Why A Lot Of People Are Considering The Idea Of Retiring In Thailand

Myself and my Thai wife are preparing active plans for retiring in Thailand later on this year. I am similar to many 'aliens' (Thai call us 'Farangs') married to a Thai National who are hoping to retire in Thailand, or have in fact already done so.

Why do countless people retire to Thailand, except to offer their partner a an abode in their own native land?

Here are a few of the reasons you would wish to retire to Thailand:-

1. Striking panoramas both inland and by the sea

2. Mouthwatering hot and spicy Thai food



3. Wonderfully hot weather

4. A cost of living that is a tiny proportion that of the western countries

5. Welcoming and warm Thai people

6. Thailand retains the mysterious East much more so that any other eastern nation.

There could be other reasons that so lots of people are considering retiring in Thailand - each individual has their own reasons. But one thing is for sure, you don't need to be wealthy to retire in Thailand, you will be able to live extremely well there for a small percentage of what it would cost you in the West.

What Is The Minimum Income Necessary To Retire In Thailand Contentedly?

Certain people report that you can live quite nicely on $700 a month. That's roughly speaking 23,100 Thai Baht monthly.

According to the Thai immigration rules you it is compulsory to have an income of 65,000 Thai Baht per month (roughly speaking 2,000 US dollars) per month to qualify for Thai retirement visa. (Extra restrictions additionally apply - for example being aged 50 or over). If you are married to a Thai National that 65,000 Baht requirement income decreases to 40,000 Baht.

40,000 Thai Baht monthly is a very good salary for a Thai National in a respectable position working for Thai Airways. I know because a relative of mine in Bangkok is rewarded with exactly that. And she has a BSc and an MSc plus years of experience! With that 40,000 Baht she is able to pay off a mortgage on a new house in Bangkok area, pay off a loan on a brand new Japanese automobile and then have sufficient remaining for daily living and holidays.

Should you do not have any loans or mortgage to that 40,000 looks to me to be an entirely reasonable income to retire comfortably in Thailand.

Naturally, you will need someplace to live in.

How To Own Your Own Property In Thailand

Should getting the tiny monthly income needed to retire in Thailand is easy then finding somewhere to live is a not nearly as easy. Over the years, the Thai government have passed ever increasing numbers of laws to stop 'aliens' from owning land in Thailand. 'Aliens' can procure property - apartments for example - but not the land they sit on. There used to be ways round this in the past, like purchasing land via a Thai company you own, but step by step all these loopholes have been closed.

So what to do?

Let me offer you a couple of alternatives to try.

Buying An Apartment In Thailand Without Owning The Land

Under Thai law, particularly the Condominium Act, 'aliens' (i.e. non Thais) can legally own apartments in Condominiums. That is provided that no more than 49 percent of the condominium is owned by foreigners. But the foreigner is unable to own the land upon which the condominium sits.

Before letting go of any cash to a condominium owner or agent it would be well worth taking the trouble to carefully research the pitfalls that await the naive would-be apartment owner. I'm not going to even try to list some of those here because if I started this little paper would quickly grow to be a full-blown tome. What I can do is suggest that you go to the Retiring In Thailand website and search for the resource links.

Aquiring A House In Thailand Under The Name Of Your Thai Significant Other

Should you are willing to bet on remaining on good terms with your Thai partner for as long as you intend to stay in Thailand you could opt to invest in a house in Thailand under your Thai partner's name. You will be concious of the fact that that you will not own the property and all that that fact entails.

More seriously, have you thought what would happen to your rights to live in the property should your Thai partner die? Or, if you then make a decision to go back to your country, how you could sell the property and send home the funds. This may be a serious subject but could be extremely important to you in future.

What Else You Should Know Before Retiring In Thailand

Understanding The Thai Ethos

If you have been married to a Thai partner for a significant period you will have a reasonably good understanding of Thai culture and how dissimilar it can be from the western culture. If you don't have this understanding then it certainly is something you ought to look at carefully prior to making a commitment to retire to Thailand.

