john1000

Enjoyed his videos and thought a very genuine guy laid back, and topics related to most of us. Sadly cancer in the majority of cases, seems to be discovered at the 11th hour when there is only a possibility of slowing the inevitable.

Hindsight or common sense? Smoking and no health insurance a dire warning.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/732555510240517?view=permalink&id=1821142984715092

Thailand seems a dumping ground for investors. Most Western countries including the dollar, have weakened against the Baht.

Sterling taken a hit everywhere re Brexit stuff. Sadly seems a stand off at the moment. Feel for people who budgeted on a fixed income a few years ago.

Apart from rice farmers,  noodle stalls, 7-11. Nothing?

Most buildings of character or some that may have a history, are usually pulled down.

18 hours ago, keithpa said:

If I went early , I wouldnt give a rats ars  about financial penalties.

I retired at 50 11 years ago but the penalties are pennies considering the amount. Lloyds offered a package and the alternative wasn't good...Hobsons choice!!

One of the things I have noticed, is that spending habits change when you are older. Now keeping debt free, long stretches away ( holiday not prison) walking cycling and trying to keep healthy. Cooking and gardening...sad but true.

In the eighties, clothes, latest camera ,hifi, drinking, and dating was important to a lifestyle I no longer have.

2 hours ago, keithpa said:

Most people  die within 3 years of retirement, no matter what age they retired at. Read that somewhere.

That does seem to be the trend. The age is positioned more for the financial commitment from the government, hence the age will continue to rise in line with age expectancy.

If you wish to go early, financial penalties are usually invoked.

16 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

and TALKING ABOUT FOOD, which seems to be my ex's main contribution on facethingy.

And of course her Thai male friends.

21 hours ago, GaryB1263 said:

I have been staying in VT5 off and on for years. If I ever decided to buy I would consider it first. Has anyone heard how VT8 has worked out?? I like the location at VT8 but there was no shopping nearby. 

VT8 is OK if you have transport. Baht buses stop halfway and say any further more money. No shops and nothing there but I suppose good  if you like peace and quiet..

Nice new condos well built by the look of them.

14 hours ago, gk10002000 said:

Personally my reasonableness test is what was available and priced around 2004 when the Thai baht was 44/USD.  Decent 1 br condos or large studios could be had for ~> 1 M baht or about 30,000 USD.  I could see buying a place and putting out 30 k USD for a place I have visited 12 times since then.  Prices and exchange rates have gone up and down, condo market is glutted, etc.  I certainly don't think Pattaya has improved in any way shape or form to my liking, so any price increases to me aren't justified.  All I see is more traffic, more malls than I need or want, dirtier water such that even Jomtien is not swimmable any more, more military involvement, etc

 

 I don't think it is a good place for any sort of capital gains investment play.  But if one is staying often or long term, and if one is willing to risk $30,000 USD should the government or country go in directions that are intolerable, then it is not a horrible thing. 

Too many variables to second guess. If you stay more than 6 months a year, it would be good just to lose the rent and gamble that the place does not change to make living there really not desirable.

However having an option to walk away and not lose anything, is also a good feeling. Rent may be viewed as dead money to many, but buying, is putting your eggs in one basket and life does change sometimes.

Always rent VT6 for location hence the high value. But at over 50 years of age, investing is out weighed by renting. 48sq metre for 3-5 months is OK. I have a house in UK so take 3 monthly breaks.

Could not live full time in Thailand re humidity, and the visa <deleted> does my head in. Always feel regarded as an unwanted necessity re money.

Unlike some...not in lub

Expectations are too high and always will be when comparing to the past. We only seem to remember history through rose colored glasses.

As previously stated, we are getting older and not so good looking as time passes ( lol ) and more importantly, the feel good factor lessens as we age.

For the future, just enjoy everyday...its all you have.

Russian ladies the hottest by far in Pattaya.

Visited Russia many times, only good experiences. Russians in Pattaya no different. Seen many bad Western Farang though. 

People are generally the same the world over. Those who label another countries people, usually have a problem in my experience.

2 hours ago, robodelfy said:

Hi

I have been going to Thailand for the last 5 years each winter always using the triple entry visa, and it was as easy as turning up at the consulate in Cardiff and getting just before flying.

 

I have just noticed this new Multiple entry tourist visa, and the requirements seem a bit extreme!

 

What do people who are unemployed do? Or people who have quit their jobs to go to asia and just see what happens It seems unlikely most people could get 6 months off their work?

 

If someone had a friend who runs a business, and they wrote the letter saying they had been employed and would return to work, would that be enough for the consulate? Do they check up on it?

 

It seems a difficult thing if you want to leave and not come back to your job

 

Any info greatly appreciated

 

 

A friend who works as an electrician self employed, had to show money 5K for ME. Basically they want to see 5k that is available to draw.

I am going for Multi Tourist and extend for a month at Jontiem lose the extra month as this seems the only way.

On ‎7‎/‎29‎/‎2016 at 2:38 AM, BritTim said:

One option:

• Get a single entry tourist visa (good for 60 days).
• Extend your entry for 30 additional days at an immigration office inside Thailand on payment of 1,900 baht.
• Make a border run for a visa exempt entry. This will give you 15 days (or 30 days if from a G7 country).
• Extend your entry, if desired, for an additional 30 days.

This will give you up to at least 130+ days if you need them.

I have never heard of this? I am over 60 and want to stay 4 months without putting 5k in my current account for 6 months.

Can I achieve this using the above option?

Thanks.

Pattaya is what it is, and Phuket probably for beach oriented people more. Apples and oranges. Your preference will be different to everyone else's as we are all unique.

Beauty of choice.

That money would buy a studio in View Talay 6, or a house in Burriam. All relative. I would buy in my country and rent out. Peace of mind is priceless.

IMO Many ( not necessarily the op ) are in love with the idea of buying a condo. Certainly many are happy with their purchase and those with no financial restraints will have less stress.

I think the advice about renting, and really getting a feel for where you feel most comfortable is important. Then start making silly offers. They can only say no, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Not taking flattery seriously. Keeping fantasy at bay whilst reality close. ( If you can )

Where else can a 70 year old grandpa party all night and get all the girls he wants? Only in Pattaya.

When the posters on this forum approach that age, most will be singing a different song than now.

Life is very short.

Especially in Pattaya

Buy 2 condos, one directly above the other. Remove the ceiling (of the lower condo). Problem solved.

I am sure that will do wonders to the structural engineering of the building...

Condo in Pattaya, what structural engineering?

Different tack..play dumb tell her you lost your job and have no money. Let her walk away. With any luck she will.

The days when I wanted to buy a condo in Thailand have gone. I enjoy short term breaks and renting. Reason that Pattaya will not be so desirable in a few years judging by the attitude of many Thais towards Farang.

Many condos are overpriced if in a good location but very saleable. VT6 for example sell studios for 5.5 m and get that price.

At 36 years old and reasonably educated, why would you ask how to find a wife on a public forum? Just a thought.