alffvdh
New Zealander looking for information about Thailand
Forum posts
51
About me
New Zealander
Registration: 25 August 2022
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@Maxi Mari Thanks for your info. I've been retired in Thailand for 6 months now. Most things are falling into place. I was able to source my blood pressure medication at a pharmacy in our nearest large town. The price was right, and they were able ... Read More
Driving licence by alffvdh
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ...
@johnukeas 👍 Read More
UK prescription renewal options when moving to Thailand by simonbolton79
Hello all,I have a prescription in the UK which is repeated every two months.When me and the wife move to Thailand in 2026, where do I stand with being able to renew over there??Would I still be able to receive from the UK? Alternatively, I guess I ...
Can't answer for all your medecines, but I have a prescription for blood pressure control issued originally in NZ. Went to a local pharmacy with my prescription and they were happy to issue those medications without a Thai doctor's prescription.Only ... Read More
Driving licence by alffvdh
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ...
Just thought I'd take a moment to thank those who have taken the time to comment and offer advice regarding this issue.Much appreciated! Read More
Driving licence by alffvdh
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ...
Yeah, you're probably right. Will discuss with the boss and see what she reckons. Just one of the down-sides of living upcountry instead in an ex-pat enclave. I think you are correct about the 6 month 'rule' and the insurance companies. Read More
Driving licence by alffvdh
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ...
Yeah, she seemed to have decided without any attempt to see if I had enough rudimentary language to get through the tests.Interestingly, videos I've seen from Bangkok show the theory test written in English.Other thing that was strange was that she ... Read More
Driving licence by alffvdh
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ...
Yeah. I guess so. Well, I'll make sure the wife gets her Thai licence just in case. Maybe in the future we might visit Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket for a couple of days. They seem to be more versed in catering to farang. I think my ... Read More
Driving licence
Well, I have come across my first stumbling block since moving to Thailand just over 3 months ago. No problems with my visa, no problems with the bank, no problems with my visa extension. But...... then I went to enquire about getting a Thai driving ... Read More
Change from spouse to retirement by raypaton
Anyone done a change over?easy? Difficult?Is it a TM 86 form that used?i will need to do it January.Kanchanaburi is my local immigration office.
Thanks for that! This is what I was hoping. A trip to the local immigration office soonish.I am always looking for the potholes to avoid. You have helped confirm my thinking.Thanks again.Alf Read More
Change from spouse to retirement by raypaton
Anyone done a change over?easy? Difficult?Is it a TM 86 form that used?i will need to do it January.Kanchanaburi is my local immigration office.
So..... just so I get this clear in my ageing head, I came to Thailand a month or so ago on an non-immigrant o-type visa originally based on marriage to a Thai national.My intention is to apply for a 12 month extension based on retirement. When I ... Read More
Tax on Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand by Zeus.wmo
For anyone who is interested, there is a comprehensive Tax Guide on this topic on the ThaiVisa website under the "Jobs, Economy, Banking, Business, Investments" forum. There is also a separate thread for questions on the topic. It's been ongoing for ...
@martinoo2002Yes, I just received a tax statement for end of March.All good. I must stop reading Bangkok Post articles just before turning in for the night😅Started seeing boogey men in every corner.It's early days for me moving over here, ... Read More
Tax on Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand by Zeus.wmo
For anyone who is interested, there is a comprehensive Tax Guide on this topic on the ThaiVisa website under the "Jobs, Economy, Banking, Business, Investments" forum. There is also a separate thread for questions on the topic. It's been ongoing for ...
@martinoo2002Okay. Well see how it goes. Read More
Tax on Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand by Zeus.wmo
For anyone who is interested, there is a comprehensive Tax Guide on this topic on the ThaiVisa website under the "Jobs, Economy, Banking, Business, Investments" forum. There is also a separate thread for questions on the topic. It's been ongoing for ...
