SGX

Dont like Philipines personally , but many farang i know do , They go for 1 reason.

Try Vietnam very nice

Freight company best.

Liquids if they do this will take awhile to arrive. Costs maybe different to solid goods.

Air asia offer good freight. if they cannot do they will refer you on to someone that can.

Most passenger planes offer freighting service as a subsidy .

do you mean this site?

https://idcargo.airasia.com/Login.aspx

Yes, I have used them plenty of times. Happy to recommend them. Just make sure you obey the country law with certain products leaving. Everything is scanned .

Freight company best.

Liquids if they do this will take awhile to arrive. Costs maybe different to solid goods.

Air asia offer good freight. if they cannot do they will refer you on to someone that can.

Most passenger planes offer freighting service as a subsidy .

they're wrecking havoc aren't they. i had police walk into my house last week. they sat with my wife and asked all sorts of questions. they even spoke to our neighbours. when asked why, they said they checking on all farang households to ensure that we aren't troublemakers and didn't have any domestic violence issues. my wife laughed at them. they weren't impressed but we didn't give a damn. many other farang houses were also visited that week for the same matter.

They wouldn't have got past my gate.

I would have shown them my domestic violence.

You are obviously not a smart guy, if they wanted to get past your gate they would, what did you mean. "would show them your domestic violence "

You should know the do's and don't see if you been here for some time. Your comments tend to suggest you just arrived with a Falang cocky attitude.

Have respect for the thai ways and be greatful you can enjoy life as an able person.

The only thing violence proves is lack of education and ignorance.

On another note Your Violence comments are the reasons behind the investigations, so thankyou..

It seems to me that OP has confused extension based on retirement, with extension based upon marriage. As NancyL has stated no house visits based upon extension for retirement.

If in fact the checks were based upon extension for retirement, due to reported cases of domestic abuse by foreigners, what's the problem, would you not want them to be identified and deported; ideally first doing prison time. As for threatening Immi officers with violence - LOL

Op is not confused at all and I wonder why you would say that? I have applied for an extension based on retirement.

I am also dealing with Kap Choeng office and am awaiting a home visitation from them. They have given me an under consideration stamp in my passport.

They also demanded my Thai bank books and copies of those bank books despite me supplying them with a statutory declaration confirming my income from my embassy.

They rang me to say they were coming out last Thursday. They then changed this to Friday and did not arrive. Girl friend rang them at 4pm to enquire what was going on.

Male officer said case has been transferred to another team and they would be out one day next week.

I was due to go away on a short break with friends. Now I cannot go as I am waiting for the home visit. Girl friend works so now has to wait until they arrive.

Totally inconvenient. At the very least they could give an indication of the day and time they will be arriving.

As OP said boss of village and another villager need to be present during the visitation. They also have to produce copies of their tabien bahns and id cards.

As I have mentioned before in another post the treatment we received at Kap Cheong office was very poor indeed.

Whether I get my extension or not we are now looking at other destinations in which to live.

Very clear to me, Perhaps write down their ID numbers for future reference.

The mis timing is a ploy to catch you out.

If you understand the law that they operating under then you have nothing to worry about. you can catch them out.

Nice to read a happy post for a change. Amazing what you can achieve when everyone works together as a team. Well done.

I would say

Looks like Thailand Red Necked KeelBack

Colour comes out when agitated

Yes venomous.

I was earning more than that in software in BKK in 1990. I know a lot of Thais who earn more than that. Increasing skills and networking is the trade off. It simply isn't a lot of money. Nothing to do with jealousy, why do some on this board revert to such emotions without understanding that there are different living styles here....

"Increasing skills and networking" don't fall from heaven. You've gotta start somewhere, usually not from the very top (unless you're from a hiso family)

Yes, that's true, but why would someone just starting out in a profession such as IT do so in a developing foreign country?

Expats with little to no experience will probably not be offered a salary higher than what would be offered a local Thai with the same level of experience.

