wwest5829

What was it I was taught? Ah, yes … Thailand is a male dominated country … directed by females”. A lot of truth there, methinks.

So, we were working with friends in the Czech Republic. Friends were driving my colleague somewhere when one on them asked my colleague, “is it true that Bill likes little girls”? (You see they wanted to invite us to a picnic but the Czechs all had young Daughters. My colleague laughed as explained the what was meant was referring to “petite ladies”. Satisfied they no longer needed to question my motivations! And now? Retired in Thailand where my wife was 37 kilos when we met.

Just a couple of thoughts to share. I have observed that if one finds a traditionally raised Thai girl (allowing here that Thai females can generally be referred to as girls) … it is much like stepping back into the 1950s as regards sexual roles. That I’d Mom took care of home, children and looking after her man. Dad was expected to provide the financial security (in my case, Dad worked 2, sometimes 3 jobs while my Brother and I were growing up). I suppose the economic status of the general female population in Thailand plays heavy into this … personally, being an Expat retiree the roles are quite comfortable. My ex wife in the US had a sign on her desk that read, “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle”. That speaks volumes about the outlet of far too many western females. My ex, at one point also accused me of viewing her as a sex object … I retorted that, yes, I was married to her because she was female and that a critical consideration was that we were physical lovers … ah, well. I wi#h her well but after 27 years … Thai wife for me. Yes, I am well aware of the history of discrimination and role stereotyping but … If I am understanding many divorced western males here … Thai females are preferred as the western roles are not as conducive to warm sexual relationships. Flame away but I think there is a good deal of reality here.

And have a greater monthly retirement income than my $2400 a month ...

I encourage all Americans to support equity for full military retirees and full Medicare retirees on the same basis. Both are earned and paid for medical benefits for retirees. They should be extended and processed on an equal basis. At age 65, we are automatically registered for Medicare, Part A. I have continued to pay the monthly premium for Part B. My retirement included BC/BS policy that will cover up to $5K annually for overseas care.

American taxpayer, retired here in Thailand. I am proud to see this type of USA support.

Emeritus Professor of History and International Programs (taught US undergraduate survey courses in American/European History and directed our city’s “Sister Cities” program). I rather enjoyed a colleague having teasingly introduced me as a bon vivant, raconteur and man about town … but I was much younger then …

I apologize, not to lessen seriousness. Can't help myself from thinking he was only observing naval operations. I'll let myself out ...

My observation over my decade here is the Thai roads are well marked. Approaching curves there are the yellow, arrow signs. The closer the signs, the sharper the curve. My Driver Ed Teacher taught us to enter the curve at reduced speed, feel the curve and then you can judge the speed that you can safely accelerate. But ... just my thought.

I began to think and then stopped the thought as the state of Texas will pay bounties (330,000 baht equivalent) to individuals for turning in anyone associated with aiding and abetting abortion.

My thinking for over the past decade has been it is just easier for me to go through an agency to deal with immigration requirements here in Chiang Mai. The agency keeps up with official changes, local office nuances, changes in political appointees, and knows who best to deal with/who to avoid. So, yes, I am willing to pay for the convenience (no need to “get around” any requirements in my case).

Granted, it has been over a decade since I obtained my O-A Visa through the Royal Thai Consulate in Chicago. I recall that to qualify, I had to submit a police report to assure I was a US citizen without a police record. I had to submit a medical form with a doctor certifying I was not bring dread disease into Thailand. And, I had to submit documentation showing I was financially secure and would not become a burden on the Kingdom of Thailand. No problem for me and, at the time as in today, I think most reasonable requirements. The financial security was established by submitting a copy of my retirement account balance, plus the qualified Social Security monthly income amount I would be receiving. Yes! For the first time in my life I was a "millionaire" ... well in Thai baht! This was my understanding as to the requirements Thailand demanded to allow me to retire in Thailand. I am saddened that, as I age, changing requirements (health insurance) has caused a threat to my wellbeing in the Kingdom. Having a heart attack, a stent placement and two angioplasties in 2015, I demonstrated my ability to pay the 411,000 baht cost without issue while not being required to buy insurance that does not cover pre-existing conditions (so I deal with the 11,400 baht premium cost as an additional cost without benefit for me nor the payment of any health costs for Thai medical institutions. If establishing the financial ability to "self insure" on the same basis as my original financial requirement, I would think that would answer to Thai payment concerns. I do encourage Thailand to work diplomatically to allow US retirees on Medicare, to receive the same ability to have medical care extended as that enjoyed by full US military retirees. Beneficial for US retirees and for promoting Thailand as a recognized healthcare provider (already recognized for US military medical care).

