Manila vs Bangkok

[pgrahmm]

1 hour ago, JensenZ said:

If he weighed a muscular 280lbs as mentioned in the "synopsis", he'd be far too slow to deal with a gang of Filipinos. That's far too heavy to be an effective street fighter. That's the weight of the biggest bodybuilders on stage.

No, about 6'2"  220/225

[spidermike007]

3 hours ago, JensenZ said:

It looks like a copy-and-paste article from somewhere else. I agree with most of it but some of it is a bit over the top, especially the story about the 280lb martial artist who is scared of Filipinos...  but what personal experience do you have in the Philippines? How much time have you spent there? Where did you live? There's no way you'd have that much knowledge of PI unless you spent much time there.

It is copied and pasted from an post that I previously wrote sometime back. I have been there several times over a 20-year period, I've been quite a few locations, and I found a lot of that to be fairly consistent throughout the country. And about the martial artist, it is absolutely true. A guy like him wouldn't make something like that up. It was literally the only place in the world that he would not take an assignment. That says something. 

 

I generally like the people and I find a lot of the women to be gorgeous, and I like the fact that it's a lot more Western than Thailand, but my love of the Philippines more or less ends there. 

Edited June 24 by spidermike007

[scubascuba3]

15 minutes ago, JensenZ said:

In some places, the girls talk too much, which is also off-putting. Sometimes they answer their phone while massaging. There's not exactly a code of conduct in these places.

Yep, where i go they're fine. One said to me the other day she works in a spa and the girls aren't allowed to talk except to ask if massage ok, strong, pain etc

[georgegeorgia]

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Still 100 in Pattaya is some places, same quality as 300 places

I don't wish to get off topic and apologies to the OP but I was "detained" in Pattaya for 6 weeks last month and didn't see any 100 baht massage places , obviously not near view talay 2B

[marin]

2 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I don't wish to get off topic and apologies to the OP but I was "detained" in Pattaya for 6 weeks last month and didn't see any 100 baht massage places , obviously not near view talay 2B

You were not detained. You chose low budget accommodation you did not like. Rather than move you stayed and did a lot of complaining. Which you are still doing. 

[scubascuba3]

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I don't wish to get off topic and apologies to the OP but I was "detained" in Pattaya for 6 weeks last month and didn't see any 100 baht massage places , obviously not near view talay 2B

Did you try Soi Buakhao? the nucleus of Pattaya, about 5 shops do 100 baht massages there

[RT555]

I feel at home in Thailand...........and a visitor or tourist in Phils........great food in Thailand.

[JoseThailand]

11 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Many say Vietnam is cheaper to Retire ,and yes it maybe so ..BUT please look at other factors, healthcare , recreation , coffee ,gyms ,

 

Vietnam is not cheaper for sure. Only booze and cigarettes are cheaper, everything else is way more expensive!

[susanlea]

39 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I don't wish to get off topic and apologies to the OP but I was "detained" in Pattaya for 6 weeks last month and didn't see any 100 baht massage places , obviously not near view talay 2B

You are the OP.

[Thingamabob]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Omg ...where in Manila?

This is why last month May 20/21 I travelled and "patrolled" the Manila subway at night 

No problems at all 

But I guess you are taking about many years ago 

True, the 1980s in fact. Went there many times on breaks from my office in Taiwan. Good to hear that security is ok now. What about the food ?

[bradiston]

12 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

I would ask that a comparison between Manila🇵🇭 and Bangkok 🇹🇭is completed please !

 

Or you may complete Cebu vs Bangkok 

 

I did receive a Personal message saying I should of compared the Philippines foreigner city of Cebu  instead of Manila !

 

And you may do so ,Cebu City vs Bangkok OR

Manila City vs Bangkok city 

 

That's up to you as ametuer  data analysts and please there is no need to show your  qualifications we are all data analysts and information gatherers 

 

 

This is specific to this scenario and this is not me in this scenario 

 

•60yo to 70 yo retired farang single man 

Still relevant fit ,walking , financially ok 

 

 

Manila City vs Bangkok City 

Or Bangkok vs Cebu City 

 

Who has better gyms / fitness /recreation 

 

Financial aspects - cost of living

compared to each city ,rents ,food ,

 

Public transport is important 

 

Safety is important 

 

Medical care is important 

 

Cafes are important 

Good parks to walk 

Shopping malls 

Cost of food in supermarkets 

Easy access 

Pollution 

Nicer people?

