Life in America Sucks

[bwpage3]

17 hours ago, Damrongsak said:

You need to be one to take care of your family in old age.  My wife and I have a net worth around a million USD (or did before this Covid thing and investment values). But that's do-able in the long term here in the USA and it's barely enough.  Be conservative.  We don't eat out, our pickup truck is 20 years old, etc.  But we can loan $8-10,000 USD to the Thai relatives we sponsored to come to the USA without balancing the checkbook. They love it here. (Brought 7, one went back due to a divorce.)

 

I was in the Peace Corps in Thailand 1977-99.  I would have stayed in Thailand but didn't know how I would earn a living. A couple of my wife's Thai friends/relatives in Loei did very well, multi-millionaires (dollars, not Baht). 

Agree 100%.

 

I am 100% focused on ensuring my family has everything before I pass, even if I work till I am 78!

 

We keep expenses very manageable, instead of going all out to the max of what we could afford.

 

Company life insurance is $1.5 mil. That is one reason I plan of working until I die!

 

Still have plenty of time for travel each year and I am happy to do this for my families future.

 

We are sponsoring family as well.

[bwpage3]

11 hours ago, sukhumvitneon said:

There is cheap land and houses here.  However they are generally:

 

In an area with no meaningful jobs or employment opportunities

 

In a place with intolerable weather

 

In a high crime area

 

But if you wish to own some dilapidated house, somewhere in middle of nowhere, USA, good for you.  I agree that US is better than Thailand in that regard.

 

I've lived in rust belt states all my life (NY, PA, OH)  The media crows about the cost of living here but it comes at a different price.  Pay for most jobs is substantially less, there are less amenities in the city, and the horrible weather leads to increased utility and maintenance costs on your house.  People don't fantasize about moving to OH for a reason.

 

Overall, the US is a dump.  Want to better yourself?  Get ready for 5 figure student debt.  No paid time off.  No parental leave.  No paid vacation. No free healthcare. It took a f*cking pandemic to get paid sick leave, but only if you get a nearly impossible to obtain Covid19 test here. 

OK, my son is in college. I pay for it. No students loans.

 

5 weeks paid Vacation a year, 200 hours of sick leave paid.

 

Healthcare is expensive, subsidized by the company

 

65% matching 401k

 

Any continuing education I ever want to do is paid 100% by the company. 

 

If you have an education or skill, why would you live in the Rust Belt?

 

In 2020 in Florida, people in the trades ( electrical, construction, plumbing, air conditioning) are making more than college graduates.

 

 

[JackThompson]

On 4/29/2020 at 12:47 PM, Jingthing said:

What a weird post. Comparing Miller to Miller? Same person. Was that a typo? 

 

I'm not going to get sucked into your disingenuous baiting game so don't bother. 

The person referenced (duke) is no fan of the ethnic-group to which Miller belongs - could have been worded better.

 

I'm not baiting anyone - and will not be baited.  My position is consistent. I am opposed to racial-tactics.  This includes attacking groups based on race (duke), and members of groups protecting their bad-activity, using their "group-identity" as a shield.

 

 

[wotsdermatter]

On 4/24/2020 at 1:46 AM, Muzzique said:

Worst of all it's headed by a twerp with the arrogance of the Captain of the Titanic regards Coronavirus.

They wanted him, they voted for him (although some place called a College which isn't a college) really put him into position), they got him.  The comments made about life in the USA are based on truth, I live in Canada where things are turning slightly inward but it is still a lot better than south of our border.  Why do so many people from so many countries want to live there?  Conditioning and propaganda. 

'nuf sed.

[Rimmer]

Some off topic posts trying to hijack the topic have been removed.

[jimmybcool]

18 hours ago, wotsdermatter said:

They wanted him, they voted for him (although some place called a College which isn't a college) really put him into position), they got him.  The comments made about life in the USA are based on truth, I live in Canada where things are turning slightly inward but it is still a lot better than south of our border.  Why do so many people from so many countries want to live there?  Conditioning and propaganda. 

