Have you left Thailand ?

[simon43]

I don't know what the visa situation in Myanmar is for westerners who may be retired.

Currently, there is no retirement visa in Myanmar. The main visa types are a marriage visa, a tourist visa and a business visa.

I had businesses in Phuket for many years. Some of them had 'problems' caused by the Thai woman that I was married to at the time. Some of them had 'problems' caused by the corruption and lack of rule of Law on the island.

I worked in Myanmar in 2012/13 and returned in 2016 for my current job. I have never had problems with Myanmar women (because I avoid getting a GF perhaps). I have never had problems with corruption or problems with the police (again, maybe because I don't run a business).

[DavidB4]

20 hours ago, smotherb said:

Vietnamese more aggressive than the Thais; learning the language a struggle because the people would not help. I have not seen either of those attributes when comparing Thais and Vietnamese. I've seen more hot-tempered Thais and had much more encouragement to learn Vietnamese--however, my Vietnamese is far better than my Thai, which may account for that difference of opinion.

 

The infrastructure--civil, technical and social--is better in Thailand, and I have family and friends in here. Although, that is about where it stops for me with preference for Thailand.

 

I see the average Vietnamese is more dependable, harder-working; in fact; quite capable. It is easier to do business in Vietnam and you are much safer on the roads. Housing, utilities, food, and drink prices are cheaper and visa hassles are considerably less in Vietnam--a three -month visa costs about $50, the only requirement is six months validity on your passport, and you can get as many back-to-back visas as you like. I prefer the Vietnamese food, especially the availability of good breads, cheeses, beef, coffee and wine. Western-style foods, based on French and Continental cuisine, is common and you can get the meals for you and friends served at the same time. The Vietnamese women are very attractive and not as paunchy as many Thai women--and the Thai piano-stool calves are uncommon.

Good feedback/information thank you! It's been a while since I've been to Vietnam and at the time I was beginning to think they were getting to aggressive also so I'm glad to hear maybe that's changing. I found their language extremely difficult and only learned a few words but it seemed that more of them were learning English than the Thais....how is that now? I totally agree on the food and the women but was concerned the housing might be more than here....not so? Again thanks.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

11 hours ago, smotherb said:

Yeah, for the normal visas you do have to leave every 90 days--as I said, you could go to China, Cambodia or Laos overland and r/t SGN-BKK can be had for as little as $170. However, there are one, three and five year visas with more qualifications and cost--they are marriage and business-type visas. Some visa services offer a one-year multiple entry visa can be had for about $1200, but it appears about $7-800 of that is their fee.  I like to travel, so 90 days does not bother me and the Vietnamese don't seem to be as uptight as the Thais with back to back--I know one American who has been there for 14 years  doing 90-day back to back--he lives near Cambodia and has found a Cambodian honey with whom to unwind on those nasty visa trips.

 

re $1200 for a multi-entry visa. Wow, that's way overpriced. Most long-term Viet visas are Business class, various subclasses, DN, DL. They run $450 to $650 via a third party. What I've found is you have to earn your way up to the 12-month biz class visa. Start off with a 3-month single or multi business visa. Forgotten the cost. You definitely have to leave after 3 months. Come back with a six-month multi through a third party. I paid $290US all in. I recently got a 12-month for $350 through a private channel; didn't have to leave because of my extensive VN visa history.

 

Tourist visas are maximum 3 months, single entry. You can get an extension but it's prohibitively expensive. In effect, Tourist visas are not renewable. Go out and come back with a biz visa, 3-month multi or 6-month multi.

 

That said, Americans get a better deal for a 12-month visa due to a reciprocity agreement with VN. You'll have to go to the VN embassy in Bangkok. It's cheap, too. 

 

There are 3-year temporary residency permits and the old favourite, a 5-year due to marriage.

 

 

 

 

[smotherb]

2 hours ago, Kaoboi Bebobp said:

 

re $1200 for a multi-entry visa. Wow, that's way overpriced. Most long-term Viet visas are Business class, various subclasses, DN, DL. They run $450 to $650 via a third party. What I've found is you have to earn your way up to the 12-month biz class visa. Start off with a 3-month single or multi business visa. Forgotten the cost. You definitely have to leave after 3 months. Come back with a six-month multi through a third party. I paid $290US all in. I recently got a 12-month for $350 through a private channel; didn't have to leave because of my extensive VN visa history.

