fredcyber

I just feel sorry for the workers. Crap equipment, inadequate materials and equipment, no concern for their safety and having to return to do the same job over and over again as a result. What about the new local road which is supposed to finished by October and it is still a dirt track; or possibly that's what they mean by finished!!

Probably the first time a Farang has ever "put" money into an ATM in Pattaya and the poor machine was confused!!

The whole thing can be a lottery and depends, in practice, on the entry point and the particular immigration officer you get. What is allowed seems to be changing all the time and there are many different interpretations. Just because Birmingham or Hull issue a visa to you (they are in business to make money- no visas no money) don't assume that it will all be plain sailing. Just have a fall back plan for if it goes wrong. The tourist visa is just that, a tourist visa and trying to extend it to a 10 month stay is stretching things so consider what could go wrong and be prepared. A 60 day tourist visa gives you 60 days plus the possibility of a 30 day extension at the discretion of the immigration officer. Two further visa runs will give you 60 plus 90 days and the 90 will have been incurred within 180 days so you are out for 90 days. That is the strict interpretation of it. You will probably be OK but the problem with all of this is that you cannot be certain.

Don't forget the in bank amount has to be there at least three months before you renew you retirement extension. By the way can anyone confirm that the medical letter is no longer needed?

The immigration retirement visa requirement of 65,000 a month is not a bad estimate for reasonable lifestyle here. Figure 15,000 for rent and really all of the remaining 50,000 is discretionary.

The price of the land will vary according to where you are. I bot 400 wah for 63000 baht in the village. Basic construction is always the same and there are many many people capable of doing it. You do need and electrician though so you don't get electrocuted. Get a quote for the materials and a separate quote for the labour, usually the profit element is in the latter part. Better if you can negotiate a day rate for everyone and pay them as you go. As for materials, order small quantities and go to the builders merchants with them and pay yourself..

Try Bupa. They have an office on Sukhumwit just before you get to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, just after the turning for Pattaya Nua. Their premiums are surprisingly reasonable (15000 to 30000 per annum) depending on which plan you want and the cover looks pretty comprehensive. No use to me because I am stuck with a Bupa International Uk policy or I lose cover for some pre existing conditions. Monthly premiums about the same as the annual above.

We all know the upsides but it is those that lead to the downsides. 1) Figure out how much money you need to live on then double it. If you want to live a good life here it is not cheap and Pattaya is not the place to be short of money. 2) The more you get to know the thai people the less you will like them. This a very different culture and not one most westerners can stomach which is why most farangs here spend their time with other farangs. 3) You have to chose mongering as a way of life (lonely) or a long term relationship with all that entails. 4) Living here is a full time job because it takes forever to get the simplest things done. 5) Never put all of your money into this place. I could go on but if you have a specific question I would be happy to try and help.