'nuf sed.

Thought about if I should respond to this.  First let me say I love Canada and have so many Canadian friends.  Lots of the winter visitors in my community are from Canada and they are good company.  

 

I see no way Canada is better than USA.  Or USA better than Canada.  They are different that is all.  There are lots of great places in the world and no reason we have to compare which is better.  And the concept people come to the USA from conditioning or propaganda is pretty silly.  There is massive opportunity here.  A chance to lift you and your family up from one level of life to another.  That is missing in many parts of the world.  You think the Central/South Americans  that come here are reading propaganda or conditioned?  Yeah no.  They already have friends here that tell them the reality of what they can expect.  

 

There are several examples of different immigrant groups.  Let's look at the Vietnamese that came after the VN war.  As a guitar player that has acrylic nails and has to use salons to have them applied I can state with absolute confidence that the Vietnamese OWN the nail salon market.  Oh that's beneath the .com I want to be rich overnight without having to do anything icky people that whine there is no opportunity.   

 

How about the satire about Abu the Indian that owns the quicky mart on the Simpsons?  It is based on the reality that TONS of Indian immigrants took on the onerous task of owning and running a convenience store typically with family staffing it.  Wasn't that an opportunity the OP could have worked towards?  Open one up and run it for 20 years and you retire wealthy.  

 

Yeah, the immigrants take on niche opportunities that aren't fun.  Long hours often dealing with the public.  But they earn a good living and their kids are motivated to get an education and the 2nd and 3rd generations advance.  

 

Is America perfect?  No place is.  But to many in parts of the world where they have no chance of any comforts in life it is a shining haven of hope.  Just as parts of Europe are to many immigrants today.  A chance to escape a horrible place.

 

  

 

 

[sukhumvitneon]

On 4/29/2020 at 1:25 PM, bwpage3 said:

OK, my son is in college. I pay for it. No students loans.

 

5 weeks paid Vacation a year, 200 hours of sick leave paid.

 

Healthcare is expensive, subsidized by the company

 

65% matching 401k

 

Any continuing education I ever want to do is paid 100% by the company. 

 

If you have an education or skill, why would you live in the Rust Belt?

 

In 2020 in Florida, people in the trades ( electrical, construction, plumbing, air conditioning) are making more than college graduates.

 

 

Didn't get anything out of this other than bragging that your job benefits are in the top .01% of the country.

 

Your kid should be counting his blessings.  He's a 1%er already.  I graduated from a state university with a bs in geology with $20k in debt, that I paid off 4 years ahead of schedule, and I thought I was fortunate.

 

Life here sucks unless you're at the top. Thanks for helping to prove my point.

Edited May 1, 2020 by sukhumvitneon

[sukhumvitneon]

15 minutes ago, jimmybcool said:

 

 

How about the satire about Abu the Indian that owns the quicky mart on the Simpsons?  It is based on the reality that TONS of Indian immigrants took on the onerous task of owning and running a convenience store typically with family staffing it.  Wasn't that an opportunity the OP could have worked towards?  Open one up and run it for 20 years and you retire wealthy.  

You are an idiot

[EVENKEEL]

6 minutes ago, sukhumvitneon said:

Didn't get anything out of this other than bragging that your job benefits are in the top .01% of the country.

 

Your kid should be counting his blessings.  He's a 1%er already.  I graduated from a state university with a bs in geology with $20k in debt, that I paid off 4 years ahead of schedule, and I thought I was fortunate.

 

Life here sucks unless you're at the top. Thanks for helping to prove my point.

Whaw, wha  Should have picked a better major.

[jimmybcool]

9 hours ago, sukhumvitneon said:

You are an idiot

Thanks for that contribution.  ????

[spidermike007]

I left America behind a long time ago, and never looked back. I do have a business there, and family, so I visit a couple of times a year. I enjoy the jazz, theatre, independent film, fine wine, and my friends and family. But, the quality of life was already declining significantly before Covid. After this, who knows what the place will look like, and how long it will take to recover from what I consider to be an insane economic shutdown. 

