Expats have it good in Thailand.

[swissie]

Expats in Thailand have it good. While 30% of Europeans wonder how they are going to pay  next winters heating bills (eat or heat), Farangs in Thailand have it comperatively "good".

Of course, complaining about the humid and hot summers, Thai-Immigration in general, the Thai Family spending too much of your money  are minor standart complaints by Farangs and re occurring like clockwork. Minor complaints compared to the worries of some folks that live in one of the richests parts of the world, I find.

As it shows, to live in a country, not playing a major role in international politics, with an economy basically "autark" if need be, is not such a bad place to be after all.

While in Thailand, always good to count your money, but don't forget to count your blessings as well.

[CharlieH]

The standard of living enjoyed by many here is far better than they would ever have achieved in their home country.

The positives here far outway the negatives for most. Its also fair to say that the country most have left actually no longer exists as it was when they were resident and is consigned to history and memories.

[Hummin]

As long it is Status Q it will be good in the future, but we cant tell or predict how it is going to be. 
 

Those who moved 10 - 15 years ago, did not predict the strong baht, and many regret today they sold everything they had, and invested in a life here. 
 

It can be better, and it can be worse. So far I agree

[JeffersLos]

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Those who moved 10 - 15 years ago, did not predict the strong baht, and many regret today they sold everything they had, and invested in a life here. 

I moved here 10-15 years ago and didn't sell anything to 'invest in a life here'.

 

23 minutes ago, swissie said:

Thai-Immigration in general

I use an agent that does everything re: immigration. They collect and deliver everything to my doorstep.

 

24 minutes ago, swissie said:

the Thai Family spending too much of your money

Not everybody gets involved with a person whose family needs money, and actually spends yours. What on Earth is that about? Why are you in that situation? 

[swissie]

10 minutes ago, JeffersLos said:

I moved here 10-15 years ago and didn't sell anything to 'invest in a life here'.

 

I use an agent that does everything re: immigration. They collect and deliver everything to my doorstep.

 

Not everybody gets involved with a person whose family needs money, and actually spends yours. What on Earth is that about? Why are you in that situation? 

I personally am NOT in this situation.

[Sparktrader]

31 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

The standard of living enjoyed by many here is far better than they would ever have achieved in their home country.

The positives here far outway the negatives for most. Its also fair to say that the country most have left actually no longer exists as it was when they were resident and is consigned to history and memories.

Yet many complain. If i had a pension Id be there. The west is ok for work but boring otherwise unless you play golf or surf.

[swissie]

27 minutes ago, Hummin said:

As long it is Status Q it will be good in the future, but we cant tell or predict how it is going to be. 
 

Those who moved 10 - 15 years ago, did not predict the strong baht, and many regret today they sold everything they had, and invested in a life here. 
 

It can be better, and it can be worse. So far I agree

To predict exchange rates 20 years into the future is impossible. Depending on "home currency", some have lost buying power versus the BHT. Swiss Franc holders have not.

Many that have deciced to make Thailand their new home in the past needed all their funds to make this happen in Thailand. In other words: They had to put all their eggs in one basket. It takes a lot of eggs to financially diversify. Many did not have the necessary amount of eggs to diversify.

[Sparktrader]

18 minutes ago, JeffersLos said:

I moved here 10-15 years ago and didn't sell anything to 'invest in a life here'.

 

I use an agent that does everything re: immigration. They collect and deliver everything to my doorstep.

 

Not everybody gets involved with a person whose family needs money, and actually spends yours. What on Earth is that about? Why are you in that situation? 

Love

[Sparktrader]

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

To predict exchange rates 20 years into the future is impossible. Depending on "home currency", some have lost buying power versus the BHT. Swiss Franc holders have not.

Many that have deciced to make Thailand their new home in the past needed all their funds to make this happen in Thailand. In other words: They had to put all their eggs in one basket. It takes a lot of eggs to financially diversify. Many did not have the necessary amount of eggs to diversify.

Thailand is more fun. Forget big money. If you can live there on 50,000 baht a month thats way more fun than west. You can rent a hotel room for 7500 baht a month with cleaning. Eat 80 baht khao sois. 35 baht coffees. Try renting a hotel for a month in the west. Unless you have kids n wife being mobile in Thailand as good as it gets in life. Laptop plus girlfriend pretty good life.

[persimmon]

Agreed - accommodation must be one of the best bargains . Thinking of a short holiday in the UK  ?- that will be £ 70 -150 per night B+B . Compare that with travelling around Thailand staying in the roadside " resorts " , 350 - 700 bt per night .

