wwest5829

Maybe they can apply for political asylum in some countries. I seem to remember Canada as a destination in earlier wrongful political decisions.

Not a criticism, just an observation from my perspective, that the sex industry, existing since time immortal might well be considered legit, as it is in various cultures.

Having been happily retired here for over a decade, it is sad for me to see Thailand having so much potential not focusing on the large working middle class as the main body of tourists which could be attracted to coming to Thailand for vacation breaks. Compared with how many in the rich and famous class? Thailand does not have to go down to the begpacker level, focus on the western working middle class.

Yes, out priced from retiring in the USA (unless a rusting trailer in Florida or Arizona). Here … a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house on a double lot, my own furniture, 2 cars, motorbike. For a family of three we are comfortable. In my retirement years, I don’t think this is, “living like a native” as the 82,000+ baht just arriving (I transfer $2200) is above the average Thai monthly income.

If one choses. I am doing fine on my $2400 USD monthly budget.

I am just another full-time foreign resident put off by this illogic. Really I am quite saddened as one of Thailand's attributes is the natural beauty. I suppose I am reflecting my US experience in visiting the US National Parks. It is a natural aid to developing increased Thai tourism ... instead someone's thinking (OK, lack thereof) just leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Do those studying tourism not learn about the potential tourist cultures?

Who knows what it is exactly that attracts one person to another. From long experience it seems to be a combination of many things, not just one thing. Some are attracted by a smile, an easy going nature, my wife upon meeting, said the first thing was my photo, as we met online (we were lucky, as "there be dragons! For both foreign men and Thai girls). Are you are thinking money? Sure that plays in the world round ... in "developing countries" without social safety net for females ... economic security is certainly a consideration. I did background reading before coming. Part of Thai culture is wanting to establish where you fit in within the "social pecking order". How old are you? (Asia - age gains respect). What is/was your occupation? (Professions get more respect). How much do you make? (Wealth holdings gain respect). Do you have a steady source of income? (Economic security in a lower cost country is judged important).

My vote as an American would be no for this reason. Sorry, but carrying on the traditional Thai fence straddling does not play well in this case.

Now read with comprehension. No brothels, no orgies but I was with Thai girls. I was a fat boy in a candy shop … but then, no, that was not the main reason for coming as I was retiring and could not afford living in my own country). And yes, I have an education so the culture, including the temples, etc., was part of my retiring in Thailand (main consideration, lower cost of living). Ha! Yes, I am living the dream … Retired in Thailand for over a decade, with a traditionally raised Thai Wife and Stepdaughter (it is like stepping back to the 1950 USA). I am on a Visa for reason of retirement as it is less paperwork. I encourage you to expand your knowledge concerning Thailand.

Sorry to disappoint but my first introduction to Thailand, I did not seek either brothels, brides nor orgies. I was introduced to Thai girls who treated me as a BF, new to Thailand who was to be loved and cared for during the time together. As a result I have been here over a decade and now with a Thai wife and Stepdaughter. I have only good memories of the earlier days and Thai females. I am sorry about your apparent view.

I cannot see foreign nations' embassies becoming involved in another nation's business dealings short of the foreign nation owning the companies involved or if there is a threat to the foreign nation interests.

Hillsborough Country House, Chiang Mai

Ah, but is the latest Pfizer vaccine available in Thailand?

My monthly transfer came in at 37.68 today. $2200 USD, minus about $20 in Wise fee.

Limited view but Today, just avoid roads next to the Mae Ping. I did read that one road near the airport had drainage issues.

Yes, greater rail connectivity. Maybe not so much with internet with China where access is controlled (for the public good, of course).

Some units come with a “heat strip” providing warm air.

Here over a decade. Some years ago really “nippy” and I went to Global House and bought an electric fireplace looking el3ctric unit. Have not used it last year but it is on hand if needed.

I recall my GF at the time (later my Wife) going into the surf South of Acapulco, Mexico. The beach tree also dropped off steeply and the surf pulled mighty strong. I had to throw my GF up on higher ground (she only weighed about 85 pounds) and fight my way back to the higher ground. Scary!

Ha! Yes, it is hard to remember back to a time when .I first got a Nokia “bag phone”. And now, well GPS has taken the place and need for maps, compass, and ruler to measure the approximate distances. Not to mention currently sitting in a cafe with coffee and reading posts on FB from folks on 6 continents … and replying here. I do love the advances in technology. Certainly makes my retirement much easier … currently planning a visit to USA … hotel reservation, car rental reservation. Entrance tickets purchases … indeed what did I need to do previously …

Both needed to agree but not need to be present. At least that is what worked for us in Chiang Mai (letter of agreement from Thai father).

Having been retired here over a decade, observations that Thai immigration Visas could be easier, I encourage you not to throw in the towel, especially with a Thai family. That said, I have used an agency from my retirement here. Nothing underhanded or skirting Thai law. It is just that the agency deals with immigration daily … they know if any regulation changes, they know the more friendly immigration officers and who to avoid, they know if there is a new boss wanting to make changes and the particular “interpretations” of different immigration offices. For me, worth there assistance fee. I need only show up for 10 minutes to retrieve my passport once a year. I would add that I too have a Thai wife but find the retirement visa easier than the marriage visa requirements.

Or as I and many others have done for a “non-imm retirement visa” … a monthly income brought in from abroad in excess of 65,000 each month. For myself, selling investments, paying the US taxes on profits and then parking 800,000 in a Thai bank is not a wise financial move for me.

Happy for Thailand to see those meetings, etc. bringing in tourists. What will they be required to have in the way of insurance when entering?

I am increasingly missing the old reaction buttons like sad and confused.