The Time has come to pack in it

[Guest Isaanlife]

Tickets are bought, we will be on our way back to the US in March 2022.

 

All preparations made, leave the 26 rai farm, house, trucks,  in the care of the FIL and family.

 

Over the years we have invested in enough equipment they can make their own living and take care of themselves.

 

It is a sad time, yet it is an exciting time.

 

Thai wife is US citizen so she has been there and done that.

 

No issues for her to worry about.

 

We own 2 homes in USA, one in New Hampshire and one in Florida.

 

We will head to Florida to start, hopefully spend the summers in N.H and winters in Florida if all goes to plan.

 

Some nice areas in the White Mountains of N.H to trout fish and hike, which I am sure I will enjoy.

 

I also use to ski a lot in my youth. My wife has always said she would love to try it or snow boarding, so new things abound.

 

Thailand, I have no complaints. It was a good quiet life in Isaan. Never had really any issues. Just feel while we have the chance for more, now is the time.

 

We are both at the point we just really want more from life, a better quality of life and basically just not have to worry about anything.

 

We were never stuck financially in Thailand. It was a choice and I thought it was great. Still do. Like the quiet farm life.

 

However, over the past 2+ years, gave us time to think we want to spend time exploring new places and see new things.

 

I will not ever return to Thailand to live.

 

My wife is up in the air when I die if she would or not. Maybe depends on who joins her here?

 

Possible we may sponsor some of her family to come over and stay.

 

Our son is already living in the US so it will be great to see him more.

 

I think less stress for me as I get older, no VISA issues or reporting or anything. I will never have to worry how rule changes will affect my life.

 

US medical options in the future. No worries about dealing with Thai insurance (whether a claim gets paid or not) or other if I live into my late 70's and 80's.

 

We don't live in a major city so no issues with air pollution, traffic, crime etc.

 

Sure Florida has it's annual hurricane season but our house is built to hurricane code and in a location we have never had any damage or issues.

 

Been thinking a lot it will be strange waking up in the US after all these years in Thailand, in the same routine. Strange but maybe exciting as well.

 

Going to take some time to get use to it.

 

One fear I have is that it may revolve into the same routine as in Thailand?

 

Been there, done that, seen it all after a few years?

 

It is what is is, and I am sure we will find new things to do and pursue over the years.

 

I never like moving, in fact I hate it. 

 

But sometimes, those decisions have to be made and I am sure it will all work out for the best.

 

One thing I won't be doing is posting again on TV after I move.

 

I have read a lot of interesting things on TV over the years and many, many thanks for all the lessons learned and good info.

 

Folks like Ubon Joe who always have the right answers.

 

I have also learned there are a good amount of expats I am glad I never had the pleasure of meeting.

 

Seriously.

 

I had to say it because over the years I have been appalled by the attitudes of some of the expats here.

[EVENKEEL]

Very nice, enjoy.

[Lacessit]

You have the good fortune of having homes to call your own in the US, many here don't.

Good luck with your life choices, safe travels.

[saakura]

Good bye, and good luck.

[steven100]

33 minutes ago, Isaanlife said:

We own 2 homes in USA, one in New Hampshire and one in Florida.

I hope you'll be able to manage with just 2 homes

 

 

 

 

[poohy]

it seems you can be comfortable wherever you go

i am probably one of the ones you would be appalled about but i wish you well although saying that you have a life far removed from the vast majority here or elsewhere

 

[John Bird]

Best of luck. I have a feeling you're not the only one taking this step. 

[Ohyesuare]

Cool. 

[habanero]

We moved back to the U.S. last April. It turned out to be the right decision. We too used to live in N.H. and Florida as well.  We couldn't see ourselves moving from Thailand back to the cold winters of New Hampshire so we decided on the South. You are right about medical care. So much easier here in the U.S... We are covered by both Tricare and Medicare so we never see a bill. 

 I guess the biggest problem is over eating. Too much of all the foods we love and missed. Also, it doesn't seem to cost any more to live here than it did in Thailand. Although gas prices are going through the roof right now.  Well, you know the rest.  It's also nice to go for a drive and not have to worry about paying the cops at road blocks.  While we do on occasion miss Thailand we know we made the right choice. 

[daveAustin]

2 hours ago, Isaanlife said:

One fear I have is that it may revolve into the same routine as in Thailand?

 

Been there, done that, seen it all after a few years?

Wouldn’t worry about that, just go with the flow. Perspectives do change, however, and you may find life there grating after a while. Many expats ‘ping pong’ after a return home.
All the best.  