More Information Relating To Retirement To Thailand

I hope you have enjoyed this brief guide to retiring in Thailand. And it is just that - a short introduction. I have only began to scratch the surface here and recommend that if this subject interests you that you learn more by looking at my other articles or by visiting the Retiring In Thailand website. On the website which is updated every day, you will come across a lot of of practical information about retiring in Thailand. Like how to build a house in Thailand and what it will cost all the way through to retirement visas and acquiring an automobile.

All individuals have their own exclusive motivation for retiring to Thailand. A youthful backpacker on the lookout for excitement, a person looking for a chance to make a dollar.

Alternatively maybe you are someone on the lookout for adventure, a forlorn divorcee craving for a another friend, a retired senior needing to wind down and get pleasure from his leisure years.

Whatever your cause for coming to Thailand, I can tell you one thing . . you've arrived at the right place to enjoy great ideas and advice for successful retirement to Thailand.

Visiting Thailand for a longer break in advance retire in Thailand is a fine way to ascertain whether this is the Heaven for yourself. No shortage of americans stay Thailand for a few months to 12 months to ascertain if they should retire in Thailand and discover the region of Thailand they love.

Extra Suggestions With Reference To Retire In Thailand

How To Build A House In Thailand

Online Videos about Thailand

Thailand maps

Why Countless People Are Considering The Idea Of Retiring In Thailand

Myself and my Thai wife are making active plans for retiring in Thailand later on this year. I am the same as a lot of foreigners (Thai call us 'Farangs') married to a Thai National who are hoping to retire in Thailand, or have actually by now done so.

A few people may look forward to retiring in Thailand simply to make their partner joyful by providing them the opportunity to stay in their own nation. But what additional reasons exist for retiring in Thailand?

Well, for anybody who have been to Thailand for a vacation, the following will promptly come to mind:-

1. Diverse and superb panoramas reaching from the high hills right down to the stunningly sandy tropical beaches

2. Wonderful and delicious Thai cuisine



3. Hot climate

4. Low cost of living

5. Generous and friendly Thai people

6. With it's stunning bhuddist temples, that influences it's magnificent architecture, ancient tradditional costumes and music, Thailand still keeps it's mysterious eastern origins and is more 'eastern' as any other eastern country.

There may possibly be other reasons that so several people are considering retiring in Thailand - every individual has their own reasons. But one thing is undeniable, you do not have to to be rich to retire in Thailand, you will be able to live extremely well there for a tiny percentage of what it would cost you in the West.

What Is The Minimum Income Needed To Retire In Thailand Happily?

Several people proclaim that you are able to live happily on $700 per month. That is approaching 23,100 Thai Baht a month.

If your age is fifty plus and can demonstrate an income of 65,000 Thai Baht a month then you may meet the requirements for a Thai retirement visa. That is equivalent to about $2,000 monthly and it reduces to 1,200 US dollars or 40,000 Baht if you are married to a Thai national.

40,000 Thai Baht per month is a very good salary for a Thai National in a responsible position working for Thai Airways. I know because a relation of mine in Bangkok makes precisely that. And she has a BSc and an MSc plus years of experience! With that 40,000 Baht she is able to pay off a mortgage on a brand new house in Bangkok area, pay off a loan on a new Japanese automobile and then have enough left over for ordinary living and holidays.

Hence I put forward that 40,000 Thai Baht solely for living expenses (i.e. assuming do not have any loans) is plenty.

Assuming, of course, that you had somewhere to live.

How To Own Your Own Property In Thailand

And now retiring in Thailand becomes a somewhat more tricky. Fundamentally, the Thai law is designed to preclude 'aliens' from owning land in Thailand. There have in the past been an assortment of ways round this such as owing a Thai company and letting the Thai company own the land. However over the years these loopholes have been blocked off and at this time it is effectively not possible for a non-Thai to own land in Thailand.

