Stories about being retired in Thailand and changing your mind and moving back to the USA permanently.

I am thinking seriously about moving away from Thailand. We have a home elsewhere where I can spend 90 days at a time, and will spend more time there, next year. I'm also considering buying somewhere in Europe, Portugal probably. My aims to spend more than 180 days out of Thailand to avoid ruinous taxes on my savings and income. 

I have a US passport, but frankly the state of the place and the people leave me cold, so it is not somewhere I would consider until it changes track. 

Maybe you should wait and see what will be taxed... I don't think they will be taxing your savings and income if it has already been taxed in the USA... I have not been back in over 10 years and I am more worried about political problems in the USA making life unlivable back there... and who is to say a crazy development there might bring on a dictator to confiscate your bank account? 

 

Who knows? It is pretty crazy there now. 

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

Stories about being retired in Thailand and changing your mind and moving back to the USA permanently.

Do you think anyone moving back to the USA will be on AN, to follow the happenings in Thailand, of SEA.  Don't think you'll be getting too many replies.

 

I certainly wouldn't, same as I don't follow any forums about the USA after leaving.  How bored do you have to be to do that?

2 hours ago, retarius said:

somewhere in Europe, Portugal probably. My aims to spend more than 180 days out of Thailand

We took an extended holiday in Spain and Portugal a few years ago thinking it was a spot to consider retirement.  I won't say we did an exhaustive research but our initial impression was that most of the residences were not single family homes but rather condo/apartment like.  

Also, virtually no one spoke English.  As challenging as it is in Thailand you usually can find someone who speaks some English.  I don't think I could learn  Portuguese or Spanish fast enough to make the transition. Then again a significant portion of the USA you now need to speak Spanish in order to function.  I lived in Houston for a period of time and certain regions of the city you could not do business in if you did not speak Spanish.  Same with Miami. 

18 hours ago, retarius said:

I am thinking seriously about moving away from Thailand. We have a home elsewhere where I can spend 90 days at a time, and will spend more time there, next year. I'm also considering buying somewhere in Europe, Portugal probably. My aims to spend more than 180 days out of Thailand to avoid ruinous taxes on my savings and income. 

I have a US passport, but frankly the state of the place and the people leave me cold, so it is not somewhere I would consider until it changes track. 

might want to check Portugal about taxes...saw an article yesterday about that!

I lived in Bangkok for three years moving back to the states this past March.  I lived in Bangkok because I wanted to experience living overseas. But afterwards it just became annoying to me.  This was not my first choice but the retirement visa was good and easy.  Things are more expensive here in the US now but what can you do.

And no I didn’t come here because I hated my own country.  Or couldn’t make it financially or health insurance wise. As it seems that a majority of expats move here because of that.  Or their main hobby was vegetating and boozing it up. And whine because they blame their misfortunes on everything except themselves. So I had nothing much in common with them. 
I still keep up on what’s going on in Thailand.  Just as other countries which I have visited.  

20 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Do you think anyone moving back to the USA will be on AN, to follow the happenings in Thailand, of SEA.  Don't think you'll be getting too many replies.

 

I certainly wouldn't, same as I don't follow any forums about the USA after leaving.  How bored do you have to be to do that?

There's plenty of them on here...

20 hours ago, retarius said:

I'm also considering buying somewhere in Europe, Portugal probably.

Recent changes in the Golden visa program, and foreigner taxation in Portugal make it a more difficult place to move to.

 

"Portugal to scrap ‘unjust’ tax breaks for foreign residents "

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/03/portugal-to-scrap-unjust-tax-breaks-for-foreign-residents

 

"Portugal to Apply New Golden Visa Changes Soon, Following President’s Approval "

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/portugal-to-apply-new-golden-visa-changes-soon-following-presidents-approval/#google_vignette

 

 

47 minutes ago, Skipalongcassidy said:

There's plenty of them on here...

Yea, I don't get that, and surprised how many don't live here, except in their mind.  Especially the ones that give advice, who have only been here on holiday, or haven't been here in the last five + years, if not much longer.

1 hour ago, swm59nj said:

I lived in Bangkok for three years moving back to the states this past March.  I lived in Bangkok because I wanted to experience living overseas. But afterwards it just became annoying to me.  This was not my first choice but the retirement visa was good and easy.  Things are more expensive here in the US now but what can you do.

And no I didn’t come here because I hated my own country.  Or couldn’t make it financially or health insurance wise. As it seems that a majority of expats move here because of that.  Or their main hobby was vegetating and boozing it up. And whine because they blame their misfortunes on everything except themselves. So I had nothing much in common with them. 
I still keep up on what’s going on in Thailand.  Just as other countries which I have visited.  

Curious, did you more or less just hang out in BKK those 3 yrs, or get out & about and check out the whole country.

 

I met a couple tourist who after knowing I'm from USA, state they've been to the USA and didn't like.   Asked where, and they said NYC, but that's all ????

