Domestic / cross cultural issues - Thai / Foreigner concerns

Land purchase through Thai spouse forbidden: Land Dept

By Suttisan, Created on: 28/05/2009, Last updated on: 02/10/2016

» -- Land purchase through Thai spouse forbidden: Land Dept The director general of the Land Department has reiterated that foreigners using Thai nominees to buy land anywhere in the country will have their land title deeds revoked if caught – even if the nominee in question is a lawfully wedded...

• Ian commented : Having read all comments my personal philosophy is to roll with the punches. I have taken a few precautions, I bought a house (in my gf's name of course) well below the normal Farang price and in a poor village, namely 300,000Baht, well below the million+ that a farang pays. The fact that I then spent 200,000 Baht on fully modernising it does not show on paper. So I am not a conspicuous target. The local civic and police authorities would be reluctant to investigate me (they know anyway), simply because I am financially beneficial to them and the community. Most importantly, my total investment in Thailand I maintain at a "write off" level, my 800,000 Baht I keep in the bank to satisfy immigration I can get back at any time, my house even if repossed would show a profit when compared to hotel costs. All this really means to me is that I will never invest as much in Thailand as I would do otherwise, it's Thailand's problem, not mine.

• AjarnV commented : [quote="Ian":3g6s3yde]Having read all comments my personal philosophy is to roll with the punches. I have taken a few precautions, I bought a house (in my gf's name of course) well below the normal Farang price and in a poor village, namely 300,000Baht, well below the million+ that a farang pays. The fact that I then spent 200,000 Baht on fully modernising it does not show on paper. So I am not a conspicuous target. The local civic and police authorities would be reluctant to investigate me (they know anyway), simply because I am financially beneficial to them and the community. Most importantly, my total investment in Thailand I maintain at a "write off" level, my 800,000 Baht I keep in the bank to satisfy immigration I can get back at any time, my house even if repossed would show a profit when compared to hotel costs. All this really means to me is that I will never invest as much in Thailand as I would do otherwise, it's Thailand's problem, not mine.[/quote:3g6s3yde] Our housing situations are remarkably similar. My wife is a teacher (civil servant) so I'm not concerned in the least. As I said way back at the beginning of this thread; this is much ado about nothing. As long as one doesn't draw any negative attention to ones self there shouldn't/wouldn't be a problem.

• Michael Bukit commented : It is true that living in Malaysia can be cheaper compared to Thailand. But don’t stay in the southern state Johor where it is near Singapore. That’s the most expensive place to live in Malaysia because of Singaporean going in to spend like nobody business with their strong currency. 1. This country has more civil laws toward foreigners who live & retired there. 2. Easier than Thailand to apply visa for retirement or living there 3. Houses & lands are cheaper and better built quality compared with Thailand. 4. When you buy a house with land, it is freehold or 99 year and not 30 years like in Thailand. 5. Foreigner can own 100% even house with land. 6. The beaches are as good as Thailand. Maybe I should say it is better because there is less beach umbrella. Unlike Thai beaches. Some beaches are dense with umbrella that you don’t get to see the beach at all except the sea. Go to Pattaya or Patpong beach and take a look. 7. No double standard when we pay for entrance fee to parks, theme parks & recreation places. 8. 10 years retirement visa and don’t need to report every 3 months and can travel out of the country as many times as you like. No restriction. 9. Foods are equally good and cheap. 10. Infrastructures are better such as roads, highways, communications, public transportations, etc….. Better driving system too. 11. Communication with the local is only easier as English is quite widely spoken & understood there. 12. It is also less crowded compared with Thailand as the population is about half of Thailand. The only downside is that for Farang who wants to womanise or to marry a young wife. This country is not as convenience as Thailand that you can find them everywhere. Drop by and checks out yourself. Welcome to Fascinating Malaysia.

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