Why do you continue to live in Thailand

[nickmondo]

i could say a lot in response.

goodbye will suffice, apart from saying, I am from UK, have you seen whats happening there?

i will stay here thanks

[nauseus]

14 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Ok, ok, ok 

I pressed the arrow but just got another one! ????

[Mbaki]

I can't wait to get back to cleaner air, cleaner beaches, police presence, albeit it a nanny state for a reason, no immigration brain damage every time I go to another province, 90 day online reporting and annual extensions with mountains of paperwork, no corruption, free public hospital cover, government support for kids, and pretty much the same when it comes to the cost of living here (excluding renting or owning your own property).

Edited yesterday at 12:56 PM by 4MyEgo
 

You will find areas of Australia just as polluted as areas in Thailand just depends where you decide to travel to, being an Australian citizen of course you wouldn’t have any immigration paperwork, public hospital cover is not free, and your dreaming if you think there is no corruption, but seeing as your experience here has been so negative it would be a wise choice to put tail between legs and head back home, take care and safe journey.

[GreasyFingers]

1 hour ago, 4MyEgo said:

So I know what I am giving up, but Thailand isn't doing it for me, so why kid myself, the sails are set, just got to wait for the wind to pick up so to speak

Sorry to see you go and hope it all works out. Maybe retiring here at 55 was too young as I find it better at my age, 70. Going back to Oz is plan B if something happens to the wife but I do not think I would like it now, too old and cranky.

Good luck.

[4MyEgo]

On 6/10/2020 at 5:01 PM, Keyser Soze666 said:

Because I have commitments with a son and a daughter. If I were single I would have been gone long ago. No doubt.

Would you consider taking them with you, if you could, that it, and if so, what is stopping you ?

[theonetrueaussie]

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

If I were wealthy, I might spend two or three months of the year here, and perhaps the balance in Spain, traveling, and and a month in the US, where my business and family are. But, since I am not, I live a good life here. This is an entirely subjective topic, of course. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me. The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 550mbps fiber optic connection, at under 900 baht per month, 450 per month for the first year!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there. I would not want to move back there, unless I was either being paid a million dollars a year, or the situation was dire. I find a large percent of Americans to be dour, bitter, disenfranchised, and not at all warm or friendly, these days. And did I mention totally lacking in humor?

 

And how about the cost of living? Thailand is still reasonable. It used to be cheap. Has not been cheap for a long time. But, it is still reasonable. I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $2000-4000 a month. That is 120,000 baht! In Los Angeles, one bedroom, 80 sq m. apartments are renting for $3,750 a month. At least pre-Covid. That is 117,000 baht a month, and that is the very definition of insanity, and an economy that has spiraled out of control, into abusive inflationary territory.

 

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? $500 to $1,000.

I recently had an electrician do some work on the house. Nearly a full day of work. Paid him 1000 baht. In the US? $500 to $1,000.

An oil change for my scooter costs me 200 baht, with Castrol oil. In the US? $45 to $75.

When I travel here I stay in nice four star hotels in Bangkok. 1800-2000 baht. In the US? $130 for a crappy motel. $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 and up for a private clinic and an emergency room visit is $2000 to $4000. 

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? $800 an hour now for a moderately pretty gal, with alot of unwarranted 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.

 

Sure, Thailand has changed. My first trip here was in 1976! It was so much different than now. The politics here are absolutely regressive. The army is horrendous. Will that ever improve? I think so. I think the youth will eventually oust them, as they are virtually useless to Thai society, with the exception of protecting the elite. those in power and the super wealthy. But alot of things here have improved since then. The infrastructure here is quite good. Sure they could use a high speed rail. That would be amazing. Hopefully it will happen. The whole world is different now. The whole planet is being affected by a greatly expanding population, inflation, environmental issues, politics, and congestion. So, we are going to experience some of that no matter where we are. All I know, is that every day I wake up, I am very glad to be here, very glad to be with the woman I am with, and thankful for my life. Would I feel the same way in the US? I seriously doubt it. Most of my friends back in the US, say they would trade positions with me, in a heartbeat, if they could. I believe them. And I feel for them. The quality of life where I came from is a pale shadow of what it used to be. No thanks. 

