Why you as a farrang live in Thailand

[beau thai]

I live here as I enjoy the climate and the people far more than in western  andnother asian countries I have experienced.

 

We have just experienced 5-6 years of benign military dictatorship which was pretty ineffective- but in my view effective democratic government for the majority is illusory in USA, Uk, Germany, France, Australia etc etc.

When I lived in Spain, expat posters (mainly brits) were generally negative, as here. Maybe something to do with hoping to find all the best bits folk enjoyed 'at home', but none of the bad - so they focussed on the bad.

Seems to me from talking to many dissatisfied people, that their biggest problem is that wherever they go next, they take themselves and their attitudes with them. Frankly I try to avoid them as they drag me down. Much prefer to be with people who make the most of their time here and can accept all the imperfections.

 

Is Thailand Utopia? Of course not. Is it better than other places I have lived/visited? For me, yes by a country mile.

But I am sad for thai families who unnecessarily lose or care for loved ones, victims to traffic accidents, most of which could be easily prevented by more effective policing. Hire a head of police and minister of transport who only get to keep their jobs if they reduce fatalities by at least 10% a year until they are halved. Really, not much of a challenge is it?  Isnt that how any effective CEO functions?

 

But, hey, it isnt going to happen, and wont spoil my enjoyment every day I am here.

[rumak]

11 hours ago, Isaanbiker said:

Of course do the temples here have many different shapes and some are even considered really hot.

i think you might be saying something sack religious

[ianezy0]

13 hours ago, sunnyboy2018 said:

I live here, for laid back life, late night life, wide range of topographies to explore, cultural depth and variety, P4P girly scene, easy going social scene and to avoid cold winters. Whenever I have to deal with chores and bureaucracy there is always some to help. A wide variety of food is available at a good price and medical treatment is good.

I had completely forgotten what a positive post is like on TV. 

[simon43]

22 minutes ago, Skallywag said:

Curious where you are going to live next?  Hope it works out for you

I'm mentioned that in other threads ==> the UNESCO-protected town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos.

 

I did seriously consider moving back to live in southern Europe.  But I currently teach online, and the 6-7 hour time-zone difference between Europe and China would require me to teach in the wee small hours.  Once I retire, (probably when I'm about 95!), I'll consider EU again.

 

If you think I'm crazy to consider Laos, you need to read my other threads to understand why it works for me.  I'm sure it would be at the bottom of the list for many others who are considering a move.

[Bezdomny]

Mainly because 60+ years old "hansum" man can bang 20+ y.o. cuties. But reading TV mostly they are here because of food, temples and beaches. And they all met their wives in the library. ????

Edited July 27, 2019 by Bezdomny

[EVENKEEL]

I have an old lady and our young daughter, live in a house I bought in a quiet fishing village close to the beach, Pattaya is an hour away by car. This will be first year I go for retirement visa in the US. After we get officially married maybe I'll put the 800,000 in a long term account here, it can be the old lady's security blanket.

 

If I didn't have family here I would only have Thailand as a part time place. Those with no homes in their home country and limited income may be in a more difficult place. Money gives you options.

[EVENKEEL]

2 minutes ago, Bezdomny said:

Mainly because 60+ years old "hansum" man can bang 20+ y.o. cuties. But reading TV mostly they are here because of food, temples and beaches. And they all met their wives in the library. ????

Don't be silly, mine is an immigration officer.

[rumak]

11 minutes ago, beau thai said:

s Thailand Utopia? Of course not. Is it better than other places I have lived/visited? For me, yes by a country mile.

Contrary to what many posters on this forum believe,  I think that there are LOTS of expats in Thailand that have lived in other places and feel the same way you (and I )  do.  Most of them probably do not bother posting their feelings as it just gets a lot of flak on forums from the disenchanted.  And probably they have better things to do with their time then debate with some members here (sorry, I have been told I can not mention names )   ????

[thaiguzzi]

11 hours ago, madmen said:

Wont go down well. The long term expats prefer listening to crickets on some god forsaken mountain out in the sticks..seriously why would any normal outgoing person fly half way around the world to do that here? plenty better places in Europe, OZ ,north America Canada where you can fish and hunt with great non sexual scenery if thats your thing

Er no.

My back garden is 25 acres here. Big playground for my off road bikes.

My house sits in a 1/3rd of an acre walled compound.

My workshop is 20 x 40'.

No neighbors.

No overheads.

Peace and tranquility.

