@Jim *****

sure it would be clearer if the immigration have specific dates. One thing is sure they don't like anyone really going OTT. Lots of embassies say not over 6 months in one year. Also, as stated by many, it often depends on the IO who stamps you in. They have all your details online in front of them, dates, previous stays etc . Some of them are unfriendly. Lots say avoid the lady IOs. I always advise dress nicely, and act normally polite. Have your papers clear and ready. Flying in is usually better than land border, and apparently Chiang Mai airport is better, don't know if that's true.

@J *************

rubbish. Hes a tourist! and will not be breaking any rules!

@Steve **************

Hi Steve, concerning the noise problems I've experienced, it's probably due to the thin walls. I have a very solid home in France and have never heard a neighbours TV or shower.i know you can't compare the cost of a Thai condo and one in France , or other western countries. I too have spent many winters in Thailand since 1985.I would never buy unless I was actually spending most of the year there. Then I would choose with great care. As for the author, personally I would invest the sale of my house at home, or rent it out there.And if I didn't have any experience of Thailand I certainly wouldn't buy without having lived there for a while. It's not only buying or renting that is the problem, it's knowing the good and the bad, the tax situation, the different seasons, different areas, and as the lady has children certainly the schooling and costs. I have foreign friends with children and the kids are often bored and not finding enough friends and things to do.Quite a common problem. So not a decision to take lightly.

@Steve **************

exactly why I never bought a condo. Noise is a huge problem, poor quality building , with lack of upkeep. One place I had in jomtien, was sitting watching TV and suddenly all the shelves collapsed.winfows wouldn't open and close properly. Lots have really smelly drains.

@Lynnette ******

will definitely take some time Lynnette. It's a bit of a storm in a tea cup at the moment. No one knows. Whatever, none of my friend have been contacted although they are on retirement visas. You do need to have a certain amount of money for them to claim I suppose. The info is out there but doesn't concern me.

@Lynnette ******

you won't need to do a thing if you are spending -179 days in Thailand a year. Of course you pay taxes in your own country.

@Lynnette ******

a " fact" is a true statement. It might be a mentioned for example from the different embassies, but is not true. Example , as I previously said, the french embassy in France says 6 months in a year is the maximum. But if you are in Thailand on a visa, or visa exempt 60 days, easy enough to get an extension, = 3 months, leave for a week or less to Laos , Malaysia , Bali etc, return with a 60 day visa rinse and repeat. = 6 months . Then often possible to do it again, through border entries, Chiang Mai airport, or a bit of " luck". Until you come across an unfriendly immigration officer.

@Lynnette ******

at my age now, I usually stay 3 months ( 60 days plus one extension). Enough. I used to stay 5 months with double entry at the time. Immigration at airports etc can see when someone abuses the system. In out all year. Embassy in France states 6 months in one year is enough. But only if you're applying for a visa there. Easy enough to get a new visa in Laos, Penang, etc. But as I said , immigration will eventually give you a telling off or refuse. There are other visas that you can apply for for those that need long stay.

@Lynnette ******

under 6 months you do not have to do a tax return!! Keep stays a bit under .

They all have cameras and take your passport details

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