I have been here for 6 months, it does get boring & lonely especially if you live in a remote city with few expats, hobbies are needed, also language barrier is a challenge, it’s good to move around see other places & even fly to nearby countries
Moved here from Hawaii. love it here. Never go back. I'm 72 going into Bangkok Hospital Pattaya in the morning. Full blood test and physician consultation wit Px $70.USD. When I got to pay the bill the waiting room has 3 windows. Insurance- Insurance/cash- Cash. 90% go to cash as the cost is very low. If you have major incident good luck anywhere. I have been in Thailand 27 years and have saved a fortune. Knock on wood !
I'm 71, retired in Khon Kaen for 14 years. I have a Non-Immigrant O-A visa, so I have local medical insurance for 3,000,000 baht. Renewed it this month - 52,233 baht for the year. Falcon Insurance is the company.
I reviewed the O-A plan on the Falcon website. I'd want a clear explanation of what "maximum coverage per confinement" means. If it means the maximum they would pay (each time) you are admitted as an inpatient, even 300k is rather low. 200k and lesser would never cover all that much. Would be interested in knowing.
52,000 baht is not bad, but I bet it does not cover preexisting conditions. I am also 71 and although I feel fine, I know my heart condition (I have about 10 stents) would not be covered if (when) I have a problem. I would love to retire to Thailand, but I know that ultimately I would be forced to return to the US eventually. I hope it works out for you.
Great info, I especially appreciate the fact there's no bar girl talk, Just informative chat about essentials for moving to Thailand. We will meet up one day and i'll buy you a beer or two and pick your brains hopefully
as others i am worried about health care, insurance for over 75’s is ridiculous if you can find it, and even when you pay not confident the hospitals are on your side, after all this Thailand and it’s all about money! another good video Daz
Retirement in Thailand most expensive thing other than your missus is insurance. I hoping of leaving cold and wet UK in next couple of years and enjoying my time in Thailand.
I think my only worry when I move there to Pattaya in a few months time is that I might get bored, no longer working and leaving my current social circle, living full time will be different to visiting on holiday (where alcohol and recovery from it occupy a lot of my time). Visas, climate, accommodation etc are no problem.
My number one is health insurance...paying for many years and then insurance company decides it's a pre existing condition and don't pay out....that is my number one concern! And it happens..in my opinion I would rather self insure..
It’s exactly why I’ll never move there. More than happy to visit twice a year, but I’m not leaving a National Health pot that I’ve been paying into for years for a private one in the Far East!
@@KalK-ym7cdyou are correct. Two extended visits a year is more than enough. Being there full time would get on anybody's nerves eventually. Between the annoying check ins at immigration and the thais with their crazy logic. Best not to burn your bridges back home 👍
Wonderful summary. I would like to slightly disagree on one point - security. This is not the case in traffic; quite a few Thais undergo a frightening change in character as soon as they "have the power" to move on 2 or 4 wheels. Thailand has the highest number of road traffic deaths per 100,000 people in the world.
agreed but that's not a security issue, that's a safety issue. But it is a huge issue. The best you can do is mitigate the risk - avoid getting on motorbikes (vast majority of accidents involve motorbikes), avoid driving at night (roads don't have the same lighting in thailand compared with western countries, and that when you can get more drunken drivers on the road), and avoid driving in heavy rain (not always possible becomes storms can arrive very quickly without warning) because the rain here is so heavy that wipers are almost useless and vision becomes nearly zero.
Climate/health insurance/visa goal posts changing/boredom/another l0ckdown/homesickness would be my biggest concerns. Three months out of the year in Thailand would be a good balance, but everyone's different.
8/4 split is a decent goal if the finances work. Avoid the hottest months in Thailand Apr-July but can still sign a 12 month lease with a multi entry visa.
Great you were seen promptly at 'Tooth Hurty' - not weeks later 😁 FYI: Currently aiming for a 2-3 month visit each year (prob 1-2 visa waivers + an extension), and stay in monthly condos. So both your long- & short-stay info is useful! BTW: found a fab 2nd hand bookshop nr your broker 🤓
A tip...when coming to Pattaya, bring a dozen nice shirts and some summer shorts. The girls here know the local cloths and know the expensive western brands. If you are on a normal budget, pick good shirts up at second hand stores. And a good quality pair of shoes, the girls you date will be better looking because of it. 🎉🎉🎉
Here in my City in Canada, tooth fillings without insurance are 120 to 300 CAD for ONE tooth. some charge a lot extra if you specifically want white fillings. Thanks for the valuable info again.
for Moving - Back when I moved I contacted an Estate Sale company. Set up a weekend - they took care of advertising and pricing everything. In 2 days I went from everything to nothing. ZERO Hassle and Fast. Got a check from the company and left. Very simple.
I'm a senior and I was trying to get a tourist visa from Chicago to Thailand. I was planning to stay 90 days but now I'm only going to stay 30 days and get a VOA visa. I don't have my own computer but tried to fill out the thai-e Visa online and I didn't have much success. I even went down to the thai consulate and they were no help. I asked several people how to do this and nobody knew how. I was planning to spend some serious money over there and would be helping the country after the serious problem they had during the pandemic. I wish this country was a little bit more tourist friendly!