 

Tourist visas are maximum 3 months, single entry. You can get an extension but it's prohibitively expensive. In effect, Tourist visas are not renewable. Go out and come back with a biz visa, 3-month multi or 6-month multi.

 

That said, Americans get a better deal for a 12-month visa due to a reciprocity agreement with VN. You'll have to go to the VN embassy in Bangkok. It's cheap, too. 

 

There are 3-year temporary residency permits and the old favourite, a 5-year due to marriage.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, I had heard that $1200 was $7-800 for the agent--you seem to confirm that--I am just getting back to Vietnam, lived there for four years decades ago. Glad to hear the progressive steps to a longer visa. Although, as I said, I am happy with the three month.

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎7‎/‎2018 at 4:22 PM, Thai Ron said:

Sorry but weren't you the one who added to the deviation (initiated by "amvet") by introducing the "dying in bed with a prostitute" as being your ideal way to go?

 

No need to apologise, but I thought from the beginning that it should be on Farang Pub so we could say what we really think. That was just the first time I had a reason to suggest it.

I was responding to some comment about Viagra, if I remember correctly so yes, I may have added to it but I didn't start it.

Edited January 8, 2018 by thaibeachlovers

[Thai Ron]

19 hours ago, smotherb said:

Just a bit judgemental aren't you? If he is single and enjoys the company of a beautiful lass in his bed; what business is it of yours? If she is willing and he can rationalize the money for pleasure formula, what is the problem?  I have always felt your retirement years were best used doing what you like to do as long as you can. Some men have wives and family around them in their sunset years, others are single and still have a party or two left in them. Of course, being financially secure and reasonably healthy is the key which allows you to choose. The worst of all worlds are those who spend their retirement living as cheaply as possible and forgoing what they need or would rather be doing.

Yes, I am judgmental but no more so than you or any other human being who makes judgments of varying degrees of importance each and every day 

so I ain't going to make any apologies for my comments.

 

 

[amvet]

38 minutes ago, Thai Ron said:

Yes, I am judgmental but no more so than you or any other human being who makes judgments of varying degrees of importance each and every day 

so I ain't going to make any apologies for my comments.

 

 

People decide where to live based on cheap medical care, and cheap housing, and cheap food and cheap wine or beer, why not cheap sex?  

 

What is the difference medical care and housing and food and booze and sex makes one feel good.  What is the difference?  Doctors provide health care, chefs provide food, real estate agents provide housing, bartenders supply booze and hookers provide sex.  It's a need and a service to fill needs and the price is determined by supply and demand.  I'm sure there are instances of people forced to fish to provide me fresh seafood but I'm also sure it is a very small part of the market.  

 

I live in a place based on my likes and dislikes and what I can pay.  The US government forced me to go to Vietnam or federal prison so I've got a chip on my shoulder about that place.  I'm sure if I went of my own free will and lived in the lap of luxury in Saigon I'd feel different about it.  

Edited January 8, 2018 by amvet

[The Deerhunter]

10 hours ago, superal said:

love your attitude amvet.i'm 95 .was shot 5 times in war,had three heart attacks,numerous stints and pacemaker. work out lighty 5 days a week. have sex at least 10 times a week.take 4 heart medications and viagro.decided to marry no decease problems to worry .don. 't have to lift a finger to do anything and i'm happy. and i play bridge. the thais i know are great people.

More power to you Jack, I am a relative youngster at 73. You are my new hero.

 

Irish Jack ,      Sounds like you have many a yarn to tell and are leading a good life but sex 10 times a week ? especially at 95 years old puts me to shame , was your wife an ex-jockey ?   Thanks pal , you made me chuckle 

Ten a week.  That means two a day but he gets weekends off. 555.

[smotherb]

3 hours ago, Thai Ron said:

Yes, I am judgmental but no more so than you or any other human being who makes judgments of varying degrees of importance each and every day 

so I ain't going to make any apologies for my comments.

 

 

Now you are trying to drag me and others down to your level. No thanks ThaiRon, you've placed  yourself into that lower berth.

[thaibeachlovers]

22 hours ago, amvet said:

People decide where to live based on cheap medical care, and cheap housing, and cheap food and cheap wine or beer, why not cheap sex?  

