Some of you most likely have married a Thai lady that has worked for the Thai govt and have retired.

My question is this... can one live on American SS and a Thai wife whose retirement can be around 20000 baht. That is my understanding of the Thai retirement system.

These people have no bills and currently are in physical and mental shape. So what do you think about my question. 

You can live on as much or as little as you want, if the truth be told. When my job disappeared for several months when COVID struck, I managed on ThB 12, 000 a month. That included providing for a teenage daughter. It was a struggle, I ate Mama noodles a couple of times a week, but I managed.

 

By contrast, I should imagine if your wife has a 20K pension, and you have your US Social Security, then as a couple you would be, I would say, quite comfortably off.

 

On the other hand, others will be along shortly no doubt to claim that one cannot live on less than 100K a month.

 

It is, as they say here: "up to you!"

If getting (and qualifying for) a long term visa (for marriage or retirement) that is more than enough to live on, or should be.

The biggest single expense is the roof over your head. If that's paid for, then rest is really very low and easily do-able on those figures.

 

Ultimately it depends on your lifestyle. 

38 minutes ago, camper star said:

So what do you think about my question.

I think 2/10.

18 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

I think 2/10.

Is that good or bad.

59 minutes ago, camper star said:

Some of you most likely have married a Thai lady that has worked for the Thai govt and have retired.

My question is this... can one live on American SS and a Thai wife whose retirement can be around 20000 baht. That is my understanding of the Thai retirement system.

These people have no bills and currently are in physical and mental shape. So what do you think about my question. 

Too vague a question.

3 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Too vague a question.

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

Just now, camper star said:

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

If you live there now you already know the costs.

Wind up. 

18 hours ago, camper star said:

My question is this... can one live on American SS and a Thai wife whose retirement can be around 20000 baht.

My answer is this... maybe you can, and maybe you can't, it all depends on your spending.

But, you knew that already, didn't you...

The conversation with Thai lady is her expectation being with you. Does she truly believe all you have is the SS and does she have in general expectation bargirl or not to live within our means and expectation to support her whole family.

Then you got medical in which Medicare is no good here. 

Many gov workers have loan repayments that follow them into retirement.

21 hours ago, camper star said:

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

how old are you and how much would you be receiving per month for SS. Do you have other savings, is your health good. 

22 hours ago, camper star said:

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

Depends on the amount of your SS (some get $500, others get$3,000) and your lifestyle, of course.  What about medical coverage?  Can your wife put you on her gov't medical?  If so, big, big help!  Good luck to you!!

22 hours ago, camper star said:

So we live in Bangkok. Low price area. Have a home that is paid for. Can I give you more 

 

Easy.  Live off her pension in her house.

 

Leave your SS in your offshore bank, keep it secret, keep it safe.

 

You're welcome.

2 hours ago, flexomike said:

how old are you and how much would you be receiving per month for SS. Do you have other savings, is your health good. 

Thanks for asking the question.  This question really was about me. I'll be 72 soon. My SS since I've lived overseas for the last 3 decades is not up there, but I maintain an apartment here in Japan and an apartment near DMK. I stay in Thailand for 3 months then return to Japan for 3 months and continue to do this. I do have a Thai car and motorcycle license also. My health, well, I'm a full time cyclist and cycling and camping is my hobby here in Japan and recently cycling around DMK area. My health is very good. Most people say I look in my 50's and I'm very active. No TV, no air conditioning also. Just a summer fan. My savings, sadly it, well, I live within my income and have no debt at all. But my savings do need to be improved "a lot ". Thank you.

5 minutes ago, camper star said:

Thanks for asking the question.  This question really was about me. I'll be 72 soon. My SS since I've lived overseas for the last 3 decades is not up there, but I maintain an apartment here in Japan and an apartment near DMK. I stay in Thailand for 3 months then return to Japan for 3 months and continue to do this. I do have a Thai car and motorcycle license also. My health, well, I'm a full time cyclist and cycling and camping is my hobby here in Japan and recently cycling around DMK area. My health is very good. Most people say I look in my 50's and I'm very active. No TV, no air conditioning also. Just a summer fan. My savings, sadly it, well, I live within my income and have no debt at all. But my savings do need to be improved "a lot ". Thank you.

Well you have lots of data on cost of living.