Hi , this is a bit of an " everything else " post . In the last 16 years i have spent approx 3 years on the ground in Thailand on the Tourist visa system . I have just this year obtained the Old Age Pension in Australia and can now leave the country and live overseas . Since coming of OAP age i have been in the "dreaming phase" about leaving this country and making the move to Thailand long term . But now things get a little more serious . I dont own my home , i rent , i'm single and have no dependants.
So now i am heading into the " Planning Phase " and suddenly there is a lot to consider , letting go of all my possessions ( car , motorbike , household goods ) How to maintain bank accounts and the reissuing of debit cards ( do they send them overseas ? ) , how and should i maintain my Aussie Drivers License , medical considerations ( i have no major medical problems , although the knees are starting to complain about the extra weight i am now carrying ) and many questions i haven't even thought of yet .
I'm sure i will find the answers to many questions on here and on the internet as a whole but the one thing i am interested in is the experience of people who have done this already and how they felt leaving everything behind . Any regrets , anything you forgot to do after leaving , how difficult or easy was it making the move . I have friends in Thailand , i speak a small amount of Thai and love the place in general so i am fairly comfortable over there . 👌
Sorry for the long post and i would appreciate any sharing of experience no matter how small or seemingly insignificant . Sometimes it's the small things we forget that can have a large impact. 🤔 ........ Thanks .
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses an Australian expat's considerations for relocating to Thailand long-term now that he has reached retirement age. He reflects on the logistics of moving, such as handling possessions, maintaining bank accounts, and the implications of healthcare and driving licenses. The community shares their experiences, emphasizing the need to maintain connections to Australia for financial benefits and offering practical advice on planning visits and managing documentation.
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.
