Anyone else tired of the nonsense, and contemplating leaving Thailand?

[Sparktrader]

16 minutes ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

Thanks for joining the dots. 

They pay doctors for drug promotion. What about politicians? All on the take it seems. Left and right much the same. On the take, on the con and totally scripted.

[khunPer]

On 7/31/2021 at 2:01 PM, spidermike007 said:

Thinking maybe we will check out Spain for a long vacation. Then we will see. 

 

Any thoughts? 

Portugal is worth checking out, especially the Algarve area where I have happy friends living; and I've also been there, it's actually both good and relative affordable...????

 

I'm however not in the mood for leaving, Thailand is still as great as ever, even during the Covid-situation, because everywhere in the World it has at least temporary changed due of that. If you look at Europe, there have been numerous demonstrations against Covid restrictions; and still Thailand has statistically so far performed better than most European countries, even with the third wave included.

 

The baht have been strong during the military government, and some of the time thereafter in the semi-democratic, too strong baht for many of us expats, and presumable also for a number of tourists and for the export. The national dept vs. GNP lowered after the military steppen in from about 48% to around 42%, which could explain the stronger baht, and in general showed that the country is in good financial shape. However, the lately new loans, among others to cope with the pandemic, have increased the dept vs GNP back to a level before the military stepped in, and might be little more up about 50%, but borrowing money to cope with the pandemic have been the situation for any responsible government. Looking at statistics at debt vs GNP, Thailand is still doing (a lot) better than many Western countries, UK is for example over 80%, Europe in average around 70% - don't need to mention Greece and Italy - USA is over 100%. We expats might happily look forward to a period with a little bit more baht to spend, when exchanging our home-country's money.

 

Thailand might be different depending of where you stay, but I'm still happy, almost as ever, where I chose to settle, and I have so far no intentions of moving - but I admit that life was little beter before Covid changed the World, but when comparing to my Scandinavian home country, it's been better here...????

[MayBeNow]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I do not know. Nobody seems to know. A sinister scheme to buy up property on the cheap? A deliberate way to disenfranchise the lower income earners? Why did they shut down the economy during the first wave? A fanatical sense of (fake) holier than thou puritanism? A desire to cleanse the nation of all nightlife?

 

There are so many unanswered questions, and little can be taken at face value, at this time. There comes a point at which incompetence cannot be accepted as the answer for everything that is happening here. 

No man, its way way waaaaayyyy simpler!!!! There is no grand design to ruin the tourism industry. The problem is there is NO GRAND DESIGN. We are run by, and elect ourself, dreamers, incompetent bums looking at most 6 months ahead. Dont think lockdowns are remotely scientific. What i do know is some industries with limitless political influence are breaking the bank because of covid, big pharma, big tech. They happily keep the fear mongering going. 

 

Concerning the Thai government. Do you think you getting fired up changes a thing? No you dont, your smart. Yet you hope another group running the show will change Thailand. It wont.... I see Thai politicians as Thai soaps, they are all the same, all are childish, dont watch.

 

Mike, really, my simple advice is to quit watching news for a prolonged time, take distance.

[LukKrueng]

On 7/31/2021 at 7:01 PM, spidermike007 said:

alot of it is army fatigue. And what feels like a diminishing quality of life. I am just very, very tired of the goon leaders here, the continued xenophobia from them, and their constant nonsense and lack of leadership. 

How does the goverments effect your daily life? 

As for xenophobia - Thailand is not an immigrant country. Might have seem to be for a short while when lots of Chinese immigrants came here many decades ago, but was never really open or based on immigration like other countries such as the US, Australia and other. Looking at what's going on in Europe - can you blame the Thai government and people who want to keep Thailand Thai? 

Xenophobia per se actually started by the red regime of 2001-06. Many immigration laws and regulations making life harder for expats started then. The 90 days report for example, and few others. 

As for covid issues - I don't see other countries doing much better. All those who relied on vaccines now see that it doesn't solve the issue either..

Edited August 2, 2021 by LukKrueng

[Jeffr2]

2 minutes ago, MayBeNow said:

No man, its way way waaaaayyyy simpler!!!! There is no grand design to ruin the tourism industry. The problem is there is NO GRAND DESIGN. We are run by, and elect ourself, dreamers, incompetent bums looking at most 6 months ahead. Dont think lockdowns are remotely scientific. What i do know is some industries with limitless political influence are breaking the bank because of covid, big pharma, big tech. They happily keep the fear mongering going. 