@martinoo2002I should add, I have been aware that the NZ government has a DTA with the Thai government. I was wondering about what kind of proof they would require that tax had been paid. Well...... I have bank statements and IRD assessments I can ... Read More
Tax on Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand by Zeus.wmo
For anyone who is interested, there is a comprehensive Tax Guide on this topic on the ThaiVisa website under the "Jobs, Economy, Banking, Business, Investments" forum. There is also a separate thread for questions on the topic. It's been ongoing for ...
@martinoo2002Yep, I understand the 800k is mine in my bank. Thing that got me concerned was that it looks like they want to tax funds brought in after Jan 2024 which would make me liable for taxation on the larger amounts you need to bring in when ... Read More
Tax on Foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand by Zeus.wmo
For anyone who is interested, there is a comprehensive Tax Guide on this topic on the ThaiVisa website under the "Jobs, Economy, Banking, Business, Investments" forum. There is also a separate thread for questions on the topic. It's been ongoing for ...
Well... this is quite a concern for me. I have just this week come back to Thailand on an o-visa based on retirement.As many would know, you need to bring considerable sums of money in to set yourself up and hold 800,000 baht in the bank.My funds ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Thailand by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Thailand? Is the public ...
Well..... I imagine it very much depends on your country and postal service. I tried to send a parcel to my wife from New Zealand to Thailand using New Zealand postal service. To be fair, NZ Post is usually pretty good. But here's the rub, for some ... Read More
Non-Immigrant Visa(O) 2023 by rbakker
Hello, I'm going to be going through the process of applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa(O) very soon and I thought I'd create this thread for my questions and hopefully this will also help others.I've done quite a bit of research on this and read a ...
Okay thanks. So basically it's very much as I thought. Your time on the visa starts when they issue it, not when you are booked to travel. No point in applying too early.Wouldn't it be great if they would issue a visa starting on your day of ... Read More
Non-Immigrant Visa(O) 2023 by rbakker
Hello, I'm going to be going through the process of applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa(O) very soon and I thought I'd create this thread for my questions and hopefully this will also help others.I've done quite a bit of research on this and read a ...
@kevha further question. I am about to pull the trigger on my application for an non-imm O visa. New Zealand Thai Embassy have just switched over to e-visa applications. Last time I applied for a visa they issued it with a start date on the day they ... Read More
New visa fees by petercurr55
Has anyone got info on a substantial increase in all Thai visa fees , At the moment the New Zealand, Thailand Embassy has put out major increases for Thai visas
Just for entertainment....... the new E-Visa application system went live this morning in New Zealand. I thought I'd soak up some time by creating an account as per the online instructions.What do ya reckon?Of course, system is down, they are ... Read More
New visa fees by petercurr55
Has anyone got info on a substantial increase in all Thai visa fees , At the moment the New Zealand, Thailand Embassy has put out major increases for Thai visas
@martinoo2002Also, apparently, has something to do with the exchange rate. Not that I see much of a change to the exchange rate NZD to Baht, certainly not anything to warrant a 600% increase. What has changed is the cost of living over here, which ... Read More
New visa fees by petercurr55
Has anyone got info on a substantial increase in all Thai visa fees , At the moment the New Zealand, Thailand Embassy has put out major increases for Thai visas
@ThailandHereIComeSorry for the late reply, haven't been looking at this site recently. You've probably sorted it by now, but if you haven't go to Google, search Thai Embassy Wellington. On their front page there is a link to their new fees. Fee for ... Read More
New visa fees by petercurr55
Has anyone got info on a substantial increase in all Thai visa fees , At the moment the New Zealand, Thailand Embassy has put out major increases for Thai visas
Yep. Checked the other day. Apparently only accepting e-visa applications from 19 March 24, and fee for a single-entry Non-Immigrant visa gone up from $120 to $800 NZD.Not great, but what can one do? I intend to apply in May. Shitty timing, but not ... Read More
Cost of living in Thailand in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Thailand, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in ...
