Next Generation of Expats

[Lacessit]

12 hours ago, LaosLover said:

Canadians view Americans like we view Mexicans.

 

So when I lived in Mex City, I was getting the superiority from all sides -fair # of English in Mex City too for Med Tourism, so from them too.

In Australia, New South Welshmen refer to Victorians like me as Mexicans. South of the border.

[Lacessit]

4 hours ago, JimTripper said:

 

I don’t need to be in Thailand in my 60’s. My sex drive would be gone by then (pretty much is now) and i would not want to be hopping around as much.

You're in your fifties, and losing interest in sex? That's sad.

I am reminded of Tom Clancy's quote: "Sex is one of the most beautiful, natural and wholesome things money can buy".

[Isaan sailor]

21 hours ago, JimTripper said:

I’m from the US, the USA or the United States, not America. We don’t call it America in the USA. That could be Canada, or even South America.

 

Start naming things correctly so people talk correctly and it does not sound strange to an American like your talking from a textbook or a history book.

 

Out of curiosity where are you from in the US? You talk kind of strange.

 

 

Interesting point—the locals understand “America” better, probably because we’re known as Americans.  Too confusing for a Thai or someone in any other country when you label yourself an American from USA.

[Isaan sailor]

16 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I can't see me sitting on a plane, in economy, for more than 2 hrs, means I'm not going anywhere out of TH or SEA.  Let alone the added 2-3 hrs, just to get on the plane, then the same on return.  Nah, that ain't happenin'.

 

Only if hitting the lottery, going & staying First Class all he way, would I bother.

Book economy seats, then upgrade at the gate to the mid-range seats—wider with lots more legroom.  Some airlines will sell the upgrade for cheap, online.  Sure beats 12+ hours in coach.

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Sounds like Mexico is a better option for me if health premiums are going up that high in Thailand as I get older, someone said $1000 usd a month.

 

 Good expat insurance is about half that, and that would be for the oldest age brackets.

 

Still a fair amount, though.

[LaosLover]

I'm 70, my health insurance with CIGNA is $500 a month. A deal by American standards.

 

The future expats will be more likely to hold an Elite visa than a retirement visa. For the affluent Chinese, Russian, and Crypto-whatevers, it's a pittance to be able to come and go.

 

There's a Crypto-whatever on my condo floor. Paid 2 years rent in advance. 'Doesn't even care if they triple the Elite fee. Him + me = gentrification. 

 

There's also another shmushy category, the long term stayers and snow birds. I rate someone who's here 3-6 months a year, every year as an expat. Combine them with the Elite Visa peripatetic types, and the future expat vibe will feel more transient.

 

 

 

[JimTripper]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 Good expat insurance is about half that, and that would be for the oldest age brackets.

 

Still a fair amount, though.

I remember a fair bit of comments from people who say they can’t get insured at all in the upper age brackets.

 

Maybe because they are not grandfathered in early on a policy that is renewable for life and never miss a payment??

 

For me that would require being so close to the USA that I could just jump over quickly and cheaply for something serious. Kind of like what Brit’s do here when they go back to the Uk.

Edited August 27, 2023 by JimTripper

[LaosLover]

 

Hip replacement here is $18K, In America, $40K, Mexico, in the middle. Medicares says they''ll pay 80% (more like 70% after nickel and dimeing), so no huge savings to enjoy their largesse. And you have to wait until someone decides it's medically necessary.

 

You can get insurance at any age, but the older you lock in your rate, the steeper it will be. Also, the longer you wait, the more likely a pre-existing condition is to pop up.

 

I'm thinking of cutting loose medicare entirely. It's mainly a get out of jail free card in case I need chemo not available in Thailand. But going back to the dysfunctional USA and fighting with billing while I'm sick?

 

No, I'll depart to Euro-land and still pay less. Or maybe some Marriot-like condo attached to a hospital in India. It already exists.

 

 

[pgrahmm]

1 hour ago, LaosLover said:

 

Hip replacement here is $18K, In America, $40K, Mexico, in the middle. Medicares says they''ll pay 80% (more like 70% after nickel and dimeing), so no huge savings to enjoy their largesse. And you have to wait until someone decides it's medically necessary.

