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

[Nyezhov]

3 minutes ago, zzaa09 said:

Mass consumption and accumulation.

Those who have the most are the winners. 

 

Competitive.

he who dies with the most toys wins

[CharlieH]

No its "loses"

Aint no pockets in a shroud!

 

Who wants to be the wealthiest in the fire ? .....not me.

 

Now, if only we knew our "use by" date I bet we would all try harder and get it right.

[mogandave]

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

[473geo]

13 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

he who dies with the most toys wins

Ah maybe elsewhere, but the 'ownership' rules in Thailand surely thwart and diminish the aspirations of the insecure trinket collectors - maybe this is part of the reason they return to their natural habitat

Edited December 9, 2018 by 473geo

[onera1961]

On 12/5/2018 at 7:29 PM, Peterw42 said:

Maybe climate, beaches etc comes into the equation for Brits and Europeans

Europe has fine climate in Spain and Portugal. Greek islands are also wonderful. Australia also has finest beaches in the World. The only cold place with no escape route I can think of is Canada. Unless one has a girl friend, kids, or wife's family, I don't see any reason to live in Thailand. 

[onera1961]

1 hour ago, bwpage3 said:

while you live miserably in your one room rented flat,

I live in one bed room (not studio) condo for 10K/month. It is a brand new condo and still selling for 2.4 million baht. It will take me 20 years to recover my money. Why shouldn't I rent? Rent is cheap in Thailand. If I'm bored, I can go to Benidorm/Las Vegas/Lisbon and live there for a few moths. Why should I buy a condo to tie up my money here in Thailand? 

[onera1961]

3 hours ago, totally thaied up said:

Mostly, I see a mass of previously undersexed old guys here living out there last 10 years giving away stuff freely to bar girls.

And worrying how they could finance their stay when embassies stop issuing income letters. ????

[madmen]

I live in one bed room (not studio) condo for 10K/month. It is a brand new condo and still selling for 2.4 million baht. It will take me 20 years to recover my money. Why shouldn't I rent? Rent is cheap in Thailand. If I'm bored, I can go to Benidorm/Las Vegas/Lisbon and live there for a few moths. Why should I buy a condo to tie up my money here in Thailand? 

Funny. People I have know from 10 years ago still use that excuse. Suitcase packed by the door and ready to go in a moments notice.... Except... They never do

Fact is 90% of farang have never seen 5 million to 20 million in hard cash and never will but like to join the rent is cheap debate

Rent is not cheap. Shitty fan rooms are cheap. Let's not confuse the 2

[zzaa09]

47 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

he who dies with the most toys wins

Wins what?

Heh.

 

????

[mogandave]

Funny. People I have know from 10 years ago still use that excuse. Suitcase packed by the door and ready to go in a moments notice.... Except... They never do

Fact is 90% of farang have never seen 5 million to 20 million in hard cash and never will but like to join the rent is cheap debate

Rent is not cheap. Shitty fan rooms are cheap. Let's not confuse the 2

If dude’s living in a 2.4M condo and paying 10k a month for it, what would the benefit be in buying it?

[Naam]

2 hours ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

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

if your living expenses are $100k p.a. but you save $150k p.a. in taxes because living in Thailand will you mind "Thai" prices?

[madmen]

 If dude’s living in a 2.4M condo and paying 10k a month for it, what would the benefit be in buying it?

 

Odd question. Why would anybody buy a home? I bought lower Sukhumvit 5 minutes walk from Nana bts sub 5 million 13 years ago 74sqm and rented right now for 45k a month on air bnb. Try getting that return elsewhere..location... Location... LOCATION!  

. Not long to go before saving rent pays for the condo (I only rent it high season when I travel)

 

I know nothing about the "dudes" condo which kind of kills the location factor.

 

That's why I'm surprised why you would ask the question with zero knowledge and expect me to comment

 

 

 

 

 

[onera1961]

14 hours ago, BritManToo said:

If I were American, I'd probably be living in Florida.

Florida - Hot and muggy. California (San Diego or San Francisco area) is better if one could afford. I like Las Vegas. Reasonably priced city. Hot but dry. More importantly, instant fun on demand if you have money. 

[Naam]

29 minutes ago, madmen said:

36 minutes ago, onera1961 said:

I live in one bed room (not studio) condo for 10K/month. It is a brand new condo and still selling for 2.4 million baht. It will take me 20 years to recover my money. Why shouldn't I rent? Rent is cheap in Thailand. If I'm bored, I can go to Benidorm/Las Vegas/Lisbon and live there for a few moths. Why should I buy a condo to tie up my money here in Thailand? 

