To emigrate to Thailand is certainly a gigantic step in a person's life. The better you prepare yourself the easier the move to your new homeland will be, so you will be able to really enjoy your well deserved retirement.
Visa
To enter the Kingdom of Thailand you need a valid visa. Persons of the age of 50 and above can apply for a "Non-Immigrant 'O' Visa" which entitles them to a 90 day stay in the country. After that one can apply to the Thai immigration office for a one-year-residence-permit. The requirements for such a permit can change from time to time and details for all visa types can be obtained from Thai embassies and consulates:
Health insurance
Inquire with you insurer whether your health insurance will remain active and under what conditions. If that's not possible, there are several insurance companies in Thailand who often are subsidiaries of large international corporations. The most popular one seems to be BUPA.
Transfer of your belongings
As an "immigrant" to Thailand you are eligible for a reduction in import duty on your personal household items. You have to bring in all your belongings in one go, as for a second shipment you will miss out on that reduction. Therefore you should plan properly which items you wish to take along. We will be glad to help you with all administrative matters.
Traffic
In Thailand people drive on the left side of the road, but driving is not difficult. Maybe in the beginning you will operate the windscreen wipers instead of the indicator when making a turn, but otherwise driving is not particularly challenging. Hardly anyone uses their horn and the traffic flow is astoundingly smooth. To be able to drive here, an international license will initially be sufficient. After a while, however, it is advisable to apply for a Thai driver's license.
Language
If you really wish to integrate into society it would be advantagious if you learned the Thai language. What at first may seem IMPOSSIBLE will eventually be possible. At Silverhill-Residence we work together with a teacher who can introduce you in private lessons or in a group with other pupils to the language of your host country. Like people of other countries around the world, the Thais, too, appreciate it if their guests endeavour to learn their language. A small repertoire of words and phrases is often sufficient, and you will have many funny experiences. Make the effort and you'll find life in Thailand much easier.
