On 8/21/2023 at 6:33 AM, save the frogs said:

do ashes actually fertilize anything? 

Ganja growers use it.

(ashes contain most of the essential nutrients plants need to thrive)

Children and or siblings...they usually all live together...much like the dot Indians

Similarly I took some Thai baht back to Canada and exchanged it for Canadian dollars.They beat the crap out of me in the ex rate.

Never again.I would change it here.Just shop around for the best rate.

Just out of curiosity take a 1k Thai baht note back with you and see how much you get.You'll be surprised.

2 hours ago, Bday Prang said:

You sound scared,  pull yourself together man for gods sake,  were you like this before covid??  no of course you weren't.  There are always seasonal viruses floating around, people catch them, a small percentage will die, that is normal. Stop worrying and stop trying to scare others

I grew up in Northern Canada. Every fall/winter people got colds. Runny noses and maybe a cough and sometimes the flu. Some did some didn't. It didn't warrant mass injections of questionable substances.We carried on with life.I never ever saw a face mask until entered industry and they were called dust masks.This mass hysteria every time someone gets a sniffle is called a pandemic makes me wonder.

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

What's more alarming is with a single drop of rain Thais fall sick

Thats my observation to.When it rains they all get sick are "my sabai".( my Thai family) The temperature drops a couple degrees and you'd think there was snow falling.555

Seat guru.com works for me...unless the airline makes a last minute change which they do on occasion

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

He's obviously making up his own rules, or holding out for some 'motivation'.

 

If won't do the usufruct, tell you need the lease for Imm.

 

TBH, the lease is useless as any protection for yourself, as wife can cancel it, after 1 of divorce, I believe, or use to be.

Maybe out of date info but in 2007 I engaged in a 30 year lease with my stepdaughter for a house I had purchased. All completed at the Pattaya land office. I used a lawyer. My name is actually on the chanote as a lessee. I've had a few gf of expats tell me that I'm not telling the truth until I show them the document.I'm quite sure there was an ulterior motive there.  I was confident at the time and remain so in the validity of this arrangement.

The same agreement with a spouse may be a different matter. BTW my stepdaughter will inherit the house at the end of the day.

4 hours ago, msbkk said:

As far as I know Avocados are mostly grown in the cooler provinces in Thailand. I saw a lot of them in Loei province in mountain areas. The trees need sunlight but like moderate temperatures, that means they seem to not tolerate the heat so well.

My family has friends in the north (Nan) and they send us boxes of the stuff Its readily available In most markets/ big shops in Pattaya in season. The local Thai variety are not as flavourful as the Hass ones. IMHO

17 minutes ago, Regyai said:

per Baht surely

correct, per baht

19 minutes ago, Dazinoz said:

I have only dealt in Chiang Mai and mostly the same shop in Wararot Market. I have walked in with a 5 Baht bar and said want to sell. They weigh and transfer money to my bank account. In an out in less than 5 minutes. Also did most of my gf jewellery purchases and sales same shop. Never dealt with gold shops outside CM but can understand your reasoning.

 

At one stage I was looking at returning to Australia and asked around about changing to 99.9% gold "approved" by the LMBA. Some places wont accept gold bars or coins not certified by the LMBA. Apparently the shop did it but needed to be arranged. Never got to that point.

Last spring I sold some 5 baht bars at a shop on Pattaya Klang Rd. They recognized the marks I assume. A cursory look and out came the cash. He sent his Mrs to the bank for more.

He wanted to just transfer to my account but in that case I was buying USD with it so I required cash.

I sold a bar once at the gold shop at Big C South Pattaya. I couldn't believe my eyes but the girl brought out a torch and melted in right in front of me. 1st and last time for that place.

3 hours ago, topswijaya said:

If you buy it now, then for whatever reason you you want to sell it in 1 minute, how much is your loss?

In my experience usually only a couple hundred baht per gram.Of course it all depends on the market price for that day and time.

Decades ago I was crossing a street (not LOS) and saw a crumpled envelope and picked it up.

Inside was a 20$ bill and a scribbled note. The note said something like..."I'm really sorry I'm late paying back the money but I've had some bad luck lately"

What to do ? There was no one nearby so I pocketed the cash but it bothered me for a while because I really felt sorry for the person who lost it.This blog reminded me of the event.

1 hour ago, RichardColeman said:

Tis the will of allah !

inshallah

I joined the Navy at 17.There was plenty of alcohol available. We got our daily "tot" rum issue at noon.

After secure (1700) we were entitled to 2 cans of beer per person.Needless to say the non drinkers were obligated to give the rest of us their ration of rum/beer. Leaving 6 years later I was well on my way to a part in a movie staring WC Fields. I somehow managed to hold a long term job and avoid prison.

My problem was not knowing when I had enough. Passing out comes to mind.

I finally stopped last January @ 72 and immediately lost weight and sleep much better. I dodged the bullet.

Best thing I ever did for myself even if it was late in the game.

