Leaving Thailand and Moving On
Leaving Thailand? Find out how to notify schools, residency officials, banks and how to end contracts, export a cars and move pets…
There
are a number of tasks to be completed before departure when leaving Thailand
and moving on elsewhere. This page provides a brief reminder of who to contact
and what to do.
Anyone
who registered with their Embassy on arrival needs to advise them that they are
moving on.
- Information
for Australians from
their government: Australia.GOV
Housing Issues
Rental contracts
Individual
rental agreements vary so check the terms and conditions carefully. Most rental
agreements are one-year contracts secured with a deposit. The landlord must be
contacted at least 30 days in advance. If the agreement is terminated before
the end of the agreement the security deposit may be kept or returned at
the landlord's discretion, or based on the terms in the contract.
The
tenant is also responsible for any damage to the apartment or house as well as
any furnishings that came with the property. The security deposit will
be retained to cover any damage or items missing from the property.
Property sale
Properties
can be advertised online, in newspapers or homes can be placed for sale with a
real estate agent. Placing a small sign in the window or outside the door is
also effective. An agent will typically charge a three percent commission on
the house price, but properties may be sold without the use of an agent.
For
those selling a condo the process can be very quick. The transfer of ownership
can be done in a day with a new title issued for those paying cash. However, if
selling to someone who needs to raise a mortgage, to a company or if the buyer
wants a survey or lawyers to be involved it will take longer.
Home insurance
In
Thailand, many foreigners do not finance their homes, so insurance is not a
legal requirement, but is highly recommended. There are two main types of
policies: indemnity and replacement cover. Neither will normally offer refunds
when premiums are cancelled. Check the policy carefully. The homeowner may
cancel at any time by simply contacting the insurance company.
Mail redirection
Thailand Post can
re-direct mail to a designated new address within Thailand but it is not
possible to transfer mail overseas. The best method for redirecting mail from
Thailand to overseas is to ask friends, neighbours or family to help.
Utilities
To
cancel utility services, contact the company with as much notice as possible
and arrange a date to terminate service. A minimum of one week's notice is
required. If staying in rental accommodation it is best to ask the landlord to
organise this. Bills can be paid at shops such as 7-11 stores, post offices,
banks or by direct debit.
The
following documents will be required:
- Passport or ID
Card
- House
Registration Document (Tabien
Baan) or the land title (Chanote)
or the Condo title deed
- In rental
accommodation: a letter from the landlord, copy of Tabien Baan and
copy of ID card
- Last bill
Electricity
In
Bangkok the Metropolitan Electricity Authority is responsible for
the electrical supply.
- The Metropolitan Electricity
Authority
Tel: 1130
Outside
of Bangkok the Provincial Electricity Authority supplies the
electricity.
- Provincial Electricity Authority
Tel: 1129
Water
In
Bangkok the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority is responsible for
mains water supply.
- Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (Bangkok)
Tel: 1125
Outside
of Bangkok it is the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) that is
responsible.
- Provincial Waterworks Authority
Tel: 1662
Telephone and Internet
Contact
the local office to disconnect telephone or Internet connections. Give as much
notice as possible.
- TOT
Tel: 1177 - CAT Telecom
Tel: 1322 - True
Tel: 1242 - AIS Tel: 1175
- DTAC
Cancelling mobile phone contracts
In
Thailand, pre-paid cards are very popular, thus eliminating the need for
contracts, monthly charges or cancelling on departure. When the amount of money
on the card runs out, a new card can be purchased or simply discontinue use of
the mobile phone.
However,
monthly service contracts are less expensive. Some of these contracts require a
small payment for the SIM card and are six-month or one-year contracts. Usually
a 30-day notification is required for cancellation.
- TOT
Tel: 1177 - CAT Telecom
Tel: 1322 - True
Tel: 1242 - AIS Tel:
1175
- DTAC Tel: 02 202 8181
Cable and Satellite TV Contracts
The
process for cancelling cable and satellite service depends on the contract. For
most contracts, the company requires 30 days' notification. They will
discontinue service and arrange an appointment to pick up any rented cable
boxes or satellites dishes.
Residency Permits
Those
holding a residential permit or residence permit who wish to leave Thailand
should submit an application for an Endorsement and Re-entry Permit (TM. 13) to
the Immigration Bureau, along with:
- Passport
- Valid foreign
registration book
- Permanent
residence book (PR Book)
- Six 4x6cm
passport photographs (no more than six months old)
- Fee
The
process takes about 30 to 60 minutes at the Immigration
Bureau. This permit allows the person to
re-enter Thailand within one year from the date of endorsement.
If
the holder has not entered Thailand within one year after departure, the
Residence Permit will automatically expire.
