What's so good about Thailand?

[fredwiggy]

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

I guess you never heard of the VAT.  

 

Also guessing you don't live here, and lack any intelligent rational thinking ability.

 

Talk to you're USA govt rep about free healthcare there.  While at it, ask the why you don't get in TH.

 

Again ... not the USA, it's TH.  Shall we discuss the free healthcare you won't get in some of the other 200+ countries.

 

Have a nice day, BYE BYE

I do live here, and all the thinking I do is rational. I'm seeing that you are another one of many who assume they know someone from a few posts you happen to disagree with, which also means you might not be happen to be right.  Amazing how many narcissists who think they are actually smarter than others come here with their thoughts on topics. When I said they don't pay taxes, I was referring to income taxes, not VAT. And again, I was talking about how expats can live here on less money, and that it would be advantageous for hospitals to have payment plans for those without insurance, so the bills would get paid.

[glegolo18]

6 hours ago, bob smith said:

in your opinion, whats so good about living in Thailand?

 

for me i struggle to find the positives. lets take a deep dive into the facts for a minute, shall we?

 

Thailand doesnt have democracy.

This means there is no right to freedom of expression and human rights are not important.

bureaucracy reigns supreme. it affects almost every aspect of daily life here.

90 day reporting. treated like a common criminal the minute we get off the plane.

healthcare only good if you have money. if you are poor forget it.

its either hot or wet most of the year. 

pollution is a serious issue and will kill you eventually. 

alcohol prices rising fast. soon it will be comparable to the UK/US.

institutional racism.

cant own land. etc etc etc

 

off the top of my head i can only think of two things that are good about Thailand, they are;

 

The food.

The women.

 

if Thailand didnt have those above it would be hell on earth.

 

how about you lot? what do you find so good about living in Thailand?

I think your  post is more a defence speach for you staying in your home country and not dare to move permanently... If you are already living here, me bad of course!!!

 

But most of the things you mention is problems from the typical tourist-destinations in Thailand, and for me do not att all apply. I am treated with respect here, people are nice to me. Climate is great, thai food is a disgrace of course, but I make my own falang-food, so no crying over food for me... Healthcare, yes you are correct there, that is a <deleted>ty problem for us all, if we do not have a huge pile of money of course.

 

But besides this, I am living a good life here, and I am feeling like the guy "who got away"....

[KhunLA]

12 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

I do live here, and all the thinking I do is rational. I'm seeing that you are another one of many who assume they know someone from a few posts you happen to disagree with, which also means you might not be happen to be right.  Amazing how many narcissists who think they are actually smarter than others come here with their thoughts on topics. When I said they don't pay taxes, I was referring to income taxes, not VAT. And again, I was talking about how expats can live here on less money, and that it would be advantageous for hospitals to have payment plans for those without insurance, so the bills would get paid.

When someone states the healthcare in TH or USA is free, because the gov't pays it, apparently not realizing where govt gets their money.

 

Or says the locals here don't pay taxes, when VAT is applied to most purchases, one do have to wonder.

 

Oh yea, they, some, many, also pay income taxes, depending on income, same as most countries.

 

Imm & hospitals are probably thinking, rightfully so, that if you can't rustle up 800k to live here legally, you probably won't be paying any monthly payments to the hospital, if you didn't die, or hop the next plane back home, or if stayed in country.

[Felton Jarvis]

16 minutes ago, BarstoolChang said:

You are easily the worst poster on this website. Go home, Bob.

Bob is in touch with reality. The crowd that thinks Thailand is paradise are the problem. For now. Thailand is cost-effective for this American, but things are rapidly changing. Thailand wants to gouge foreigners for every last baht they can get. It won’t end once they bankrupt us.

[fredwiggy]

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

When someone states the healthcare in TH or USA is free, because the gov't pays it, apparently not realizing where govt gets their money.

 

Or says the locals here don't pay taxes, when VAT is applied to most purchases, one do have to wonder.

 

Oh yea, they, some, many, also pay income taxes, depending on income, same as most countries.