 

Sometimes I like to compare the cost of living here, to there. Some say it is not a fair comparison. But, I like to do it anyway. It is a reality.

 

I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $2000-3800 a month. That is 120,000 baht! 

 

I had my motorbike seat recently redone on my scooter. 400 baht. A friend of mine had similar work done in the US. $275. 

I recently had a guy come over and insulate my ceiling. I bought the insulation and paid him 2000 baht for labor. In the US? $800 and up.

I recently had an electrician do some work on the house. Nearly a full day of work. Paid him 1000 baht. In the US? $800 and up.

An oil change for my scooter costs me 200 baht, with Castrol oil. In the US? $75.

When I travel here I stay in nice four star hotels in Bangkok. 1800-2000 baht. In the US? $130 for a crappy hotel. $200 and up for a nice room.

I eat well here. In a smaller town you can get a three course meal for 200-250 baht. In the US? 2000 baht and up, plus tax and a nearly mandatory 15% tip.

I visit the emergency room here to visit a specialist, and with x-rays I am out the door for 2000 baht, at a private hospital. In the US? $300-2000.

Friends of mine, who are single, enjoy the company of a young, beautiful woman for a couple of hours, for 2500 baht. In the US? In many areas it is $800 an hour now for a decent looking gal, with an attitude. 

 

I could go on and on, all day long. I live at a level here, that I would never be able to live at, in the US, in most of Europe, in Oz, or Canada. 

Yes, the higher baht is an annoyance. And yes things are more expensive than they used to be. But, it is very relative. Life here is good!

[Logosone]

On 4/27/2020 at 4:01 AM, Cryingdick said:

 

I don't agree with switches, washing machines, appliances and cars.

 

You can buy any type of light switch you want and install it with out consulting the planning council. Now lets get to plugs the English ones as big as boat anchors with the plastic third prong to get it to work as it doesn't need to be grounded anyway. The Euro two prong plugs. Always fall out. American plugs are the best. Compact and do the job.

 

These days it's all moving towards smart switches, appliances and bulbs anyway.

 

Washing machines, I have a side by side washer and dryer. Maytag. Cleans clothes better than any Euro combo machine and dries them quickly. They are unsightly beasts but we have a separate room for them in America. In Europe your 2 children would sleep in it and the washing machine goes in the kitchen. That's where the dishwasher goes. Don't even try to compare a Euro Kitchen to an American one an average mobile home would have more amenities than a flat in London. 

 

Also America has ver generous return policies if you are unhappy. Maybe as a European you find a toilet that uses water to flush disturbing. Return it. 

 

Cars? Hmmm would rather drive my Chevy Equinox than some of the Pandas and such the average man in Europe drives. I don't roll around in a smart carte. On the higher end of the mid range I put Tesla against any BMW or Mercedes in that price range.

 

If you are thinking Ferrari or the like at that point who cares. It's personal taste at that point as price is no factor. I lived in Europe a long time and the average car real people drive is utterly horrendous. Renting a car they give you something that wouldn't be street legal here.

 

Price America wins here on ll of those items. Of course you can buy anything you want in either place money aside. 

 

Not being argumentative just amused by your observations. The main thing America offers not available in many places overseas especially Europe is dirt cheap land and plenty of it. Although I noticed France and Italy are much cheaper than one might think.

 

When you install double sinks and ovens we can discuss it further. ???? I can not stand one sink and no dish washer. One to wash one to rinse. Sprayer in the faucet to pre-clean. 

 

Ugh that turned out longer than expected. Anyway it was meant in humor.

 

 

That's a fair point, America does have some advantages in modcons. I also like that built in garbage disposal shredder thing. Only in America. Mostly space.

 

In terms of ovens though Europe, by which I mean Germany, not the UK, has it better, no better ovens than the ones from Miele. Same with white goods wm, dryer. American quality seems tat by comparison.

