No Letter and no Money

[roger101]

I live on my pensions. I will never have enough money to place in the bank (400,000 or 800,000). So which country would you suggest I move to?

I know this probably not the right forum so would a mod move it to a more suitable one. Thanks

[puchooay]

Why not just wait for an announcement from immigration? I'm sure they are not going to leave those that used the embassy letter system high and dry.

[elviajero]

What’s your nationality?

[roger101]

1 minute ago, elviajero said:

What’s your nationality?

British. Also I'm a great one for planning ahead even if it doesn't happen.

[watcharacters]

 

This list includes some very nice countries that make it easy for a person wanting to immigrate.

 

Just use a little navigation.

 

http://www.immigrationdo.com/easiest-countries-for-immigration/

 

[Cadbury]

Presumably you wish to remain in Asia? If so and you need a low cost of living country try Vietnam. Central Vietnam would be my choice. 

[DrJack54]

Just use an agent. 

[marqus12]

last time when I was in vietnam cruise to the vung tau

whose canceled half an hour before deperture because

of bad weather... my Thai girlfriend was outraged ...

so maybe vietnam ..

[lopburi3]

I would give serious consideration to the Philippines - good English and easy/friendly people with costs for most things at or below Thailand (hotels/rent however may be a bit more).  Much like Thailand was a decade or two ago. Tourist visa can be extended one, 3, 6 months up to 3 years before a day outside country is required to start again and this does not seem likely to change.  If marry local and arrive together automatic 1 year stay.  They do have good medical facilities but would not be free as UK. 

 

Cambodia is also popular but almost no medical care available - but visas not a problem at this time (it has recently changed a bit however).  

[MaksimMislavsky]

I would agree with those suggesting Vietnam and Cambodia. Although it probably won't take long before they get tighter on visas, too. So should be prepared to move on again.

[bkk6060]

If you are truly desperate and do not mind a reduction in your lifestyle and 3rd world environment, then Cambodia.

Otherwise, shop around and negotiate with an agent and stay here.

[cyberfarang]

I think in the whole history of Thai visa there has never been so many threads opened on the same subject, many asking the same questions over and over again, hoping to receive answers they want to hear.

 

A question for the OP: you claim not having enough funds to even raise 400000 baht ($12000) to obtain your yearly extension and I am assuming that as you are living on pension incomes you`re not a young guy. So have you planned or thought about what might happen if you get seriously ill or involved in an accident, how you would pay for your medical expenses? Are you hoping to obtain your medical fees with a Go Fund Me or from some charitable organisation? This is part of why immigration are insisting westerners have some funds put by in Thailand for such occurrences that is in your best interests to do so. 

 

As Thai immigration start tightening up and enforcing the immigration procedures more and more, many expats will be considering moving to other S.E. Asian countries. Last year I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and while in those countries got chatting to expats. They all told me that as more westerners start staying in those countries looking for relaxed lifestyles for a pittance, the rules are being tightened up there as well.

 

I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.

 

I am not deliberately going out of my way to be malicious, I am only talking common sense that everyone is responsible for their own lives and no one owes anybody else a certain lifestyle and a living.  My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right.

[roo860]

I think in the whole history of Thai visa there has never been so many threads opened on the same subject, many asking the same questions over and over again, hoping to receive answers they want to hear.
 
A question for the OP: you claim not having enough funds to even raise 400000 baht ($12000) to obtain your yearly extension and I am assuming that as you are living on pension incomes you`re not a young guy. So have you planned or thought about what might happen if you get seriously ill or involved in an accident, how you would pay for your medical expenses? Are you hoping to obtain your medical fees with a Go Fund Me or from some charitable organisation? This is part of why immigration are insisting westerners have some funds put by in Thailand for such occurrences that is in your best interests to do so. 
 
As Thai immigration start tightening up and enforcing the immigration procedures more and more, many expats will be considering moving to other S.E. Asian countries. Last year I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and while in those countries got chatting to expats. They all told me that as more westerners start staying in those countries looking for relaxed lifestyles for a pittance, the rules are being tightened up there as well.
 
I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.
 
I am not deliberately going out of my way to be malicious, I am only talking common sense that everyone is responsible for their own lives and no one owes anybody else a certain lifestyle and a living.  My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right.

Exactly!!!!!

Sent from my SM-G920F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[puchooay]

8 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

I think in the whole history of Thai visa there has never been so many threads opened on the same subject, many asking the same questions over and over again, hoping to receive answers they want to hear.

 

A question for the OP: you claim not having enough funds to even raise 400000 baht ($12000) to obtain your yearly extension and I am assuming that as you are living on pension incomes you`re not a young guy. So have you planned or thought about what might happen if you get seriously ill or involved in an accident, how you would pay for your medical expenses? Are you hoping to obtain your medical fees with a Go Fund Me or from some charitable organisation? This is part of why immigration are insisting westerners have some funds put by in Thailand for such occurrences that is in your best interests to do so. 

