MarkyM3

Should they have done the Lisbon treaty and kept voting until the "right" decision was reached? You're obviously a card-carrying Labour party member and I'm not here to debate endlessly about the finer minutae of the UK, we're going off track. But I would say one thing - I wouldn't be quoting Scandinvia too much around the positive benefits of mass immigraition. I'm a regular visitor to the region. Sweden is a mess, the highest gun crime rate in Europe and places like Malmo are infested with gang acitivity. Speak to a few people on the ground in the region and hear what they have to. Germany also has issues, my friend went back to Stuttgart recently having worked there 20 years ago. Said he'd never go back again, the place was a carphole. Like significant parts of London these days. I'm 53 and can say London is unrecognisable even from the mid 90s. And not for the better imo. You have your own views obviously.

Well it is to most of us, clearly. If they don't want to be scrutinised about their means or motives when promoting a major move to the other side of the world via social media then it's a non-story and they should keep their affairs to themselves instead of touting for clicks 😄

Come off it. Record levels of knife crime, Jews harassed on the streets of London by mobs, a ULEZ scheme no-one supports. London is near enough minority native British so Labour shoe-in. Pensioners have just had 2 consecutive triple lock increases, despite the country being saddled with C19 debt. As for rents, perhaps if the population hadn't increased by 10 million since the millenium we'd not be so short of space.

So...how do they qualify for the social health system in Thailand then without proper residency? They can pay privately for sure (I'm getting a load of dental work done in Bangkok next month) but you're being economical with the truth. Also, never waited a year in the UK for treatment, though it can be slow for non-urgent stuff, as per my comments earlier in thread. I was treated for brain surgery in UK by a top neurologist within a month of needing it, also had a similar serious surgery in quick time as well.

Well, David Cameron offered the referendum. And it was voted for by the British people, not Boris... Whether it's a mistake or not long-term remains to be seen but if the EU had offered any concessions on migration that Cameron asked for (remember, he was laughed at when he came back empty-handed), it very likely wouldn't have happened. As for the EU, it's hardly an economic powerhouse either., though they didn't waste as much on C19 as the UK did. Germany is struggling big-time and they are the largest net contributor to the budget. Norway and Switzerland are outside the EU, they seem to be doing just fine. So I'm reserving judgement on that. Also, anyone with pensions spread across the world hasn't got an issue, the weaker pound makes overseas investments worth more ££££. I voted for Brexit for the immigration reasons but got some regrets because we've seen no impact on numbers due to Conservative incompetence on stopping the flow from elsewhere, bogus colleges and so forth. Not that I think Labour will be any better at all. No-one should forget Bliar's incompetence in skipping transitional arrangement veto in 2004 and seeing a mass influx from Eastern Europe/ The loss of free movement has been a price to pay for sure.

Similar to me but looking for maybe 7 or so months over in Thailand in the colder period with summer back in UK. I'd also look to break the longer stint with return to UK for a month to deal with medical stuff, prescriptions etc. I went off the idea of a full move to Thailand for various reasons, the medical considerations and not finding the wet season to be that enjoyable as 2 issues. Cooler. drier summers back in Europe with long daylight hours are also preferable for me.

So, Liverpool Lou, why bother touting the story around if they wouldn't want any forensics. The whole point of it is they are saying they can have a much better life in Thailand due to cost of living crunch in UK. But as we know, the realities of working there in your 20s and with a young child is a bit different. How it's going to be financed is totally relevant if this is being portrayed as a realistic long-term option...

