiner by trade. Just remember the old house timber will need a day of soaking, hosing down, before dismantling. This makes the timber less brittle and pliable. Much easier to take apart.
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ********
 great advise Craig
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
a year ago
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Craig *********
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Andy ************
Rosewood golden teak etc yep it would be a great project. No I’ve not done it yet
a year ago
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Barry *********
Make sure you put termite caps on your stumps/footings

Any old timber that has survived 50 years will be fine.

We used timber from an old rice store, termites got into new timber and left the old timber
a year ago
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Dylan ********************
Yes we lived in one and love it. It was hand made teak wooden house 50 years old. It has AC and screens to protect from insects. Indoor and out door cooking. We loved it.
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dylan *******************
 yep that’s my plans too
a year ago
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James ********
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Hovvard ******
You could probably scrounge a whole lot of reclaimed tropical hard wood from the locals, or just pay them to find it, and rehab one.
a year ago
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Anthony ********
I'm in chanthaburi. Old China town by the river are nearly all made from wood very beautiful and been there for hundreds of years. I would definitely go for a old seasoned one and make sure it's on stilts. Thais tell me teak is the way to go but expensive. Good luck with your project 👍
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anthony *******
 Great buildings in Chanthaburi !!
a year ago
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Nathan ******
Yes, our home is built with the wood from 2 old houses and mixed with new eucalyptus poles and posts. No problem in 9 years. The hard wood from old buildings is super heavy and tight grained (if it hasn't been eaten by termites in 50 years you got good wood) termite proof and beautiful. The new wood that is available is not the same.

The downside is time and energy pulling nails, cutting split ends and figuring out the best use of each board.
a year ago
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Ludwig ***********
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ludwig **********
 taken apart ....
a year ago
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Ludwig ***********
@James *******
 Antique house may be very difficult to transport
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ludwig **********
 thanks for that Ludwig but it was an antique house that I had my sights on ….
a year ago
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James ********
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Ludwig ***********
You can buy taylor made teakwood houses here

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a year ago
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Naj *************
are you sure you are allowed to buy any property in Thailand other than a condo ?
a year ago
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Naj *************
@James *******
 no idea wtf you are talking about… but good luck with your ambitions…
a year ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Naj ************
 oh ye of little faith !! I don’t know if anyone ever explain to you but you ain’t taking your material possessions with you brother !! Just sayin’ !
a year ago
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Ron **********
@Naj ************
 exactly
a year ago
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Naj *************
@Ron *********
 yeah…but that doesn’t make it yours… just your wife’s…🤣
a year ago
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Ron **********
@Naj ************
 a legal way for a ferang to buy a house on land or land only, is to put it in his Thai wife's name.
a year ago
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Ron **********
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Paul *********
a year ago
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Carter *******
Beware, if you want to move any kind of teak wood, you have to pay some money to the government
a year ago
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Keith ******
Use woods like cedar, teak, and redwood to dispel termites and will last longer in the Thailand climate. Teak is readily available all over the area and preferred for furniture in Thailand as it lasts.
a year ago
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Michael *******
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a year ago
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Michael *******
Love it! Thai army supply and build new ones! They are amazing!
a year ago
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Michael *******
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