SURVEY: Do you plan on staying in Thailand permanently?

[mommysboy]

Don't see anything but falling standards in UK for the average pleb like me.  Life in Thailand can be hard but there is at least an up-side.

[The manic]

6 hours ago, Naam said:

not an option for those who will be prey of the home country's taxman even with short stays 

If your source of income is from your home country such as -pension or property then you are subject to tax anyway.

[Naam]

9 minutes ago, The manic said:

If your source of income is from your home country such as -pension or property then you are subject to tax anyway.

incorrect assumption. my pension is tax free.

Edited September 10, 2017 by Naam

[MadMuhammad]

45 minutes ago, HOAX said:

Not to sound like a pessimist but ฿100k a month isn't exactly THAT much. Many, if not most farangs in Thailand, including myself have more than 100k and I can easily tell you with the future-expenses you have ahead of you you will soon begin to wish you had a little more.

- House/Condo
- Interior/exterior - Furniture, kitchenware, garden etc
- Car and/or motorbike
- Food, gasoline, alcohol?, cigarettes?, beauty- and toilet products and cleaning products +++
- Pets?
- Insurances
- Taxes
- Bills- Electricity, water, TV, Internet ++
- Money for you and your wife/girls
- Taking the family on holiday or out eating
- If you get kids then that will cost a lot too
- Currency variations - It can vary by ฿20k in just a couple of months. Its currently down by around 30% from just a couple of years ago (it was over 40%)
- ... and other unforeseen expenses such as medical bills, funerals, weddings, damages, corrupt officials, your wife's local traditional bs, something comes up with your business +++

It's a long list my friend. Sure, some of this may not apply to you, and your lady may be less expensive than others but even then you'll still wish you had more than 100K. I have plenty of friends here who also have more than 100k and I don't know of anyone of them who are not short on cash once in a while, including myself, hence why some of them even work in Thailand in addition to having 125k+ in pension (or business).

You're completely underestimating the cost of living in Thailand. Simple as that. Not to mention over decades of years. And its getting more and more expensive here every year. The 12th (or was it the 16th?) September taxes on a large variety of products will increase. Last year taxes for business owners doubled (?), as well as other things. Next year taxes will increase somewhere, and so it will continue every year as well as price increase on products and services. Land prices have increased with like 200-1000% in about a decade, depending where the land is located.

Not trying to scare you off here. Just being very realistic with you. You can absolutely live a comfortable life on 100k in Thailand, its really all up to you, but I'm just giving you a heads up on how it is for the vast majority of farangs being married to a Thai and living here. And finding a poor farmgirl isn't any cheaper, rather the opposite, as not just the girl will rely on your money, but her family will too, at leased there will be some additional expenses there.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

G'day HOAX, thanks for your extensive comments and your time.

 

100K฿ is merely the distributions I receive from my trust that I feel is comfortable for myself. This is not the high side of my available monthly available distributions and as mentioned I have a sizeable cash component in reserve above and beyond my investment portfolio.

 

As mentioned I'll be renting, furnished properties only. I've owned property and I prefer to keep myself mobile and not tied down, especially in Thailand with all that can happen (noisy neighbours, live stock, coups etc)

 

A car, high end big bike and a couple of scooters have been allowed for with current cash funds.

Food, gas, dentist, massages, registration, insurances, eating out, bank fees, utilities, internet have been allowed for in budget. My best mate has been living in Thailand for 20 years and I've used his outgoings +10% or so to get an idea. He lives in Pattaya, I'll be in Sattahip/Rayong.

100% no pets

100% same for children lol

Spending money for myself included in my budget inc entertainment.

My girlfriend comes from a family with money so she won't be a drain on me and her parents are self made so there'll be no 'sick buffalo' issues. They've managed to comfortably pay for her university education including accomodation and spending money in Australia for the past 3 years, 1mil฿ per year in school fees alone.

Currency variations are a very real issue but again, have been allowed for. 

 

In my extensive experience over the last 5 years Thai living costs are nowhere near those of Australia and I'm living an extremely comfortable life here while not working. I definitely don't do without.

 

By no means am I feeling scared off or shocked by your comments. Actually quite the opposite, they're welcomed and appreciated. I'm not a starry eyed, hoping-to-make-a-go-of-it dreamer. I've made this decision with cold hard fact and I now have the financial means to make it happen.

 

Ultimately nothing ever works out as expected and life throws curve balls out of nowhere, I can attest to that after the toughest 5 years of my life recently. But good planning and as much information from whoever you can get to listen (hence my detailed comments here) are invaluable. 

 

Thanks again, much appreciated.

