southpacific001

I have a mate who lives in Phuket, on an Aussie Age Pension. I understand he also gets about 40k baht, paid directly into his Thai bank account monthly by the Australian government (Centrelink). Every time we do video chat on WhatsApp, he’s talking about how good the lifestyle is, the fact he doesn’t spend all his pension every month, etc. he lives in a tourist class hotel with pool, pretty much 360 degree views to Chalong Bay, the mountain behind, etc. nice big studio apartment with balcony’s.  he gets a discounted rate . The hotel would cost about $30 per night if you or I were to book as tourists. 

 He does have a love interest and is financially supporting her to the tune of 5k baht per month . He still doesn’t spend all his pension. 

I understand there are four Asian countries you can retire in, that is, the Australian government will pay your Age pension while you live there permanently - Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia / Bali. You might want to spend a year in Cambodia. It won’t be too far from your existing friends and I gather it is cheaper to live there. 

Cheers 

Hi all,

A general question - has anyone had any problems with any part of the process of receiving DHL packages at your residence in Thailand, specifically, posted to you from China? Conversely, anyone had any problems sending goods abroad using DHL?

I’m probably going to be getting small DHL boxes of goods from China on a semi-regular basis, say, monthly. I’m wondering if anyone in the forums can reassure me there won’t be a problem, or caution me, perhaps on the basis of problems they’ve had (eg, package opened then re-sealed). Nothing illegal or sensitive - just small plastic goods. 

I’ll also be using DHL to send goods abroad. 

Any comments welcome. Thank you.  

Hi Kenny -- I know of two farang start-ups that ended in tragedy -- the first, an internet cafe, failed after local stall-holders joined ranks and effectively blocked street access to the building by positioning their stalls in the way. Second, a guy who started a pub had a visit from some thugs - a lady threw boiling water over him, then he was attacked with a metal bar. He kept the business going, but he had to employ an ex-cop to sort things out for him.

I would avoid a business where you are competing with locals in the area, and maintaining a high profile at street level.

Perhaps you could spend part of the year consulting in markets you already know, eg Qatar, then R & R back in Thailand for a couple of months at a time. Be a technocrat and trade your expertise.

Hi all - I have a similar case, except that my filipino fiancee is on a student visa.

I am about to sign a new contract with my employer, and presumably visit immigration to undertake the visa/work permit formalities.

My filipino fiancee, who has been living with me in university teacher accomodation for nearly a year, has a student visa that expires in a couple of weeks.

After I get all my formalities out of the way tomorrow, I would like to try to arrange for an 'O' visa - or whatever is the appropriate visa - for her. Any further comments or relaying of experiences would be welcome.

I am open to going along to the local Thai registration office and undertaking Thai marriage registration if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

Does anyone know where the mobile phone vendors at MBK source their blackberrys and iphones? Do they import them independently (e.g., from Hong Kong) or is there a local supplier/wholesaler ?

Thanks for any info.