 

As Thai immigration start tightening up and enforcing the immigration procedures more and more, many expats will be considering moving to other S.E. Asian countries. Last year I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and while in those countries got chatting to expats. They all told me that as more westerners start staying in those countries looking for relaxed lifestyles for a pittance, the rules are being tightened up there as well.

 

I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.

 

I am not deliberately going out of my way to be malicious, I am only talking common sense that everyone is responsible for their own lives and no one owes anybody else a certain lifestyle and a living.  My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right.

The OP has been using a letter from embassy to extend. That means he has an income of at least 40k a month. Is that a pittance? How do you know he does not spend a good amount of that on health insurance? How do you know that he does not live a good life on his pension? You don't. Plain and simple. He is talking about trying to raise funds to extend next time. Likely less than a year away. To have to find around 35k a month every month to save would be a tall order for many. 

[luckyluke]

The o.p. is honest about his financial situation, and is asking a fair question, nothing more.

Yet there is always a need by some to patronize.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, roger101 said:

I live on my pensions. I will never have enough money to place in the bank (400,000 or 800,000). So which country would you suggest I move to?

If you can use 400k, then you're married to a Thai.

ME non 'o' from Savannakhet will last you 15 months, no evidence of income or savings required.

[BritManToo]

27 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.

Living month to month is how most people in the world live.

Except when you're a pensioner the money is guaranteed.

[nausea]

I, personally, will depend on the generosity of my SOs relatives (joke) who respect me so much. If push comes to shove, she has strict instructions to shove whisky down my throat till the inevitable end comes. Ha! What do I care? I have some miserable kind of life waiting at home, in the UK. I've sucked that dry. Unlike a lot of guys I was quite successful but just got sort of bored. Cambodia beckons, but starting again at the age of 60+ isn't that attractive. Someone will lose though, like that pension income has to go somewhere.

[cyberfarang]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Living month to month is how most people in the world live.

Except when you're a pensioner the money is guaranteed.

The pension amounts are not guaranteed when living abroad. These vary according to bank currency exchange rates. I estimate having lost over 30% of my UK pension incomes due to the weak £ and strong baht over the last few years and is expected to get worse until the Brexit farce is sorted out.

 

In answer to another poster`s comments, I am not in the least being patronising, I am saying that if expats are unable to meet immigration requirements in Thailand, that at $12000 in a Thai bank account for a married to Thai spouse visa extension is an absolute bargain, then they will be financially struggling in other countries too and will be living with no safety net if they should fall.

[JimmyJ]

1 hour ago, cyberfarang said:

 

I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.

 

I am not deliberately going out of my way to be malicious, I am only talking common sense that everyone is responsible for their own lives and no one owes anybody else a certain lifestyle and a living.  My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right.

"I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day..."

 

There are always condescending posters in each of these threads asking this, and the answer is so obvious:

 

If someone has limited funds, they go live in a cheaper country.

If the choice is going broke in one's native country or having the funds to last several times longer in a 3rd world country, the decision is an easy one.

 

"My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right."

 

Another "blame the victim" statement. Your father's commonplace views of life and fortune cookie sayings are less than profound.

 

Someone or their loved one has a serious illness and the medical bills are too much, someone works hard but the company downsizes and one can't find a job over a certain age, etc,, etc.

Tons of examples in the news everyday.

 

But a certain segment of TVF posters instead get pleasure and try to build up their deficient sense of self with these condescending and worthless posts.

 

 

 

 

[overherebc]

9 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Living month to month is how most people in the world live.

Except when you're a pensioner the money is guaranteed.

I would like to see the figures that show how many on gov' pensions in the UK have 10,000 or 20,000 sterling sitting in the bank.

Ok you have to take health care and SS out of the situation.

Among a lot of the guys I worked with in the 80's there was the attitude that you worked, paid your tax and SS stamps and when you retired the gov' would take care of you. When I started paying for private pensions I was told I was being stupid 'why do that? healthcare will always be free'

Buy a house? why do that? the gov' has to house you.

I'm sure a lot of you know what I'm saying.

For the ones who can't prove the 40, 65 a month or 800 in the bank the only option I can see is the agent way. If that gets stomped on then it's move or overstay.

[JLCrab]

1 hour ago, cyberfarang said:

I think in the whole history of Thai visa there has never been so many threads opened on the same subject, many asking the same questions over and over again, hoping to receive answers they want to hear.

I think "I bought her a house but does she really love me?" still comes out ahead.

