Should I stay ou should I go? (Pattaya, Phuket)

[bendejo]

It is worth seeing these places, if for nothing other than knowing what kind of imported things are available should you want them in the future. 

In Bangkok all you need to do is get out of the foreigner-inhabited areas and shopping areas and it will be almost a culture shock.  You might get some strange looks from the locals because they usually don't see farang there.  Oh, better not to do this at night. 

 

I get the impression the Lao people have a generally good attitude toward the French.  They even play bocce.  Steer clear of scamming wine bars.  And do be aware that the further north you go the colder the winter will be,

 

[kingstonkid]

21 hours ago, connda said:

Take six months to a year.  Go everywhere.  Figure it out then decide where you want to drop anchor.

Then drop anchor with a 2-3 month plan.  Just to make sure it is what you want.

 

I notice that BKK is not on your itinerary it might be a place to settle whileyou look.  What are your hobbies what are you looking for here in your new life?

[Captain Flack]

A troll post has been removed.

[atpeace]

20 hours ago, lanng khao said:

Come to korat, thailands second biggest city,, great place ..

Where in Korat?  I don't mind staying a night or two but reminds me of a giant trailer park.  Seems like you found a good area or have different likes.  Quite possibly you're the type that would be happy anywhere and assume I could also be happy in Korat if I had to make it home.

[djs2799]

On 3/3/2025 at 2:27 PM, Franck60 said:

No, I’m an atheist focus only on my decisions 

Good philosophy.

[newnative]

      I would definitely recommend you give Pattaya a look.  As I've said in other posts, I think it is actually a better place to live year-round than as a place to just visit for a short period.   Yes, there are the entertainment areas but they make up just a small part of Pattaya.  They are there if you want them and easily avoided if you don't.  

      What works for my Thai spouse and myself is everything else Pattaya has on offer--and we have certainly checked other areas.   That includes such things as very good health care choices, great shopping both with several very good malls and also big box stores like Index, Home Pro, Boonthavorn, etc., movies in English, huge variety of restaurants, large expat community, Immigration handy,  a major airport and Bangkok less than 2 hours away, good recreational choices available, including ocean activities, and a number of golf courses.  

      Also important, a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own vibe.  And, to go with the good neighborhood selection, a great variety of housing, both for rent and for sale, in all price points.  This is often overlooked but putting a comfortable roof over your head that exactly fits your needs is super important--Pattaya really excels at that more than anywhere else my spouse and I have visited in Thailand.  Whether you want an oceanfront condo on the beach or a sprawling pool villa on the Darkside--or something in-between--Pattaya has it.   

[Harrisfan]

2 hours ago, atpeace said:

Where in Korat?  I don't mind staying a night or two but reminds me of a giant trailer park.  Seems like you found a good area or have different likes.  Quite possibly you're the type that would be happy anywhere and assume I could also be happy in Korat if I had to make it home.

Korat is a very slow moving city. Less nightlife than Khon Kaen or Udon Thani.

 

It's ok but I found it boring. Been there 3 times 

[Harrisfan]

11 hours ago, Franck60 said:

I will certainly check it out ! … I wonder, How different it is compared to Chiang Mai ??? (I spent several weeks in Chiang Mai in 2012). I guess the vibe and culture are different in Korat? Thanks,

Much less interesting with far less food options, nightlife and places to visit.

 

For motorbiking or driving Nong Khai is best. For other things Udon Thani and Khon Kaen are best.

 

Burilam is better than Korat but its below the others.

[khunPer]

On 3/2/2025 at 11:42 PM, Franck60 said:

Hi guys!

 

I’m a frenchman, retiring in Thailand in about 4 years’ time. 

 

Over the two first years, my idea is to move around quite a bit so as to explore a range of different places. I feel it might be a good way to identify places where I could settle later on.

 

In 2012, I spent around 3 months doing just that but I was there (as a tourist) for the short term at the time.

 

I didn’t go to touristy places like Phuket or Pattaya back then. My question is… Should I go? 

On the one hand, I believe I could be interested through curiosity and for the fun but on the other hand, I wonder if there’s a risk for my soul… to have my mindset warped… my values distorted ?

Do these places affect too negatively our outlook on life?

 

In four years’ time, I’ll be 64 yo. I don’t drink alcohol. I’ll be looking to start off a new life,

Where to stay as retired in Thailand widely depends on personal lifestyle, eventual having a Thai spouse, and budget.

 

Visit as many places as possible of interest, before you decide where to settle. Tourist places can have numerous advantages that you don't find in more rural areas, as well as disadvantages, all depending on individual life-style. You might even find that you wish to live another life-style when staying permanently in Thailand, than the lifestyle you had before, or expected to have when you retire here.

 

There is a huge difference from looking around and checking areas as tourist and with the intention of living there on permanent basis. Hospital and shopping, transportation and even school, if you are having or planning children in the household, can be important issues. Also costs of either renting or buying a proper home. And especially checking different seasons, like hot period, rainy season and winter, if you look at places up north. Try to stay in places of interest for some days, or a week, during, in each period.

 

When I first vistited Thailand – it was back in 1987 – I fell in love with Chiang Mai and had a feeling like that here I could live, perhaps sometime in the future. 18 years later I settled permanently in Thailand on early retirement – to enjoy my life, while stil.l able to do such thing – and I decided instead to stay on a southern island instead. Today I'm happy that I didn't decide for Chiang Mai – or any other place in Thailand – it's a personal choice, and we are all different. I mention this to be aware of that places change over time, even 13 years from 2012 can make a difference – in some places a huge difference – which m ight both be to the better or worse. It is also based on staying there as a resident instead of a turist's view, and of course depending on individual preferences.

 

You might not like the same as me, so I shall not say that you of course shall settle the best place of all, namely where I stay...😀