Are you happy with your life in Thailand?

[SAFETY FIRST]

5 hours ago, save the frogs said:

who is forcing you to hang out in bars with other foreigners 7 nights a week? 

I only walk in a bar when I'm with my girlfriend, once, twice a week, I avoid foreigners, only talk with girlfriend and staff. 

 

Another rediculous comment from you, stick to saving those frogs mate. 🐸

 

 

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

I only walk in a bar when I'm with my girlfriend, once, twice a week, I avoid foreigners, only talk with girlfriend and staff. 

 

Another rediculous comment from you, stick to saving those frogs mate. 🐸

 

 

 

So where are you encountering all these foreigners constantly complaining about Thailand and wanting to change it?

 

[Yellowtail]

Avoiding tourists and expats has been pretty easy for me in Thailand for the last 25 years. 

[ElwoodP]

Flame and reply removed.

[Isaan sailor]

As long as it costs less to live here than where I came from, I’m satisfied.  But if that ever changes—goodbye LoS.

[Harrisfan]

Im 9/10 happy 

[EVENKEEL]

11 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Extra happy today,

Stopped raining after 10 days, and I've been out cycling to the lake in the sun.

Still looking cloudy over Chiang Mai.

 

Might want to take care of the weeds. Super Thai style.

[norsurin]

Im happy i moved from Thailand some years ago.Now im there as a tourist 3-4 month a year.Free as a bird.

Would never go into a serious relationship with a thailady again.I love my freedom.I been married to a thai for 11 years.. divorced 8 year ago.We moved to my country 18 years ago with our 2 kids whos now 21 and 19.

Tomorrow my daughter go to Thailand for 1 month holiday with her mother and stepfather.She will this time also make a thai passport there.She will also open bank account in krungsri and kasikorn bank and let me use these accounts.Of course with ATM cards.

[Mark1969]

On 6/4/2025 at 6:24 PM, impulse said:

Wherever you go, there you are.

 

That applies to Thailand, too.

 

If you really interpreted everything as being swell no matter where you are would the complaints seem like compliments?

[greeneking]

On 6/5/2025 at 3:40 PM, Isaan sailor said:

As long as it costs less to live here than where I came from, I’m satisfied.  But if that ever changes—goodbye LoS.

Good plan

 

On 6/5/2025 at 3:40 PM, Isaan sailor said:

As long as it costs less to live here than where I came from, I’m satisfied.  But if that ever changes—goodbye LoS.

Good plan.  You better check prices where you came from before you book the ticket.

Apart from that, me too.

[mania]

My wife (Thai) & I are very happy when we are at our Thai home. But we no longer live there full time. The other spot in the world where we live is up on a mountain with beauty all around, clean air, water no traffic etc. Like heaven but of course boring at times.

 

Our Thailand home on the other hand is exciting often as there are places to go & we think it is way more vibrant etc.

 

We often consider moving back full time but..... Thailand in all its glory has a lot of TIT & things like terrible air many months of the year etc.

 

But we visit 3 & sometimes 6 months a year to our Thai home & yes very happy there...but we are also happy here at our other location

[Harrisfan]

On 6/5/2025 at 2:57 PM, save the frogs said:

 

So where are you encountering all these foreigners constantly complaining about Thailand and wanting to change it?

 

On here 

[fredwiggy]

On 6/4/2025 at 7:40 PM, Ralf001 said:

Me too.

 

Thinking retirement in Texas.

Same, but definite retirement in Texas.

[fredwiggy]

On 6/5/2025 at 3:04 PM, Yellowtail said:

Avoiding tourists and expats has been pretty easy for me in Thailand for the last 25 years. 

Then why come on here?

[fredwiggy]

On 6/5/2025 at 2:54 PM, SAFETY FIRST said:

I only walk in a bar when I'm with my girlfriend, once, twice a week, I avoid foreigners, only talk with girlfriend and staff. 

 

Another rediculous comment from you, stick to saving those frogs mate. 🐸

 

 

Then why come on here, if only to just to complain about those foreigners?

[fredwiggy]

On 6/5/2025 at 9:16 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Was happy when first arrived, 2001.