 

There is one more consideration. No matter where we go, we still have to contend with ourselves, our attitude, our issues and our minds. So, some will always be seeking greener pastures. Nothing wrong with that. But, it does not insure fulfillment. 

 

nice and you even got ripped off with foreigner prices..motorbike seat for me being able to speak some thai...250thb...oil changes with castrol oil 120thb and this is in expensive phuket ????

[Keyser Soze666]

12 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Would you consider taking them with you, if you could, that it, and if so, what is stopping you ?

I had thought about it before in years past, but now no, that ship has sailed. Would be a huge cost, a massive effort finding property, schools, a job for me etc, and tbh probably un-doable now, and then there is no guarantee of it even working out, they may hate it in the UK, especially what with the state of the UK now and it only getting worse. Plus the visa for the wife and everything that goes with that, wouldn't even be an option to split them.

 

My kids are happy here, if they want to live in the west in the future, maybe they can make their own way. They both have British passports, etc.

[sammieuk1]

Being trapped alone in the UK since mid February I would say it's growing on me and how cheap it is a cupboard full of red declared an habitual resident universal credit no exchange rate opened a bank account god save Boris Johnson on this occasion I'm off to the pub downstairs ????

[Keyser Soze666]

6 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Being trapped alone in the UK since mid February I would say it's growing on me and how cheap it is a cupboard full of red declared an habitual resident universal credit no exchange rate opened a bank account god save Boris Johnson on this occasion I'm off to the pub downstairs ????

Have you been on your daily outing to Big C yet? ????

[4MyEgo]

18 hours ago, BritManToo said:

My kids in Thailand are happy, going to university is a very reasonable price and they fully expect to earn enough money to buy their own homes after graduation.

Interesting you say that, so are ours, however when and if you look deeper into the university side of things here you might be surprised, e.g. our neighbors daughter can only get a job in a hotel in Udon Thani paying her 8,000 baht per month, her sister who qualified about 4 years ago got a job in the bank and with promotion after promotion over the years earns 25,000 baht, I would hardly call that enough money to buy their own homes.

 

My daughter back in Oz who finished uni last year started a job paying $70,000 a year with the bank, what's that about 120,000 baht a month, ok, cost of living is higher with rent/mortgages, but she lives at home with her mum and her fiance also works in the bank earning a little more than her and is just completing his masters, so the education and money they earn in Oz is far better than what they could earn here, and it is a better education system hands down.

 

I have already seen how the private schools are here, and our kids don't stand a chance, while they are getting good results, 3.5s and 4's, it appears everybody passes, no one fails, w-t-f is that system, I would rather our children failed that to be put through so that they learn, but not here in Thailand, hence the problems from the top to the bottom IMO.

Edited June 11, 2020 by 4MyEgo

[malibukid]

because Americans insist on killing themselves and partly due to Trump.  maybe i will return after the revolution.  

[4MyEgo]

8 hours ago, tonray said:

Free Rent...but new buffaloes every few months are a problem

Do they keep dying ?

[BritManToo]

17 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

nteresting you say that, so are ours, however when and if you look deeper into the university side of things here you might be surprised, e.g. our neighbors daughter can only get a job in a hotel in Udon Thani paying her 8,000 baht per month, her sister who qualified about 4 years ago got a job in the bank and with promotion after promotion over the years earns 25,000 baht, I would hardly call that enough money to buy their own homes.

My daughter has already been offered a starting wage of 25-30K/month, but that was before COVID.

She's bilingual so that might make a difference.

[sammieuk1]

35 minutes ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

Have you been on your daily outing to Big C yet? ????

Surrounded by Iceland Liddle Aldi Sainsbury's Asda Tesco pound shops Home Bargains B+M Bargains Farm Foods Co Op who needs Big C ????  

[Keyser Soze666]

24 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Interesting you say that, so are ours, however when and if you look deeper into the university side of things here you might be surprised, e.g. our neighbors daughter can only get a job in a hotel in Udon Thani paying her 8,000 baht per month, her sister who qualified about 4 years ago got a job in the bank and with promotion after promotion over the years earns 25,000 baht, I would hardly call that enough money to buy their own homes.