[swissie]

5 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:

Thailand is more fun. Forget big money. If you can live there on 50,000 baht a month thats way more fun than west. You can rent a hotel room for 7500 baht a month with cleaning. Eat 80 baht khao sois. 35 baht coffees. Try renting a hotel for a month in the west. Unless you have kids n wife being mobile in Thailand as good as it gets in life. Laptop plus girlfriend pretty good life.

I still own "pseudo-property" in the Thai sticks. Inspite of inflation, I could still live on 20K Bht/month. Laptop and girlfriend included. Plus an occasional big cigar. My fragile health keeps me anchored in Europe. Unfortunately.

[BangkokReady]

Why do people constantly assume that simply because someone complains about a few things in the place they live, they have a major issue with that place?  Obviously people who live here like the place.

 

Do people expect posts that say: "I just had a really nice walk, stopped for a coffee, everyone smiled at me, I love Thailand"?  How popular would that be?

 

Don't you remember back home people complain all the time?  And Thais complain on social media all the time anyway.

 

These "White Knights of Thailand" I'm sure have noble ideals, but I think they're barking up the wrong tree.

[Hummin]

38 minutes ago, JeffersLos said:

I moved here 10-15 years ago and didn't sell anything to 'invest in a life here'.

 

I use an agent that does everything re: immigration. They collect and deliver everything to my doorstep.

 

Not everybody gets involved with a person whose family needs money, and actually spends yours. What on Earth is that about? Why are you in that situation? 

Then you are not one of those who do not regret. Myself moved here 5 years ago, but still keep my gate open for return. 

 

22 minutes ago, swissie said:

To predict exchange rates 20 years into the future is impossible. Depending on "home currency", some have lost buying power versus the BHT. Swiss Franc holders have not.

Many that have deciced to make Thailand their new home in the past needed all their funds to make this happen in Thailand. In other words: They had to put all their eggs in one basket. It takes a lot of eggs to financially diversify. Many did not have the necessary amount of eggs to diversify.

It is a lottery. Who knew Swiss franc would double, and Thai baht almost half from when I first start visiting.

 

Covid, conflicts, everything can change quick. 

[gearbox]

36 minutes ago, Sparktrader said:

Yet many complain. If i had a pension Id be there. The west is ok for work but boring otherwise unless you play golf or surf.

I thought you are a rich Forex trader. You can trade Forex here too,  or buy lottery tickets, same same.

[Andycoops]

It certainly beats living in the toilet that the UK has become.

Politically becoming as unstable as Italy with a revolving door of PMs unelected by the citizens.

 

Economy and cost of living crisis almost becoming impossible to survive in.

 

As far as Thai relatives spending too much of your money, all you need to do is say is no.

Obviously the Thai bureaucracy is beyond our control as mere guests.

 

Personally I love the hot weather which is one of the main reasons I retired here.

 

Wouldn't change my life here for anything.

[nobodysfriend]

I felt being constantly ripped - off in Europe , banks , taxes , fees , even internet ... and that was 20 yrs ago ... today ? _ no comment . Of course there are negative aspects of living in Thailand as well . But I can handle this . Even Immigration is becoming more easy every year , once they know and remember you .

In winter ( dry season ) , I never need to spend money to keep warm . 55 . In Europe it is ' eat or heat ...

[bob smith]

9 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Its also fair to say that the country most have left actually no longer exists as it was when they were resident and is consigned to history and memories.

I will have to agree with this Charlie H.

The land I come from is a shadow of its former self and would rather take a bullet to the head than return anytime soon...

Edited October 11, 2022 by bob smith

[473geo]

Funny thread 

 

You don't create a better life for yourself by looking over the fence and making comparison with others ????

 

I have family and friends back home doing just fine, as I appear to be doing just fine in Thailand 

 

[Iamfalang]

some people value friends.   some value having a "home".  some value security.  some value relationships.  some value nice things.  some value nationalism.  some value freedom.  some value trust.  some value safe streets.  some value animal protection.  

 

none of these things you will get in LOS.  

 

BUT you will get a room, Pattaya girls!!!, and nobody will bother you until you die.

 

I'm not retired here, so I can joke all I want.   You are delusional if you think LOS is better than falangland.  It might be "better" for you because you can't enjoy what falang land has to offer, but that's like a homeless person creating a thread about how living in the park is better than a mansion.  In ways, it might be.  