Friendly government departments?

Redtape highest?

Easy footpath walking pedestrian friendly 

 

we as amateur academics, if we have the Government permission to call ourselves that!!

have the data analysis of web data analyst such as Numbeo

 

But....as a amateur social engineer I'm also looking beyond financial aspects and looking at other factors in comparison 

 

Many say Vietnam is cheaper to Retire ,and yes it maybe so ..BUT please look at other factors, healthcare , recreation , coffee ,gyms ,

 

Yes compare Manila to Bangkok in relation to the above scenario 

Financial,coffee etc 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 24 by bradiston

[Chris Daley]

Thailand will win the dirty tables, mediocre food, open sewers and the smell of urine prize.  Watch out Manila.

[Northstar1]

14 hours ago, susanlea said:

Can't speak for Cebu but I will pick the best Thai options based on this.

 

Gyms - Chiang Mai good gyms 60 baht

Transport - anywhere with Bolt and Grab. Hua Hin and CM are cheap.

Cafes - CM

Pollution - Hua Hin is clean

Beach walks - HH

City walks - CM

Malls - Bangkok

Cheap massages - CM

Food - Bangkok and CM

Nightlife - Bangkok

Day trips - CM

 

June to December CM

Jan to May Hua Hin/Bangkok

 

 

I can’t understand why people keep bringing up Chang nobyl!

the place is a polluted <deleted>e hole 

[NoshowJones]

16 hours ago, stoner said:

 

mostly talkers. 

Unlike most Thais Glaswegians will fight one on one.

[shdmn]

7 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

 

Vietnam is not cheaper for sure. Only booze and cigarettes are cheaper, everything else is way more expensive!

Disagree.  Outside of District 1 HCMC Vietnam is cheaper for pretty much everything.

Edited June 24 by shdmn

[shdmn]

3 hours ago, Northstar1 said:

I can’t understand why people keep bringing up Chang nobyl!

the place is a polluted <deleted>e hole 

Yes, for some parts of the year it's basically unliveable.

Edited June 24 by shdmn

[JoseThailand]

1 hour ago, shdmn said:

Disagree.  Outside of District 1 HCMC Vietnam is cheaper for pretty much everything.

 

Prices in supermarkets are the same across the country, and they are easily 50% more expensive than in Thailand. Compare the prices for basic food, juices, milk, snacks etc.

[shdmn]

13 minutes ago, JoseThailand said:

 

Prices in supermarkets are the same across the country, and they are easily 50% more expensive than in Thailand. Compare the prices for basic food, juices, milk, snacks etc.

Whatever you say.

 

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Vietnam&country2=Thailand

[georgegeorgia]

Rice ... according to a YouTube video I just watched is much more expensive in the Philippines!

 

According to the YouTuber , he said the Rice is imported from...... Thailand to the Philippines!

 

Well who knew that ?

Who ? I didn't know ,you didn't know !

[JoseThailand]

2 hours ago, shdmn said:

Whatever you say.

 

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Vietnam&country2=Thailand

 

Whatever. I believe what I saw with my own eyes and paid with my own money. For me, Vietnam is more expensive than Thailand. YMMV

 

 

Edited June 24 by JoseThailand

[JoseThailand]

1 hour ago, georgegeorgia said:

Rice ... according to a YouTube video I just watched is much more expensive in the Philippines!

 

According to the YouTuber , he said the Rice is imported from...... Thailand to the Philippines!

 

Well who knew that ?

Who ? I didn't know ,you didn't know !

 

I keep saying that other SEA countries are more expensive than Thailand. But the ignorant never learn

[Thingamabob]

18 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

That is an easy one. Let me summarize.

 

Philippines
Pros-
1. The women can be lovely. And many of them speak english. And if you are older guy, that is a plus in the PI. Plus they are way less demanding, and the bar is set much lower, in terms of their expectations. Older guys can get with far younger women, without an issue. The parents actually encourage it! Generally, it is possible to have a real conversation with many women there. Not the case here. It is rare here. Unlike most Thai women, the women there can have a real sense of curiousity, and will ask genuine questions about you, and your life, beyond where do you come from, how much do you earn, and what do you own? The PI seems to have a higher level of intellectual development.

2. The visa system is something that some think is simpler.

3. The place has thousands of islands, and some stunning beaches, and cleaner water than Thailand, at least on the Gulf Coast. But, the islands are fairly hard to get to, and the services are very limited, and more expensive than in Thailand.

