moving to Pattaya, Thailand

[klikster]

Originally Posted by owenjones

I would start with the Pattaya Ex-Pats Club (Google it). They have a very good reputation in the charitable field and can put you on to someone.

Is there now one expat club? At one time I remember some sort of rift and another being formed.

One problem about places where LOTS of expats gather, there always seems to be a fair amount of factionalism .. often, outright conflict .. too many people wanting to control things.

[singto]

Originally Posted by klikster

Is there now one expat club? At one time I remember some sort of rift and another being formed.

One problem about places where LOTS of expats gather, there always seems to be a fair amount of factionalism .. often, outright conflict .. too many people wanting to control things.

Exactly. This is why I keep to myself and live my life how I want to. Very few people, even my editors, ever get to tell me what to do. If I wanted conflict or people telling me what to do and how to go about doing things, I would be living in the U.S. Also, many expats are here for a couple of years and then gone. Some think they know what they're doing after this time and they then "know" Thailand and it's culture. I'm going on 15 years here and while I know a little, the country is like a 50 layer cake - only after a few years do you even begin to peel away the first layers.

[darwinite1]

Originally Posted by corinne murray

Hi, my husband and myself are currently living in the UK but hope to move to Thailand for a year or so. We are looking to rent when we get out there and would like to take one of our dogs with us. I will not be working when i go out there but i would like to do a bit of voluntary work. My husband works Offshore in the Oil/Gas industry so hopefully there won't be a problem with work for him.
If anyone has any experience of living in Thailand and has some good information, it would be gratefully appreciated as we want to be prepared as much as possible!!!!!

Hi Corinne,

I would be interested in hearing about your experience as we're about to do the same thing, but from Australia. I'm also keen to do voluntary work.
cheers!

[klikster]

Originally Posted by darwinite1

Hi Corinne,

I would be interested in hearing about your experience as we're about to do the same thing, but from Australia. I'm also keen to do voluntary work.
cheers!

Be sure you understand that to be 100% legal, a work permit is required of volunteers. That requirement is not always reinforced, but is is always "there".

[darwinite1]

Originally Posted by klikster

Be sure you understand that to be 100% legal, a work permit is required of volunteers. That requirement is not always reinforced, but is is always "there".

thanks klikster - I intend to get a visa for it

[klikster]

Originally Posted by darwinite1

thanks klikster - I intend to get a visa for it

I think you will need a "B" visa for a work permit. A Thai consulate should be able to give you the appropriate information.

[darwinite1]

Originally Posted by klikster

I think you will need a "B" visa for a work permit. A Thai consulate should be able to give you the appropriate information.

thanks again - I'm hoping that I shouldn't have too many dramas getting a visa for volunteer work (have already contacted the consulate and am waiting for a call back) - I'm more concerned now with where our family should live and where to send my daughter to school

[klikster]

Originally Posted by darwinite1

thanks again - I'm hoping that I shouldn't have too many dramas getting a visa for volunteer work (have already contacted the consulate and am waiting for a call back) - I'm more concerned now with where our family should live and where to send my daughter to school

I don't mean to add drama, but a visa and work permit are different documents with different requirements. Generally, a company or organization must support your WP application .. which must be applied for in Thailand. And generally ..

*drum roll*

.. whether you earn or not, you will probably be required to pay tax, and that tax is based on your country of origin.

As to family places to live .. if you're talking about the Pattaya area, I would recommend Jomtien Beach (better beach, good shopping, less traffic, less sleaze), Na Jomtien or Wong Amat. Bang Saray is another good area.

Don't go by prices you see on the web. They are usually for tourists and newbies.

Pattaya has a top International School, although a bit expensive.

[singto]

Originally Posted by darwinite1

thanks again - I'm hoping that I shouldn't have too many dramas getting a visa for volunteer work (have already contacted the consulate and am waiting for a call back) - I'm more concerned now with where our family should live and where to send my daughter to school

Before you worry about where to send your daughter and where your family should live, be sure the company will get you the visa and you're capable of getting a work permit. Then you can worry about the other stuff - if you can't get a work permit it's not going to matter.

I've got two kids in a bilingual school and it runs me a little over 400,000 baht a year for both of them.

You don't pay tax unless you earn in Thailand. I earn money outside of Thailand as a correspondent and pay nothing.

As far as living in Pattaya - well, Jomtien is okay but there are a helluva lot better places in Thailand to raise a family. Personally I think Pattaya is a ****hole and why live among tourists if your idea is to live in Thailand? If you want to party and chase tail, then by all means Pattaya is great. But other than that...there are plenty of other places to live.

[darwinite1]

Originally Posted by singto

Before you worry about where to send your daughter and where your family should live, be sure the company will get you the visa and you're capable of getting a work permit. Then you can worry about the other stuff - if you can't get a work permit it's not going to matter.

I've got two kids in a bilingual school and it runs me a little over 400,000 baht a year for both of them.

You don't pay tax unless you earn in Thailand. I earn money outside of Thailand as a correspondent and pay nothing.

As far as living in Pattaya - well, Jomtien is okay but there are a helluva lot better places in Thailand to raise a family. Personally I think Pattaya is a ****hole and why live among tourists if your idea is to live in Thailand? If you want to party and chase tail, then by all means Pattaya is great. But other than that...there are plenty of other places to live.

Thanks Singto, but without going into too much detail, I'm fairly confident that I should be able to secure a volunteer position and get a visa. I have put up a post today " Aussie family moving to Thailand etc..." Perhaps you could have a read and see if you have any advice. You'll note that I state that I don't have any particular preference regarding location - I'm just concerned about a good place to live for my family and a good school for our daughter (we're prepared to pay up to 600,000 baht). Quality of life is of primary importance to me - I have no desire to get into the party scene at all. Anywhere that might have a sailing club close by would be welcomed also - preferably a more family oriented club.