 

I admire the dedication, but also in terms of light switches, and plugs, America comes in third and last.

 

But yes, shopping and return policy, America is a dream, though Europe is not far off. Germany also is much much cheaper than the UK.

 

I won't go into cars, because, well, I'm German and you're American, would not be fair on my part.

 

 

[ourdon]

On 4/24/2020 at 4:59 PM, Hayduke said:

 

Don’t be too upset…a lot of people expect success to be handed to them and never figure out how to work for it.

 

 

I've often found that opportunity comes disguised as hard work and a steep learning curve.

[StreetCowboy]

55 minutes ago, ourdon said:

I've often found that opportunity comes disguised as hard work and a steep learning curve.

Big ears and a quick right hand

[bwpage3]

12 hours ago, sukhumvitneon said:

Didn't get anything out of this other than bragging that your job benefits are in the top .01% of the country.

 

Your kid should be counting his blessings.  He's a 1%er already.  I graduated from a state university with a bs in geology with $20k in debt, that I paid off 4 years ahead of schedule, and I thought I was fortunate.

 

Life here sucks unless you're at the top. Thanks for helping to prove my point.

How in the world do you think I got there?

 

When we grow up we all had choices to make.

 

Started out in college. Went 2 years and could no longer afford it.

 

Joined the military and spent 8 years dodging projectiles.

 

Uncle Sam paid for the rest of my college when I got out.

 

Got a job, the company paid for all my advanced education (2 MS degrees), while I went work full-time and school full-time.

 

Move around companies at least 10 times, getting a little bit ahead with each new job.

 

Lived in Thailand for 10 years, went completely backwards.

 

Lucky I was able to move back to the USA and get right back in the corporate game.

 

Will stay working until I die so my family can have it all. No regrets at all and have plenty of vacation and holidays off.

 

Nothing is free man, you make your own opportunities.

 

I am not a 1%'r either. Just middle of the road working class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jimmybcool]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

 

 

I had my motorbike seat recently redone on my scooter. 400 baht. A friend of mine had similar work done in the US. $275. 

I recently had a guy come over and insulate my ceiling. I bought the insulation and paid him 2000 baht for labor. In the US? $800 and up.

I recently had an electrician do some work on the house. Nearly a full day of work. Paid him 1000 baht. In the US? $800 and up.

An oil change for my scooter costs me 200 baht, with Castrol oil. In the US? $75.

When I travel here I stay in nice four star hotels in Bangkok. 1800-2000 baht. In the US? $130 for a crappy hotel. $200 and up for a nice room.

I eat well here. In a smaller town you can get a three course meal for 200-250 baht. In the US? 2000 baht and up, plus tax and a nearly mandatory 15% tip.

I visit the emergency room here to visit a specialist, and with x-rays I am out the door for 2000 baht, at a private hospital. In the US? $300-2000.

Friends of mine, who are single, enjoy the company of a young, beautiful woman for a couple of hours, for 2500 baht. In the US? In many areas it is $800 an hour now for a decent looking gal, with an attitude. 

 

 

I agree some things cost more in America.  No question.  Medicine.  Of course if they screw up you have recourse.  Hotels?  Yeah way more expensive.  Dining out - way more expensive.  One of my favorite things about Thailand is the cost of hotels and restaurants.  Travel there is cheap.  

 

Female companionship?  No idea the cost in US.  The biggest issue here is getting caught.  Who wants their name in the news?  That is total <deleted>.  I'm guessing I'm naive as to how this works here.  Not going to visit a massage joint and have the local coppers decide today is the day to raid it.  

 

Me thinks you are overpaying some of your US contractors though.  I can get skilled labor in most trades (electric, insulation, painting, etc) for less than $800 a day and they will usually get the job done faster and done right.  Thinking more like $400 a day.  My issue in Thailand is they do stuff like this poorly.  

 

And an emergency room visit in the US?  Better have insurance.  They rape you without it.