[Guest Isaanlife]

5 hours ago, habanero said:

We moved back to the U.S. last April. It turned out to be the right decision. We too used to live in N.H. and Florida as well.  We couldn't see ourselves moving from Thailand back to the cold winters of New Hampshire so we decided on the South. You are right about medical care. So much easier here in the U.S... We are covered by both Tricare and Medicare so we never see a bill. 

 I guess the biggest problem is over eating. Too much of all the foods we love and missed. Also, it doesn't seem to cost any more to live here than it did in Thailand. Although gas prices are going through the roof right now. Mr. Brandon, with his stopping the drilling for oil. Well, you know the rest.  It's also nice to go for a drive and not have to worry about paying the cops at road blocks.  While we do on occasion miss Thailand we know we made the right choice. 

Thanks for your reply.

[jts-khorat]

I myself moved with my family back to Europe a few years back, after having had long thoughts.

 

Actually I loved life in Thailand, though deep in my heart I know it was the right decision. Life is also good where I am now, only sometimes feelings are a little bit bittersweet.

 

But as it sounds, you are well grounded on both sides, no bridges burnt, and you have the means to have a comfortable life wherever you are -- so it is not an irreversible decision if it proves to have been wrong. Havong options and keeping them open, as you seem to do, would surely be a good recommendation for anybody contemplating such a move.

 

In the end: home is where you make it and nearly any place on earth has the potential to make for a happy home. Therefore, best of luck.

[mjnaus]

Took the same step a few years back; back to Europe. Although we spend more time in Europe nowadays, we still own our home in Thailand and spend several months a year here. It doesn't have to be either or. Spend some time on the other side; when that's starting to become boring (or too cold), head down to Thailand for a few months. Tired of Thailand again? Hop back on that plane to Europe. 

[bluebluewater]

Stay away from the television news (it's absolutely toxic) and you guys will do fine.

 

I miss Thailand. Fifteen years I was there.  I miss the social aspect of it and all the many friends I had there, both Thai and expat.  I've tried to reconnect with my friends here but it hasn't worked for the most part.  Out of sight, out of mind I guess.  The pandemic has only made it harder not to mention the difficulty going out anywhere anyway during the past couple of years.   I'm glad I'm not in Thailand at this time however.  Simpler here but not as much fun.    It will get better.  At least I hope so.  Jai yen yen.

[jerrymahoney]

As with many on here who choose to relocate back to their home country, they are somehow able to import a Thai wife or girl friend along with them.

 

For some, with reasons among them being pure age arithmetic, that is not possible.

 

As a 15+ year resident of Florida before moving to Thailand, remember Florida is a big state and not all of it is close to the beach.

[Jeff Olssson]

 

It is always nice to read an honest and balanced story so thanks for sharing yours.  I am sure you are happy that you have kept your options open and I plan to do the same.

[sirineou]

We are in a similar situation as the Op , only we own one house in FL, the New York house we sold a few years ago. Property Taxes in NY were too high .

After being stuck in Thailand with the Pandemic for two years , we came back to Thailand  last May to give it another try at living in Thailand.

We bought out airline tickets out of Thailand yesterday and will be leaving April 3rd. Only we are going to Greece where we have family and friends, and I qualify for citizenship, We will give that a try for a while and see how we like it, If not we will head for Florida. 

We did not come to Thailand because of the cost of living, Our houses are paid off, and between my pension, social security and savings, though not rich we live comfortable. We came to Thailand because we loved it here, and for a change of scene.

But unfortunately,  covid19 seems to have taken away many of the things we enjoyed about Thailand leaving more of the hassles, and since the wife's parents have passed away, we find ourselves with little reason to be here. 

We will keep the house in Thailand , and we will still come here during the winter , and who knows perhaps  when covid is over things will improve and we might give it another try. 

I Understand what the Op is saying about being easier to live in FL, When we were younger we had more energy to face the hustles of Thailand, but as we get older consistency and easy  becomes very important and as health issues arise , it does not hurt to be near your Medicare. 

Good luck on your journey back home. ????

[sirineou]

36 minutes ago, bluebluewater said:

The pandemic has only made it harder not to mention the difficulty going out anywhere anyway during the past couple of years.   I'm glad I'm not in Thailand at this time however.  Simpler here but not as much fun. 

I think that was the main problem with our stay here, The pandemic has removed a lot of the things that we enjoyed about living in Thailand but still leaving  the hustles that annoyed us, I to hope that when this pandemic is over things will return to normal.

But let's not forget that as we get older we too are changing and that will never change back to the past normal LOL.