 

[MadMuhammad]

3 minutes ago, Naam said:

incorrect assumption. my pension is tax free.

Tax free are two of my favourite words when put together!

 

I've buried my assets and cash in a descretionary trust. Not tax free but great for tax breaks and protecting assets 

[Crossy]

1 hour ago, MadMuhammad said:

I love this. Evidently a large part of why you're so happy mate.

I do wonder sometimes if I've slipped into a parallel universe, and am seeing the perfect Thailand (I'm well past the rose-tinted spectacles stage).

 

We see no (ok very little) of the issues which seem to blight many of our members. No karaoke, nightclubs, barking dogs (ok, our own dogs do bark), noisy temples (we are right next to one), motorcycle racers, name callers (our local shop people call me by name [not The Farang]) burglars etc etc.

 

And no, we don't live in the middle of nowhere, we are inside the Bangkok outer ring-road (Route 9) and I commute every day to my biggest client's office next to Mo-Chit BTS station.

 

[sirineou]

28 minutes ago, Naam said:

if their situation in Thailand is less desirable the choice is an easy one. please tell me what assets one needs to liquidate to escape to Thailand and why should the liquid proceeds of these assets have disappeared? priced out of the housing market? tough luck! rent if you can't buy. live in the Ozarks if you can't afford Manhattan or Beverly Hills.

I  would think the answer is obvious but if I must

One might not have enough money to live with in Thailand and one might sell his house . Once in Thailand one might develop an insatiable   appetites for Som Tom . and we all know what a terrible affliction this could be and how it could quickly  drain one's resources. 

     As enticing the prospect of living in the Ozarks might be , I am afraid my redneck are a bit rusty and  given the problem some of as have with Thai, learning an other language might be more of a challenge some of us could handle.

   Plus my marksmanship skills are not what they used to be, and given my smartass New York mouth, my running skills are not so good also. 

[MadMuhammad]

1 minute ago, Crossy said:

I do wonder sometimes if I've slipped into a parallel universe, and am seeing the perfect Thailand (I'm well past the rose-tinted spectacles stage).

 

We see no (ok very little) of the issues which seem to blight many of our members. No karaoke, nightclubs, barking dogs (ok, our own dogs do bark), noisy temples (we are right next to one), motorcycle racers, name callers (our local shop people call me by name [not The Farang]) burglars etc etc.

 

And no, we don't live in the middle of nowhere, we are inside the Bangkok outer ring-road (Route 9) and I commute every day to my biggest client's office next to Mo-Chit BTS station.

 

You should write a book! Probably wouldn't sell though because no one seems to like success stories lol

[Anthony Loh]

I'm now 50 and have been in Thailand for more that 15 years. I don't have any more choices to choose as my wife and my two kids are all born in Thailand, wish that the Thai government can help people like us to stay in this country with our family forever.

[SirBuwanaDogbossKing]

6 hours ago, amvet said:

Given the Brexit nuts and the Trump nuts and the Korean situation I feel safer in Thailand and have for the past 20 years.  I'm only 72 and have enough to live here comfortably and will continue to do so. I like skinny women/or reasonable facsimile who shower four times a day and I feel very much at home here. 

"I,m 72 and like skinny women or something made similar (facsimile) who shower 4 times per day........LOL you probably are in the right place!

[wgdanson]

7 hours ago, funandsuninbangkok said:

Great place / nice people. What's not to like?

Oh I can think of quite a few, especially if living in Patts, Phuket or the like. Up here in the semi sticks (Phitsanulok) all is OK. I could not afford to live in UK the standard I do with the money I have coming in. And of course, an older man can be 'kept happy' much easier, been with her 9 years now and all's great. She's got me booked in the Temple for burning me!

[JLCrab]

39 minutes ago, Crossy said:

<snipo>

 

We see no (ok very little) of the issues which seem to blight many of our members. No karaoke, nightclubs, barking dogs (ok, our own dogs do bark), noisy temples (we are right next to one), motorcycle racers, name callers (our local shop people call me by name [not The Farang]) burglars etc etc.

<snip2>

 

So how can you say things are so great when the burglars know you by name?

[hardright]

Hello to you all. I've been a reading fan for awhile. My plan is to stay in Thailand as long as I can get pissed everyday and have a ready supply of young ladies.

[LannaGuy]

1 hour ago, Broken Record said:

So you don't stay in Thailand obviously, or do you ?

I think he does and he's not far off the mark let's be honest but as long as most of that does not impact us too much we should be ok.

[Dene16]

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

unlike the noisome 30%, they don't feel the need to post about how their innate weaknesses, insecurities, social inadequacies, narrow-mindedness and bigotry sets them at odds daily with the locals, their lifestyle, culture and politics .

harsh but fair

What else would you do in the evenings if you didn't have the delight of reading such stories, watch thai soaps?

