perspectiff

Maybe my opinions are biased since I have always felt an affinity with Thailand. I am in my early 30s and starting to plan my retirement. I would pack my bags tomorrow if my bank account permitted me to but alas im just a poor bloke.

Having lived in Singapore all my life, I have become disillusioned with the pace of life, lack of diversity in activities and the sky-rocket cost of living. I am hoping to reach my financial goals by 45 and take the next flight to CNX.

I have witnessed first hand what retirees in my country do. They get up, watch tv, go to the nearby coffeehouse and have a chat with friends and nothing more. Most of them live on 600-700 SGD a month (15000) which is very liveable in BKK but not so in Singapore. They cant afford to travel, there are no nature for you to hike and explore, fishing is limited, most people cant afford to own land so not much of a garden to tend to either. Malaysia is actually a very good option for those interested but personally I feel that its a little too close to home. 

My reasons for choosing Thailand

- Political stability: Nothing great to speak of but despite all the turmoil in the government, it hasnt affected the way of life too much
- Infrastructure: (including health services) Good hospitals and efficient transport system
- Climate: Similar to SIngapore but maybe a tad warmer. If I do end up at CNX at least theres the cooler periods to look forward to
- Personal safety: Never felt my life was in danger. I feel more at ease in Thailand than Malaysia
- Visa situation: Round trips not an issue for me. Flights are cheap and only 90 mins away. 
- Cost of living: As mentioned above, everything is cheaper when you have lived in Singapore. Quality of life is better with the amount that you can spend in Thailand. Alcohol is exorbitant in SG as well.

Havent been to PI so I cant say for sure but having travelled to Thailand on a number of ocassions im very satisfied with what the country has to offer. I will however, do a comparison with my obversations and hearsays from people I know around me.

Women:
Thailand for me, has the most beautiful women in the world. PI women just aren't my cup of tea. Also, they don't seem to age gracefully. Most of them after their 30s just seem to put on massive amounts of weight

Marriage quality:
PI ladies really takes great care of their family. But you are right about the extended family though. There's a saying that goes: Once you marry a filipino, you marry their entire family. Thai women do expect the same as well but its usually only limited to their parents.

Safety:
I have never felt fear walking around alone in Thailand at any given time of the day. So thats good enough for me. Maybe ive just been very lucky so far.

Transport:

Bangkok suffers from the congested traffic as well but a good public transport infrastructure (BTS/MRT) makes up for it.

Food:

filipino cuisine too odd for me. I much prefer the flavours of thailand where the more commonly eaten food looks taste and smells normal.

NIghtlife:

Truly the highlight of Thailand (although most locals really hate to acknowledge it). Thailand provides solutions for all walks of life looking for a little fun.

Smoking/drinking:
Not a fan of either so doesn't really affect me. But the beers in PI does taste better than Thailand.

Housing:

Its getting really expensive in Thailand in recent years. Their property prices have gone batshit crazy as more foreign investors come in. IMO its just a bubble waiting to burst though. Many of these investors are hoping to sell off in the future but can't really see that much demand especially given the price. 

Weather:
Just hot. extremely hot unless you go up north. but except for flooding, pretty much nothing dangerous

Streets:

I get irritated by persistent peddlers easily and this is where thailand score big points. I have never been aggressively harrassed by scammers/street vendors trying to shove something I dont want or need in my face for long periods. Not sure if its true for PI but I got that quite often in Vietnam and was truly annoyed.

Ive never had TG asks to borrow money. Most of them just ask for it and honestly I'd assume both actions to yield the same results. Though they were always relatively small amounts (5-10k baht). The largest amount Ive ever been approached was 20k baht which I refused. But loans are tough to get back regardless of nationality. I've encountered disappearing acts on a few ocassions that aren't Thai so I would'nt say its a trait prevalent only with them. 

2 hours ago, 11223344 said:

Taxis and drinks 600thb when one cocktail is 250ish++ ?? But paying 5k for a hooker? 

 

Or you go gym four times a week, buy decent clothes, get 700thb haircut about every 6 weeks and never pay for sex.

 

Not difficult to even get (complimentary) three way from Mixx/Spicy ... once the girls even didn't know each other

Well maybe for those who struck the DNA lottery. As for me, no amount of gym hours could land me with one. I do dress fashionably (I hope) and have a decent haircut. I just look too "local". Many people have mistaken me for a Thai even in my own country. I guess maybe being white does have its priviledges.  

