What are the essential steps for relocating to Chiang Mai, Thailand with a dog?

# Kick-start in Thailand

I’d really appreciate any feedback on this plan - anything inaccurate, missing, unnecessary, or wrong. I know many of you have real hands-on experience and are very helpful, so I’d value your input. If this group isn’t the right place for this kind of question, I’d appreciate being pointed to a more suitable one.

## A program for the first 100 days for me, 53, moving to Chiang Mai with my border collie, Jessy

1. Apply for a Non-Immigrant O retirement visa (90 days)

- Passport copy

- Photo taken within the last 6 months

- Proof of current location

- Bank statement for the last 3 months showing at least 800,000 THB or equivalent

- Once issued, I have 90 days to enter Thailand

2. Purchase a one-way ticket to Bangkok + AVIH (Animal Vivant in Hold) for Jessy

3. Prepare all required documents for Jessy

- Import permit via email from the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS), 60 days before arrival

- Vaccination book with DHLPP proof from a local vet

- Official International Health Certificate, issued within 10 days before arrival

- Rabies titer blood test certificate

4. Book a room at Flora House, a pet-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai, for 1 month

5. Book a minivan from Bangkok airport to Chiang Mai for the arrival day (10K–12K baht)

6. Purchase temporary health insurance for 90 days in the country of origin

7. Do not forget an international car driving permit (IDP)

8. Fill out the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) 3 days before arrival

9. Fly to Bangkok and get a 90-day stay permit stamped in the passport

10. At the airport

- Go through AQS, get the dog entry permit, and pay all fees (cash only!)

- Use the red channel and pay tax if required

11. Travel to Chiang Mai by minivan and check into Flora House

- Get TM.30 registration

- Get a monthly rental contract

12. Purchase a local SIM card

- Get one from AIS, cheapest prepaid (e.g. "The One SIM")

- Get confirmation that the number is linked to the passport for bank use

13. Get CoR (Certificate of Residence)

- Four copies: two for banks, one for a driving license, one for the Revenue Department

- At the immigration office near the airport

- Pay 1000 baht for express service

14. Open a bank account for immigration deposit (800,000 THB)

- Bangkok Bank, best for visa deposits

- Choose a branch in a large mall (e.g. Maya Lifestyle Center or Central Festival Chiang Mai), more farang-friendly

- Dress business casual, no shorts or slippers!

- Prepare copies of passport, visa, TM.30, CoR, rental contract, and SIM confirmation letter

- Agree to purchase Personal Accident Insurance (PA), 3K-7K baht

- Open a savings account

- Get a basic debit card and a passbook

- Complete biometric face scan

- Set up and activate the mobile banking app

15. Transfer 800,000 baht to the Bangkok Bank account

- Use Wise, "International Transfer (Bahtnet)"

- Set purpose as "Funds for long-term stay in Thailand"

- Ensure it appears as FTT (Foreign Transfer) in the passbook

16. Install useful apps: Grab, Bolt, Line, FoodPanda, AirVisual

17. Start searching for a long-term detached house with an agent

18. Sign a 1-year lease, likely in a moobaan

19. After 90 days, apply for a 1-year Extension of Stay (retirement)

- Do not wait until the last day, apply 21 days before the end of 90 days

- At the immigration office near the airport

- Get a bank guarantee letter confirming 800,000 baht has been in the account for 2 months

- Bank statement must be same-day (make an ATM transaction and request it after)

- Update TM.30 and the rental contract if the address has changed

- Pay 1900 baht

- Get a multi re-entry permit (TM.8) for 3800 baht

- Note: TM.30 resets after each exit/entry and must be renewed

20. Purchase long-term health insurance for the coming year

21. Open a bank account for daily use

- Kasikorn Bank, best app for QR payments and English support

- Same approach as Bangkok Bank, choose a branch in a large mall

22. Get a Thai driving license

- At Thai Honda Safety Driving Center Chiang Mai

- Bring a medical certificate from any clinic

- Takes 3 days, no need for DLT tests or theory

- First license is temporary (2 years), then upgraded to a 5-year license

23. Buy a scooter, Honda PCX 160 + ABS

24. Report every 90 days using the TM.47 form

- Can be done at the immigration office

- Or online via IMM eService (but the first report must be in person)

25. Get useful documents

- Yellow Book (Tabien Baan, Thor Ror 13), requires cooperation from the house owner

- Pink Card (Alien Identification Card)

- Quite a complex bureaucratic process, but it makes life easier later

- Requires passport translation into Thai and certification at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand

26. Get TIN (Thai Tax ID)

- Needed if staying more than 180 days

- At the Revenue Department

- Requires CoR

- If asked why: "to get a 15% refund on bank deposit interest"

27. Enjoy life in Thailand, learn Thai, take a cooking course, hike Doi Inthanon, etc.