 

You can get insurance at any age, but the older you lock in your rate, the steeper it will be. Also, the longer you wait, the more likely a pre-existing condition is to pop up.

 

I'm thinking of cutting loose medicare entirely. It's mainly a get out of jail free card in case I need chemo not available in Thailand. But going back to the dysfunctional USA and fighting with billing while I'm sick?

 

No, I'll depart to Euro-land and still pay less. Or maybe some Marriot-like condo attached to a hospital in India. It already exists.

 

 

Hip here with the latest titanium US appliance = $8000......

Before I became aware of TH I needed my gall bladder removed....The anesthesiologist in SF area quoted $34,000.....I flew to India, had the surgery + a full body physical & one week in a 4 star hotel with a car & driver that acted as a tour guide/guard/driver/go-fer.....

Cost about $12,000 including airfare for 2.....The US pricing is off the charts theft.....

These fkn pop ups blocking the screen are 100% annoying.... About 20 times just trying to make this comment.....

[NextG]

7 minutes ago, pgrahmm said:

Hip here with the latest titanium US appliance = $8000......

Before I became aware of TH I needed my gall bladder removed....The anesthesiologist in SF area quoted $34,000.....I flew to India, had the surgery + a full body physical & one week in a 4 star hotel with a car & driver that acted as a tour guide/guard/driver/go-fer.....

Cost about $12,000 including airfare for 2.....The US pricing is off the charts theft.....

These fkn pop ups blocking the screen are 100% annoying.... About 20 times just trying to make this comment.....

https://brave.com/download/

 

https://www.opera.com/download

 

 

[Phulublub]

5 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Kind of like what Brit’s do here when they go back to the Uk.

Good luck with that NHS waiting lists get ever longer

 

PH

[Sheryl]

15 hours ago, JimTripper said:

I remember a fair bit of comments from people who say they can’t get insured at all in the upper age brackets.

 

This is true of Thai issued policirs which ard in any event

 

There are international expst policies which will insure at older ages though the range of choice decreases after 65-70.

 

More common issue is that most people in their 70's and above already have underlying hesmalth conditions that may make them uninsurable. 

 

 

[malibukid]

On 8/26/2023 at 9:29 AM, Lacessit said:

Impossible to forecast 20 years ahead. Tell me how many Communist 5-year plans actually worked as intended.

I don't know about America. Given what is happening in Australia, IMO it's quite possible the influx from there will increase.

I am currently in Australia, and I am heartily sick of the sight of fat bums on women.

 

how did they get so fat.  its almost like they flaunt it? maybe the elephant in the room?

Edited August 28, 2023 by malibukid

[Guderian]

On 8/26/2023 at 9:19 AM, LaosLover said:

In America, much less taste for Thailand for GenX and below. They prefer Mexico.

I've never really understood why so many Americans decide to settle in Thailand, when the country itself has plenty of pleasant, sunny areas, as well as some nice overseas territories. And if you really want some exoticism, what's wrong with the neighbouring countries like Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean islands, Colombia nowadays, or, as we're now seeing apparently, Mexico? Many Americans seem to speak some Spanish, which would make integration easier, whereas how many of them speak any Thai before they move here? (And how many of them can speak it reasonably well after a decade or two?) So why exactly do the older denizens of the Land of the Free seem to like the Land of Scams and Lies so much?

[Isaan sailor]

9 minutes ago, Guderian said:

I've never really understood why so many Americans decide to settle in Thailand, when the country itself has plenty of pleasant, sunny areas, as well as some nice overseas territories. And if you really want some exoticism, what's wrong with the neighbouring countries like Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean islands, Colombia nowadays, or, as we're now seeing apparently, Mexico? Many Americans seem to speak some Spanish, which would make integration easier, whereas how many of them speak any Thai before they move here? (And how many of them can speak it reasonably well after a decade or two?) So why exactly do the older denizens of the Land of the Free seem to like the Land of Scams and Lies so much?

Thai ladies.

[KhunLA]

44 minutes ago, Guderian said:

I've never really understood why so many Americans decide to settle in Thailand, when the country itself has plenty of pleasant, sunny areas, as well as some nice overseas territories. And if you really want some exoticism, what's wrong with the neighbouring countries like Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean islands, Colombia nowadays, or, as we're now seeing apparently, Mexico? 

