Maha Sarakham

15 minutes ago, LikeItHot said:

Who says it was a car park? If it was at Nana Plaza the could've met over a spit roast.

Is spit roast like moo-ka-ta? No wonder Thais love it so much.

Glad you enjoyed the move back to the States OP. 

Having just been to Florida about a month ago, I was very impressed by the weather and the current environment there.  People there just felt happier overall, perhaps the freedom from covid restrictions and living life as normal once again. The restaurant scene seems to have exploded over the past 5 years and food from around the world can be found all around the Orlando area now.  The Korean supermarket giant 'H-Mart' is building their biggest Asian grocery store in the US in Orlando set to open later in 2022 and there is also a Lotte Market along with a mess of other smaller Asian markets.

It seems like those that have been turned off by the 'death by a thousand cuts' in Thailand, dealing with small and relatively insignificant issues that just add up over time and compound frustration, may find value in a place like FL with its Western normalcy and the quality of life that comes with it.  In my mind, it would really depend on each families situation (married/single) and strength of their financial portfolio.  Life in the US is very good if you have a decent retirement income, however those with smaller pensions or limited options may find Thailand to provide a better quality of life.  

Thanks for sharing your story, welcome home.

Definitely agree with the sentiment that the government is hampering the countries future.  Many of my wife's Thai friends back home are looking to give up their positions as nurses, doctors, and physical therapists in the healthcare sector from her University faculty, in hopes of going abroad and working instead.  My impression is that they feel like Thailand is a lost cause and relatively hopeless until the older generation fades into the sunset.  There is strong support for the countries elite in that group with special interests that they don't intend to relinquish.  They've had a lifetime of respecting their rulers for better or for worse.

My wife and I still talk about going back and retiring to Thailand, but a pre-condition of that is a change in the government for the better.  There is too much uncertainty in this current group and policies that seem to be getting more difficult/restrictive and not the other way around.

I think I would strive to achieve the 800k in the bank before I would want to deal with unpredictable immigration officers and routinely being at their mercy.

22 minutes ago, Havenstreet1940 said:

Might it not have something to do with the Russia/Ukraine spat?

I'm sure it probably does involve that as well.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Made some good friends when I came to Chiang Mai in 2009.

Mostly dead now, 2 left alive, one in Cambodia, one in Oman.

Haven't seen either since COVID.

Doubt I'll bother with any new friends now.

Tired of them dying on me.

Chiang Mai still hanging on?  Last I heard it was pretty quiet.

The Toyota C-HR or Honda HR-V, can't go wrong with either and a bit 'bigger' than a sedan.

4 hours ago, GrandPapillon said:

today, there is no justification to stay as a long term expat in Thailand

The current environment and government in Thailand would definitely make it hard to select as a winning retirement destination.  I think a lot of people stuck in their home countries still have this vision of what Thailand was pre-covid as they have not been back since 2019.  However on the contrary, many expats living in Thailand are at least contemplating going back home as the writing on the wall suggests that the lockdown cycles and restrictions will not end anytime soon.  The buzz and excitement that Thailand used to exude is mostly gone for many.  Those living in the countryside/sticks may see it differently as life is fairly normal there.

Best of luck on your money transfer, do let us know what ends up being the best method, as I'm sure some others are in the same boat as you but may not post actively.

Probably the best area in Bangkok.  Would live there if we had any interest in staying in Bangkok again.  However, it is a hot spot for demonstrations so do mind the news if you decide to stay there long-term and plan accordingly.

I think having a car is definitely worthwhile in Thailand.  The ease of grocery runs and family outings alone makes it worth the coin.

I had to spend $3000 for a service and to get the passenger side window replaced at the dealership.  Promptly traded it in and got out of BMW's after that. 

Fun car to drive but not worth the money once it starts needing heavier maintenance.