Are Expat's Opinions of Thailand Influenced by how much money they have?

[SheungWan]

3 hours ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

 

Yep if someone is here on an expat employment package, with all perks that provides then its an easy choice. Same standard of living as home. I also agree that 35 is too young to settle here, although ive been "settled" here since my early 20's more or less. 

I have a suspicion that the "digital nomad" existence will get extremely old for those guys once the glamor of moving to Thailand wears off, and you have to deal with the day to day life. 

I wouldn't worry about their or others' motivation. People make choices and live with the consequences. For an (assumed) educated someone of 35 who has spent maybe the last 10 or so years living in Thailand I would think they have lost out on substantial asset appreciation (house or apartment) compared to their peers in say London or New York (or maybe that has been unusually anticipated and planned for?). So already you might be behind the curve unless that is one expects to come into receipt of a substantial inheritance somewhere down the line, in which case none of this discussion really matters.

Edited December 9, 2018 by SheungWan

[UncleTouchyFingers]

23 minutes ago, SheungWan said:

I wouldn't worry about their or others' motivation. People make choices and live with the consequences. For an (assumed) educated someone of 35 who has spent maybe the last 10 or so years living in Thailand I would think they have lost out on substantial asset appreciation (house or apartment) compared to their peers in say London or New York (or maybe that has been unusually anticipated and planned for?). So already you might be behind the curve unless that is one expects to come into receipt of a substantial inheritance somewhere down the line, in which case none of this discussion really matters.

 

Nah im ahead of the curve. All my cash goes into US banks and my retirement finds are contributed for the max allowable by law per year, plus my investment accounts. My money & investments will never come to Thailand. Someone once said never bring to Thailand what you aren't prepared to completely walk away from, and I took that to heart a long time ago. I had a really nice house in the US before, but since I was still spending most of my time in Thailand it was a waste of money - so I sold it. 

[Naam]

3 hours ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

Nice/quality things here are more expensive than at least where im from.

nice/quality things like our cook, our maid, our gardener and our driver? where are you from? Bangla Desh? Ethiopia? Mali? Central African Republic?

 

next!

[Kadilo]

2 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

Because other than the weather, food, hobbies and football, its probably all that most of us dudes care about.

I as being sarcastic as it’s usually his go to post when anyone discusses anything sex related. 

[marcusarelus]

1 hour ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

 

Nah im ahead of the curve. All my cash goes into US banks and my retirement finds are contributed for the max allowable by law per year, plus my investment accounts. My money & investments will never come to Thailand. Someone once said never bring to Thailand what you aren't prepared to completely walk away from, and I took that to heart a long time ago. I had a really nice house in the US before, but since I was still spending most of my time in Thailand it was a waste of money - so I sold it. 

My ex wives in America all loved my American bank accounts.  Not so much my bank accounts in Thailand. 

[albertik]

Just wasted the last hour or so reading this thread but for some inane reason found it to be interesting. So now I will add my 2 cents worth. I live here because when I compare my life here to my former lives in Florida and California I find there really isn't any comparison. When living stateside at my age there really isn't too much enjoyment to be had for me there. I.E. overpriced golf and a host of prohibitions in all things. Cannot drink or smoke at the beach, etc, etc,  "sign, sign, everywhere a sign" I could go on but those of you who live in the west know all too well the freedoms and PC warriors have destroyed. Here with my wife, half my age, all is relevant. And I do not relish the idea of spending my waning years in a retirement "old folks " home. She takes great care of me and has for the past 10 years so hopefully unless everything goes south we will live in harmony into the future. My finances are not an issue as, even though my western wife nearly decimated my finances I was able to recover, despite her best efforts. My 3 bed 3 bath home here is paid for and in my wife's name which is fine with me. Can't take it with you. 

[marko kok prong]

On 12/6/2018 at 11:29 AM, connda said:

Divorces, financial downturns in the market, taking care of others, unexpected and unanticipated expenses, accidents, job loss.....

What you should reflect on is how fortunate you have been to have made it through life unscathed.  Life went well for you - now you look down your nose at others.  But the winds of fate are fickle my friend.  Today you're on top of the world, tomorrow you're climbing the hill again.  Some hit retirement age at the peak, other in the trough.  With enough time, that could reverse. 

