Strange

I just think its weird that people that have never been to the states hate the place and the people so much and have all kinds of opinions about americans. Based on what they see on biased web-reports and news outlets. 

I always tell people in real life to go for a vacation and meet the people there. Welcoming and willing to help. 

When I go to the UK its nothing but sour people everywhere and complaining non-stop. 

Hey sam, I sent you a PM with my phone number. I can't help with the doctors here in thailand, but I suffer from extreme depression and panic attacks and I can talk to you about what I've done to deal with it. 

Check your pm and call me if you want. If not feel free to PM. 

Things will get better. The thing with depression is that it feeds on itself and thailand can be an isolating place. The best therapy is talking to people in the same situation. 

5 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

That's funny. 

Tampa (more like St. Pete) is top of my list for repatriation.

But I haven't even been there.

I would never want to move to Miami but I do like Ft. Lauderdale.

I read that list. It's very stupid. Not the kinds of things most not insane people would care about at all.

If that's their list of disses for Tampa, then it can't really be that bad, because that's a very weak negatives list. 

A description I often see of the Tampa area is a MIX of Atlanta and Miami. That makes sense to me. 

I was thinking the same thing. That one article is from Miami and talking about Cuban Sandwiches. Basically a Miami click-bait taking nudges at TPA. 

Tampa is nice, clean, has a couple really nice Thai Temples. Wife like this one and every sunday the local thais sell real deal thai food along with plants and stuff. Right on the river. 

http://wattampainenglish.com/test/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34678-d2620605-Reviews-Wat_Mongkolratanaram_Thai_Temple-Tampa_Florida.html

Tampa (OR St. Pete) is great because its central to everything florida has to offer. I mean just the state parks, mostly free or have an unmanned donation boxes, are awesome. 

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/state-parks-fl/

I dunno I like it. Has an international airport... Housing is still cheapish. 

17 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

 

Seriously?  Wasn't trying to be mean, but I'm sure you know that some folks in the south USA aren't too keen on interracial relationships.  To put it mildly.

Why are you trying to point out to me what it will be like living in the south? 

I AM FROM THE SOUTH

Where the hell do you get this noise from? Seriously you need to turn off BBC news. 

2 hours ago, Ulic said:

The grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Go back to the US and you will be

wishing you were back in Thailand in three months. Take the cure. Go back to the US

for three months and make a decision then.

Been there multiple times with the wife. Both liked it. 

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

 

I am a big rich oil and gas man and we initially chose to live in Udon because it was cheaper; land, houses, basic living, the lot. I have a buddy in the same line of work and he chose to make his home in Phuket. He isn't riding the current industry storm too well for the obvious reasons that Thailand's island paradises are very expensive. Then there's the obscenely well paid big rich oil and gas man who parks his tent in Singapore but even they are hard pushed these days.

 

Even big rich oil and gas men have to save for the future and some save more than others by making the obvious economies.

This exactly. Right now I'm just trying to ride out the storm but if by December nothing picks up, then Ill go home and work. I would probably go now, but the income I've made for 2016 will be taxed and I haven't made preparations for it. 

44 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

 

Sorry, but find it impossible to believe your wife actually said any of this. Your wife thinks Thais are uncivil and can't relate to foreigners as human beings? Give me a break.

 

And while we're on the subject of social acceptance in America, aren't you forgetting about prejudice against non-whites, non-native English speakers, the poorly educated, the 'white-man-with-Thai-girl' hooker stigma, and the general rise of xenophobia in America? Do you think your wife is going to remain oblivious to all of this forever?

 

You predicted to another poster that Thailand's veneer of charm would soon wear off. Maybe so, but the same can no doubt be said about your wife's Utopian first impressions of America.

Yeah she might hate the states after a while who knows. You are right. But to say that thailand is less racist is crazy to me. They have a damn word for us after all. You can not and will not ever be able to own property here. Xenophobia is on a different level here. Flat out just a tourist for all of eternity. 

18 minutes ago, CaptHaddock said:

 

If  you are not a US citizen you can only visit your property in the US with permission from the US govt which can be withdrawn at any time for any reason or for no reason.  So, yes, your "ownership rights" are quite different from those of US citizens.