@simonbolton79There is a very good video with a breakdown of living costs in Isaan on Youtube. Just search Youtube for cost of living in Isaan and you should find it. It was based on 2023 costs.Video title is: TRUE Cost of Expat Living in Isan ... Read More
Embassies not verifying by shenpa
I was hoping to use the income method instead of bulk deposit when coming to Thailand as I don’t really want 800k just sitting there earning no interest but I spoke with Siam legal and was advised that the UK, Australian, Canadian and US ...
@KarambitThanks for your confirmation, it gives me some confidence that my understanding is reasonably accurate.Alf Read More
Embassies not verifying by shenpa
I was hoping to use the income method instead of bulk deposit when coming to Thailand as I don’t really want 800k just sitting there earning no interest but I spoke with Siam legal and was advised that the UK, Australian, Canadian and US ...
@rbakkerThanks for your reply. It goes someway towards confirming my research.Alf Read More
Embassies not verifying by shenpa
I was hoping to use the income method instead of bulk deposit when coming to Thailand as I don’t really want 800k just sitting there earning no interest but I spoke with Siam legal and was advised that the UK, Australian, Canadian and US ...
@rbakkerHi there, reading your recent post it appears that you are on a non-immigrant O visa with a 12 month extension for reasons of retirement.I am looking to do the same soon, and intend to use the 800k method.Slightly unrelated question. Did you ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
No, not looking to join a band, I don't think I'd be good enough. I really only do it for my own enjoyment.You could always buy an effects pedal for the sound that is missing from your Amp. I routed a fuzz pedal trough to my Fender Mustang model ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
So.... an update of sorts. I arrived in Bangkok Airport with my Gretsch. I didn't have anything to declare at customs. No one cared, they waved me through. No tax paid.Well, it was half an hour after midnight. Perhaps that's why zero interest in the ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
@Tone jenningsPotentially with a Fender, not doable with a Gibson (glued in neck). Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
Yes, I have plans for Amp and multi-effects pedal as well. Here in NZ I have a Fender Mustang modelling Amp, about 20w. Plenty for a small room practicing! Once again CT Music have a range of Amps, the price being comparable to NZ prices. The Yamaha ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
Yeah.... that's also a concern. I have purchased hard-cases for my guitars. A bit of extra bubble-wrap will not go amiss.Well.... life is full of risks, this is probably the least risky aspect of my probable move to retire in Thailand. I like my ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
@scbrockI will certainly post an update to this in the New Year.Alf Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
Just for shits and giggles......... wait..... there's more!So, I am travelling to Thailand over the xmas break. Only staying for 3 weeks. Wife has family stuff to do.As an experiment, I am bringing a Gretsch resonator guitar with me. It's about 8 ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
@scbrockIbanez sounds cool.Yeah, I have been playing a Les Paul knock-off made by SX. I have replaced the electronics and it is okay to play. I don't know why exactly, but I have preferred the Les Paul over the Strat. I have promised myself a proper ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
@Leeds forever!Yes, I do intend to buy a "proper" Gibson. I have a cheap and cheerful knock-off SX here in NZ. Prices in Bangkok might look inflated to those from UK or USA, but the prices I have seen at CT Music are about the same as I would have ... Read More
Leaving Thailand with musical instruments purchased here by scbrock
HelloForgive my ignorance on this topic I havenever declared anything upon enteringor leaving Thai. For particular intruments such as Fender or Gibsonthat some consider among the best quality theprices are very high here. I'm assuming they ...
