gk10012001

Indians lolling around in groups just lookie loos, or groups of Russians... Which would you prefer to see more of? Oh add those groups of dozens of Chinese mass tour groups that wander around just clogging the streets. I long for the days when Pattaya had a low season. So few crowds. One could safely cross second road. Jomtien beach water was actually swimmable

So much for elections and any sense of democracy.

I remember the first Russian large arrival numbers. All the illegal restaurant openings, bending or breaking all the visa rules, the Russian hookers down on walking street handing out fliers. Got a work permit for that? I have seen foreign owners of bars kicked out of the country for washing a glass or sweeping the floor of their bar. All the illegal russian 'tour guides'. The russians are not used to and will not try to follow the rule of law. They grew up with horrible autocrats and a tough system. Of course some are fantastic people. But large over whelming numbers of them is not good. Amazing how the demographics of Thailand has changed the last 20 years. If too many Russians or any group for that matter start buying up too much , then at some point it will probably hurt others.

seems like the 20 year Elite Visa one time thing is a better deal. Oh and no health insurance requirement. Insurance can be quite problematic for older retirees in Thailand

I am aware of the costs and fees, but for simplicity can I use ATM withdrawals to satisfy my monthly income transfer requirements?

Looking to the future, and the aging population, both Thai and Expat, open retirement homes, hospice company, etc. Big business. Many variations between just providing daily visits to a person's home for an hour or two to cook and clean, keep the person company, make sure they don't burn the place down by leaving the gas burner on, etc. Have some registered nurses on staff to provide home services. Then at the other extreme some facility for palliative care, or just dementia full round the clock care, etc

As you pointed out, usually there are just many places doing the same thing. Even if you come up with some niche that is new or different, be it entertainment, food, service or whatever, it would not be long before you economic moat goes away and you are over run by copy cats.

Oh man, my first trip to Thailand was in 2004. over 40 baht to 1 USD. Bar fines, soapy massages, foot massages, food prices all fine. Hotels say of the Flipper or Eastiny Place class were like 700 baht per night. Prices cost more, baht buys less. The higher quality hotels have raised prices much more. Still, mid range places are not horrible, but not a big bargain, that's for sure.

average price of 21 USD per night? You will get what you pay for. As an example, 600 baht per night hotels in Pattaya are not impressive. Small non air con rooms can be had. In the up country yes there are cities with cheap hotels. But they are not in areas that tourists flock to. So take the survey with a grain of salt

I can think of a few bars that should be turned into beach spots

Well Thailand has a hundred years of trying to control the people.... If a court does not over rule a military coup, then what else can be done? The civilian police force is not independent and is subordinate to the military.

Somewhat related, Medicare supposedly will reimburse overseas Emergency medical issues/services. I don't mean just some advantage plans. I just started Medicare this year. Still living in the USA. I got the AARP Medicare advantage plan for basic drug and dental coverage and it cost 0.0. As you probably know, Medicare B premiums are based on income, MAGI income to be precise. My future retired USA location in the future is not clear yet. Interesting to hear the discussions mention 6 months of a year in country USA for the Advantage plans to work. Planning on fully punching out and hanging up my engineering shingle this November. Just in time for a fun High Season in Thailand

Sorry but looking into the details it seems like a possible money grab. 50,000 baht application fee to start with. Various Thai health insurance requirements. For High-income Foreign Retirees: Must present a health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Thailand no less than USD 50,000. The remaining coverage period shall not be less than 10 months on the date of the application, OR provide evidence of savings of at least USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for no less than 12 months before the date of application. High earners must have proof of personal income of at least USD 80,000 annually at the time of application In case of having personal income only between USD 40,000 to USD 80,000/ year, the applicant must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct invest or Thai property https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-long-term-resident-ltr-visa

If somebody met the listed requirements, it seems like the Thai Elite Visa would be a decent option also, and with few if any strings attached. The eliminating the annoying and silly 90 day reporting would be nice, but the Elite folks in general will handle that as long as you are in a few cities and locales in Thailand. And at the moment the Elite visas don't have any health insurance requirements. Just some details to consider

1. So the US embassy or Thai officials or some contracted company can't or won't check or verify a US citizen's income verification for the old income affidavit of only 2,000 USD a month but they are going to peek and poke for 1,000,000 USD in USA assets? 2. 18 months process? 3. ● Wealthy Pensioner (LTR-P): Retirees aged 50 years and older who have. an annual pension or stable income How large a pension is needed? would USA social security of $40,000 a year satisfy that?

All throughout Pattaya, the little Doner sandwich carts are fantastic. As are the little Burger stands. But I hope they don't shut out too many small Mom and Pop eateries. It is good to sit down. But I have seen Pattaya landlords or companies asking crazy high rent amounts and many small shops just can't afford that. Sad to see

what's the difference? Does one's belief make something true or not? Can one do anything about it? If it gives somebody piece of mind to believe in something, be it God, Jesus, a flat Earth, the Earth sits on the back of a giant tortoise, or whatever, then so be it. It is all man made thoughts with no proof except some correlations that to quote the statistical people, does not prove causation.

The problem is "card" rulings are often subjective and vary massively between different officials, honest or corrupt. Who will govern the system? How are disputes handled? Is there any oversight, review process, arbitration, appeal, etc? oh wait, this is Thailand.

As for health insurance, if something relatively minor happens, go to a local private clinic instead of any hospital emergency room. Prices are cheap, service is good. In Florida, that is the way to go. Cali is similar.

I never said it was always true. I think it is rare. But again, the point is, depending on the hospital, and the bill size involved, they may not let you go until you pay. Getting a reimbursement can be troublesome.

Yep. I always only expected my health insurance to cover large huge, potentially financially devastating costs. I always carried high 10,000 USD deductible here in the USA as I had no chronic conditions, had plenty of income, etc. I was not concerned about some minor surgery that might have popped up. That approach served me well for my entire life and I am now 66 and on Medicare. One does not have a lot of options with Medicare. One does have choices with the supplemental coverage you need for drugs and dental and other things. As for all the various Thai insurances out there. Man, as one ages the choices and prices are getting very thin. That is one of the reasons I am considering shelling out the 1 Million baht for the 20 year Elite Visa. I think it is unlikely that will ever require any insurance, much of which one can't get as an elder foreigner in Thailand anyway. I will always have my USA medicare and would return home if needed/ Medicare does cover emergency situations while abroad, but at a reimbursable level

The fountains of Paradise by Arthur C Clark. Great Sci Fi that has some real world possibilities in the future.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind. T Harv. Eker. A really fun book that gives great examples and talks about financial blueprint, mindset etc. Small paperback. Highly recommended.

Well, having made 15 trips there from the USA since 2004, what started as just a travel curiosity quickly became a more enlightened thing. Love the beautiful ladies. Love the general cost and availability of almost everything. So much international food available as one wanders around a city such as Pattaya. Love the Buddhist temples. Love Buddhism basics in general. Love the beaches when you get to a clean one. Foot massages an almost daily event. Such a great get away from hustle and bustle of my engineering jobs. Love tropical plants. Nightlife never was my big thing and still is not as I am not a drinker much at all. But I enjoy a lookie see now and then. Thai ladies in general are just trying to have fun and make the best of their often limited opportunities. I like the mass transportation options. I love baht buses in Pattaya. What a great way to get around if one is not carrying much and is not in a hurry. I love watching and seeing things without having to concentrate on driving. Looking forward to some extended visits now as I coast into semi retirement.

hehe. Welcome to the LOS. Ever try arguing with a Thai lady? good luck with that.