Why do you continue to live in Thailand

[nauseus]

13 minutes ago, Kennycrossfit said:

I was in the UK last year as well, went to the doctors and got an appointment the next morning, I also went running around the local park most mornings and never got attacked by smackheads.

Probably too early for them.

[Keyser Soze666]

1 minute ago, nauseus said:

Probably too early for them.

You mean too late! They usually hang out at 4.30am ????

[DaLa]

26 minutes ago, Enzian said:

You are right, and thanks for reminding me because it has crossed my mind, just not this time. I think in conversation with one's peers here, everyone knows what one means by "the girls", and no one takes umbrage. But in print it does seem problematic.

When you're as old as I am , anything of the female gender under 50 is a girl.

[nauseus]

23 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

The climate is the last remaining thing I still prefer here with the caveat of rainy season, I'm accustomed to and like the heat. Just wear a headband to stop the sweat from flowing to the eyes. But it's spoiled by the PM2.5, which in Pattaya is a fairly new problem.

AQI is good in Pattaya. Your comments are becoming stranger and stranger.

[DaLa]

Unfortunately I have to go back to the UK for business occasionally. But permanently? The awful weather, PC nonsense, companies ripping you off for parking, then ripping you off 10 fold if you overstay a few minutes. Cost of housing, drinking, eating, cost of diesel, cost of public transport, cost of humping, cost of breathing. Welfare state creating a bunch of layabout scrounging losers. Absolutely charming young women swigging back pints and then creating mayhem at closing time. The way parts of each city become ghettos, the way local and national politicians are in their position to fill quotas. The women that make you feel as if they’re doing you a favour when you pursue a relationship with them. The same women that are twice the size of an MMA fighter. The feeling of imminent danger due to the excessive but necessary security.

 

I had an option last year to return permanently to the UK or undergo a dickioptomy without anaesthetic. I chose the latter.

Edited June 10, 2020 by DaLa
Remembered one other reason

[pineapple01]

6 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

I have never been back to the UK for 30 odd years,

I think the culture shock or the winters would kill

me and that's why I am staying here.

 

The UK has gone down a lot since I left,I think,

my daughters cat was shot  with a crossbow

bolt,went to police to report it,cannot do anything about

it,must be waiting till a kid gets shot.

regards worgeordie

 

 

Hollands no different

[Baht Simpson]

2 hours ago, stouricks said:

Impossible!   PML

 

The only song I know with EGO in the title. Cheers.

 

[bolt]

lots of changes in LOS over the last 15 years

exchange rates, type of tourists

costs of things, Golf fpor example

but, could I go back to UK and live, wow what a thought, I hate more and more things in Thailand now

I’m still working as an expat so I guess I wont really know until I stop, and then see the real life ahead of me

[Zikomat]

51 minutes ago, balo said:

In Thailand I feel more relaxed about everything, The laid back attitude suits me just fine. 
 

This!

[totally thaied up]

I was back in Australia last year after being here for ten years. I loved every minute I was back home mainly due to being back close to my elderly family. I am the provisional black sheep due to sickness and my younger upbringing of being so sick broke a lot of bonds. Everything was so structured in Australia and it was lovely to go for a walk along the pristine beaches every morning with my wife.

 

These days I stay in Thailand for my wife and her elderly family. My life is good here. Immigration is not a problem. Twenty minutes a year using a agent. The rest of the negative stuff, I do not let affect me anymore as I can do nothing about it so I just Mai Bpen Rai it all like a Thai does and it eases many problems. 

 

I am 10 years away from being 60 and I am retired forcibly now. I will always have and leave a bolt hole (A Condo near the beach and enough money to relocate) to go home to in Australia. You never know what tomorrow and this Government can bring. I just take it a day at a time now. I am sad that my parents are very elderly now and I may not see them again if I cannot get home for some time with Covid. 

 

Still, I do most of this because I love my wife and that is the main reason why I stay in Thailand. If my wife died, I most likely would go home. 

Edited June 10, 2020 by totally thaied up

[Haveasay]

Incredible response, but your obviously not a smoker! That alone pays my accommodation here. Atm self funded, waiting for pension early next year, but will spend the odd week or 2 back home, but the sun's always is here. <deleted> the cold.

[ChipButty]

I never think of leaving Thailand to go back home all I need is a break from Thailand now and again we had planned to leave for a couple of months this year but the virus binned that idea last year we spent 3 months in Northern Cyprus the Turkish side rented an apartment in a little fishing village 2 minutes to the beach the wife loved it and cheap, Proper Donner Kebabs everyday 

[JackThompson]

I never intended to stay for more than 14 days at a time in Thailand due to known problems with immigration (many years ago); that was what we got visa-exempt at the time.  But, I met my Thai-wife here, and stuck around to see if she was really like she seemed.  Years later, we married.  Years after that, I do not regret that decision at all.  We were stuck together all day, every day, for months of Covid-shutdown, and only became closer.