Wow Daz! I can't believe you passed by the Durian without a purchase?!!🤣. The rest of the produce looked excellent, especially the huge pomegranate! Pattaya channels aren't the only ones that U 📺 doesn't like.🤔You left out an additional worry that many men may have upon arrival there is which lady will they choose from week to week.😂😂😂
interesting story about healthcare in the Philippines--a friend's wife had a health issue and they went to the local private hospital's ER and guess what? The 'nurse' on duty said 'go home and take some painkiller'. There was NO physician on duty at the ER. After some phone calls to physician friends, a doctor-ordered MRI by phone was arranged and a physician was called in to perform the emergency surgery a few hours later. In some cases, private insurance or even having enough money would make NO difference to a positive outcome. It was a wakeup call to life here...
all are different. Wife and I came to the philippines with over 200 boxes that fit in a container cargo unit. We used a lot of it as it was some furniture bits and all--but a lot of it got tossed..or we still have but never used. My sister and brother in law did the same, paid storage for a couple of years, but ultimately ended up dumping 90% of what they'd brought from the States to the Philippines.
I'm not a fan of health insurance companies and most of their 'plans' are deceptive to outright ripoffs. Ie one I looked at covered for 4M thb a year (sounded good) but the 'per incident' coverage for inpatient care was I recall, max 150k thb. Then apply their the deductible 100k thb. That plan's premium was comparatively lower cost but it was essentially worthless. Read the details and ask questions! Also, on immigration website the required amount of coverage says 3M thb, period. Nothing now about inpatient or outpatient amounts, just the total. Outpatient used to be 40k min req coverage but most all companies only paid maximum 2500 thb per incident. That might cover a broken finger or a dog bite. But it appears you pay your deductible first, which in almost all cases is a lot more than 2500 thb. How many broken finger will you need in a year to break even on the added cost of outpatient care? I dropped my OP coverage this year, saved 20k thb, and immigration said nothing, Be aware your mileage may vary TIT. Vehicle insurance. Not sure what is or isn't covered for the initial 90 day period one is legally allowed to drive with an international drivers permit, but for the longer duration. Get a proper Thai license. Easy when you already have car license back home. A separate motorcy license is required - can't legally drive a motorcy on any car license. Must have a Thai mcy license. I suspect your vehicle insurance stipulates this also. Some people will say it's just easier/cheaper to pay an occasional traffic fine, but your insurance probably will not cover you in the event of an accident. Get licensed.
How much do you pay a year for the insurance? It might be worth thinking about renewing with a Thai O retirement visa when your passport comes up for renewal or just go see a visa shop
Is it possble for you to to convert Thailand bht into English sterling and not just dollars please when doing your vlogs. It just makes it a little bit easier for us fellow brits when listening to you very usefull information you give us . Thank you and keep up the good work .🙂
Thanks for the update of visa's and banking when moving to Thailand, very helpful. Filling I got was $283.50 six months ago, that's with a 10% discount. so you got a great deal there. You hit my favorite spot, Soi Buakhao Market. Thanks Daz
Absolutely brilliant advice yet again and this is all helping me to make the decision to move to Thailand I can’t wait and this video answers lots of questions i had thank you mate👍
I am strongly considering retiring here in Thailand, where I am currently on a one month holiday, been coming here for 29 years so I kind of know the lay of the land. I think it will be fine when I get to 60 or even in my 70s but what will it be like when I get into my 80s plus and ageing takes its course. I am really interested in how those who are 85+ cope. In the west older people are looked after quite well by the state but my fear in Thailand is that older people do not have any of that kind of support network
Great info Daz!! I'm back in July for around a month to scout out apartments in Pattaya and Jomtien, then 8 more months until retirement there!! I plan on implementing almost all of your suggestions in this vid!! I just hope WW3 doesn't start before then.
My problem is medical. If I didn't have pre-existing heart stents (5 to be exact), I would make the move. I definitely have the monthly income requirement x2 to move there. Jomtien or Pratumnak would be my location of choice.
G'day from Australia. 3 fillings, x rays. Depending upon the area and the dentist. Which teeth and if they where easy fillings that might be done in one session. But basically $500-$1,000 AUD. 12,000-24,000 BHT.
@skillmeup53 Yes. X rays are around $250+ every filling is about $250 AUD. Hard to say. Some people get money back on their health insurance and there's no set prices for dental work.
Regarding the retirement visa income requirement, it should be clarified that you can have a combination of income and money in bank if you don’t meet the 65k/month requirement. 65000 baht works out to about $1850 a month. If you only have a $1500/month income you’d only need to throw about $4000 in the Thai bank rather than the full $22k mentioned. That’s if you want to do it by the book and not have the visa agent “help” you with the 22k 😊
Hi Wizerud. If you have a pension that well exceed's the Thai Govt requirements. What do you do to "show proof" you meet the requirement? Do you just provided your monthly pension statements from your current Non Thai bank account? I am leaning on applying for the OA Visa. Reason being is I don't understand why people would elect not to have health insurance if they plan on living there in retirement.? I will be retiring at age 50 ( a few more years) then my plan is to move to Thailand. It's never too early to plan. Cheers!
@@andyk565 your best bet would be a letter from your pension provider which specifically states how much you accrue every month. I’m not certain that your monthly statement will suffice as I’ve not gone through the process yet myself but I know a letter would work.
Thanks for the info. I kind of figured a letter of documentation would be needed along with monthly direct deposits receipts into a current non Thai bank account would work. Being from the US I would like to get as much preparation done here so I don't have issues later on.@@Wizerud
I just had three fillings last year in the states and it was about $1,000 USD before insurance. After insurance I still owed like $120. And I have "good" insurance.