Consider yourself fortunate.  Try nurturing some thankfulness, humility, and empathy.

Nice post,having experienced most of the conditions on your list i somehow managed to get back up and now due to various event's am financially very sound but well aware as you say things can change,and of course the fact you have money does not make you happy as another poster said it gives you options,and of course always ensure you never spend more than you can lose i have spent a lot in the last year buying a new house and building a large one opposite but if things did go pear shaped i can walk away with not to much impact on my finances ,the impact emotionally would be harder but not as hard strangely as when i lost my first house back in Australia,as i feel no emotional attachment to either house really probably because the old house in Australia i completely renovated myself whilst on these others have done the work as my relationship with my current wife has gone downhill over the past 6 months i could end up in the trough again, probably not as i have 30 year leases on both houses but question is would i want to stay if things took a turn for the worst probably no,so on a final note i would say always prepare for the troughs,at 54 i can start again,but it certainley would not be in the manner of what i have done over the past two and a half years,i have been overly generous to my wife,sometimes you know you can actually have too much money and unless your a miser this can work out badly if you have a weakness for women which i do.

[totally thaied up]

2 hours ago, marko kok prong said:

the impact emotionally would be harder but not as hard strangely as when i lost my first house back in Australia

The impact emotionally is the hardest thing. Making money back is not that hard if you got just a start-up package to get you on your feet again. My ex-wife, I loved so much and she was my weakness. Only a month after getting Australian Citizenship, she sunk me with her divorcing me and bringing her old Flipino boyfriend to Australia. I lost 100's of thousands and then had my business partner sink me at the same time as I got very sick from the stress.

 

It is true; have a weakness for women and have a dollar to spend, you can end up a fool. Just not in Thailand but anywhere in the world. 

[JLCrab]

31 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

have a weakness for women and have a dollar to spend, you can end up a fool.

Then again you can always look at it this way from Orson Wells' Citizen Kane (1941):

 

Charles Foster Kane: You're right, I did lose a million dollars last year. I expect to lose a million dollars this year. I expect to lose a million dollars next year. You know, Mr. Thatcher, at the rate of a million dollars a year, I'll have to close this place in... 60 years.

Edited December 9, 2018 by JLCrab

[UncleTouchyFingers]

36 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

My ex-wife, I loved so much and she was my weakness. Only a month after getting Australian Citizenship, she sunk me with her divorcing me and bringing her old Flipino boyfriend to Australia. I lost 100's of thousands and then had my business partner sink me at the same time as I got very sick from the stress.

 

Horrible story no doubt but unfortunately common. 

 

What I dont understand is people that have been through all this crap, and then come to Thailand and buy their entire retirement future in a local woman's name. Like, you got burned in a western country where youre entitled to "half" then move to a country where you are entitled to nothing and put it all in a woman's name. Makes no sense. 

 

Several in this thread have done just that. 

[UncleTouchyFingers]

6 hours ago, Naam said:

nice/quality things like our cook, our maid, our gardener and our driver? where are you from? Bangla Desh? Ethiopia? Mali? Central African Republic?

 

next!

 

Cars, consumer items, electronics, brand name clothes, wine, western food types like meats & cheeses - basically anything imported, and thats pretty much everything. 

 

You know its true. 

[totally thaied up]

35 minutes ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

What I dont understand is people that have been through all this crap, and then come to Thailand and buy their entire retirement future in a local woman's name. Like, you got burned in a western country where youre entitled to "half" then move to a country where you are entitled to nothing and put it all in a woman's name. Makes no sense. 

 

In this case, now for me, my wife offers a lot more than what I do. I did not shop for the first bar girl I could find and after my fill of the bars/girls at an early age, I made sure for certain I did not marry into the bar scene.

 

I did not have to buy a house (has her own); she has a contract small business, she has land and is not poverty stricken. Just a common/normal marriage by any standard. I am by a far-sight, not a good proposition for her. Upon marriage here, all my assets were left in Australia under Trust, what I had before I came into this marriage cannot be touched. Really, I would be a fool to put it all in a woman's name and I certainly have not. 

 

Some may be foolish enough to do this but I learned pretty well the first time around. I have made mistakes here of course but they were just small ones with pocket change and we all do that.