The weather is nice. The air fresh & clean.

The locals are nice, friendly and helpful. They smile.

 

Back in my home country i lived in a 2 up 2 down English terraced house.

Houses either side. Small pleasant city.

Shed too small to fit a motorcycle in.

Back garden  about 8 x 16'. Neighbors peering over the fence.

Never talked to my neighbors. Nobody smiled.

Could never afford the land for that old tumbled down farm house i always wanted.

Everything was done in a hurry. Time = money.

Worked my arse off.

Tons of bills & overheads.

The weather was generally crap.

 

Bit of a difference.

Still, living in a tourist enclave city, you would'nt see that or get it.

Each to their own.

I hate traffic and cities.

Edited July 27, 2019 by thaiguzzi

[luckyluke]

Being here since 2000, quite satisfied.

 

I am Belgian, so no need of any amount on a Thai bankbook, no need to transfer monthly any money to Thailand if I don't want to.

 

Once a year Immigration for an extension, waiting time not included, it takes the officer usually 5 minutes to approve my "Retirement Visa" for another year. 

 

I do my 90 days reporting on line. 

 

When in Bangkok/Thonglor the TM30 is arranged by my landlord there. 

 

When in Pattaya, on line by the manager of the Condotel where I stay. 

 

My dream was staying at the French Riviera, but if I wanted the same quality of life I have here in Thailand, I would need 3 x the income I have now. 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

39 minutes ago, HiSoLowSoNoSo said:

In the 80's when I came here the pussy and Thai sticks where of great quality and the place was fun, today it is a complete different place, kind of lost it's soul and turned into a boring control freak police state.   

Maybe in the 80's you were a hansom young man and the girls really wanted to spend time with you. Now you are probably slightly older and maybe not so hansom anymore and the quality girls don't look at you anymore.

[rumak]

3 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Maybe in the 80's you were a hansom young man and the girls really wanted to spend time with you. Now you are probably slightly older and maybe not so hansom anymore and the quality girls don't look at you anymore.

Hey !   I resemble that remark !

[OneMoreFarang]

35 minutes ago, CMNightRider said:

and their now strict enforcement of TM forms

Why is that such a big problem for many people here?

How much time do you spend with TM forms. Just do it and when it's done forget it and continue with your life.

It's like brining the trash out. Nobody likes it but it has to be done. Do we complain about that everyday? Do it, done, forget about it, enjoy life!

[thaiguzzi]

33 minutes ago, CMNightRider said:

I have had some good times living in Thailand, in spite of their nonsensical 90 day reporting regulation.  Unfortunately, that all changed this year when Thai Immigration came up with the 800,000 baht that has to be deposited in a Thai savings account earning little to nothing interest, and their now strict enforcement of TM forms for everything except going to the bathroom.  I recently saw where these imbeciles have even deployed what they refer to as a "smart van" in their effort to either harrass or rid Thailand of foreigners.

 

To make matters worst, several of the western embassies turned their backs on their retirees, and refuse to issue letters confirming sufficient income in western banks, and brookage firms.  

 

For several years after moving here, I saw no need in purschasing a condo or even buying a vehicle.  I traveled to Europe, America, and countries closer to Thailand, every time my nonsensical 90 day report was due, so I could have minimal contact with immigration.  Basically, I was able to limit my visits to immigration to once a year to renew my one year visa extension.  

 

Then I let my guard down, married a wonderful, educated Thai woman, and purschased a home.  As soon as the home was a done deal, immigration started their campaign to rid Thailand, of as many foreigners as possible, and fleese the ones who wanted to or had to stay because they had homes or condos, and Thai families, which would make moving from this shit hole a liitle more difficult.

 

I'm fairly certain, I'll receive a couple of idoitic comments from the western apologists and Thai's pretending to be westerners.  I can only hope the fleas of a thousand camels infest the nostrils of both above mentioned groups.

 

So in a nutshell, I have regretted moving to Thailand, and fully expect to be living some where in Europe or the US within the next couple of years, along with my Thai wife. ????

Why don't you go back now if you hate the place so much?

35 minutes ago, CMNightRider said:

several of the western embassies turned their backs on their retirees, and refuse to issue letters confirming sufficient income in western banks, and brookage firms.  

That is not Thailand's problem or fault.

37 minutes ago, CMNightRider said:

I'm fairly certain, I'll receive a couple of idoitic comments from the western apologists and Thai's pretending to be westerners.  I can only hope the fleas of a thousand camels infest the nostrils of both above mentioned groups.