While true about the visa, you still wholly own the property, can sell it for a profit, and are protected by local and federal laws including your property and person regardless of your visa status. And the likelihood of that happening is almost zero. 

17 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

 

Agree.  No way his wife said that.  If anything, she's going to hate the USA.  And you're right about the racism in America, it's getting worse and more out in the open with this "Trump phenomenon."  America has always been more racist than Thailand and he's going to find that there are parts of the USA where he and his little brown teeruk will not be welcome.       

Geez only here can someone say things like that about another mans wife. 

3 minutes ago, Wake Up said:

Just moved here from Dallas 6 months ago and have many friends and ex in-laws in Tampa area. 

 

Housing and utilities and health insurance much cheaper in Thailand. Go visit Tampa. Don't mean to be disagreeable but no apartment for 1000 dollars in Tampa can compare to what you can get on Sukhumvit the most expensive housing in BKK. Utilities and health insurance also much more expensive. 

 

But live where you are happy. For some it comes down to dollars. I enjoy leaving cheaply in Thailand compared to the USA but money is not everything and time is short. Choose the place that makes you smile when you wake up and let money only be a small side issue. You cannot afford to live anywhere that makes you unhappy.  

 

Take care. Enjoy the Florida seafood. 

Im a Florida Resident, and my property is in Tampa. The last couple years I have spent a lot of time there. 2014 I was there with the wife for 6 months. I loved it. Didn't miss thailand at all. Wife was mindblown that people can act and behave in a civil manner and even, god forbid, treat you like an actual person instead of a "foreigner". Wife was concerned that "She is Thai and that is america" but no its not like that. You are not judged in that regard. Its ingrained in their DNA to think that you are either Thai or Foreigner and for her to see that, yes, it is possible to be "just another person" was interesting. 

Utilities are not cheaper here than the US. Its only cheaper if you don't run the Air conditioning. You can turn it off in the states as well. I was born in Dallas and lived there until I was 15. 

Yes health insurance is cheaper here, but be careful. People come here for treatment of specific, already diagnosed issues. Health care is not better here than in the states. Forget about 911, forget about standardized emergency services. God help you if you have some severe medical emergency. There is NO safety net. Im not hating here. Its just a fact of living here. 

Yes you can get a place in BKK for 30k a month but just wait until you get some crazy neighbors. It will happen. ONLY Choice is to move. 

Im ranting now but give it more time for the newness to wear off. 

1 hour ago, yellowboat said:

Why stay in Thailand if you nine months to yourself.  I believe there are other countries and opportunities just outside of Thailand.  Why not start a business with the gobs of time on your hands.  If you were to go back to the best fed, most poorly read country in the world, furthering you or your wife's education would be your best bet.  Everybody wants to see oil fail.  Electric powered and bio driven vehicles are the future.   You are only 32 years old and have lots of time.  Go back to school.

Hate to break it to you, but oil isn't going to fail. Not in my lifetime. You really don't have any concept of how far O&G is in everyones lives. 

13 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

Because those who crave creature comforts over intellectual pursuits and the quest of wisdom are boring dolts.  

Thai-er than Thai Detected. 

Do yourself a favor and get off your intellectual throne. Sitting in your "room" eating noodles and pondering the meaning of life is hardly a quest for wisdom. 

7 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

I don't think the OP is on the even time rotation any more, viz "The slump in oil prices has me in Thailand nonstop for 9 months." If his employer has placed him on a longer home rotation then hanging tough in LOS will be tougher. If the OP is unemployed, then going home is the only sensible option. There's already too many oil field trash sitting on the beach waiting for a job at the best of times. These aren't the best of times.

This is true. Ive only got 2 hitches this year and looking like I won't get anything until beginning of next year. I could ride it out and take way less paying jobs but its not a guarantee. Packing a bag and going back to the states is a smarter move because I can easily work there. And the oil patch will pick back up its just a stop gap. Sitting around not doing anything productive (Making Money/Working) bother the SH$T out of me. 

1 hour ago, does said:

a good clean apartment with central air, carpet, full kitchen with a damn oven, lighting quick internet, gym & pool facilities etc.

 

Why do I not have an ounce of sympathy...

Why? Because I want a better lifestyle? Because I want more opportunities? When did personal drive to have a better life become nasty to you?