 

What is the difference medical care and housing and food and booze and sex makes one feel good.  What is the difference?  Doctors provide health care, chefs provide food, real estate agents provide housing, bartenders supply booze and hookers provide sex.  It's a need and a service to fill needs and the price is determined by supply and demand.  

Well said. IMO men in faux moral hypocritical countries are more angry with all that entails because they have to beg women and buy them expensive presents etc to have sex . If men could get sex as easily as in LOS it'd make everybody a lot happier.

[thaibeachlovers]

22 hours ago, The Deerhunter said:

Ten a week.  That means two a day but he gets weekends off. 555.

LOL. However, in LOS a morning and evening session would probably be "normal" for an average farang with a willing partner, but I don't know why he doesn't on the weekend. Perhaps his wife goes to the village to see her mum on weekends.

 

[amvet]

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Well said. IMO men in faux moral hypocritical countries are more angry with all that entails because they have to beg women and buy them expensive presents etc to have sex . If men could get sex as easily as in LOS it'd make everybody a lot happier.

I'm a firm believer in womens equality.  Not superiority.  Equality.  

[Thai Ron]

20 hours ago, smotherb said:

Now you are trying to drag me and others down to your level. No thanks ThaiRon, you've placed  yourself into that lower berth.

You're already there, mate.

I could easily pull out a few posts in which you've made judgmental statements about others' lifestyles or life choices so careful when you climb down off that steed

[amvet]

On 1/7/2018 at 4:22 PM, Thai Ron said:

Sorry but weren't you the one who added to the deviation (initiated by "amvet") by introducing the "dying in bed with a prostitute" as being your ideal way to go?

 

 

Not Amvet All I said is sex was good exercise and because you don't like older men having sex you went all silly about dying from ED drugs that millions take daily.  And one of the major reasons for an expat boom living in Thailand as opposed to the less spring and winter relationships of the neighboring countries.  

It was jerojero who posted

•  

•  #16

Posted Saturday at 06:46 PM

  On 1/6/2018 at 4:07 PM, Thai Ron said:

Here's a radical idea. 

If your ticker ain't up to it, abstain.

Play bridge


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If it's my time to go, I'd want to have it with a Thai lady riding me into my sunset!  

Sent from my [device_name] using http://Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Edited January 9, 2018 by amvet

[MaeJoMTB]

On 1/8/2018 at 5:36 PM, amvet said:

People decide where to live based on cheap medical care, and cheap housing, and cheap food and cheap wine or beer, why not cheap sex?  

 

What is the difference medical care and housing and food and booze and sex makes one feel good.  What is the difference?  Doctors provide health care, chefs provide food, real estate agents provide housing, bartenders supply booze and hookers provide sex.  It's a need and a service to fill needs and the price is determined by supply and demand.  I'm sure there are instances of people forced to fish to provide me fresh seafood but I'm also sure it is a very small part of the market.  

 

I live in a place based on my likes and dislikes and what I can pay.  The US government forced me to go to Vietnam or federal prison so I've got a chip on my shoulder about that place.  I'm sure if I went of my own free will and lived in the lap of luxury in Saigon I'd feel different about it.  

Not sure medical care make me feel good, I try to avoid that.

If all I wanted was cheap sex and booze, I'd be living in PI, Thailand is double price for those items.

But wanting sex is normal, I don't know of any man that wouldn't have sex every day if it were easily available.

 

[MaeJoMTB]

On 1/7/2018 at 10:51 PM, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

lack of easy public transportation,

I've found transportation in PI to be extremely easy.

Cheap bus between every town, Jeepney routes to cover the local travel, and trikes on every street corner.

[amvet]

6 minutes ago, MaeJoMTB said:

Not sure medical care make me feel good, I try to avoid that.

If all I wanted was cheap sex and booze, I'd be living in PI, Thailand is double price for those items.

But wanting sex is normal, I don't know of any man that wouldn't have sex every day if it were easily available.

 

I look at medical care as a preventative.  I get frequent check ups and feel much better with less problems than I see in people who don't go the doctor on a regular basis.  I don't know about booze because I rarely drink but small town sex costs between 300 and 1000 baht daily and I don't think the PI is less than that.  

[MaeJoMTB]

9 minutes ago, amvet said:

I look at medical care as a preventative.  I get frequent check ups and feel much better with less problems than I see in people who don't go the doctor on a regular basis.  I don't know about booze because I rarely drink but small town sex costs between 300 and 1000 baht daily and I don't think the PI is less than that.  