 

Things I miss in Thailand are like working high speed internet, cable TV with real choices that works, high end products available without a massive uncharge (in particular I like expensive guitars).  And of course cars.  Cars cost a fortune in Thailand if you want higher end stuff.  Here I have no issue plunking down for a new BMW X5 with all the bells and whistles.  Will be doing so in 30-45 days.  Pricing I see (list before haggling) is around $75,000.  That is 2.43 mil baht.  Same car there is 5 mil baht.  Oh and I hope you are willing to wait forever to get it.  And you like the color they chose.

 

Yeah nothing is perfect.  I'd be happy to live in Thailand.  But I'm also happy living in America.  

 

[bwpage3]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I left America behind a long time ago, and never looked back. I do have a business there, and family, so I visit a couple of times a year. I enjoy the jazz, theatre, independent film, fine wine, and my friends and family. But, the quality of life was already declining significantly before Covid. After this, who knows what the place will look like, and how long it will take to recover from what I consider to be an insane economic shutdown. 

 

Sometimes I like to compare the cost of living here, to there. Some say it is not a fair comparison. But, I like to do it anyway. It is a reality.

 

I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $2000-3800 a month. That is 120,000 baht! 

 

I had my motorbike seat recently redone on my scooter. 400 baht. A friend of mine had similar work done in the US. $275. 

I recently had a guy come over and insulate my ceiling. I bought the insulation and paid him 2000 baht for labor. In the US? $800 and up.

I recently had an electrician do some work on the house. Nearly a full day of work. Paid him 1000 baht. In the US? $800 and up.

An oil change for my scooter costs me 200 baht, with Castrol oil. In the US? $75.

When I travel here I stay in nice four star hotels in Bangkok. 1800-2000 baht. In the US? $130 for a crappy hotel. $200 and up for a nice room.

I eat well here. In a smaller town you can get a three course meal for 200-250 baht. In the US? 2000 baht and up, plus tax and a nearly mandatory 15% tip.

I visit the emergency room here to visit a specialist, and with x-rays I am out the door for 2000 baht, at a private hospital. In the US? $300-2000.

Friends of mine, who are single, enjoy the company of a young, beautiful woman for a couple of hours, for 2500 baht. In the US? In many areas it is $800 an hour now for a decent looking gal, with an attitude. 

 

I could go on and on, all day long. I live at a level here, that I would never be able to live at, in the US, in most of Europe, in Oz, or Canada. 

Yes, the higher baht is an annoyance. And yes things are more expensive than they used to be. But, it is very relative. Life here is good!

Instead of comparing a HOUSE in a nice town in Thailand to a major city in the USA, company a nice HOUSE (not condo) in Bangkok to any major city and see what you come up with?

 

Apples to Apples.

[bwpage3]

12 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Whaw, wha  Should have picked a better major.

Good point!

12 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Whaw, wha  Should have picked a better major.

 

[Cryingdick]

4 hours ago, jimmybcool said:

I agree some things cost more in America.  No question.  Medicine.  Of course if they screw up you have recourse.  Hotels?  Yeah way more expensive.  Dining out - way more expensive.  One of my favorite things about Thailand is the cost of hotels and restaurants.  Travel there is cheap.  

 

Female companionship?  No idea the cost in US.  The biggest issue here is getting caught.  Who wants their name in the news?  That is total <deleted>.  I'm guessing I'm naive as to how this works here.  Not going to visit a massage joint and have the local coppers decide today is the day to raid it.  

 

Me thinks you are overpaying some of your US contractors though.  I can get skilled labor in most trades (electric, insulation, painting, etc) for less than $800 a day and they will usually get the job done faster and done right.  Thinking more like $400 a day.  My issue in Thailand is they do stuff like this poorly.  

 

And an emergency room visit in the US?  Better have insurance.  They rape you without it.