As per my posting, I live in Surrey and frequent visitor to Bangkok and elsewhere. I'm there all of next month. I first visited Thailand as a backpacker in 2005 and have been a regular visitor twice a year since. Also spent 3 * 6 month periods living there, most recently 2 years ago, and other times doing some remote work around vacation while retaining my highly paid job in the UK. I've also travelled around the world since my late 20s so your last point is somewhat misdirected if it was aimed towards me. Can't tell from your style of writing.... Not sure what the point is about beer costs either. We know what it costs in Thailand. All I said was the £2.10 cost theBlether mentioned was way out of line of most of the UK. That's a positive point for Thailand if you're into beer, despite Thai beer not being up to much. Your points about mortgage and pension are fair but most people do live until their 70s and 80s and beyond as medical advances occur. What do you do then if you're potless with no property equity, state or private pension contributions - start a GoFundMe? Your son is still a teenager, no worries, this couple aren't and have a kid. I know for a fact I couldn't have earned a decent living in IT in Thailand so my career was better done in the UK. All power to those who can make a career as real entrepreneurs elsewhere - I've seen people on here who say they have or been in niche areas like Oil & Gas and more power to their elbow. But for the vast majority, the prospects are better back home. I'm in a position to contemplate semi or full retirement at age 53. Very unlikely that would the case in Thailand for me, for better or worse. I took a look at the couple's linkedin page - she is a freelance "general PR" and wanting to set up some kind of online giftshop. That's not a long term wealth plan so I don't think they will find they can stick at it long-term unless they have a proper plan or are independently wealthy (which they clearly aren't). By all means have an overseas adventure for a few years though.

The guy stated he was flying intercontinental so I somehow doubt he's flying an A320 considering it's a short/intermediate haul aircraft.....likely flying cargo 747 or something.

Thanks to the OP for putting the vid up. I found it an interesting watch, as someone who might be spending a lot more time in the country in future as I move to semi-retirement. Difference in my case is I've spent plenty of time there in previous years and the reasons he gave are not an issue for me (and I don't even bother driving in Thailand tbh). It seems this guy didn't do his research or understand his motivations. Fair enough and good luck to him, he said he's lived in plenty of places before so it's just the next adventure. I can't quite understand people hammering him, he's hardly scraping the breadline, airline pilots are making serious dough these days in the US. Bit surprised he would pass the airline medical though carrying that amount of timber. Hope he drops a few pounds for his own sake.

Yet you found time to post a wildly speculative precis of it in the post before that, despite having not watched any of it. Yeah right 😄

These stories always bring out the usual coterie of xenophobes like this clown on the forum. WAC 😄

This conversation is pointless....you have the last word OK. Absolutely irrelevant to the point of the story but hey

You have my quote wrong. I said England, not the UK. I agree it's over 60 in England and Wales (yes, I should have said Wales as well). I should have mentioned it but this couple are clearly nowhere near that age, as someone else has pointed out. So it's irrelevant to the story, as was the follow-up comment about state pension age (which I'd never mentioned...). We digress...

Correct. The story is way light on proper detail.

Since when did I talk about state pension age......? You Liverpool Lou in disguise? 😄

OK but the people in question aren't 60 though are they.....I know there's a lot of pensioners on the forum but most people living in the UK aren't.....

Moaning about moaners. Ironic eh....

While I agree with the sentiment of your post regarding this family, got to say you obviously live in a different part of the UK to I (I live in Surrey and part year in Bangkok). Sounds like you are in Scotland judging by the persistent references to it? Beer is £6.50 - £7.80 a pint in central London. In Surrey, it's around £5.50 for a pint of Peroni. I can't recall anywhere I've paid £2.10 for a beer in the UK in many years. I've previously live in northern England btw (York and Newcastle). Perhaps you might pay £2.10 in a WMC or similar..... Hospital - referred for cortisone injection in mid April, was told last week I would have to wait another 2 months potentially. Managed to secure a cancellation for next week by ringing every day. Meanwhile, still waiting for an appt for xray/MRI for keyhole surgery. My experience of the NHS as far as hospital treatment goes is non-urgent stuff can take ages. All depends on where you live. Uni fees are minimum £9k per year in England, not exactly cheap. No free prescriptions in England. Your comments about the cost of rent and home ownership are a bit blase as well. Not everyone is a retired pensioner - like this couple. Agree on supermarkets 100%. Quality and choice is notably better in UK and if you want to eat cheese, decent meat etc. more expensive in Thailand as well. Living costs in Bangkok aren't that cheap for decent condos these days but better value than UK. Bear in mind a room in a shared house in SE England would set you back minimum £750/month in my area (as relayed to me direct). In London it could be approaching £1k and you'd be interviewed for it..... As for this family....their long-term economic, schooling and home ownership options are limited unless they have skillsets that can land a work permit for decent-paying work. Or they need to buy an Elite visa for long-term stay. More likely, they are operating as digital nomads, online teachers, bloggers or whatever. I suspect the story is mainly hype and they'll move on soon enough.

