Job Discussion Forums

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Greetings,

I was wondering, how much a simpler life in Thialand cost to set up?
Oooh I know this a mega-vague question, so I will try to be more specific.

I am looking for a small to medium sized city or town that is 1/2 to an 1 hr away from a bigger more bustling scene. I will be looking to eventually purchase a bunglow or small home (in cash, at local rates).

I may also want to open a small gym that may be tied into some type of non-profit deal as a place that the local could call their "workout" home with special programs for teenagers and youth who need to stay out of trouble ( kinda like a mini YMCA).

As far as income, the obvious, teach some english or social science subjects or do some NGO or NP work and consulting. (With my luck [and credentials] I will get sucked back into doing a form of human service, which, ain't a bad thing but I just kinda want to get off that beaten path for awhile).

I am blind as a bat regarding the economic landscape (and wanted to get your opinions before I do some official research).

Lets start with Set up cost, including the purchase of a home.

For comparison in Cagayon De Oreo in the PI you get a real nice Bugalow for about 25K USD.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

^ Hi

For questions about real estate, I'd suggest the Thai Visa Forum.

Scroll down to: Real Estate, housing, house & land ownership

This forum doesn't have too many regular contributors,

& few of them are likely to be investing in property.

Where's tedkarma? He has enough dough. Very Happy

Thailand teaching and travel resources available here :: The Master Index Thailand ::

laben18 · Joined: 06 Aug 2003 Posts: 84 Location: The parking lot.

Unless you're Thai, you can't buy/own a single-family home.

Which raises the question, why would anyone buy in a country where they don't let you/want you?

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

A few weeks ago, I stepped into an elevator after having a drink at the Sirocco (63rd Fl) at Lebua State Tower. There was a conversation about this very subject that I couldn't help but overhear the whole way down. I had to start asking questions. They were talking very casually about buying up property in Thailand. The one man insisted that I needed to find a GOOD lawyer because it's definately possible to own property in Thailand as a Farang. He was talking about a "power of attorney" contract with the Thai Lawyer which makes you completely in control of the property. He just kept insisting that I find myself a good lawyer and look into "power of attorney clauses." It was a very brief conversation but he sounded like he knew what he was talking about. I asked him if he was a broker or sales person and he just laughed at me. He said he was retired and owned property in Thailand for his personal pleasure.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

You can buy a house or beach bungalow Very Happy

in Thailand

but the land under the property needs to be leased.

i.e., you sign a long-term rental agreement

and rent the land for 60 years or so.

The house or bungalow belongs to you; the land itself doesn't.

This tactic is often employed by developing countries to prevent

wealthy foreign investors from coming in - and taking over.

I'm not saying I agree with it, but that's why they do it.

Thailand teaching and travel resources available here :: The Master Index Thailand ::

frankly speaking · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 54

Every region would be different but you would need a lot more than 25,000 dollars. On first glance of the things that you would like to start up. My estimate would be a minimum of 100,000 dollars.

Many foreigners here own condos, which you can own outright. (they average around 50,000 dollars for a small flat). There is a way for foreigners to own land. They are right you need a power of attorney and a certain amount of money to register yourself as a corporation. I know a few people who have done this. There are risks though.

If you want to open up a gym, you will need a lot of capital to get started. If you want to turn it into some kind of halfway shelter for troubled teens, don't expect any governemental funding here. You may want to write corporations in the States. Thai government gives very little if any at all. There are YMCA's here but they don't serve the same function as they do in the States.

Overall it sounds like you have some kind of unrealistic pipe dream. I think that you should come to Thailand and rent a place. Live here for a while before you think about trying to relocate here.

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

This 5 pager on Thai Visa may be a good place for the OP to begin?

Thailand teaching and travel resources available here :: The Master Index Thailand ::

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Frankly Speaking

Your name serves you well

frankly speaking · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 54

I am sorry that my words offended you. I think you are extremely arrogant to compare yourself to Mother Theresa. My point was making any plans to start a life in a country without actually being here and seeing it first hand is ridiculous.

You must be proud of yourself to list all of your accomplishments but I tell you this country doesn't need you. If you want to make a difference, stay in your own country and hope those like yourself.

Personally, I don't know who Anthony Robbins is but I don't need any help from anyone to make my life better. I am not the one running to find some Island paradise somewhere. I have been living the life I have wanted all of my life.

Good luck.