For better or worse? Expats think Thailand is going down the pan, poll

[JohnOFphon]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Went there last week, everything was incredibly cheap (compared to Thailand).

I'd be gone if I didn't have children in Thailand.

Talking about Cambodia. 

I was there 2 weeks ago. The guy at passport control was actually chatty and very happy to be doing his job.

  The Naga Casino is pretty nice. All gambling is done is USD.

$5 dollar blackjack....Hard to find that in Vegas, unless you go off the strip.

Edited January 25, 2019 by JohnOFphon

[HalfLight]

2 minutes ago, Bullie said:

I said I am moving there, but I still pay my taxes elsewhere. One can have more than 1 residence, you know...

Whilst I'm sure that's pretty usful information and opinion for some, it isn't really for me.

[billd766]

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

 

Of course there will but only the one's who really like it here. Not the one's who came because they thought it was cheap and the perception of wall-to-wall pussy.

 

I am staying as I have a wife and son. When I first came here back in 1993 the forex rate for GBP was around 39 baht but goods were cheaper back then.

 

2 hours ago, Aforek said:

Leave Bangkok, Pattaya etc, and go to upcountry: life is nice and not expansive if you have a "thai life " 

 

I have been living in rural Khampaeng Phet for the last 14 years and I wouldn't to move again. Besides my wife doesn't really like the UK and I haven't missed very much.

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

I've always avoided Cambodia as lawless, but last week my alcoholic pals convinced me to go to Siam Reap for a drinking marathon. We all really enjoyed it, draught beer at 50c a pint (15bht), cocktails at $1 a shot (30bht). Indian takeaways in every street ($4-$5 for a sitdown meal). Hotel with a decent modern room and swimming pool $10/night.

 

Once I was over the land border (nightmare) there were no problems at all, it was really nice.

It was like Thailand 10 years back, but at a fraction of the price. 

 

@bkk6060, it wasn't any dirtier than Chiang Mai, and if your main purpose in life was to drink beer in bars full of naughty ladies 50c/pint in Siam Reap Vs 80bht/pint in Loi Krow is a significant difference (x5). If you want to include the lady drink prices 50c/pint Siam Reap Vs 150bht/pint in Loi Krow, then you're on significant savings (x10).

????

I agree the beer is cheaper and I know guys that seriously go there for 2 or 3 days for mainly that reason.  I guess if one crashed down a couple of cases it could justify the cost of a flight.  But it would seem rather questionable if a person moved their entire life to suck cheaper suds. 

I don't know probably should not be judging anyone for their reasons.  Just hope they investigate the place because generally I think it is a quite a reduced lifestyle from here.

 

 

[yogi100]

14 minutes ago, HalfLight said:

Yep, you and me too. The B[eer] & P[ussy] Brigade, along with the generally welcoming approach to paedophiles that SE Asia has in general, will ruin Thailand as a retirement home, with or without the overwhelming fear these people have of foreigners come to buy the farm and steal their riches. But in too many places it is verboten to mention such things for fear of upsetting too many barstools. Birds of a feather. Look at how both the major ex-pat forums in Thailand actually came into being and where they are now and where they're going and you'll get a good idea as to the location and size of the market, and the befits of feeding off it.

 

With all that entails.

 

 

 

 

"generally welcoming approach to paedophiles that SE Asia has in general,"

 

I've been visiting Pattaya which is considered SE Asia's answer to Sodom and Gomorrah for over 30 years and have never heard of any instances of paedophilia let alone any welcoming approach to those who partake in it.

 

Don't you think you're treading on thin ice here. Making such insinuations do not go down very well and could possibly land you in a whole heap of trouble. 

[HalfLight]

21 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

Just a reminder of the question that was asked in the poll (which is the subject of the OP and the substance of the thread):

 

"Would it be better or worse for an expat to live in Thailand in five years?" 

 

 

*sigh* Any estimate made as to the state of the place in 5 years, is going to be related to and nourished by a knowledge of the state of the place now.

 

 

[Peterhua]

2 hours ago, dyertribe said:

I'm seriously looking at Cambodia as an option for my retirement where, up until now, it has always been Thailand.

I think Vietnam or even the Philippines would be better than Cambo

[HalfLight]

21 minutes ago, yogi100 said:

 

It's more than likely that 90% of posters on this thread don't even live here which I assume is the LOS. I don't.

 

It's not just ex pats who go on Thai Visa.

Indeed it isn't, there's a real microcosm of all types on TV.

 

 

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, bkk6060 said:

But it would seem rather questionable if a person moved their entire life to suck cheaper suds. 

My pals were sinking 10 pints a day, so 800bht in a Thai girly bar Vs 150bht in a Cambodian freelancer bar.

Add on a couple of drinks for the girls on your lap Thailand 300bht Vs Cambodia 30bht.

 

That adds up to a 1,100bht ($40) night out Vs a 180bht ($6) night out which is a big difference.