I've survived 62 years, only visiting doctors when I have a problem, usually some form of impact damage.

In PI a 700cl bottle of San Miguel gin around 40bht, other spirits at similar prices, it's alcohol heaven.

 

Edited January 9, 2018 by MaeJoMTB

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

4 minutes ago, MaeJoMTB said:

I've found transportation in PI to be extremely easy.

Cheap bus between every town, Jeepney routes to cover the local travel, and trikes on every street corner.

Should I have also added... safe and non-extortionate?

 

[MaeJoMTB]

Somethings gone wrong ......

Edited January 9, 2018 by MaeJoMTB

[MaeJoMTB]

somethings gone wrong ......

[torrzent]

1 hour ago, MaeJoMTB said:

I've found transportation in PI to be extremely easy.

Cheap bus between every town, Jeepney routes to cover the local travel, and trikes on every street corner.

sounds like you are on the 1 star cheap charlie budget!

[MaeJoMTB]

19 minutes ago, torrzent said:

sounds like you are on the 1 star cheap charlie budget!

If it's good enough for the locals, then it's probably good enough for me.

Some foreigners are just too good to mix with the local populations.

 

I quite like Filipinos, very friendly, unlike Thais whom I distrust.

Edited January 9, 2018 by MaeJoMTB

[dpdp]

3 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

If it's good enough for the locals, then it's probably good enough for me.

Some foreigners are just too good to mix with the local populations.

 

I quite like Filipinos, very friendly, unlike Thais whom I distrust.

 

I used public transportation when I was young and not smart enough to make a lot of money.

Aren't we supposed to improve our lifestyle ?

I do not plan to travel like a backpacker when I will be 60 hahahaha

Many things are good for the poor, local or not, but not for me !

 

 

 

 

[smotherb]

8 hours ago, Thai Ron said:

You're already there, mate.

I could easily pull out a few posts in which you've made judgmental statements about others' lifestyles or life choices so careful when you climb down off that steed

Feel free to point them out.

[Ruffian Dick]

6 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

I've found transportation in PI to be extremely easy.

Cheap bus between every town, Jeepney routes to cover the local travel, and trikes on every street corner.

Sounds like better than CNX, worse than BKK.

[ericthai]

On 1/7/2018 at 2:28 PM, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

As someone with experience in both countries, WHY???

I liked HCMC but at the time (2005) it was still behind Thailand for expat comforts.  All movies were only in Vietnamese, Vietnam had nothing like Big C to go shopping, etc.  Beaches were clean and quite, Going out was dirt cheap beer $0.50 a can, however very limited choices for entertainment.  I would go there for a holiday.  I'm sure it's changed allot since my time there. 

[Ulysses G.]

10 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

If it's good enough for the locals, then it's probably good enough for me.

 

Vietnam had really unpleasant transport for locals back in the early 1990s, when I first started going there. They jammed way too many people in their vehicles, but sometimes there was no other choice. They also had really great tourist buses with plenty of room and comfort (Kim Cafe and Singh Cafe). They were very reasonably priced and would drive you around looking at cheap guesthouses in every city. Great place to visit back then.

Edited January 10, 2018 by Ulysses G.

[torrzent]

11 hours ago, MaeJoMTB said:

If it's good enough for the locals, then it's probably good enough for me.

Some foreigners are just too good to mix with the local populations.

 

I quite like Filipinos, very friendly, unlike Thais whom I distrust.

I like to create my own standards, rather than following someone else.  Also, whether I like someone or not, does not impact my assessment of the quality of the service.

[toughlove]

I liked HCMC but at the time (2005) it was still behind Thailand for expat comforts.  All movies were only in Vietnamese, Vietnam had nothing like Big C to go shopping, etc.  Beaches were clean and quite, Going out was dirt cheap beer $0.50 a can, however very limited choices for entertainment.  I would go there for a holiday.  I'm sure it's changed allot since my time there. 

Nope. Crappy malls and hard to get to. Food great, beer cheap but the sound of a million motorcycle horns being pressed non stop will drive you nuts.
The street hawkers make the Indians in bangkok look like amateurs and sitting at a table in a bar or resteraunt is only possible if you are deep inside the establishment away from the footpath so that kills people watching.

Been there done that not going back