And his happiness is NEWS? ????

59 minutes ago, superal said:

Indeed the Thai government should be encouraging the modest retirees as collectively they make a contribution to the countries economy and also support their Thai families . 

It's more than that. Retirees essentially are a mostly trouble free demographic. Being older, they're much, much less likely to be involved in mild or violent confrontations. For the same reason, they're less likely to be casualties of jet skies, motorcycles, or scooters. As they usually have an income of some sort, you'll not find them running online scams or frauds or stealing from people. And after years and years, here, they probably will not engage in stupid/dangerous arguments with immigration, police, or anyone else they've adjusted to.  And I really don't want to hear about the medical costs they are said to incur. I, for one, have never been able to leave a hospital--and I've been in one for overnight stays and procedures about four or five times during my 12 years here, as well as visiting a physician every two months at least for an ongoing condition--without an escort to the payment window first or receiving a receipt for a transfer of funds. Frankly, it is encouraging to see Prayut respond to the news positively. He could have shrugged it off, not taken notice, or made a dig against retirees. 

21 hours ago, chris_samui said:

I wonder where all these retirees are?

In Spain

The spokesman as well as Uncle Too are both dreaming or smoking seriously good weed. I can only assume, that both do not speak adequate if any English. 

I could list dozens of people who moved away for good; destination Bali, Sri Lanka, Senegal and Mexico. Others went to Portugal or Southwestern Spain. Living costs cheaper, immigration nowhere such a headache as here and trust me, Thais are NOT friendly people if there is not a buck to be made. 

I remain here because of my family; otherwise I would have studied nicer, friendlier and cheaper options. 

Be warned, spokesman and Uncle Too, you might be in for a nice surprise ........ 

Really? You might want to do something about this. Six months of the year the air sucks and the worst is yet to come.

The international living magazine should come and ask the the retirees if they think it is the best place. 

10 hours ago, jacko45k said:

Still just 800k in the bank as it was many years ago....... (with the difference that you have to retain it, I agree). 

Only like 20 grand sterling or did I add that up wrong do you get any interest on that? 

8 hours ago, David T Pike said:

For those who have the $$$! ????

How convenient then that only a few own almost everything in Thailand.

13 hours ago, LA8RAT said:

Only like 20 grand sterling or did I add that up wrong do you get any interest on that? 

Yes one can get interest. (like UK not very much).. use a Savings account, a Fixed deposit or even a Foreign currency account. 

Also happy to make it a bureaucratic mess to retire here too, 90 day reports, etc etc

Hello ,

 

I get divesting into all groups for revenue to Thailand, However when they say other then retiring Expats there’s some things to consider

Prime Minister Prayut/

Thai Government  !! 
There’s over 65,000 permanent Expats living and retired in Thailand, Thats over 65,000 streams of yearly revenue being spent and  invested into Thailand’s  ???????? Economy  !!