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What legal advice should I seek before buying a house in Thailand as a foreign retiree?
Thailand retirementThai visaproperty purchase Thailandlegal adviceexpat living in Thailandreal estatePhetchabunIntegrity LegalSiam Legal
Sep 15, 2025
8 months ago
Lance *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am getting ready to retire to Thailand early next year to live with my long term Thai partner in Phetchabun. We will be living in a house currently owned by her brother and will buy this house in her name as soon as I sell my house in the UK. I will be in Bangkok on holiday shortly and am looking for recommendations for someone there that my partner and I can go and talk to get advice on various issues. They must be able to talk Thai and English for us both to understand what we need to do.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A retiree moving to Thailand with a Thai partner is seeking legal advice regarding purchasing property in Thailand. Several community members recommend contacting legal firms in Bangkok, such as Integrity Legal and Siam Legal, to ensure proper understanding and handling of the process. There is also a strong suggestion to consider renting instead of purchasing to avoid potential financial issues. Retaining assets and investment advice is emphasized as vital for a secure retirement.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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Von ***********
Siam Legal in BKK.
Lance *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Von **********
Thank you😊Von ***********
@Lance ******
found them to be professional and knowledgeable.Not cheap, but good legal advice seldom is.
Reply to
Von ***********
Reply
John *********
I understand your situation. Seems similar to mine. I am married to a Thai woman for 36 years. She has a newer house in Thailand and vehicle just like we have in North America. We live in Thailand from October to April and the other country the remainder of the year. We have been doing this for 4 years on. Whatever path you take is probably the best option.
I would also recommend to rent a house in Thailand so you and your wife can retain your valuable assets (money). My research has found a house in Thailand is a mediocre investment at best. Even if you sell your house in the UK, the earnings on that money invested in the UK will pay the rent and more in Thailand. It’s always better to retire with the biggest safety net you can get. We made it so our investments and savings will last a long time and we are not wealthy.
I would also recommend to rent a house in Thailand so you and your wife can retain your valuable assets (money). My research has found a house in Thailand is a mediocre investment at best. Even if you sell your house in the UK, the earnings on that money invested in the UK will pay the rent and more in Thailand. It’s always better to retire with the biggest safety net you can get. We made it so our investments and savings will last a long time and we are not wealthy.
Mark *********
Keep your money otherwise you will end up with nothing.
Patrick **********
i just only say this---->🤦🏽♂️
Kevin ********
Good luck ,,,you'll need it
Phil ******
@Lance ******
without knowing your exact questions its difficult to do a recommendation so im thinkingg you need to contact a legal firm. Talk to Ben at @Integrity ******
Peter **********
not the best idea to ask here
Lance *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
Thanks Phil. This is the kind of response I’m looking for.Allan **************
@Lance ******
He has a,YouTube channel you can look it up good luck and enjoy life.Jason ***********
@Lance ******
what? You don’t want all of the smart arse remarks from the arseholes?!Lance *******
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks David. It does😊
David *****
@Lance ******
I found @Expat ******
to be good. I had a preliminary meeting with them via zoom to discuss many issues associated with moving to Thailand and getting married, marital assets, prenup, usufruct/leasehold, wills, etc. Hope this helps.Reply to
David *****
Reply
Rick ********
Don't do it Brother.
Giovanni **********
@Rick *******
Good advice, however there are very few people actually that listen. Then like several of my friends they wish they had.Rick ********
@Giovanni *********
We all have to learn.Reply to
Rick ********
Reply
Graham ******
Post your questions here in advance to help your planning
Bill ******
keep your house in the UK. Rent in Thailand. If you don’t this advice will haunt you later in line.
Steve ******
@Bill *****
yes good advice,I rent my house out in uk,I was living in a condo in pratamnak with my mrs and paying 25,000 a month rent and electric,she already had land in the village with a block shell so I put the money in to build it into a beautiful house and within 2 years the money will be back in my bank 👍😊😊Giovanni **********
@Steve *****
Best made plans of mice and men.Steve ******
@Giovanni *********
I'll update you in 2 years 🤣🤣Giovanni **********
@Steve *****
Good luck 🤞Reply to
Giovanni **********
Reply
Ann-Louise ********
@Bill *****
that’s what we are doing, renting not buying here!Bill ******
“Later in life “
Robbie *******
@Bill *****
, excellent advice , if you know , you know .Reply to
Robbie *******
Reply
Angel ******
IB please
Lance *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Angel *****
IB?Angel ******
@Lance ******
inboxReply to
Angel ******
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