Funny. People I have know from 10 years ago still use that excuse. Suitcase packed by the door and ready to go in a moments notice.... Except... They never do

Fact is 90% of farang have never seen 5 million to 20 million in hard cash and never will but like to join the rent is cheap debate

Rent is not cheap. Shitty fan rooms are cheap. Let's not confuse the 2

[onera1961]

1 hour ago, madmen said:

Rent is not cheap. Shitty fan rooms are cheap. Let's not confuse the 2

In Thonglo, BKK, I rented a two bed room 2 bath condo for 25K/month. That was selling for 5 million. If I put that money in S&P 500, my annual income is 300K at a conservative 6% over 10 years ((S&P 500 historical return is 9%). And with the magic of compound interest I will be ahead after 10 years. Why should I invest in Thailand when it is not my country, in a lawless environment, ruled by military, and 5 million investment won't give me any rights to stay in the country even. If you're on a Tourist visa, they can even deny you entry.

 

Yes real estate also appreciates in value if you buy in New York, London, or San Francisco.

 

One thing I learned when I was hunting for a condo to rent in Bangkok is to never hire a Farang agent (not sure if they have work permit or not even). They will quote 25K condo as 40K. Always hire Thai agents. 

 

The current condo I am renting, it is 10K (rented through a Thai Agent). Brand new. It costs 2.4 million. One bed room one bath room. In Pattaya. I still have my 5 million invested in American equity market and growing each year (except 2018). I like liquid asset. That I can access instantly. I cannot even get a loan from a Thai bank for my 5 million condo in Thailand. This year I bought an apartment for 10 million in Lisbon. It will give me and my children EU residency and open up 26 countries to live, stay, and work. It is a worth investment. And no I don't have to do 90-day reporting like a police state.

 

I will say it again Rent is cheap in Thailand and condo in Thailand is not a good investment. May be some people experts in real estate investment, can make money but I am not a real estate investor. I am an equity investor. 

 

Buying a house for family to live is a different story. It is not for investment but for your family to live.

 

Edited December 9, 2018 by onera1961

[bwpage3]

14 hours ago, UncleTouchyFingers said:

 

Wouldn't know, im not yet a geriatric retiree. 

 

But at least we are getting into the real reasons people choose to live here. And I see nothing wrong with this btw. I originally came here for the wimmin too, but I never deluded myself into thinking that this was a magical, cheap place from the heavens. If I could go back and do it over, I would have kept Thailand as a holiday destination for blow-outs instead of moving here. Living here and contributing financially to a society that generally only tolerates you because of money isnt really all that great. 

Agree, the partying and blowouts as a tourist are pretty awesome.

 

The day to day life, sooner or later the glitter wears out and you are stuck in the third world.

 

 

[bwpage3]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

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

20K baht is US $625. During the sales from Thanksgiving to Christmas you can get 60" tvs cheaper in the US

 

65" Smart TV $599 for one example

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/vizio-65-class-led-d-series-2160p-smart-4k-uhd-tv-with-hdr/6305756.p?skuId=6305756&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=512&ds_rl=1260573&ds_rl=1266837&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&gclid=CjwKCAiAl7PgBRBWEiwAzFhmmmTb_57MQ0EZKz4O5CuNjvNOLW8KkpUQidyLlxrS7B-DjxqROk0f-hoCaXAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

And that is retail store price, cheaper if you shop around the internet

 

Here are some examples of TV prices of all sizes

 

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/tvs-lcd-tv-led-tv-and-plasma-tv-screens/1088.cp?xid=hdr_shop3_electronics_tvs-home-theater_tvs-displays

 

So all in all, you are not saving anything 

 

 

[totally thaied up]

15 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

The day to day life, sooner or later the glitter wears out and you are stuck in the third world.

I don't class this anywhere near a third world - go to the Philippines. For me, yes I am an alien here, will not apologize for either side for farang or Thai. I come from a Town in Australia that has some of the best beaches in the world but my friends are never available as they are too busy working 24/7 to pay the bills. Last time I went home, my real friends were renting out rooms in their houses and working two jobs at a time to just get the kids through school. They had no time to talk and when they did, they were exhausted from working and could not relax.

 

I moved here away from that. Sure, it may be backward but the people will tolerate you and give you time even if it is for a dollar. Many people I know back home will only tolerate you for what you have or perceive for what you have and how you can help them and use you as well. Just being able to chill out for me is a pretty precious thing. Even though I have not got much money, I got plenty of time and that is something most my friends will never have and for what they wish for more than the money they are trying to earn.  I got all the time in the world now and that suits me fine.

[bwpage3]

2 hours ago, Nyezhov said:

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.

Quite a different lifestyle than your high roller days in Vegas or jetting off to Paris on a whim.

[onera1961]

8 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

20K baht is US $625. During the sales from Thanksgiving to Christmas you can get 60" tvs cheaper in the US

All electronics and cars are cheaper in the US. Every month BestBuy does sales. A small town has a dozen car dealers and almost all do sales and all manufacturers give cash back for most American cars and Japanese cars are available for no interest payment and sometimes with cash back also.