 

I'm flexible, and could live anywhere in the country, if not for smog season, so we live below Hua Hin, most of that time, except a visit to daughter in Krung Thep a couple times during smog season.  

 

Only visit the N during rainy season, and below us is good all year.

    American here.  No intention of ever moving back to the US.   Many little reasons but they all boil down to simply living a much better life here.

If anyone can survive in Los it is the Americans,  they have the best exchange rate on the planet, but many are still not happy, depression is a common factor either here or back home, I like the heat, that's what draws me here, I was considering Antalya until the war broke out and it was invaded by Russian's, apartment price were very cheap and easy to get residency, now prices they have more than tripled.

27 minutes ago, newnative said:

    American here.  No intention of ever moving back to the US.   Many little reasons but they all boil down to simply living a much better life here.

Couple big ticket items back in USA (RE Taxes & healthcare premiums/Plan B) that would eat up a good part of my pocket money.   So not as enjoyable if living there.   

 

Plus solar systems & EVs are silly priced compared to here, and would be another drain on my pocket/play money, as I enjoy being out & about. 

 

Add that you can't find a hotel for $75 in the USA, it would definitely crimp my lifestyle & smile factor.

10 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Couple big ticket items back in USA (RE Taxes & healthcare premiums/Plan B) that would eat up a good part of my pocket money.   So not as enjoyable if living there.   

 

Plus solar systems & EVs are silly priced compared to here, and would be another drain on my pocket/play money, as I enjoy being out & about. 

 

Add that you can't find a hotel for $75 in the USA, it would definitely crimp my lifestyle & smile factor.

Don't forget housing ,and Xanax every time you watch the news. 

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

surprised how many don't live here, except in their mind.

There are some who have never been here - - and others who live here and have lost their mind though I suspect for many there wasn't much to lose in the first place, no more than change back from a happy meal. 

Fifteen years I lived in Thailand.  I speak fluent Thai and Issan.  There were very few areas of the country that I had not been.  Indeed, I traveled extensively all over SE Asia.  I lived just north of BKK for six years and the rest of it in the Hua Hin area.

 

I moved back to the States in 2019 when they changed the visa requirements that was going to make me deposit some 25K USD into a Thai bank or bring in 65K Bt a month.  No thanks.  I have been a lucky man and had more than enough money to do either.  Truth be told I was becoming rather bored with it in Thailand.  More importantly my daughter was asking me to come home.  I had no wife or SO nor children in Thailand and I always found it difficult to really to put down any roots since I could not own land.  I have been satisfied with my decision.  I do miss my friends and how unpredictable it can be.  I lived simply and modestly prior to my coming to Thailand.  I did the same while I was there.  I do the same thing now.

 

I don't even try to stay up to the minute with what does on here.  I let everyone else and the media do that.  Turn off the news at 6 p.m. and it's not to worry.

1 hour ago, sirineou said:

Don't forget housing ,and Xanax every time you watch the news. 

I have hard time not laughing when reading the news.  I can't believe people actually believe half the stuff the push down their throats.  The other half seems to be sillier than soap operas.

On 10/4/2023 at 10:05 AM, 1FinickyOne said:

bring on a dictator to confiscate your bank account?

No kidding. They've already got one in office, but it's his minions who are pulling the strings. If they're in there for another 4 years you won't be able to touch your money unless you bow to every mandate they impose.

23 hours ago, Longwood50 said:

We took an extended holiday in Spain and Portugal a few years ago thinking it was a spot to consider retirement.  I won't say we did an exhaustive research but our initial impression was that most of the residences were not single family homes but rather condo/apartment like.  

Also, virtually no one spoke English.  As challenging as it is in Thailand you usually can find someone who speaks some English.  I don't think I could learn  Portuguese or Spanish fast enough to make the transition. Then again a significant portion of the USA you now need to speak Spanish in order to function.  I lived in Houston for a period of time and certain regions of the city you could not do business in if you did not speak Spanish.  Same with Miami. 

Are you fluent in Thai?

 

On 10/4/2023 at 9:20 AM, JimTripper said:

Stories about being retired in Thailand and changing your mind and moving back to the USA permanently.

usa never (again)!!!

6 hours ago, bluebluewater said:

Fifteen years I lived in Thailand.  I speak fluent Thai and Issan.  There were very few areas of the country that I had not been.  Indeed, I traveled extensively all over SE Asia.  I lived just north of BKK for six years and the rest of it in the Hua Hin area.

 

I moved back to the States in 2019 when they changed the visa requirements that was going to make me deposit some 25K USD into a Thai bank or bring in 65K Bt a month.  No thanks.  I have been a lucky man and had more than enough money to do either.  Truth be told I was becoming rather bored with it in Thailand.  More importantly my daughter was asking me to come home.  I had no wife or SO nor children in Thailand and I always found it difficult to really to put down any roots since I could not own land.  I have been satisfied with my decision.  I do miss my friends and how unpredictable it can be.  I lived simply and modestly prior to my coming to Thailand.  I did the same while I was there.  I do the same thing now.