[ezzra]

10 hours ago, Isaanlife said:

Seriously.

 

I had to say it because over the years I have been appalled by the attitudes of some of the expats here.

 

Your post would have been much more comfortable to read had you resisted the urge to end it with the  unnecessary  parting shot of your feeling towards some of the members here, Pity...

[Hummin]

I guess we will pack up to when time comes and I get older in 10 - 12years and leave Isan.

 

Don't see myself there after passed 70 years old, but thing can change before that, or I'm still strong enough and have good still living there.

 

Good to have options to return back to.

[talahtnut]

Good move mate, I left last year, never to return, everything is

easier here in the Uk, the missus cant wait to get out of Thailand,

wait 'til she sees the snow, ice, rain, hail, and 120mph winds.

I forgot to tell her about that.

All the best mate.

 

[peter zwart]

All the luck mate. Enjoy life.

[RichardColeman]

11 hours ago, Lacessit said:

You have the good fortune of having homes to call your own in the US, many here don't.

Yes, many here are now understanding the idiocy of selling up all of their homes back in their own countries and having no escape route. I would never sell my home for this exact same reason the poster is now doing - and besides I see my old age life in the UK - not Thailand.

 

My wife - a school teacher - understands that we plan for our long term future, we speak about money and housing (she actually owns about 1000's more land than me anyway), we spoke about my pension options together at 55 and decided a way forwards. Now however, he best friend (nice lady , but ex bar girl) having just got divorced from one guy , is now about to start life with a new man and encouraging the sale of all his UK property and spending as much cash as possible. I sat with the guy, tried to explain my own 'escape route' and he should rent his house if he could, but he's so determined to go down the avenue of 'spend, spend, spend' with the new lady I just gave up. Leave him to it I guess. 

 

 

 

[tonray]

2 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

Yes, many here are now understanding the idiocy of selling up all of their homes back in their own countries and having no escape route.

Yet amazingly...many of us are happy here...no need to maintain escape routes. Go with the flow....don't try to create an 'expat paradise' at a lower cost structure than your home country. Good tidings and happiness to all that leave...but happiness is intrinsic and you'll carry your troubles with you wherever you go.

[RichardColeman]

1 minute ago, tonray said:

Yet amazingly...many of us are happy here...no need to maintain escape routes. Go with the flow....don't try to create an 'expat paradise' at a lower cost structure than your home country. Good tidings and happiness to all that leave...but happiness is intrinsic and you'll carry your troubles with you wherever you go.

Don't get me wrong, I wish them well. I just fear future nonsense of nutcasery insurance that 'could' put pay to all the expat happiness you mention. Fingers crossed they never impose it on an 'agent' !

[CharlieH]

Sometimes having those "options" and not burning those bridges can in fact cause you to be unsettled as you are nether one nor the other.

When times are not so good, boring, been there done that etc, then you get restless to go back because you can.

 

Going "all in" for Thailand was for me the best decusion I made and actually made me enjoy and appreciate it more having commited to it.

 

I never look too far ahead and create worries or "what if" about this or that as tomorrow belongs to no one, you dont know if you'll ever make it to that imaginary worry. Live the life you have whilst you have it, enjoy this week, this month and let the rest unfold and deal with it as it arises or you'll drive yourself to worry and uncertainty.

 

I wish the couple well, hope the future is kind.

 

 

 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

I have just cleaned up this topic after removing several off topic and baiting posts meant to deflect the topic and the expected replies to them.

[sqwakvfr]

Sounds like you have put a lot of thought into your plans. I just returned from the US(specifically Southern California) and two things that surprised me are:

 

1) Just put $20 of gas into my rental and I got 4 gallons(I even rented the smallest car they had-a 3 cylinder Mistsubish Mirage).  I can't even imagine how a middle income family is making it? 

2) Went out for breakfast and had two pancakes, two eggs, some bacon and a cup of coffee and it came to almost $15.  The only real bargain was lunch at my favorite place, In-N-Burger, and mercifully it was only $8.  My other favorite place, Chipotle, was $13 for a chicken burrito and a diet coke.  

 

I am a middle income level retired police officer and if I had to move back to California or even Florida I would probably need to work at least part-time. Also, I checked health insurance premiums in my age group and the cheapest policy for me would be at $600 per month(in California health insurance is mandatory).  

 

Even with the challenges of life in LOS I will stay as long as I can.  

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Good luck to you and your wife.

Have fun as long as it lasts.

[clivebaxter]

Why do people feel the need to share this goodbye I don't like most of you anyway and wont be posting again type of posts? OP has only been a member just over a year anyway.