It would seem to make more sense to start a career in one's home country where a better standard of living can most likely be enjoyed on a starting salary. After gaining new skills and experience along with a proven record, then relocate to a developing foreign country (such as Thailand), where one could attract a much higher pay rate. In any large business, true software engineers with experience and proven capabilities will be much more in demand and command higher salaries (big fish in a small pond) as opposed to "code monkeys" (small fish in a big pond).

Maybe something else going on that we don't know about...

Of course there is enough information given to answer this question and the answer is, yes, 65000 Baht is easily enough to live on. As for "lifestyle", anybody with even half a brain should realize that one's "lifestyle" is largely governed by one's income, or it certainly should be. Otherwise, we'll all end up like that poor rapper 50Cent, currently 28 million dollars in debt.

I bet now he wishes he didnt stop masturbating.

http://www.avclub.com/article/here-is-50-cents-four-step-guide-to-stop-masturbat-85499

Only end up like this dude and others if you sell your soul then try renig on the deal.

Micmichd, I really don't know what to say about this, I cannot comment about Germany, and never having been involved

with anything like that in the UK, I cannot comment about mental hospitals over there either.

I hope everything is working out for you over here.

Yes, it's oK.

Those traumatic memories of Heidelberg cannot keep me from living here and now in Thailand.

Just keep in mind there is so much evil in the world. Just be thankful you able to get out and keep clear head about your future.

Writing thoughts in Diary often releases anger and frustrations etc.

Suppose that you're happily living in Thailand, but that some serious event forces you to return to live back in your home country:

- Illness, but not enough to disable you

- Business gone bust in Thailand, money run out

- Thai wife has shacked up with her 'brother'

I wouldn't leave Thailand or return to my homeland for any of those reasons. The 3rd one would probably be a blessing. haha

Though sometimes I do questions why I am still here, but those 3 reason you gave are just silly.

Yes, i tend to disagree as well

-. Illness , cheaper in Thailand then western land for anything serious. Maybe in Oz you can stay in hospital until they find you housing . (cant be discharged without place of residence)

- Business gone bust well good luck in western land you may be priced out of the market.

- Thai wife with brother , who cares go to another corner get another one. Or better still Get your door man to bring you room service with 11.00pm delight..

Very cheap to keep little hottie with you indefinately. Better than being stuck with nagging western crap cheaper too. LoL

Conclusion: Thailand has more upside.

Not having worked there since 1990, I doubt I could get a job for which I am qualified - petroleum engineer only did it for 3 years and hated it.

I'd like to get a job as a gardener or in a rehab as a counselor, might have to go back to school though.

I could go round the bars playing poker as I'm pretty good..

Macau could use you right about now..

I tried playing poker, I read all the books learnt how to count cards. Was very keen to try compete for the big booby prizes. In the end just stuck with trading. I found it wasn't for me .

Although when in a casino I gravitate towards Roulette, I get far more excitement playing 5 or 6 roulette tables at the same time.

when i leave the occasional casino playing days, i do actually have pocket full of cash . funny enough.

Only money who cares.. cant take it with you..

There are a lot of expats out there who would kill to have a job offer that pays 65,000b/m.

I'm guessing a lot of westerners would kill for that in their own countries as well.

Are you in IT? Are you a "westerner" or just spouting off?

You realize how 65,000 baht breaks down. 65k/34k baht to the dollar = 1,911 baht per month. Divide that say 40 hours a week at 4 weeks = $11.94 an hour.

Do you know that you can work stock shelves at a Home Depot for that much.

I know not a single decent developer that would work for those scrappings. Even freelancers on sideline gigs would be around that with no deadlines or promises how the code would look.

Thats my rent in top floor penthouse in Lumpinee . really not much considering what i get. In australia that would equal 1 week worth of food, why would westerners kill for this.. weird

That's why we call then " Whinging Poms " . .