2 hours ago, tomacht8 said:

If you have this strength ok.
But Bangkok or Chiang Mai are very seductive and alluring in this case.
My first 2 year party in Bangkok as a single man in my late 20ths cost me in today exchange rates around 4 million baht.
Let's say you go to Levels, Thonglor or RCA for a look.
Taxis and drinks cost you 600 baht.
Then you want to look into Mix disco.
Taxi free: Hurray.
Then you'll pop in the 167 cm tall gazelle with long legs, almond eyes and in jeans hot pants.
The first thing she tells you is, that she has just shaved herself fresh, and guarantees you, that you will get not any sleep within the next 5 hours. So after two drinks, a taxi driver who does not turn on the meter and a short-term fun hotel booking, you are another 1300 baht back. The next morning you pay a common breakfast, her entertainment fee and may some taxi money 5000 Baht.
So a nice night for 6900 Baht all together.
Do this stunt 10 times a month (every 3 days) and you are at the extra 70K per month.
Do not underestimate this in your calculation!

Hahaha I totally get you. Returned from a trip from bkk from March and i spent 20k baht in a matter of 4 days. I foresee myself happily married to a nice Thai wife so that should keep me in check.. oh and the occasional urban legend of genitalia removal from jealous thai wives should serve as timely reminders to maintain my fidelity too. 

24 minutes ago, tomacht8 said:

Well early 30s.
Would also say that you can do well with around 40K in Bangkok per month.
If you are a party type and like to play with the girls, then you can add another 60K - 90K per month.

I enjoy the occasional party and of course, the beautiful women thailand has to offer but i'm kinda planning this somewhere 15-20 years down the road (hopefully earlier if possible). I think by then I will probably put my partying and womanizing habits behind me. 

43 minutes ago, thehelmsman said:

Just moved to Rayong. Been shopping to outfit the rental with extras. Makro so far is great. Some folks favor the markets, yes I bought a ton of plastic crap there as well. But for better quality, better selection, clean goods....Makro has it all. And I did it all without a budget.

 

The beach has a great on the sand restaurant, good seafood at good prices. The 3 of stuffed our faces with fresh seafood for 700 bht.

 

Think I'm going to like it here.

Sounds wonderful. I'm picturing the scenario as I read your post and I'm liking what I see inside my head too.

3 hours ago, dick dasterdly said:

I've 'skimmed' most of this thread, but seem to recall you're thinking of Bangkok?

Your speed reading skills are right. I mentioned that I would like to first try and settle in BKK because I have a very close local friend staying nearby there and it would help be better integrate for the first 2 years. 

But it may not be where I would like to leave long term. I have always loved the lifestyle of Chiang Mai more and it continues to be a better option for me. But I think its good to leave my options open as I havent been to most places you guys have been so I cant say with conviction that I wouldnt like them too. 

2 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

There's many types of Thai villages l understand what type you mean, what l mean are bigger villages where there is more or less everything you need like where l am Old City but always referred to as a village the New City is 14 K away..

That said facilities have improved over the years not all necessarily to my liking,  l'm not a city person.

I don't know the OP whatever OP retiree does is up to him. 

I've lived in a concrete jungle all my life and I while I can't say I hate it, I would certainly appreciate a slower pace of life when I decide to retire. 

Its still too early for me to say if I could live in a village long-term, but it's possible it could be a life I appreciate. 

Just now, colinneil said:

Well i live in deepest/ darkest Issan, most monthly costs are very low.

No birds, no booze, in fact no nothing.

No mortgage/rent/loans.

Electric averages 500-550 each month, water about 120-130, internet 599, mobile about 50 baht.

Eat plenty of fish/chicken/organic veg (home grown) buy bread, pork, prawns, but little else.

Good job my expenses are low, because my UK pension is worth sod all.

Hahaha well as with most people, you live on what you can afford. How long have u been staying in Issan ? and how did you end up there?

38 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Lotus, Makro etc food is the same price in Thailand, as are utilities and internet so it dosnt matter if you stay in Krabi, Phuket, BKK or Surin cost is the same. The main expenditure difference is in accommodation but Krabi etc still offer 1 bed house for 8K a month long term. If you are a drinker again small watering holes can be found in all the tourist destinations at the same price as up North. The main cost will be if you have a partner that you need to support, ifactor in 20k a month there. If single, once your car/bike is paid for, you can eat steak, salmon, foreign foods at home and not spend more than 12k a month after rent, that would include a few cheaps beers evrey 3 or 4 days

I am a social drinker so I won't really look for it unless its with company.. even so, I usually only have a couple of beers. But yes my main concern lies in having a partner that I will need to support. 

1 hour ago, Telly said:

Nice, more Singaporean coming out of the woodwork.

