Popular Post JimTripper Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 Stories about being retired in Thailand and changing your mind and moving back to the USA permanently. 2 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post retarius Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 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. 1 1 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 1FinickyOne Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 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. 7 4 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunLA Posted October 4, 2023 Share Posted October 4, 2023 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? 1 5 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Longwood50 Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 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. 6 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Presnock Posted October 4, 2023 Share Posted October 4, 2023 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! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post swm59nj Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 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. 6 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Skipalongcassidy Posted October 4, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 4, 2023 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... 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirineou Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KhunLA Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 2 2 1 1 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunLA Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post newnative Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 6 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polaky Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post KhunLA Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sirineou Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 3 1 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 1FinickyOne Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bluebluewater Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 3 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KhunLA Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post AgMech Cowboy Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 4 5 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetraveler Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesMad Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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)!!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sticky Rice Balls Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 heading back in 2 weeks--to work and get the money and return to LOS 6 here---6 there.....15 yrs later........oooh and to also see KIng Baby get locked up!!! 1 1 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 7 minutes ago, JulesMad said: usa never (again)!!! cant blame ya.....is def tougher going there then coming here....but easier for me to work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 5 hours ago, 1FinickyOne said: lost their mind though I suspect for many there wasn't much to lose in the first place, you read me like a book ???? carry on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Sticky Rice Balls Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 6 hours ago, sirineou said: Don't forget housing ,and Xanax every time you watch the news. 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..... $$$$ 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 7 hours ago, Polaky said: 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 still cant convince the thai girls money doesnt buy happiness.... but can buy happy massage 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimTripper Posted October 5, 2023 Author Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirineou Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post TimeMachine Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 2 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post xeniv23 Posted October 5, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted October 5, 2023 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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