 

Concerning the Thai government. Do you think you getting fired up changes a thing? No you dont, your smart. Yet you hope another group running the show will change Thailand. It wont.... I see Thai politicians as Thai soaps, they are all the same, all are childish, dont watch.

 

Mike, really, my simple advice is to quit watching news for a prolonged time, take distance.

Perhaps you should watch the news. Especially what's going on with the hospitals in Bangkok. Hardly fear mongering.

[spidermike007]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:58 PM, kynikoi said:

Put simply, staying here is a fool's game. It always was but now with covid it's a very dangerous game. Many of you not thinking through this properly.

 

You will get covid. Do you want to be here and pay for it ( and get sh++y treatment) or at home?

 

Covid is FOREVER and ever. It's going nowhere.

 

Wake up. If you have health issues, old it's not just the flu it's death for you in great likelihood.

Wow. Perhaps one of the dumbest replies so far. Many have been quite reflective, sensible and wise. But, this? Jeez. 

 

First of all, I like the medical care here. I think the doctors and hospitals are at least as good as, or better than in the US. Second, if I got Covid in the US, and ended up in a hospital without health insurance, I would likely be looking at a bill of between 5 and 10 million baht. 

 

And third, despite what many alarmists say, this is NOT the Bubonic plague. Thailand is averaging under a 1% mortality rate. The US is just under 2%, and 80% of that are seniors with pre-existing conditions. 

 

So, a little perspective on Covid, please. 

 

One reason COVID-19 seems to be especially lethal in older adults is the prevalence of chronic disease. Eighty percent of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and a number of these common diseases — from obesity to cancer — are known to complicate a coronavirus infection and worsen the severity of COVID-19.

 

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-deaths-older-adults.html

[spidermike007]

9 hours ago, CrunchWrapSupreme said:

I'd consider Thailand permanently if: 1) Retired with a good pension, 2) Solid, well paying job here, 3) Some kind of lucrative online business, as some have mentioned, 4) Nothing home to go back to. None of those apply to me.

 

I'm in my mid 40's, and still wish to advance my career in teaching. That can't be done here in Thailand. I'm maxed out at the govt school level out here in Issan. Great relaxed country living, though at a low salary I can't keep making forever. I have high qualifications, but they're not exactly what the picky intl schools want. Nor do I care for that insufferable, hi-so attitude I got working in BKK private schools.

 

K-12 ESL is on the upswing in the USA with increasing immigration. I'd recommend this to any American teachers here looking to return. Make sure you've got a degree or some other certification in education, and get your state teaching license. Study for the Praxis exam. And for the love of God, don't go back to any of the screwed up coastal states. Haha. Though the States aren't completely screwed. Thankfully my family saw the writing on the wall, and escaped our failing coastal state for the midwest years ago. That's where me and my Thai wife shall be returning to.

 

My Thai wife can't help but notice the American news in which $15/hr jobs are going unfilled. 500 baht, more than most make in a day. One of my friends back home just started working for a supermarket, and they've already given him full time. That was the holy grail when I was in retail years ago, which they didn't hand out lightly. Now they're dying for workers and max hours.

 

I'm lucky to have a Thai wife who really wants to work, with a hotel and restaurant background, and I can see her going far. She sees the time we continue to spend here as wasted money she could be making, sending some back to the fam. We've giving this about another two years, by which time things should've hopefully recovered back home, for the most part.

They may be paying $15 an hour, but things are getting so expensive in the US, it is to the point of stupid. Finding a decent apartment or house to rent? Stupid. Cost of labor to get anything done? Stupid. Medical care? Stupid. Groceries? I end up spending $250 to $300 for two or three bags of groceries every time I shop there. 

 

Did I mention the nearly militant attitude of the women? Or the general sense of joylessness? Stupid. 

 

Few want to admit it, but inflation is out of control in the US. Thanks. Not for me. Not for less than $1,000,000 a year. 

[thailanddogerator]

What nonsense ? so funny ! do you think that western countries did better ?

why people need an excuse to go back home ? just say that you are not able to cope with things, that you are not the superman that you thought you were, and that you miss you Mom and Dad ❤️

 

55555

[thailanddogerator]

On 7/31/2021 at 7:42 PM, bkk6060 said:

I still like it here no plans to go.

I am surprised you did not post a thread like this sooner considering your historical posts expressing your disdain and hatred for the place.

You asked so my suggestion is to sell everything and leave as soon as you can.  Why stay in a place with all those negative feelings building up doesn't seem worth it maybe try to find greener pastures.

 

Correct ! then he will have a chance to visit the forum to complain about his krap life in the west and how much he misses Thailand !