I'm just past 40 so not on a retirement visa.

What I'm on is a 1 year ED visa, but it's not to study Thai. On average you can renew the ED visa 4 times.

If you've been staying hdb then no problems with a studio if there's 1 of you or a 1 bedroom if there's 2 of you.

Skip the cooking, it's just easier and cheaper to eat out. 

Not many shopping centre like SG in CM, there's a big C and Tesco each on the super highway and at Hang Dong.

Don't buy property or vehicle for the first 2 years till you know what you in for.

Greetings to you too Telly. Good to hear a perspective from a fellow local. 
Yup I'm staying in HDB and im not too hard up on space. In fact I dont like staying in big areas since Im too lazy to clean up.
I dont really shop much either so a big C and Tesco will do just fine. Good advice on the property though.. wont want to get stuck with a heavy liability until im absolute certain of what I want.

5 hours ago, Guy1 said:

Nice to see a fellow singaporean posting here in thaivisa forum.

 

I lived in Bkk for almost 10 years. I have my own business here, makes about 100-200k profit per month

 

My expenses:

Rent: 8000 (western style condo) better than HDB flat

Food: 500 x 30= 15000 per mth

Hp bill: 1200

Water: 300

Electrcity: 2000

Transport: 3500 approx

Other expenses: 10-15k

 The rest of the money i saved up.

Depends on your life style, the savings and lower expenses, ease of doing business, non-restrictive life is something i cant get back in singapore

Hello there fellow singaporean! I didn't expect to find another one here too haha.

Good to know you are making more than decent money from your business. It's something I was considering myself so that I can move here quicker. On a sidenote, are you comfortable enough to drop me a PM on the business you are currently operating there? Of course, its entirely up to you =).

9 hours ago, The Deerhunter said:

 

Read the book "Why not to retire in Thailand" by "The Blether."  I read it and I still retired here but at least it is the short way to learn all the potential pitfalls, loud and clear. It is on Amazon and Kindle. Rule No 1.  Rent don't buy for at least the first few years, If ever!!!  There are so many things that can go wrong for a falang property owner.

Thanks for the heads up. Certainly sounds like a must-read. Though every country has its issues even for developed countries, the charm of Thailand certainly allures me still.

9 hours ago, vsigrist said:

A question of "smoke" was mentioned. This mostly applies in the North, and is a combination of fog in the cooler season and real smoke when farmers burn down their fields illegaly. But this "winter" it wasn't bad at all, just a few days which were a bit misty. In other years, it may happen that the first flights into Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai cannot land due to low visibility. This usually clears up at least a bit during the day. Outside these maybe 2 months, the air is perfect in CNX, in particular when you compare it with BKK or any major city in China. For me no reason to worry or complain.

I love the air in Chiang Mai! And I am so looking forward to the weather there during winter.  I live in a highly congested city with year round sun so I wouldnt be able to handle Canada-esque winter but the 20 odd degrees chiang mai gets during winter is lovely. I absolutely love the mountaineous landscape view too. Cant wait for my next trip there.

4 hours ago, reenatinnakor said:

 

Where do you live? A 3 bed house built for 1m must mean you live in the villages! Not a bad thing. But the OP is a retiree from the West, he's not going to slum it in a village!

Sent from my LG-H990 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

 

Thanks for your concern reenatinnakor but just to clarify im not at retiring age yet and not from the west either. far from it in fact! (Though I hold my hand up in apology for not stating myself clearly in the first place)

Im in my early 30s born and bred in Singapore. As mentioned in my previous post, my country does not provide any form of pension or elderly care from the govt hence I decided to find out way in advance the amount in which I would need in order for me to retire (eventually) to my preferred destination.

Cheers! 

1 hour ago, akirasan said:

It depends what you're good at.  

For instance, maybe you are good at building websites, or you can draw (logos or graphic design), write articles, write music, edit videos, maybe you know all about SEO or are great with photoshop...there is a tonne of work online that anyone can put their skills to.. even if you aren't great with computers just the fact that you can speak english means you can start writing articles... and there are several websites that will connect you with clients.  

If you (or anyone) wants more specific details just PM me and I'm happy to help out.  I'm not selling anything and it's no scam.  

Thats comforting to hear. I actually do copy writing quite a bit and polishing up on my photoshop skills at the moment. Will have plans to further myself in getting SEO certified in the future too. Perhaps it will come to use in time.

15 minutes ago, phantomfiddler said:

I lived here for several months on 6 baht a day back in the early 80,s, which bought me 2 packets of Mama Noodles, but I would not recommend it to anyone. Things have become better since then !