2 hours ago, Scotwight said:

Life is what it is and Thai go go girls as opposed to Florida go go girls are no contest.  Florida my pension lasts 1 hour Thailand it lasts all year if you get my meaning.  I think Thailand is far safer than USA as far as NK goes - ask someone who lives in Asia for details.  Why would a young guy come to Thailand?  I don't have a clue.  Money and girls and that first big divorce experience is better in the West.  Wait till you been through the washer a few times to really appreciate Thailand.  

I mean where did go go girls come from? I stated my main reasons for coming to thailand in the OP and then life happened. 

Your pension will last longer than 1 hour in florida quit with the nonsense. 

Thailand is NOT safer than the states. In any way. In any fashion. In every case. NK is not even worth thinking about. They are being watched by so many capable countries if they even try anything they will be obliterated. 

3 hours ago, Ulysses G. said:

Visit California and tell me that. I miss being able to eat Thai food 3 times a day for a pittance and living in a clean comfortable room for a few hundred dollars. There is nothing like that here. You people don't know how good you have it.

I mean there really isn't much to debate here. Yes Cali is expensive, they have a state income tax (Florida does not) and they are like a little crummy country inside the USA. Its incomparable to FL. 

FL Cost of living is low, the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the nation, more rivers, fishing, nightlife, tourism, you name it. 

Im not saying I don't have it good, I'm lucky I have choices. I did however work my ass off for the opportunity I have. 

I like Thai food but damn everyday all day? Its a good default when money is low or feeling lazy but there is a reason that bowl of noodles cost $1. Im sure its better in BKK or Pattaya or whatever but where I am right now I've got the option of cook at home, thai food, KFC. There is nothing else unless I want to drive 30k one way. 

2 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

Whats the average time for a Thai cop to come when a farang is on the line?

Infinity - they don't give a crap. 

2 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

Let's take the OP out of the picture for a moment and just focus on the economic prospects for his wife.

 

The OP mentioned Starbucks. I have heard their benefits are generous, but it looks like the average wage for a barrister is only around $9.18/hour. Based on a 35 hour work week, that works out to $1392/month. If you compare that wage level and Tampa's cost of living (apartment, food, utilities, transportation, health care, medical/dental insurance, child care, clothing, etc.) to Surin's cost-of-living, I suspect that the 10,000-15,000 baht per month she could earn in Thailand starts to sound far more attractive than the OP (or his wife) might presently think. Comparing her earning potential and cost of living in the US to her earning potential and cost of living in Surin, I would argue that in all likelihood her standard of living might actually drop by moving to the US. 

 

Also, how is she going to be able to work - even part-time  - if she is planning to start having kids?  How much does child day care in Tampa cost? As an earlier poster pointed out, what is your wife going to do while you're out on an off-shore oil rig for months at a time? Sit at home and watch the kids? At least in Surin she has family and friends who can watch the kids for a spell and give her social support.

Starbucks is an off the hip worst case scenario. In this example, at 16 hours a week, she would be entitled to full benefits. Retirement fund, medical insurance, etc. Now working 16 hours a week she would not be able to contribute much, however, with me working I can contribute to all of these things. Its basically working 16 hours to be entitled to benefits. In my work, I can not get these things due to my employer being foreign. 

Also has the benefit of exposing her to US work life and people and gives her a chance at meeting people. Is it the perfect job? Hell no. Is it a place to start? Of course.  Will she probably make less than Thailand? Probably. What about if she decides she likes working? Where will she be in 10 years? 10 years from now she could have a nice career. What about thailand 10 years from now? Most likely no different or she gets fired because she is getting older. 

Now to be frank, the wife does not have to work. I make enough and will make enough to support us both including kids if they come into the picture. 

21 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

All of your points are valid... 

And once you have a family they become more valid... 

 

I'm in a very similar situation and for me the decision is offset with UK Tax. 

Over the past years the Tax that I would have had to pay by far offsets the additional cost of living here and enjoying the 'nice things'.

 

As young as you are moving back is not a hardship, and neither would moving back out here be should you make that decision.

 

About 10 years ago I moved back to the UK and worked there for 2 years in the same industry (same job). In the end I preferred living in Bangkok. 