 

I love Thailand - the people and culture - but immigration is worse than I ever imagined.  The only corruption I had ever encountered at lower levels of foreign bureaucracies/police, was the "mordita" type (Spanish for "little bite").  Entering a Latin-American country, the border-agent would ask for about $1.50 - they just state it, as if it is an "official-fee," and everyone pays.  An "agent" in Cambodia for a 1-year visa was $20 - not much over the cost of tuk-tuk rides, to get it directly. 

 

I never even conceived of a $1100+ payoff every year into an organized criminal-network masquerading as a "government department," for permission to "stay with your wife" - even when you meet the published criteria for an extension.  If the Non-O-ME Visa option goes away (not saying it is - only "if"), I likely have to leave, rather than participate in a crime of that magnitude.  Next stop would be Cambodia.

 

As to the OP's "going home" option - that would be near the bottom of my option-list.  Lots of overhead for a lower quality of life that many other places.  That is subjective, of course - depends what makes "quality" for you.  For me, other SE-Asian nations would be next, then Eastern Europe (never been) or - worst case - Latin America.

[JackThompson]

1 hour ago, DaLa said:

When you're as old as I am , anything of the female gender under 50 is a girl.

Thai ladies generally far more feminine at 40, than 20-year-olds I dated, when I was in my 20s, in the West.  As well, they aren't "trained" to tear you down all the time for "being male" and having the natural-attributes which accompany the gender.

[DrTuner]

1 hour ago, nauseus said:

AQI is good in Pattaya. Your comments are becoming stranger and stranger.

It is right now. But it was bad for months when they were burning. I have five hepa filters in house and one more dedicated PM meter, as well as a clear view to the sea, so yes I know what it was and is.

 

Luckily, to keep things balanced, the drought has caused us to top up the water tank with tankers since March, city water still only comes on Sundays. Such a paradise.

 

 

Edited June 10, 2020 by DrTuner

[1FinickyOne]

3 hours ago, Thaiwrath said:

Tried and trusted friends

what were they tried for?

 

happy birthday... 

[DaLa]

31 minutes ago, JackThompson said:

Thai ladies generally far more feminine at 40, than 20-year-olds I dated, when I was in my 20s, in the West.  As well, they aren't "trained" to tear you down all the time for "being male" and having the natural-attributes which accompany the gender.

Talking of age, I worked with a Jack Thompson years ago in the UK, but without being rude you'll have to be well into your 70's. So without revealing your age does James Neil Co Ltd mean anything to you.

[sidgy]

 

 Working offshore, i have seen a lot of the world and nowhere is perfect  but for me the good in Thailand definately outweighs the bad.

I have two children to my Thai wife and believe they get a better education (private school) and happier upbringing here than they would back in the UK and for me that is the most important thing.

i would be devastated if i had to return to live in the Uk  as i still love my life here and have no intention of leaving given a choice 

[richard_smith237]

I haven't read all the posts to carry the discussion (if it has got off track).

 

I am one of those moving to the UK. I've loved in Thailand all of my adult life (first job out of Uni was in Thailand).

I have a life in Thailand, many friends and have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have never precribed to the notion that 'we are guests', 'the farang is always to blame', 'we are tolerated for our money' - I have found that I have always been treated with the same level of indifference Thai's treat each other - for me life has always been 'normal' in Thailand and I've enjoyed it.

 

That said: the reasons for moving back to the UK seem to be mounting up.

Primarily is the cost of International School Fees (about 700,000 baht per year), but there are other factors as well, there is just so much more for my Son to do in the UK, from the kids Rugby clubs, soccer clubs, kids cricket, athletics clubs, swimming clubs, cub-scouts, going for bike rides (*some beautiful rides for kids in my area), weekends away camping etc etc...  Plus the cost of 'decent' food now seems cheaper in the UK, I'm not talking 'street noodles' but decent steak, wine, bread etc...

Cars are a lot cheaper (just paid the equivalent of 1.5Mb for a car which in Thailand costs 4.4MB). Petrol and tax is more expensive in Thailand. Income Tax is a killer in the UK, but then that is offset with no healthcare or schooling costs.

Housing is more expensive if comparing like for like (Bangkok to London), however, the countryside in the UK is much cheaper than Bangkok for decent housing and you can still get everything you want in the countryside in the UK (most things are next day delivery).

 

It all depends on how you want to live your life. After over 20 years in Thailand, I have found it essential that my Child either has an excellent education at a top international school in Bangkok, or a very good school in the UK.

The UK has more to offer him, it also has more to offer us as a family. Even in the horrible cold winder months.