Don't worry said in fun.. it never gets boring.

http://www.economist.com/node/369647

True Doctor is oneself.

doable, The company should have an assistant to help you find apartment if you ask.

Rail travel is quick and easy so dont feel you need to live so close.

Amusing thread. There is no right or wrong answer. Foreign relocation works for some people and doesn't for others. An obvious statement right? The outcome selected should be appropriate for the person's income, tax status, employability, social and health demographic.

I used to wonder how some of the pensioners or 20 somethings survived. What was their secret I wondered?

Well, there was no secret. The young ones leave after the money runs out, or they get burnt in love, or become bored. They move on in life. The old pensioners leave Thailand, either in a box, or in some smoke, or on a sad flight to their countries long before they wanted to go.

Look around. How many very old farangs do you see? I offer that the number aged 80 years and older are a distinct minority. The heat, the lifestyle, the lack of specialized geriatric care, the high salt/high saturated/trans fat food, all kills the older people off. Far fewer older pensioners here than one sees in their home countries. Those that do survive, have established families, with a physical and emotional support network, and the money to pay for good health care. Remember, that once you reach 70 years, one of the largest expenses in Thailand will be medical.

Two subjects that have not been well understood in TVF are;

1. The number of 70+ farangs who do not have comprehensive health insurance. Some who are retired civil servants need not worry. However, for most from the private sector, there is nothing. The health insurance available typically excludes pre-existing conditions or ends after a claim or is too expensive. Have a heart attack on a street corner in Brighton, or Perth or Munich or Abilene and you will be in a hospital cath lab within the hour and a survivor. Do that on a street corner in Thailand and your destination will most likely be the morgue. Develop cancer in Thailand and unless wealthy, your survival rate will be significantly less than what it would be if you required treatment in the UK or France etc.

2. The number of farangs with pre-existing chronic conditions is significant. Diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease are all much harder to live with in Thailand. The climate makes it very difficult for some, especially those with heart failure. Adding to that; are medications may not be of the same quality as those available in the developed world, limited medical expertise (despite all the promotions for Thailand as a medical hub), and the difficulty in following a healthy lifestyle in the land of fried high sodium foods.

The question answers itself for the older foreigners who are in Thailand. They either cannot remain or the decision is made for them when they become ill. IMO, foreigners die at a significantly younger age in Thailand than if they had they remained in their home countries. The foreign retirees who do the best are those who live in Thailand during the cold weather periods of their homelands, and return to their homelands for 6+ months of the year. Those who have functional families also have longer life spans,

You can reduce/avoid your reliance on healthcare/ presciptions at almost any age. Just eat a clean sensible diet consistantly.

The body has an amazing self heal mechanism once you tap into it.

I have no problem buying good food from the markets and cooking it myself. actually taste better than most restaurants.

Our bodies are mostly made up of water and very sensitive to the electrical energy from our thoughts. Those that harbour Negative thoughts will ultimately live in an acidosis state creating perfect building blocks for diseases as outlined in your comments (section 2).

refer http://www.hado-energy.com/about_hado.php

What I am seeing here are a lot who could possible be forced to leave Thailand, but many who would refuse to be forced to return to their home country.

That is how I feel as well.

I left the USA because I was ready for a change and I could afford to make that change.

I decided that Thailand would be a pretty good place to be, so, here I am.

If I was forced to leave Thailand for whatever reason, I would find another place that interests me and not return to the U.S.

I am grateful that I lived and worked in the U.S. most of my life and have been able to set myself up some what comfortably for my later years, but there is no reason I should spend those years in the U.S..

I have had my fill of the U.S..

After 55 years living there I have done and seen just about everything there that interests me.

I also feel the political, social and economic situations in the US are degenerating now.

Every country has it's problems, but the worse the U.S. gets, the more attractive other places become.

Life is too short to waste time reliving reruns now!

As Thailand gets less attractive, I have many other options to check out.