 

It's all going down hill now with all the foreigners here ruining the Thai culture and traditions, wanting to change this and that, always complaining and moaning about everything. 

 

If you are a foreigner looking to relocate or retire in Thailand, you've missed the boat, left your run too late. Thailand is becoming the same 💩hole we left behind. 

 

Worse thing about Thailand is some of the foreigners. 

 

And those who constantly complain about foreigners, thinking we're all the same. Foreigners can't ruin other cultures or traditions.

 

Blending cultures helps other cultures, as you can plainly see with Thais adopting most of what they do from the west. Take away phones, vehicles, motorbikes, maintenance on everything, home building, computers, TV's, boats, military items, Law practices, and other assorted things, guess how Thailand would be then.

 

We aren't taking over but fitting in. Most here I'm sure respect the place, even though some of us would rather be back home. One thing I'm thinking you're missing, is that even you wouldn't be so welcome here without your spending.

 

Some of us might come off as hating the place to those who aren't understanding what we say, but it's a dislike for some practices here that makes us angry. Practices that would, if corrected, make life for everyone here more rewarding and safer. I'm sure most here know what  they are.

[fredwiggy]

21 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

And those who constantly complain about foreigners, thinking we're all the same. Foreigners can't ruin other cultures or traditions.

 

Blending cultures helps other cultures, as you can plainly see with Thais adopting most of what they do from the west. Take away phones, vehicles, motorbikes, maintenance on everything, home building, computers, TV's, boats, military items, Law practices, and other assorted things, guess how Thailand would be then.

 

We aren't taking over but fitting in. Most that live here I'm sure respect the place, even though some of us would rather be back home. One thing I'm thinking you're missing, is that even you wouldn't be so welcome here without your spending.

 

Some of us might come off as hating the place to those who aren't understanding what we say, but it's a dislike for some practices here that makes us angry. Practices that would, if corrected, make life for everyone here more rewarding and safer. I'm sure most here know what  they are.

 

The reasons it's all going downhill here is the lack of concern for others in general, the ongoing corruption that will never cease, passing school children when they fail, which sets them up for a sad future, promises made but never fulfilled regarding the safety of their own people, and the looking at women as second class citizens which comes from that culture.

 

[quake]

27 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

 Foreigners can't ruin other cultures or traditions.

 

Have a look at the uk.

One aspect of the religious community, are have a very good go at it.

30 more years of it, and it will be game over for the uk.

 

[bkkniko]

happy, good people, good food. 10 years here.. cant complain, not planing to leave either

[fredwiggy]

19 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Have a look at the uk.

One aspect of the religious community, are have a very good go at it.

30 more years of it, and it will be game over for the uk.

 

You can influence some people to change, but you'll never ruin a whole culture that's been handed down over centuries. In another hundred years, if the world last that long, there might be more people join another side, but there will always be more born into a certain belief because of their parents. 

[spidermike007]

Yes. Absolutely. There are many issues to consider. Going back to the US is not an option. I would not want to live there now, unless I was being paid over 3 million dollars a year, and then I would only do it for 3 years, and then leave. For me, it is about quality of life, and my level of fulfillment on a daily basis, which I seem to have here in abundance. A big factor here, is the relatively light hearted attitude of the people. I find many Thais to be delightful to be around. You just do not find that in the US, where most seem bitter, disenchanted, unfulfilled, devoid of humor, and heavy hearted. Living to work, not working to live. 

 

This is an entirely subjective topic, of course. But some of us live very good lives here. Some of us have been fortunate enough to find an outstanding woman, who is delightful to be around, on a daily basis, always has our back, and is fun, smart, and lovely. For me, that likelihood of finding that back in the US, would be very low. So, that is a big factor for me. The second factor is just the quality of life. Sure, I miss alot of the culture back home. The theatre, independent film (which I can download here with no issues at all, and a super fast 1 gbps fiber optic connection, at under 700 baht per month!), stand up comedy, live jazz, etc. But I have a lovely home that I rent, for about 10% of what I would pay in California, I live very well on an income which is not huge, have access to great health care, at a tiny fraction of what it costs in the US, and do not have to put up with alot of the aggravation that I had to when I lived back there. Especially from the women, who seem to have lost all contact with their feminine nature. 