 

Now that I have a Son there is always an attraction to moving back home purely for my sons education...  but, I consider a couple of the International Schools such as Pattana & Harrow to superior to the UK Schools he'd attend, thus for now I have evaluated that his opportunities are better served here... My Wife is Thai and is probably happier here too... Me, I'm happy anywhere to be honest...  Life is what you make of it. 

Thats another thing, wife wants to have kids & believes that in the next 2 days she will instantly become infertile. We are the same age. 

I want a family as well, but we are out here by Surin and ill be damned if I have kids and raise them out here. The kids out here are either brainwashed parrots or sociopaths lol. 

The only option is Bangkok and the international schools and then you have Bangkok expenses. 

I agree with what you are saying about UK tax. I believe you guys pay more then we do but you get more days per year in the UK before you are taxed in full. I may be wrong but its 180 days and in the US its like 35 days. Im to the point now where even paying US tax is good because while the tax is a big decider, the benefits of living in a first world country are worth it. Plus literally every consumer item in the states including cars is cheaper.

Add to that I can finance & mortgage. My property in the states is mortgaged at 3.25% fixed for 30 years. Here its cash only unless the wife has collateral or a government job. Besides, smart money is using other peoples money. Finance what you can afford for a reasonable amount and keep your cash invested. 

Also, jobs. The wife can get an actual paying job. Out here its not even worth it for the 15-20k baht she would make. Thats <deleted> $500 a month and she would be working all the time. Worst case in the states she could work at starbucks for 16 hrs a week just for the benefits & retirement funds and I could contribute to it. 

Am I the only one?

I have a good job in Oil & Gas that allows me to live anywhere I want. Im 32 and been in Thailand for 8 years but I'm offshore 6+ Months a year. In the beginning it was an easy choice to move here because my employers tend to be out of Singapore. Flying 30ish hours one way every hitch was a huge pain in the ass. The other reason is the US Income Tax Exemption for staying out of the USA for the whole year. 

All my banking and credit cards are still in the USA and my credit score is "Excellent"

The slump in oil prices has me in Thailand nonstop for 9 months and I've been doing a lot of thinking about my situation. 

Ive pretty much come to the conclusion that Thailand is boring as hell and expensive if you want nice things. And by nice things I mean a good clean apartment with central air, carpet, full kitchen with a damn oven, lighting quick internet, gym & pool facilities etc. Literally all these things I can in an apartment complex in Tampa for about $1000 a month. With my credit score and the amount of time I will be in the states in a year I can lease a damn Mercedes Benz for a reasonable price. 

Yes, its true, thailand can be cheap if you want to live cheap but the novelty has worn off for me. 

My wife argues about the income tax id have to pay as a "waste" or a "rip off" and I've tried to explain that the tax that I pay contributes to the US as a whole. I can get in the car, hit cruse control, turn the music up and before I know it I've driven an hour. If I call 911 someone will answer and OMG actually show up. If I go to the hospital I guarantee you I will be taken care of regardless of my credit card or cash "guarantee". If the cops show up and a law is broken SOMEONE is going to jail and there aint no bribing a US cop.

Once you want more than a crummy "room" and scooter the prices skyrocket and everyday I'm having a hard time justifying it. 

I know a lot of the thai-er than thai expats on here have their blinders on, but is anyone else getting tired of life here? Its getting harder and harder for me to look past all the BS. 

I have the 3bb VDSL Service 50/10 for 700+ baht out here near Surin. 

I had True Fiber and 3BB in the house at the same time. True was throttling EVERYTHING to the point that it was almost unusable. Begged and pleaded for them to do something and in the end I just quit paying them. 

The 3BB is GREAT for everything I use it for. Netflix Thailand runs PERFECT in full 1080p instantly. Torrenting I get over 5mb/s. Everything works and its easy to swap routers if you want to network your property. 

However with all internet here in thailand the international gateway lag can get annoying but its like this with all providers. 

Actually the only website that has any kind of lag/delay is thaivisa ever since they did the upgrade. 

Make sure that you get the land chanote in your wife's name. This will confirm that there are no liens on the property and it is free and clear. Will also help keep other peoples hands out of the pot as well. Plus has the added benefit of adding to your wife's assets - witch in turn adds to yours in thailand. The property can be used by your wife as collateral for bank loans and further mortgages. Also for car loans. End of the day get it in your wifes name. 