4. In general I would say the people can be quite friendly. Especially the women. But, unlike Thailand, even the men can be friendly. I suspect if I lived there, I would have a number of local male friends, unlike here. I have never met a society of men, who are less interested, less curious about, and less willing to get to know foreigners, than I have here in Thailand. It is sometimes astonishing. It is a real disappointment. The place is more Westernized. You do not feel like you are living on another planet, which can be nice sometimes. Some shopping can be better, as there are Costco type outlets there. Some of the highways are better, and as an American, I can have goods shipped to me, with a preferred system, that allows low cost shipping, and duty free imports. Unheard of in Thailand. Importation of goods in Thailand can be horrendously difficult. It is an onerous system, one that is outdated by decades, in this age of globalization. Thailand is far, far more insular and fearful of the outside world, than the PI.

They are more Western in their mindset. The colonial occupation by Spain, which was largely managed by Mexico, means the culture is more Western leaning. Which makes them more open to the outside world and more curious. Qualities which are sorely lacking here. 

I find it rare for Thai men to have much interest at all, in really getting to know us. They seem to be lacking curiosity of the outside world, to a remarkable degree. 

nomadcapitalist.com/2018/01/15/the-philippines-residency-srrv/

Cons-
1. The entire country is like one big Tijuana. It is depressing. Very little landscaping in the homes, even nice homes are ugly, and have barbed wire, and glass topped walls everywhere you look.

2. The security situation is not very good. You always have to keep your eyes open, keep an eye on your back, and beware of robbery, home theft, and violence. It is rampant. I have many friends who live there, and they all say the same thing.

3. If you do get into an altercation with a Philippine man, or are getting robbed or harassed, unless you are a 6th degree sensei, do not fight back. An astonishing number of locals are well trained in the fighting arts. Many are good with sticks, knives, blades or any sort, and their hands, fists and feet. I have a friend who is a world class security consultant. He is a black belt in a few different martial arts. He says he can usually fight his way out of a gang of men, nearly anywhere in the world. Except in the PI. That is the only country he will NOT take an assignment.
The average guys there, can take down the average Westerner in five seconds. In Thailand few have those kinds of skills. Very few.

4. The food sucks. The only other country I can think of with worse food, is Cuba. Granted, if you are willing to spend the money, you can find good food. But, it is not the general rule, as it is here. Also, the access to fresh fruits and vegetables is pathetic compared to Thailand. Very low quality, and often not fresh. Thailand is a paradise by comparison, when it comes to all things related to food.

5. Pollution. They use a lower grade of diesel. So, there is alot of soot in the air. The PI has an epidemic of lung diseases and respiratory diseases. Even on many of the populated islands. The hospitals are full of people who are having a very hard time breathing. It is a real issue there. Lung disease is at an epidemic level, though the authorities do not like to talk about it, and publish very little information on it.

6. Aesthetics. The average house you would rent, looks like a slum. Tall walls, with barbed wire, to keep out intruders. And they just do not pay attention to landscaping and gardens like the Thai people do. So, most neighborhoods are fabulously ugly. Alot of slums in the big cities, and just not physically appealing.

7. Renting. There is a vastly lower number of rental units available, few are as nice as what you can find in Thailand, and it is almost always more expensive, with the possible exception of Central Bangkok. You just cannot find the studio apartments like the ones available all over Hua Hin, for 6,000 to 8,000 baht a month. That does not exist there.

8. Infrastructure. The entire country lacks the infrastructure you have here in Thailand. As I am typing now, I am enjoying a 180MB download speed, and a 100MB upload speed, all on fiber optic cable, for 800 baht a month. Unheard of in many countries, including the US! Triple the cost there. No sky train network anywhere near comparable to Bangkok. Mo MRT network either. They have one under construction, and it will be limited to ten stations.

Shall I go on? I could. As far as I am concerned, the only reason to live there is the women, and a slightly more cooperative, and far less xenophobic and racist government. Alot of ex-pats are looking to leave Thailand, as the current administration is so far beyond heinous and incompetent, it is unspeakable.

9. Security. I have a friend who does private security for a lot of very high net worth individuals, and corporate CEOs, when they travel, and he told me that the only country in the world that he will not take an assignment is the Philippines. When I asked him why he reminded me that he was at the 6th or 7th degree level in six different martial arts, besides the fact that he was 6'5 and about 280 lbs. of muscle. Spent his whole life training. Not the kind of guy you would want to mess with. He told me under normal circumstances he could incapacitate a group of four or five guys, in under a minute. Not in the PI. He said that in general, the Philippine men had the greatest degree of fighting skills of any group of people in the world, and that if you encountered a single guy, or a group of Philippine guys on the street you just never knew what their level of skill was, and you had to assume that they were expert street fighters. He said many were experts with knives, sticks and improvised weapons. Not the case here.