 

Thailand is pretty easy to live in and if you have enough sense, you don't need to make mistakes. Just don't bring the money in. Mostly, I see a mass of previously undersexed old guys here living out there last 10 years giving away stuff freely to bar girls. That is their choice and jolly good if they want to do that - I am not their mother.

Edited December 9, 2018 by totally thaied up

[marcusarelus]

20 minutes ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

Horrible story no doubt but unfortunately common. 

 

What I dont understand is people that have been through all this crap, and then come to Thailand and buy their entire retirement future in a local woman's name. Like, you got burned in a western country where youre entitled to "half" then move to a country where you are entitled to nothing and put it all in a woman's name. Makes no sense. 

 

Several in this thread have done just that. 

All one can do is relate your story and hope maybe it helps someone. 

 

If your wife can't get a loan for a house look for another wife.  By all means help her pay off the loan but don't buy the house outright. 

 

Thai women do not do well outside of Thailand.  If you can't stay here find a wife somewhere else. 

 

Be worth more alive than dead. 

 

Always have an ace in the hole. 

A little secret that nobody knows.

Don't put it all on the line for just one roll.

In money or love, or all the above,
Have a little more than what you show.

 

 

 

 

[UncleTouchyFingers]

2 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

If your wife can't get a loan for a house look for another wife. 

 

I think you might be confused. What makes you think my wife cant get a loan? 

 

[marcusarelus]

25 minutes ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

 

Cars, consumer items, electronics, brand name clothes, wine, western food types like meats & cheeses - basically anything imported, and thats pretty much everything. 

 

You know its true. 

Well lets check eh?  1.  How much is a car and professional driver for the day?  2.  How much are clothes from Uniqlo?  3.  How much is boneless chicken meat?  4.  How much is pork?  5.  How much does it cost to have a tech build a gaming computer?  6.  I am going to the bank to make my house payment on my new house and buy cheese and wine.  I start out with 49,236 baht (average new mortgage Florida) - make my house payment on my new house in Thailand and I have 35,236 left over to buy cheese and wine. 

 

So what do you think?  Is my cheese and wine so expensive?

Edited December 9, 2018 by marcusarelus

[marcusarelus]

10 minutes ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

 

I think you might be confused. What makes you think my wife cant get a loan? 

 

Not specifically you anyone. 

Edited December 9, 2018 by marcusarelus

[473geo]

Life is what you make of it. I offer no advice, all are welcome to their opinions, usually based on experience. I have never really planned ahead. At 20 I lost two very good friends, I figured I would probably not make it past 30! Yet here I am, had a great life, one divorce, I deserved for being too much of a drunken prat, so no recriminations on that one.

One house left with a Thai girlfriend, we had fun times but again I was not faithful husband material.

Now I have found the love of my life, we have a home, children, I no longer drink, and life is good.

Am I well funded, no not really, I've lived life hard and fast, but I was a little fortunate in that I worked for a company or two that insisted I put into a personal pension fund.

We will see how it works out, at the moment all is good, I still work 'away' in the UK for a few more years then I think I can enjoy the release from the treadmill called life in the west. ????

[mogandave]

Not specifically you anyone. 

Your condescension is showing...

[mogandave]

 
Horrible story no doubt but unfortunately common. 
 
What I dont understand is people that have been through all this crap, and then come to Thailand and buy their entire retirement future in a local woman's name. Like, you got burned in a western country where youre entitled to "half" then move to a country where you are entitled to nothing and put it all in a woman's name. Makes no sense. 
 
Several in this thread have done just that. 

If it flies, floats or f*cks, rent it...

[473geo]

3 minutes ago, mogandave said:

 

If it flies, floats or f*cks, rent it...

Ok to buy a ute and a house then ????

[marcusarelus]

22 minutes ago, mogandave said:

 

Your condescension is showing...

 

I wrote, "All one can do is relate your story and hope maybe it helps someone. 

 

If your wife can't get a loan for a house look for another wife.  By all means help her pay off the loan but don't buy the house outright."

 

I don't see how that is condescension.  It's not difficult to get a house loan in Thailand.  I was referring to anyone in Thailand although you get half if divorced it seems sound to me to make mortgage payments or in defacto rent rather than buy.  

