Is Thailand still worth it for Aussies?

[totally thaied up]

8 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So comparing your

$1100 house insurance Vs my 1000Bht house insurance

$2200 rates bill with my 5000bht (security + garbage) (If I add water the's another 4000bht)

 

It seems Thailand is considerably cheaper.

Okay, I spend $2,200 on health insurance a year and that will go up in time. I spend another 100K ($4,700 a year) on doctors bills and pharmaceutical medication from Dara pharmacy. Yes, specialist doctors and special medication. If I instead went home and swapped those bills I now pay (I pay half the rate bills every year with my parents), I will be ahead in health care.

 

Thailand is cheaper but when it comes to health care for me, it is a no brainer.

[Odysseus123]

12 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So comparing your

$1100 house insurance Vs my 1000Bht house insurance

$2200 rates bill with my 5000bht (security + garbage) (If I add water the's another 4000bht)

 

It seems Thailand is considerably cheaper.

No-one has argued that the costs of housing are similar to Thailand.Everybody has acknowledged that it is considerably more expensive in that area.Why would it not be?It is a first world country.

 

So if you just want to limit the dialogue to the cost of housing so be it and we can start discussing the merits of a yurt in Outer Mongolia.

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, totally thaied up said:

Okay, I spend $2,200 on health insurance a year and that will go up in time. I spend another 100K ($4,700 a year) on doctors bills and pharmaceutical medication from Dara pharmacy. Yes, specialist doctors and special medication. If I instead went home and swapped those bills I now pay (I pay half the rate bills every year with my parents), I will be ahead in health care.

 

Thailand is cheaper but when it comes to health care for me, it is a no brainer.

Thailand isn't really a place for the chronically ill to live.

If I get any worse I'll be back in the UK on benefits too.

Edited May 18, 2019 by BritManToo

[BritManToo]

5 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

So if you just want to limit the dialogue to the cost of housing

But housing is our major cost of living (excluding the chronically ill).

Excluding the $1000 you saved on housing, and then claiming the $100 you saved on your wine and cheese bill is significant is and exercise in futility.

 

Living in your mom's house and claiming how cheap it is in the west ................ yeah, OK, you win.

Edited May 18, 2019 by BritManToo

[marcusarelus]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

But housing is our major cost of living (excluding the chronically ill).

Excluding the $1000 you saved on housing, and then claiming the $100 you saved on your wine and cheese bill is significant is and exercise in futility.

 

Living in your mom's house and claiming how cheap it is in the west ................ yeah, OK, you win.

It is the last refuge of the Thaiexiteers.  If you propose to compare a realistic budget housing will always sway the results overwhelming toward Thailand. 

[Odysseus123]

Just now, BritManToo said:

But housing is our major cost of living (excluding the chronically ill).

Excluding the $1000 you saved on housing, and then claiming the $100 you saved on your wine and cheese bill is significant is and exercise in futility.

Umm..I didn't say anything about wine and cheese bills..

Like TTU I have emphasized the wisdom of being flexible and having a Plan B if things go wrong either financially or medically.

 

In my case,as I have mentioned,it was cancer which progressed rapidly,lost the leg..developed a secondary infection,had my immune system smashed and required a desperate dash for home.

The benefits of so doing are obvious..and I have sternly advised a Dutch friend to do the same.

 

I had Thai insurance-but they simply priced me out on age and pre-existing conditions.

 

Addit:Like Gin Boy-the place had lost it's shine anyway.

[Odysseus123]

Just now, marcusarelus said:

It is the last refuge of the Thaiexiteers.  If you propose to compare a realistic budget housing will always sway the results overwhelming toward Thailand. 

You're kinda like a canary in a coal mine..????

[BritManToo]

12 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

You're kinda like a canary in a coal mine..????

He's right though!

[totally thaied up]

26 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Living in your mom's house and claiming how cheap it is in the west ................ yeah, OK, you win

The house is under company Trust like everything else in my family. It was the only protection I had during my divorce.

[Odysseus123]

11 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

He's right though!

Only if you are at the bottom of the well looking up.

 

I am sure that our very own Imperator has persuaded no absolutely no-one on the subject. 

 

Because if he had there wouldn't be 50,000 posts about immigration demands and medical insurance..

 

With very few about housing.