Hurricane season kept me away from those.  Even though at one time, I was fluent in Spanish.

 

Same with S. FL, along with tornado alley, and those Canadian winds.   Besides the 45 yrs of already being there.  Quest for something different, less taxes (RE Taxes)????, and if lower COL, even better. 

 

Less PC and invasive govt.  Freedom of expression, not so much, as meaningless.

 

Women, never a issue, don't use P4P, and low priority, though do like the more accepting of age gap, though any area is tolerant to that.  Especially those with wider income disparity.

Edited August 28, 2023 by KhunLA

[LS24]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:17 AM, KhunLA said:

As long as you have social media spewing the silliness ...

... OMG ... TH is cheap paradise, meals cost ฿30, beach bungalows ฿500, people will still be planning the 'expat' experience on the low end budget of existence.

 

Then reality, inflation, and staying here legal will hit, so in 20 years, nothing will change.   

 

As they will become the new, skint, soon to be, old, grumpy AN members, warning everyone not to come, blaming TH for their woes, when safely back in their home country.

I went down to my local morning curry rice shop today and got three bags or food plus rice for 90 baht. More than I will eat today. Divide that by 3 meals and that is 30 baht.  I also got 3 pork on a stick / moo ping and sticky rice for 25 baht. With Bangkok skyline well in view. Don't always eat like that but I love the food.

 

Bungalows for 500 baht are still around. Some hotels in Suk are discounted this week for $565 a night at half price as per my booking app specials. Seems every day, there are hotel rooms at that price.

Still bargains out there but agree inflation is hitting in some areas and with middle class fare.

[transam]

On 8/26/2023 at 9:59 AM, JimTripper said:

I’m from the US, the USA or the United States, not America. We don’t call it America in the USA. That could be Canada, or even South America.

 

Start naming things correctly so people talk correctly and it does not sound strange to an American like your talking from a textbook or a history book.

 

Out of curiosity where are you from in the US? You talk kind of strange.

 

Your right about the younger generation. SE Asia and Thailand is old school now. I think it always kind of was. For younger expats I thought it was mostly backpackers and gap year’s. People that wanted to do Thailand, maybe Vietnam, get a little grungy, then fly home and finish that Ivy League degree.

 

 

So why has Trumps ball cap got America on it......?

 

[LaosLover]

1 hour ago, Guderian said:

I've never really understood why so many Americans decide to settle in Thailand, what's wrong with the neighbouring countries like Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean islands, Colombia nowadays, or, as we're now seeing apparently, Mexico? 

Latin America and Carib are a lot more expensive, I'd say 30% more (lived in Mex City).

 

Food is very blah, you gotta really love a pork taco.

 

Women? Do you love 'em fat in the can? Do you want to hear a lot about Jesus? How about 6 hour Sunday lunches with Mama?

 

And the crime factor; In touristic Zona Roma, I could be out past 9 PM, but in most of the city, really not.

[LaosLover]

12 minutes ago, transam said:

So why has Trumps ball cap got America on it......?

 

And this is another reason why Mexico sucked. Lot's of these boneheads on the beach.

 

Thailand? Finally, they're on the back foot, forced to lay low by the Euro-socialist majority.

 

Or you could dodge them and go live among the Canadians.

 

Talk about a game of pick your pain.

[Gottfrid]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:03 AM, observer90210 said:

Well who is not ?

As for you, I wish you a bright future in my ignore list.

Bye bye ????

Simple answer. The once who planned life well, and now can enjoy it. 

[observer90210]

On 8/27/2023 at 6:23 AM, LaosLover said:

 

Hip replacement here is $18K, In America, $40K, Mexico, in the middle. Medicares says they''ll pay 80% (more like 70% after nickel and dimeing), so no huge savings to enjoy their largesse. And you have to wait until someone decides it's medically necessary.

 

You can get insurance at any age, but the older you lock in your rate, the steeper it will be. Also, the longer you wait, the more likely a pre-existing condition is to pop up.

 

I'm thinking of cutting loose medicare entirely. It's mainly a get out of jail free card in case I need chemo not available in Thailand. But going back to the dysfunctional USA and fighting with billing while I'm sick?