[Naam]

1 hour ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

8 hours ago, Naam said:

nice/quality things like our cook, our maid, our gardener and our driver? where are you from? Bangla Desh? Ethiopia? Mali? Central African Republic?

 

next!

 

Cars, consumer items, electronics, brand name clothes, wine, western food types like meats & cheeses - basically anything imported, and thats pretty much everything. 

 

You know its true. 

yes, true for an American IRS slave. but not all expats in Thailand are IRS slaves.

[UncleTouchyFingers]

4 minutes ago, Naam said:

yes, true for an American IRS slave. but not all expats in Thailand are IRS slaves.

 

Not really sure how that has anything to do with the price of stuff in Thailand. 

[BritManToo]

2 hours ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

electronics

Bought a LG 60" TV this week, 20kbht, that's cheaper than the UK price 550gbp or the US price $650

Got my kid an Oppo F9 phone, 9k5bht, US price $340

 

So both cheaper in Thailand

Edited December 9, 2018 by BritManToo

[bwpage3]

23 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

Did you read the first line? I'm not here because I have to be, I'm here because I want to be. I have more than enough to make me comfortable in whichever home I chose to live in. I like the lifestyle here, when I go back I'll Cruise in my fun ancient pickup or have gf drive me around in the M5. 

 

BTW, I've cruised here 20 times? 

 

My kid will have what's left when I'm gone, she doesn't need it.

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

You should explain what lifestyle you like in Thailand exactly?

[bwpage3]

22 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

Maybe some of us like the culture, the food, the people and are tired of living the same old life in the USA.

 

Plus I hate winter.

Must be great living somewhere where you have no idea what people around you are saying.

[Nyezhov]

11 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

Must be great living somewhere where you have no idea what people around you are saying.

I dont care. I can take care of my basic needs with pidgen and Google translate. I only care how I am treated.

 I was at an event today near Wongwian Yai. I was the only farang I saw all day. Folks made room for me to sit in the front. They brought me flags. A BIB brought me a mat to sit on. They gave me free water. The smiled at me and took selfies with me. I taught kids how to say "whats up dude". Because Im fat and clearly not a squatter, they offered me a chair until it was time to sit on the ground. They treated me like one of them, albiet a fat, stupid one who wasnt flexible enough to do that leg stretched out sit. If they want to talk behind my back, thats cool, I was treated very well. In return I was respectful and followed their directions. Thats what decent folks do. And as far as I am concerned, the vast majority of Thais, indeed 99% of the ones I come across, are nice, decent, helpful, respectful folks.

 

You reap what you sow. 

Edited December 9, 2018 by Nyezhov

[Nyezhov]

29 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

You should explain what lifestyle you like in Thailand exactly?

Lifestyle? I have a newish, modern 30sqm one bedroom condo that is perfect for me and me alone with a high floor city view and a swimming pool. I have AC and a Big Screen TV that hasnt been turned on in a week. I have a friendly rooster down in the alleys that screams all night, Ill miss him when Im back. I go wherever I want and do whatever I want, when I want. I eat Thai food and love to see and discover new places (to me), not the same old interstates and strip malls and Walgreens and snow and ice and Fast Food joints. I going to cruise Cambodia in a little while. I work on my photography. I dont have to worry about taking care of cars, mowing lawns, fixing doors, cleaning the garage. I open my eyes and see beauty in everything, even Eastern Jungle Crows pecking at a dead turtle. I get up when I want and go to sleep when I feel like it. I take naps. I buy whatever I want, whenever I want it. I laugh and joke with Thai people. Im not touching my capital. That seems like a good lifestyle to me.

Edited December 9, 2018 by Nyezhov

[zzaa09]

Mass consumption and accumulation.

Those who have the most are the winners. 

 

Competitive.

[mogandave]

Why is it the people that come to Thailand for a few years and go back home for whatever reason feel the need to attack everyone that does not want to go back?

They go on and on about how poor and stupid everyone that doesn’t agree with them is.

I’m guessing they come here thinking things are going to be different, then they get here and find out they are the same miserable a-hole there were before they came.

Life’s what you make it wherever you are, and if you meet more than one a-hole it a day, it’s not them...