 

Anyway..enjoy your evening!

 

It looks like OZ may have another hung parliament....

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, Odysseus123 said:

It looks like OZ may have another hung parliament....

The dollar will drop (if that's still possible).

[Odysseus123]

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

The dollar will drop (if that's still possible).

Yes..but that is still just sitting at the bottom of the well looking up.Goodness knows that it effected me but not as much as the escalating medical bills and poor treatment and services did,that was a real crisis-now happily resolved.

 

As TTU once stated (and I agreed with him) Australians don't really give a brass razoo about Thailand..they have totally lost interest.

 

So..my observations are that the country is booming,unemployment is low,agri-businesses are going great guns and the country towns are beginning to grow and revive again.They are certainly looking spruce and prosperous.So the depressed Aussie dollar is exactly what the country needs.

 

But that of course leaves the Aussie expats out on a limb as the pension is way below the cut off point.I am glad that I don't have to worry about it anymore and I empathize with those that have to..which is what this thread is about,eh?

[Gecko123]

11 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

I also find it fascinating.

 

There is a general pattern to them I think.

 

There is a section of the expat community, that burn all their bridges, sell up everything back home, often severing ties with their family, then when they see the reality of their lives they go into abject denial.

 

That then translates in to vitriol towards anyone who dares exposes any of their inner fears.

 

To quote George Smiley..."the fanatic is always hiding an inner doubt"

Housing affordabilty in the West has deteriorated dramatically in the past 10 years, and many people who would like to return home are forced to contemplate a dramatically lower standard of living or simply can't because of this. For some in this boat, being forced to listen to glowing stories about how wonderfully better things are back home is like mental torture, and sensitivity should be shown.

 

With that said, there's plenty of validity to the argument that a forum primarily dedicated to living in Thailand isn't the proper venue to endlessly trumpet how much better your life is back home than it was in Thailand, especially when that's not always the case. There are plenty of examples of former expats making ridiculous claims about enjoying a lower cost of living back home than they did in Thailand, or making maliciously dispiriting comments towards expats and Thailand simply to feed their egos or sense of superiority. Granted, repatriation is part of the expat life cycle and discussion of repatriation issues have a place on the forum, but people would do well to reflect on their motives for sharing their repatriation experiences.

 

Edited May 18, 2019 by Gecko123

[Odysseus123]

28 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

Housing affordabilty in the West has deteriorated dramatically in the past 10 years, and many people who would like to return home are forced to contemplate a dramatically lower standard of living or simply can't because of this. For some in this boat, being forced to listen to glowing stories about how wonderfully better things are back home is like mental torture, and sensitivity should be shown.

 

With that said, there's plenty of validity to the argument that a forum primarily dedicated to living in Thailand isn't the proper venue to endlessly trumpet how much better your life is back home than it was in Thailand, especially when that's not always the case. There are plenty of examples of former expats making ridiculous claims about enjoying a lower cost of living back home than they did in Thailand, or making maliciously dispiriting comments towards expats and Thailand simply to feed their egos or sense of superiority. Granted, repatriation is part of the expat life cycle and discussion of repatriation issues have a place on the forum, but people would do well to reflect on their motives for sharing their repatriation experiences.

 

Ummm..is it because the topic is "Is Thailand still worth it for Aussies"?Neh?

 

Therefore those Aussies (or anybody else) who are straddling both worlds should be able to have they say without fear or favour-they can compare prices,insurance,medical stuff and give some insight into quality of life back home..

 

I certainly never want to be stuck in the bottom of Thailand's particularly parochial well, looking up, ever again.

 

However,when I am declared "fit to travel" and can get some travel insurance I shall certainly drop in for a visit..

 

Anthony Green (election pundit) hasn't "called" the election yet..hope it doesn't take 3 months..????

Edited May 18, 2019 by Odysseus123

[totally thaied up]

In reality, I would advise no one to leave Thailand if they did not own a property or have somewhere safe to go. Without a property, your behind the eight ball from the very start. Renting prices in my area start at $400 a week. It is a case by case look at what you really want to do and what you can afford. Pure and simple.

 

44 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

As TTU once stated (and I agreed with him) Australians don't really give a brass razoo about Thailand..they have totally lost interest.