Hahahahahahha you certainly made my day! (sorry for laughing at your plight but I cant imagine doing the same) 

Glad to hear that Thailand has been kinder to you since then! (vastly I assume!)

18 minutes ago, 55Jay said:

Hopefully you are making reasonably good money at this point in your life and have a developed saving/investing discipline.  Where are you coming out of?  You mentioned it was nearby, only a few hours from Thailand... but has no old age pension system.

 

To the passive income talking point, in broad strokes, the portion of my portfolio for passive income is about 1/2 million USD, which produces a fairly consistent $2,200 per month.  Mid-cap, medium risk/growth.

 

I have other passive income, so to the cost of living question, without any loans/debts/kids/ex-wives, etc. and not including big ticket purchases or long trips abroad, Mrs and I live a comfortable life here on about $2,400 a month.  Sometimes a bit more, sometimes bit less... usually the former, not the latter. 

Unfortunately to say, I am not. Tried out some business and it failed so now im starting from zero again =(. I'm from Singapore and we do have a "savings scheme" but its kinda complicated. Basically this COMPULSORY saving scheme forces you to deposit 20% of your wage to a government account called Central Provident Fund (CPF for short). Your employer also has to make contributions for you and its also about 20% thereabouts and the % contribution from them will gradually fall as you age. Basically the CPF you have available when you retire varies since its dependent on your base wages while you were working, and also the balance left after purchasing a government-developed apartment (we call them HDB flat).

The catch is you wont start receiving your money in the CPF until you reach retirement age (I think its 67 years old now? the ceiling has constantly been pushed up so I cant really recall anymore) and you can only receive them in monthly payments based on a formula of how much you have left over how many years its expected to payout. There is no one-time withdrawal of full amounts. I hope I have explained the system in the least complicated way possible.

I'd say to reach a passive income of USD 2,200 in Singapore is not entirely difficult bu its also an amount not many people achieve. Due to our high cost of living, theres really not much left behind to do anything else.

  

18 minutes ago, edwardflory said:

My Thai GF and I do not drink, do most of shopping at outdoor markets ( <<== she is a Is an Issan girl ) - EXCEPT eggs, milk and uncooked meat.

 

Did a experiment for 1 month in Pattaya and BKK to see the least amount of money to spend for a " comfortable " living: 

 

REQUIRED that we both eat 2 GOOD meals daily and "snacks"!!  One shower each person daily,  entertainment - sightseeing, any free concerts, shows, cable TV and internet, 2 mobiles - 100THB each,  1 rented motorcycle and fuel in Pattaya only,  running water, bottled water, electric.

 

Starting CASH IN HAND money 30,000THB

 

Pattaya: Live in small confortable house - 1 large bedroom with separate toilet, Large living / dinning / kitchen combo room, portch and driveway, 4 shade trees protect from sun. Go to beach 3 times a week, use the complex swimming pool, AC 6 hours at night....cost 22,000THB

 

BKK: Live in small condo - small bedroom, small separate toilet and shower, small living / dinning room, small kitchen and a very small kitchen sink, balcony with washing machine. Use the complex swimming pool, AC 6 hours at night - condo faces the sun most of the day. Superior bus service, close to 5 malls and 3 outdoor markets, NO motorcycle....cost ( had to get 5,000THB additional out of bank ) ...35,000THB

 

 

 

Hahaha real interesting experiment you did there and certainly most helpful for me too! 

Im quite surprised there is a disparity of 13000 baht though. I was expecting it to be much closer.
For 2 person 35k baht is fairly reasonable inclusive of rental, but that being said it was really somewhat on a shoestring budget in terms of personal well-being.

I would suppose if lodging cost is not involved, 30-40k baht would enable one to live comfortably.

23 minutes ago, aslimversgwm said:

I do hope you can fulfill your dreams as I did, but I was retiring and had holidayed here a couple of years be4 so was able to plan ahead prior to me actual retirement date.

It appears you are much younger as you don't mention retirement and have no pension, etc. I can tell you that lifestyles and location are THE important criterion as others have rightly stated. 

I have lived in Chiang Mai for nearly 9 years, ever since retirement, and still love it here.

The smoke someone mentioned occurs around late Feb until early April and is caused by farmers burning their rice and corn stubble in the main, but also illegal or 'accidental' forest fires facilitating mushroom growing. Local government and army attempts to control it meet limited success but there are farang initiatives taking place which attempt to show farmers, etc how to burn the stubble without producing toxic smoke. This is an ongoing issue but fortunately hasn't affected me personally but those sensitive to smoke with lung or other health issues do find it an issue.