Edited December 9, 2018 by onera1961

[bwpage3]

1 hour ago, onera1961 said:

Florida - Hot and muggy. California (San Diego or San Francisco area) is better if one could afford. I like Las Vegas. Reasonably priced city. Hot but dry. More importantly, instant fun on demand if you have money. 

I had a great laugh reading Florida is Hot and Muggy.

 

Never really gets about 94F in summer

 

After living in Thailand for 10 years, Florida heat is nothing nor is the humidity

 

Thailand has that distinction hands down

[totally thaied up]

12 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

Well sir, you could just as easily watch tv or play on the internet from a rented room in Australia.

 

Maybe, even saunter down to the local pub and meet some new friends that can speak English with you.

 

Certainly you didn't move all the way to Thailand to get away from people working all the time?

 

People work to pay for things so they don't end up in Thailand in their older years in a one room flat

 

That's life, that is what you need to do if you want to be able to retire with any kind of assets.

 

What you have my friend is time, plenty of time to be alone.

 

That isn't living at all!

Hmmm, married, have a nice house that before you second guess anything like you have so far, that my wife had before our marriage. 

 

Hate to say it, you got it in this case, very, very wrong. Just spent a wonderful five days down in Sukhothai then up to Nan.

 

Just very, very wrong... I am being very pleasant in my reply as you do not know anything about me nor should you but you should be very careful about what you assume about people. You know nothing about myself, my family or my background and being spiteful in reply thinking you know everything in my view, is very 'god' like.

Edited December 9, 2018 by totally thaied up
Edit - add content

[totally thaied up]

10 minutes ago, bwpage3 said:

You ranted on about your friends being too busy to spend any time with, not about your married and live in your wife's house?

 

Not sure if you are married and living in your wife's house, why you would be bothered with people working themselves in their own countries?

 

So you went to Sukhothai and Nan?

 

Did you talk to anyone in your own language or just tag along diligently behind your wife?

 

How good is your wife's English? Do you talk about sports, news, current events, friends and family, grand kids Christmas presents and all that?

Lol... you are a handful. 

 

My wife is a practicing Accountant, has been accepted this year into further studies. Her English is at a high level, we talk about current events and news from all around the world. My Thai is average. Not great but I can get by in reading and basic writing. No, I don't toddle along with my wife. We are a team.

 

Why do you bother with TV? You just like to stir people and I am one of the people you should not be attacking but you do. I generally agree with what you say but hell, you don't seem to get it. Some of us do like it here.

Edited December 9, 2018 by totally thaied up

[Nyezhov]

2 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

Quite a different lifestyle than your high roller days in Vegas or jetting off to Paris on a whim.

That was then and this is now. Why would I want to go to Paris again anyway. And if I choose to go to Vegas and lose 10K, I will.

 

But Im older, quieter, more mellow and have different interests.

 

Sorry if Im  not giving you the answers that you want to hear, and joining you in unhappiness

Edited December 9, 2018 by Nyezhov

[Nyezhov]

1 hour ago, totally thaied up said:

Some of us do like it here.

And really dont need a reason that we like it here. We just do.

[bwpage3]

3 hours ago, totally thaied up said:

Lol... you are a handful. 

 

My wife is a practicing Accountant, has been accepted this year into further studies. Her English is at a high level, we talk about current events and news from all around the world. My Thai is average. Not great but I can get by in reading and basic writing. No, I don't toddle along with my wife. We are a team.

 

Why do you bother with TV? You just like to stir people and I am one of the people you should not be attacking but you do. I generally agree with what you say but hell, you don't seem to get it. Some of us do like it here.

There you go another one using the word attacking.

 

I post my opinions, they just so happen to differ from yours.

 

Nothing wrong with that is there? You want everyone on TV to pat each other on the back and agree with everything posted here? Even the outrageous?

 

We are all grown men with our own opinions, can always turn the page or change the channel

 

 

[CharlieH]

A number of Troll/ bickering posts and responses removed.

[BritManToo]

8 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

So all in all, you are not saving anything 

I thought you wanted to compare like with like, quality not cheap Chinese products.

[BritManToo]

8 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

hird, like many posters have said, it is hard to believe folks get to the end of their days with 30,000 baht a month. You think that is a great thing? You think they grew up believing some day they would retire in a utopia known as Thailand, where 99% cannot even understand the language or read a basic sign?

I'm guessing that will be seen as a lot of money by most youngsters these days when they retire (if they don't have to work until they drop). Our expectations were considerably higher than those that came before us, or will follow us.

 

Born in 1950 seems to be the peak of the retirement expectation curve.

(I missed it by 5 and expect less, those who missed it by 15 appear to expect much less)

Edited December 10, 2018 by BritManToo

[BritManToo]

10 hours ago, onera1961 said:

Europe has fine climate in Spain and Portugal. Greek islands are also wonderful.

Lived in Spain and Portugal, a bit too desert-like (dusty and rocky) for me. I'm told Greek is more of the same.

I prefer tropical.