gejohesch

That's indeed an investment idea, thanks. There are pro's and con's when compared with eg a bank account of some sorts: - bank = no need to worry about administration, the bank will do the admin. Like many Thai people, my partner has no clue how to manage any sizeable project. The trick being to arrange sthg with a bank such that she (and her family) cannot pillage it! - a house = a property = sthg that can not vanish easily into thin air. One never knows with a bank.... - a house needs to be looked after, and if it is rented out there are always going to be issues with managing the rent, risks of getting difficult tenants etc.

"she will have to make her own decisions and I only hope she takes regard to what I tell her now." True!

Thanks to all those who responded to my question. It's all been constructive and straight to the point. Really appreciated!

Thanks also to you. Indeed, a formula with limited withdrawal amounts would be a good idea. You obviously understand sthg of the Thai culture ! 🙂

Ah, maybe that's the way : a joint account. I could check that out with a bank in T...

Thanks, obviously. I just forgot to say that I'm not legally married - some issues with my past life "back home" prevent me from marrying in Thailand. Any will I could write to the benefit of my "de facto wife" in Thailand would not be legally valid.

I have been living for nearly 20 years with a charming Thai woman. As I'm getting older (we all do!), I'm gradually getting concerned about the possibility that one day I will be gone, leaving her alone. She is 20 years younger than me, so that is quite a likely situation to happen some time in the future. I would like to find a way to put money away for her to secure her standards of living from that point in time onwards. Something like an in an investment or savings portfolio, say sthg in the order of 1-2 million THB, that she would know of but could only touch once I have disappeared. Why am I asking? Because, as sweet and lovely she is, I still cannot trust her entirely. I would not want to give her the opportunity to cash out while I'm still alive, me not knowing, and who knows what she would do with the money, what sort of silly "project" she would use the money for, "project" that would miserably fail? Most people on this forum know the Thais sufficiently to understand what I'm talking about. I'm aware that I could shop around the banks in Thailand and ask. However, if anyone in this forum could give me some appropriate advise, that would save me time and I would much appreciate it. By "appropriate advise", I mean that please, abstain from unnecessary comments on my personal relationship with my wife. That's not what I need!

You have summarised it well!

"Thai government intervening to help struggling expats is a welcome event" I guess that comment was with tongue in cheek!

Interesting comments

Thanks, I learnt sthg today!

That's pretty much what I do.

"Do many people live so near on the edge that 10% is lifestyle changing? " Seems to me that many do indeed, mate!

I have regular expenses in Thailand, where I spend several months a year, and I tend to exchange to THB more when I see good rates and less when I see poor ones. So, I'm not worried about periods of 2-3 months with less favourable rates. It's a different story if the "less favourable" rates keep on going for much longer. Even though I'm comfortable enough, financially speaking, and not usually stressed, I would join the crowd reducing time spent in Thailand and looking for options elsewhere. My wife who is Thai is very cool about spending several months outside Thailand, she is a good traveler!

Thanks, that clears it!

That would be 36 USD I guess, i.e. some sort of back where we were 6 months ago (or more)?

Thanks! What is "the 31 handle"?

I'm certainly not the first to wonder about the exchange rate THB against other currencies, but please bear with me! I see the current rates: 1 USD = 32.4 THB which is 9% down compared to 6 months ago 1 EUR = 36.2 THB which is 7% down compared to 6 months ago 1 GBP = 43.3 THB which is 5% down compared to 6 months ago That's quite a drop in purchasing power within a relatively short time for a lot of western residents in Thailand, and for a lot of potential western tourists! Can someone explain what is going on and give a view on how long this trend might hold in the near-mid term?

That would not come as a surprise!

Thanks!

Planning????? 😆

Thanks. Is it still a nice place to go in the late afternoon / early evening? It used to be quite a vibrant place some 10 years ago.

A few years back, I used to meet a group of friendly people in an open air area somewhere towards the Phra Khanong BTS station (I think), just 1 or 2 minutes walk from the station. I believe it's the W Market I can see on google map; Does anyone know about it? Is it still "alive"?

making things clear isn't exactly a thai strength so true

I was going to say!