Advice wanted for a family move to Thailand

Lhasalover wrote:

hello there,

We are a small family with dog looking to move from the UK to Thailand - I think Koh Samui but again advice is welcome. We are looking for a place near the sea so we can swim and enjoy the marine life. I have a 4 yr old daughter so we are looking for advice on pre-school/primary schools, and looking for somewhere with a good community feel. We have travelled a lot and have realised the value in finding friends so the community is really important to me.

We run an internet based business so internet is a must. Also if you could direct me to a good website for Visa information? Is it the same as Malaysia with basic tourist visa of only 90 days?

Thanks in advance for all your help,

L

I'm sure one of the Thai Islands or the Gulf Coast or Krabi might well suit your needs. However before you get too excited there is one very important issue you need to address i.e. a Thai visa. I notice you mention a good visa site so I guess you are aware.

No Thailand is not like Malaysia on a number of things including visas. Back to back tourist visas could be an issue here. Working remotely is less of a problem but you need to understand you would be flying below the radar and the risks that attracts.

Your daughters schooling might not be an issue, providing you land near an international school and can fund her education. On the other hand the dog might be an issue. No problem bringing it, providing you comply with the Department of Livestock regulations, they have a website. However it can be a "dogs life" for a pampered pooch here in Thailand were the feral dog population is not well controlled. It's also bloody hot here for a hound used to northern climes like Macclesfield :-)

For some free and unbiased visa advice check out ThaiVisa

This reply may sound a little negative but I am a northerner too so I guess you might understand. Mind you perhaps not looking at the flags on your profile

Lhasalover wrote:

We are a small family with dog

You will find all explanations about Passengers Traveling with Pets ( into or out of the country ) on below link :

http://airportthai.co.th/main/en/687-pa … -with-pets

The main department in charge of this in Thailand is called "Department of Livestock Development" : http://www.dld.go.th

Good luck to your family and your dog..

Gravitas wrote:

Can I ask a question which might be relevant?  Wont it be difficult to get a child accepted into a school without a formal immigration status?

The school will provide all the documentations necessary to obtain this type of visa.

Some school will have on their website the form to download for visa in same place as the form for admission and fees !! ( whole package )

Some school will process everything as they have department dealing for teachers visa and they have fast track entry point in immigration ( like visa company ).

Thai law states that school tuition must be paid in full for the entire school year in order to obtain this type of visa ( Student visa / ED Visa )

School can not enroll or allow a student to attend school if they do not have a non-immigrant visa.