egeefay

I did a search on the internet for Nursing or convalescent homes in Thailand but didn't find much.

Does anyone know if there are any nursing homes that cater to elderly foreign patients in Thailand?

Nursing homes in the United States run upwards of $3000 baht a month...and thats just for a semi private room and only custodial care. Facilities that offer Skilled Nursing care are much more expensive. It only takes a couple of years to deplete a lifetime of savings.

I'm sure $3000 a month can get you a lot more than a semi private room in a nice hospital in Bangkok

or a nursing home...if there is such a thing

I ran across this interested series of articles on the experience of a guy who had his house built for him in Pattaya

Part 1

http://www.thailand-property-guide.com/art...To-Build-01.htm

Part 2

http://www.thailand-property-guide.com/art...To-Build-02.htm

Part 2

http://www.thailand-property-guide.com/art...To-Build-04.htm

Here's an interesting article on Europeans migrating to Thailand and how Cambodia..of all places..might be positioning itself to welcome the next wave of Europeans

http://www.thailand-property-guide.com/art...tire-Invest.htm

It was sad to hear that the two foreigners were killed at a zebra crossing while holding flags meant to slow down traffic.

Though much has changed in the LOS over the years, the rules of the road have not.

37 years ago when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bangkok I was walking out to Paholyothin Rd. from Soi Sutisarn where I lived.

There was a zebra crossing across Paholyothin Rd. and I waited for traffic to clear before crossing.

A middle aged Thai woman wearing a Thai-style sarong stood beside me at the crosswalk.

A car in the lane nearest the sidewalk slowed down and stopped for us . Thinking the coast was clear, the Thai lady began crossing the street . For some reason I choose not to follow her.

Without warning, a car, coming up from behind at a fast clip swerved around the stopped vehicle and plowed right into the woman as she crossed the street, sending her flying in the air head over heals about 15 feet straight up...and then down with a thud.

The driver of the vehicle and his passenger quickly got out and without a moments hesitation, grabbed the poor woman by her arms and legs, put her in the back seat of their car and drove quickly off.

I'm guessing, but I think they probably took her somewhere and dumped her. I don't think she could have survived such a crushing blow .

My Thai wife's cousins came to visit us in the US 2 months ago and one comment they made was that in Thailand people may appear to be kind and courteous to each other but when they are behind the wheel they exhibit a rude and vicious side . They were impressed that Americans would slow down and let pedestrians cross the street or give way to shoppers with carts in the mall parking lot.

What fewer people know is that even the so-called indemnity plans like Blue Cross -- whose policy states they will cover all medically indicated procedures -- go behind the patients back and straight to the doctors office with threats which in turn cause doctors to adjust their medical care. Mostly this occurs with chronic illnesses.

We have Blue Shield.

When my wife had some ankle problems she went to see a doctor. He recommended an MRI. Blue Shield would not approve the MRI even though the doctor recommended it. (expensive)

Instead they wanted her to see a physical therapist. Since we have a high deductible we ended up paying for the physical therapist out of our pocket.

It was a waste of time. The physical therapy didn't help.

We've decided to go to Thailand and have an MRI done next time we are there. It's cheap enough and we'll get the doctor the information he needs.

As a result of the experience we increased our Blue Shield deductible even further to reduce our premiums . We now have only major medical.

Our plan is to go to Thailand for our routine heathcare needs and rely healthcare in the US only in emergencies.

I'd be interested in hearing from others who have decided to go this route

When I was in Hua Hin I noticed that there were a lot of British and Scandinavians living there

I was just curious as to why so many of them have chosen to live in a country like Thailand (so far from home and so hot year round.) At least I would have thought they might prefer a country like India or Malaysia where the English language is more common.

Is Thailand one of the most sought after places to retire for the British and Scandinavians? If so, why?

Perhaps for the reasons you did egeefay

The reason I travel to Thailand are more about having connections there. I am American but

1. My wife is Thai 2. I speak Thai well enough

If I had to choose to retire in abroad and didn't have connections to Thailand... I think my motives would have to be more practical: temperate climate, low cost of living, few restrictions on owing property, good hospitals, easy visa application, low crime rate , welcoming attitude towards foreigners , ability to communicate with the locals , and safety. Thailand scores high on some things but not so well on others.

That's why I'd be interested in hearing from Europeans living in Thailand. Other than the sex trade what is it that attracts them to to move all the way to Thailand..over, say , Malaysia or somewhere closer to home.

So it sounds like if you are into the nightlife and bar scene or are looking for companionship, Malaysia is out.

But what about the many retired folks from Europe? Wouldn't Malaysia, with it's more relaxed rules for foreigners be more attractive to them than, say, Hua Hin?