Those people living a playmobil life are so funny !

 

[Thingamabob]

Certainly not leaving. Government in Siam/Thailand has always been similar to this. Best time in my opinion was in the 80s under the Prem administration, and that was effectively a military government.  Life here now is still good as far as I'm concerned. I'm not much effected by whatever kind of government is in power.

[thailanddogerator]

4 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Certainly not leaving. Government in Siam/Thailand has always been similar to this. Best time in my opinion was in the 80s under the Prem administration, and that was effectively a military government.  Life here now is still good as far as I'm concerned. I'm not much effected by whatever kind of government is in power.

 

The only truth ! But maybe you are not as weak as many of the old men here ? I haven't seen you cry for a vaccine ?

 

 

[Ralf001]

3 hours ago, nickmondo said:

does it really make any difference to your daily life who is in Government here?

.

 

Nothing comes to mind.

[metisdead]

A post with a video that contained profane language has been removed:

 

8.) You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities.

[kingstonkid]

On 7/31/2021 at 7:41 PM, rumak said:

As far as "certainly not back to the US"........ that for me is also a given.  There are 2 major groups here that are to be considered.  1. The long term expats / those with family roots who have grown old here

and are fairly comfortable in their retirement.  I mean,  late 60's , 70's ....... do you really have the energy to start all over ?    It takes years just to get acclimated to a new place, and being older i for

one lack the energy to sell all and move.   My one "out"  is I have a loving daughter in Canada.... where I could get health insurance and have a place  ( granddad cabin   lol ) .   But the lifestyle?  hmmmmm

 

2.  The younger(30's to 50's) group, newbies through those who have been here a while.   Well, often they work online or teaching or have inheritance or something...... probably still enjoy the easy "companionship"  of younger and slimmer women.     For them, maybe the main difference is the lack of entertainment.   Shutdowns and restrictions did occur almost everywhere,  and seem to be on again off again in many places.   Is the plan life with a mask forever ?   With door to door injections every 3 months ?   Who knows .   Maybe Bill ?   But if sensual pleasures are a major reason for being somewhere...... is Spain gonna do it for them ?    I think not

 

Old Rumak just keeps fighting the strain of  WORRYING .   Heck,  getting old creates that anywhere.

When i feel the panic ,  as i do most days (what to do,  why is everything so crazy ?)  ....... I crack my neck, take a breath,  and go out for a walk.   I try to remember i am much more fortunate than most in the world ( aren't we all , that are on this forum?)  .   So Spider,  its true.... this weight you feel is real.   Most of the world has always been run by oppressors ( elected officials in disguise).

Laws and Laws and taxes and taxes and brainwashing the "working class".   What i still like about Thailand is I can go to the playground,  out for a walk,  feel at ease and still enjoy the simplicity and humor of the average Thai person.    They are the ones I feel for the most......  You are right:  They deserve a lot better .

 

Rumak

Like you I could go back to Canada but then I have to put up with the corupt/incompetent (not sure which) politicians in Canada.

Cold Canadian winters 

the high cost of living

and of course the lifestyle of go go go.

Is Thailand changing? Yes

Is it for the better at this point I think not but I also remember that Canada was not a bed of roses when it started as a democracy under English rule.

I do though have hope that the young people that are protesting will actually make a difference in the next election.

As a retired military member I live here and accept for the restrictions have an enjoyable life.

The people here are friendly and always greet me with a smile.

Yes I could go to any other country but is there one that is not screwed up in some way or that has restrictions that seem weird.

 

[3NUMBAS]

i was planing to retire to nong khai but luckilly i changed my mind and didnt but still have my drum for visits ,which was a good move in retrospect

[SpokaneAl]

After nine years of back and forth, splitting each year between Thailand and the USA, last year we decided to stay at our home in the US and are happy with our choice. We are both in our seventies and splitting each year was becoming a bit too much and COVID solidiFied our decision. We do miss our Thai family. We are in a financial situation to be able to do what we want, but really, our needs are shrinking. I can swim, bike and run safely here, pretty much right outside my doorstep, the weather is milder, plenty of Thai food, the internet has changed everything in regards to my wife staying in touch with family, Thai soap operas and news of her country and she enjoys her garden and life. We have no complaints.

[bbabythai]

On 7/31/2021 at 7:01 PM, spidermike007 said:

how will they get rid of the highly corrupt and totally compromised 250 proxy senators?

Ive never heard about this. Has this been in the press? What is your evidence for this statement?

