First thing any expat needs to decide is if they are a city person or country person or someone who wants to be by the sea (or maybe a combo).

 

Once that is established they need to make a list of the top 5 places (or more) of places they would consider moving to and go spend about a month in each place.

 

Once they do that they will know.

 

After they choose the city or town they like, they may have to spend even more time trying to decide what area they want to live in.

 

I live in Pratumnak. I really like Central Pattaya more but the cost is 2-3 times more for what I get in Pratumnak.  So after weighing the positives and negatives, I paid for a long term lease at covid prices in Pratumnak.

 

I have thoughts about moving to Bangkok as I really like what it has to offer too.  So much more shopping, restaurant, bars, massage, options. Less adult entertainment but it has enough for my taste. 

 

So I would have to really look at about 3-5 different areas (Asoke, Nana, Ekkamai, Thong Lo, Sathorn, etc) in Bangkok before I would be able to decide what is best for me.

Costa Rica.

Jomtiem ticks most boxes.

On 1/24/2022 at 6:44 PM, 473geo said:

This post shows what a mockery these threads are, personal preference is so important its impossible to generalise and lump people into categories.

My decisions apply to me, so far they have worked well, yet nobody I know has even suggested they move to Thailand, they are content exactly where they are. 

So what does that say........perhaps if you dont have a really good reason to be in Thailand maybe it will not be for you?

 

Oh don't be so serious. People here are only comparing notes. Of course it's your personal choice where you choose to live. 

I've always liked Nong Khai. Nice vibe, by the river and easy travel to Laos. 

Don't feel you need to stay in just one place, even the Thais don't do that.

 

I once asked my wife, Why does such a small country have 77 provinces? She said, "Because if you have a problem where you live, you can always move to another province."

 

Paul Laew

Phuket - SW or S Coast. Tropical Paradise Lifestyle. Beach Sea Hills Nightlife . No Cities Farms Congestion. 

On 1/24/2022 at 9:23 AM, harada said:

The departure lounge at Swampy.✈️

22 hours ago, freedomnow said:

Costa Rica.

Blue Marlin bar still there?

3 hours ago, Woof999 said:

Blue Marlin bar still there?

Isn't the Hotel named Cadillac Hotel, was there in 2004. Wall to wall hookers

3 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Isn't the Hotel named Cadillac Hotel, was there in 2004. Wall to wall hookers

I knew I remembered it for a good reason!

On 1/26/2022 at 5:06 AM, hackjam said:

Jomtiem ticks most boxes.

 

 

Not for me............................but that is the beauty of this question  -  it is entirely personal.

1 hour ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Not for me............................but that is the beauty of this question  -  it is entirely personal.

Yes, personal indeed.  I couldn't live, forever in a suburban environment, and more about having neighbors within earshot or even sight.  Actually living in suburbia now, a townhouse with connecting neighbors, awaiting house build to be finished.  Actually a very good neighborhood, as mostly single homes owners, all renters next to me have been excellent.  Tolerate me well.

 

Prior rental was next to an apt bldg, and they were a bit noisy, expected as younger tenants, and a temporary arrangement for us, as again, waiting to move after a sale and then an eventual build completion.

 

I think I would prefer a larger 'condo' in the Big Mango, if I could afford, rather than any housing in a touristy area, or even a 'rental' area in suburbia.  100 m² condos are silly priced per m².

 

To be neighbor-less, you do need to go out a bit further than many prefer.  As long as I'm 15-30 minutes away for everyday shopping / living, then it would work for me.  Easily found, with exception of greater Krung Thep metro.  

 

Even the other larger 10 ish metros, and mere 15-30 minutes away from, and you could be considered in the sticks / rural area.  Housing options a bit more limited, and if owning & selling, may take longer than wanting to wait.  3 yrs for our last sale.  1 day, before even listed for previous sale ????

 

All things to be considered when deciding on a place to retire.  Why most recommend renting for quite some time before buying in, if ever.

I can only recommend my personal choice. Obviously others will have different priorities.

 

I'd live in Chaloklum.

I'd rather live in Than Sadet, but it's too difficult to get from there to town for actually living in rather than visiting. ( unless they paved the road and I can't see that happening ).

 

Depending on the development in the years since I was last on Phangan, it was the last Thai island with good facilities that hadn't been completely ruined, like Samui, Tao, Samet, Big Koh Chang, Phi Phi, Lanta. Too many paradises lost in LOS IMO.

 

On 1/26/2022 at 3:14 PM, Capella said:

Oh don't be so serious. People here are only comparing notes. Of course it's your personal choice where you choose to live. 

Serious ???? au contrare, merely pointing out the comedic element of being asked to advise an unknown retiree, of unknown background and previous history, where to retire in Thailand ????

Soi 4 Bangkok

 

Soi 6 Pattaya

Asoke, Bangkok by far! - after having lived in/visited all parts of the country. 

 

BTS, MRT, Terminal 21, Soi Cowboy outside my front door.

 

Loads of variety and things to do in BKK.

 

Having a vehicle allows quick access to many coastal and island locations.

 

Airport close-by for direct flights to '000s of international destinations (post-covid restrictions).

split your time between different places.  that way, you can enjoy the best of all worlds and not get bored easily.  even in the best places, if you live there long enough, you will get bored of it.

The Pratumnak area of Pattaya.