 

It is a very personal choice. I have friends who seem to be dropping like flies. I could be dead next year. You just don't know. I am not extravagant, but I live very, very well. A nice house, a new car every few years, new motorbikes for my gal and I every few years, a great art collection, plenty of good wine in the wine cooler, a new 77" OLED TV, a world class home theatre, plenty of international travel, etc. For me, it is a great lifestyle, that I could only dream of in the US. Well worth the expense and very easy to justify. Life is way too short. 

 

I recently returned from the US, which I visit frequently. The prices and inflation are mind blowing. The cheapest lunch we have found was $30 for two sandwiches. That is 1,000 baht, anytime you want something basic. A bag of groceries is 3,000 baht.

 

 A friend of mine is looking for an apartment to move to in LA, and really small, simple places are 70,000 baht per month and up. Nice two bedrooms are closer to 100,000 baht. Decent homes start at 125,000 baht per month and up. The cost of nearly everything has gone up dramatically. Runaway inflation? Likely 20% in real number. Contrary to the government lies, inflation is raging in the US. 

 

Thailand is still reasonable. It used to be cheap. Has not been cheap for a long time. But, it is still reasonable. I know people who pay 10,000 baht a month for newer 3 bedroom houses in nice towns. In major cities in the US? $3000-5000 a month. That is an economy gone amok. Pure insanity. An empire on the verge of collapse. No thanks. 

 

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

Then why come on here, if only to just to complain about those foreigners?

Put your glasses on Freddy. 

I'm on topic 

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

And those who constantly complain about foreigners, thinking we're all the same. Foreigners can't ruin other cultures or traditions.

 

Blending cultures helps other cultures, as you can plainly see with Thais adopting most of what they do from the west. Take away phones, vehicles, motorbikes, maintenance on everything, home building, computers, TV's, boats, military items, Law practices, and other assorted things, guess how Thailand would be then.

 

We aren't taking over but fitting in. Most here I'm sure respect the place, even though some of us would rather be back home. One thing I'm thinking you're missing, is that even you wouldn't be so welcome here without your spending.

 

Some of us might come off as hating the place to those who aren't understanding what we say, but it's a dislike for some practices here that makes us angry. Practices that would, if corrected, make life for everyone here more rewarding and safer. I'm sure most here know what  they are.

Oh dear, enjoy your miserable bitter life in Thailand. 

 

Go home mate, you are not well, you need to look after your health. 

Living in Thailand, being miserable, hating the Thai's is not healthy for you 

 

[quake]

27 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

You can influence some people to change, but you'll never ruin a whole culture that's been handed down over centuries. In another hundred years, if the world last that long, there might be more people join another side, but there will always be more born into a certain belief because of their parents. 

 

Ok your not up on the uk. that's fine.

But your from the States.

What happened to Happy Christmas. it's called what now. ?

Would you not call that a dilution of American culture and Tradition.

Think they also call that change.

 

Ps, Yes I'm 95% happy in Thailand. been home for 27 years. 

Hate the riding and driving behavior here.

[fredwiggy]

4 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Put your glasses on Freddy. 

I'm on topic 

Oh dear, enjoy your miserable bitter life in Thailand. 

 

Go home mate, you are not well, you need to look after your health. 

Living in Thailand, being miserable, hating the Thai's is not healthy for you 

 

 

4 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

Put your glasses on Freddy. 

I'm on topic 

Oh dear, enjoy your miserable bitter life in Thailand. 

 

Go home mate, you are not well, you need to look after your health. 

Living in Thailand, being miserable, hating the Thai's is not healthy for you 

 

You have trouble comprehending. Try again. Read what I wrote, slowly, and you'll see the gist of it.

 

You are among a select few here who constantly complain about other foreigners, and you are a foreigner. You aren't a local, but you seem to think you are.