@scbrockInteresting, I am planning to do a similiar thing next year. I don't intend to take the guitar in and out of Thailand. It will stay in Thailand with me as long as I am staying in Thailand. I will take it out of Thailand with me should I ever ... Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@Leeds forever! Thanks for that. That is exactly what I was wondering. Looks like a non-issue!CheersAlf Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@stephenbell45 Sounds good. Thanks for that info.Alf Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@judyhickling01 Sorry for the confusion, I wasn't clear. I meant medicine that requires a prescription here in NZ, but is standard treatment for low level hypertension. I was lead to believe that some medicines that require prescription in Western ... Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@Leeds forever! Yeah, I think I will go to a local doctor in or near Nakhon Sawan and get a prescription first up. I will certainly take my current prescription details with me from NZ.CheersAlf Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@kevinmcbeath Thanks for that. Seems pretty reasonable. In NZ certain prescription medicines are quite heavily subsidised by our Health Authority. I'm sure that's the case in many countries. I was wondering what they would want to charge a falang in ... Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand by alffvdh
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ...
@Friendly G34 Thanks for that. I will be up-country, closer to Nakhon Sawan. Will see what is the go there.Alf Read More
Basic Medicines in Thailand
Slowly I piece together my jigsaw for intended retirement to Thailand 2024. One of the pieces involves availability and costs of medicines Specifically I am prescribed a low level prescription for blood pressure. I believe the current medicines are ... Read More
90 day visa by BobbyLing
Hullo everyone, I'm planning on moving to Thailand and I'm going to do the 800000 bank deposit method. So I'm applying for the 90 day visa before I leave. Ive noticed it says I must show evidence of where I'm staying and onward ticket. If I'm hoping ...
Makes sense! I look forward to an ice cold LeoOn more important topic, I guess you wouldn't be thrilled with where your team is on the table? My Gunners are hanging on in there, but precarious at the top.CheersAlf Read More
90 day visa by BobbyLing
Hullo everyone, I'm planning on moving to Thailand and I'm going to do the 800000 bank deposit method. So I'm applying for the 90 day visa before I leave. Ive noticed it says I must show evidence of where I'm staying and onward ticket. If I'm hoping ...
Thanks Leeds. Yes, I intend to use the 800k method. I will not qualify for a government pension for a number of years, and would only recieve such pension if I spend at least 6 months in New Zealand per year. I will, however, recieve a small pension ... Read More
90 day visa by BobbyLing
Hullo everyone, I'm planning on moving to Thailand and I'm going to do the 800000 bank deposit method. So I'm applying for the 90 day visa before I leave. Ive noticed it says I must show evidence of where I'm staying and onward ticket. If I'm hoping ...
@BobbyLing I hope you update us with how things go with this. I am planning a move next year, I intend to go on a Non-Imm O Visa for 90 days, and then extend yearly based on retirement. I have found the Thai Embassy website to be quite good for some ... Read More
Non O-A Visa seems impossible by kevh
Hello. I'm living in the UK,recently retired,been married to my lovely Thai wife for almost 40 years and we have owned a property in Thailand for about 15 years. Now that I'm retired we would like to spend more than our usual 6 weeks per year in ...
@Leeds forever! Thanks for that. Very useful information. Shouldn't be an issue to comply with. Read More
Non O-A Visa seems impossible by kevh
Hello. I'm living in the UK,recently retired,been married to my lovely Thai wife for almost 40 years and we have owned a property in Thailand for about 15 years. Now that I'm retired we would like to spend more than our usual 6 weeks per year in ...
@Leeds forever! Thanks for that, I had looked at the extension based on marriage and decided it was a bit complicated, I have no issues meeting the financial requirement for retirement. Leeds having a good start to the season?! Alf Read More
New members of the Thailand forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Thailand forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Greetings to you all from New Zealand. I have been married to a Thai national for about 10 years. We have travelled back to Thailand at about 2-yearly intervals, although we had to give it a miss for a few years now thanks to good old ... Read More
Non O-A Visa seems impossible by kevh
Hello. I'm living in the UK,recently retired,been married to my lovely Thai wife for almost 40 years and we have owned a property in Thailand for about 15 years. Now that I'm retired we would like to spend more than our usual 6 weeks per year in ...
So.... I'm new to this forum, I've been reading this thread with interest. The plan at the moment is to move to Thailand in a year or so to retire. I am a New Zealand citizen and have tried to glean as much information from the Thai Embassy site ... Read More