 

Thailand is always a flight away - we'll still probably spend plenty of time in Thailand (summer holidays, Easter etc) as we have many friends and family there.

 

So... Why do I continue to live in Thailand. I don't circumstances have changed, but its still an excellent place to live. I just find that if I can base myself anywhere, the UK is a better place to be for my family to be.

 

 

 

[CorpusChristie]

3 hours ago, Enzian said:

Short answer, the girls. I don't lie about it or beat around the bush (pun intended) about it any more. A 24 year old treated me like a king yesterday, I was almost embarrassed; try that in the US of A.

Surely you have 24 year old prostitutes in the USA ?

[brewsterbudgen]

I live here (and have done since 2005) as it's where my job is.  TEFL teaching doesn't pay much in the UK!

[Sujo]

4 hours ago, Pravda said:

If I had a choice I would live in KL instead of Bangkok.

 

But I don't have a choice.

I had that choice and thats exactly what i did.

[Sujo]

My number one reason to live in asia is asian girls. So far, the negatives dont outweigh that reason.

[Puchaiyank]

The one an only thing I miss about living in Thailand is the access to some world class beauties...where a few baht makes up for the age difference...The daily eye candy is to die for and most Thai ladies are approachable.

 

Back in the US living is comfortable and easy...however, I refuse to date someone who looks like my grandmother...obese, and wants to be treated like a teenager on her first date...can I add u-g-l-y!

 

Thai immigration rules, lacking options on medical care...for example having enough baht to cover healthcare needs or an insurance policy that is not worthless and cost a fortune...major factor in causing me to move on...heart in Thailand...body in US.

[nauseus]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

I haven't read all the posts to carry the discussion (if it has got off track).

 

I am one of those moving to the UK. I've loved in Thailand all of my adult life (first job out of Uni was in Thailand).

I have a life in Thailand, many friends and have thoroughly enjoyed my time. I have never precribed to the notion that 'we are guests', 'the farang is always to blame', 'we are tolerated for our money' - I have found that I have always been treated with the same level of indifference Thai's treat each other - for me life has always been 'normal' in Thailand and I've enjoyed it.

 

That said: the reasons for moving back to the UK seem to be mounting up.

Primarily is the cost of International School Fees (about 700,000 baht per year), but there are other factors as well, there is just so much more for my Son to do in the UK, from the kids Rugby clubs, soccer clubs, kids cricket, athletics clubs, swimming clubs, cub-scouts, going for bike rides (*some beautiful rides for kids in my area), weekends away camping etc etc...  Plus the cost of 'decent' food now seems cheaper in the UK, I'm not talking 'street noodles' but decent steak, wine, bread etc...

Cars are a lot cheaper (just paid the equivalent of 1.5Mb for a car which in Thailand costs 4.4MB). Petrol and tax is more expensive in Thailand. Income Tax is a killer in the UK, but then that is offset with no healthcare or schooling costs.

Housing is more expensive if comparing like for like (Bangkok to London), however, the countryside in the UK is much cheaper than Bangkok for decent housing and you can still get everything you want in the countryside in the UK (most things are next day delivery).

 

It all depends on how you want to live your life. After over 20 years in Thailand, I have found it essential that my Child either has an excellent education at a top international school in Bangkok, or a very good school in the UK.

The UK has more to offer him, it also has more to offer us as a family. Even in the horrible cold winder months.

 

Thailand is always a flight away - we'll still probably spend plenty of time in Thailand (summer holidays, Easter etc) as we have many friends and family there.

 

So... Why do I continue to live in Thailand. I don't circumstances have changed, but its still an excellent place to live. I just find that if I can base myself anywhere, the UK is a better place to be for my family to be.

 

 

 

If you are paying more for petrol in Thailand than the UK then I recommend you change your gas station!

[nauseus]

2 hours ago, DrTuner said:

It is right now. But it was bad for months when they were burning. I have five hepa filters in house and one more dedicated PM meter, as well as a clear view to the sea, so yes I know what it was and is.

 

Luckily, to keep things balanced, the drought has caused us to top up the water tank with tankers since March, city water still only comes on Sundays. Such a paradise.

 

 

What was it, what is it and where was the burning happening? 

[DrTuner]

1 minute ago, nauseus said:

What was it, what is it and where was the burning happening? 

Burning was mostly in Cambodia but also within Thailand. AQI improved as soon as it started raining.

[4MyEgo]

5 hours ago, Old Croc said:

Virtually every negative you've listed existed in 2015. Questions are better directed at yourself than others. Why did you come here? Did you do your homework on life here, or had you just viewed the country as a tourist?  Do you feel just a bit too embarrassed to admit you made a mistake, and feel the need to put the onus on others for not also running back home.

Before implying the rest of us are bonkers for staying, perhaps you should consider the possibility that most of us knew what was in store for us when we came, and decided it was, and remains, the best choice for our personal situations. 