 

Things I miss in Thailand are like working high speed internet, cable TV with real choices that works, high end products available without a massive uncharge (in particular I like expensive guitars).  And of course cars.  Cars cost a fortune in Thailand if you want higher end stuff.  Here I have no issue plunking down for a new BMW X5 with all the bells and whistles.  Will be doing so in 30-45 days.  Pricing I see (list before haggling) is around $75,000.  That is 2.43 mil baht.  Same car there is 5 mil baht.  Oh and I hope you are willing to wait forever to get it.  And you like the color they chose.

 

Yeah nothing is perfect.  I'd be happy to live in Thailand.  But I'm also happy living in America.  

 

 

Airbnb is a game changer in regards to the price and quality of available rooms. You can rent a nice little cottage on the water on Chesapeake bay for $50 a night. Anybody spending $80 a night or more to sleep in a Motel 6 at a truck stop has to have their head examined these days.

 

When I lived in Thailand I used to go to hotels maybe in the 3,000 to 6,000 Baht range per night. Yes, you can get much cheaper but I don't consider the 500 Baht air con rooms to be nice. In the USA in the same price range you will get full kitchen and bar, modern bathroom with soaking tub, balcony, private garden, own entrance etc.

 

 

 

[torturedsole]

3 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

Anybody spending $80 a night or more to sleep in a Motel 6 at a truck stop has to have their head examined these days.

Bates Motel is your best bet.  

[Cryingdick]

6 hours ago, Logosone said:

 

That's a fair point, America does have some advantages in modcons. I also like that built in garbage disposal shredder thing. Only in America. Mostly space.

 

In terms of ovens though Europe, by which I mean Germany, not the UK, has it better, no better ovens than the ones from Miele. Same with white goods wm, dryer. American quality seems tat by comparison.

 

I admire the dedication, but also in terms of light switches, and plugs, America comes in third and last.

 

But yes, shopping and return policy, America is a dream, though Europe is not far off. Germany also is much much cheaper than the UK.

 

I won't go into cars, because, well, I'm German and you're American, would not be fair on my part.

 

 

 

Most of these points don't really matter. You can buy German cars, appliances and switches here should you want to. What you can't change is the size of the country and the variety. I liked living in Germany and there a lot of beautiful places that are jewels. However you can explore the entire country in a summer.

 

With the virus and all that I do not intend to go anywhere outside of America anytime soon and I can live with that. I couldn't imagine living in Germany and not having the urge to leave every few months.

 

Even though I speak German fairly well I have to give America the advantage. If you want me to sound unhappy all the time it would be speaking German and speaking about or listening to somebody babble on about their health or lack there of.

Edited May 1, 2020 by Cryingdick

[jimmybcool]

2 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Airbnb is a game changer in regards to the price and quality of available rooms. You can rent a nice little cottage on the water on Chesapeake bay for $50 a night. Anybody spending $80 a night or more to sleep in a Motel 6 at a truck stop has to have their head examined these days.

 

When I lived in Thailand I used to go to hotels maybe in the 3,000 to 6,000 Baht range per night. Yes, you can get much cheaper but I don't consider the 500 Baht air con rooms to be nice. In the USA in the same price range you will get full kitchen and bar, modern bathroom with soaking tub, balcony, private garden, own entrance etc.

 

 

 

I confess it has been years since I traveled using hotels in the USA.  When I did it was for business and I was expected to stay at a Hilton or Marriot etc.  Company paid and appearances mattered.  LOL.

 

AirBNB sounds interesting.  If I decide to travel again I'll check them out.

[rumak]

On 4/28/2020 at 6:03 AM, rvaviator said:

Now that is very easy to say ... ???? ... Words are very very cheap ...

ain't it the truth.   how about  the new one : we are all in this together    

 

god, i hate the slogans we are brainwashed with every day.  

Edited May 2, 2020 by rumak

[Logosone]

2 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Most of these points don't really matter. You can buy German cars, appliances and switches here should you want to. What you can't change is the size of the country and the variety. I liked living in Germany and there a lot of beautiful places that are jewels. However you can explore the entire country in a summer.

