Buying a guesthouse in Chiang Mai and retire there

You cant legally own freehold in Thailand as a non Thai. Basically you need a leasehold. You have to employ Thai workers - you cant do any work without a work permit. If you do any work you would be deported and lose the business (many stories of this happening) usually to the Thai partner - usually a wife.

You need expert legal advice and plenty of cash to do this. Many hostels in  Chiang Mai - just been there for a week in one. Cut throat business! Remember any issue of foreigner vs Thai the Thai wins. Odds are stacked against you. Only for the brave.

Hi Thanks for info How do you get a work permit. ?
What else can a foreigner do there .I am 60 in October but have lots of energy left I have a partner that will come with me
Want a safe and comfortable place to retire in  .Would still like to earn an income and dont mind helping others to start a business ..
Doesn't sound like they want expats to come and stay there and improve there lives.
Regards
Mark

Oh you are being naive! Thai saying "foreigner who know too much is no good" as in they want to extract your cash they dont want foreigners improving anything. Thais for Thailand.

To be honest its mad to invest capital in Thailand. Use investments outside of Thailand to generate income to rent a house and live there. Especially as a retiree. Why do you want stress at 60? It is possible but a young mans game imho. Of course mostly its bars for older men to invest in and thats a fools paradise.

It isnt safe. Its the death hub of the world - no 1 place to die in as a foreigner (not natural deaths). One of the main issues is health at an older age and poor health care. At 60 decent insurance will start to be expensive. And death by "suicide" where a man is found tied to a chair with a plastic bag over his head and a "grieving" girl widow 1-3rd his age inherits his cash. Pattaya divorce its called. And many a relationship breaks up in Thailand as the allure of a younger partner weakens many a man. Seen it happen a lot.

Just go for an extended holiday. You will get bored eventually and it isnt that cheap. Flexibility is the key. Many nice places atound to stay in Asia as a retiree.

Every country have 2 side. My English husband we met on internet after 1 year  met in Thailand and married, almost 15 years now. We been to around 22 countries and found the most happy life with low cost of living is Thailand.


WE bought  land and house on company name. Investment on  stock market , good income for living in 2 countries.

Mark louw wrote:

Would it be possible to buy a guesthouse in Chiang Mai and retire there  and live off the profits and employ some Thai people to help run it.
.I am currently living in south Africa.
Regards
Mark

Hello,
To answer your question, yes, it's possible if you really want to do it. I don't know many of the rules, but I do know that foreigners cannot own property outright. You would need to put ownership in Thai company name. Then you have to research the hotel/condo/apartment rental rules to make sure you can operate this place of yours. It's probably not as easy as you think. But, if that is what you want to spend your money on, then go for it. The Thai people I know are very grateful to foreigners who help bring prosperity, money and jobs to their country.
Kindly...  Zeus

Thanks Zeus.
Going to come through in October and have a look and see how it goes.
Would be nice to stay in a place where people appreciate you and can also help others as we go along the journey of life
Regards
Mark

Thanks.Will keep all that in mind.I have a partner so not interested in ladies there..
Just a nice place to enjoy .Will come for a holiday.

What other places do you think might be an option in Asia.?