wwest5829

3 hours ago, save the frogs said:

there was no car in front of her.

lock her up for a very long time.

Hmm, advise ... not such a quick judgement". How many times have we had a motorcycle pull out from a side venue without looking causing us to try and viand hitting them. All I am saying is... not so quick on the draw here ...

On 3/25/2026 at 11:24 AM, Cameroni said:

It's not the case that "traditional Thai culture" is a one-dimensional, monolithic, entity, rather it is a thing of plasticity, always changing, always in flux, multi-facetted, and unfortunately, with social media now literally indoctrinating young girls with Western values I have had the misfortune of several young attractive women for whom I provided generous financial benefits telling me "We are equal, you need to do half the house work". This is literally a result of social media indoctrination, they're getting Western feminist values injected into the eyes with Tik Tok videos, so to speak.

I would also caution that we in the West are not generally burdened with responsibility for financial support for our parents, thought this is the norm for poorer Thai girls, so not all conforms to our own past lives.

Yes, experiences vary. Certainly finances play heavily into the equation.

On 3/25/2026 at 10:57 AM, Sheryl said:

Some Advantage policies cover emergency treatment abroad. BUT this assumes it is a temporary visit abroad. You normally need to be permanently living not just in US but in the specific plan area. Usually at least 6 months out of 12.

If actually living abroad and this comes out, it will invalidate the policy. They could even come after you for prior pay outs.

So this is usually a viable alternative only for part timers.

Possible there are some special emplyment related group policies which differ.

Yes, policies vary. At the time it was a BC/BS Seniors Medicare Advantage policy and the policy stated they would pay up to $5000.00 usd for out of country costs. Payment was processed through BC/BS Global. Now policy provider has changed to Humana in Kentucky so I have sent the inquiry as to coverage. We will see. I am anticipated cancelling Medicare Part B and attempting to get the ability to apply the earned retirement monthly premium so that I can apply it to coverage for only here in Thailand.

36 minutes ago, Front Row said:

I’m like DFPhuket. I pay for Part B. USA care and Medicare are my fallback if the wheels fall off my cart. A secondary insurance, if you will. You never know what problems might arise in the future. At least for now I can afford the cost of Part B coverage.

Agree but then, I also react on, if I needed the Part B fallback ... the co-pays, deductibles might be just as expensive as covering the bill in Thailand?

19 hours ago, MikeWill said:

OK so I've been going round in circles on this for weeks and my head is spinning.

I turn 65 in a few months and the Medicare question is driving me mad.

Everyone back home assumes you just sign up and that's it sorted. Nobody tells you it's basically useless if you're living outside the US — Thailand included. Found that out the hard way after spending an afternoon on the phone with Social Security.

So now I'm stuck with the Part B decision. Pay the premiums every month for coverage I can't actually use here, or drop it and risk a permanent 10% penalty for every year I delay if I ever go back. Which at my age is a real possibility.

Part A I get — no premium so that's a no-brainer, sign up regardless. But Part B stings when you're paying for nothing.

For now I'm just using a private international plan which covers me fine here, but the thought of those Part B penalties stacking up is keeping me up at night.

Anyone else been through this? What did you actually decide and do you regret it? Would love to hear from people who've already wrestled with this rather than read another government FAQ that assumes way too much.

Still dealing with this and have not had clear insight over the past 15 years. Medicare only good in USA territory (Guam closest?). BUT ... I was given a Medicare Advantage policy as part of earned retirement. Still have to pay the Part B monthly premium. Heart attack here in C. Mai 2015 ... policy paid $5000 usd bill out of $11,000 usd total. Now policy provider changed ... currently two months awaiting a clarifying answer on coverage. Between Part B and Advantage premiums, could I get a major medical only policy without pre-existing exclusions. Right ... the dilemma continues. good luck!

21 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Hot frequent sex with much younger women at minimal cost was what kept me here.

Ah, but a fond memory now.

21 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I think I only recognized it later.

IME Thai women are more subtle. Instead of the confrontation/negotiation model of the West, they gently steer you to what they want, with emphasis on harmony.

Ha! Yes. I had read upon retiring here that: "Thailand is a male dominated society ... directed by women!"

On 3/24/2026 at 7:37 AM, Conan The Barbarian said:

Not talking about the obvious stuff that brings most of us here initially. I mean the longer term decision to actually settle down with a Thai woman specifically.

Looking back I think the relationship dynamic played a bigger part in my choice than I ever admitted at the time. The roles are just... clear. He provides, she takes care of the home and family. No blurred lines, no competition for the same space, no ongoing negotiation about who does what and why or whose in charge!

That model largely disappeared in the West over the past few decades. Again — not saying that's wrong, times change. But somewhere along the way relationships back home started feeling like a constant push and pull, both people sometimes fighting for the lead role, and a lot of the warmth getting lost in the friction.

With my Thai partner that friction is just absent. There's a calm to it. She's reserved in public as Thai culture generally is, but within the relationship she's attentive and warm without it feeling like something that has to be earned or negotiated.

So honestly — for those of you settled with Thai women long term — how much did that traditional dynamic factor into it? Was it a conscious choice or did you only recognise it later for what it was?

Yep, and this states well why "aging" western males find Thai culture so inviting. As I express to those newly arrived (after stating to keep thinking and control over funds) ... retiring to Thailand is like stepping back into the life most of us "boomers" were raised. As you stated, man responsible for finances security, woman takes care of her man. Ha! I can live the remaining of my days with that. True also is the observation that this is reinforced by traditional Thai culture. OK, I said enough without launching into a dissertation on the ups and downs.

