Thailand third for digital nomads, fourth for retirees

17 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said on 12 September that the government wants to use the results to encourage foreigners with spending power to remain in Thailand for longer.

If there is the tiniest bit of sincerity behind that statement which is questionable considering the current PM, than Thailand simply has to do more for the expat community.

Easier qualifications for long-term visas and easier methods to own a single family home and a rai or two of land. Especially for those of us who honest, and are financially stable and bring a fair amount to the table.

As I see it immigration is still fairly hostile and this administration is more xenophobic than most.

Having said that I do agree that Thailand's a great place to retire, the quality of life here is quite high for those of us who have limited income and wealth, and I really love the people and their disposition and attitudes.

Is mostly agree with you.

The only areas where I'd have an issue is Thais attitude on the roads. I'm back in the UK at the moment and drivers are much more friendly here. I do think that retirement in Thailand could be very difficult in the event you need to use a wheelchair or have some other disability. Many pavements/sidewalk aren't pedestrian friendly let alone suitable for wheelchairs. I've seen places where bikes have been parked across the tactile paving provided for the visually impaired. Disabled parking spaces attract bikes as well, particularly in filling stations.

8 hours ago, sungod said:

I’ve travelled extensively in Cambodia over the years, to many places most expats have never been to. A lot of this way before Bill’s 7 years in Siem Riep. Lately most of it’s been in PP. In my opinion the country has got worse rather than better with the way it’s been sold off by the ruling family to the Chinese.

If you think that’s negative then you clearly know nothing of the place, stating fact is not a rant, are you on the delicate side?

You say it has gotten worse yet you went to these other towns many years ago and mostly just been in PP in recent years which means PP has gotten worse not Siem Reap. So your logic is all flawed.

When was the last time you visited Siem Reap or Kampot? If it was pre covid then it means nothing.

Google reviews go back years and any review from more than 3 years ago I would ignore.

So we have your opinion (from many years ago) up against a guy who lived there from 2019 to 2026. Logically his opinion holds a lot more weight cause he spent the last 2000 days there and you visited years ago.

20 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

Well 30 days is the limit for a visa free tourist.

I think in this article they are talking about people who want to live here on a dtv visa or similar, not tourists.

So what are digital nomads here on... retirement/marriage visa?

23 minutes ago, Hotchilli123 said:

So what are digital nomads here on... retirement/marriage visa?

They should be on a DTV, My guess is they are on tourist visa's doing border bounces.

3 hours ago, kimamey said:

I do think that retirement in Thailand could be very difficult in the event you need to use a wheelchair or have some other disability. Many pavements/sidewalk aren't pedestrian friendly let alone suitable for wheelchairs.

I've seen old farangs with their wheelchairs on the street.

Some of these sidewalks are way too narrow and blocked with those boxes. Barely enough room to walk, let alone a wheelchair.

It's a wonder they don't get themselves run over.

10 hours ago, sungod said:

Lately most of it’s been in PP. In my opinion the country has got worse rather than better with the way it’s been sold off by the ruling family to the Chinese.

Who cares who owns what?

Maybe Sihanoukville has gotten worse, true.

I've seen a few bloggers in Cambodia and they seem to like it there.

Maybe Thailand is better in some ways, maybe Cambodia is better in some ways.

Phnom Penh is probably less congested and polluted than Bangkok, but no BTS ... and probably cheaper than Bangkok. No 90 day reporting, no money in the bank ...

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by save the frogs