Also, are you sure alcohol is forbidden in Malaysia. This expat from Britian seems to be saying you can buy beer and wine in supermarkets there

http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ13/Retirem..._Malaysia1.html

But Why do Europeans come to Thailand when they can go to Malaysia

In Malaysia they are encouraging foreigners to move there. The government has a special program called MY SECOND HOME" . It allows people from all over the world, who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a social visit pass with multiple entry visa. (The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of 10 year and renewable.)

Plus they can purchase one locally manufactured car with duty free (i.e Proton, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes Benz and others)

and foreigners can buy and own property and even get a 60% bank loan as long as the property is over RM150,000. ($40,000)

After hearing so many people on the forum bellyache about having to make monthly visa runs . not being allowed to own land in Thailand ,having to buy condos for all cash and having to pay 30% import duty on passenger cars...it's surprising that Europeans would want to move to Thailand at all

So what is it about Thailand that makes it more attractive to Europeans than , say, English speaking Malaysia??

When I was in Hua Hin I noticed that there were a lot of British and Scandinavians living there

I was just curious as to why so many of them have chosen to live in a country like Thailand (so far from home and so hot year round.) At least I would have thought they might prefer a country like India or Malaysia where the English language is more common.

Is Thailand one of the most sought after places to retire for the British and Scandinavians? If so, why?

If Thailand wants to shake it's image as a third world country its going to have to improve it's food safety standards...or at least enforce them.

Tourist don't want to be told that they have to avoid drinking the water, avoid eating fresh uncooked vegetables, avoid street vendors, avoid anything raw etc. It sends the message that there is something "wrong" with the food in Thailand.

You would be surprised how many tourist avoid countries where they think they might get sick from eating local food. Smart traveller know that nothing ruins a holiday like having to spend a couple of painful days hunched over a toilet in the john of a 5 star hotel bathroom

Food hygene is not rocket science. It involves simple steps to ensure that the food is safe to eat and that restaurants and food servers are clean.

Until the government gets serious about enforcing already existing laws on food hygene, don't be surprised to find some tourist making a detour around Thailand.

About food handling being rocket science the problems I see would be very difficult to solve. The expenditure would be immense.

First you have to chlorinate the water supply effectively. Second you would have to add refrigeration to all of the markets and trucks and tuk tuks that brought supplies to the markets. Third you would have to add refrigeration to all the stands at the markets. Fourth you would have to add three compartment stainless steel sinks to all of the food vendors and restaurants. Fifth you would have to introduce bleach to Thailand. Sixth you would have to install inspectors at all of the food packing and processing facilities and in the growing areas. Seventh you would have to have an inspection arm with enough people to inspect all food handling facilities at least on a monthly basis. Eighth you would have to educate the food workers about bacteria and safe food handling procedures (I have been trying this at home for the past year with only one Thai person who thinks I am crazy). The cost of the project would be in the billions and the enforcement branch would have to be as large as the Thai Army. Also with all this new enforcement it might be wise to consider that not wearing a motorcycle helmet is against the law in Thailand as is prostitution and gambling.

Plus the overwhelming fact that Thais don’t think there is a problem.

All of your suggestions appear to be possible in Thailand. But it takes the will to solve the problem.

For example, refrigeration never seems to be a problem when vendors are selling something that customers expect to be chilled. I've never had a problem buying a chilled soda or had to drink "iced coffee" without ice..Even street vendors have access to ice. It's just that most market vendors restaurant owners in Thailand think a refrigerator is meant for sodas cans and beer bottles...not for fresh meats.

I think it has more to do with your last statement: Many Thais don't think there is a problem. They accept the occasional food poisoning and dysentary as "normal".

If Thailand wants to shake it's image as a third world country its going to have to improve it's food safety standards...or at least enforce them.

Tourist don't want to be told that they have to avoid drinking the water, avoid eating fresh uncooked vegetables, avoid street vendors, avoid anything raw etc. It sends the message that there is something "wrong" with the food in Thailand.

You would be surprised how many tourist avoid countries where they think they might get sick from eating local food. Smart traveller know that nothing ruins a holiday like having to spend a couple of painful days hunched over a toilet in the john of a 5 star hotel bathroom

Food hygene is not rocket science. It involves simple steps to ensure that the food is safe to eat and that restaurants and food servers are clean.

Until the government gets serious about enforcing already existing laws on food hygene, don't be surprised to find some tourist making a detour around Thailand.

The locals do not seemed concerned about food hygene Perhaps because many local people are immune to many gastro intestinal illnesses through natural infection

Do yourself a favour, even after 37 years, STAY AWAY FROM THEM LOCALS, they might bite you and you get rabies or worse, the monkey decease.