It is a big world and I have plenty of time....I hope!

Well said.

Oh dear me you do waffle.

The advantages of education? You dont have a choice, you must attend school, which your parents pay for.

Health care? Never been to hospital but have visited a doctor a few times. I have paid plenty on private health care so perhaps they may refund me.

I never saved a penny in Oz in more than 25 years working there. I made my money when I lived in NZ, went to uni there, which i paid myself. Then to Malaysia.

When a person is young they have no choice where they live. It took me quite a few years to realise that Oz was not for me. So happy I saw the light and got out of there, best decision I ever made.

What you call "waffle" I call LOYALTY & GRATITUDE.

Of course young people have no choice as to where they live or are brought up but as one grows older, one begins to appreciate how fortunate they've been ESPECIALLY when they live in a country like Thailand where so many would give their right arm for the kind of privilege we had simply by virtue of being lucky enough to come out of a womb in Europe or the US.

I would bet anything you like that if it well and truly kicked off in Thailand - armed conflict in the streets - every last one of you would be beseeching your respective embassies to repatriate you safely

If any of you found yourselves afflicted by a dread disease requiring life-saving surgery and your insurance - if you've got any - wouldn't cover, I doubt you'd be slating your homelands to the ground while being wheeled off the plane at Heathrow to an NHS hossie staffed by those poxy immigrant nurses.

Sure, I live in Thailand - it better suits my needs than Britain does right now - but Britain is the cradle of my birth. It gave me everything. A sense of fair play, an appreciation of the rule of law and a solid education - all of which you people slate Thailand for NOT having

If you wanna bitch your homelands up, go ahead but I'm not going to disavow the motherland just because I can get a piece of farmer tail for £20 and a local beer for 75p.

Freedom of Expression, something we are allowed to do, or has that changed too.

I know plenty of Medical Practitioners in Thailand, i would be happy see them if the need ever arises, Furthermore ,

I would certainly avoid the hospitals in Australia on every level. hahaha maybe i will end up in the lower ground floor one day..

Why are there so many expats slanging their home country,to me it is worse than Thai bashing.If they did not have the benefit of education and work then they would not be here,or any other country.I find them obnoxious,very quick to condemn Thai basher,but very slow to admit what their nanny states have given them.In my opinion you are worse and traitors to your heritage.

Quite simple, these expats came here to escape the hardships of their home country, and going by TV posters, most of them are happy here.

I am not a traitor to the UK, as well as the hardships I have already described, it is only a matter of time before the Immigrants outnumber us

unless the government wakes up and does something about it, though I feel it's too late now.

The real traitors in the UK are Blair, Brown and "call me Dave" who just do not listen to the people and are only interested in lining their and there pals's pockets.

Blair Brown are members of the One World Movement , no good will ever come of that , Just look at the state of the US. Its run by the same member group, Australia not far behind it.

Think i would rather live in a cardboard box than return to australia. I could think of nothing worse than having to return there.

Yes, Australia is horrible place. Police state that caters for Gold Digging woman. Sell...

What motivated you to come clean after 8 years?

sounds like my ex just keeps reinventing new ways to get cash. People like this should be taught a lesson.

Dont stress so much , you will get visa exempt at airport , also you have exit ticket back to NZ . enjoy

I went through the Thai Education and online Masters Plus working . You will be busy need time priority. The education, They will do a lot of speaking and reading in thai during class, Homework is nothing like a degree , its just reading over and practising what you do in class, very low stress stuff. Your Masters they say 15 hours a week , i generally crammed prior to exam . Just have to be on it everyday.

New people come and go, so teachers generally favor the ones that can speak more. no matter your level. Its a private business they do help you a lot and clearly explain your rights before signing up , I enjoyed it as its the 4th language i speak and highly recommend it . Although i finished studying the language now , the positive externality here is the customs see my ED Visa (outdated) and seam very happy and keen to pass me through.