Gary74

Thanks. It looks great with great prices.

Too many rats running around in Pattaya. Got to be careful.

What are the current prices?

http://www.pattayapeople.com/default.asp?F...ArticleStatus=1

http://www.pattayasecrets.com

Try Pattaya forum within THAIVISA first and use above for more important information.

Gary....I Retired on my 50th birthday, that was 26 years ago. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Have had a fantastic 26 years (my wife retired with me) and really recommend it.

I'll give you just a litttel advise, it has worked for me. Save at least 10% of your earnings every year. Do not buy anything you can't pay cash for and minimize your taxes. It worked for us and we are very comfortable moneywise after bumming around the world and enjoying ourselves.

GO FOR IT, it's a fun world out there.

Wow, 26 years after turning 50. You definately deserve a prize for that. Most farangs don't last especially if they are into bargirls and drinking. I know my limitations and common sense and it never failed me. If anyone have the means to do I also recommend it.

Your plan sounds perfect. Being able to work for only 3 months and make that kind of money is fantastic. I worked in the World Trade Center in New York City...and was on my way there when the planes crashed on 9-11. A life changing event for sure. I decided to take 3 months off. I was 44 at the time. And making a ton of dough in my job. 2 years later, I returned...with a Thai wife. We both loved NYC, but I hated the weather and the rat race. Quit my job after one year and have never looked back.

I have visited well over 40 countries since 2002. Stayed here in Thailand off and on and now have a house in NaJomtien. We have been to many of the retirement destinations around the world...and love Thailand the best. Pattaya is a great base for you. Relatively inexpensive living here.

I make about what you do off some investments...and it is plenty. I could never just hang out here full time. Thailand is a great base to explore this part of the world. Not sure if you like to travel, but there is so much to do and see within a few hours plane ride. Truly some amazing stuff. And Pattaya has quite a bit to do also. The balloon fest was great this past weekend. There is a music fest next weekend near Bang Saray. Live jazz out at the Silverlake winery on Saturday...plenty to do...

I am glad I retired early. So many things I did would be harder as I get older (climb Kili, trek Nepal, hike Patagonia, spend 30 days doing the TransSiberian, etc). I don't plan to quit doing these, but sure glad I did them when I did. Every year, it gets harder!

At my old job, my VP was 47 years old and worth 50 Mil...USD. Big money. Never smoked, never drank, exercised almost every day...and dropped dead of a massive heart attack. That was another factor in my decision. He was a very close friend of mine...and I promised myself I would live life to it's fullest. 9-11 made me take advantage of that dream.

I still spend part of the year in the US. It is nice to be back home, see your friends, eat good Mexican food...HA! HA! I would also heed ericthai's advise. Don't jump into a relationship too soon. It is so dam_n easy to do here, but try and hold off...if you can!

Take advantage...you are so lucky...best of luck. If you are in Pattaya, PM me and we can have a beer some day.

Craig

Thanks Craig. I just needed to hear from others who done it. I've been going to Pattaya for years and I know how to keep my nose clean. I don't let BG and alcohol control my life. I'm passed that stage. Pattaya has everything I need plus it's close to the airport for work back home and the cost-of-living is much cheaper then other expensive cities in Thailand and at the same time it has everything anyone could want.

I could have had more money saved but the finacial crisis scam by the greedy Wall Street scums really screwed everything up. Good to hear you make what I make off from some investments but I basically got f-cked on my stocks and bonds. I thought about working few more years full time but I decided to let it go and live a simpler life in Thailand.

I'm financially stable and in good health which is very important. I see many farangs dying young in Pattaya or forced to go home due to lack of money and poor health. Thailand is not a welfare country. No money.......NO food, shelter, healthcare, etc, etc, but most of all, Thais want farangs to get the hel_l out of Thailand when money is gone....... just like the BG.

I guess whoever posted about waiting until 65 is near that age already because if you in your mid 40s, the thought of 20 more years is impossible. In this sort of planning, I am not sure you can push the envelope out any farther than 5 years and even that is a very long way off.

One of my main reason for early retirement comes from normal retirees in their 60's who always complain how they envy younger men with energy, strength and stamina for varies activities. Best to do it younger if you have the means to do so and still have the time to run around the block or more. Money isn't everything and you can take it with you when you kick the bucket. Best to enjoy the finer things in life while you still have the enegy, strength, endurance, stamina and health You never know what could happen tomorrow.

Gary,

I would definitely do it. If you are earning 140k in the US, then, you are obviously a professional in your given field. So, you have to say that you never lose your experience and education. In short, if things did not work out in Thailand, you could always go back and get another job in the US.