[rumak]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Always good points from you, and thanks for that. For the most part, I like the bizarre and alien aspect of life here. I did find the life in the US to be stifling, predictable, boring, and lacking the joy I normally feel here. There is no doubt, as you and many of the posters on this thread have wisely pointed out, I am experiencing a very heavy case of cabin fever. No doubt. Usually I get out of the country every few months, and that is always a treat. Then, I always enjoy coming back. Especially when returning from a month or so in the US. 

 

So, likely gonna grin and bear it for awhile, and find some joy where I can. And over time, we shall see what happens. 

I understand restlessness , and the feeling of being tied down...especially under someone else's order , is probably number one on my short list of things I try to avoid at all cost.   In other posts i have mentioned that I have moved countless times (7 times in Thailand alone ! )

I think i remember that you live in or near BKK .   These times are deadly for those living in condos or urban areas.   I have lived in the boonies, not really for me.  But a rural area near a mid sized city allows one the freedom to see trees,  go for walks or bike rides, etc.      Many of us "older guys"  are thankful

for those simple pleasures ,  which if one is fortunate enough to have a good companion .... is pretty much all there is at this point.    I never thought i'd say that   haha     

necessity is the mother of invention;  find that JOY .......   

 

 

 

Edited August 2, 2021 by rumak

[Karlo]

11 minutes ago, bbabythai said:

Ive never heard about this. Has this been in the press? What is your evidence for this statement?

BANGKOK (Reuters) - More than a third of Thailand’s newly appointed senators have military or police backgrounds, an official document showed on Tuesday, a sign the upper house will probably vote to entrench army dominance of government five years after a military coup.…… https://www.reuters.com/article/us-thailand-election-idUSKCN1SK12J

[kynikoi]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

They may be paying $15 an hour, but things are getting so expensive in the US, it is to the point of stupid. Finding a decent apartment or house to rent? Stupid. Cost of labor to get anything done? Stupid. Medical care? Stupid. Groceries? I end up spending $250 to $300 for two or three bags of groceries every time I shop there. 

 

Did I mention the nearly militant attitude of the women? Or the general sense of joylessness? Stupid. 

 

Few want to admit it, but inflation is out of control in the US. Thanks. Not for me. Not for less than $1,000,000 a year. 

Well, I guess you're not going anywhere.

 

Can we close the thread then??

[Dan747]

"MAI PEN RAI"-i I agree with BritManToo:

 

"My thoughts are everywhere else appears worse.

And if you're just thinking COVID, everywhere else is a LOT worse."

 

I think you need a vacation. I just left Thailand after entering in April with all the requirements of COE, ASQ (Marriott-Lucky for only 7 days being Pfizer Vaccinated), Non-o Thai visa for 90 days, Insurance 100,000 through AXA, PCR test with letter Fit-to-Fly, Airline tickets, etc. Our plan for years has been to spend six months here in (Ubon) Thailand traveling throughout Asia and Europe and spending the other six months RVing throughout the America's from our home in Orlando and we will stick to our plans. Try to feel and give only love and compassion to every one; you will be happy. Don't judge or hate anything. You will be unhappy-"GOOD LUCK!!" 

[rumak]

17 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Like you I could go back to Canada but then I have to put up with the corupt/incompetent (not sure which) politicians in Canada.

Cold Canadian winters 

the high cost of living

Yes, I am aware of those issues .  ( corrupt AND incompetent AND above the law ....probably fits all countries at this point) .      I would only go there if it was the last years of my life.... and then my only expenses would be oatmeal and pampers.      My daughter would take care of me .  Funny,  she is starting to understand the craziness of trying to keep up ( like a hamster running on a wheel)

 

for now I am definitely a "thailand is best for me"  guy

[bbabythai]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:14 PM, HeijoshinCool said:

because things are only going to get worse. Our lives, as we have known and enjoyed them, are over.

Thats a bit dramatic isnt it????? Wait for 80% of the population in most countries to be vaccinated and this <deleted> show is over. That is until the next virus comes out of china

[HighPriority]

On 7/31/2021 at 10:46 PM, rumak said:

I solved that problem by just not inviting them over for dinner anymore.   So there !

 

 

I miss our get togethers ! ????

[gejohesch]

On 7/31/2021 at 2:57 PM, spidermike007 said:

Yes, you are in a fortunate position. Being an American, not easy to get a visa to live within Europe. Contemplating. 

Lots of Americans have "discovered" countries like Portugal these last few years and seem to be happy about it.

[BritManToo]

11 minutes ago, gejohesch said:

Lots of Americans have "discovered" countries like Portugal these last few years and seem to be happy about it.

