Swiss Helping Point is organizing a seminar on the topic of “Emigrating to Thailand” for the third time – and is outdoing itself.
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Platform Lucerne – a new building of the University of Lucerne – right next to the train station, the scene of a special day: For the third time in a row, the Swiss Helping Point invited people to its large emigration seminar “Emigrating to Thailand“One – and as in previous years, everyone was 300 places Completely sold out long before the big day even arrived. Those who couldn't get a ticket ended up on a long waiting list. And those who were there experienced a day that set new standards.
A day full of expertise, encounters and joie de vivre
The doors of Perron Luzern opened promptly at 08:30 a.m. At the Welcome Café in the foyer, the first guests were already chatting – with like-minded individuals, but also with the numerous partner companies from the region. Swiss Helping Point partner network, who had set up their stands in the foyer.
At 09:00 a.m., he greeted Sandro Bollardini, Organizer of the seminar, moderator of the day and co-owner of the Swiss Helping Point, the almost all 300 participants were present. With his characteristically personal, direct and warm manner, he led the entire day competently and entertainingly.
What followed were four top-class presentations – practical, understandable and by experts who know what they are talking about.
The four expert presentations – first-hand knowledge
1. Tax-optimized capital withdrawal from the pension fund
It started with Edoardo Köppel of Köppel Legal AG From Hünenberg – a man who explains complicated tax and legal issues in clear, understandable terms. His presentation focused on a topic of central financial importance for many people considering emigration: tax-optimized withdrawal of capital from the pension fund before emigration.
However, his presentation wasn't limited to pension fund withdrawals. Köppel also addressed the tax treatment of various income sources in Thailand: What is taxed how – and, most importantly, when? Whether it's an old-age pension, pension fund capital, or regular money transfers from savings – different regulations apply depending on the timing and type of transfer, which, in conjunction with the double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Thailand and the remittance principle, can be crucial. Those who make incorrect assumptions here end up paying more than necessary.
The audience was visibly impressed: many of the listeners probably felt for the first time that they truly understood this topic.
2. Healthy and properly insured in Thailand – Swiss Health Protect
This presentation was undoubtedly one of the most discussed of the day – and for good reason. Julian Manndorff from Pacific Cross and Loïc Brand-Srinaka traveled all the way from Bangkok to answer the most important questions surrounding the topic for the participants. Health insurance in Thailand to answer. Anyone living in Thailand loses the protection of Swiss basic health insurance (KVG) – a fact that many underestimate. It is therefore all the more important to ensure the right coverage in good time.
Manndorff and Brand-Srinaka explained in detail, using concrete examples, the most common illnesses in Thailand and the costs of their treatment: for example, skin cancer caused by intense UV exposure, but also cardiovascular diseases – topics that suddenly become very relevant in the tropical climate and with a changed lifestyle. Anyone who thinks that a hospital stay in Thailand is affordable is sorely mistaken: high-quality private clinics, such as those preferred by Swiss and Germans, can quickly cost tens of thousands of francs.
The The solution is called Swiss Health Protect – a health insurance policy specifically designed for Swiss and German citizens living in Thailand. Swiss Health Protect offers comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific needs of people residing permanently or long-term in Thailand. Whether it's inpatient treatment, critical illnesses, or medical repatriation – Swiss Health Protect It ensures you're not left alone in an emergency. Anyone seriously considering emigrating to Thailand should have Swiss Health Protect at the top of their checklist – a day without the right coverage can cost you everything.
The fact that Manndorff and Brand-Srinaka had undertaken the long journey from Bangkok to present this topic in person showed once again how important sound advice is to Pacific Cross and Swiss Helping Point.
3. Buying real estate in Thailand – opportunities and pitfalls
Walter Camenisch – a true Thailand expert with decades of experience on the ground – and his daughter Natalie Camenisch traveled all the way from Hua Hin to discuss a topic that both fascinates and unsettles many expats: buying real estate in Thailand. Camenisch knows exactly what he's talking about. After all, he built his first properties over 30 years ago.
Whether condo, house or land – Thailand offers tempting opportunities, but also significant legal pitfalls that can be very costly for unsuspecting buyers. Walter Camenisch He explained the difference between freehold and leasehold clearly and in detail, the regulations for foreign buyers, and why the fine print in Thai real estate contracts should absolutely be reviewed by a professional. Using practical examples – and also negative experiences – he illustrated what is at stake when entering the real estate market without the necessary expertise. Camenisch's personal and authentic presentation was extremely well received by the audience.
4. The four most important visa types for emigrants
The last lecture of the morning was given by Beat Amrein, co-owner and managing director of the Swiss Helping Point in Bangkok. With great expertise and without unnecessary technical jargon, he explained the four most important visa types for a legal long-term stay in Thailand: the classic Non-immigrant O visa (pensioner visa), the Longstay OA as the most popular and important emigration visa, which LTR visa (Long-Term Resident Visa) for wealthy retirees and skilled workers, that DTV Visa as well as other relevant forms of residence. Amrein made it clear: The correct visa type is not a trivial matter – a mistake can lead to deportation. Anyone who wants to be on the safe side needs a reliable expert by their side.
Sandro Bollardini's plea – the honest truth about life in Thailand
After the four technical presentations, he took over Sandro Bollardini He then spoke again – with a short but powerful plea from real life. He spoke openly about the dangers that unprepared travelers face in Thailand. Emigrants Wait: Alcohol, false friends, and the flood of misinformation from social media. Just as important: Keeping your body and mind fit, actively maintaining social contacts, and approaching this big step with common sense. No finger-wagging – just honest words from someone who knows what they're talking about.