Thanx.

Bye.

ps, the Sonny B avatar does'nt become you. He's not a winger.

[ianezy0]

12 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

 

Nice. When did you get the pole fitted in your bedroom?

[Felt 35]

12 hours ago, wilailuk said:

This society has been shaped into what it is by the royalists, elites and aristocrats that have run this country since its beginnings. This mean streak we experience is part of the class society that exists here, in which those below you mean nothing and are nothing, and certainly shouldn't vote.

And the democrats, they are the right wing political arm that these people created to pretend that this country is a democracy whilst in reality is just an authoritarian system with little regards for the well being of its citizens.

It doesn't matter - as I have said many times before - my fight is against the elites and royalist of this country that have ruined it for generations past and generations to come. 

The fact remains - what are we going to see come out from this this situation? Are we going to see some sort of reform? Is the government going to really go after the police and military corruption that is rampant and deep rooted? Not a chance, not a chance in hell." 

 

????

[Thainesss]

1 hour ago, kenk24 said:

Not too much 'Thainess' working here for you anymore... you have decided it is better back "home" - - why would you be offended by people agreeing with you - for you to go back home? 

 

Did you see anywhere where I said I was offended? I just pointed out the hypocrisy. And I said In my post I was preparing to do just that - leave. 

[Farangwithaplan]

1 hour ago, LivinLOS said:

So local residents, of any nationality or race qualify for local pricing.. 

Please explain again how thats the same as Thailand charging based purely on nationality and race ?? 

You have quoted me out of context. You decided to not quote the aspect where I mentioned about Inidians. Now why did you do that? You either did it mistakenly or you did it with intent because you needed to cherry pick my post to suit your narrative.

 

I clearly gave several different truthful accounts and the Indian point clearly shows the issue is not Thai centric. The other examples are variations on the theme.

 

I'm happy to be questioned in what I post but please do so in an open and transparent way. Also, if you are concerned about the pricing difference, what don't you apply to be a Thai national?

[Thainesss]

8 minutes ago, thaiguzzi said:

Why don't you go back now if you hate the place so much?

 

LOL

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

39 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Maybe in the 80's you were a hansom young man and the girls really wanted to spend time with you. Now you are probably slightly older and maybe not so hansom anymore and the quality girls don't look at you anymore.

Sure we all get older, but I just have more fun when I go out in Jakarta or in the Philippines these days, loved Bangkok nightlife before, was the best on this planet, really sad it all turned boring and expensive and not many stunners left in the bars like before.

[Thainesss]

1 minute ago, totally thaied up said:

I have crunched my numbers also about a 100 times and the figure I get is it is cheaper at home due to a crappy exchange rate and the quality of living is better. Numbers rarely lie and I have to think about this all the time.

 

My overall costs are cheaper here but thats ONLY due to me living in isaan, and my home is paid off and was actually cheap. Moving back home would be more expensive because of the standard of living I want and can afford. When I first started feeling sour living here, I thought maybe moving to BKK or Pattaya or something like that where theres more western stuff, but when I crunched the numbers - it would be cheaper to buy in my area of the USA where I can own it, its mine, I have rights and I'm protected by laws, dont need to fuss with visas, immigration... 

 

5 minutes ago, totally thaied up said:

I still do love Thailand but compared to ten years ago, this place has declined and you are correct in saying most expat communities are toxic. The moment I get involved with a expat seems to be the only time I have trouble here. Thais leave me alone.

 

It is WAY different than it was 10 years ago, and theres alot less western foreigners coming here too. Theres a reason for that. I believe its not a single reason but a multifaceted issue and the numbers dont lie. People on this forum are in denial, which is ok I guess. Up to them. But then they go on attack mode when they feel people are 'dissing' Thailand and I think it's hilarious. Thailand is not there for anyone but Thais, foreigners are tolerated but viewed as different, and anyone who denies this is rather amusing. 

 

And yeah, expat communities are toxic. 