- Bangkok
Immigration Office (Immigration Bureau)
At: Chaengwattana Building B, No. 120, Moo 3, Chaengwattana Road, Tungsonghong Sub-District, Laksi District, Bangkok 10210 Call centre: 1178
Tel: 02 141 9889 / 1178
Fax: 02 143 8228 - Immigration
Bureau (for
citizens of Laos, Cambodia and Myamar)
At: Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel: 02 287 3101-10
Work Permits
Work
permits must be returned to the Ministry of Labour within
seven days of ceasing employment. It is also necessary to contact the Immigration
Bureau. Depending on the type of visa held they
may then cancel the visa allowing only seven days to leave the country.
Tax Issues
When
leaving Thailand it is necessary to apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate from
the Revenue Department at least 15 days before
departure whether taxes are to be paid or not.
In
Thailand, taxes are paid on or before 31 March for the previous calendar year
ending 31 December. If there is a refund due, the approval process takes about
15 days and a refund cheque is issued.
- For further
information from the Revenue Department: Tax
Clearance Certificate
Health and Social Security Records
Employees
who are registered with the Social Security Fund must
inform their employer of the termination. The employer will contact the Social
Security office. Funds contributed are not refunded to the employee.
Foreigners
have the option to receive health insurance from their employers or purchase
insurance in Thailand. If the insurance is with the employer, coverage ceases
automatically when the employee terminates employment. Inform the employer of
the move and date of termination and they will contact the insurance company.
Any
health provider can forward health records to the new practitioner. It is
recommended to give the Thailand doctor's office a copy of the family's
passports and sign a release form authorising the office to forward the health
records. Any outstanding bills must be paid before the records will be
released.
Call centre tel: 1507
School
In
Thailand, the public school session usually ends in March and October.
International schools typically follow the Western schedule. If the student
must transfer during term time, the school must be contacted as early as
possible. Also contact the new school to check availability.
In
order to ensure a smooth transition, the following documents need to be
forwarded to the new school:
- A copy of the
student's passport
- The student's
academic records
- Any certificates
and/or diplomas received
- Any
information regarding tests taken
Any
identification cards, books and items belonging to the school must be returned
and all fees paid before the schools will forward the student's records.
Closing a Bank Account
Closing
a Thailand bank account simply requires a signed copy of the account holder's
passport and a bank form requesting termination of the account. All funds in
the account minus any fees will be returned to the account holder or can be
wired to the new bank.
If
transferring funds to a bank outside of Thailand, the Thai bank can wire money
to any account using the new bank's SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank
Financial Telecommunication) code. This process takes between three and five
days.
Vehicles
Vehicle insurance
Compulsory
Motor Insurance (CMI) is a requirement in Thailand. When selling a car before
departure, the CMI will be automatically transferred with the car and no refund
will be given. If additional insurance is held, contact the insurance company
for any refund due. This will depend on the company and policy held.
A
copy of the insured person's driving record and insurance claim record will be
provided on request, provided all fees and premiums are up to date.
Exporting a car from Thailand
When
taking a car abroad, the Thailand Customs
Department must be contacted for clearance. An
Export Declaration (Form No. 101) should be filed as soon as possible to give
Customs time to process the paperwork.
Along
with the Export Declaration the following documentation is also needed:
- Passport
- Government ID
Card (if applicable)
- State
Enterprise ID Card (if applicable)
- Invoice
- Foreign
Transaction Form if the FOB value exceeds 500,000 baht
- Export Licence
(if applicable)
- Other relevant
documents (if applicable)
The
documentation should be submitted for examination by Customs officials. Any
fees, taxes and/or duties must be paid at that time. After all fees are paid
and provided the documents are in order, the car will be inspected and released
from Customs' custody. Be aware of any procedures and regulations in the
receiving country.
Most
relocation firms and some car dealers can provide assistance with the
procedures above.
Leaving the Country with a Pet
The
destination country will have their own rules and regulations regarding
importation of pets and it is necessary to fully understand and comply with
these before departure.
When taking
animals out of Thailand it is necessary to submit an application request
form (No. 1/1) to the International Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at the exit
port at least 15 days before departure. The family pets will then be examined
by a veterinarian at the AQS who will issue a Health Certificate and an Export
Licence (Form No. 9).
The
following documents are required to ensure proper exportation of the pet:
- A copy of the
owner's passport
- A copy of the
health certificate and export licence
Thailand
is a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and as such has restrictions on the exportation of
many types of birds, insects and other wildlife.
- For further
information on CITES: CITIES
Most
airlines will require an additional payment for the pet(s) to travel in cargo
as excess baggage. There are specific areas in cargo for pets. Make sure the
pets have enough food and water for the length of the flight.
There
are relocation companies that can help in the whole process of exporting pets from
Thailand.
- For
further information from the Department of Livestock about leaving Thailand with a pet
Importing pets into other countries
For
further information about importing pets into other countries use the links
below.
- UK - GOV.UK
- USA - The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Europa website provides
information on the requirements for bringing animals into the EU
- The Australian
Government Agriculture Department
- New Zealand
Government
Other Considerations
Cancel newspaper and magazine subscriptions by contacting the organisation by telephone or email. Give them at least 30 days' notice.