Just about everyone, even with the dollar in the toilet is going to areas in Europe, South America and the USA. One of my close friends spent 8 weeks in the States, as before, he spent it in SEA. If any of my mates now mention SEA, it is either Cambodia or Vietnam that gets mentioned. Most my friends are old Thailand hands but they are going now to Cambodia. Thailand is just way on the back burner. Bali is much more popular now. 

 

For me, in reality, their is nothing wrong with Thailand but clearly, I am paying a premium with all the costs I have to bare with health. My wife more than makes up for the difference and that is the main reason to stay (and willing to pay extra) until my health care insurance premiums get so out of control, I will go home on my own terms.

Edited May 18, 2019 by totally thaied up

[marcusarelus]

55 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Only if you are at the bottom of the well looking up.

 

I am sure that our very own Imperator has persuaded no absolutely no-one on the subject. 

 

Because if he had there wouldn't be 50,000 posts about immigration demands and medical insurance..

 

With very few about housing.

 

Anyway..enjoy your evening!

 

It looks like OZ may have another hung parliament....

Housing costs determine lifestyle.  

 

You must compare budget unless you are trying to sell an idea.  If you are trying to have an intelligent discussion and arrive at a thoughtful conclusion they pick your highest 10 costs and add them up.  That Gin guy always qualifies it by saying if your house is paid for the West is cheaper.  Of course it is. 

 

If your house is paid for and your medical care is free Australia is a good bet.  Aussie dollar is going to keep going down - I don't see how you fellows will ever make it Thailand again like you used to. 

[madmen]

Umm..I didn't say anything about wine and cheese bills..
Like TTU I have emphasized the wisdom of being flexible and having a Plan B if things go wrong either financially or medically.
 
In my case,as I have mentioned,it was cancer which progressed rapidly,lost the leg..developed a secondary infection,had my immune system smashed and required a desperate dash for home.
The benefits of so doing are obvious..and I have sternly advised a Dutch friend to do the same.
 
I had Thai insurance-but they simply priced me out on age and pre-existing conditions.
 
Addit:Like Gin Boy-the place had lost it's shine anyway.

Your in oz? How did you get Medicare assuming you were away more than 5 years

Sent from my star using Tapatalk

[Odysseus123]

1 minute ago, marcusarelus said:

Housing costs determine lifestyle.  

 

You must compare budget unless you are trying to sell an idea.  If you are trying to have an intelligent discussion and arrive at a thoughtful conclusion they pick your highest 10 costs and add them up.  That Gin guy always qualifies it by saying if your house is paid for the West is cheaper.  Of course it is. 

 

If your house is paid for and your medical care is free Australia is a good bet.  Aussie dollar is going to keep going down - I don't see how you fellows will ever make it Thailand again like you used to. 

I think that I am perfectly capable of constructing a budget,comparing prices,picking my nose,catching a big jet,patting a dog-and totally ignoring your banal advice.

I do however agree that you are a great source of entertainment-even tho' your misspelled moniker irritates the bejeezus out of me-and would like to nominate you for Poster of the Year when it comes around again.Agreed?????

[Odysseus123]

8 minutes ago, madmen said:

Your in oz? How did you get Medicare assuming you were away more than 5 years

Sent from my star using Tapatalk
 

Yes-I was away for more then 5 years.Driver's License and Medicare expired.

 

I guess that I kept up correspondence with the DSS,the Aussie embassy an the Gov't throughout the medical crisis and they kinda knew that I was on my way.

 

Medicare was not in itself a problem-as long as I had an address- but the medicos definitely required assurance that I was here to stay.

 

 

[madmen]

Yes-I was away for more then 5 years.Driver's License and Medicare expired.
 
I guess that I kept up correspondence with the DSS,the Aussie embassy an the Gov't throughout the medical crisis and they kinda knew that I was on my way.
 
Medicare was not in itself a problem-as long as I had an address- but the medicos definitely required assurance that I was here to stay.
 
 

Thanks for the info how about your pension card?

Sent from my star using Tapatalk

[EricTh]

If you haven't bought any property in Thailand, don't go to Thailand.

 

The baht will get stronger and visa requirements get worse.

 

In the past, people can get away with declaring false affidavits but no longer.

 

Thailand isn't cheap anymore.

[sirineou]

Quote

Is Thailand still worth it for Aussies?