Quite true, why would you bring everything with you just bring one suitcase in a backpack end of story… leave the wife at the airport, which ever country you are leaving from just say, good luck to her bye bye and good riddance to you… move onto the next chapter of life. If I could afford to retire to Thailand right now I’d be there until the end of time it’s not rocket science just do if everything is in order, don’t let yourself short… if you are 50 years of age, plus do not be sitting around, thinking about it thinking is wasting time time Waits for nobody, go with the flow and where the breeze blows you, that’s where you will rest Pattaya…live in Pattaya there is enough there happening with the girls new girls coming there every day of the week from all over Thailand to work & live there you will meet the most beautiful asian women there in Pattaya… but don’t forget to travel around Thailand in reason but Pattaya is number 1 … make friends with people, but be very careful who you make friends with …. and don’t give out any loans to anybody because you won’t get it back period… and them people are not your friends 😎😎😉😉
My biggest worry is trying to be in a financial position to semi retire by 45. Hedging my bets on a number of US stocks hoping the alpha is enough to cash in and live in thailand for 5 months a year. Makes sense to self deposit 4000b a month for 25 years from 45-70. By 70 when lose insurance you have 2 million as an emergency fund.
My biggest fear is ending up like that dude who got turned away from a hospital and sent elsewhere (dead). Am I supposed to walk around every day with my credit cards and latest bank statement in my pocket? Life is very cheap in Thailand.
With the new tax amendment coming into effect from 01 Jan this year, I suggest that anyone considering retirement in Thailand get advice from a professional on possible tax charges.
Extremely helpful information! My concern with visas is not so much the current system, but the fact that Thailand could change the rules in the future… Also, circumventing the 800,000 thb requirement is a very bad idea in my opinion. Agents that offer this are just paying someone off. That could come back to bite you.
I’ve just been watching some videos about new interpretations of tax law in Thailand. The UK and Thailand do not have a ‘double taxation’ treaty, so from what I gather, if I now moved to Thailand, I would be taxed on my UK private pension as income in the UK, and then, again, when I bought the money into Thailand. Likewise, If I rent out my UK house I will be taxed on the rental income in the UK, and then separately taxed as income when I bring the money into Thailand. That’s pretty disastrous. It makes the whole thing non-viable! Are all of the British expats going to go somewhere else? Where is the next best option? Cambodia?
Thanks for another very informative video Daz. As a pensioner who is thinking of retiring to Thailand, could you please do a video on the new tax laws which seem to be prohibitive for the likes of myself? Thanks
I've been dating a thai women for 2 years now long distance. She keeps pressing me to move to Thailand. I visit every year, im still hesitant to make that move. I'm getting older my time is running out, im stumped! It sounds all good, USA is so expensive now& has gotten so dangerous. It's probably a smart move to get out but I just can't seem to make it happen. I own property here, it would be a giant step for me. I guess I'm scared to move forward. What if it doesn't work out in Thailand for me?
I think a lot of guys are worried about money... sure $2000 usd or 1800 pound goes a long way... but thats all depending on the exchange rate....at the time... sounds like thailand is not as much bang for your buck as it used to be...not to say it is expensive.
Great information Daz. I own a property in the UK, did you sell up?. I was thinking of renting mine out when I move to Thailand, then sell if I settle in. Would you recommend this?
It's very good and very cheap compared to the West. Some of the other Thai based TH-camrs have covered it, so have a look. I don't think this channel has.....
Don't agree on bank account. I have never had a problem using my UK debit card. Here in Jomtien just now. My tip is have a second account just in case you loose the first card.
It only costs a one time fee of 5000 baht with an agent to open a bangkok bank account with a debit card to use at ATM, their app is great, can withdraw with the phone app at ATM. Very quick process with agent.
This was excellent information, thank you Daz. One question though which confuses me, if I make a three month visa in my home country, how can I show 12 months accommodation has been booked for the bank account/visa purposes?
@@CheekyMonkey007 Thanks for the reply. That's where the Thai wife comes in, then they get it put in their name and hope for the best. Take it the foreigners don't own bars then they just rent the premises. Have to look into further. Thanks again.
I have one question when i arrived i Thailand and go to my visa agent so how do i transfer my 800 k tb to my account in Thailand from U.S when im already in Thailand not in U.S thanks
Hi Daz, always great information. Can you or anyone answer a question for me, I am thinking of moving over .Can I come over with a one way ticket from England, and than sort out everything like visa and everything else once over there.
I'm really worried about the new tax laws and the difficulty with finding a condo which doesn't seem overpriced or has shady looking paperwork. In short, the lack of regulation of real estate agents makes me very worried. What's your take on this?
After many years in the Philippines I'm giving more and more thought about visiting Thailand before making any bigger decisions for the future. What is the max time I'm allowed to stay? I guess that would be the regular tourist visa...can I get it at the airport and for how long? I'm sure you've covered this in some of your videos But I just subscribed about a month ago. I'm 66, US citizen, retired US Army. Appreciate your reply.
A tourist visa exempt stamp that you get at the airport is for 30 days, but if you go to a Thai Embassy in your own country before you come, you can get a 60 day tourist visa. If you are 66, why not come then go to an agent and get a 15 month 1st retirement visa.
@@everythingPattaya Thanks for taking time to reply me. I will consider however I'm not in my home country as I permanently reside in the Philippines. I will visit my home USA later in June this year. Would that 15 months 1st retirement visa entail same requirements as normal retirement or would it be much easier? My main intention is to come for a period of time if even 30 days and see what I see and how I think I might like. I can then easily make another trip back since Philippines is just kind of next door.
how much re-entry visa cost and have many times can i get in-out from thailand . Thanks .Do you have one ? If i decide not to live in thailand can i withdraw from 800.000 thai bank ?
