An Expat Who Left Thailand

[save the frogs]

1 minute ago, JimTripper said:

He is not making it up, He is right. I walked around today outside but it was so hot I stayed in most of the day. I don't need a/c but after a half an hour I was done outside. Hardly any Thai people were walking around either.

 

Meditteranean climate might be the best, but would you be able to tolerate the Greeks?

 

Best way to live is to be moderately nomadic and move around when the climate gets too uncomfortable. 

 

[Hummin]

6 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

Meditteranean climate might be the best, but would you be able to tolerate the Greeks?

 

Best way to live is to be moderately nomadic and move around when the climate gets too uncomfortable. 

 

Greeks are ok, and the food is great. 

 

I prefer nomadic to, so maybe, a mobil home is the solution.  

[save the frogs]

8 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Greeks are ok, and the food is great. 

 

I prefer nomadic to, so maybe, a mobil home is the solution.  

 

I am fantasizing about AUTONOMOUS SELF-DRIVING mobile vans. 

 

Imagine being moved around in a little self-driving VAN while you can do your work on your laptop and not even have to drive. 

 

How feasible is it in Asia though? Maybe in Europe a lot of people do it? Are there plenty of campgrounds where you can park the thing? 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

47 minutes ago, connda said:

I find in interesting how other people live.

I sold pretty much everything I owned and came with a backpack and a day-pack.
If forced to leave, I'll probably sell everything I own and leave with a backpack and a day-pack. 

I find other people's attachment to "stuff" rather amusing myself.    It's just "stuff."

 

I see two problems:

a) It is difficult to sell things, and especially difficult for any reasonable prices.

b) We buy things we like, and at least I don't like to throw away things which are working just fine, even if they are already older.

 

So, if we decide to move somewhere far away the options are often: Pay a lot of money for things which are not really worth a lot of money, or dump them or give them away for free, or, even worse, pay someone to get rid of them. That is difficult.

 

 

[JimTripper]

18 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

I am fantasizing about AUTONOMOUS SELF-DRIVING mobile vans. 

 

Imagine being moved around in a little self-driving VAN while you can do your work on your laptop and not even have to drive. 

 

How feasible is it in Asia though? Maybe in Europe a lot of people do it? Are there plenty of campgrounds where you can park the thing? 

It's a thing in the USA now. They call it "Van-life". People live in the back of vans, go from place to place traveling the country, including Wal-Mart parking lots, to park overnight and sleep. There is an online community and app that tracks groups and shows where to park. They call it minimal living and freedom.

 

When I looked at it deeper a couple years ago online I discovered it was really not all that romantic though. There were a lot if semi-broke almost homeless people involved. You start reading about how they can't afford the designated campgrounds and toilet facilities and need that shopping center parking lot, etc.

[Hummin]

29 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

I am fantasizing about AUTONOMOUS SELF-DRIVING mobile vans. 

 

Imagine being moved around in a little self-driving VAN while you can do your work on your laptop and not even have to drive. 

 

How feasible is it in Asia though? Maybe in Europe a lot of people do it? Are there plenty of campgrounds where you can park the thing? 

 

The problem with mobile homes, there is to many of them out in the high season, and are seen as free riders and pests. At least in countries you are allowed to "freecamping". Other countries there is designated camp grounds and not allowed to freecamping. 

 

Therefor I would had rented private land far away from any campsite for my destinations. Hijacking and robberies is a risk especially former east block countries, Spain and Italy. Not sure about France, Portugal 

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, JimTripper said:

 

He is not making it up, he is right and is brutally honest. I walked around today outside but it was so hot and sweaty I stayed in most of the day. I don't need a/c but after a half an hour I was done outside. Hardly any Thai people were walking around either. That's a wasted day for someone who wants to retire outdoors and not sit inside all day with a fan. There have been many days like that this year in Pattaya.

I cycled 20km this morning with a pal (passed about 20 Thais also cycling), then we had drinks in 2 outdoor coffee shops. After that cups of tea on my patio, haven't even turned the fans on today. The weather has been great!

[Hummin]

39 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

It's a thing in the USA now. They call it "Van-life". People live in the back of vans, go from place to place traveling the country, including Wal-Mart parking lots, to park overnight and sleep. There is an online community and app that tracks groups and shows where to park. They call it minimal living and freedom.