 

My daughter back in Oz who finished uni last year started a job paying $70,000 a year with the bank, what's that about 120,000 baht a month, ok, cost of living is higher with rent/mortgages, but she lives at home with her mum and her fiance also works in the bank earning a little more than her and is just completing his masters, so the education and money they earn in Oz is far better than what they could earn here, and it is a better education system hands down.

 

I have already seen how the private schools are here, and our kids don't stand a chance, while they are getting good results, 3.5s and 4's, it appears everybody passes, no one fails, w-t-f is that system, I would rather our children failed that to be put through so that they learn, but not here in Thailand, hence the problems from the top to the bottom IMO.

Let's be honest there aren't too many success stories like that. Many in the west now leave school/uni and struggle.

[Keyser Soze666]

3 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Surrounded by Iceland Liddle Aldi Sainsbury's Asda Tesco pound shops Home Bargains B+M Bargains Farm Foods Co Op who needs Big C ????  

Well as long as your ok and not missing the highlight of your life when you were here ????

[ravip]

25 minutes ago, malibukid said:

because Americans insist on killing themselves and partly due to Trump.  maybe i will return after the revolution.  

But, but, but... Thailand is so dangerous, corrupt, undeveloped, is your life safe living there? Please, do be careful,  you might not exist till the revolution.

Kindly take the TVF experts advice and keep abreast with their news.

????

[pineapple01]

Some cant afford the air fare home so are stuck here.

[4MyEgo]

8 hours ago, Peterw42 said:

OP, have you thought about what life back in Australia will actually look like ?

Would you still be retired, or forced back to work ?

60 year old and drawing down savings, whatever your monthly rent is here, will be your weekly rent there.

Have you purchased a trolley full of groceries, paid rent, paid utility bills, eaten out in Australia lately.

 

Not sure of your circumstances but the visa costs for wife and children will be a chunk of money, enough to pay your health insurance for 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair points.

 

In the 5 years we have lived here, we have returned 3 times, mainly to see my adult daughter and mother who is an aged care facility, she needs the special care, otherwise she might have been here, well that was the plan, but long of the short, doctors recommended against it, and looking back they were right.

 

I would still be retired, that said, I retired 5 years ago, but have still done and do consultancy work as it comes in from loyal existing clients, and referrals, never went looking for it, but as it's easy work, and pays well, I take it as it comes, did one today, 8,200 baht for a couple of hours work, nothing to sneeze at right.

I also trade on the stock exchange, and it has been a good ride paying for everything here the last 5 years with the consultancy work so haven't had to draw down, albeit some of the capital on my stocks are down, but that is part and parcel with the stock market in times like this, so as I don't require the funds, the stocks will remain there while I receive the reduced dividends until such a time they come back up and then I will decide if to sell or keep them, not fussed either way as I have money in the bank as well, not meaning to come across as bragging, but I am a good planner, well at least I hope I am. As for working, doubt it, but might go by and have a coffee with some old clients, that I used to do some consultancy work for, (not many), to let them know I am back and I am sure they would think about giving me consultancy work for them to do again, you see the thing is, I told everyone I was retiring, and those that emailed me, knew, but said, they still wanted me to do the work and to take my time, so I did and do, lucky I guess.

 

As we will be renting, that will be expensive, however most of it or at least half will be covered by the government as they provide support for the kids which is not asset based and is a blessing in disguise, my wife and our two daughter are all Australian Citizens, my wifes sons are not and we are in the process of applying for their Child Visas to Australia and my wife will be paying for their costs, around 110,000 baht, I will be paying for their flight tickets and supporting them in Australia until they finish school and start working, they can then chip in to help out with the rent and groceries, albeit it that money will go into an account to go back to them at a later date, as will the money for the boys visas, call it forced savings if you like ????

 

When we were there in October for 11 nights, we mainly ate at the Air B&B place we rented and we found most items cheaper then here, and better quality, that said, we are talking imported stuff here, not rice and pork sticks, we have always eaten here as we have back in Oz since we moved here. I ate out once with the wife and a couple we know quite well, two steaks a couple of glasses of red and couple of beers for me wasn't cheap, but expected $80 or 1,640 baht, but as we knew the place and had eaten there before on many occasions, they give you a two for one voucher to redeem on a different night, so the next visit would be a steak for free or 520 baht off the next bill, and as my wife is such a great cook and loves to cook, we rarely eat out, no need for it, if we are out for the day, we will take a cut lunch, why throw the money away, especially when the food from home is better and more enjoyable. I would only eat out if meeting with clients or mates on a promotional special night, at the local so yes I know how expensive it is, utilities no doubt more expensive.