Just a related reminder that Americans globally are warned that we have been put in potentially harm's way by the trump action. Support him? Fine here we are:

===============================================

Worldwide Caution Security Alert March 22, 2026 -

The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.

Location: Worldwide

Event: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.

Pray tell, will they be masked, be armed, have body cameras? Shoot people resisting? Arrest American citizens in a continuation of their policies actions in the USA thus far?

21 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

He can’t use ICE agents to replace TSA for International flights.

They aren’t correctly certified or trained.

No other countries airports would be allowed to accept planes from the USA.

ICAO rules.

ICAO rules, like USA law will be ignored by trump. Then the correct resulting backlash. I support as I would like to see a boycott of travel to the USA until/unless trump and his ilk are removed. The international community banning entries of US citizens processed by ICE would only benefit my wanting to see trump removed ...

On 3/19/2026 at 9:13 AM, KhunLA said:

Reading comprehension ... 'most' 🙄

yes, agreed correct. "most" = reading comprehension. "it's" = grammatical comprehension ...

On 3/16/2026 at 9:39 AM, MikeandDow said:

very narcissists view point !!

really?! Do tell ... how so?

13 hours ago, KhunLA said:

USA interfered with Korea & Vietnam's peace process.

Cheney's administration and the invasion of Iraq & Afghanistan ... the worse

USAid / CIA regime changes, too many, and most simply rushed the normal process of change.

Aside from that, USA bought most of it's expansion, from Spain, France & Russia. Even the Virgin Islands. Not sure about Micronesia + area.

As far as the 'natives' living there before the New World was discovered, well, they were pretty brutal to each other, had their little conflicts going, rape, pillage & slavery. Them spoils of war.

An OK history, especially compared to other oppressive 'empires'.

Ah, half of Mexico taken as a result of Mexican War ... not purchased.

18 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

yes i hold 3 passports and stand by my 3 nationality ALL country's have done things that are regrettable But to vote in a madman who started a war and says its FUN !! if it was my country i would feel ashamed ! You yanks have no shame !! what you sow shall you reap !! (shaking my head)

I will continue to vehemently oppose the trump/Project 2025 administration but again, I accept no responsibility, thus no shame (no shame for the USA past wrongful actions either that I had no responsibility for creating but recognize and denounce). I will relish his removal.

On 3/13/2026 at 4:28 PM, MikeandDow said:

More gullible people if u yanks think you can get rid of him in the mid terms or when his term is finished the guy will not go !! you yanks have unleashed a total madman on the world

Yo! I accept no responsibility. I have opposed him from the beginning. Careful with your broad brush unless of course you wish to accept responsibility for your own nation's foibles ...

7 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Are we referring to Trump's USA, Hitler's Germany, Stalin's Russia or Pol Pot's Kampuchea? Is there any difference between them?

While certainly the factual degrees of oppression differ … all can be said to be condemned.

23 hours ago, connda said:

Personally I find Mr. Fine's comment to be hateful and overtly bigoted and discriminatory toward the followers of Islam.
However - his opinion is protected speech under the First Amendment. As long as he's not promoting violence toward Muslims.

I find Mr. Fine to be a small-minded bigot spewing intolerance, xenophobia, and hostile language from his podium of the US Congress - and he is a vile creep. How this people get elected is beyond me. 🫷

23 hours ago, connda said:

Personally I find Mr. Fine's comment to be hateful and overtly bigoted and discriminatory toward the followers of Islam.
However - his opinion is protected speech under the First Amendment. As long as he's not promoting violence toward Muslims.

I find Mr. Fine to be a small-minded bigot spewing intolerance, xenophobia, and hostile language from his podium of the US Congress - and he is a vile creep. How this people get elected is beyond me. 🫷

That they are elected is scarier to me than his speech. I fear I am witnessing the loss of my country. Not wealthy enough to buy a Diau citizenry or I would.

3 hours ago, Tug said:

A lot of the recuts come from the beauty pageant industry……and just who pray tell used to have that franchise in the states???

After reflecting on the article ... the recruitment of models from Eastern Europe ... hmm, careful. Would a model from Slovenia have been recruited? Would a Visa be arranged? Oh ... better to stop thinking in this direction. C0uld be dangerous if someone uncovered ...

On 3/12/2026 at 11:28 AM, mania said:

I pretty much have my mind made up but wanted to ask what most think

We use to live in Thailand for 5 years on marriage visa extension 2012 -2017

We moved back to USA & are moving back to Thailand in May permanently

I can go either way but am thinking it is infinitely easier to use Retirement rather than the 50% cheaper marriage visa paper work wise

I also think although I will lose interest at this time by keeping 800k in Thailand it serves a dual purpose even for emergencies. (I of course will have more but )

Since I have only ever done the somewhat complicated marriage extension I wanted to hear form retirement extension guys that it is way easier right?

Thanks!

I do use a Marriage Visa Extension but an agency sorts the paperwork as it is worth it for my time, stress. However, I continue to use the 65K baht monthly income transferred once a month as my funds are invested and, well ... just not a justifiable financial decision to park funds in a Thai bank at low interest. Yes, marriage transfer requirement is less but we spend the 65K so not an issue.