You may have watched an episode or two of Suits but when it comes down to it, how much do you really know about the law? Of course every country has its own rules and regulations but how much do we know about our own? Let alone those of another nation! There are so many complexities and loop-holes that render this world an absolute minefield so it is important to know that there are people out there who actually know what they're talking about.
I've watched enough NCIS to have a rough idea about what not to do if ever I need to get away with murder but fleeing to another country might prove difficult as when it comes down to immigration laws I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at!
Take Thailand for example: Thailand is irrefutably one of the most wonderful places on earth. The people of Thailand are as friendly as they are beautiful, the food is incredible, the weather is awesome, and the sights are insatiable... but their immigration laws... well, they just don't make any sense to me whatsoever. The fried cockroaches I can wrap my head around. Watching six men and a dog ride past on a scooter I can grasp. Walking in to the gent's loo's to find a lady standing at the urinals I can understand; but their immigration laws to me are an enigma!
You're not alone! There are friendly and approachable experts waiting to guide you
But through all of my stress and worry I found that there are actually numerous different agents and agencies throughout Thailand that are fully capable of supporting expats with the necessary support. Whatever your circumstances may be, you will find international advisers in most of the main expat locations; places like Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Hua Hin. Remember you can also always get in touch with your nations embassy and they will be able to set you off on the right foot and point you in the right direction to find the service and support you require.
The trouble is that you hear so many horror stories! Moving away or travelling through a foreign country is a scary adventure that can end in tears if the correct precautions are not taken. You spend so much time in your mind worrying about the 'what if's' that you end up burning yourself out, rendering you worn and discoloured. It can become impossible to relax and enjoy yourself if you're unsure of what you are doing which is why it is paramount that you allow yourself a little peace of mind.
Seek out legal advice before making any big decisions or moves and you will be all the better off for it. The last thing you want is to be breaking the law in ignorance in a foreign country, particularly if you don't speak their language! It will be very difficult to explain your situation and some people may not be as forgiving and understanding as others! And I am not saying this to put the fear of God in you and talk you out of travelling or moving away to another country; all I am saying is that it pays to be prepared.
Visas, Work-permits, Properties - don't allow room for any mistakesWhether you are simply looking for a Thai work permit or registering a company in Thailand you should seek-out legal advice. Something as simple as buying a new property can become a vastly difficult procedure if you don't have the correct backing and support in place to ensure that you are doing it properly! Imagine investing all of that money only to find that you have slipped through some unfortunate loop-hole rendering you out of pocket and out of a home! Again, these worst-case scenarios are not an attempt to frighten you; but to take the necessary precautions in order to guarantee that you are doing the right thing.
For the most part, so long as you are careful and respectful you should not encounter any issues but anything can happen. Unfortunately we live in a world where there are people out there looking to harm others... but in the same breath there are an even greater number of decent people who would be there to help you at the drop of a hat! Keep an eye out for them!
I've watched enough NCIS to have a rough idea about what not to do if ever I need to get away with murder but fleeing to another country might prove difficult as when it comes down to immigration laws I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at!
Take Thailand for example: Thailand is irrefutably one of the most wonderful places on earth. The people of Thailand are as friendly as they are beautiful, the food is incredible, the weather is awesome, and the sights are insatiable... but their immigration laws... well, they just don't make any sense to me whatsoever. The fried cockroaches I can wrap my head around. Watching six men and a dog ride past on a scooter I can grasp. Walking in to the gent's loo's to find a lady standing at the urinals I can understand; but their immigration laws to me are an enigma!
You're not alone! There are friendly and approachable experts waiting to guide you
But through all of my stress and worry I found that there are actually numerous different agents and agencies throughout Thailand that are fully capable of supporting expats with the necessary support. Whatever your circumstances may be, you will find international advisers in most of the main expat locations; places like Koh Samui, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Hua Hin. Remember you can also always get in touch with your nations embassy and they will be able to set you off on the right foot and point you in the right direction to find the service and support you require.
The trouble is that you hear so many horror stories! Moving away or travelling through a foreign country is a scary adventure that can end in tears if the correct precautions are not taken. You spend so much time in your mind worrying about the 'what if's' that you end up burning yourself out, rendering you worn and discoloured. It can become impossible to relax and enjoy yourself if you're unsure of what you are doing which is why it is paramount that you allow yourself a little peace of mind.
Seek out legal advice before making any big decisions or moves and you will be all the better off for it. The last thing you want is to be breaking the law in ignorance in a foreign country, particularly if you don't speak their language! It will be very difficult to explain your situation and some people may not be as forgiving and understanding as others! And I am not saying this to put the fear of God in you and talk you out of travelling or moving away to another country; all I am saying is that it pays to be prepared.
Visas, Work-permits, Properties - don't allow room for any mistakesWhether you are simply looking for a Thai work permit or registering a company in Thailand you should seek-out legal advice. Something as simple as buying a new property can become a vastly difficult procedure if you don't have the correct backing and support in place to ensure that you are doing it properly! Imagine investing all of that money only to find that you have slipped through some unfortunate loop-hole rendering you out of pocket and out of a home! Again, these worst-case scenarios are not an attempt to frighten you; but to take the necessary precautions in order to guarantee that you are doing the right thing.
For the most part, so long as you are careful and respectful you should not encounter any issues but anything can happen. Unfortunately we live in a world where there are people out there looking to harm others... but in the same breath there are an even greater number of decent people who would be there to help you at the drop of a hat! Keep an eye out for them!