[totally thaied up]

2 hours ago, CMNightRider said:

 

So in a nutshell, I have regretted moving to Thailand, and fully expect to be living some where in Europe or the US within the next couple of years, along with my Thai wife

I never had no problem with living in Thailand for the last nine years - it has only been since last year I have been dissatisfied with my life here due to one major reason. I do have a disability (well have so most my life) but it never really did effect me too much as I am use to it but in reality it is a major problem (it costs a lot in medication to treat a mental illness here). Still, to add to it all, last year my gallbladder hemorrhaged and I was put in hospital for two weeks. I was very ill and I had to fight tooth and nail to get my insurance company to pay a bill of 220K. I was sick for about six weeks after the Operation and I was in and out of hospital a lot. It really scared me in the fact I had to trust the Thai system and that at each step, my insurance was always looking at a way to block my payments. It is not like this in Australia and I would have had no problems in the system back at home.

 

So this advent really turned my stomach and getting old and sick here is something I now find distasteful due to the medical and insurance nightmare. I do not want to be old and having to fight the whole time my insurance company if I get sick. No, I am much better off in Australia. 

Edited July 27, 2019 by totally thaied up

[Rimmer]

Multiple off topic and Thai bashing posts removed, you can either stay on topic or we will close the topic

 

Why you as a farrang live in Thailand

[madmen]

2 hours ago, thaiguzzi said:

Er no.

My back garden is 25 acres here. Big playground for my off road bikes.

My house sits in a 1/3rd of an acre walled compound.

My workshop is 20 x 40'.

No neighbors.

No overheads.

Peace and tranquility.

The weather is nice. The air fresh & clean.

The locals are nice, friendly and helpful. They smile.

 

Back in my home country i lived in a 2 up 2 down English terraced house.

Houses either side. Small pleasant city.

Shed too small to fit a motorcycle in.

Back garden  about 8 x 16'. Neighbors peering over the fence.

Never talked to my neighbors. Nobody smiled.

Could never afford the land for that old tumbled down farm house i always wanted.

Everything was done in a hurry. Time = money.

Worked my arse off.

Tons of bills & overheads.

The weather was generally crap.

 

Bit of a difference.

Still, living in a tourist enclave city, you would'nt see that or get it.

Each to their own.

I hate traffic and cities.

Sounds very nice you have a way with words haha but yours is not typical. Most villages are noisy even compared to bangkok where I can hear a Pin drop in my condo lower sukhumvit . I love the great outdoors and will end up eventually back in OZ where I can game fish from the shore or spearfish for lobster or go rabbit hunting. Buying land here to do circuits around my house on a bike just doesn't appeal and dont care about smiles but we're all different like you said

 

Here for girls girls girls 

Edited July 27, 2019 by madmen

[Gecko123]

It takes as much - if not more - courage to return home than it does to move here.

 

The amount of planning to move back can easily surpass the amount put into moving here. You're older, and there's less room for error. There's greater economic uncertainty today than there was just 10 years ago. Central bank easing has made returns on capital less predictable, and distorted the pricing on many asset classes, especially real estate and stocks. Western governments fiscal deficits and uncertainty about entitlement programs also need to be weighed. When you start factoring in potential costs for long-term care, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and the possibilities of inflation, currency devaluations, low or negative interest rates, or entitlement program cuts, even the most sizeable nest eggs and pension benefits start to look vulnerable.

 

It takes time to evaluate these factors carefully, and may help explain why people who are contemplating repatriation don't simply pack up and leave on the next plane, as many here often suggest they ought to.

 

To those contemplating leaving, as I am, my advice would be to carefully research and plan your options, while also making an effort to make your remaining time in Thailand as fulfilling as possible. Focusing on improving both your mental and physical health to prepare for the challenges which lay ahead is also good advice.

Edited July 27, 2019 by Gecko123

[marcusarelus]

5 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

It takes as much, if not more, courage to return home than it does to move here.

 

The amount of planning to move back can easily surpass the amount of planning put into moving here. You're older, and there's less room for error. There's greater economic uncertainty today than there was just 10 years ago. Central bank easing has made returns on capital less predictable, and distorted the pricing on many asset classes, especially real estate and stocks. Western governments fiscal deficits and uncertainty about entitlement programs also need to be weighed. When you start factoring in potential costs for long-term care, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and the possibilities of inflation, currency devaluations, low or negative interest rates, or entitlement program cuts, even the most sizeable nest eggs and pension benefits start to look vulnerable.

 

It takes time to evaluate these factors carefully, and may help explain why people who are contemplating repatriation don't simply pack up and leave on the next plane, as many here often suggest they ought to.

 

To those contemplating leaving, as I am, my advice would be to carefully research and plan your options, while also making an effort to make your remaining time in Thailand as fulfilling as possible. Focusing on improving both your mental and physical health to prepare for the challenges which lay ahead is also good advice.