Portugal was always deadly dull.

Vino Verde is nice, the beaches are nice, it's a bit cold in winter and absolutely nothing to do.

[Nojohndoe]

1 hour ago, MayBeNow said:

No man, its way way waaaaayyyy simpler!!!! There is no grand design to ruin the tourism industry. The problem is there is NO GRAND DESIGN. We are run by, and elect ourself, dreamers, incompetent bums looking at most 6 months ahead. Dont think lockdowns are remotely scientific. What i do know is some industries with limitless political influence are breaking the bank because of covid, big pharma, big tech. They happily keep the fear mongering going. 

 

Concerning the Thai government. Do you think you getting fired up changes a thing? No you dont, your smart. Yet you hope another group running the show will change Thailand. It wont.... I see Thai politicians as Thai soaps, they are all the same, all are childish, dont watch.

 

Mike, really, my simple advice is to quit watching news for a prolonged time, take distance.

Apt comment. While there  may be some quite dire repercussions especially at the low socio- economic scale due to inability to service the public debt so many have been coerced into and are increasingly becoming subject to a bankrupt position at the mercy of creditors for expats who retain whatever justification they provide as legitimate reason to be residing in Thailand I would ask what in real and meaningful terms has changed that in other locations or origins have not experienced some negative equivalence in increased legislative requirement, restrictions?

As a reasonably long term expat who has made considered investment in support of continued stay with my wife and  family it would take  something  much more extreme and direct to dislodge me from my commitment to that  than the hapharzard political scenario that has long existed  and likely to continue totally beyond any personal capacity to participate in or influence.

At this time there is a global state of flux in almost every aspect of assumed consistency regardless of how comfortable or harsh it has been that now as a part of what will be history is genuinely threatening that assumption economically and socially.

Technologically the world has  been shrunken to the point where a camel could fart in the open desert and if it were desired the evidence of the event  could probably be produced yet the illusion of a sophisticated world is projected  like a carrot to a donkey in pursuit of bliss in a deluded world.

There are no bunkers left that are safe even on continental scale.

 

 

 

 

 

[ChrisKC]

But how are you actually affected?

 

There are many Members on this forum and I include myself, that understand the feelings you have about (lack of) meaningful forward-thinking Government and its effects mainly on the Thai people, now and forever it would seem. Important matters relating to Thailand never get properly addressed and certainly going backwards in many ways.

 

But whilst agreeing with much of your points here, I am not actually affected myself enough to even think of leaving. Wherever you think of next it is likely there will be problems of some kind, either now or at some other time later when the politics change  - who knows?

 

Yes, a good idea to try somewhere else on a vacation basis enabling you do get some decent research done to discover long term possibilities.

 

Burn your bridges when you are sure. But I can assure you that all the research I did before burning my boats in the UK amounted to not much when comparing what I have learned since I have been here - matters that would be important to some and not others.

 

Good Luck, Mate, in your quest for some life improvement.

 

 

 

 

[oslooskar]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Did I mention the nearly militant attitude of the women?

They're horrible! However, if you keep your distance from them they will not be able to sink their fangs in you. So, be polite when you have to deal with them but don't socialize with them any more than you have to.

[GinBoy2]

2 hours ago, SpokaneAl said:

After nine years of back and forth, splitting each year between Thailand and the USA, last year we decided to stay at our home in the US and are happy with our choice. We are both in our seventies and splitting each year was becoming a bit too much and COVID solidiFied our decision. We do miss our Thai family. We are in a financial situation to be able to do what we want, but really, our needs are shrinking. I can swim, bike and run safely here, pretty much right outside my doorstep, the weather is milder, plenty of Thai food, the internet has changed everything in regards to my wife staying in touch with family, Thai soap operas and news of her country and she enjoys her garden and life. We have no complaints.

I think if you've read my posts we're in a similar position to you guys.

 

Moved back to the US a few years ago with the intention of splitting time, which we did until covid slammed the brakes on that master plan.

 

Now we're a little younger than you, she's 50's I'm 60's, so nothing terrible health wise...yet!

But I must admit the closer I get to Medicare age, the more I'm drawn back to the US, for that 'what if' scenario.

And if I'm honest even when we lived in Thailand fulltime I always had in the back of my head the worry about getting old and infirm in Thailand

 

My wife is a little more ambivalent than me about going back to the snowbird scenario. She's happy with work and being closer to our kids.

 

So I don't know what will happen once covid finally dies down and borders re-open, it's work in progress I guess