Second, when she does the land transfer into her name you will probably be required to sign a document that says you have nothing to do with the property. Its hers and any money used to acquire it was a gift. 

Other than that, nothing needs to be done, just build. No permits, drawings, etc. 

1 minute ago, AsianExport said:

I'm not missing anything, the OP said it by himself, he might trust too much and this is not the first time.

The one who is missing EVERYTHING is you, but sorry I am not a doctor.

Correct, You are not a doctor. 

I miss nothing in this topic. The OP May be too trusting, but when talking about who is right and wrong here, can you honestly say that the OP is wrong? 

5 minutes ago, AsianExport said:

Because this is true. The OP is smart but last time I read a post from him his wife was a drug addict, sorry, but THESE kinds of things NEVER happen to me.

OK, and the fact that his wife was a drug addict makes the OP in the wrong? Makes it ok for a person to lease his business, refuse to pay rent, refuse to leave, then extort him for 3 million baht? 

I see what your trying to get at, but you are clearly missing the point of right and wrong here. 

13 hours ago, simon43 said:

15 years in Thailand, speak fluent Thai, happily divorced from my mad ex-wives.

 

As some comments in this thread suggest, I am too trusting, and this has lead to my downfall before.  I am not a hard-nosed business guy and I readily admit that my 'goodwill' (some would call it naivity), has been taken advantage of on various occasions (by both Thai and 'farang').

 

My Thai family are supportive but fear this guy, as seems many other Thais do in the locality who I have asked for help.  Thai anger + krathom + gun is not a good mix

 

Personally, I'd pay a pittance to a Burmese to 'take out' the guy, as he no doubt might do to me if he loses face.

 

I will make no decision at all until I get some legal advice.

 

As to paying the guy to leave my resort, he has already stated the amount ==> a ludicrous 4 million baht   Since it only cost me 3 million baht to build, I'm not running to the ATM....

Hey man, I think you see the writing on the wall. You know the cops are not going to do anything even if you pay them. Everyone says to hire a cop... No thats not going to do anything, especially in Phuket, they are just going to take your money. The Cops are mostly run like a mob, they don't usually do anything unless the "Big Boss" sanctions it. 

The Poo Yai - Negative there. Ur not Thai. 

Thai Family? Most will not do anything even if they want to because its too dangerous. In fact, most thais won't do anything period because its too dangerous. They lack the backbone. Only time they get one is when there is a "Mob Mentality". 

Only options you have are to pursue this in a legal way, and failing that, you take that 3 million he wants, move away, and use the cash to make the guy miserable. 

Or just cut your losses, close all accounts, websites, utilities, etc, then move away. 

1 hour ago, AsianExport said:

So weird that you still talk like a newbie after 20 years here...

 

Not good at choosing wives and tenants it seems... or do you always attract drug addicts ?

Never understood why people say stuff like this. You think your slick but people see what your doing. 

"Hey guys I have this problem"

*People talking about said problem to find a solution*

You walk in: "OMG I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 5 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG IM SO THAI LISTEM TO ME"

14 hours ago, simon43 said:

One outcome of all this 'headache' is that I've taken a step back and critically considered my position in Thailand.  Yes, I'm sure that I'll get that little resort back and can get it generating a moderate income again.  But trying to run it in-person again could be a lot of hassle for only a moderate return/income (and that is only true if the Chinese tourists keep coming to Phuket, which seems rather unsure).

You are on the right track here. 

I don't know about EPL and all that but I can tell you that I had both 30/10 from True and 3BB out here in Surin True was throttling everything. Netflix, Torrents, Ilikehd, even Facebook and Youtube was slow as heck. Changed over to 3BB and no more problems with anything. 

I now have 50/10 from 3bb and get 5mb/s down on torrents and everything runs as it should. 

I mean on what planet is it OK to do stuff like this? 

Never mind vetting, forget the drug use/guns, there was a written contract agreement witch is not being upheld and the police are like nope not my problem. 

Ok get a lawyer and a court date... Aaaaand they don't show up. Who is gonna make them? Clearly the law should but nope again. 

This kind of thing is always going to happen here because the thais have no accountability for their actions. 

Anyway you know what to do, keep the thread updated and I hope you can get your business back.