[HalfLight]

6 minutes ago, yogi100 said:

 

"generally welcoming approach to paedophiles that SE Asia has in general,"

 

I've been visiting Pattaya which is considered SE Asia's answer to Sodom and Gomorrah for over 30 years and have never heard of any instances of paedophilia let alone any welcoming approach to those who partake in it.

 

Don't you think you're treading on thin ice here. Making such insinuations do not go down very well and could possibly land you in a whole heap of trouble. 

It doesn't need to be true to affect a place badly. As for my opinions getting me in trouble, I don't think so and I don't really mind how thin the ice is. Thailand has plenty of track record for paedophiles and sex tourists - does the name Gary Glitter ring any bells? We both know that Thais are by far the worst paedophiles but hey, short of hanging a sign over the door...

Edited January 25, 2019 by HalfLight

[Odysseus123]

31 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

I have a good life, thanks.

Right.But can you change the tune?

 

After three years I am totally over 'Lili Marlene'

[BritManToo]

8 minutes ago, Peterhua said:

I think Vietnam or even the Philippines would be better than Cambo

Been to those places, Cambodia was a fraction of the cost, and probably more fun.

Vietnam was a bit cleaner if that's important to you.

 

Just for comparison.

Power cuts, in a one week period, 3 in the Philippines, 1 in Cambodia, none in Vietnam, 1 in Thailand.

 

Data SIM for 1 month works perfectly well in each country,

Philippines 200 peso, Vietnam 200,000dong, Cambodia $9, Thailand 300bht. 

Edited January 25, 2019 by BritManToo

[Bullie]

54 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

and @Odyysseus

Avocados are very cheap in the local markets when in season, I would suggest you stop doing all your shopping in tourist supermarkets Rimping/Friendship/Tops/Villa and buy in the more local shopping areas.

Although avocados and kiwi fruit are not part of my British/Euro diet so I'm not an expert on them and wouldn't include them in my 'western food' list.

Spain an Portugal are western countries, last time I looked. Avocados are a staple, there. Kiwi's are the product of New Zealand, a country full of English-speaking western people - even when the country itself does not lie in the Western hemisphere....

[moutamine]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

My pals were sinking 10 pints a day, so 800bht in a Thai girly bar Vs 150bht in a Cambodian freelancer bar.

Add on a couple of drinks for the girls on your lap Thailand 300bht Vs Cambodia 30bht.

 

That adds up to a 1,100bht ($40) night out Vs a 180bht ($6) night out which is a big difference.

Now the real question: Are the Thai ladies worth the price difference vs the Cambodian ladies?

[villagefarang]

 

2 hours ago, villagefarang said:

I like living here and it is better than when I first arrived.

 

37 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

Just a reminder of the question that was asked in the poll (which is the subject of the OP and the substance of the thread):

 

"Would it be better or worse for an expat to live in Thailand in five years?" 

 

 

35 minutes ago, Enoon said:

 

I mean we already know that it's lovely for you up there at the China Light Mission.

 

 

I like living here now, it is better than when I first arrived and it gets better every year, so that means it will be better still in five years time.  With a longer time span one is afforded a different perspective, perhaps.

Edited January 25, 2019 by villagefarang

[thaiguzzi]

2 hours ago, villagefarang said:

I like living here and it is better than when I first arrived.

Concur.

Apart from the traffic and parking...

[Odysseus123]

4 minutes ago, Bullie said:

Spain an Portugal are western countries, last time I looked. Avocados are a staple, there. Kiwi's are the product of New Zealand, a country full of English-speaking western people - even when the country itself does not lie in the Western hemisphere....

Yeah,strange that and here they are-the rugby winning so and so's!

 

 

Edited January 25, 2019 by Odysseus123

[Bullie]

56 minutes ago, moutamine said:

Khlong Toei's wet market is pretty disgusting. My wife went twice but just can't anymore because of the smell.  From now on, it's Villa Market even though it's 3-5 times more expansive.  Our health is worth it.

Plus you more or less rule out any formaldyhide intake, which is used extensively all over thai markets to keep the produce "fresh".

[Peterhua]

29 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Why would you retire to Thailand if you didn't want the beer and pussy?

There isn't much else here worth the trip.

He belongs in somewhere like Eastbourne. I on the other hand would prefer Thailand as it was 30 years ago before his type started coming.

[HalfLight]

2 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

 

 

I like living here now, it is better than when I first arrived and it gets better every year, so that means it will be better still in five year time.  With a longer time span one is afforded a different perspective, perhaps.

How close to a septic tank does one need to get to understand that it doesn't smell very good? Not saying that TL is a septic tank or anything, nonono, but the point is valid.

 

 

 

[HalfLight]

1 minute ago, Peterhua said:

He belongs in somewhere like Eastbourne. I on the other hand would prefer Thailand as it was 30 years ago before his type started coming.

Which type is that?

 

Honest? Respectable? Moral? Decent?

 

I think I understand you.

 

 

Edited January 25, 2019 by HalfLight

[marcusarelus]

2 hours ago, Eligius said:

I am surprised that no one who is quoted from the poll seems to regard the political situation here as concerning (to put it mildly).

