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What guidance can expats provide for moving from the UK to Thailand?

Moving to ThailandUK expatsVisa requirementsLiving in ThailandCultural adjustmentRetirement VisaImmigration adviceExpat community support
Jul 16, 2024
4 months ago
Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi guys, I wonder if anyone can give me some advice. Is there anyone on here that has moved to Thailand from the U.K at all? Looking for some guidance on this matter if anyone can help. How difficult is this to achieve? The do’s and don’t’s as it were.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around expats moving from the UK to Thailand, sharing their experiences and advice. Many participants emphasize cultural adaptation and the logistical aspects of relocating, such as packing lightly and adjusting to a different lifestyle. They highlight the ease of settling down in Thailand, with some discussing visa options and the necessity of financial planning. The underlying sentiment is positive, with numerous expats encouraging newcomers to embrace the change and explore the opportunities that Thailand offers.
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Neil *********
Hi Chris I did it 3
***
years ago, happy to help if I can in any way
4 months ago
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Sharon *******
First off it depends how old you are. Over 50 retirement visa pretty straight forward , most complicated part is opening a bank account to deposit the 800k. If you're under 50 not so easy, You need to look at the Thai embassy web site to see which you might qualify for. You cannot just come to Thailand & hope to find a job so you will need plenty of saving or some type of income.

Visa's aside its pretty easy to get set up, plenty of property to rent, get an IDL before you come if you have a UK driving license, you can use this for 3 months during which you need to get a Thai license which is quite simple.

Not much you can't get here, life is simpler, been here 6 years now.

You do need to ask more specific questions if you want real help
4 months ago
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Wyn **********
Retired here 3 years ago on a small work pension some savings and a backpack.Go back to see family and friends once a year but made new friends here and happy to spend on the Thai economy instead of the greedy one back in the UK.
4 months ago
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Max *************
Fyi,there are thousands of UK citizens in Thailand. Have you even been here?
4 months ago
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Max *************
@Chris ******
 And they never met a UK citizen? They're basically everywhere.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Max ************
 Hi Max, I haven’t been personally but family and friends have.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
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Leo ******
Every day you waste living in the UK is a day you won't get back... Thailand has everything you'll ever need and at a better standard than the UK
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leo *****
 Wow, thank you for this positivity, it just sounds so right.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
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Stuart ***********
I retired to Thailand 2 years ago and have found it extremely easy to adjust. Naturally I miss family and friends, but can still video call with them.

How easy it is depends on you.

I came with 2 suitcases, money and sold/gave away everything else in the uk. Are you ready to do that?

Thailand culture, people, scenery are all lovely and it's much cheaper to live here than the UK.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart **********
 Hi Stuart, to answer your question of am I ready to do this, absolutely. My life has had a massive change and I’m afraid not for the best. Losing family and my home I would say I’m ready. Here in the U.K for a long time now feels it’s not the place for me. Don’t get me wrong the grass isn’t always greener on the other side but Thailand appeals to me for its culture and arts.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Stuart for input, much appreciated.
4 months ago
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Stuart ***********
@Chris ******
 I can certainly recommend it Chris, I love it here in Thailand.

I was similar to you and decided i didn't want to live the rest of my life in England.

I now have a wonderful life here and feel lucky every single day to be here. Good luck I hope everything works out for you.
4 months ago
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Stuart ***********
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Mike *******
@Stuart **********
 giving everything away too, charity shops are doing well out of me
4 months ago
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Mike *******
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Jim ******
**********************************
4 months ago
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Mike *******
I'm about to embark on this journey, I fly from the uk in around 70 days time. If it won't fit in two suticases it's not coming with me.
4 months ago
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Jim ******
@Mike ******
 I went over with 1 suit case and that was too much. Only need to take personal items you can't get in Thailand. You can buy most things you will need or rent a fully furnished condo/house.
4 months ago
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Mike *******
@Jim *****
 It will take two suiitcases for my personal items thanks.
4 months ago
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Mike *******
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Dan *******
Moved here from the UK 7 years ago let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with 👍
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dan ******
 Ah wow, thank you Dan. From your experience then, what’s the process? Bottom line is how do I achieve your goal in becoming a future resident, how complex is it, costs to take into consideration etc Any help or advice you can give me Dan on how to consider a future over in the land of smiles would be greatly appreciated. How achievable is this or am I taking a long shot here. As I’ve mentioned before my life has taken a significant turn in events so I’m looking for help into the possibilities of seeking a future there.
4 months ago
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Chris *******
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Chris *****
🙋🏻‍♂️
4 months ago
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Harry *********
I have . Guidance on what exactly ?
4 months ago
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Chris *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Harry ********
, Hi there just any advice that can be given really. Basically my life has made a dramatic change and this in mind and being passionate about Thailand’s culture it appeals to me deeply, so out of curiosity I wonder how straight forward it is or isn’t, if I considered to up sticks and seek a life there.
4 months ago
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Peter ********
@Chris ******
 Have you ever Ben abroad, or lived abroad, or been a visitor to Thailand? Your questions are a waste of your time and that of everyone else’s. Please take a month long trip to Thailand. Preferably several. .
4 months ago
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Harry *********
@Chris ******
 book a 1 month holiday , stay somewhere central so easy to get about , depending on your budget you can just about live on £900 a month all in , more realistically on £1500 and very well on £2500 for a single person . This assumes you’re not an alcoholic and avoid the luxury restaurants . If you like it you can always come back for longer
4 months ago
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Robert *****
@Harry ********
 GREAT ADVICE HARRY
4 months ago
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Robert *****
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