One thing you, nor other videos about retiring to Thailand or the Philippines is taxes. When I retire here in two years I'll have a 401K, Social Security, and some dividends from Stocks to live on. How much taxes will Thailand take if I live there?
Problem is extending the Visa because if it’s a pension that isn’t accepted at face value. Thai immigration insist on a document from your Embassy confirming it want that signed by a notary. It’s easy to bring money into your Thai bank account, but not so easy to move a large amount back home. Which is why using an agent is the way to go.
All the to-ing a fro-ing is so frustrating and takes an age. The rules once in Thailand differ from the protocols applied by your overseas Thai Embassy. I would suggest that a 65K monthly income is reasonable to live comfortably on,excluding rent or should you own your home outright.
im a 68 year old guy in the US with pre existing health conditions. i have been treated for prostate cancer. will it be prohibitive for me to acquire and maintain health insurance in Thailand. approximately how much will it cost someone like me?
Daz, do you need to be 'in-country' to open up the Bank account? I would like to open one and send money over periodically (like a savings account), so over the next year or so, I can build up some cash on hand.
Avoid long term relationship with a bar girl and 80% of any potential issues are eliminated already!
Very true
Thats when guys problems start...
avoid bar girls in general an you'll be fine.
@@lowk-ip8en Agreed 100%,No free honey.
No money no honey haha
I have been here for 6 months, it does get boring & lonely especially if you live in a remote city with few expats, hobbies are needed, also language barrier is a challenge, it’s good to move around see other places & even fly to nearby countries
Easy answer don't live in a boring place
Setup a club. Advertise it in farang places. Build up a following and it becomes something you enjoy.
Retiring to hua hin soon can anyone recommend a good visa agent there take it easy daz
Moved here from Hawaii. love it here. Never go back. I'm 72 going into Bangkok Hospital Pattaya in the morning. Full blood test and physician consultation wit Px $70.USD.
When I got to pay the bill the waiting room has 3 windows. Insurance- Insurance/cash- Cash. 90% go to cash as the cost is very low. If you have major incident good luck anywhere. I have been in Thailand 27 years and have saved a fortune. Knock on wood !
I'm 71, retired in Khon Kaen for 14 years. I have a Non-Immigrant O-A visa, so I have local medical insurance for 3,000,000 baht. Renewed it this month - 52,233 baht for the year. Falcon Insurance is the company.
I reviewed the O-A plan on the Falcon website. I'd want a clear explanation of what "maximum coverage per confinement" means. If it means the maximum they would pay (each time) you are admitted as an inpatient, even 300k is rather low. 200k and lesser would never cover all that much. Would be interested in knowing.
52,000 baht is not bad, but I bet it does not cover preexisting conditions. I am also 71 and although I feel fine, I know my heart condition (I have about 10 stents) would not be covered if (when) I have a problem. I would love to retire to Thailand, but I know that ultimately I would be forced to return to the US eventually. I hope it works out for you.
3000000 baht ?? Isn't that like 85000 usd ??
@@d.lami.6990I think he means the cover is 3m baht; the premium cost being the 50k baht
Yes, crazy @@d.lami.6990
For me it is keeping myself entertained. Not much of a drinker and you can only do so much walking/shopping/shgging.
Great info, I especially appreciate the fact there's no bar girl talk, Just informative chat about essentials for moving to Thailand. We will meet up one day and i'll buy you a beer or two and pick your brains hopefully
I used Key Visa for my retirement o visa, they were very good and the process was very simple
How much was it, if you don't mind my asking?
@@Deepbluecat i have got it for 42k Thb, includes Bangkok Bank Account and multiple entries...
Thx friend @@Tintifax1966m
as others i am worried about health care, insurance for over 75’s is ridiculous if you can find it, and even when you pay not confident the hospitals are on your side, after all this Thailand and it’s all about money! another good video Daz
@@Roof_Pizza Who is LMG?
Retirement in Thailand most expensive thing other than your missus is insurance. I hoping of leaving cold and wet UK in next couple of years and enjoying my time in Thailand.
Dispite how cheap living in Thailand is... If you ever need serious medical care , the cost can be crippling .. Good advice Daz
5:13 I use SCB and have been using it for about 20 years and have never had a problem transferring money from abroad.
I think my only worry when I move there to Pattaya in a few months time is that I might get bored, no longer working and leaving my current social circle, living full time will be different to visiting on holiday (where alcohol and recovery from it occupy a lot of my time). Visas, climate, accommodation etc are no problem.
so then stay in your home country.
I can guarantee you that will happen within 3 months I hope im wrong
There is more to do here than most people's home towns. You accumulate more friends here than at home.
Build a house.
Great recovery community in Pattaya
My number one is health insurance...paying for many years and then insurance company decides it's a pre existing condition and don't pay out....that is my number one concern! And it happens..in my opinion I would rather self insure..
It’s exactly why I’ll never move there. More than happy to visit twice a year, but I’m not leaving a National Health pot that I’ve been paying into for years for a private one in the Far East!