Lived in the US for 62 years. I think I understand taxes there. US healthcare that is free is Medicare, at least most of it, which is what I have, as stated. I guess you don't read all of a person's post, but just skim over it and then reply. Income taxes aren't paid  most of Thais. VAT is already added to sales and services here. Again you assume. And you come from the US? Thought you might know better.

[BritManToo]

1 minute ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Bob is in touch with reality. The crowd that thinks Thailand is paradise are the problem. For now. Thailand is cost-effective for this American, but things are rapidly changing. Thailand wants to gouge foreigners for every last baht they can get. It won’t end once they bankrupt us.

Can't say I've seen any extra gouging of foreigners since 2009.

Certainly things have gone up less than back in the UK.

 

What changes were you thinking of?

[bob smith]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

What changes were you thinking of?

the ones in the pipeline that have been sideloaded by big joke.

 

once thailand gets a government up and running then changes will slowly start to take effect. This time next year im guessing about 50% of current visa extension holders will be priced out of the market.

[Hamus Yaigh]

6 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Love the fact I can drive like an absolute lunatic.

Why would anyone admit to that, unless they were a lunatic?

[BritManToo]

Just now, bob smith said:

the ones in the pipeline that have been sideloaded by big joke.

 

once thailand gets a government up and running then changes will start to slowly take effect. This time next year im guessing about 50% of current visa extension holders will be priced out of the market.

You think too mut!

Live for the day, and enjoy it.

Tomorrow may never come.

[KhunLA]

13 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Lived in the US for 62 years. I think I understand taxes there. US healthcare that is free is Medicare, at least most of it, which is what I have, as stated. I guess you don't read all of a person's post, but just skim over it and then reply. Income taxes aren't paid  most of Thais. VAT is already added to sales and services here. Again you assume. And you come from the US? Thought you might know better.

Medicare A is free to be on, not sure how 'free' it is to use.  B C D E and so on is silly priced, so healthcare, even with insurance in USA is not free, or close to it.

 

And I do know better, that's why I left after 45 years.

 

Again, USA is totally irrelevant to living in TH.

 

Thais pay income tax, IF, their income justifies, just like the USA.  Though irrelevant to any expat issues.

 

Such an intelligent person, I'm assuming you knew all this before you came here, and now you want them to change it  ..... FOR YOUR BENEFIT.

 

You're guest, try to act like it.

 

I don't get invited to someone's house, for a fish dinner, bring a botte of wine, and demand filet mignon ... because I brought the wine ... ????

[bob smith]

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You think too mut!

Live for the day, and enjoy it.

Tomorrow may never come.

like i said, im not that fussed

 

ive aleady started tappin up a cambodian office worker online based in phnom penh.

 

no kids, 22, Bsc Psychology, single and ready to mingle! 

[Hamus Yaigh]

31 minutes ago, BarstoolChang said:

You are easily the worst poster on this website. Go home, Bob.

I think @bignok takes some beating ????

[KhunLA]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Can't say I've seen any extra gouging of foreigners since 2009.

Certainly things have gone up less than back in the UK.

 

What changes were you thinking of?

Agree again, and not seeing any gouging.   Or major changes in the past 20 years.

 

Don't know where these people are living and experiencing all these changes.

 

 

[bob smith]

Just now, KhunLA said:

Agree again, and not seeing any gouging.   Or major changes in the past 20 years.

 

Don't know where these people are living and experiencing all these changes.

 

 

didnt they just raise the fees again at national parks for farangs?

 

no gouging you say??

[georgegeorgia]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

You think too mut!

Live for the day, and enjoy it.

Tomorrow may never come.

Very true !!!! ????????

[findlay13]

The driving standard

[Lacessit]

36 minutes ago, bob smith said:

Obviously didnt have a high enough paying job then.

 

I could buy a pool villa on the gold coast if I wanted.

 

But i would rather drink myself to death on the dusty streets of siem reap I think.

 

Dont much like aussies anyway. Sour bunch.

Don't bruise yourself jumping to conclusions.

How long have you been here, anyway? You sound like a typical 6-month know-it-all.

You don't like Aussies? Dilligaf.

[Tippaporn]

This must be the 1,000th "What Do You Like About Thailand' thread.  So here's my nickel's worth once again.