I am in a pretty similar boat except that I am 35. Don't have 600k saved but around 1/2 of that and I earn around 150k/yr to 160k/yr. I just got back to the states from a month long vacation in Pattaya. I fell in love with the place, the people, and of course the women. Since I have been back in the states, I always think of Pattaya. I am always thinking of what I can do to get back and live there. I even considered being an english or math teacher in Bangkok. Could make around 66k baht/mo in bangkok teaching math (Registered Professional Engineer in the US) and had already discussed a job with a private school in Bangkok. In any case, I am consumed with thinking of how I can move to Thailand on a permanent basis. I don't feel comfortable with the money I have saved and hate to think of making so much less in Thailand (English teachers can make as little as 30k baht/mo).

It is really hard to give up good money. But hel_l, you have to say to yourself the only reason we work so hard is so we can enjoy life. In the month I was in Pattaya, I had more fun than I ever had in the US. So, if we seek enjoyment out of life, Thailand is the place. I'll still stay for a few years in the US to work, earn and hopefully save.

Also, be cautious with your $600k US Dollars. The dollar has been falling for a while and will likely fall more. We have borrowed too much money and continue to do so. What happens when we start monetizing our debt? Then the dollar will go down further. You could do a hedge or something and put some of your dollars in another currency. Maybe the Austrailian Dollar. I would look into it or at least keep your eye on the dollar index. A falling dollar is NOT good for non-working principal. It is the same thing as losing money every day.

Just something to consider.

Live your life and enjoy Thailand. I am jealous Good Luck.

-Anthony

Thanks Anthony. I've been planning it for many years. I was in your shoes once so you can also do it in few more years.

If you are able to be sensible with your cash, why not.

If you are one of those that buy cars and houses for girls 10 minutes after meeting them - forget it.

Life is short - so enjoy

I think you've already made up your mind and why not. You have a sound system. Be prudent and B50,000/month should be adequate. Rather be happy than made lots of money and be miserable. Welcome to Thailand, bro.

Yes I already made my mine up and I'm going to retire early. I guess I needed to hear it from someone who already done it. I can get a fantastic pension if I work until 60 but money isn't everything but quality of life and less stress is.

$600K plus pension, SS, and work 3 month a years is plenty and I'm very fortunate that I have this option. Yes I've been to Pattaya many times and its not Thailand and I know how to keep my time occupied without getting into trouble.

If you had US$600,000 and can make US$50,000(no benefits) a year working 3 months a year back home, would you retire early in your 40's. I currently make US$140,000(+full benefits) a year but taxes take $60,000. Yes we have too many people on welfare, disability, convicts, debts, etc, etc.

I'll will get a small pension when I turn 55 and social security at 62 if there are any money left. I can live in Thailand 9 month and work 3 month back home in US and I still don't have to touch the principle.

I'm in good health and no bad habits except Thai women. I can live fine on 50,000 baht a month and get a better quality of life in Thailand with more options and activities.

Would you say hel_l with it and go for the gusto?

Overstay fine is 500 baht a day, max 20,000 baht. Passport will be marked but it will not affect future entry into the country or obtaining another visa. You just need to be aware that if you are on overstay and are stopped by the police you will be held in detention until such time as you have paid for a ticket to leave the country. Best to get legal

Absorlutely correct. If you get caught outside of the airport, Thai police will put you in prison. If you get caught with 1-2 cop, bribe them there with 5-10,000 baht and walk away if they agree to it. Yes, Thai police are VERY corrupt and corruption is way of life in Thailand.

If you want to take a chance which some farangs do and chances of getting caught is slim if you keep a low profile. Last time I left the I paid 1500 baht for 3 days overstay at the airport because it would have cost me 1900 baht if I went to immigration and extended with the long line so I decided to chance it and I just paid the fine at the airport. I did this about 6 times and I never had any problems. In all the years I've been to Thailand, I was never asked to see my passport by the police.

Last time I was at the airport I was looking at the log book for the day and it only had 3 entries before me around 4PM. One was for 1500 bhat for 3 days overstay and two was for 20,000 bhat each for longterm overstay but I didn't know for how long. The whole visa scam is a business for Thai Immigration and they make tones of money doing this.

I also know of few people who also pay 20,000 baht at the airport and never hand any problem and including some other people who said they or their friend did it on the Thai forums without issues and also no problem coming back in again.

It's up to you and yes, Thai prison is horrible.

I keep hearing Pattaya is SLOOOOOW right now. Well, how slow is it?

It's getting better, try this place http://1millionbaht.com/

http://1millionbaht.com/luxury_condominium/facilities.html

What about this for 1,000,000 baht http://1millionbaht.com/

Fasino is not the best prices on medications. I found cheaper at Soi buakhow. Shop around and speaking Thai do help or have your wife or GF buy it for you.