I hope you find what you need back in Australia and trust you don't become another sad sack continually posting here about how great life is, and how cheap cheese is, back in the home country.

To answer your questions honestly, I thought I did do my homework on life here, perhaps I did view the country as a tourist, even though I would spend time in the village, a month or two, some time 3 times a year, but with a break in Phuket. The serenity of the village was just great, the greenery, and being away from the hustle and bustle, but a few things I didn't take into consideration were the constant blackouts, the smoke being as bad as it is and other things, suppose I was a little naive if you like and did think that I could handle the change, but the weather I think has finally gotten the better of me, even with air conditioners, to go for a walk would be to get burnt ????

 

I don't feel embarrassed to say I made a mistake at all, I made a mistake, there you have it from the horses mouth so to speak, but I don't think I would be the first, and don't feel that I am putting the onus on others to run back home, everyone has their own choices. I was just asking the question, as the topic asks: Why do you continue to live in Thailand, not suggesting for anyone to leave or that pastures are greener on the other side, if you take my post another way, you shouldn't, I was just mearley asking a question, to compare, a bit of chit chat, gossip, something one does, perhaps that is too deep for you and you see it as me having a go at those of you who choose to remain, but that's not the way it is intended, so please chill......perhaps your a little sensitive on the topic ?

 

When I do return, I can assure you I won't be posting how good or bad it is, or if I made another mistake, as this forum is for life in Thailand I believe, and if I make the mistake by returning, well such is life, we don't know if we don't try, and I did try it here, but it is not for me, at least I know what I am going to back in Sydney, although I believe it will be different this time around as I won't be working as I was before, so maybe I might have the time to enjoy it as I had the time here.

[4MyEgo]

6 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

How often did you have any problems with the government?

Bad air, ok, agreed, at least part of the year

Some beaches are nice

Immigration: How much time do you spend on that? Maybe one or two days for each year?

Health insurance: You should have one wherever you live.

Xenophobia: Is that really a personal problem for you?

 

Personally I still like it in Thailand, after more than 2 decades.

"Back home" I don't like the weather, lots of ugly old women, very strict rules and enforcement of those rules, lots of old people and little fun.

In Thailand the sun shines almost every day, it's never cold, 90% no hassle with the police and if then it's 100B cash, lots of young and friendly people, still reasonable prices, life is good and fun.

I wouldn't say often, probably on par to back home when it comes to government BS.

 

Yes some.

 

It still does erk me, at 1st I was ok with it, but each year it just becomes more of a pain, I mean, the way I have started to see it of late is that I spend money here, it goes into your economy, and am starting to feel you are not making life any easier for me, a bit like a boss always busting my balls, sooner or later I will throw the towel in, and I am sure other feel the same way or have felt the same way, other perhaps like yourself wouldn't even blink, fair enough, each to their own.

 

Health insurance in Australia is not required as the Medicare system is free and good and you don't have to wait to long for a procedure, my wife had two kids in the public health system, I was treated for an emergency and didn't have to wait, my wife also had a procedure carried out and was in within 3 weeks, so no real need for private cover unless you want to throw the $'s away. 

 

Xenophobia is not really a problem for me, and I like to call a spade a spade and if I know a person or persons don't like me, the less I have to do with them the better, it's a bit like a shop owner giving you a hard time, I suppose you won't be shopping there again ?

 

I am happy for you, wish it worked out for me, although I have no regrets, it was challenging, but an experience which most others wouldn't even contemplate because they are too deep into their jobs and way of life back home, the 5 year rest was a well deserving one, perhaps a Greek island would have been a better choice, like Patmos ????

 

I like the 4 seasons back home, and the winter is not that bad, 6 - 8 degrees at night is ok in winter, 14 - 16 during the day, spring, autumn and summer the other 9 months are a breeze compared to hot, hotter and bloody hotter here, without talking rain season humidity. The area I used to live in has lots of younger people, Asians included, fun is what you make of it, and my friends are anywhere from 40 to 60 and we would have weekly catch ups at the local etc etc etc. Strict law enforcement yes, actually a-n-a-l, but if you keep it together, you won't have a problem, if you get done, you just pay it and let it go otherwise it's not worth the fight, time, cost involved, it's a business for them, after all someone has to pay for the roads and other things.

 

Yes the sun almost shines everyday in Thailand buy you can't be out in it or your toast, mo hassle cops, cheap fines, young people and reasonable prices all depends on what you want to eat, as mentioned earlier, and I am glad life is fun and good for you.

 

 

 

[JAS21]

My wife, who is Thai lived in the UK with me for a few years. She quite enjoyed it BUT having seen the options as you get old said for our later years Thailand would be a far better choice ... so we have been here since 2007 and it was a good decision. Only let down for me are the beaches ...