I wasn't x-rayed. An ultrasound was performed by the doctor at hospital, they use that to guide the injection site. The doc immediately said the cause was a bone protrusion and the long-term solution would likely be keyhole surgery (for which I have been referred for xray/MRI but again, it's the NHS (UK public health system) waiting list issue)). Not too sure why I would be contradicted again when I've already had one injection and am awaiting my follow-up, unless I'm sick or excluded for another reason (which I'd expect the doc performing a procedure to decide). The referral to hospital in Dec 2023 and again now has been made by my GP in the UK. This is how the public health system works in UK. It is logged on the NHS app. So I have a paper trail. Just to be clear - as of now, I've been referred for xray/MRI for the surgery, and also a repeat injection as an interim measure. Still awaiting appointments for both these due to the NHS backlog. Since I am fed up of waiting for another cortisone shot I would rather pay for it while I'm on holiday if that's an option. I guess it's up to a Thai doctor to decide whether they are happy to treat. I am aware Burmundgrad is a tier1 hospital which is why I was a bit wary. Money is not an issue but didn't want a padded-out scenerio. many thanks 🙂

Ok many thanks - any ballpark idea how much is that likely to cost me? Like I say, I don't require diagnosis or extensive consultation as that's already been done, pending keyhole surgery back in the UK in due course. I need someone who can perform an ultrasound and guided injection based upon that, without padding it out (as mentioned, the scan and injection took about 10-15 minutes in December 2023). I'm just a little wary based upon what I've read elsewhere about private medical facilities charging for stuff that isn't needed. I don't mind paying but just saying....

I did post in thw earlier thread but not sure if anyone will read it so started a fresh one. Apologies for the duplication.... I'm in Bangkok next month and also want to get a cortisone shot like the OP. I had one in December '23 at a UK NHS hospital - they performed a quick ultrasound and immediately identified a "protrusion" in left shoulder rubbing against some nerves. Off the back of that, they did a cortisone injection which worked great for about 3 months. In retrospect, they should have just booked me back in for a follow-up but it doesn't work like that. I have now been referred back to hospital by my GP for another injection and also an x-ray/MRI leading to a permanent solution in the form of keyhole surgery. But who knows how long that will be with NHS waiting lists. As of now, I've been waiting for an injection for a month and the hospital have just told me they have no idea when I will get an appointment. So I'm thinking to have this done in Bangkok instead. I'm staying in Suk Road near to Asoke Junction so something within striking distance of there would be ideal. I had one shot into top of left shoulder in Dec '23 so would expect the same. Just want a straightforward service so going to Burmundgrad sounds like it could be OTT for what I need?"

Following on from this....I'm in Bangkok next month and also want to get a cortisone shot like the OP. I had one in December '23 at a UK NHS hospital - they noted a "protrusion" in left shoulder rubbing against some nerves. Off the back of that, they did the guided injection which worked great for about 3 months. I have now been referred by my GP for assessment for x-ray/MRI leading to a permanent solution in the form of keyhole surgery. But who knows how long that will be with NHS waiting lists. In the meantime, I've been referred for another cortisone shot but stuck on an NHS list for a month and they've just told me they have no idea when I will get an appointment (pretty weak considering my shot in December literally was a quick ultrasound scan and a guided shot based on that, taking all of 10 minutes). So I'm thinking to have this done in Bangkok instead to be pain-free. I'm staying in Suk Road near to Asoke Junction so something within striking distance of there. I had one shot into top of left shoulder in Dec '23 so would expect the same. Just want a straightforward service so going to Burmundgrad sounds like it could be OTT for what I need?