@@KalK-ym7cdyou are correct. Two extended visits a year is more than enough. Being there full time would get on anybody's nerves eventually. Between the annoying check ins at immigration and the thais with their crazy logic. Best not to burn your bridges back home 👍
Ideally keep your national health care program going at home for anything serious and self insure in Thailand
Have enough foe minor elements in bank any bigger get a flight home
Most people who are moving there have been b4 and know the score
Wonderful summary. I would like to slightly disagree on one point - security. This is not the case in traffic; quite a few Thais undergo a frightening change in character as soon as they "have the power" to move on 2 or 4 wheels. Thailand has the highest number of road traffic deaths per 100,000 people in the world.
agreed but that's not a security issue, that's a safety issue. But it is a huge issue. The best you can do is mitigate the risk - avoid getting on motorbikes (vast majority of accidents involve motorbikes), avoid driving at night (roads don't have the same lighting in thailand compared with western countries, and that when you can get more drunken drivers on the road), and avoid driving in heavy rain (not always possible becomes storms can arrive very quickly without warning) because the rain here is so heavy that wipers are almost useless and vision becomes nearly zero.
Excellent short list with answers.
Cheers, Daz. These vids are so informative!
Climate/health insurance/visa goal posts changing/boredom/another l0ckdown/homesickness would be my biggest concerns.
Three months out of the year in Thailand would be a good balance, but everyone's different.
8/4 split is a decent goal if the finances work. Avoid the hottest months in Thailand Apr-July but can still sign a 12 month lease with a multi entry visa.
I agree I already have a life in USA and will just entertain myself in Thailand and avoid winter's here. No need to change my whole life....
Thank you very much for the information. It is well appreciated.
Great you were seen promptly at 'Tooth Hurty' - not weeks later 😁
FYI: Currently aiming for a 2-3 month visit each year (prob 1-2 visa waivers + an extension), and stay in monthly condos. So both your long- & short-stay info is useful!
BTW: found a fab 2nd hand bookshop nr your broker 🤓
A tip...when coming to Pattaya, bring a dozen nice shirts and some summer shorts. The girls here know the local cloths and know the expensive western brands. If you are on a normal budget, pick good shirts up at second hand stores. And a good quality pair of shoes, the girls you date will be better looking because of it. 🎉🎉🎉
A chang vest with a wad of cash works also
@@satoshi_corner ...lol..lol...lol...
Here in my City in Canada, tooth fillings without insurance are 120 to 300 CAD for ONE tooth. some charge a lot extra if you specifically want white fillings.
Thanks for the valuable info again.
for Moving - Back when I moved I contacted an Estate Sale company. Set up a weekend - they took care of advertising and pricing everything. In 2 days I went from everything to nothing. ZERO Hassle and Fast. Got a check from the company and left. Very simple.
Wow for moving overseas that is pure genius. Thank you!
I'm a senior and I was trying to get a tourist visa from Chicago to Thailand. I was planning to stay 90 days but now I'm only going to stay 30 days and get a VOA visa. I don't have my own computer but tried to fill out the thai-e Visa online and I didn't have much success. I even went down to the thai consulate and they were no help. I asked several people how to do this and nobody knew how. I was planning to spend some serious money over there and would be helping the country after the serious problem they had during the pandemic. I wish this country was a little bit more tourist friendly!
Wow Daz! I can't believe you passed by the Durian without a purchase?!!🤣. The rest of the produce looked excellent, especially the huge pomegranate! Pattaya channels aren't the only ones that U 📺 doesn't like.🤔You left out an additional worry that many men may have upon arrival there is which lady will they choose from week to week.😂😂😂
Thank you Daz, very informative information I've been looking for. Cheers Andy (Australia)
interesting story about healthcare in the Philippines--a friend's wife had a health issue and they went to the local private hospital's ER and guess what? The 'nurse' on duty said 'go home and take some painkiller'. There was NO physician on duty at the ER. After some phone calls to physician friends, a doctor-ordered MRI by phone was arranged and a physician was called in to perform the emergency surgery a few hours later. In some cases, private insurance or even having enough money would make NO difference to a positive outcome. It was a wakeup call to life here...
Looking forward to be there in the 6FEB, Very informative video, hopefully they will make it easier to obtain a retirement visa in the future.
all are different. Wife and I came to the philippines with over 200 boxes that fit in a container cargo unit. We used a lot of it as it was some furniture bits and all--but a lot of it got tossed..or we still have but never used. My sister and brother in law did the same, paid storage for a couple of years, but ultimately ended up dumping 90% of what they'd brought from the States to the Philippines.
Did you also dump the wife?
Well done for getting out of the ever deteriorating UK permanently. Best wishes to you and the channel.
Very informative Daz, thank you.
I'm not a fan of health insurance companies and most of their 'plans' are deceptive to outright ripoffs. Ie one I looked at covered for 4M thb a year (sounded good) but the 'per incident' coverage for inpatient care was I recall, max 150k thb. Then apply their the deductible 100k thb. That plan's premium was comparatively lower cost but it was essentially worthless. Read the details and ask questions!
Also, on immigration website the required amount of coverage says 3M thb, period. Nothing now about inpatient or outpatient amounts, just the total. Outpatient used to be 40k min req coverage but most all companies only paid maximum 2500 thb per incident. That might cover a broken finger or a dog bite. But it appears you pay your deductible first, which in almost all cases is a lot more than 2500 thb. How many broken finger will you need in a year to break even on the added cost of outpatient care? I dropped my OP coverage this year, saved 20k thb, and immigration said nothing, Be aware your mileage may vary TIT.