I have change my lifestyle over these 9 years having moved from a rented condo to owning a house; and from hitting the nightlife most nights to only doing so about twice a week, having formed a stable relationship and now I'm married to a Thai national.

Originally I was living it up on an income from between 72 to 65k a month and now I can still live a comfortable life on about 45 to 50k a month which includes running a car, paying the internet, tv access, mobile phone, electric, water bills and dining out in farang restaurants most evenings. 

My husband and I can still afford to travel regularly to neighbouring Asean countries and tour extensively within Thailand, especially when he's working, obviously! 

We also manage trips back to my home country the UK every couple of years and will be doing so again next year with an additional tour of Europe.

Judicious use of a credit card comes in handy - with a view to always paying it off asap!

This latter is, in my opinion, a useful 'back-up' for any unexpected emergencies or unbudgeted expenditure.

Hope the above is useful and best wishes for your savings schedule and any future work plans.

 

 

 

. 

Thank you for your well wishes! I too hope I can fulfill them. I fell in love with Thailand on my first trip there and have gone back to it many times since. But ive got to say I reserve special affections for Chiang Mai too. 

Well Im in my early 30s so im not sure if you can call that young hahaha but it's never too early to plan for your life goals! Hopefully I could reach the income levels you and your husband enjoys by the time I get to move there too.

Cheers thanks for the wonderful advice!

1 minute ago, peterb17 said:

Because out of Bangkok- see what it gets you- my house is 500sqm - it's magical, and a stunning garden - all I hear is the birds- very good security / services/ maintenance in the village- for 50k

Add cleaning/ ironing/ gardeners- another 12k a month.

 

Back home this would get you a small flat in a not particularly fashionable part of town.

 

its just wonderful getting up to a sea of green, peace and quiet- and a large house to bumble around in. 

 

So why is it crazy ? You can't really own a house and if the roof leaks or something goes wrong - just contact the landlord. If you can afford it-why not? 

 

To the OP- there have been many threads on budgets- Thailand is not so cheap any more- you really to think carefully about the type of lifestyle you dream about .Countryside ( economical but dull) or city living ( expensive , but gives you a certain amount of culture and fun) 

 

 

That does indeed sound like paradise! Ufortunately I may have to work till im 80 to be able to afford such a luxury.

I know Thailand is not cheap anymore. I have witnessed the rising cost over the years.. But trust me, once you have lived in Singapore, Thailand seems pittance. 

1 minute ago, lovelomsak said:

Cost of living on average is low. Rents are low. Market food is cheap.Electricity and water are cheap. to live it is cheap. What you do with your free time here can change the cost of being here but not the cost of living.

  Take my wife and I as an example. Our cost of living is cheap. But we like to go to Pattaya and Bangkok for dining and shopping that drives up our monthly expenses. We keep a son in University at Rangsit this again drives up expenses. Our teenage daughter costs also. Keeping our dogs and cat healthy costs. Home  upkeep etc.

  But just plain old cost of living it is dirt cheap.I feel it is hobbies or habits that cost.A guy can live good and be healthy on 30,000 baht a month,but extras cost money. If you fill your time with low cost hobbies it is cheap to be here. If you like to squander it is expensive.

Absolutely. I'm kinda simple. I don't smoke, I'm perfectly fine without a vehicle, I don't really like to stay in big spaces so a small home is just fine. Of course I do have my vice, but that is borne from solitude having been single for the past 3 years. The life I envisioned would be one where I wake up in the morning and have a light breakfast with robust coffee, and during my free time I'd lke to just spend my hours away surfing the web, taking my dog out for a long walk, and the occasional fishing/camping before returning home for dinner with my wife. 

13 minutes ago, Sooo Upto Me said:

Some of these posts on here on how much they spend monthly is just bullshit. Wot are u trying to prove to us. The average amount for any expat living over here is about 40,000b monthly.

I can't say for sure the legitimacy of these claims since I don't belong to the expat community in Thailand. But it is my opinion that some could be more well-off than others, while others don't scrimp on entertainment or food. In any case, thanks for providing me with the average amount (one which I can realistically aim for. haha!) 

Might take me some work but hey, nobody said it was easy.

1 minute ago, Pinot said:

30k? most survive on a third of that. 

 

My wife and I  live well in Phuket on 70k a month. Rent is 18k for a two bedroom home. Currently traveling in Portugal to get out of the heat in May. 

 

Life is good.

Yeap I suppose 30k is good for a normal lifestyle (minus the portugal of course!) Glad to know you and your wife are enjoying the fruits of your labour =)