 

The above said, I know what we are getting into, I will also be keeping an eye out on the property market and if I see something that is a fair price might pounce on it, even though I would have to outlay 4% on the purchase price, e.g. stamp duty costs, around $30,000 or 615,000 baht on what I would be looking for to buy, but I know the market, last time I purchased and sold in 3 years made a sum of $245,000 gross, so there is money in the Sydney property market if you get in at the right time, i.e. said, you also have to have the money or take on a big mortgage, which I have never been fond of.

 

The move back is mainly to get away from the heat vs the 4 seasons I am used to, the smoke, the damned mosquitos who have a go when having a coffee and breakfast outside, yes with spray....lol, and to get the kids better educations, the rest will be up to them, as for the wife's sons, they are keen as a good mustard, as they saw Sydney for the first time October last year, summed up in one word from one of them, heaven, the other said, paradise, although I never got to enjoy it as I was too damn busy working, my bed, I layed in it, hoping it will be seen in a different light this time, but if I said I enjoy living here in Thailand, I would only be trying to convince myself of it, which I know is not the case. 

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, GreasyFingers said:

Sorry to see you go and hope it all works out. Maybe retiring here at 55 was too young as I find it better at my age, 70. Going back to Oz is plan B if something happens to the wife but I do not think I would like it now, too old and cranky.

Good luck.

You could be right, but I had had enough with my job (career), industry changing, too many onerous hoopla hoops to jump through, and was ready financuley.

It has been an enjoyable break these almost 5 years, but the heat might have something to do with your cranky, because it certainly gets under my skin ????

 

[Lacessit]

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

I'm 64 but look 80, maybe another year, no need to worry about money beyond that.

My best friend was approaching 60, looked his age, but died at 59, pension wasted.

(didn't realise he was dying until 3 weeks from the end)

 

7 years is a long time!

Let me gently suggest your 80 yo appearance might be related to your lifestyle of ladies under 30.

[4MyEgo]

1 hour ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

I had thought about it before in years past, but now no, that ship has sailed. Would be a huge cost, a massive effort finding property, schools, a job for me etc, and tbh probably un-doable now, and then there is no guarantee of it even working out, they may hate it in the UK, especially what with the state of the UK now and it only getting worse. Plus the visa for the wife and everything that goes with that, wouldn't even be an option to split them.

 

My kids are happy here, if they want to live in the west in the future, maybe they can make their own way. They both have British passports, etc.

I see where you coming from and understand, plus I hear the UK weather isn't good from most here on TVF.

In Oz we are blessed with the 4 seasons, winter isn't really that cold, albeit the wife wears layers of clothing to go to bed including a beanie which also covers her ears, sexy it is not ????

The main thing is as long as you are happy, your wife is happy and the kids are happy.

For me, just want to get away from the hot heat, the smoke, the mossies, and the immigration BS, as easy as it is, it's just not warranted, so why put up with something if you don't have to, besides the wife is happy to return (9 years there previously with me) and so are the kids.

I am also happy for those on TVF who have made a life here, and are happy to remain, albeit some think may think my post has a double meaning, yes paranoia does lurke no matter where you go.

[4MyEgo]

41 minutes ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

Let's be honest there aren't too many success stories like that. Many in the west now leave school/uni and struggle.

I don't know about that, maybe in the UK from your experience, but in Oz, I have never had an issue making a buck, I also suppose it depends on the industry your in, because when my industry was changing, I was being head hunted twice a year, to the point it was annoying me, even a few months back I got a call, 5 years on...lol

 

Tradies are in big demand in Oz, and that's what I tell my wife's boys, be a carpenter, a sparky, but that comes with a risk (Thai kids), thicker than some ????