 

With the virus and all that I do not intend to go anywhere outside of America anytime soon and I can live with that. I couldn't imagine living in Germany and not having the urge to leave every few months.

 

Even though I speak German fairly well I have to give America the advantage. If you want me to sound unhappy all the time it would be speaking German and speaking about or listening to somebody babble on about their health or lack there of.

That's so true, Germans do talk about their health a lot.  And living in Germany you do have to get out, you can't stay in Germany all the time, like you could in the US. I went back there and had to leave after 10 ten years, it just got too boring.

 

In terms of variety of country like I said initially the US is blessed beyond measure, with Hawaii, mountain areas, desert, skiing, Caribbean options, urban variety. Always wanted to see the South.

 

And yes, you can buy anything at all in the US, I meant more the general standards, what you'd typically find. The general standard is highly standardised in the US, even if you can buy anything at all. And Germany's living standard is perhaps a bit higher in a few minor things, but it's a fair point, the US has advantages in other areas. I accept that.

[BritManToo]

7 hours ago, bwpage3 said:

Instead of comparing a HOUSE in a nice town in Thailand to a major city in the USA, company a nice HOUSE (not condo) in Bangkok to any major city and see what you come up with?

 

Apples to Apples.

Not everyone wants to live in Bangkok, so why compare prices with there?

Price of 3 bed detached house anywhere in UK 250,000 pounds, price of similar house anywhere in Thailand 40,000 pounds.

[pineapple01]

J Cools quite funny, but i buy a Car here and now couldn't tell anyone the fine details about price.  Yet when i had no money i could tell anyone to a cent what i paid for a BMW and often did having a big head. Now i tell em its Silver and should have bought a Honda Accord .!

[spidermike007]

14 hours ago, jimmybcool said:

I agree some things cost more in America.  No question.  Medicine.  Of course if they screw up you have recourse.  Hotels?  Yeah way more expensive.  Dining out - way more expensive.  One of my favorite things about Thailand is the cost of hotels and restaurants.  Travel there is cheap.  

 

Female companionship?  No idea the cost in US.  The biggest issue here is getting caught.  Who wants their name in the news?  That is total <deleted>.  I'm guessing I'm naive as to how this works here.  Not going to visit a massage joint and have the local coppers decide today is the day to raid it.  

 

Me thinks you are overpaying some of your US contractors though.  I can get skilled labor in most trades (electric, insulation, painting, etc) for less than $800 a day and they will usually get the job done faster and done right.  Thinking more like $400 a day.  My issue in Thailand is they do stuff like this poorly.  

 

And an emergency room visit in the US?  Better have insurance.  They rape you without it.

 

Things I miss in Thailand are like working high speed internet, cable TV with real choices that works, high end products available without a massive uncharge (in particular I like expensive guitars).  And of course cars.  Cars cost a fortune in Thailand if you want higher end stuff.  Here I have no issue plunking down for a new BMW X5 with all the bells and whistles.  Will be doing so in 30-45 days.  Pricing I see (list before haggling) is around $75,000.  That is 2.43 mil baht.  Same car there is 5 mil baht.  Oh and I hope you are willing to wait forever to get it.  And you like the color they chose.

 

Yeah nothing is perfect.  I'd be happy to live in Thailand.  But I'm also happy living in America.  

 

Some good points. Internet has really improved here. Presently have a 240 mbps fiber optic with TOT at $27 per month. And unlimited data and the ability to download movies and TV endlessly without any issues from either the provider or the heinous FBI. Same with 4G. Far better and faster, than in the US and a third the price. 

 

Yeah, the car thing here is ridiculous. And with BMW most are diesel. I think Thailand is one of the few countries in the world which still has an interest in a diesel car. They are so outdated and foul the air to no end if not well maintained. 

 

The irony is that the Thai economy would be so much more dynamic and would create so much additional revenue if luxury taxes were lowered to reasonable levels. Wine tax too. It could be a huge industry here. The import taxes here are not only inane, they are counter productive. But, just look at the leadership!