 

I'll reiterate for you here so you can also have this post to go by. I never said I hated Thais. I have a half Thai daughter, and a Thai girlfriend. I get along with everyone who isn't mentally ill, including the locals here That my ex is, therein lies most of the problem here. The rest involve things that not only I and other foreigners complain about, but locals also.

 

An oppressed society is slow to complain enough, or for long enough, to get things done faster. Outsiders, westerners, have seen what good changes have done to their own countries,m and we, along with informed locals, would also like to see happen here.

 

I'm not staying here because it's not a good place for my daughter to grow up, along with me not being able to enjoy my hobbies. Otherwise the country, and much of it's people, are fine. You, with your fantasy about superior genes, are nowhere near my league on health and fitness. You just think you are, which is one of your many faults.

 

Now think for awhile. Reflect, look at how many you have turned off with your attitude about supposed superiority, realize you are superior to no one, and maybe think about the only reason you are accepted here might be that you again, spend money here. On food, shelter, women and other things. 

[wasabi]

I am happy living in Thailand, but the word grateful may be more accurate. I was lonely and bored in the United States. Dating was a nightmare and everything was too expensive, and it's only gotten more expensive. I convinced my US Based employer to let me work remotely from Thailand in 2008 (Before digital nomads were common) and met my wife who's from Laos here. We ended up going back  to the USA for a while but we're now retired in Thailand with savings that should last us a lifetime here but would only last a decade in most parts of America. In 2019 we were fortunate to get a pair of 2nd hand Thailand Elite visas which makes immigration and residence much simpler. I enjoy the food, massages, people and easy access to high quality healthcare here. Pollution and noise are my primary grievances but they are manageable.

 

I wish I could afford to visit the US more often, but it's too expensive to do frequently. However, even if I could afford traveling there more frequently I'd still chose to live in Thailand as my primary residence. I've read a few articles recently about younger expats giving up on Thailand which they strangely blame on the behavior of other expats. I don't have many Farang friends here so I can't relate to that. 

[fredwiggy]

13 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Ok your not up on the uk. that's fine.

But your from the States.

What happened to Happy Christmas. it's called what now. ?

Would you not call that a dilution of American culture and Tradition.

Think they also call that change.

There will always be those that like tradition, along with liking new ideas. Remember the US is a conglomeration of all world cultures and isn't just one. That melting pot of cultures is what makes it interesting and why many travel to other countries to see firsthand. 

[Hummin]

On 6/5/2025 at 3:04 PM, Yellowtail said:

Avoiding tourists and expats has been pretty easy for me in Thailand for the last 25 years. 

Agree, but here we are on the farang expat web surrounded by a Wide range of complicated cases 😁

[Yellowtail]

5 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Agree, but here we are on the farang expat web surrounded by a Wide range of complicated cases 😁

And if you try to show someone how nice the view is out of your window, you're a braggart. 

 

[quake]

10 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

There will always be those that like tradition, along with liking new ideas. Remember the US is a conglomeration of all world cultures and isn't just one. That melting pot of cultures is what makes it interesting and why many travel to other countries to see firsthand. 

 

Nah.

Go back 40 years it was happy Christmas all over the states.

not so now

So that's change in American culture and tradition.

[fredwiggy]

5 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Nah.

Go back 40 years it was happy Christmas all over the states.

not so now

So that's change in American culture and tradition.

I thought you lived in the UK. It's still Merry Christmas like always. Still a marketing thing but still Christmas to most people there. When we were young, it might have felt different because of our naivete as children, but to the children now, it's the same as we saw it. Commercial of course, but still a tradition many look forward to, although the most are those children. Just like Halloween. It's still fun, but mostly for the younger crowd. As parents we can watch them have the fun we did when we were young. years have jaded a lot of us, having to work instead of just play.

 

I hate the driving here also. Just got into an accident two days ago, on a scooter with my daughter. A local was on the side of the road and turned across in front of us without looking, on a scooter with a sidecar. We ran right into him with no options but to brake. Of course since there were 5 locals there, I got the blame and now need to fix my ex's scooter, which I was using. She was vehement about it, wanting to go "talk" to them and make them pay, so I said okay, this week. It was 100% his fault, but they don't see it that way because their thinking is different.