I think TV has become a big part of many expats lives here, advice, amusement, and stay in touch with ones compatriots, all in one place

long live Thai Visa

[amvet]

3 hours ago, Crossy said:

Having been outside the UK for around half my working life I doubt I could fit in now.

 

Infinitely happy here, settled with a lovely (age appropriate) lady, local grandkids (Wifey's from previous marriage, no kids of our own), decent job.

 

Sadly got stuffed by the LM Fund or I would have retired by now, such is life.

I would suggest that age appropriate is less important than culturally appropriate.  My wife and I both have advanced degrees and speak a variety of languages and our 30 year age difference is unimportant.  My first German wife was an uneducated stripper about the same age as I and the marriage didn't last long. 

[gios50hk]

2 hours ago, Broken Record said:

So you don't stay in Thailand obviously, or do you ?

Regrettably - yes we live in Thailand.....are you another of the 'blinkered' people that actually like Thailand?!? How sad....

[gios50hk]

44 minutes ago, LannaGuy said:

I think he does and he's not far off the mark let's be honest but as long as most of that does not impact us too much we should be ok.

Regrettably - yes we live in Thailand.....Broken Record must be another of the 'blinkered' people that actually like Thailand?!? How sad.... But by the sounds you must live in a nuclear bunker and wear full-body Kevlar armour to escape all the horrible people that abound in this 3rd world backwater?

[Dene16]

2 hours ago, Naam said:

incorrect assumption. my pension is tax free.

Are you Australian? i believe their pensions are tax free

Most countries however would normally pay tax on their pensions the UK only on sums above £11,200

[Psimbo]

6 hours ago, gios50hk said:

Rampant corruption, tyrannical leader & government, overt racism, home to the largest assortment of criminals, scam artists, conmen and other low-life scum on the planet, total lack of judicial and legal system, world's worst motorists for starters .......shall I go on?

None of which directly affects me on a day to day basis. Stay under the radar and life here is easy. You're quite bitter really, aren't you.

Edited September 10, 2017 by Psimbo

[Aforek]

2 minutes ago, gios50hk said:

you must live in a nuclear bunker and wear full-body Kevlar armour to escape all the horrible events and people that abound in this 3rd world backwater!

When do you leave this horrible country called "Thailand " ? 

[Artisi]

39 minutes ago, gios50hk said:

not soon enough unfortunately......why?

If we passed the hat around and collected a few Baht for you, would that speed up your departure? 

[wakeupplease]

So what did I learn from reading every comment so far?

 

There are some rich or wannabe rich Farangs all just guests with no guarantee of a future within the borders at this time. All have their fingers crossed for the future. Most from their comments suggest that it is not a place to invest in as corruption is hiding around every corner. Some comment that friends and family have never visited the ultimate tourist country (TAT Adds now on going). that should tell you their is a problem with family and friends as going on holiday here was once just a dream.

 

No right to buy:  But in other countries Thais can buy.

Visa restrictions: Hey this one did not get much of a comment, I wonder why.

Business set up: 49%/51%, One sure way to loose your savings

Roads: Just a raceway of death.

Islands of Death.

Racialism: Both sides by the look of it.

Suicides: Far to many.

Lies and Deceit: Ask Ian & Jonathon plus thousands of others about this.

 

These are just a few of the things that spring to mind when I talk to others about the place. Don't get me wrong I think every one on TV deep down loves the country and wished it could be as fair to them as their country is fair to Thais who go and live there.

 

Skinny women: There where once bust since the arrival of Mr Mac and soft drinks those days have long gone. (Someone living in the past there I think).

 

Those with money have a plan B and would be gone with the drop of the hat if times get worse, so I think of those with the bridges burnt, and do not know how you would cope, I hope not suicide.

 

Its a sad situation and could easily be rectified but I think not and things will get harder for the next 10 years.

 

One thing is for sure its a right put off to many newbies who may wish to become expats and even tourists as it is.

 

I just wish it was different as working together would help the country so much.

 

One off topic

New Television add from TAT, view on Sat channels raves about the street food in BK, and there was I thinking the street venders had been cleared.

 

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

Agreed.  It is amazing that the UK makes me pay exactly the same amount of tax on my total income as I would living in the UK and yet limits my pension to the level at which it started 11 years ago, while also denying me the right to any UK benefits, including access to the NHS unless I can prove that my return to the UK is permanent.