I'm coming to Bangkok soon and staying for a good few months maybe a couple of years.

Is there anything I should bring with me I can't get over there?

I guess most things can be purchased in Bangkok - they have Tesco don't they?

I'm bringing lots of t-shirts and shorts and some trainers and shoes so that should be ok.

I hear protein powder is hard to come buy but not sure if I want to bring that through customs!

Thanks.

Yes, please bring your common senses with you(no pun intended). You'll be amazed how many farangs leave that at home.

With the current real estate crash

Sorry, but which "current real estate crash" ??

I'll wait and see what happens down the road.

Which is exactly what everyone else is doing, don't expect any bargains for anything that is purchased with cash

Yes CASH but they still have to pay other debts they have to pay for overspending during the "good" times. Many farangs and Thais are hurting but trying to hold on since many overpaid for their property. Pattaya real estate business is very, very slow and agents are hurting pretty bad and you know this. On top of this, there are many new unsold condos, houses and other rental properties.

It's just the matter of time before people giving in and face the reality. Economy dictates the real estate market and there is nothing bright in the near future and many don't have that time to wait.

I'll wait and see what's happening down the road. Got nothing to loose but everything to gain. Plus I always thought Pattaya real estate prices were and is OVERPRICED.

With the current real estate crash, ...

Sorry, but which "current real estate crash" ??

There seems to be a crash in some countries (UK, USA, ...)

but from what I can see NOT in Pattaya.

A small reduction of sells, yes, but nothing more

and certainly not a "crash".

There is a crash. A longterm real estate agent and owner whom I have know for many years told me "there are no business and everybody is watching what's next". One agent who's been in the business for long time is packing it in and another owner is getting ready. His exact words were " I have never seen it this bad before".

In all the years in Pattaya, I have never seen so many condos, houses and rentals built, especailly in last 5 years. Many are trying to hold on for better times but few buyers and tons of for sale property on top of rentals and hotel rooms.

I'll wait and see what happens down the road.

That Japanese guy is not the only fool in town, they are many, many, many more other old, lonely farangs fools in Pattaya throwing their money away thinking with "she loves me", "I'm different" "she's different" attitudes.

Like the old farang saying goes, "there are fool born every minute and most of them are in Pattaya". And the song goes, "looking for love at all the wrong places......................".

Things like this happens all the time in Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket, etc, etc,etc., especially to newbies and who lack experience in relationships.

Best to educate and help other farangs who lack knowledge, although that can be a challenge at times, since some don't want to listen.

Thanks for the info.

You're right about BPH(Bangkok Pattaya Hospital). They always has been overpriced in ALL aspects of healthcare. They are mean't to make money over their patients especially us farangs. I avoid that place at all costs.

Also at the new Central Festival beach road has several beauty clinics but also are very expensive. Does Dr's Secrets also do skin lightning? My GF has small dark spot on her face she would like to get rid of.

With the current real estate crash, has anyone seen any good priced condos and houses in Pattaya and Jomtien?

Thais been building and building loads of condos and houses and with the current economic crisis and real estate meltdown it might be the best time to buy.

I'm not in a hurry but I would like to keep my eyes open for a good deal. Does anyone recommend anything????????

And yes I hate those real estate agents with their bullshit games since there are too many in Pattaya trying sell and say anything to make money.

Yes Thailand is richer then most countries in the world. GDP is over over 1/2 trillion US$ per year. And many farangs don't understand this.

Baht is strong against world strongest currencies and if you compare over last 10 years, it still hold against it with ups and downs.

I thought it would lean closer to 40 baht to 1 US$ by now or in the near future. Nothing wrong with hoping.

"Writer: BangkokPost.com

Published: 6/07/2009 at 12:14 PM The Thai baht was the second most appreciated currency in Asia in the first half of 2009, the Kasikorn Research Centre reported on Monday.

The leading think-tank said the baht's value had strengthened against the US dollar by 2.3 per cent, while Indonesia's rupiah had appreciated by 6.4 per cent.

The recovering economy in China and other Asian countries, including Thailand, may cause the baht to follow other regional currencies and strengthen further.

A likely rebound in inflation is also possible at the end of this year, the KRC said.

The Thai currency could appreciate to 33.75 baht per US dollar, and may hit 33.00 baht in the fourth quarter, according to the forecast."

Thailand is richer then most countries in the world and baht is strong currency and I expected to depreciate to 40 baht to 1 dollar under the current financial condition but it seems just the opposite. And it's getting stronger against world's strongest currencies. What's with that?

Can someone enlightened me why Thai Baht is still very strong currency with all the bad news about Thailand?

Bad hotel. Not recommend it and heard many bad things from others.