So what to do?

Here are a couple of thoughts that could work.

Owning A Share of A Condominium In Thailand

Under Thai law, specifically the Condominium Act, 'aliens' (i.e. non Thais) are allowed to own flats in Condominiums. That is only if no more than 49 pc of the condominium is owned by foreigners. But the 'alien' can't own the land upon which the condominium is built.

While this may appear like an attractive solution, there is one caveat that should be applied. Buyer Beware! There are so lots of pits into which the gullible buyer can fall and it would be well worth taking the trouble to check everything very carefully before parting with any money on buying into a condominium in Thailand.

Investing In A Dwelling In Thailand In The Name Of A Thai Wife

Assuming that you think that you will stay on good terms with your Thai partner for the rest of your intended retirement in Thailand, you may reflect on investing in a house in their Thai name. Logically you will in no way own the property and your investment will always be under the control of your partner. But if you are comfortable with this it is an option.

More seriously, have you thought what would happen to your ability to live in the property should your Thai partner pass away? Or, if you then make your mind up to go back to your mother country, how you could sell the property and send home the funds. This may be a tricky subject but could be extremely significant to you in future.

What Else You Should Know Before Retiring In Thailand

Appreciating The Thai Customs

If you have been married to a Thai partner for any number of years you will have a rather good understanding of Thai culture and how different it can be from the western culture. If you do not have this appreciation then it really is something you ought to research before you make a firm decision to retire to Thailand.

Added Know-how On Retire In Thailand

Of course, in such a little item, I can merely present a few thoughts about retiring in Thailand to you. For further information please read my other articles and/or visit the Retiring In Thailand website where several more subjects about Thailand and retiring in Thailand are covered. You will obtain information on how to build a house in Thailand, how to find out the cost of building a house, all about Thai visas and much more.

All Farangs have their own personal motive for going to Thailand. A young tourist on the lookout for a thrill, a person in search of a way to bring in some money.



Doesn't matter what your cause for visiting to this tropical Land of Smiles, one thing's certain . . you've come to the right place to receive magnificent guidelines and thoughts for successful retiring in Thailand.



Extra Suggestions Regarding Retiring In Thailand

How To Build A House In Thailand

Building A Retirement House in Thailand

Thailand maps

The Reasons Why Hundreds of People Are Playing With The Idea Of Retiring In Thailand

Like many husbands of Thai wives, me and my Thai wife are hoping to be retiring in Thailand this year. It is fairly normal for 'Farangs' (the Thai name given to western 'aliens') married to a Thai National to retire in Thailand, yet also countless non-married people retire in Thailand as well.

A number of people may well dream of retiring in Thailand to make their partner joyful by providing them the chance to live in their own native land. But what additional reasons exist for retiring in Thailand?

Here are a number of of the reasons you might like to retire to Thailand:-

1. Varied and delightful panoramas with striking coastlines

2. Food that is totally mystifying and a pleasure to behold and to the taste buds yet is in addition hugely inexpensive



3. Wonderfully hot climate

4. A cost of living that is a tiny proportion that of the western countries

5. The laid-back and warm disposition of the Thai people

6. Thailand is the 'East of the East' - the one Eastern nation that retains a great deal more of it's 'Eastern-ness' than any other Eastern country.

There will be other reasons that so lots of people are dreaming of retiring in Thailand - each individual has their own reasons. Yet one thing is certain, you don't have to to be loaded to retire in Thailand, you can live extremely well there for a tiny percentage of what it would cost you in the West.

What Is The Minimum Income Needed To Retire In Thailand Contentedly?

Certain people claim that you are able to live contentedly on $700 monthly. That equates to roughly speaking 23,100 Thai Baht monthly.

According to the Thai immigration rules you must have an income of 65,000 Thai Baht a month (roughly 2,000 US dollars) monthly to meet the requirements for Thai retirement visa. (Further restrictions also apply - such as being aged fifty plus). Should you be married to a Thai National that 65,000 Baht requirement income decreases to 40,000 Baht.