I used Nava many years ago. If the opportunity presents itself again I would use again.

It certainly can be a minefield but ... reflect on the ability to meet someone that you would never otherwise have the opportunity to meet. Retiring in Thailand, I was a fat boy in a candy shop and enjoyed it much for the first 8 months (plus four separate monthlong visits previously). I found that I would be happier with a full-time mate. Four years in the first relationship and after that ended, I went back to the online sites. I met a girl online from Chachoengsao (with a hair salon in Bangkok and a 12 year old Daughter). 26 years my junior (but you need to take in account my retirement age). Married on our 5th anniversary together this past April and both consider ourselves very fortunate to have found each other. My best advice ... take your time and think with the head on your shoulders.

Agreed. Outpriced in theUSA on my monthly retirement budget of $2400 USD ($1385 from SS), I can live comfortably in Thailand.

I use the monthly 65K income from abroad method. My thinking is that my retirement funds are invested and managed, making income for me. Financially, better than parking 800K in a Thai bank.

As an American having witnessed “The Donald”, I am unable to address the foibles of other global citizens. I would agree as far as the spirit of Thai cooperation versus the nonsense reflected by far too many Americans refusing to acknowledge there does exit a medical concern best dealt with via taking medical advice.

Upon retiring here, my thought was that the best scenario would be a gorgeous barren orphan!

Granted you are entitled to your opinion. Retiring at age 64 1/2, I was out of any desire to create babies. In less than a year of playing, I found tha I wanted to have a partner o travel with, make love to, even to go to Big C with. To each their own. Knock on wood … I am a very happy camper with a Thai wife and her Daughter.

Ha! Yes … cultural differences are great. I enjoyed explaining to my first Thai, permanent, long term partner that there is a bit of difference between Thai SinnSot tradition and the western tradition. Afterall, cultural expectations should be treated equally. The shock she expressed as I explained that as a westerner I would expect a dowry paid by her family if they expected a Sin Sot from me. Priceless … as it turned out, I paid for the village reception food and drink and everything was fine. I had explained I hard several books on Thai tradition, history and society before retiring here. She was older, had two Daughters already and so … no Sin Sot by Thai tradition. Yes, she was given a monthly stipend but that was my decision.

A question raised in my mind focused on easier recruiting of Thai labor for Saudi Arabia from the Moslem South of Thailand? Their going and getting exposed to the Wahhabi Islam outlook and coming back to Southern Thailand ... hmm.

I have my SS deposited automatically into my Fidelity Acct. While I had used the transfer to the Bangkok Bank NYC Branch, I was no longer able to do that as Fidelity does not conform to the international form required so ... Now, I monthly transfer $2200 from my Fidelity Account to my Bangkok Bank Acct. via "Wise". Works well by my "checking" the reason for transfer is for long term living expenses in Thailand. This assures the transfer is directly logged into Bangkok Bank as an FTT transfer meeting immigration income requirements. I have used the monthly income method 65,000 baht per month for over a decade on my O-A Visa Extension of Stays. Why not 800,000 baht in a Thai bank? Because my funds are actively generating dividend and growth income for my monthly expenses. Currently, sustainable retirement income without end.

Pre-Covid the US Consulate here in Chiang Mai had stated they provided service for some 40,000 Americans in Northern Thailand but, that covered all ... retirees, employed, married to a Thai. So there was no breakdown in the total. I am curious, one would think the Thai government would have the numbers of foreigner long term Visa holders and incoming short term tourists.

Agree as to different tastes/likes. Grew up in South Jersey in the Philly area but spent my working life in Western Kentucky on the Ohio River. Contemplating retirement I made 4 trips to Thailand, spending a month each visit while traveling around the country. It was the mountain North for me, with annual pilgrimages to the sea. Did not want any big city but Chiang Mai felt right. After a total of 11 years in Thailand, I am a happy camper (oh, I recognize issues but they present only moderate issues ... knock on wood).

Hmmm, as always, subject to the fine print. On the surface, a ten year, long term retired resident Visa @ 10,000 baht a year is doable for me (no 90 day reporting and including at least one annual exit-reentry). Include an option to join the national healthcare system at an additional reasonable annual premium and I would definitely see a benefit. Financial benefit for Thailand and for this long term retiree with Thai family. Hmmm, nice plastic wallet card (stating name, issue, expire date) to be presented with my Passport when entering national parks (thus no dual pricing), exit & re-entry to the country, annual address reporting (or during the year if changing address), presenting for national healthcare service. Yes, I know dream on ...