 

I am thrilled to live here and I say that after over a decade here. I visit the US often. Am always thrilled to return here. My Thai wife feels the same way. Nice to visit! 

[spidermike007]

10 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

 

Airbnb is a game changer in regards to the price and quality of available rooms. You can rent a nice little cottage on the water on Chesapeake bay for $50 a night. Anybody spending $80 a night or more to sleep in a Motel 6 at a truck stop has to have their head examined these days.

 

When I lived in Thailand I used to go to hotels maybe in the 3,000 to 6,000 Baht range per night. Yes, you can get much cheaper but I don't consider the 500 Baht air con rooms to be nice. In the USA in the same price range you will get full kitchen and bar, modern bathroom with soaking tub, balcony, private garden, own entrance etc.

 

 

 

When I am on the road in the US booking an airbnb is not an option as it is a spontaneous thing. A crappy airbnb in a city like Miami or LA, starts at $100 a nite. I get a great hotel in Bangkok for $60. Comparable to what I would pay $250 for in any major city in the US. If you are in areas like California it is hard to find a crappy motel room for under $100 anymore. Though the expected "Covid economic reset" might change all that!

[jimmybcool]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Some good points. Internet has really improved here. Presently have a 240 mbps fiber optic with TOT at $27 per month. And unlimited data and the ability to download movies and TV endlessly without any issues from either the provider or the heinous FBI. Same with 4G. Far better and faster, than in the US and a third the price. 

 

Yeah, the car thing here is ridiculous. And with BMW most are diesel. I think Thailand is one of the few countries in the world which still has an interest in a diesel car. They are so outdated and foul the air to no end if not well maintained. 

 

The irony is that the Thai economy would be so much more dynamic and would create so much additional revenue if luxury taxes were lowered to reasonable levels. Wine tax too. It could be a huge industry here. The import taxes here are not only inane, they are counter productive. But, just look at the leadership!

 

I am thrilled to live here and I say that after over a decade here. I visit the US often. Am always thrilled to return here. My Thai wife feels the same way. Nice to visit! 

Yeah I'd be happy US or Thailand.  Good and bad both places.  I have a friend there with a diesel BMW.  Surprises me how well it performs.  Not much in diesel here.  I don't care.  Modern engines are SOOOOO good I'll take whatever.  Heck, the Volvo XC90 (which is a 3 row SUV and weighs a bit) uses a 2 liter 4 cylinder.  And no, it doesn't perform like the 6 cylinder BMW X5 but it moves it just fine.  Incredible what they do these days.

 

Yeah import taxes are a mixed bag.  Hurts some things I guess and protects thai jobs in others.  Figuring that out is above my pay grade.  

 

[drbeach]

What a strange post. And life in Thailand, especially as a foreigner is somehow better you think? Or any other Asian country?

 

Why then, aside from a few adventurous English teachers, diplomats and cheap charlie retirees do Asian countries only attract a trickle of foreigners wishing to stay, but in the reverse direction, the USA attracts millions of newcomers yearly, with at least a million new permanent residents and citizens every year?

 

A lot of goods may be overpriced, but some are actually cheaper than in Asian countries. Cars for example, are universally cheaper in "expensive" America than poor developing Asian countries. This is astounding and puzzling at the same time, given wages are so much lower in most Asian countries. You'd think Thai made cars would be 40% the price of vehicles sold in America, but nope, a run of the mill pickup or sedan sold in Thailand is typically 20-30% more expensive here (if it's locally made) and could be twice or even three times the US price for a luxury vehicle.

 

And given the still far too strong Baht, you won't find grocery shopping that cheap either, if you value anything of quality. Thai made products are generally cheap (except anything that's organic, where they inflate the price to western levels) but as soon as it's imported and comes from somewhere other than Malaysia, China, Poland or Azerbaijan, the prices are out of this world expensive. Like 350 Baht for parma ham from Italy, which is like US$11. And that's for like a 70 or 90g pack.