40,000 Thai Baht a month is a high salary for a Thai National in a respectable position working for Thai Airways. I know because a relative of mine in Bangkok makes precisely that. And she has a BSc and an MSc plus years of experience! With that 40,000 Baht she is able to pay off a mortgage on a new house in Bangkok area, repay a loan on a new Japanese car and then have sufficient left over for everyday living and holidays.

Hence if you had that 40,000 Thai Baht a month without the mortgage and car loans to pay off, I suggest that you are able to live contentedly in retirement in Thailand.

Of course, you must have someplace to live in.

How To Own Your Own Property In Thailand

It is extremely hard - impossible perhaps - for non-Thais to own land in Thailand. This used to be possible through different roundabout ways but the Thai government bit by bit got wise to what was going on and made additional laws to stop that. Only Thai's can own land in Thailand.

What's the answer?

Here are some ideas that may work.

Owning An Apartment In A Condominium In Thailand

Any foreigner who is in Thailand legally can own an apartment in a condominium building. Conversely, a foreigner may not own the land upon which the building is built.

Before advancing any funds to a condominium owner or agent I strongly suggest that you meticulously research the pitfalls that await the innocent would-be apartment owner. I'm not going to even try to list some of those here because if I started this little paper would quickly develop into a full-blown volume. What I can do is suggest that you go to the Retiring In Thailand website and look for the resource links.

Investing In A Dwelling In Thailand In The Name Of Your Thai Wife

In the case that you are content to let your Thai partner obtain a home in Thailand with your funds then it is an extra choice available to you. Of course you would only contemplate this alternative if you thought that you had a strong and unwavering relationship. You don't want to be kicked out and lose all your investment.

On a more serious note, have you considered what would happen to your rights to live in the property should your Thai partner die? Or, if you then choose to return to your mother country, how you could sell the property and repatriate the funds. This may be a tricky subject but could be extremely significant to you in future.

Other Things To Consider Before Retiring In Thailand

Having A Knowledge Of The Thai Way Of Life

You may have seen reports or seen books about the differences between Thai and western cultures. Or you may have first hand experience from a close relationship with a Thai. If you don't have this understanding then it's best to learn about at least a few of the books on the topic as the differences, charming as they may appear at first, may tire on you later on.

Extra Data On Being Retired In Thailand

I hope you have enjoyed this short introduction to retiring in Thailand. And it is just that - a short guide. I have only began to scratch the surface here and suggest that if this topic interests you that you find out more by reading my other articles or by going to the Retiring In Thailand website. On the website which is updated every day, you will come across a mine of constructive information about retiring in Thailand. For example how to build a house in Thailand and what it will cost all the way through to retirement visas and purchasing an automobile.

Every Farang has his own private motive for retiring to Thailand. A youthful hitchhiker looking for a thrill, someone with an eye for a new business venture.

Alternatively perchance you are a person looking for adventure, a friendless divorcee craving for a new buddy, a retired senior needing to slow down and enjoy the remainder of his life.

Doesn't matter what your raison d'être for coming to Thailand, one thing is for sure. . . you've come to the right place to find terrific tips and thoughts for satisfactory retiring in Thailand.



More Information With Reference To Being Retired In Thailand

How To Build A House In Thailand

Online Videos about Thailand

How to get a Thai non immigration visa from the Royal Thai Consulate, Birmingham, UK

Why Countless People Are Considering The Idea Of Retiring In Thailand

Like countless husbands of Thai wives, me and my Thai wife are planning to be retiring in Thailand this year. It is rather normal for 'Farangs' (the Thai name given to western foreigners) married to a Thai National to retire in Thailand, but what's more various unmarried people retire in Thailand too.

In addition to being able to provide your Thai partner a home in his or her own country and you being able to stay with your partner, what are the additional key reasons for retiring in Thailand?