If you add on top of that, the fact that the country is extremely poor and that there's a fairly high level of desperation, it makes the Philippines a very, very dangerous place. Crime there is very opportunistic. And being a foreigner makes you a potential target. Again, not the case in Thailand. You really have to know what you're doing, you really have to know where you're going at all times, especially at night, and you always have to have eyes in the back of your head, and constantly looking over your shoulder. Of course, it varies depending on the city, the part of the city, and the region. But it is just one of many reasons I would not want to live there. I've been told this by a number of friends who live in the Philippines and it's been my observation, the several times that I have visited.

I like the people. The level of English skills and the women seem to be the big draw for most guys. But random guys in the street, can be a hazard, and that is variable I would want to have to deal with, regularly. 

I consider the PI to be far more of a ghetto experience. But, I am referring to the environment, and I think you are referring to the social aspect. I agree with that. Thais are spectacularly insular, and seem to have little to no curiosity about the outside world. The people in the PI are infinitely more open minded, and far more Western. And the language is a huge plus in the PI. Many speak good english, and I would guess if you were attempting to speak poor Tagalog, the people would try far harder than here, to understand what you are trying to say. Since they are more Westernized, they are likely more creative, linguistically. If you do not have the pronunciation and the tones down perfectly here, the people are completely lost. A total inability to dance around in circles intellectually. And they barely even care to try to understand what you are saying! That is a huge nuisance and annoyance here. 
 
The PI is a foreign country. Thailand is a distant planet.

Well said.

[susanlea]

4 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Rice ... according to a YouTube video I just watched is much more expensive in the Philippines!

 

According to the YouTuber , he said the Rice is imported from...... Thailand to the Philippines!

 

Well who knew that ?

Who ? I didn't know ,you didn't know !

How much time have you spent in CM, HH, Samui and KPN? That's where you start looking. Go to 5 hotels in different and multiple gyms like I did.

[georgegeorgia]

6 minutes ago, susanlea said:

How much time have you spent in CM, HH, Samui and KPN? That's where you start looking. Go to 5 hotels in different and multiple gyms like I did.

I definitely will next trip Susan

And we can meet up , if I'm not there on time ,start without me !

Edited June 25 by georgegeorgia

[georgegeorgia]

19 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Pros-
1. The women can be lovely. And many of them speak english. And if you are older guy, that is a plus in the PI. Plus they are way less demanding, and the bar is set much lower, in terms of their expectations. Older guys can get with far younger women, without an issue. The parents actually encourage it! Generally, it is possible to have a real conversation with many women there. Not the case here. It is rare here. Unlike most Thai women, the women there can have a real sense of curiousity, and will ask genuine questions about you, and your life, beyond where do you come from, how much do you earn, and what do you own? The PI seems to have a higher level of intellectual development.

That's a very good point

I guess it could be given as stereotyping  .....which of course it's not ....but very very true point 

[Peterphuket]

On 6/24/2024 at 6:53 AM, georgegeorgia said:

130 baht for a massage ???

Your joking surely 

It's possible, but without happy end.

[susanlea]

4 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

I definitely will next trip Susan

And we can meet up , if I'm not there on time ,start without me !

Do the same in Bangkok. Bangkok has many areas to consider. Parts of Thonburi are nice near the river.

[georgegeorgia]

Could the Philippines expats on ASEAN please clarify that as a expat living in the Philippines you are covered under the Govt PHILHEALTH?

There is no need to take out health insurance?

Is that correct?

[georgegeorgia]

2 minutes ago, susanlea said:

Do the same in Bangkok. Bangkok has many areas to consider. Parts of Thonburi are nice near the river.

Being a "city boy " I took 3 days away from my 6 week trip to stay in Bangkok and loved it 

 

 

[Presnock]

8 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

That's a very good point

I guess it could be given as stereotyping  .....which of course it's not ....but very very true point 

yeah unless it has changed a lot, previously even to work at a local department store one had to have graduated from local college or even fast food shops a high school eduation thus for most expats probably didn't like someone with an education to have to hold a conversation first of all...