 

[4MyEgo]

8 hours ago, Skallywag said:

I have nowhere and nothing to go back to in the U.S.  My life is here and I enjoy it so far.  Life is for living, and I have much more easy living here on a daily basis.  

No car needed, no worries about high rent and food costs, companionship available wherever desired.   Example: went fishing the other day with friends, big wooden boat, fish all cooked up with rice and side dishes for all, swimming, drinking, lounging on the upper deck, enjoying the views and all for 700 baht.  In the U.S. it would cost that much just to park your car at the marina for a day and the trip would be at least 3000 baht per person.  

Happy chappy, sounds nice, good luck to yah !

[Keyser Soze666]

7 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I see where you coming from and understand, plus I hear the UK weather isn't good from most here on TVF.

In Oz we are blessed with the 4 seasons, winter isn't really that cold, albeit the wife wears layers of clothing to go to bed including a beanie which also covers her ears, sexy it is not ????

The main thing is as long as you are happy, your wife is happy and the kids are happy.

For me, just want to get away from the hot heat, the smoke, the mossies, and the immigration BS, as easy as it is, it's just not warranted, so why put up with something if you don't have to, besides the wife is happy to return (9 years there previously with me) and so are the kids.

I am also happy for those on TVF who have made a life here, and are happy to remain, albeit some think may think my post has a double meaning, yes paranoia does lurke no matter where you go.

I'm not happy, which is why I said I would be gone if I could, but I'm bored than unhappy. Worse places to live than Thailand.

 

As for the weather, I can't stand the heat, would much prefer a UK climate. The UK is NOT that cold, ignore the naysayers on here, yes maybe for 3-4 months a year, for cold see Scandinavia, Canada. Last time I was back was in October and I was going out in shorts and t-shirts, no lie, and my wife and kids were not cold at all. Who wants to be hot 365 days a year and just exist in shorts and flip flops? It's a ridiculous concept and not normal, even the Thai's hate it.

 

As for other posters here, unlike yourself, I couldn't give a monkies.

[Keyser Soze666]

10 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I don't know about that, maybe in the UK from your experience, but in Oz, I have never had an issue making a buck, I also suppose it depends on the industry your in, because when my industry was changing, I was being head hunted twice a year, to the point it was annoying me, even a few months back I got a call, 5 years on...lol

 

Tradies are in big demand in Oz, and that's what I tell my wife's boys, be a carpenter, a sparky, but that comes with a risk (Thai kids), thicker than some ????

 

Agree if you have a trade you will always be ok.

[Peterw42]

38 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

Fair points.

 

In the 5 years we have lived here, we have returned 3 times, mainly to see my adult daughter and mother who is an aged care facility, she needs the special care, otherwise she might have been here, well that was the plan, but long of the short, doctors recommended against it, and looking back they were right.

 

I would still be retired, that said, I retired 5 years ago, but have still done and do consultancy work as it comes in from loyal existing clients, and referrals, never went looking for it, but as it's easy work, and pays well, I take it as it comes, did one today, 8,200 baht for a couple of hours work, nothing to sneeze at right.

I also trade on the stock exchange, and it has been a good ride paying for everything here the last 5 years with the consultancy work so haven't had to draw down, albeit some of the capital on my stocks are down, but that is part and parcel with the stock market in times like this, so as I don't require the funds, the stocks will remain there while I receive the reduced dividends until such a time they come back up and then I will decide if to sell or keep them, not fussed either way as I have money in the bank as well, not meaning to come across as bragging, but I am a good planner, well at least I hope I am. As for working, doubt it, but might go by and have a coffee with some old clients, that I used to do some consultancy work for, (not many), to let them know I am back and I am sure they would think about giving me consultancy work for them to do again, you see the thing is, I told everyone I was retiring, and those that emailed me, knew, but said, they still wanted me to do the work and to take my time, so I did and do, lucky I guess.

 

As we will be renting, that will be expensive, however most of it or at least half will be covered by the government as they provide support for the kids which is not asset based and is a blessing in disguise, my wife and our two daughter are all Australian Citizens, my wifes sons are not and we are in the process of applying for their Child Visas to Australia and my wife will be paying for their costs, around 110,000 baht, I will be paying for their flight tickets and supporting them in Australia until they finish school and start working, they can then chip in to help out with the rent and groceries, albeit it that money will go into an account to go back to them at a later date, as will the money for the boys visas, call it forced savings if you like ????