Well, for people who have been to Thailand for a break, the following will promptly leap to mind:-

1. Diverse and delightful views with wonderful beaches white tropical beaches}

2. Wonderful and delicious Thai food

3. Year-round warmth and summer blue skies

4. Low cost of living

5. Hospitable and sociable Thai people

There could be other reasons that so lots of people are thinking about retiring in Thailand - every person has their own reasons. Yet one thing is for sure, you don't need to be well-off to retire in Thailand, you can live like a king there for a small percentage of what it would cost you in the West.

What Kind Of Income Is Needed To Retire In Thailand Comfortably?

I've seen it reported that $700 - roughly 23,000 Thai Baht - a month can offer you a good standard of living in Thailand.

According to the Thai immigration rules you have to have an income of 65,000 Thai Baht a month (around $2,000) monthly to meet the criteria for Thai retirement visa. (Extra qualifications also apply - such as being aged fifty or over). If you are married to a Thai National that 65,000 Baht prerequisite income decreases to 40,000 Baht.

An extremely close acquaintance of mine, a Thai National, works for Thai Airways. She is highly qualified (BSc and MSc plus 10 years experience) and earns an income of approximately 40,000 Thai Baht monthly. That is enough to pay off a loan on a new Japanese car, repay a mortgage on a new house in Bangkok with sufficient remaining to live on.

Hence I put forward that 40,000 Thai Baht purely for living expenses (i.e. assuming you have no loans) is sufficient.

In addition to that income, I am assuming that you own your own place to stay.

Owning Your Own House In Thailand

Should getting the small monthly income you need to retire in Thailand is easy then finding a place to live is a not quite as easy. Over the years, the Thai government have made ever increasing numbers of laws to prevent foreigners from owning land in Thailand. Foreigners can buy property - flats for example - but not the land they sit on. There have been ways round this in the past, like buying land through a Thai company you own, but little by little all these loopholes have been blocked off.

What's the answer?

Well, there are a few options.

Buying An Apartment In Thailand Without Owning The Land

Under Thai law, expressly the Condominium Act, foreigners (i.e. non Thais) are allowed to own flats in Condominiums. That is provided that no more than 49 percent of the condominium is owned by foreigners. But the foreigner cannot own the land upon which the condominium is built.

Even though this may appear like an appealing proposition, there is one caution that should be applied. Buyer Beware! There are so scores of potholes into which the reckless buyer can fall and I strongly recommend that you check everything very carefully before handing over any money on buying into a condominium in Thailand.

Purchasing A Property In Thailand In The Name Of A Thai Partner

Should you are willing to bet on remaining on good terms with your Thai partner for the remainder of your stay in Thailand you could choose to invest in a house in Thailand under your Thai partner's name. You will realise that you will not own the property and all that that fact entails.

Furthermore you may want to look at what would happen if your Thai partner passed away before you did. Not a pleasant thought but it could perhaps occur.

Some Other Things To Think About Before You Make The Final Decision To Retire To Thailand

Understanding The Thai Culture

Perhaps you have seen reports or read books about the differences between Thai and western cultures. Or perhaps you may have first hand experience from a close association with a Thai. If you don't have this awareness then it's a good idea to investigate at least some of the books on the topic as the differences, likable as they may look at first, may wear on you after a while.

Further Information On Retiring In Thailand

Of course in this brief item I have merely been able to make you aware of some of the things you need to reflect on if you are thinking of a retirement in Thailand. In other articles and/or on the Retiring In Thailand website I will be writing about other topics such as what kind of Visas are available for Thailand and how to meet the criteria for them, how to open a Thai Bank Account, how to obtain a vehicle in Thailand, the particulars of land purchase, the sorts of house in Thailand and how to build your own retirement home, what Internet and cell-phone services are to be had and much more.

More Resources

Retiring in Thailand

How To Build A House In Thailand

Building A Retirement House in Thailand