If you must visit Thailand, stay in a local, but US-operated hotel, they provide you at check in with spray cans of anti-local-decease remedies.

I do stay away from street vendors and managed to get through a month in Thailand without difficulties. Very cautious about eating anyting raw or uncooked.

My Thai wife, however, made the mistake of sampling some street vendor food and ended up having make a visit to the hospital.

Up till then she had scoffed at me for being overly cautious.

I've forgotten a lot of things over the past 37 years...but getting amoebic dysentery wasn't one of them.

I am not surprised that your insurance company denied your claim.

Heath insurance companies thrive on people who pay premiums but make no claims.

That's their ideal customer.

You are obviously not since you broke your agreement with the insurance company by trying to make a claim.

What innoculations do they normally suggest getting when traveling in Thailand.

I found this list from a Thai Red Cross Society website.

1. Tetanus 15 baht/injection (three times)

2. Hepatitis A 750 baht/injection (two times)

3. Hepatitis B 360 baht/injection (three times)

4. Meningitis 180 baht/injection (for three years)

5. Encephalitis 400 baht/injection (three times per 1-2 years)

6. Cholera 300 baht/pack

7. Polio 50 baht/three drops

8. Typhoid 310 baht/injection (for three years)

9. Gammaglobulin 400 baht/ 2 cc

Does this list seem to take care of most of the common ailments?

Once concern of mine is eating locally prepared food. In Thailand they do not always wash dishes using hot water, soap and clean rinsing water. A lot of the time they will just rinse a used bowl in a standing tub of water and serve it up to the next customer. And food preparers are not requried to wash their hands before serving food.

37 years ago, when I live in Thaland amoebic dysentery and viral dysentery were rampant.

I came down with a bad case of the former.

I understand that 37 years later, not much has changed. Travellers still have to be concerned about the food they eat in Thailand

The locals do not seemed concerned about food hygene Perhaps because many local people are immune to many gastro intestinal illnesses through natural infection

Here's a link from Hua Hin Today

http://www.huahintoday.net/index.php?actio...type=news&id=27

Do you really think that would work calling FROM Thailand? Their rate sheet is really unclear on the origin of the calls, clear only on the destination.

I'm not sure if people in Thailand can use the service to call out of country. I think it would work. I know WebCallDirect is based in Great Britian and I signed up here in the US.

We called Thailand again this morning and used our speaker phone feature. That seemed to take care of the echo problem I was experiencing.

So far We've called landline to landline Thailand for a total of 2 hours and the meter shows I've only spent 1.25 Euros ($1.60) of original 10 Euro purchase. So it seems to be running about 1.25 cents per minute (not including 3 cents activation each time you place a call and including the taxes). If we made a call to a mobile phone in Thailand, the price would be about twice that.

Nice thing I like about WebCallDirect over the calling cards I've been buying is that it's not only a lot cheaper ...but I don't have to dial in access codes, pin number etc.

Also, calls anywhere in Thailand are all the same price...no higher rates for calls outside Bangkok (like on my calling card)

One disadvantage is that you have to initiate the call from any internet connected computer whereas A calling card call can be made from anywhere.

Still, unlike Skype and Vonage, this is not an PC to PC or PC to landline call. This is really a phone to phone call.

I'd be interested to see if anyone in Thailand can call using the service.

One slick new development with Voipbuster (and their spinoff company webcalldirect) is you no longer need a ADSL or high speed connection to use the service. Just enter your # (mobile or landline) and the # you want to call. It will call both numbers and connect you together. There's a E0.03 connect fee, but apart from that you pay regular rate, if it's not free). Connection using this method is excellent since ADSL here in Thailand is pretty laggy. You can go to their website at http://www.webcalldirect.com/ and try the service for free.

I signed up for WebCallDirect.com and made my first call to Thailand from the US this evening.

My wife talked for an hour to her sister. When the call was done I checked how much I was charged for the call ....and it came to about 66 cents (1 cents a minute plus 3 cents for the connection)

The nice thing I liked about the service is that you aren't tied to a computer to make a call.

You do need a computer to initiate the call through WebCalls website. Just log in, purchase your minutes (12 dollar minimum) then type in your number and the number you want to call....after that, it's all phone to phone. Your home phone rings, you pick it up and wait while the service dials the Thailand number. You can use any phone to call...home or mobile....or any phone number you happen to have nearby. And you can call a mobile phone number or a landline in Thailand (rates are a little higher for calls to mobile phones in Thailand (currently 2 cents a minute)

I did experience a delay in voice..an echo of sorts, that was a little annoying. At least there was an echo on the US end of the phone. Not sure if this was a problem on my end or with the service.

