@Kool ******

this is exactly why whichever direction i go, I want 100% understanding in the legalities.

Do you feel that some of the farang horror stories of real estate are self induced due to lack of understanding, or due to potential corrupt gov practices? Or is it simply a guy met the wrong girl and put house in her name and lost it? Hahaha.

@Kool ******

got it. Thank you.

@Kool ******

ok. Ya, i definitely would need to understand that better. So meaning, if you get the 30 year lease, and live there for 15 years, when you go to sell the additional 15 years does not transfer to new buyer, they must start new 30yr?

At what point do i not have control over the property in a lease? What cannot be done, or in what aspects can i lose?

@Kevin *********

I am looking in the Phratamnak area to south Jomtien in Pattaya. Most of my time in Thailand has been in this area. I have exhaustively looked at Thailand real state for 2 years all over Thailand, and then go to google street maps and walk the streets around that property. In my opinion, the Dongtan/Jomtien area is hands down the best place to be in Thailand. The amount of things you can just easily walk to or catch a baht bus are amazing. Lots of tourist police around. Lots of English speaking people also.

@Kool ******

in a lease, does the Thai gov receive part of the selling price, thus securing the land? Or is it as simple as you pay seller full price, and gov added to deed or whatever there? What happens upon selling? Can any foreigner buy from me, or have to be Thai? What could constitute the gov taking over full ownership and black listing you?

@Kevin *********

I personally am still gaining information about which way is the best for me. That involves fully understanding the fine print of each also. Again, this is still a few years out and not happening next week as maybe my post comes across as.

To my knowledge, there is no property tax in Thailand. This eliminates costly monthly maintenance fees associated with a nice condo at $500-600 a month that i have been looking at. Having some land will also allow me to continue quite a few of my hobbies with addition of shop or garage. Private pool also.

I have been a construction contractor for 30 years and have professionally done every trade, so maintenance of a home is simple for me.

@Michael *******

maybe you can clear this up for me. I had heard that potentially you cannot work on your own vehicle? Or potentially no engine swaps unless certified mechanic. Is this true?

@Kevin *********

it is one of the reasons.

@Kevin *********

Crime is getting pretty bad here. Many large stores shut down due to theft. The laws make theft under $1000 basically a parking ticket. Downtown Portland is very unsafe now, even during the day. Lots of fentanyl use.

I am actually in the Sexton Mountain neighborhood in Beaverton. It has finally migrated larger than Portland and is starting to hit my neighborhood. I won't walk the dog at night now without some sort of personal protection.

Portland is a dumpster fire compared to what it was just even 15 years ago.

How long have you been away?