Reader question: Investing and returns in Thailand

If you want to put it in stocks, you might as well open a NLs brokerage account and buy a diversified international equity fund, rather than a Thai equity fund (I wouldn't be surprised if the annual fee for the Thai fund + the custody fee by the bank in Thailand are a lot higher than with a European equity fund that you park at eg Lynx or Degiro in the Netherlands.) I know that TMB also offers USA funds.

Thai companies cannot compete (I think) with the superior tech companies in the USA, among others.
Don't forget ASML and Galapagos (Dutch stock exchange). ASML has gone from 135 to 270 in a year, Galapagos went public a few years ago at 20 euros, is now at 190.

You can buy a European equity fund in the Netherlands that pays out about 4% dividend per year. Google it.

I myself have a lot of US shares, which I have used to reduce the euro risk somewhat. In addition, a part in silver and gold, usually also retaining its value. NB: some experts expect a recession in 2021 with a corresponding fall in shares… That is why I am already phasing out a bit and getting some extra returns with covered options writing.

Experts currently mainly see potential in 5G stocks, biotech and artificial intelligence.

I do not know your age, so I cannot estimate whether you are a long-term investor or whether you are making this investment to generate income.
Thailand still has many reasonably solid corporate bonds that yield 4,5-5%. That is a nice return compared to NL, and if you spend more than half of your time in Thailand, you can get an exemption for your NL income by paying tax in Thailand, and because the tax is low, the 15% that is withheld on your dividends usually get back. This way you kill 2 birds with 1 stone... a reasonable return on your savings, and get a tax refund (unless you have a state pension).
The disadvantage is that the Baht is very strong and therefore you have to exchange Euros at a less favorable exchange rate than a few years ago, but nobody knows whether the €-Baht rate will go to 30 or 40.

I personally wouldn't buy and rent a condo because of the surplus on the market, and because this often yields no more than 3-4% effectively.

I myself have also invested in Thai shares, but I have learned little from this because it is difficult to understand companies here, and you therefore have to rely solely on advice from brokers, and they do not know either….

With investing, the best motto is spread-spread-spread, so not everything in NL on just a savings account.

I do not know your living situation, if you mainly live in NL, then I would not characterize Thailand as an investment country. Firstly you have currency risk, the baht has been expensive for some time now and will remain so. Furthermore, the Thai economy regularly suffers from political instability such as coups, the last in 2014. Another consideration for investing is the need for a Thai will. Your NL will only concerns possessions in NL.

But if you live in Thailand, then it is good to invest some buffer money in Thailand, in addition to money you need to live. Renting in Thailand is relatively cheap, so investing in real estate does not yield much. If you want to invest money in Thailand, I would like to put a maximum of 10-20.000 euros in a securities account such as Maybank's. First you must have a Thai bank account as a contra account.

Money on Maybank's cash securities account yields more than savings on eg Kasikorn Bank (now 0.5%). Investing in lead funds such as PTT, Siam Cement can yield 2-6% dividends.

You can reclaim the 10-15% dividend/interest withholding tax from the Thai tax authorities if your income remains below a certain limit or declare it as withholding tax on your Dutch tax return, so that it is deducted.

Finally, another consideration where you invest the money is to whom you want to transfer the money in the event of your death. If your next of kin live in Thailand, it is more favorable to invest the money in Thailand because of the high inheritance tax in the Netherlands and the practical settlement of the inheritance.

Just contact me, I have good investments 0066929410503 or E-mail Puckoosterbroek @ gmail.com.

It will be me, but if you have 150 k savings in a bank account then I wonder if investing is an option since the knowledge is not present. If so, this question would not have been asked.

Due to the weak US dollar and the Euro, I think there is already a huge amount of air in equities, real estate and gold, which means that the entry moment is a bit late.
Sometimes 0 interest is cheaper than investing and even though I don't know anything about it, the major players with real money would rather pay for safe money than blow more air into nonsense.

Investing in Thailand is already lagging behind due to the current exchange rate of the baht.

Intact silver pieces from the year 1500 (tea service sets, silver baskets all with silversmith hallmarks and flawless) are still a good investment. First, inform yourself properly at various fairs!
Not silver plated, but real silver (825 etc). A flawless set from € 35000.=
Certain car brands around WW2 are very interesting, first orientate well, place them in a good garage. Must be original and low odometer reading up to 50.000 km and original papers.

Silver trades faster, cars take longer and depends on an enthusiast and your age!

Success!