[BertM]

You should switch back to your home country to go work & earn enough (800k) to put in the Thai bank (never to touch) that you can use each year going forward to qualify for a retirement extension in Thailand. Then, you can live off your pensions legally. Kindly...

 

[wgdanson]

1 hour ago, cyberfarang said:

I think in the whole history of Thai visa there has never been so many threads opened on the same subject, many asking the same questions over and over again, hoping to receive answers they want to hear.

 

A question for the OP: you claim not having enough funds to even raise 400000 baht ($12000) to obtain your yearly extension and I am assuming that as you are living on pension incomes you`re not a young guy. So have you planned or thought about what might happen if you get seriously ill or involved in an accident, how you would pay for your medical expenses? Are you hoping to obtain your medical fees with a Go Fund Me or from some charitable organisation? This is part of why immigration are insisting westerners have some funds put by in Thailand for such occurrences that is in your best interests to do so. 

 

As Thai immigration start tightening up and enforcing the immigration procedures more and more, many expats will be considering moving to other S.E. Asian countries. Last year I visited Vietnam and Cambodia and while in those countries got chatting to expats. They all told me that as more westerners start staying in those countries looking for relaxed lifestyles for a pittance, the rules are being tightened up there as well.

 

I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day, living on a month to month basis and having no plan B for changing bank rates and changing immigration policies, then blame immigration and others for their predicaments.

 

I am not deliberately going out of my way to be malicious, I am only talking common sense that everyone is responsible for their own lives and no one owes anybody else a certain lifestyle and a living.  My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right.

Totally agree especially regarding having adequate money for any health issues. But it would be nice of TI to give some consideration to any farangs who can prove they have spent 60-100k Bht on health insurance.

My parents always taught me to put money aside 'for a rainy day'. It is raining now for me! But I did heed my parents advice. 

[marqus12]

5 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

Totally agree especially regarding having adequate money for any health issues. But it would be nice of TI to give some consideration to any farangs who can prove they have spent 60-100k Bht on health insurance.

My parents always taught me to put money aside 'for a rainy day'. It is raining now for me! But I did heed my parents advice. 

the guy wants advice where to move..what are the prices ...

how to organize it the easiest way and cheap

I think that he does not want such nonsense that you serve him

[cyberfarang]

7 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

"I can never understand why elderly westerners would even consider retiring abroad without enough funds put by for a rainy day..."

 

There are always condescending posters in each of these threads asking this, and the answer is so obvious:

 

If someone has limited funds, they go live in a cheaper country.

If the choice is going broke in one's native country or having the funds to last several times longer in a 3rd world country, the choice is an easy one.

 

"My dad once told me, you make your own bed and you must lie on it and he was right."

 

Another "blame the victim" statement. Your father's commonplace views of life are less than intellectually challenging.

 

Someone or their loved one has a serious illness and the medical bills are too much, someone works hard but the company downsizes and one can't find a job over a certain age, etc,, etc.

Tons of examples in the news everyday.

 

But a certain segment of TVF posters instead get pleasure and try to build up deficient sense of self with these condescending posts.

 

 

 

 

If you believe my comments are condescending then your outlook between what are the harsh realities of life and seeing everything through rose tinting glasses are warped.

 

Over the last few months several of my expat acquaintances have asked me to help top up their savings in ways of loans to total 800000 baht to obtain their retirement extensions. I have flatly refused saying I am not going to leave myself vulnerable for people who have decided to settle in Thailand without proper planning and would advise anyone else to do the same. The odds are that these loans would not be paid back and even if they were, if helping these people for one time, it`s going to be the same for the following years when they come cap in hand asking for more assistance, a vicious circle.

 

I have a retired cousin in England who was considering retiring in Thailand, following in my footsteps. I know he only receives a basic UK State pension with not much in savings and advised him not to come here except for a holiday and why. Luckily he has common sense and took my advice as I would advise others in similar situations.

 

The world is becoming a tougher place and very much more money orientated. I am forever telling my children to start paying into pension funds now and start saving for their old age, as old age looms quicker then many young people think. Will they listen? I don`t know for sure.

 

I have pity for elderly people that suddenly find themselves in financial dire straights during the last stages of their lives when they should be living a lifestyle of ease and plenty, especially when the powers that be decide to move the goal posts. But sorry to say no one is going to pull them out and others should heed these warnings and not live their lives on chance alone. That the reality and thus is life. Take my comments anyway you like, nothings going to change.

 

 

[puchooay]

3 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

If you believe my comments are condescending then your outlook between what are the harsh realities of life and seeing everything through rose tinting glasses are warped.