Don't you just love people who pay attention to moderation the topic is Why you as a farrang live in Thailand 

You might as well talk to a wall and there are posters who can think of anything but bad things about Thailand and why don't you leave.  It's why all of the positive threads about Thailand get closed because the Thai bashing posters can't be controlled.  They can't help it.  

 

 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2019 by marcusarelus

[Gecko123]

35 minutes ago, marcusarelus said:

Don't you just love people who pay attention to moderation the topic is Why you as a farrang live in Thailand 

You might as well talk to a wall and there are posters who can think of anything but bad things about Thailand and why don't you leave.  It's why all of the positive threads about Thailand get closed because the Thai bashing posters can't be controlled.  They can't help it. 

The third paragraph of my post explains why people who may have become disenchanted with Thailand might still live here, which ties into the topic of the thread. If you had read my post more carefully, you might have appreciated this, Johnny.

 

Edit: There isn't a single word in my post which can be described as anti-Thai or Thai bashing. It's all about the risks facing someone contemplating repatriation. I also encouraged readers to use their remaining time in Thailand as "fulfillingly as possible." Somebody clearly has a reading comprehension problem.

 

Edited July 27, 2019 by Gecko123

[marcusarelus]

3 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

The third paragraph of my post explains why people who may have become disenchanted with Thailand still live here, which ties into the topic of the thread. If you had read my post more carefully, you might have appreciated this, Johnny.

"It takes as much, if not more, courage to return home than it does to move here.

 

The amount of planning to move back can easily surpass the amount of planning put into moving here. You're older, and there's less room for error. There's greater economic uncertainty today than there was just 10 years ago. Central bank easing has made returns on capital less predictable, and distorted the pricing on many asset classes, especially real estate and stocks. Western governments fiscal deficits and uncertainty about entitlement programs also need to be weighed. When you start factoring in potential costs for long-term care, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and the possibilities of inflation, currency devaluations, low or negative interest rates, or entitlement program cuts, even the most sizeable nest eggs and pension benefits start to look vulnerable.

 

It takes time to evaluate these factors carefully, and may help explain why people who are contemplating repatriation don't simply pack up and leave on the next plane, as many here often suggest they ought to.

 

To those contemplating leaving, as I am, my advice would be to carefully research and plan your options, while also making an effort to make your remaining time in Thailand as fulfilling as possible. Focusing on improving both your mental and physical health to prepare for the challenges which lay ahead is also good advice."

 

Above in quotes is one of the most blatantly anti Thai off topic posts of the entire thread and only a few lines below a large moderator post about not posting off topic - hard to believe.  

[Thainesss]

1 hour ago, totally thaied up said:

So this advent really turned my stomach and getting old and sick here is something I now find distasteful due to the medical and insurance nightmare. I do not want to be old and having to fight the whole time my insurance company if I get sick. No, I am much better off in Australia. 

 

This was another eye opener for me as well. I had an accident here and had a few broken bones. Long story short I ended up flying home and getting patched up there. I have insurance too, and it was still a better deal going home rather than staying here. 

 

Pain management in Thailand is absurd, abysmal, and inhumane to the point of if I had to deal with cancer or something here using a gov hospital because thats all I could afford I would probably just off myself rather than suffer and deal with the indignity. 

 

I was originally of the mind that medical care was good and cheap and thats was another one of the reasons I used to justify staying here but after that experience... No more. 

[marcusarelus]

20 minutes ago, Thainesss said:

 

This was another eye opener for me as well. I had an accident here and had a few broken bones. Long story short I ended up flying home and getting patched up there. I have insurance too, and it was still a better deal going home rather than staying here. 

 

Pain management in Thailand is absurd, abysmal, and inhumane to the point of if I had to deal with cancer or something here using a gov hospital because thats all I could afford I would probably just off myself rather than suffer and deal with the indignity. 

 

I was originally of the mind that medical care was good and cheap and thats was another one of the reasons I used to justify staying here but after that experience... No more. 

Another two posts about why not to live in Thailand 180 degrees off topic which is why are you living in Thailand.  You just can't help posting negatives about Thailand.  Your fingers hit the keyboard and out comes bad bad bad.  

 

Don't let them beat you down Mr. Moderator.  The Thai bashers are trying to get the thread closed because it may contain positives about Thailand.  

Edited July 27, 2019 by marcusarelus