Whether you are planning a long holiday or relocation to the tropical paradise of Thailand, you have come to the right place, as we present important information to help you organise your trip. Thailand has long been a top holiday destination and it is also the top destination for digital nomads and retirees.
Visas and requirements
There are many different types of visas to stay in Thailand, from a free 30-day visa on arrival to a one-year retirement visa. There are non o insurance Bangkok requirements to cover you in the event of a medical emergency, while not all long-term visas require you to take out health insurance, although it is always wise to have health cover. If you marry a Thai citizen, you can obtain a marriage visa, which is valid for 1 year and can be renewed within Thailand; you must meet the financial requirements (see Thai Immigration website for details). You can apply for an education visa if you are studying Thai language or Buddhism at an approved institution, while you can also obtain a visa if you are training for Muay Thai.
Real estate in Thailand
Foreigners are not permitted to own land in Thailand; there are a few exceptions to this, if you are prepared to invest 40 million baht, you can own 1 rai of land for residential purposes only. If you are planning to build your dream home in sunny Thailand, you can lease a plot of land for 30 years, with an option for a further 30 years. This is the safest way to secure your home; you can legally own a house, but not the land it sits on. One option is to set up a limited company and you can acquire land/real estate in the company name; however, it is crucial that the company is trading and pays income tax. If the Thai government discovers a company that was formed for the sole purpose of real estate acquisition, then can seize the assets.
Condo purchases
You are allowed to own condo units and this is a popular option for many foreigners, especially retirees. The only restriction is that the condo development must be at least 51% Thai-owned, and you must show evidence that the funds came from overseas. Retired people do not usually require extensive living space and a 2-3 bedroom condo unit is more than enough. Click here to find out how AI will change the way we live.
Understanding Thai culture
It is important to gain a basic understanding of Thai culture and Google can certainly help with that; learn about the history of Thailand, which is fascinating. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been colonised, which is something to be proud of. Learning to speak Thai is another wise move, as this will enrich your experience and make life a lot more convenient. Some would say that speaking Thai is the key to understanding Thai people.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
