What should I know about relocating to Pattaya, Thailand, regarding visas, finances, and living arrangements?

Harry ChapmanI’m an owner and buyer - you’re talking nonsense, you have no concept of the subject, cannot provide any semblance of the figures I’ve asked for, provided no evidence of the market based on facts, and have zero idea of other world markets. Apart from hearsay and based on all that you’re trying to tell me what’s going on? How many properties do you own and in which cities Harry? I’m thinking none right? forgive me if I file you under ‘no idea’!

@Harry ********

I own my houses in my name only. You’ve always been able to. Only a small percentage care about profit, the vast majority are buying ‘homes’. But at the end of the 10,20,30 years ownership I’ve got a house to sell. at the end of the 10,20,30 years rent you’ve got nothing. That will always eat away at renters.

@Tim *********

bit worrying their English is not that great . It’s true about the weather , although the relentless heat day after day can grind you down . But it’s not that cheap anymore . If you own a property in the UK for example your monthly budget is not so different to what you would spend in Thailand . Rent don’t buy , like everybody else says … for a good reason

@Mma ******

not all house purchases are ‘investments’ Some of them are ‘homes’! But go ahead give all your hard earned to people like me that have bought many 🤣🤣

@Peter *******

Not if you don't tell them you're in Thailand!

@Don ****

always happy to spread a little knowledge

@Don ****

not everyone’s a fool!

@Joseph ********

good information Joe. 🙏 Thanks

@Greg ********

about £900 a month

@Samantha *********

Congrats. That's exciting. Do u mind if u reach out re buying a condo

@Tim ********

good answer although 8k-10k a month will only get you something basic . 20-25k will get you something nice , big and plenty of space for 1 or 2 persons in a better area

@Tim *********

…DTV might work. But you have to apply outside of Thailand. Get on the Thai embassy website in Spain and read up on the requirements. I’am in the same boat as you and I would never buy anything right away. I rent a modern condo very nice for 9,000 baht ($258 USD) a month. In Bangkok because my Thai wife of 16 years (also a US citizen) has tons of friends here. I’ll tell you now that real estate for foreigners isn’t easy to sell. Don’t buy chit until you’re in country for year and know your preferred living area. Rent first. Don’t bring that 50,000 pounds into Thailand just yet. Don’t tell anyone about your money, especially the Government in Thailand. I recommend you have your savings in a UK bank, or a bank in Spain and set up a Wise or REMITLY account to transfer money as needed to your Thai bank account. As needed. I transfer from my bank in Los Angeles to our bank here in Thailand and it takes REMITLY About 20 seconds to do it. I’ve never used Wise but some on this forum use that. Me personally I would never do a direct deposit into Thailand from my (for example) social security. It’s best to have a firewall of protection in my opinion so my social security goes into my USA bank account and then I simply transfer any money I need for a month or two into our bank in Thailand. I am ignorant of these new tax laws in Thailand but in my opinion the less any government can trace money the better it is for us. They can’t tax your savings account that’s offshore. Good luck Sir.

@Tom *******

Im in Hua Hin now and loving it. I tried Pattaya, and Bangkok before. Lots of good night markets and places to eat at here in Hua Hin. Most people will say its boring but I love it.

@Bhavin *********

3day rule??

@Nigel ********

best tip

@Stuart **********

how do u get a retirement visa in USA we live in Florida now but not for long

@Stacey ***************

I very much agree with what you said. Or perhaps Hua Hin just down the road if he is looking for a livelier bigger place. It is a bit more expensive, but still relatively cheap within Thailand.

@Bob *********

yep once you put your 800 or 500 k down—depending on the visa—you definately wont have enough money to buy a decent condo and have an emergency fund—you would have to rent in my opinion

@Chris *****

Depends what kind of condom. Ribbed is better

@Chris *****

I don't think he's looking for condoms.

@Chris *****

think U mean condos not condoms 😂

@Graham ******

if Tim Shilling deposits his 50,000 Euros in a Thai bank, this year, he won’t be liable for potential income tax, unless he’s spent quite a bit of time in Thailand, this calendar year, already.

If he doesn’t spend at least 180 days in Thailand this calendar year, he won’t be considered a tax resident.

@Graham ******

thai tax on pension will never happen stop scaremongering pls nothing confirmed and never will be TIT ffs

@Us ****

live in middle ka