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Answereda month ago

What are the main considerations for moving to Thailand, especially regarding visa and family needs?

Wannikea *********
asked Sep 28, 2026
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Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of moving to Thailand, particularly focusing on visa options, cultural adjustments, financial preparedness, and the implications of relocating with family, including elderly members and pets. Participants emphasize the importance of thorough planning, especially regarding visa types suited for families and the realities of living in Thailand compared to expectations shaped by social media.
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Tony ********
Tony ********
Took me probably 2
***
Years from the decision I'm doing this.
George ***********
George ***********
About 8 months but most of that was sorting out bringing our 2 dogs! Mission! We leave on Tuesday!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
George Stillings we also have dogs, what are the costs involved if you don’t mind me asking?
George ***********
George ***********
Stephen Dawson it depends if u do it yourself or use an agency....we did ourselves and really its not that bad....its just making sure you have all the right boxes ticked.....we had to do all their jabs etc and then the flight they were 400 each..they are small dogs though...i think a rough estimate its cost us about a grand per dog....but an agency will charge 1500 plus on top of that....
Latrice ********************
Latrice ********************
It took us about 8 months to plan and execute that plan
Renate *******
Renate *******
Over 10 years. It was though because we were happy and still working. Had the plan to review and move. And we almoat followed the plan. We just took our time.
Trustworthy***********
Trustworthy***********
Please understand that only Thai people can own the land in Thailand.
Trustworthy***********
Trustworthy***********
And I would suggest that foreign ownership is 49% total so the other 51% controls so you never have controlling interest in the entire property and collectively all foreigners can never have control of the entire property 51% always rules
Nonie *****
Nonie *****
TrustworthyOctopus7774 I’m well aware of that. BUT you can own apts and condos as a freehold
Trustworthy***********
Trustworthy***********
Nonie Ely
Brian *********
Brian *********
Have you visited first?
Jim *******
Jim *******
Brian Deveney Why would they visit Thai first, it all looks good on junk Instagram and FaceBook, that is how many here form their opinions and even come close to decisions to move to Thai. Without knowing a thing about Thai.
David **********
David **********
Jim Davis It's surprising how many people haven't actually visited first and think it's SO easy. I know 1 family like that who did it successfully, but they are the exception to the rule.
Nonie *****
Nonie *****
Oh I forgot to mention that. Myself 57, my mom is 86, my sister is 47 and 13 year old niece.
Peter ********
Peter ********
Nonie Ely

Have you and your family members been to Thailand before?
Nonie *****
Nonie *****
Peter Slaman no
David **********
David **********
Nonie Ely You really need to visit first. I completely understand wanting to leave the states, as we did so over 5 years ago.

First, Thailand is a big country and everywhere is different.

Second, the difference in culture is real. If you expect to live a "western" lifestyle on Thai prices, you're going to be very disappointed (or run out of money very quickly)

Third, based on your earlier reply, your sister (who you said is 47) will need either the DTV or the Thai elite visa (currently at 650,000 baht for 5 years)

Also, your mother will not be able to get insurance in Thailand based on her age

So in summary, you have a lot to consider before making the move. Feel free to send me a private message if you'd like more details. Best wishes 😊
Robert ********
Robert ********
Nonie Ely you better have money to burn. You haven’t done much homework have you?
Nonie *****
Nonie *****
Robert Benson my mother just sold her house so we are good financially
Justin **********
Justin **********
Not an easy place to live and I pray you aren't taking young children with you
David **********
David **********
It took us more than 6 months of planning, selling, organizing etc. However that was during the pandemic, so we had other hurdles to clear. I think your biggest issue is your visa situation. What visa are you thinking about that will allow you to "live" in Thailand?
Joanne *********
Joanne *********
David E Moore I agree. Definitely the visa is the biggest consideration
Jim *******
Jim *******
David E Moore Yes, the visa situation is most important.
Robert ********
Robert ********
I had my retirement visa stamped w/in 45 days of landing but I did ally homework for months before I moved here. I rented an air bnb for a month to see where I wanted to live.

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