Some interesting comments on this thread. I have no issue with age gap relations whatsoever and have been with plenty of women 25+ years younger than me in the UK and Thailand - regular dating or otherwise. But reading a post from someone saying they'd not touch a woman over 40 when he said on another thread he was already over that age when he met his squeeze at around age 18 I find pretty hypocritical 😄 Plenty of good and attractive women over 40, they don't all turn into trolls or babooshkas at that age as some seem to think. Some real stone-age attitudes here. It all depends on whether you take pride in your appearance. And yes, I'm sure there are quite a few women who don't, but it seems to be a universal law on ASEANNow. Also..turn the tables....walk around Bangkok or wherever and you'll see plenty of guys over 40 look like they are several months pregnant, dressed scruffily, sandals and socks, the cliches could go on. Probably looking worse than their ex or soon to be ex-wives, who perhaps fancied someone younger and better looking back home. It cuts both ways. Yes, you can find lots of beautiful women 30+ years your junior in Thailand but they probably aren't with you for your handsome looks or sexual prowess, even if they look great. Middle class and up would likely have 1st preference for an Asian partner of similar age/social status but are considered over the hill after 30 or if they have kids. You are solid providers foremost and reliable partners if it's LTR. And what do you do when they hit 40? Dump them off for something else? Best off staying single or discreetly getting a gik if that's the choice.

Nothing against Russians, met some good people, but the majority do not mix well in my experience and generally have few social graces. Plenty of anecdotal evidence on this forum and elsewhere would back that up imo. Also, it seems plenty of those who fled to Thailand still support their dictator-for-life's endeavours from afar while the poor are sent to the meat grinder in Ukraine. It wouldn't bother me if their expat population stays in Phuket and Pattaya, I don't go to either place. Btw, I am not in favour of farang ghettos dominated by any one nationality, including my own. But Westerners tend to mix better with each other, that's my experience. As for China, at one time I would have agreed they would become the world's dominant power but nowadays I think you're dead wrong. The economy and real estate sector is in a total mess and the demographics are not favourable. Deflation is about to set in, like the lost decades in Japan. The government, where power is concentrated in another dictator for life and his acolytes, seemingly have no business acumen at all and assume rebalancing their economy to high-value exports will just "happen". The youth unemployment figures are no longer published after going north of 20% - fact is, China has hordes of graduates and nowhere near enough decent jobs to offer, people didn't go to university to take low-paid factory jobs. If you want further evidence of the economic stagnation, the Hang Seng Index is around the same level it was 27 years ago....Hong Kong's role as a world financial centre is widely seen as doomed. Solution - pass an ill-defined National Security Law to stop anyone complaining. I (foolishly) invested in China and HK in the past and am well down so I do keep a close eye on what goes on. Xi's leadership has been a disaster. Covid lockdown for 3 years and suddenly abandoned when people could finally take no more. His policy. No surprise he was wheeled out recently when various US CEOs were visiting recently, asking them to invest in the country. It smacks of desperation. The reality is, overseas investors are fed up with the unpredictable investment environment and are looking to places like India. If you think an axis of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran is gonna take over from the Western nations, I honestly think you're totally deluded. Remember China is an export economy and relies on Western custom, like it or not. One reason they aren't selling weapons to Russia, they can't afford to be sanctioned. The West innovates, your axis rules by dictatorship, fear and censorship. I know which side most people will prefer to be on so no way will that succeed. We've even seen Chinese nationals trying to cross the border into the USA, sadly some dying in the process. Not seeing many going the other way are we?