 

No, I'll depart to Euro-land and still pay less. Or maybe some Marriot-like condo attached to a hospital in India. It already exists.

 

 

India has many of the best doctors in the world.  Good choice as many top indian doctors, dentists, surgeons are comming back to India from the USA as the indian living standards for the educated professionals, have highly gone up...and often  go beyond what we know in the west.

[newnative]

On 8/26/2023 at 9:59 AM, JimTripper said:

I’m from the US, the USA or the United States, not America. We don’t call it America in the USA. That could be Canada, or even South America.

 

Start naming things correctly so people talk correctly and it does not sound strange to an American like your talking from a textbook or a history book.

 

Out of curiosity where are you from in the US? You talk kind of strange.

 

Your right about the younger generation. SE Asia and Thailand is old school now. I think it always kind of was. For younger expats I thought it was mostly backpackers and gap year’s. People that wanted to do Thailand, maybe Vietnam, get a little grungy, then fly home and finish that Ivy League degree.

 

 

    Speak for yourself with your 'we'.   I'm American and when someone asks me where I'm from I say America, not one of your terms.  Just like if someone asks me if I'm from 'X' country, I'll say no, I'm American.   Not I'm a USA citizen, US citizen, etc.  

[Wobblybob]

7 hours ago, transam said:

So why has Trumps ball cap got America on it......?

 

He can't spell US.

[Baht Simpson]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:11 AM, LaosLover said:

You have a zany hard on about this. Suspected diagnosis: Trump Trash.

 

But I like your posts, so I was raised in the New York area and lived all over Uh-murr-ika. Uh-murr-ika is a world wide-loved brand, much more than America is.

 

When I was raised, calling America America was very much part of the vernacular: that song in West Side Story, Ray Charles's huge version of the song, Hits' by Neil Diamond and Jay and the (dare I say it?) Americans.

 

And let's not forget Lee Greenwood, who wrote the Trump Trash national anthem.

 

Why you think calling America America is some kind of slight or diss is by no means anything you should feel the need to rush to explain.

Don't forget Paul Simon:

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike
They've all come to look for America
All come to look for America
All come to look for America

 

It's just shorthand for the USA, for lots of Americans as well as foreigners.  Americans often refer to England when they mean the U.K. but that's fine, we know what they mean.

[Irish star]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:30 AM, JimTripper said:

Nobody calls it “San Fran”.

 

I’m calling you out. I don’t think your American. Sorry, enjoy Laos buddy!

Or Frisco , I’m from San Francisco 

[jesimps]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:21 AM, JimTripper said:

Actually, “America” is a trump trash type of thing to say. “Making America Great Again!” Type of thing.

 

Its basically over patriotism.

 

Me, west coast near San Francisco. Liberal.

"Me, west coast near San Francisco. Liberal."

 

We guessed.

[KannikaP]

On 8/27/2023 at 12:42 PM, pgrahmm said:

Before I became aware of TH I needed my gall bladder removed..

Going to the local Govt Hospital next week for that. Bht 50,000 incl 3 days stay.

[JimTripper]

5 hours ago, Guderian said:

I've never really understood why so many Americans decide to settle in Thailand, when the country itself has plenty of pleasant, sunny areas, as well as some nice overseas territories. And if you really want some exoticism, what's wrong with the neighbouring countries like Costa Rica, Panama, the Caribbean islands, Colombia nowadays, or, as we're now seeing apparently, Mexico? Many Americans seem to speak some Spanish, which would make integration easier, whereas how many of them speak any Thai before they move here? (And how many of them can speak it reasonably well after a decade or two?) So why exactly do the older denizens of the Land of the Free seem to like the Land of Scams and Lies so much?

Safety is a major factor.

 

Being in your retirement years in South America is not very safe for an older foreigner who is viewed as wealthy by local standards. You can’t fight and move around well if needed. Equator seems to be Ok.

 

Most countries if you live in a cheap area to save on costs it’s very dangerous.

 

Thailand is special in that regard, it’s affordable but there’s no real threat to personal safety.

[swm59nj]

Probably no change in 20 years.  Still whining about how everything delt them a bad hand in life.  Getting by on barebones income.  And major hobby is drinking booze.