Vehicle insurance. Not sure what is or isn't covered for the initial 90 day period one is legally allowed to drive with an international drivers permit, but for the longer duration. Get a proper Thai license. Easy when you already have car license back home. A separate motorcy license is required - can't legally drive a motorcy on any car license. Must have a Thai mcy license. I suspect your vehicle insurance stipulates this also. Some people will say it's just easier/cheaper to pay an occasional traffic fine, but your insurance probably will not cover you in the event of an accident. Get licensed.
How much do you pay a year for the insurance? It might be worth thinking about renewing with a Thai O retirement visa when your passport comes up for renewal or just go see a visa shop
@@catman99 thought about it but agent fees etc, would probably be a wash at least if I wanted to maintain some sort of decent hlth coverage.
Very good video, very informative as usual, I’m heading to Bangkok then Pattaya in a weeks time for a holiday, looking forward to it now.
I live in Florida, both times I visited Pattaya were in summer months I feel like it is actually hotter in Fl.
September-November feel great
Is it possble for you to to convert Thailand bht into English sterling and not just dollars please when doing your vlogs.
It just makes it a little bit easier for us fellow brits when listening to you very usefull information you give us .
Thank you and keep up the good work .🙂
Thanks for the update of visa's and banking when moving to Thailand, very helpful. Filling I got was $283.50 six months ago, that's with a 10% discount. so you got a great deal there. You hit my favorite spot, Soi Buakhao Market. Thanks Daz
Thank you for your information from Scott new Zealand
Great info sir
Thank you for sharing
I had two fillings recently and bill came to £220 in the UK. No frills NHS dentist (fillings not covered by NHS - you have to pay private price)
Absolutely brilliant advice yet again and this is all helping me to make the decision to move to Thailand I can’t wait and this video answers lots of questions i had thank you mate👍
I am strongly considering retiring here in Thailand, where I am currently on a one month holiday, been coming here for 29 years so I kind of know the lay of the land.
I think it will be fine when I get to 60 or even in my 70s but what will it be like when I get into my 80s plus and ageing takes its course.
I am really interested in how those who are 85+ cope.
In the west older people are looked after quite well by the state but my fear in Thailand is that older people do not have any of that kind of support network
In Australia 1 filling is about $180 and in thai bart it is about 4220
I paid about (equivalent) 630 baht back in October 2022 in Makati (Philippines).
As always excellent video and advice. This is good for people and thank you Daz.
Thank you so much my friend !
As usual good advice from you, keep doing what you started. 👍
Very good information…. Thank you 🙏🏽
Great info Daz!! I'm back in July for around a month to scout out apartments in Pattaya and Jomtien, then 8 more months until retirement there!! I plan on implementing almost all of your suggestions in this vid!! I just hope WW3 doesn't start before then.
Good luck
My problem is medical. If I didn't have pre-existing heart stents (5 to be exact), I would make the move. I definitely have the monthly income requirement x2 to move there. Jomtien or Pratumnak would be my location of choice.
Maybe consider half a year in Thailand and half back home. That way you can access health care in home country if needed.
Great informative vid 👍 thank you
Great info and good content
a gave mine to a mate on a long term lend he came back to australia from Russia I have personal stuff in storage within my property I lease out
G'day from Australia. 3 fillings, x rays. Depending upon the area and the dentist. Which teeth and if they where easy fillings that might be done in one session. But basically $500-$1,000 AUD. 12,000-24,000 BHT.
That's Australian prices?
@skillmeup53 Yes. X rays are around $250+ every filling is about $250 AUD. Hard to say. Some people get money back on their health insurance and there's no set prices for dental work.
Very helpful info, thanks.
I would only need to get me home care. Just enough to make the flight back to the Philippines (tri-care) or Guam.
Excellent video my dentist charges £160 each filling
Regarding the retirement visa income requirement, it should be clarified that you can have a combination of income and money in bank if you don’t meet the 65k/month requirement. 65000 baht works out to about $1850 a month. If you only have a $1500/month income you’d only need to throw about $4000 in the Thai bank rather than the full $22k mentioned.
That’s if you want to do it by the book and not have the visa agent “help” you with the 22k 😊
Hi Wizerud. If you have a pension that well exceed's the Thai Govt requirements. What do you do to "show proof" you meet the requirement? Do you just provided your monthly pension statements from your current Non Thai bank account? I am leaning on applying for the OA Visa. Reason being is I don't understand why people would elect not to have health insurance if they plan on living there in retirement.? I will be retiring at age 50 ( a few more years) then my plan is to move to Thailand. It's never too early to plan. Cheers!
@@andyk565 your best bet would be a letter from your pension provider which specifically states how much you accrue every month. I’m not certain that your monthly statement will suffice as I’ve not gone through the process yet myself but I know a letter would work.
Thanks for the info. I kind of figured a letter of documentation would be needed along with monthly direct deposits receipts into a current non Thai bank account would work. Being from the US I would like to get as much preparation done here so I don't have issues later on.@@Wizerud
Brilliant as always 😊👌🙏🏼
very interesting video, thx
Thanks for this video.
Thank you for a great video. Very informative. Did you move to Thailand on your own? or did you have people already out there?
Alone
I just had three fillings last year in the states and it was about $1,000 USD before insurance. After insurance I still owed like $120. And I have "good" insurance.
Here in Mexico that would have cost me about $300 all in, and i am talking excellent service.
Dental is still cheapish in Thailand. Lots of Australians go there just for that.
I rent a garage for £200 a quarter back in England to keep my important belongings in.Cheaper than using a storage company.