Thailand is whatever you want it to be.  And for all practical purposes Thailand will be exactly what you want it to be.  That accounts for all of the divergent views on either reaches of the spectrum.  Granted, few understand that fine point and how it translates into personal experienced reality.

There's really not much else to say.

BTW, it's been wonderful for me.  Call me lucky.  Or maybe I just understand how it works. 

 

[Ralf001]

50 minutes ago, Hamus Yaigh said:

Why would anyone admit to that, unless they were a lunatic?

Cause it is awesomely fun and not something I can do in my home country.

[bob smith]

2 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Cause it is awesomely fun and not something I can do in my home country.

maybe you should go back home.

 

Thailand doesn't need any more lunatics on the road.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, bob smith said:

didnt they just raise the fees again at national parks for farangs?

 

no gouging you say??

The park I visit is free for over 60s so that change has made it cheaper for me. The misses and kid still have to pay 20bht each.

[khunPer]

7 hours ago, bob smith said:

 

how about you lot? what do you find so good about living in Thailand?

Sometimes I don't understand, why people that hates Thailand so much still stays here... – ups, I forgot the girls...????

 

So yes, girls must also be on my positive list...

 

Food is good, and I can also buy what I need of foreign food at affordable prices, in general same price or a little bit cheaper, than in my home country, and dining out is in general cheaper...????

If I don't criticize royals – and why should I, I can criticize my home country's royal family instead, that's legal, if it wasn't because they are both OK and very popular – and if I don't makes bad public reviews, then I'm fairly free to speak what I want. If I want to complain, I'll do it in a home country forum...????

 

Bureaucracy is not more – sometimes less – than in my home country, and the service level is both much easier and always helpful kind...????

90-day reporting is easy online, not anything to worry about, I even get a kind e-mail to remind me about it. And I should add, that the annual extension of stay also is to overcome easily, with a little bit of organized preparation...????

 

My Thai girlfriend and my luk khrueng daughter, both get free healthcare here, and it's cheap for me if I use a public hospital. Compared to my home country, the health care service level is actually better and waiting lists seems shorter – at home people might end up with one to three years waiting time for an appointment with a specialist, even that they pay the World's highest tax – and like at home I can sign up for insurance or pay myself in a private hospital, if I want better and faster service...????

 

 Coming from a Scandinavian country – and I often compare with present situation in my home country to find out if I'm still happy here or should head back – weather forecast is a major positive factor, especially if like me, loves all-year-summer and barefoot Xmas. So, climate is perfect for me, as where I chose to stay in Thailand, it's never too hot (around 32°), nor too cold (not under 18°), in average around 28° year round, and only a relative short rainy season; however, with lots of rain. My hygrometer shows in average same level, as it did in my home country...????

 

Pollution is not a problem where I chose to stay in Thailand...????

 

Alcohol prices are not that important for me – I enjoy a glass of wine or two with my dinner and can find some acceptable wines in 3-liter containers at same price as home until I win the EuroJackpot and can afford the most expensive wines daily – and as I'm used to quite high taxes on alcohol from home, it's not a major issue when living here; even that beers are cheaper at home. But always look at the bright side of life: I never drink beers, I simply don't like beer...????

 

I'm an alien and I accept that – I will always be a "farang" – but I'm in general welcomed and treated well everywhere I've so far been in Thailand. Only one exception and that was a Muslim village; I probably won't always be accepted in home either in some of the Muslim neighborhoods...????

 

Property prices are in general affordable and major attractive locations not more expensive than at home. For a private home, methods can be found around ownership, if one is not rich enough for an investor visa (I'm not). I cannot own a home in my home country, when I live here, and foreigners from outside EU cannot own a home in my home country, so similar situation, apart from it's easier to find a solution in Thailand...????

 

For me is another addition: The party- and nightlife is (much) better in Thailand than at home...????

So in summary, I'm so far very happy here; now staying at my 18th full time year...????

[Tippaporn]

6 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

Cause it is awesomely fun and not something I can do in my home country.