 

Below is a typical Thai Visa poster when they first arrived in Thailand.

I don't think they would be too concerned about politics today.

[moutamine]

12 minutes ago, Bullie said:

Plus you more or less rule out any formaldyhide intake, which is used extensively all over thai markets to keep the produce "fresh".

I didn't know that but thanks for confirming that we made the right choice.  I would also assume that the so called fresh Thai veggies are generously sprayed with pesticides by farmers as if it was Songkran everyday.

Edited January 25, 2019 by moutamine

[Jane Dough]

2 hours ago, Aforek said:

Leave Bangkok, Pattaya etc, and go to upcountry: life is nice and not expansive if you have a "thai life " 

Personally I prefer the expansive life in Bangkok, much more to do.

 

Rooster

[OneMoreFarang]

2 hours ago, Bullie said:

As a European, Thailand has now effectively lost its attractiveness to me, partly because it has become quite expensive (granted, mainly due to the downturn the Euro has taken), but also it has become hotter every year. Add to that the corruption and the difficulties concerning visa, the cost of proper health insurance plus the fact that we are effectively second-rate visitors with little freedom of enterprise.

 

Me and my family are leaving Thailand behind us and are off to southern Europe next month, with affordable healthcare, less corruption, better food, pleasant temperatures, lower cost of living than Thailand and all the freedom one could wish for as a European citizen.

I understand your point and probably you are right.

But is this because Thailand has changed or because Europe has changed (makes it easier to live in the sun)?

Personally I don't think Thailand changed so much, at least for farangs who work here with a proper work permit.

Corruption is about the same, weather is about the same, drinks are more expensive, but I guess that happens all over the world.

I am sure in one way Thailand is still very different from Europe: Here the average age is still young. Just walking through the streets in Thailand you see lots of young people. The last time I was in Europe I saw lots of old people. That was a night a day difference. And even while I myself get older I don't really want to see so many old people like in Europe.

[thaiguzzi]

35 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Why would you retire to Thailand if you didn't want the beer and pussy?

There isn't much else here worth the trip.

And in another post you 're comparing bar girl prices in different countries.

And admit to having family & kids.

So, is it the kids or the sexpat scene that keeps you here?

Don't get me wrong, i like to party, but i sorta grew out of the girly bar scene about 13 years ago, coincidentally about the same time my wife was pregnant with our son.

40 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

There isn't much else here worth the trip.

If you live here, especially away from the bright lights, and tourist zones, there is a helluva life to live.

Bars, beer, and complaining about the price of imported home comfort food in supermarkets is not high on my agenda.

 

[villagefarang]

7 minutes ago, HalfLight said:

How close to a septic tank does one need to get to understand that it doesn't smell very good? Not saying that TL is a septic tank or anything, nonono, but the point is valid.

 

 

 

If your septic tank is properly installed it will emit no oder except when it is opened for periodic cleaning.  I manage my life so it doesn't stink either.

[marcusarelus]

50 minutes ago, yogi100 said:

 

"I think life may be better for me in Thailand once they throw out the low life sexpats."

 

What made you come to the LOS for originally. You surely knew what to expect and that the sexpats as you call 'em are there to stay. It's what Thailand is famous for and why it's so popular.

I came to Thailand originally to load bombs in airplanes and drop them in various places in South East Asia.  Then as now 95% of the sex industry was for Thai people.  I guess you would want to throw the majority of Thai males out of Thailand too. 

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, thaiguzzi said:

And admit to having family & kids.

So, is it the kids or the sexpat scene that keeps you here?

Don't get me wrong, i like to party, but i sorta grew out of the girly bar scene about 13 years ago, coincidentally about the same time my wife was pregnant with our son.

I have kids, no wife (she went).

And I'm too old for sex (especially after 10 beers).

But I don't see anything wrong with a bit of flirting and horseplay in a girly bar of an evening.

 

Like I said, it's only my Thai children that keep me here, they get free everything as Thai citizens, too expensive to start shipping them around the world. Not that my 20-year-old daughter would want to go, she's happy at university with her mates. My son's only 7, doubt I'll get the chance at another country before I'm dead.

[billd766]

1 hour ago, Dumbastheycome said:

That's  quite funny.

I live in the boonies but have water and electricity nonstop..well ok,  95% of the time for electricity. And  within 15 kilometres I have the choice of several Tescos, 7/11, 3 supermarkets. 

Not at all sure what you mean by high standards. The  majority of people are  nice and you  can look  each other in the eye.

What I don't have is the polluted  air, the street aggression, the noise levels of  any  "big smoke" places.

If I want or need  that I can go temporarily to it as opposed to escaping it.

 

I agree 100% and we have been living here 14 years now.

 

Though for me the nearest supermarkets are in Khampaeng Phet city some 65 km away and I go there once a month for a bulk shop after I go for my medical check up.

 

If I look out of the front window there are hills and my back garden stops at the fence between us and the Mae Wong national park.

 

It gets a bit noisy at the weekend with a lot of motorbikes and scooters going up to park for a camping weekend. Other than that it is just normal rural traffic noise.