Quite true, why would you bring everything with you just bring one suitcase in a backpack end of story… leave the wife at the airport, which ever country you are leaving from just say, good luck to her bye bye and good riddance to you… move onto the next chapter of life. If I could afford to retire to Thailand right now I’d be there until the end of time it’s not rocket science just do if everything is in order, don’t let yourself short… if you are 50 years of age, plus do not be sitting around, thinking about it thinking is wasting time time Waits for nobody, go with the flow and where the breeze blows you, that’s where you will rest Pattaya…live in Pattaya there is enough there happening with the girls new girls coming there every day of the week from all over Thailand to work & live there you will meet the most beautiful asian women there in Pattaya… but don’t forget to travel around Thailand in reason but Pattaya is number 1 … make friends with people, but be very careful who you make friends with …. and don’t give out any loans to anybody because you won’t get it back period… and them people are not your friends 😎😎😉😉
Was reaching to give a huge thumbs up 👍 the moment you said leave the wife at the airport. 😂
I've never been unsubscribed from any YT channel.
Same here
I have been unsubed from 3 Thailand channels
I have been unsubscribed a few times.
My biggest worry is trying to be in a financial position to semi retire by 45. Hedging my bets on a number of US stocks hoping the alpha is enough to cash in and live in thailand for 5 months a year. Makes sense to self deposit 4000b a month for 25 years from 45-70. By 70 when lose insurance you have 2 million as an emergency fund.
2 million baht then will prob have the purchasing power of 500k baht now, with money printing & the following inflation
My biggest fear is ending up like that dude who got turned away from a hospital and sent elsewhere (dead). Am I supposed to walk around every day with my credit cards and latest bank statement in my pocket? Life is very cheap in Thailand.
What happened to the intro music. Really liked that little tune.
YT decided it was copywrited
@@duncanboard9452 Thanks for the update.
Tax and cost of health care for over 65s
With the new tax amendment coming into effect from 01 Jan this year, I suggest that anyone considering retirement in Thailand get advice from a professional on possible tax charges.
Extremely helpful information! My concern with visas is not so much the current system, but the fact that Thailand could change the rules in the future… Also, circumventing the 800,000 thb requirement is a very bad idea in my opinion. Agents that offer this are just paying someone off. That could come back to bite you.
Excellent!
Excellent .
I’ve just been watching some videos about new interpretations of tax law in Thailand. The UK and Thailand do not have a ‘double taxation’ treaty, so from what I gather, if I now moved to Thailand, I would be taxed on my UK private pension as income in the UK, and then, again, when I bought the money into Thailand. Likewise, If I rent out my UK house I will be taxed on the rental income in the UK, and then separately taxed as income when I bring the money into Thailand.
That’s pretty disastrous. It makes the whole thing non-viable! Are all of the British expats going to go somewhere else? Where is the next best option? Cambodia?
Thanks for another very informative video Daz. As a pensioner who is thinking of retiring to Thailand, could you please do a video on the new tax laws which seem to be prohibitive for the likes of myself? Thanks
No point yet in doing a video as the Gov still have no idea what they intend to do, if anything
I've been dating a thai women for 2 years now long distance. She keeps pressing me to move to Thailand. I visit every year, im still hesitant to make that move. I'm getting older my time is running out, im stumped! It sounds all good, USA is so expensive now& has gotten so dangerous. It's probably a smart move to get out but I just can't seem to make it happen. I own property here, it would be a giant step for me. I guess I'm scared to move forward. What if it doesn't work out in Thailand for me?
I think a lot of guys are worried about money... sure $2000 usd or 1800 pound goes a long way... but thats all depending on the exchange rate....at the time... sounds like thailand is not as much bang for your buck as it used to be...not to say it is expensive.
Great information Daz.
I own a property in the UK, did you sell up?. I was thinking of renting mine out when I move to Thailand, then sell if I settle in. Would you recommend this?
Rent it if you can, if you don't need the cash to move here.
Is it compulsory to have a 12 month rental lease to get a retirement visa? I was hoping to rent for a shorter time and move around Thailand.
You can rent a very cheap room as a base for 5K baht a month keep your stuff there then move around Thailand more easily
as you age out what is available for assisted living then possible 24/7 care. thks
It's very good and very cheap compared to the West. Some of the other Thai based TH-camrs have covered it, so have a look. I don't think this channel has.....
A full time live in carer will cost you about 15K baht ( USD 420 ) a month
@@everythingPattaya much cheaper than a thai wife/GF 😁
Don't agree on bank account. I have never had a problem using my UK debit card. Here in Jomtien just now. My tip is have a second account just in case you loose the first card.
Except it costs 220bht everytime you make a withdrawal and your UK bank adds to that.
Why would you keep paying 220b and poor exchange rates every time ?
It only costs a one time fee of 5000 baht with an agent to open a bangkok bank account with a debit card to use at ATM, their app is great, can withdraw with the phone app at ATM. Very quick process with agent.
Your UK bank will crush you with their international fees, on top of the ATM fees. Its an absolute no brainer to get a Thai bank account.
@@everythingPattayawith a Charles Schwab account all atm fees are refunded monthly
This was excellent information, thank you Daz. One question though which confuses me, if I make a three month visa in my home country, how can I show 12 months accommodation has been booked for the bank account/visa purposes?
You can't ( Catch 22 ) that's why guys use an agent LOL
Hi, very informative channel. Thanks. My question is: If got retirement visa say, can you buy property. Didn't hear it covered in video.