 

When I looked at it deeper a couple years ago online I discovered it was really not all that romantic though. There were a lot if semi-broke almost homeless people involved. You start reading about how they can't afford the designated campgrounds and toilet facilities and need that shopping center parking lot, etc.

Many of my skydiving friends bought old school busses they rebuilt to  camper homes and had two different  drop zones they lived and worked at depending on season and how busy they where. A few of them retired early, sold their business and never stopped touring working part-time 

[Carlotta]

5 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Reasons he left

1. Can't speak Thai .............. can't say that bothers me, I don't want to talk with them.

2. Doesn't like the Thai drivers ......... all 3rd world countries are like this. 

3. It's too hot .......... not really a surprise, get used to it.

 

All I know, is I don't want that guy piloting any plane I'm riding in.

Thank you. I agree. My impression: a useless hopeless guy not fitting into Thailand. Leaving already after 18 months? Then go. Good bye.

[AnotherOneHere]

How after living here for 20 months you have 3 full pallets of things that needs to be send back with you? 😂 Guy probably spent a week in some Pattaya bar. Then said I want to lived here. Spent next 20 months shopping and after accumulated same amount of things he had in USA looked around and realized he doesn't want to live in Isaan. That it was sitting on that bar stool he liked. And now he's going back. 😂 Guy has some solid planning skills.

[AnotherOneHere]

Of course I didn't watch the video. Could't care less about it.

[scoobyguy]

He doesnt come across as "Airline pilot" in my view more like Truck driver, I wouldnt feel confident being his passenger in an emergency situation.

[NorthernRyland]

2 hours ago, JimTripper said:

He is not making it up, he is right and is brutally honest. I walked around today outside but it was so hot and sweaty I stayed in most of the day. I don't need a/c but after a half an hour I was done outside. Hardly any Thai people were walking around either. That's a wasted day for someone who wants to retire outdoors and not sit inside all day with a fan. There have been many days like that this year in Pattaya.

I surprised this doesn't come up more. You can't do basically anything outdoors most of the year here. Even sitting at restaurants you're sweating unless the fan is placed perfectly. Basically you stay inside during the day and come out in the morning or evenings, that's it and even so it's not comfortable. Winters in the north are nice but they go by so fast. If want that lifestyle better keep a property back home so you can escape and enjoy the summers.

[NorthernRyland]

2 hours ago, save the frogs said:

but would you be able to tolerate the Greeks?

what's wrong with Greeks? I had a Greek landlord many years ago and he was kind of loud and brutish but still friendly.

[NorthernRyland]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

I cycled 20km this morning with a pal (passed about 20 Thais also cycling), then we had drinks in 2 outdoor coffee shops. After that cups of tea on my patio, haven't even turned the fans on today. The weather has been great!

Cycling is perfect for Thailand. You get constant wind and when you get sweaty you're wearing tight fitting clothing anyways and it doesn't feel so bad. My only complaint in the rainy season is I can't keep the sweat out of my glasses.

[connda]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I see two problems:

a) It is difficult to sell things, and especially difficult for any reasonable prices.

b) We buy things we like, and at least I don't like to throw away things which are working just fine, even if they are already older.

It's called "attachment."  People get attached to "stuff." 

I actually gave a lot of "stuff" away before coming here, and the estate sales guy must of thought I was a smuck but honestly, I wasn't attached to the stuff.  He was a dishonest d*** but I didn't care.  His karma, not mine.  That was one of the reasons my marriage of 14 years tanked:  Wife wanted lots and lots of "stuff" and never could get enough.  I gave away/sold "stuff" she collected that still had the price tags on them.  I have very few needs and even fewer wants, so I don't collect "stuff." 

This year I gave away a Fender Stratocaster and a Honda Dream.  The people who got those items were happy.  I was happy that they were happy.  They were happy to get "stuff"; I was happy to lighten my load and see them happy.  That was a fair deal.

A lot of problems in this world are the result of people not being about to differentiate between wants and needs, then they think happiness is about having "stuff."  Some of the most miserable people I've met on this planet had so much "stuff" they they could keep track of it all - and they wanted more, and yet they are unhappy souls - like my ex-wife. 