 

Over the last few months several of my expat acquaintances have asked me to help top up their savings in ways of loans to total 800000 baht to obtain their retirement extensions. I have flatly refused saying I am not going to leave myself vulnerable for people who have decided to settle in Thailand without proper planning and would advise anyone else to do the same. The odds are that these loans would not be paid back and even if they were, if helping these people for one time, it`s going to be the same for the following years when they come cap in hand asking for more assistance, a vicious circle.

 

I have a retired cousin in England who was considering retiring in Thailand, following in my footsteps. I know he only receives a basic UK State pension with not much in savings and advised him not to come here except for a holiday and why. Luckily he has common sense and took my advice as I would advise others in similar situations.

 

The world is becoming a tougher place and very much more money orientated. I am forever telling my children to start paying into pension funds now and start saving for their old age, as old age looms quicker then many young people think. Will they listen? I don`t know for sure.

 

I have pity for elderly people that suddenly find themselves in financial dire straights during the last stages of their lives when they should be living a lifestyle of ease and plenty, especially when the powers that be decide to move the goal posts. But sorry to say no one is going to pull them out and others should heed these warnings and not live their lives on chance alone. That the reality and thus is life. Take my comments anyway you like, nothings going to change.

 

 

The OP has said nothing about not planning for old age, living in dire straights or not living a life of ease. As far as we know he could have  100k a month pension and living a very nice life but can't get 800k in the bank in Thai. Maybe he does not need your pity. Think about it,

[garyk]

If you have a wife here head to Malaysia, you can do visa runs their no problem and I think you get 3 months at a time. I did. No problems what so ever. Then you can hop into Thailand when you want for a visit. The bad thing is you will have problems with a Thai wife or GF there. Mine only got one month, and had to stay out for one week before she could return.

 

Penang is a lovely place to hang your hat. Great food, and public transportation is great. Much better than Thailand IMO.

Best of luck to you.

[vogie]

4 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

If you believe my comments are condescending then your outlook between what are the harsh realities of life and seeing everything through rose tinting glasses are warped.

 

Over the last few months several of my expat acquaintances have asked me to help top up their savings in ways of loans to total 800000 baht to obtain their retirement extensions. I have flatly refused saying I am not going to leave myself vulnerable for people who have decided to settle in Thailand without proper planning and would advise anyone else to do the same. The odds are that these loans would not be paid back and even if they were, if helping these people for one time, it`s going to be the same for the following years when they come cap in hand asking for more assistance, a vicious circle.

 

I have a retired cousin in England who was considering retiring in Thailand, following in my footsteps. I know he only receives a basic UK State pension with not much in savings and advised him not to come here except for a holiday and why. Luckily he has common sense and took my advice as I would advise others in similar situations.

 

The world is becoming a tougher place and very much more money orientated. I am forever telling my children to start paying into pension funds now and start saving for their old age, as old age looms quicker then many young people think. Will they listen? I don`t know for sure.

 

I have pity for elderly people that suddenly find themselves in financial dire straights during the last stages of their lives when they should be living a lifestyle of ease and plenty, especially when the powers that be decide to move the goal posts. But sorry to say no one is going to pull them out and others should heed these warnings and not live their lives on chance alone. That the reality and thus is life. Take my comments anyway you like, nothings going to change.

 

 

How other people live their lives is up to them only, the op asked for some sensible advice on where to live. If he was asking for a sermon your post would have been very helpful.

Let other people live their lives how they chose, everybody is different.

[Hoppyone]

9 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

If you believe my comments are condescending then your outlook between what are the harsh realities of life and seeing everything through rose tinting glasses are warped.

 

Over the last few months several of my expat acquaintances have asked me to help top up their savings in ways of loans to total 800000 baht to obtain their retirement extensions. I have flatly refused saying I am not going to leave myself vulnerable for people who have decided to settle in Thailand without proper planning and would advise anyone else to do the same. The odds are that these loans would not be paid back and even if they were, if helping these people for one time, it`s going to be the same for the following years when they come cap in hand asking for more assistance, a vicious circle.

 

I have a retired cousin in England who was considering retiring in Thailand, following in my footsteps. I know he only receives a basic UK State pension with not much in savings and advised him not to come here except for a holiday and why. Luckily he has common sense and took my advice as I would advise others in similar situations.

 

The world is becoming a tougher place and very much more money orientated. I am forever telling my children to start paying into pension funds now and start saving for their old age, as old age looms quicker then many young people think. Will they listen? I don`t know for sure.

 

I have pity for elderly people that suddenly find themselves in financial dire straights during the last stages of their lives when they should be living a lifestyle of ease and plenty, especially when the powers that be decide to move the goal posts. But sorry to say no one is going to pull them out and others should heed these warnings and not live their lives on chance alone. That the reality and thus is life. Take my comments anyway you like, nothings going to change.

 

 

Bud every ones circumstances in life are different,so stop pounding your own chest and give it a break