Well, hello fellow 'lunatic' kindred soul.  I never could understand how so many farang are against the freedom one has here one the road.  I quite understand what you mean by 'lunatic.'  It doesn't mean that you're dangerous.  It simply means that you can capably access what is appropriate driving in any given situation and what is not.  So instead of following rules of the road regardless of whether they may or may not apply in a given situation you're free to use your own common sense judgement.  Perhaps it's because so many farang have been conditioned by their own cultures into thinking that rules must be followed at all times no matter what the unique circumstances may be.

Being German maybe it's part of my DNA but I like to drive fast.  Now I understand that scares some people.  But if I had to take into account everyone's personal and varied feelings on any action that I take then I wouldn't be living my life for myself.  I'd instead be sacrificing my life to live it as others demand I live it so that they don't have to deal with their feelings being upset.

Anyway, I share your sentiment wholeheartedly. 

[BarstoolChang]

1 hour ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Bob is in touch with reality. The crowd that thinks Thailand is paradise are the problem. For now. Thailand is cost-effective for this American, but things are rapidly changing. Thailand wants to gouge foreigners for every last baht they can get. It won’t end once they bankrupt us.

You are not forced to live here, and you are not Thai.

 

There are nearly 200 countries in the world, why stay in one and complain about how much you don't like it there.

 

You're entitled to nothing, and Thailand owes you nothing.

[Tippaporn]

7 minutes ago, BarstoolChang said:

You are not forced to live here, and you are not Thai.

 

There are nearly 200 countries in the world, why stay in one and complain about how much you don't like it there.

 

You're entitled to nothing, and Thailand owes you nothing.

The problem for a lot of people is that they take themselves with them wherever they go.

 

[bob smith]

17 minutes ago, BarstoolChang said:

You are not forced to live here, and you are not Thai.

 

There are nearly 200 countries in the world, why stay in one and complain about how much you don't like it there.

 

You're entitled to nothing, and Thailand owes you nothing.

think i will take back the millions in tax i have paid over the years then.

 

i bet with my tax contributions have personally paid for about 10 thai kids to go through school. each of them by your logic I also owed nothing.

 

your sentiments are a disgrace and totally misguided. 

[bob smith]

Just now, bob smith said:

think i will take back the millions in tax i have paid over the years then.

 

i bet with my tax contributions have personally paid for about 10 thai kids to go through school. each of them by your logic I also owed nothing.

 

your sentiments are a disgrace and totally misguided. 

 

[sqwakvfr]

2 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Bob is in touch with reality. The crowd that thinks Thailand is paradise are the problem. For now. Thailand is cost-effective for this American, but things are rapidly changing. Thailand wants to gouge foreigners for every last baht they can get. It won’t end once they bankrupt us.

You summed it up:  "Cost effective for Americans" and many other foreigners.   If it was not then how many foreigners would stay?  

[VocalNeal]

2 hours ago, Felton Jarvis said:

Thailand is cost-effective for this American,

It may be but they don't seem to be happy with the rest of what is good..????

 

Judging by many of the posts on this forum.

[RocketDog]

8 hours ago, The Cobra said:

Everyones situation is different,depends entirely where you choose to live as to how much of anything effects you.

 

For me:

Peace and tranquility

No laws in your face

No camers in your face

no heavy traffic

Peaceful countryside

Nice village people very friendly and helpful.

Eveythinbg I need within 20 minutes drive.

VERY cheap to live day to day

Easy access to medical care either in the village or at local hospitals

90 day reports online- easy

Annual visit to immigration - no hassle. 1900bt cheap.

 

Dont drink so alchohol/bars doesnt even register

Dont care and cant vote anyway so Politics is of no interest what they gget upto.

 

As for the weather, great, warm all the time, rainy season is nice change.

 

Its not your surroundings or rules etc, its your attitude toward them.

They are only an issue if you allow them to be. 

 

 

 

You are way too sane, reasonable, accommodating, civil, well-adjusted, and coherent to be posting on these forums.

 

Either learn to be a total jerk or stop posting. You're making the rest of us look bad.

 

Find a few good gripes, beat them to death, be rude and combative, and engage in senseless tit-for-tat endlessly with anybody that implies that you might be wrong about anything.

 

Nice guys are not welcome here.