 

I don't even try to stay up to the minute with what does on here.  I let everyone else and the media do that.  Turn off the news at 6 p.m. and it's not to worry.

Land ownershiip is a big hurdle for me also. I dont want to retire in a condo or a rental. That rules Thailand out altogether for me as a permanent residence.

 

When I dont own I also keep moving around and it never feels like I'm settled in one place, but it's more of a James Bond situation where I'm always on the move. This feeling persists even with annual leases.

45 minutes ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

im heading back in 2 weeks...may do a little car camping...or just go back to beach--off season rates....quite the shock of my thai apt to finding housing back home.....  $$$$

Was going there next month for my daughters birthday. but she is starting at a new law firm the 16th and will be very busy the next couple of months, so I changed my plans for early January. We were in Florida, daughter still is,.

Not looking forward to the 24-30 hr flight. 

Where are you heading for? 

You are right. Real-estate and rents back home is crazy. 

I am waiting for the bubble to pop .  so I can jump in and do some bargain  hunting. 

Australia being a little brother to US, I would return to from Thailand. But I have a chain around my ankle and to that a heavy weight.

Yeah but seriously Thailand was better 10 plus years ago when there were less people, less visa issues and people seemed calmer and more chilled. Not that they are not pretty chilled now. But I dream of the past and me and my Time Machine shall visit Thailand 1985 again. Just waiting on parts.

Living on the south end of Phuket for the last couple of years.  For the sea kayaking and kayak sailing and there never seems to be snow in the forecast.  I do miss harassing trout with a fly so I may head back to jump in the Westy and head up through the Rockies and into coastal BC. for a while.  Living back in the USA  is somewhere around Plan Zed so I have a lot of options before I would consider that again.  

I'm desperate to move out of Thailand and return to the US. Not really desperate (6 here, 6 there for a decade) but have a retail business that has been a nightmare and I just want out. the theft, filth, corruption, etc has left me bitter and uncaring toward base humanity. and I was a caring optimistic businessman for 40 years before undertaking this in Thailand. if you aren't here for daydrinking and chasing tail then you are here for the wrong reason. I expect most of those that returned to the US never look back, and the gripers that left but can't let go of this forum reveals just how bitter the experience left them. when I can cash out of Thailand (what little is left of the investment) I can't wait to leave and won't even glance back. time is too precious to waste.

5 hours ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

still cant convince the thai girls money doesnt buy happiness

could that be because money does buy some happiness, even if fleeting? It sure buys security, nicer houses and cars and better food - right?

On 10/3/2023 at 9:05 PM, 1FinickyOne said:

I am more worried about political problems in the USA making life unlivable back there... and who is to say a crazy development there might bring on a dictator to confiscate your bank account? 

 

Who knows? It is pretty crazy there now. 

Agree totally, might be a civil war after the 2024 election the way things are going!

I'm 63. I've only spent about 8 months in Thailand over a dozen exploratory trips since 2016.  3 -2 month stints.  Financially I could swing it with the current policies but during the last 6 years  I've witnessed a change in the thai government attitude towards foreigners.  

I have a wonderful home in a nice location, safe neighborhood, great view, lots of public open spaces nearby. We have a nice garden and private yard.  My Thai wife is enjoying learning this new way to live. She loves ice fishing for trout, foraging mushrooms on the steep hills. I'm quite the busy body and enjoy many hobbies.  I imagine I will be doing odd jobs for pay or making wood things for family or to sell long into old age.  I have a big garage and shop.   Currently it is quite easy to make big bucks doing handyman things for all these boomers with money but no skills or desire.    I envy some of the retirees I see on these pages who have a wonderful house in the country, with a farm and gardens, installing solar systems, a happy wife, etc.      I enjoy the 4 seasons but admit winter gets old.  I can get so much more  done in cooler weather and enjoy the 16 hours of daylight. Thailand is to hot for my comfort much of the year. 

Traffic here is a breeze and so much safer as well as walking across the street or into a store.  Thai people are shocked at how the cars obey traffic rules and crosswalks and pedestrians. 

As for folks hoping the US housing market will retract, I dont think it will in desired locations.  I'm not ruling out a change but right now we are happy here. 

2 hours ago, cncltd1973 said:

I'm desperate to move out of Thailand and return to the US. Not really desperate (6 here, 6 there for a decade) but have a retail business that has been a nightmare and I just want out. the theft, filth, corruption, etc has left me bitter and uncaring toward base humanity. and I was a caring optimistic businessman for 40 years before undertaking this in Thailand. if you aren't here for daydrinking and chasing tail then you are here for the wrong reason. I expect most of those that returned to the US never look back, and the gripers that left but can't let go of this forum reveals just how bitter the experience left them. when I can cash out of Thailand (what little is left of the investment) I can't wait to leave and won't even glance back. time is too precious to waste.

The love of money can bring out the worst in people..