But all in all, if you want to make cheap phone calls to Thailand (or from Thailand I think)

this is the lowest rates I've seen so far for None PC connected telephone connections.

Beats the calling cards I've been using

Oh, another thing. You have to use up your minutes within 90 days or you'll lose them.

In the United States I am familiar with many Thais who live and work here illegally. They even own houses and send their kids to public schools.

In the US public policy is to treat all illegal aliens with dignity and repect.

I'm sure the Thai government would be outraged if their citizens abroad were treated the way the Thai government treats illegals in Thailand.

I'm rather surprised by this poll. While about 1/3 of Americans are so delusional they think whatever America does is always right, there is another 1/3 so full of self loathing that thinks America is responsible for every ill, everywhere. I would have thought countries with more homogenous poulations might top that list.

America has anything but a homogenous population. Only 67% of Americans are considered “white”. And because America covers a lot of territory there’s a huge disparity between sections of the country…and even between city and country folks in the same state

Here’s my view of America

The more conservative Americans tend to be located in the South and Mid West. And even state by state, more conservative Americans tend to be found in the rural less populated areas. Rural Americans tend to live in the same community for longer periods , they tend to be more religious, less traveled and have less contact with different ethnic groups. A lot of these conservative Americans are Amercian Exceptionalist. They tend to see America as holding a unique and lofty place in the world in large part due to ideals and history. They easily buy into George Bush's view that it is America’s destiny to bring democracy and western culture to the rest of the world...even if takes a tank to do it.

On the other hand, the large population centers and the coastal states tend to be more ethnically diverse ,more liberal leaning, less “Christian” ,have a higher degree of education, and tend to move about frequently (more traveled)

More liberal Americans see themselves as citizens of a world community...rather than just America. Many put loyalty to country second to loyalty to "mankind". They tend to be less religious, more environmentally concerned, and more accepting of different cultures and lifestyles. They do not hesitate to criticize their country when it misbehaves and do not always see everything “American” as a good thing.

I’m not sure I would characterize a lot of Americans as “full of self loathing”. Many are upset by the direction the country has taken under the current administration. I think under different leadership they would think less of moving to Canada.

Time brings new changes. As America become weary of war and more pessimistic about a rosy outcome in Iraq, the mood will swing in the opposite direction.

Yes, America re-elected George Bush. But you Brits re-elected Tony Blair (a steadfast supporter of Bush’s policies). So we can all blame ourselves.

That’s my opinion anyway.

www.itc.ie/rentals.htm is a 3rd floor apartment in Baan Chaitalay.

Hi Carolyn. I checked the rates the condo at Baan Chaitalay and it appears that peak season rates are 65,000 baht for two weeks (or 130,000 baht a month.??)

for a 120 sq meter condo. Is that right?

Here's a couple of website I found for condos in Hua Hin

Let me know your opinion if you find a place.

http://www.huahinvillas.net/index.php?id=78

http://www.longstayers.com/view.php?locati...9bde7578ce497b3

http://www.2nd-home-thailand.com/search.php?s=5

If you are worried about safety why not take the train?

My sister and law and her husband just moved to Thailand and are shopping for land in Hua Hin

They said they took the train down to Hua Hin from HuaLumpong station. They said It was a very pleasant ride and since it doesn't follow the highway, they got to see a lot of pretty countryside

It took a bit longer but it was safe and relaxing.

Here's a cost of living chart for various countries around the world.

The Philippines seems to have a lower cost of living than Thailand. And I thought Thailand was pretty low already

I got dengue fever 37 years ago while living in Bangkok. Our house was built over a little pond and the mosquitoes came through the floorboards into the kitchen area.

I've had many illnesses over the years but I will always remember the severity of dengue fever.

For several days I felt like I was about to die. My whole body ached. Could hardly move. Spent days in bed. I even had them send for the Peace Corps doctor (I was a volunteer at the time) who came, diagnosed it as dengue fever and proscribed a pain killer (I think it was called Darvon)

That painkiller did the trick. I think I was in heaven while the drug was in effect.

They say once you get a strain of dengue fever you are immune. But there are several strains so you can still contract another variety.

In the west basements a generally a lot cooler in the summertime.

You would think that the idea would be a big hit in a country like Thailand where the heat is oppressive.

There are a lot of places in Thailand that are higher up and have good drainage. I've just never heard of anyone building a basement in a house.

Of course it rains a lot more in Thailand than in the west.

Does anyone know a reason why basements wouldn't work in Thailand?