Many European people are looking further afield, those who are approaching retirement and wish to escape the freezing winter, while young people are also looking to experience a different culture and Thailand is at the top of their list. If you are planning to relocate to the Land of Smiles, you have come to the right place, as we offer valuable information to help you make a smooth transition.
Visas
As with any country, staying in Thailand long-term requires that you obtain the correct visa. If you are aged 50 or over, you can apply for a retirement visa, which can be renewed annually without having to leave the country. You must meet the financial requirements; open a Thai bank account in your name and deposit 800,000 Thai baht, which you should do two months prior to applying for the visa. The alternative is to show evidence of an income of not less than 65,000 baht per month. If you are married to a Thai citizen, you can obtain a marriage visa that is valid for 1 year and can be renewed within Thailand. The other visa alternative is the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa), a tourist visa valid for up to 5 years, if you meet the financial requirements.
Health insurance
We advise you to take out private medical insurance prior to arriving in Thailand; medical treatment is very costly in Southeast Asia and a single emergency could wipe out all your savings. It simply isn’t worth the risk and with a range of policies, you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
Accommodation
You should rent initially, at least until you find an area that you like; some people prefer the urban setting of Bangkok, while others choose a coastal location such as Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket. It should be noted that foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, they can, however, own a condo unit. One option is to lease a plot of land for 30 years, with an option for a further 30 years. While you cannot own land, you can own a building that sits on the land and with the help of a good lawyer, you can secure your home. You can, of course, rent a condo unit in a luxury development, which is the favoured option for many expats, as they do not wish to make a long-term commitment. If you are planning to visit Phuket with your kids, read this article.
Do some online research
The more you know about Thailand and its colourful culture, the richer your experience will be. Google is your best friend when it comes to searching for knowledge. Learn about the proud history of Siam and Buddhism, which is the main religion in Thailand, while you can also find out about the 3 seasons, namely summer, winter and the rainy season.