 

When we were there in October for 11 nights, we mainly ate at the Air B&B place we rented and we found most items cheaper then here, and better quality, that said, we are talking imported stuff here, not rice and pork sticks, we have always eaten here as we have back in Oz since we moved here. I ate out once with the wife and a couple we know quite well, two steaks a couple of glasses of red and couple of beers for me wasn't cheap, but expected $80 or 1,640 baht, but as we knew the place and had eaten there before on many occasions, they give you a two for one voucher to redeem on a different night, so the next visit would be a steak for free or 520 baht off the next bill, and as my wife is such a great cook and loves to cook, we rarely eat out, no need for it, if we are out for the day, we will take a cut lunch, why throw the money away, especially when the food from home is better and more enjoyable. I would only eat out if meeting with clients or mates on a promotional special night, at the local so yes I know how expensive it is, utilities no doubt more expensive.

 

The above said, I know what we are getting into, I will also be keeping an eye out on the property market and if I see something that is a fair price might pounce on it, even though I would have to outlay 4% on the purchase price, e.g. stamp duty costs, around $30,000 or 615,000 baht on what I would be looking for to buy, but I know the market, last time I purchased and sold in 3 years made a sum of $245,000 gross, so there is money in the Sydney property market if you get in at the right time, i.e. said, you also have to have the money or take on a big mortgage, which I have never been fond of.

 

The move back is mainly to get away from the heat vs the 4 seasons I am used to, the smoke, the damned mosquitos who have a go when having a coffee and breakfast outside, yes with spray....lol, and to get the kids better educations, the rest will be up to them, as for the wife's sons, they are keen as a good mustard, as they saw Sydney for the first time October last year, summed up in one word from one of them, heaven, the other said, paradise, although I never got to enjoy it as I was too damn busy working, my bed, I layed in it, hoping it will be seen in a different light this time, but if I said I enjoy living here in Thailand, I would only be trying to convince myself of it, which I know is not the case. 

I hear what you are saying, have you considered a move inside Thailand ? Pattaya, more and possibly cheaper western food, not so much of the burning off, no big mozzie problem, less reliant on a car and trips on high speed roads, sea breezes.

I hope you stay on the forum either way, as you are one of the good ones.

Edited June 11, 2020 by Peterw42

[4MyEgo]

10 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

I hear what you are saying, have you considered a move inside Thailand ? Pattaya, more and possibly cheaper western food, not so much of the burning off, no big mozzie problem, less reliant on a car and trips on high speed roads, sea breezes.

I hope you stay on the forum either way, as you are one of the good ones.

Thanks Peter

 

I discussed with the Mrs about moving to Hua Hin, Krabi, Phuket, but with the kids and also higher costs to live there, she didn't like the sounds of it, so the clincher here is the government support back home for the kids till they are 19, and then some if they continue doing studies.

 

When I did the math, to leave here and go to any of the above, we would be out of pocket on Vs pretty much being compensated rent wise when returning to Oz, at worst case scenario 50% which would balance out, it is a rock and a hard place because I know Thailand has some nice places, and one of my favorites is Nai Harn, a little out. 

 

I might tune in on TVF to give an update.

Edited June 11, 2020 by 4MyEgo

[BritManToo]

47 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Let me gently suggest your 80 yo appearance might be related to your lifestyle of ladies under 30.

Not to mention the food, booze and drugs.

[BritManToo]

29 minutes ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

As for the weather, I can't stand the heat, would much prefer a UK climate. The UK is NOT that cold, ignore the naysayers on here, yes maybe for 3-4 months a year, for cold see Scandinavia, Canada. Last time I was back was in October and I was going out in shorts and t-shirts, no lie, and my wife and kids were not cold at all. Who wants to be hot 365 days a year and just exist in shorts and flip flops? It's a ridiculous concept and not normal, even the Thai's hate it.

Thailand is freezing in December/January, I'm wearing a puffa jacket, woolly hat and gloves whenever I go out. 

And the UK, it's the cold and wet and wind I don't like ....... brrrrrrrrr.