Yes, but Not Land, so a condo is ok but not a house.
@@CheekyMonkey007 Thanks for the reply. That's where the Thai wife comes in, then they get it put in their name and hope for the best. Take it the foreigners don't own bars then they just rent the premises. Have to look into further. Thanks again.
Only Thais own land in Thailand
I have one question when i arrived i Thailand and go to my visa agent so how do i transfer my 800 k tb to my account in Thailand from U.S when im already in Thailand not in U.S thanks
Simple, that's exactly why you use an agent !!!
Cost me $900 for three fillings, two weeks ago. I live in California
great video as always. Do you pay the healthcare premium annually or monthly?
Monthly
Hi Daz, always great information. Can you or anyone answer a question for me, I am thinking of moving over .Can I come over with a one way ticket from England, and than sort out everything like visa and everything else once over there.
Yes but if you want peace of mind get onward ticket. In 8 years never been asked but they can do.
As above, safer to get a very cheap burner ticket to Cambodia just in case the Immigration officer is in a bad mood.
I'm really worried about the new tax laws and the difficulty with finding a condo which doesn't seem overpriced or has shady looking paperwork. In short, the lack of regulation of real estate agents makes me very worried. What's your take on this?
Wait, I think they will realise what a dumb idea this is, and how much they will lose in expat money.
i just had 3 fillings in the uk at a private dentist and paid £550
Great information from you Daz as usual.
Glad to help
Daz, ww Mish the music intro! Please kindly consider of bringing it back, it's a sentimental issue
YT decided it was copywrited
@@duncanboard9452 oh so 😔sad
The music is still on the Patreon videos
@@CheekyMonkey007 then I have no choice but get in to it
After many years in the Philippines I'm giving more and more thought about visiting Thailand before making any bigger decisions for the future. What is the max time I'm allowed to stay? I guess that would be the regular tourist visa...can I get it at the airport and for how long? I'm sure you've covered this in some of your videos But I just subscribed about a month ago. I'm 66, US citizen, retired US Army. Appreciate your reply.
A tourist visa exempt stamp that you get at the airport is for 30 days, but if you go to a Thai Embassy in your own country before you come, you can get a 60 day tourist visa.
If you are 66, why not come then go to an agent and get a 15 month 1st retirement visa.
@@everythingPattaya Thanks for taking time to reply me. I will consider however I'm not in my home country as I permanently reside in the Philippines. I will visit my home USA later in June this year. Would that 15 months 1st retirement visa entail same requirements as normal retirement or would it be much easier? My main intention is to come for a period of time if even 30 days and see what I see and how I think I might like. I can then easily make another trip back since Philippines is just kind of next door.
Great vid! Does that 22000 have to be in your bank year round??
For 3 months before the visa
What is the voltage there ? Should I bring my laptop and desktop, Television?
240 only bring laptop
I paid £35.for a filling a couple of days ago,jim Airdrie Scotland,U.K.😎☘️🏴👍
can i get in-out thailand whenever i want to with retirement visa and how long i can stay out of thailand without re- entry
thanks
Yes, if you have a re-entry retirement visa
You can stay out until your visa expires.
how much re-entry visa cost and have many times can i get in-out from thailand . Thanks .Do you have one ? If i decide not to live in thailand can i withdraw from 800.000 thai bank ?
One thing you, nor other videos about retiring to Thailand or the Philippines is taxes. When I retire here in two years I'll have a 401K, Social Security, and some dividends from Stocks to live on. How much taxes will Thailand take if I live there?
Wait and see when the Thai Gov fix the insanely dumb tax comment made last year, before they lose all their Expats Money
aren't your retirement incomes coming from outside Thailand and supposed to be taxed outside of Thailand? If so, why would you pay tax on them here?
Wait and see, I think they will re-think this insane idea.
3:30 Why would you not buy medical insurance?
Because when you get towards 70, it's really, really expensive, or you get refused.
@@everythingPattaya I'm 74. About $200/month for inpatient and outpatient with a 1,000,000 baht
You don't need the 800K in a bank if you have the 65K monthly, correct?
Correct. There is also a way around the 800k baht deposit if you do not gave 65k baht monthly income. The agent can work around this.
Problem is extending the Visa because if it’s a pension that isn’t accepted at face value. Thai immigration insist on a document from your Embassy confirming it want that signed by a notary. It’s easy to bring money into your Thai bank account, but not so easy to move a large amount back home.
Which is why using an agent is the way to go.
Correct, but you have to prove it.
All the to-ing a fro-ing is so frustrating and takes an age. The rules once in Thailand differ from the protocols applied by your overseas Thai Embassy. I would suggest that a 65K
monthly income is reasonable to live comfortably on,excluding rent or should you own your home outright.
Hi and thanks for this great informative video cheers 😊
Do you still have vaccinations If you have been living in Thailand long time?
You don't need any in Pattaya, you do in more rural areas
im a 68 year old guy in the US with pre existing health conditions. i have been treated for prostate cancer. will it be prohibitive for me to acquire and maintain health insurance in Thailand. approximately how much will it cost someone like me?
I have no idea, you will need to contact an insurance agent.
3 fillings in Australia will cost you 400 to 500 AUD
10,000 THB
Daz, do you need to be 'in-country' to open up the Bank account? I would like to open one and send money over periodically (like a savings account), so over the next year or so, I can build up some cash on hand.
Yes, you cannot open one online
Yeh you have to visit the bank with your agent if you choose an agent they need your passport and a few other things