So if you're attached to "stuff" and want to collect a pay-out for your stuff before moving on, or you just gotta take your "stuff" with you - well, sounds like a cluttered life to me.  Being unburdened and unattached to possession gives you a lot of freedom that the average plod with a bazillion wants and attachments can never can attain.  "Stuff" is over-rated and it doesn't equate to happiness.  Although many if not most of the people I've met think that "He who has the most toys when they die - win!!!"   <shrug> Ok.  "Winner!!!"

[JimTripper]

1 hour ago, connda said:

It's called "attachment."  People get attached to "stuff." 

I actually gave a lot of "stuff" away before coming here, and the estate sales guy must of thought I was a smuck but honestly, I wasn't attached to the stuff.  He was a dishonest d*** but I didn't care.  His karma, not mine.  That was one of the reasons my marriage of 14 years tanked:  Wife wanted lots and lots of "stuff" and never could get enough.  I gave away/sold "stuff" she collected that still had the price tags on them.  I have very few needs and even fewer wants, so I don't collect "stuff." 

This year I gave away a Fender Stratocaster and a Honda Dream.  The people who got those items were happy.  I was happy that they were happy.  They were happy to get "stuff"; I was happy to lighten my load and see them happy.  That was a fair deal.

A lot of problems in this world are the result of people not being about to differentiate between wants and needs, then they think happiness is about having "stuff."  Some of the most miserable people I've met on this planet had so much "stuff" they they could keep track of it all - and they wanted more, and yet they are unhappy souls - like my ex-wife. 

So if you're attached to "stuff" and want to collect a pay-out for your stuff before moving on, or you just gotta take your "stuff" with you - well, sounds like a cluttered life to me.  Being unburdened and unattached to possession gives you a lot of freedom that the average plod with a bazillion wants and attachments can never can attain.  "Stuff" is over-rated and it doesn't equate to happiness.  Although many if not most of the people I've met think that "He who has the most toys when they die - win!!!"   <shrug> Ok.  "Winner!!!"

Periodically when I return to the USA to visit relatives the subject of expatriation comes up. Some retired individuals always express interest in possibly moving abroad, but the one obstacle that gets in the way is "stuff". The move would require doing something with all the accumulated things sitting around. Either a huge garage sale or storing it somehow, at least if the move was long term. Or, I need to clean everything out to rent the place for a year, or something similar. My favorite excuse so far being that everything needs to be photographed and sold on Ebay. Something that would take years to accomplish 🤣.

 

It never gets done. They just talk about it but never have the energy to make any kind of move. I always think, oh well, that's their karma. Or, they use the stuff as an excuse to not do something they don't really want to do anyhow and forget the idea entirely once I'm gone.

[save the frogs]

3 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

what's wrong with Greeks? I had a Greek landlord many years ago and he was kind of loud and brutish but still friendly.

just a joke. 

 

[JimTripper]

4 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

what's wrong with Greeks? I had a Greek landlord many years ago and he was kind of loud and brutish but still friendly.

There's a lot wrong with it if you're a man who does not enjoy Greek.

[Hummin]

34 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

There's a lot wrong with it if you're a man who does not enjoy Greek.

If you enjoy receiving Greek, good for you

[SAFETY FIRST]

11 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Hardly any Thai people were walking around either

You got to manage your daily routine, stay inside hot time of the day. The night time is perfect for socialising. 

The Thai's aren't stupid, they stay inside. 

 

The hot days are much better than a miserable, cold, wet day. Growing up in Sydney I remember spending many Friday and Saturday night in my bed rather than face the bitter cold night going out to different venues with my friends. 

 

I love the wet season, keeps things cool. 

I've got a few English friends, they get so depressed rainy season, I can't understand them, it's perfect time of year. It's great riding my PCX, put my belongings under seat with my raincoat, just wear flip flops, singlet and shorts (helmet and sunglasses), it's the best feeling. If I'm lucky I see a pretty walking in the rain and offer her a lift, instant friend. 😁

 

[thaibeachlovers]

11 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

 

I see two problems:

a) It is difficult to sell things, and especially difficult for any reasonable prices.

b) We buy things we like, and at least I don't like to throw away things which are working just fine, even if they are already older.

 

So, if we decide to move somewhere far away the options are often: Pay a lot of money for things which are not really worth a lot of money, or dump them or give them away for free, or, even worse, pay someone to get rid of them. That is difficult.