[Iforbach]

Thailand

still paradise for me ..23 years i giggled at me eletric bill even got a discount ..no blightey 4 me cold damp n depressing ..

Ok plenty rain yet warm love it 

[In Full Agreement]

9 hours ago, BangkokReady said:

Why do people constantly assume that simply because someone complains about a few things in the place they live, they have a major issue with that place?  Obviously people who live here like the place.

 

Some people just feel a need to  point it out and make an issue of others complaining.

 

[stoner]

10 hours ago, CharlieH said:

no longer exists as it was when they were resident

this is a massive problem that is never addressed with any decorum or reason. a real issue and generally conversations about it tend to lead down only certain paths. as sad as that is. 

 

i was home in canada this past july to settle affairs. i felt like a stranger in my own home. the changes to canada over the last 20 years are staggering. 

[OneMoreFarang]

In average anybody living outside their home country will do better than within. Because in average all the stupid, poor, uneducated, etc. people won't go to live in another country. They stay home - they have no other choice.

So, as difficult as it is to believe this sometimes, the foreigners living here are in average above average of people in those countries... 

[SiamAndy]

36 minutes ago, Iforbach said:

Thailand

still paradise for me ..23 years i giggled at me eletric bill even got a discount ..no blightey 4 me cold damp n depressing ..

Ok plenty rain yet warm love it 

My electric bill just went up 62% in the west.

[Lacessit]

18 minutes ago, Iamfalang said:

 

I'm not retired here, so I can joke all I want.   You are delusional if you think LOS is better than falangland.  It might be "better" for you because you can't enjoy what falang land has to offer, but that's like a homeless person creating a thread about how living in the park is better than a mansion.  In ways, it might be.  

There is no way I could enjoy the same standard of living in Australia I have here. I don't even recognize Australia now from the country I grew up in.

In 1970, I bought a house in Melbourne. I paid off the mortgage in 18 months, to the chagrin of my bank manager at the time. Now, young people sign up for debt lasting 30 or 40 years, and quiver in trepidation every time there is an interest rate rise of one quarter of one percent.

What does Australia have to offer me? It certainly won't be comparative freedom from regulation, or a GF that is 23 years younger than me. It won't be a legal system that is not heavily biased in favor of women either.

Carping posters lose sight of the fact many expats in Thailand have had the guts to uproot themselves, learn a new language, and adjust to a different culture.

Every time I go back to Australia, I get the same reaction. The men envy me, the women hate me.

 

 

[swm59nj]

From all the complaints on the forums about living in Thailand.  It seems many expats are not happy here either.  Not happy with their home countries or Thailand for that matter.  
Having little to no health insurance,  and a barebones income would make it difficult living just about anywhere. 

[Iamfalang]

2 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Now, young people sign up for debt lasting 30 or 40 years, and quiver in trepidation every time there is an interest rate rise of one quarter of one percent.

What does Australia have to offer me? It certainly won't be comparative freedom from regulation, or a GF that is 23 years younger than me

and many more young people are making a good life, paid off a house, and don't need a gf that is 23 years younger.   They could easily say the old guy who paid off his house and went to get the girl 23 years younger is a worse life!!!!

 

not sure why you have to insult young people, or think they are dumb or have a worse life.

 

that says something.   

 

rocks, glass houses 

 

just live your life and enjoy your own life, without thinking you understand others.

[The Fugitive]

9 hours ago, persimmon said:

Agreed - accommodation must be one of the best bargains . Thinking of a short holiday in the UK  ?- that will be £ 70 -150 per night B+B . Compare that with travelling around Thailand staying in the roadside " resorts " , 350 - 700 bt per night .

Stayed in a 'motel' recently. Spacious, very clean, air conditioned, comfortable bed, large flat panel TV. Towels and even toiletries provided. 200 baht per night, incredible value!

[KannikaP]

10 hours ago, JeffersLos said:

Not everybody gets involved with a person whose family needs money, and actually spends yours. What on Earth is that about? Why are you in that situation? 

Totally agree. My 'Thai' family are as good as gold, and never ask for anything.

[Lacessit]

16 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

In average anybody living outside their home country will do better than within. Because in average all the stupid, poor, uneducated, etc. people won't go to live in another country. They stay home - they have no other choice.

So, as difficult as it is to believe this sometimes, the foreigners living here are in average above average of people in those countries... 

You've reminded me of Robert Muldoon's comment about Kiwis who emigrated from New Zealand to Australia. He said it raised the IQ of both countries.