seasia

I happen to agree with kellers take on it.

I was fined many years ago, fair enough, I was in the wrong.

No bins/cigarette butt receptacles. Probably deliberate.

However I have never seen a Thai get fined.

In Hong Kong there is also a fine for the same offence. However there are bins/disposal receptacles you can use.

better system.

In Italy there is no fine for that offence ( in the areas I have been to ) yet there are bins provided at regular intervals.

According to the WHO  Thailand ranks  47.

http://thepatientfactor.com/canadian-health-care-information/world-health-organizations-ranking-of-the-worlds-health-systems/

France no 1. Italy no. 2  Spain no. 7

To suggest Thailand is better than any of those 3 countries is entering fantasy world.

LOL

Just now, hackjam said:

The Greek place, on Soi Bonkot. called El Greco certainly hits the spot.

Had a lamb dish, came with yogurt, fries some salad and pita bread. Lamb was excellent, all in all, a very enjoyable meal, they give a free starter and also a desert. The meal was under 300B, cant remember exactly but good value.

I go to this place at least once a month, some of their lamb dishes are outstanding.

It is good, shame about the location if you do not have your own transport but then again the rent probably cheap so if in a better location, their costs would be higher.

Greek couple that own/run it are nice people, genuine.

Food is good, service is good.

Very sensible drinks prices also, whether it be just water/soda or beers.

Not greedy. very fair.

Nice place.

13 hours ago, Inn Between said:

My research shows that (legally) all residents in Vietnam, whether locals or foreigners, have to have their address registered with the police. I suppose that's likely the nature of all communist gov'ts, but in reality, this is usually ignored by landlords, local residents and also the police. However, I cannot find a requirement for them to re-register every time they go away for a few days as I believe is the case with TM30's.

 

But what I can't understand why you feel the need for such a comment, calling everyone who has decided to try Vietnam over Thailand a sucker. Why do you feel so critical towards people who want to try living there? It's not just you. There are many people here who get offensive toward people who have abandoned Thailand. Do you take that personally? I'm really trying to understand the mind set that can't accept people who want something different. Do you people somehow feel threatened or insulted by those who want to explore what many blogs and articles describe as one of the top retirement destinations in the world? Are you people virtually trapped in Thailand by property or people in your lives and feel resentment toward us who have the freedom to explore and live in other places?

 

Live and let live is a REALLY good approach to life, IMO. Check that idea out. You may like it and learn that it can eliminate hostile thoughts toward others, which will inevitably make your life more peaceful. Each to their own. These hostile attitudes remind me of Islamic extremists who think anyone who doesn't believe in Allah should be killed.

 

 

Hi

One of the best  posts I have read on this site.

The animosity shown by some to those who either have left or are merely considering it is incredible, never come across it on any other board.

The number of " alternative destination " threads has grown exponentially yet they all attract attacks.

A good job there is the very useful ignore function on this site.

All the Best

Just now, Isaanbiker said:

The OP should visit a dermatologist and not listen to some people who think that this or that creme might do the trick.

 

  

I visited a top rated dermatoligist at a well known private Thai hospital.

Bill 7.5 K baht.

Load of useless overpriced tablets lotions, no explanation, no solution, no cure.

A tube of creme recommended by a non medic sorted it.

110 baht.

Just now, Old Croc said:

I have trouble understanding how Italy is ranked second bottom, just below Nigeria.

So do I.

I arrived in northern Italy in July for a 4 month stay, partly a "Plan B " experiment.

I am just outside the lakeside city of Como.

Nice scenery, nice air quality. Nice fresh food.

Locals friendly, people say Hello to each.

Cars stop at pedestrian crossing ( I do not drive ) so I feel safer.

Quality food is cheaper. Perfectly OK wine around the 2 or 3 Euro mark ( You can pay more of course )

Coffee  in the local bar I go to is 1 Euro. Beer ( large 660 ml is 3.5 Euro.

Far cheaper in the shops though.

I bought some 660ml bottles  on promo at 68 cents. Peroni.

The food that I like is cheaper and fresher than in Thailand.

Labour costs/taxis far more expensive than Thailand.

I am enjoying my stay but doubt I would want to be here in the winter.

robsamui

Very interesting. Only ever been as a tourist, I like it there.

 A very well balanced and well written post.

I was aware of some of what you posted, other things not so.

Thanks.

Yes  to having an  exit plan.

It would be/is Europe. Currently there.

Return to Thailand for the winter, unless I choose to bin my return leg flight.

Within SE Asia  Vietnam the country that holds most appeal.

Time to cash up in Thailand if for any reason need to leave quickly ? Sub 7 days.

6 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

IMO what's really being said is " I can't afford to live here anymore" end of story..

How does that work with some who are relocating to 1st world countries with higher costs ?

I know several who have left with no money issues, just wanted to live in better countries.

I actually think some who stay in Thailand and defend it to the hilt are the ones who cannot afford to leave.

Just a thought.

"After having looked at all the "fine-print", most Farang-Residents in Thailand could not qualify for a permanent residence outside of some impoverished S/E Asian countries. Them tightening "Visa-Rules" in accordance with "Thai-Immigration-Rulings".

I can, plenty of countries to choose from. In one now.

On 8/26/2019 at 1:14 PM, Jingthing said:

OK, folks, I think I've now "officially" entered a new phase in my "consideration" of moving to Latin America thingie.

 

I'm sure now that IF I was a fresh virginal potential expat still in the U.S. that I would NOT be moving to Thailand, but would instead move to Latin America.

 

For so many reasons, some general, some personal --

 

I have a pension now so more options visa-wise. 

Baht strength vs. general weakness of the currencies in Latin America. Though I don't really fully understand how that works in dollarized countries like Ecuador.

Thailand having become more expensive. TM30, more onerous visa rules and changing attitudes to expats etc.

 

That wouldn't even be a hard choice for me anyway. Thailand? No way. 

 

My choices of where to move in Latin America may be different though as the visa situation is simpler in general coming fresh from the U.S. vs. after many years in another country. But that's an aside.

 

But here's the rub. I'm already very well established in Thailand. Hanging by a thread of course with the immigration situation here. But pretty much all the details of my life are sorted IF I can stay. Recreating that anywhere else would take years and a lot of pain and likely never to the level of the ease of my life here (short of the visa things). 

 

So it's a fairly major step towards Latin America but not clear yet whether it will ever go further than that. For the time being, I'll keep on learning Spanish. Plan B and all that.

 

 

Interesting post and thoughts. I have a slight similarity in feeling re. your 2nd line. If I had not moved to Thailand ( in my case from the UK and a large part of the reason was for the Thai climate ) I would not make the move today.

A variety of reasons, not just visa related.

Prior to moving to Thailand to live I already had 10 years holiday experience ( good times ) including 2 x 3 month stays, the latter of which was sort of an experiment to see whether I wanted to live there.

I now have a little regret, maybe I should have visited and considered various other countries as options.

I vaguely recall reading online about both Chile and Panama, likely because they were high up on expat options lists.

Maybe I should have done a 6 month split between 2 countries, Thailand one of them and then a choice from several others.

No turning the clock back though, as they say.

Plan B already started.

Good Luck to those who are considering their options, change can be difficult.

I dislike Thai food, consider much of it rubbish, bad ingredients, cheap palm oil used for cooking in most cases.

Very rarely eat it. Far prefer western food.

Yes, I have several real friends in various countries.

They would and have helped out when I have been stuck with something.

I have also helped others, expecting nothing in return.