 

 

In LOS just leave good stuff on the pavement and it'll get rehomed in a jiffy.

 

When I die, all my good stuff is going to an op shop where it'll be sold for a fraction of what i paid for it. the rest will be burned. Family get the money- they don't want any of my stuff, good or not.

[JimTripper]

2 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

You got to manage your daily routine, stay inside hot time of the day. The night time is perfect for socialising. 

The Thai's aren't stupid, they stay inside. 

 

The hot days are much better than a miserable, cold, wet day. Growing up in Sydney I remember spending many Friday and Saturday night in my bed rather than face the bitter cold night going out to different venues with my friends. 

 

I love the wet season, keeps things cool. 

I've got a few English friends, they get so depressed rainy season, I can't understand them, it's perfect time of year. It's great riding my PCX, put my belongings under seat with my raincoat, just wear flip flops, singlet and shorts (helmet and sunglasses), it's the best feeling. If I'm lucky I see a pretty walking in the rain and offer her a lift, instant friend. 😁

 

Cold days are not all that bad. Just put a jacket on when you go out. You will need some real shoes and long pants also if you can handle it. Miss cold weather and want to see some snow.

[simon43]

13 hours ago, CHdiver said:

I hope he did a health check up before going back. Pilots have to be healthy for flying and they have mandatory health check ups. He looks like a prime candidate for high blood pressure, diabetes and other weight related problems. I wonder how he even fits into a seat in a modern Jet Cockpit.

.. plus most passengers would have to sit at the rear of the plane to ensure correct balance.. 🙂

[SAFETY FIRST]

11 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

Cold days are not all that bad. Just put a jacket on when you go out. You will need some real shoes and long pants also if you can handle it.

Agree I love the cold days, it's just those Sydney winters are too miserable.

Those continuous cold, wet winter nights can get you down. 

 

[JimTripper]

5 minutes ago, simon43 said:

.. plus most passengers would have to sit at the rear of the plane to ensure correct balance.. 🙂

It's funny how anybody who mentions anything negative in Thailand gets personally attacked like they have some sort of mental problem or defect.

 

That's actually why I posted the video. There are other people out there that won't deny the shortcomings of the place. I actually agree with almost all this guys complaints.

[save the frogs]

3 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

There are other people out there that won't deny the shortcomings of the place.

 

but it probably doesnt have as many shortcomings as you do. 

[Presnock]

18 hours ago, JimTripper said:

Another evacuee. Refreshing honesty. I like the discussion about taxes. You don't get a tax receipt with just savings money coming in, that's only for retirement pensions or social security. Thai revenue probably won't review actual Usa Irs tax returns so there's no way I know of to prove that money has already been taxed in another country.

 

 

 

Well that is the final documentation that the BOI kept insisting on me forwarding although I did have other US gvt documentation but they insisted on the 1040's just like I had health insurer documenation of unlimited funds for hospitalization but the BOI insisted on a letter from the US insurer saying "USD 50K for hospitalization".  They want some proof I guess of taxes paid somewhere and something that their deciding officials can easily understand.  Good luck wherever you go..  This visa was perfect for me and I guess at least another 7000+ residents.

[Presnock]

17 hours ago, champers said:

It took me about 3 years to get used to the heat. Just walk a lot slower.

When I first lived in Thailand '72-'73, a friend of mine said that he couldn't understand why I walked so fast as in order to survive the heat, one must learn the Thai shuffle!  He was correct.

[Presnock]

13 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

Meditteranean climate might be the best, but would you be able to tolerate the Greeks?

 

Best way to live is to be moderately nomadic and move around when the climate gets too uncomfortable. 

 

Actually lived in Malta for a while - lovely climate, views, available food and cost...but after a while "island fever" sets in...only 1 stoplight on the whole place and way to easy to run out of space to move around.  Italy was not too bad, and Spain/Portugal pretty nice too...especially that one can go to the beach today and tomorrow ski or sled on the snowy mountains.  But obviously not so great for everyone but just like Thailand, SEA area, some of us just love it here.  I lived in many different countries (fortunately paid for by govt) and when retirement came around Thailand was at the top of overall likes and still feel the same as 20 years ago.