HappyGoLuckyLife

Let's start with the basics. Wife and I are moving to Thailand Nov 2022 (if reopening goes as hoped). We want to live no more than 2 hours from Samut Songkram where the majority of our family lives. I told my wife I'm pretty comfortable anywhere so long as I have amazing internet (as I am a gamer, content creator, and writer with doing a little remote work for a legal office on the side) and I would like to live as local as possible. So what do I mean by local? Here's a quick list. Fresh market / wet market within a close distance House (2br) preferred, condo if not a shoebox Don't want to be surrounded by McDonalds, Starbucks, etc. (I can stay here in the US for that.) Prefer a local community to encourage me to use to what Thai I've learned. Did I mention amazing internet. 1 GB down 750 MB up if possible Local eateries, parks, and/or beaches Definitely away from tourist areas. Looking at Rayong, Sattahip, and maybe Bangsaen. Heard Pattaya Darkside as it balances local life without the tourist flare, but close enough of course if that's your thing. While we are able to do 1000-1500 USD for a place, that's not why we're moving abroad. I figure if we can cut that cost down between 300-700, we move those savings to our retirement/investment accounts. Basically I want to live as local as possible while still maintaining my tech geek lifestyle. (If that makes sense.)

I understand that. Hey there must be something about the age of 27, because that's when I got divorced too. I get the analogy. I think what makes Thailand, and SEA attractive from a lot of perspectives is that people are more inclined to what to know about who you are versus what you have. Yeah, you have your gold diggers everywhere, but I found about Eastern culture is that you're more inclined to meet someone who cares more about the sum of everything about you versus focusing in on 1-2 things that are the most appealing. And no, neither you, nor anyone else is inadequate. I believe what you found in an atmosphere where people can get to know you and not necessarily your status. I respect that. Without a doubt.

From my experience traveling overseas, I keep it simple. You smile at me, I will return sentiment. I don't go out of the way to be "friendly" because that's not in my nature. I am respectful of everyone I meet. How long that respect last depends on the intentions of the person I'm in front of.

As a Black man I am laughing my ass off at this ludicrous statement. Meaning you couldn't get a seat at the table of your own culture, so we went to a place where there were fewer folks at those tables. Out of curiosity, I am intrigued to know what lack of respect and enslavement have you faced as a (middle class white) man in Western culture?

Try and forgive me if this post is overly-paranoid. I'll try. If I (a U.S. national living in Thailand and hoping never to return to my homeland) were to have a baby with my Thai wife, does that potentially put me at risk of having to pay U.S.-caliber child support? Don't know if "U.S.-caliber" but you fathered a child, there should be no discussion in that you should take care of your child. Period. Why would you think otherwise? I believe the going rate for Thai child support is like 100 baht per day or something. Fine by me. Glad to help out. So, if that's the worst that could happen, then I couldn't care less. You're not buying cattle. You're talking about raiding a child. 100 baht per day ($3 USD) or ain't squat to take care of a kid. If you're that worried about it, then get snipped, cover your crotch rocket, or abstain from sleeping with anything with ovaries. But I do NOT want to face the risk (in the event the marriage dissolves) of having to go back to the U.S. and get a real job to pay a serious monthly sum to support my kid in Thailand. If the marriage dissolves (and you're on a marriage visa) then you either convert it into a visa which allows you to stay or you must leave the country. Being that you think 100 baht is good to take care of a kid, I don't see you meeting the other financial requirements. Also, what about the prospect that the marriage dissolves, and then she (if feeling highly vindictive) uses the kid (who, I believe, would technically be an American citizen) as some sort of anchor-baby to get into the U.S., thereby forcing me to return to that place and work to support it (and her)? Does this type of mess happen? Okay, I ready this whole thing. Is this a joke? Seriously? IMO it's this kind of mentality that leads to a lot of kids being born with fathers absent from their lives. Do yourself a favor now and don't even think about procreating. It would be better for everyone.

I see a lot of posts claiming the ruling of the courts is racist. It is not. Is it discriminatory? I believe so. Does is speak of nationalism? Maybe. But one thing Thailand always had going for it was the simple dichotomy of, you're either Thai or not. Dual pricing isn't just a Thai thing. It's done even here in the US. We use the term "memberships" where you pay less if your a member and non-members pay more. Personally, I do not support dual pricing. I will not support any establishment that engages in the practice.

Not if it's a joint account ???? Then negotiate away!

That's good to know. I think I will go that route (buying the card and memory) here and bringing it with me. Can't have a fake card, good PCs cost enough as it is. LOL.

First, I'M STOKED THERE'S A GAMING COMMUNITY HERE! While I will be coming to Thailand with a new gaming laptop, I will want to build my own desktop rig once getting settled. Here in the US, online prices usually beat out local. Is this the same in Thailand? While I believe Newegg now ships to Thailand, I've never had the experience with them. So where are the best deals around your neck of the woods?

Yes. Thai ID is in her maiden name. We have out marriage certificate (married in US) and will get it translated into Thai. Would I need to do anything else with that here? I know in Thailand, we would have to get our marriage recognized there.

Sorry for the late reply. Been doing a lot of research to come up with the same answer you just gave me. I should have waited for you. My wife has both a Thai ID and Thai birth certificate. We have an appointment to go the the Thai Consulate in NY late October. (We've moved up the moving date to next year, hence the heavy research I've been doing.) Thanks a lot for the response. Next time I have a question, I'll just wait patiently. LOL.

Currently doing research as my wife of 7 years (22 years together) and I plan to move to Thailand in late 2023. She is a Thai citizen (birth by Thai mother) as well as a US citizen (birth by father). We currently live in the US. We are moving to Thailand permanently. I wish to get a marriage visa. I understand the requirements for me to get the visa. My question, does my wife need anything other than her US passport and her Thai ID card to return to Thailand? Do we need to visit Thailand sometime next year and apply for a Thai passport? Can we apply for a Thai passport at the Thai consulate in the US if she hasn't never had a Thai passport? (New York is closest to us.)