Redundancy = Thailand!! :-)

[FireBlade]

Ok I have been made redundant today I have been given a very nice payout so I feel Thailand calling me!
I am going Nov 2nd for a couple of weeks and I am playing with the Idea to try and buy somewhere outright no mortgage. I know we have a load of DF experts and frequent visitors to Thailand so I was hopeing you guys could point me in the right direction.

My contract finishes on the 31st of December and I believe I am due Spanish dole for up to 2 years with 80% of my former income so im wondering.

Do i need to get a new Visa in Thailand every 3 months?
What would I be able to buy for about 20-30k in Phuket or around there?
What are my options work wise for an experianced IT support/IT security guy?
How much would it cost me for rent and living expenses?
Anybody know anybody who can help me out while over there and point me in the right direction as I have never been b4.

Any info I would appreciate guys.

[eggon]

DJAd is out there touching up small boys, he is the man to ask. Although I think he is in Chiang Mai which is not as seedy and filthy as Phuket....

[TheFincher]

Yeah drop DJAd a mail mate, He is in Chang Mai but he does wander around i think when he gets time off school.

I know that he has a working visa so doesn't have to keep renewing, He did his TEFL course and now teaches kids how to say words when he shows pictures of objects to them!!

[Nibb]

Theres also Satzzz and PSX who regularly travel out there.

[DJAd]

Do i need to get a new Visa in Thailand every 3 months?

You can get a "non immigrant type O visa" this means you have to go and do a border run every 90 days. With this visa it's valid for 1 year and you CANNOT WORK.

You could apply for a "non immigrant type B visa" this again needs a stamp every 90 days so off to the border again. Once you have a work permit you will not need to do this. YOU CAN WORK with this visa, but will need somebody over here to vouch for your work. Again, valid for 1 year.

When you land you will get a 30 day stamp as a tourist. This can be extended 3 more times I believe.

What would I be able to buy for about 20-30k in Phuket or around there?

fcuk all, see PSX reply.

What are my options work wise for an experianced IT support/IT security guy?

Bugger all as stated already.

How much would it cost me for rent and living expenses?

Depends on where you live to start. I'm up north in Chiang Mai. A basic breakdown of my monthly spend:

Room including internet, leccy and water = 6000 baht
Motorbike 1 month = 2000 baht
Food, hmmmm depends, eat Thai and your save a shit load.
Prob about 200baht a meal for me (western restaurant)

[mug]

Do i need to get a new Visa in Thailand every 3 months?

You can get a "non immigrant type O visa" this means you have to go and do a border run every 90 days. With this visa it's valid for 1 year and you CANNOT WORK.

You could apply for a "non immigrant type B visa" this again needs a stamp every 90 days so off to the border again. Once you have a work permit you will not need to do this. YOU CAN WORK with this visa, but will need somebody over here to vouch for your work. Again, valid for 1 year.

When you land you will get a 30 day stamp as a tourist. This can be extended 3 more times I believe.

What would I be able to buy for about 20-30k in Phuket or around there?

fcuk all, see PSX reply.

What are my options work wise for an experianced IT support/IT security guy?

Bugger all as stated already.

How much would it cost me for rent and living expenses?

Depends on where you live to start. I'm up north in Chiang Mai. A basic breakdown of my monthly spend:

Room including internet, leccy and water = 6000 baht
Motorbike 1 month = 2000 baht
Food, hmmmm depends, eat Thai and your save a shit load.
Prob about 200baht a meal for me (western restaurant)

Hi m8

I read above you done your TEFL course and now teaching over there. Could you go into more detail about that ?, as it sounds like something I'd like to do, Do you get paid much ?, also what kind of visa do you get ?

Thanks

[DJAd]

Hi m8

I read above you done your TEFL course and now teaching over there. Could you go into more detail about that ?, as it sounds like something I'd like to do, Do you get paid much ?, also what kind of visa do you get ?

Thanks

I get enough to "get by" It depends on what part of the country you want to live / work in. I'm up north so generally it's a cheaper cost of living but then wages are left.

Your need a non immigrant type B visa to work. Once you have a job as long as it's a decent school they will sort out a work permit so you won't need a VISA. The type B can be obtained from the Thai consulate in Hull for £100 and is valid for 1 year. Your need to do a border run every 90 days still.

[DJAd]

PS.......Are you coming then FireBlade?

[FireBlade]

yea should be just need to book flights

[satzzz]

Pretty much as PSX says.I'm also doing an online TEFL course and am planning to work up North (Nong Khai) around Feb.
What i'd add though is many people state that its better to rent a plac rather than buy.Especially as far as condos are concerned.
What may look fantastic when new (ie gym sauna etc) doesn't after all te condos are full and the upkeep isnt upkept!!!!! LOL
Couple of good places to read up are w*w.stickman.com and w*w.thaivisa.com

Personally wouldn't even consider buying as I think youwould find it VERY hard to get anywhere close to what you pay for it back.

[dirtyrider]

You can make good money selling grade A football shirts on Ebay!!!
I used to buy em in Thailand for about £3.50 then get £15-25 and hardly ever had a complaint.

[DJAd]

Couple of good places to read up are w*w.stickman.com and w*w.thaivisa.com

http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/

is also good for TELF stuff.

[DJAd]

Well FB are you here yet????