 

Well, perhaps, not so amazing after all, as the UK Government ceases to care about people (like me), who were born and lived and worked in the UK all their lives up to retirement age, as soon as they leave the UK, while of course still demanding the usual tax payments. By all accounts, even the British Embassy  does very little to assist British citizens abroad, other than by dealing with paperwork in return for quite high fees. 

 

Brits do wind me up when I read things like this as in any country you live in you pay tax of one sort or another. In the UK pensioners still pay tax on income over a certain amount and in their everyday spend. Yet some want the pension and the yearly increases yet pay no tax to support the country and divert the money here to support this country. Dreamers who want their cake and eat it.

 

Health

 

As one who in the last few days has run into heath problems and yes I did look after myself for over 25 years in the gym 3 hours a day every day. Going back to the UK for treatment is a no brainier, so will as I still get full benefits, I wonder why you do not get the same as i do. But even Thai's who have lived in the UK get free heath treatment after a 2 to 3 years, so says a lot about how good services are there today.

 

Perhaps you have been away to long and read too many newspapers which you should only believe 25% of the story as bullS>>> is always the other 75%

 

Embassy Yes you are correct.

 

Lovely country shame about some stupid rules that need updating to the 21st century.

 

 

[mogandave]

So what did I learn from reading every comment so far?

Nothing?

[OLDMANHARRY]

I cannot help myself but laugh , gee you guy's can talk some real good bullshit.

Why would i like to stay permanently , if possible, in Thailand because I like the place, and love the only women in my life ,now for many years .

Australia is a shit hole, infact I hate the place, 27 million people here, in Perth my place 2.3 million  60 % are good people the other 40 % you wouldn't piss on them.

I have owned a company here for 30 years and employ many people , I enjoy traveling back to the penal colony and make an appearance taking as much money as I can, out of this shit hole Country for many years and believe me that will continue , my Biggest  grip in this Country is the Government and the f## king TAX"S on everything, I am totally over-it.

 

So why be here in poxy Australia, simple for my children two boys with no mum. 

As I sit back , and look across the room at my adult son's , thinking when are they going to leave home, I say to myself, do I sell my house's or not , if I do capital gains tax will take 160,000 AU or if I give them one each stamp duty tax will step in and lawyers and fee's on top , so be screwed both ways.

I have an elite visa and use it to the max.

 

Back to the homeland soon, with a pocket full of cash .

 

All take care , love it.

H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

[brewsterbudgen]

I can earn more money here teaching than I could back home, so, after 13 years I will be here a bit longer. The deciding factor will be my son who's 2 and, as he's not Thai, will most likely benefit from a UK education.

[amvet]

To wakeupplease 

Obesity rank

USA 33%

UK 28%

Australia 28%

Thailand 8.5%

https://obesity.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=006032

 

Business percent?  100% American Treaty of Amity.

Visa?  20 years worth no problems.

Racism?  So, they like me better than Thai people.  Not my fault. 

[Jonah Tenner]

4 hours ago, Naam said:

if their situation in Thailand is less desirable the choice is an easy one. please tell me what assets one needs to liquidate to escape to Thailand and why should the liquid proceeds of these assets have disappeared? priced out of the housing market? tough luck! rent if you can't buy. live in the Ozarks if you can't afford Manhattan or Beverly Hills.

Here in Norway it is very simple, if you have any assets in this country they will tax you as a resident, no matter where you live. When you remove all your assets and leave to live somewhere else, they still tax you as a resident for three years after you have left. Then after three years, if you are a pensioner, they will claim an origin tax of 15% on your pension. If you try to return after having left, they can deny you public services such as health care and social services if they find your association with Norway is no longer close enough to define you as a permanent resident. (Authorities decide.)

I am now retired, 67 y o, but my pension is not enough for me to live in Norway, so I am getting out of here. starting in Thailand and trying to live in different countries if I do not adapt properly.

 

[champers]

3 hours ago, wgdanson said:

She's got me booked in the Temple for burning me!

Hope she waits till you die.

[wakeupplease]

10 minutes ago, amvet said:

To wakeupplease 

Obesity rank

USA 33%

UK 28%

Australia 28%

Thailand 8.5%

https://obesity.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=006032

 

Business percent?  100% American Treaty of Amity.

Visa?  20 years worth no problems.

Racism?  So, they like me better than Thai people.  Not my fault. 

Don't believe everything you read, did you not learn that at school 25% truth 75% what you seem to say is the truth.

 

Business percent?  100% American Treaty of Amity. Now that works well for a Brit or Aus or European does it not, but heard a lot of American lads say its not worth the paper its written on and too much red tape and corruption.

 

Visa?  20 years worth no problems. Lucky man, try and tell us the same in 10 years please.