3 hours ago, neeray said:

Personally, I find it grossly unfair, in any country, where privileged people drive on the streets in an overly expensive car, often hundreds of times more pricey than what 99.9% of the common folk drive. Thus, if a collision should happen, the commoner is placed in a very difficult position. Such is the case here. Of course the pickup truck driver is at fault but had she been driving a "normal" car, his insurance, if he was insured, would have been adequate.

(As an aside, I wonder if she has the proper work permit)

I'm thinking that if I could afford a multi million baht vehicle I'd be inclined to have myself chauffeur driven everywhere whilst I tend to the Moet Chandon/caviar in the rear salon along with my latest "squeeze". Driving in Bangkok traffic?

Who was she trying to impress?

Or I would make damn sure I was well covered by insurance just in case Somchai dropped his phone and bumped into me.

I often wonder what is the (ROI) return on investment on these solar farms. It's got to be a pretty penny taking into consideration the domestic panels cost.

How long before they pay off the capital debt before production? Heavy copper transmission cables ain't free

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Like any service, you need to pick an choose wisely.  Delivery service has been excellent for us, especially when at Krung Thep.  A lot more convenient than use going out to 'that' vendor during rush hour with the car or public trans, if not walking distance.

 

If within 'almost' walking distance, still convenient to avoid the heat and vehicle exhaust.  Scooter delivery many time faster.

 

OP complains about big orders, but just imagine if those big orders, were done in person.  hmm ... longer Q & wait time as they order.

I use the delivery apps quite often. I seldom order from fast food restos though.It saves me fighting traffic at 4-5 pm when I usually order my dinner.I also cook most b/f though.

1 hour ago, honcho said:

Im from NZ its free there too, free to be on a waiting list for months or years.. better pay in Thailand than die waiting in nz or uk

Same situation in Canada I hear, 1 year wait to see a specialist...but it's not free because the various and many taxes are very high.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Ageing is an inevitable part of our life cycle. And as you reach your golden years, planning for retirement becomes increasingly important. If you have set your sights on spending your retirement in Thailand, understanding the cost of a retirement home should be a priority. The beauty of Thailand extends beyond gorgeous landscapes and rich culture; it also offers a range of high-quality elderly care options.

 

Below, we’ve broken down the various costs associated with your potential future home – retirement

 

Why choose to retire in Thailand?

 

PHOTO: By gpointstudio via Freepik

Choosing to retire in Thailand is a decision favoured by many retirees around the world, and it’s easy to see why. For many, the low cost of living is a clear draw. Your money will go much further in Thailand compared to other (Western) countries such as the US and UK, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle.

 

Combined with a high quality of life illuminated by friendly locals and pleasant weather, it becomes the more attractive option. The welcoming environment is such that you can live comfortably even without being fluent in the local language, although basic Thai can certainly enhance the experience.

Healthcare, an important consideration for anyone retiring, in Thailand is highly regarded worldwide. Receiving top-notch medical treatment at a cost significantly lower than in your home country makes it an appealing prospect. 

 

There’s also a myriad of retirement homes spread across the country, providing you with a choice of locations. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Bangkok or the tranquil shores of Phuket, you have the freedom to choose a retirement home that best suits your needs and preferences. These retirement homes also have a team of English-speaking staff ready to ensure your stay is comfortable and hassle-free.

 

In essence, the warmth and simplicity of Thailand’s charm, notably decent healthcare, more affordable living costs, and the friendliness of its people make it a first-class retirement destination. Here, you’re not just retiring; you’re embracing a lifestyle that is better for your health, wallet, and spirit.

 

by Thaiger 

TOP PHOTO: By Lifestylememory via Freepik

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/guides/retire-in-thailand/how-much-does-a-retirement-home-cost-in-thailand

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-14

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Assisted Living in Thailand My thoughts.

"Retired and Living the dream" this YT vlogger ran this article recently..have a look

11 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

Wonderful, must feel good.

Yes it does, but the urge to be frugal never leaves you,I still yack at the old lady to shut off the bathroom light when you leave the room.

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I had an easy life, with occasional bad bits, but I lived in LOS because I preferred it to back "home". Back home was expensive, over regulated, woke, boring and had no sex life.

Ditto here, back home was/is a p___y desert or very pricey. Inexpensive female company was a huge draw for me to these shores plus 5 months of bone chilling winters didn't have any more appeal.

I love the tropical weather.

On 8/11/2023 at 12:57 PM, Neeranam said:

Nearly 20 years retired sounds great. I hope to retire in 10 years, aged 67.

 

I had a hard life in some regards, 20 years as an alcoholic/drug addicts isn't easy. 

 

I feel lucky that after 5 years working in the oil industry, I decided to quit the rat race and come to Thailand, in 1992. 

Sounds similar to my path. I officially took early retirement in 2005 at 55yo.Move to LOS and was offered work in O&G.Made good $ for a few years then quit for health issues.

While working I bought a house here and saved a bit and didn't piss it all away.Now at 72 I receive pensions and actually consider myself blessed as I worked for 30 years cheque to cheque and hated that as now I don't have to count pennies anymore.

Quitting drinking a year ago paid huge dividends also.