No!! absolutely not!!

I suggest they all pack up and leave. 

[marcusarelus]

7 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

I think that I am perfectly capable of constructing a budget,comparing prices,picking my nose,catching a big jet,patting a dog-and totally ignoring your banal advice.

I do however agree that you are a great source of entertainment-even tho' your misspelled moniker irritates the bejeezus out of me-and would like to nominate you for Poster of the Year when it comes around again.Agreed?????

I'm beyond the stage of trying to impress people and if I moved back the West I'd cut my living space to the size of one of my bedrooms in Thailand and not eat out and add 40 years to the age of my friends. 

 

I'd be afraid when I walked down the streets and probably die a rough death in the gutter with a dozen stab wounds for the paltry sum in my wallet. 

 

BTW the reason there were so many posts about the mandatory health care was the way the reporting was handles.  Scare tactics not mentioning who, what, where and when and how.  Is insurance mandatory?  Are there alternatives?  Who can qualify?  When does it start and how will it be enforced.  The story was handled like if I said, "there was a comet heading towards earth but we don't know if it will hit or when or how much damage it will do but call this number for a comet shelter quote."  Of course that would generates posts.   

[giddyup]

2 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Yes-I was away for more then 5 years.Driver's License and Medicare expired.

 

I guess that I kept up correspondence with the DSS,the Aussie embassy an the Gov't throughout the medical crisis and they kinda knew that I was on my way.

 

Medicare was not in itself a problem-as long as I had an address- but the medicos definitely required assurance that I was here to stay.

 

 

My Aussie drivers licence has expired for some time, not sure how I'd go getting another one now.

[Odysseus123]

7 minutes ago, madmen said:

Thanks for the info how about your pension card?

Sent from my star using Tapatalk
 

Good question!

 

I was given a temporary printout-again residential address required-and the card itself posted to me-that took about a month.

 

Because I cannot drive-(no leg) I got a photo ID.But be warned any outstanding fines will need to be paid.I got stung for missing out on an election.Then fought them for months about the other missing 9 elections...federal,state and local.

[madmen]

Good question!
 
I was given a temporary printout-again residential address required-and the card itself posted to me-that took about a month.
 
Because I cannot drive-(no leg) I got a photo ID.But be warned any outstanding fines will need to be paid.I got stung for missing out on an election.Then fought them for months about the other missing 9 elections...federal,state and local.

Good information for me. Did they want to see a lease on a property? Or a letter saying your a flatmate etc. I plan on using air bnb for the first few months

[Odysseus123]

17 minutes ago, giddyup said:

My Aussie drivers licence has expired for some time, not sure how I'd go getting another one now.

Oh..I don't know to be honest.

As I said a driver's license was out of the question-but the photo id certainly comes in handy.You get those from the grandly named Maritime,fisheries,roads and transport department (i think I have the name right)

[Odysseus123]

8 minutes ago, madmen said:

14 minutes ago, Odysseus123 said:

Good question!
 
I was given a temporary printout-again residential address required-and the card itself posted to me-that took about a month.
 
Because I cannot drive-(no leg) I got a photo ID.But be warned any outstanding fines will need to be paid.I got stung for missing out on an election.Then fought them for months about the other missing 9 elections...federal,state and local.

Good information for me. Did they want to see a lease on a property? Or a letter saying your a flatmate etc. I plan on using air bnb for the first few months

Yes the required a letter of corroboration from my mate who was,very kindly,temporarily looking after me.He took me to DSS anyway..otherwise your housing info,lease (if renting) and bank statements for the last 3 months.

Oh! Passport-everything hinges on that until you get all your documentation together.

Edited May 18, 2019 by Odysseus123

[madmen]

Thanks again sounds like repatriation isn't much of a hassle. Quite refreshing after the hammering we are getting to stay in Thailand a country that doesn't want us.

[Odysseus123]

6 minutes ago, madmen said:

Thanks again sounds like repatriation isn't much of a hassle. Quite refreshing after the hammering we are getting to stay in Thailand a country that doesn't want us.

Agreed.

They were very fair and I was one physically sick puppy,I can assure you!

The next step after that-because I was physically disabled-was signing up for the newish National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)-that took a while-about 3 months.

 

But once they came on board it was all systems go!