Networking, asking questions, exchanging ideas – the underestimated added value
After each presentation block, all participants had the opportunity to ask questions directly. But the real highlight of the day took place in the foyer and during the standing lunch: From 12:00 pm onwards, all the speakers, Thailand experts, and Partner companies while, believe it or not, three hours Available for personal questions. Three hours in which dreams can become reality.
The Thailand experts from Swiss Helping Point and other partners were on site in the foyer and could be contacted directly:
- Swiss Helping Point With Beat Amrein and Sandro Bollardini: The Thailand experts help with visas and many other issues when emigrating to Thailand, so that you are happy in the end.
- Pacific Cross with Julian Manndorff and Loic Brand-Srinaka: Support for Thailand's best health insurance: Swiss Health Protect.
- Manora Village & Property With Walter Camenisch: How can I legally buy a house/land in Thailand? Practical examples using the Manora Village holiday resort and luxury villas in Hua Hin as examples.
- Köppel-Legal With Eduardo Köppel: Tax and financial advice for emigrants. How do I proactively plan my AHV (Swiss old-age and survivors' insurance), pension fund and Pillar 3a benefits?
- online Thai with Ruedi Seiler: Learn Thai digitally – for everyone who wants to get closer to their new adopted home through language.
- Tourasia with Patrick Binz: The Asia specialists, for people who love to travel.
- VivoBene With Sarah Augsburger: Premium care & senior support in Chiang Mai. For people seeking care, security and quality of life without sacrificing comfort.
- Pepperwood Resorts With Armin Bättig and Daniel Bertschy: Private resorts in Pattaya for everyone who wants to not just live in Thailand, but truly live there.
- SCOT – Swiss Care Organizations in Thailand with Dimitri Plüss: The non-profit association based in Bern supports Swiss people who want to live in a care resort in Thailand in their old age – with care place guarantees, insurance during hospital stays and organization of repatriations to Switzerland.
Guests were provided with coffee, wine, beer, meter-long sandwiches for every taste (meat, cheese, vegetarian, vegan) and mineral water – fully catered for in an atmosphere that was more reminiscent of a meeting among friends than a formal professional event.
The gift package – a sweet ending
Who would have thought that you would leave an information event with a real Package where to go home? Upon exiting, each participant received a high-quality Swiss Helping Point beach bag – filled with all brochures, materials from the speakers, and a booklet of vouchers with discounts and gifts. Total value of over CHF 850.–. Included: vouchers from Swiss Helping Point, Köppel Legal, Pacific Cross (including 3 months of free accident insurance upon entry into Thailand), online Thai, Manora Village, Kehrli+Oeler Removals, Pepperwood Resort, Restaurant Casa Pascal and a one-year online subscription to the news magazine "Der Farang" from Thailand.
A day that will last
The event ended around 16:00 p.m. – a good hour later than originally planned, because the Experts from the Swiss Helping Point and yours Partners They were not rushed. Every question was answered, every conversation was brought to a close.
Those who experienced this day traveled home with a backpack full of concrete information, valuable contacts and – last but not least – with the feeling that the project “Happily emigrating to Thailand” is not an unfulfillable dream, but a realistic, well-planned life project.
Swiss Helping Point This has proven for the third time in a row: This seminar is not simply an event. It is the foundation on which people can build their courage to take the big step. And the waiting list for the 2027 seminar is already filling up.
Evaluation of the survey Emigrating to Thailand
How satisfied were you with the individual presentations?
Our participants are thrilled: Through exchanges with the Thailand experts from Swiss Helping Point and its partners, they receive practical information, personal advice and lasting benefits.
Sandro Bollardini
Swiss Helping Point
Edoardo Köppel
Köppel Legal AG
Julian Manndorff
Pacific Cross
Walter Camenisch
Manora Village
Beat Amrein
Swiss Helping Point
Excerpt from the survey comments:
"Thank you again for the impressive seminar! The presentation and content of the individual topics were (are!) very helpful!"
"The whole event was very well structured and engagingly moderated. I found the Q&A session after each presentation particularly informative and the afternoon Q&A sessions to be excellent. The afternoon Q&A sessions were also fantastic, as with 300 attendees, there were almost certainly 300 different needs that could be addressed as effectively as possible. All in all, it was very well balanced."
"The time management was excellent. The fact that there was time for specific questions after the presentation blocks was also excellent. Thank you very much for the comprehensive information."
"Many thanks to everyone involved in the organization and to all the speakers for the interesting and very informative presentations. I am looking forward to planning my emigration to Thailand step by step with Swisshelpingpoint. I will be in touch with you about this in the near future."
"Presentations were concise and not unnecessarily long; the Q&A session after each presentation was also excellent!"
"What I particularly liked: The opportunity to ask questions of the moderators (specialists) for approximately 3 hours."
"It was very lively and informative. Thank you very much for the documents, which I can now read at home at my leisure."
Would you like to be there next time?
Due to high demand, many interested parties were unable to attend the Emigrating to Thailand seminar.
If you would like to secure a spot for the next presentations, please register for our Newsletter We provide timely information about upcoming events. Also, be sure to check our website regularly. Blog to avoid news and miss out on insider information!
We look forward to you
Sandro Bollardini & Beat Amrein Swiss Helping Point
