How does one go about living in thailand permantely

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I believe you are correct Admin.

From April 1st 2011, no longer free.

[Vombatus]

Bugger !

[rufusredtail]

Some have said that money must be in a bank acc, for more than a month , setting up a bank acc in Thailand , requires what ? Does one need so many points as in Australia, and documents etc, is there any one bank that is easier to deal with, also a query i change money in bkk with superrich, so i get a better rate, where is the closest money exchanger in ban kraut, or does one have to use a bank, thanks

[manupete]

Some have said that money must be in a bank acc, for more than a month , setting up a bank acc in Thailand , requires what ? Does one need so many points as in Australia, and documents etc, is there any one bank that is easier to deal with, also a query i change money in bkk with superrich, so i get a better rate, where is the closest money exchanger in ban kraut, or does one have to use a bank, thanks

To open an Account...... Go into any bank of your choice with the house book of where you are staying and your passport, 500 baht to deposit into the account and 200 Baht for an ATM card which will be issued at the same time,its easy.
Money in the bank for visa extensions is 2 months the first time and 3 months before the following years of your stay .
Most bank rates are about the same but can change slightly from day to day 
Most banks change money 

[Pee Nuu]

If you have a decent pension or other source of reliable steady income, you do not need to have the money in the bank. Best source of information on Thai visas is Thaivisa.com. It is accurate and up to date.

In fact, if you wish, one doesn't even require a marriage or old geezers visa. Just continue to make visa runs forever - don't need to meet the bank/money requirements. Though, it can become rather burdening.

[dundeemk6]

you are asked to fork out 2.000.000 just for getting married ... and then you are worrying for a lousy few thousand baht for your visa ?!?
You do have a problem in my humble oppinion ...

[Vombatus]

i wish to live eventually in Thailand, but do not know the first steps, can anyone advise me

First step is to find a girl that does not require sin sot - especially 2m !!!!!

[nookiebear]

i wish to live eventually in Thailand, but do not know the first steps, can anyone advise me

First step is to find a girl that does not require sin sot - especially 2m !!!!!

You'll have to find one who no longer has a mother!!!

[Admin]

i wish to live eventually in Thailand, but do not know the first steps, can anyone advise me

First step is to find a girl that does not require sin sot - especially 2m !!!!!

You'll have to find one who no longer has a mother!!!

As farang marrying to Thai lady you are expected to be supporting financially her Thai family when needed.

[den Buut]

Go for an orphan.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

As farang marrying to Thai lady you are expected to be supporting financially her Thai family when needed.

I disagree Admin. They should expect nothing! Give them an inkling you will support them and they will expect the earth. Tell them that your wife is your sole consideration, and they can go take a jump!

The family were taken care of prior to the farangs arrival on the scene by the new wife and her siblings, and there is no reason why they should not continue to do so.

I have always advocated providing the wife with an allowance, which is hers to do what she want with. Whether she gives to the parents, sisters, layabout brothers or provides for further embellishment of the local Wat, is entirely up to her.

The only time in my opinion when the farang needs to consider assisting directly is when their is a death or serious illness IN THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, and reasonable expenditure is beyond the means of the the family at large. 

[Vombatus]

Reasonable expenditure for a Thai funeral ?

Is it not the case that on many occasions the COST of a funeral is the last consideration. Savings (ha ha), insurance and envelopes do not always cover the cost.

[Prakhonchai Nick]

Reasonable expenditure for a Thai funeral should include the charges for the Wat, the Monks and the refrigerated coffin.The lavish expenditure on food and drink for the entire village for 4/5 days is unreasonable and unnecessary, especially when the deceased invariably lived from hand to mouth, and possibly died due to their being insufficient money available for healthcare.

[Vombatus]

I thought 4/5 days was obligatory - irrespective of ability to pay !!

[Prakhonchai Nick]

There is no obligation. There is no reason why, provided the paperwork is all correct, the funeral/cremation cannot be held on the day of death or the next day.

4/5 days is purely tradition, and allows the bereaved to put on a big show, usually at someone elses expense!!!