Should I return to the UK - difficult decision!

[GanDoonToonPet]

Hi Simon,

 

I recently spent 6 months back home, living with my parents. I was surprised how cheap, and high quality, food was but obviously I wasn't paying the bills which are extortionate.

 

Some per month costs, conservative estimate:

 

Council Tax = £130

Electricity / Gas = £110

Water = £40

TV Licence = £15

Broadband = £40

 

I assume you've done the online calculators so maybe your council tax will be reduced to £3 p/m? 

 

Will your rent exceed the cap and , if so, how much will you have to contribute?

 

Are you entitled to (now reduced) PIP with your health condition?

 

Will you receive enough Pension Credit for it to be a 'gateway' to other benefits like Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, free prescriptions, free eye tests, NHS dentist etc?

 

I'm shocked that you weren't shocked by Blackpool...I was shocked by it 30 years ago 😂

[youreavinalaff]

17 hours ago, Magictoad said:

It's damp and cold most of the time in the UK. Are you sure you will get treated on the NHS? 180 days is how long you will have to wait.

As for housing; you have a lot of competition from thousands of people who know how to work the system.  I would stay here. The UK is currently a sh!/ hole. It's joyless and dangerous.

Extreme generalisations.

 

Many parts of UK are very nice. Weathers is good for a lot of Spring, Summer and Autumn. Have some great, but chilly, days in winter too. A view from my window.

 

 

[youreavinalaff]

3 hours ago, proton said:

 

Mate anywhere is better than the UK. Went back to Leicester in April, Church gate looks like an African slum, even Stoney Gate has gone downhill from when we lived there. Thought you would have been paying into a private pension. UK is just depressing, expensive, cold and damp. They all have those smart meters telling you how much electricity you have used, went to look a flat  on sale there a while ago. The monthly water bill was more than I pay in a year in Thailand. Better to stick it out in Asia I reckon.

So, in reality, what you are saying is "where you are now is better than some parts of Leicester"?

 

You've not read the neysayers comments on MSN and Social media about smart meters, obviously. Its certainly noy "they all"

 

Water bills include many services not offered in Thailand.

 

There are some lovely parts of UK. SW and West country is great with some areas very good value too.

[BritManToo]

10 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

Water bills include many services not offered in Thailand.

Like what?

[BritManToo]

12 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

There are some lovely parts of UK. SW and West country is great with some areas very good value too.

Agree, but doubt I could rent a caravan for less than 800 pounds/month.

And my Thai 3 bed home in a similar location costs 220 pounds/month on a 90% mortgage.

[richard_smith237]

17 hours ago, Magictoad said:

It's damp and cold most of the time in the UK. Are you sure you will get treated on the NHS? 180 days is how long you will have to wait.

As for housing; you have a lot of competition from thousands of people who know how to work the system.  I would stay here. The UK is currently a sh!/ hole. It's joyless and dangerous.

 

Thats also rubbish - The NHS do not turn around and state 'sorry, you have to wait 180 days for treatment'... although arguably thats how long it sometimes takes !!!..

 

... Realistically - in an emergency, or for someone with a serious condition they are seen immediately without question.

 

The 180 day rule is a 'technicality' thats never used.

 

----------

 

Regarding the Ops Option to stay here - if the environment is just too polluting where ever he is in Thailand, then his options here are limited... 

 

I mentioned earlier I know two families moving to the UK Purely for 'environmental health' reasons.

Parents both with good jobs here - but their children have lung issues and suffer too severely with airborne irritants.

(one an infant and another a young girl).

 

If the Op suffers as he suggests - the UK might be the only option - obviously not the cities though.

 

That said - come early summer, hayfever is also a massive irritant for many so the Op has to ensure he doesn't suffer that too.

 

 

 

 

 

[cdemundo]

22 hours ago, angryguy said:

Thailand is great for saving money but not when it comes to health in my opinion. Not somewhere id want to be if i were sick

I agree, for minor health problems it is great.

Doctors here (I have only been to private hospitals for outpatient care) are great, for me have been better than my docs in the US.

But for drugs requiring a prescription, compared to Medicare covered medications they are much more expensive.

And if I ever need hospitalization, even though I have medical insurance, I would seriously consider going back to the US.

[youreavinalaff]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Like what?

Tap water safe to drink, sewerage, good water pressure, water available 24/7. As a few examples.

[proton]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Like what?

 

Yes i'd like to know, but they do in Thailand water people sorted out our leaks. The bin men here are 10x better than any in the UK. They take anything, including garden waste and even a front door once, try that back home! No collection every 2 weeks and being fined for the wrong thing in the wrong bin. Some areas of the UK are still nice, but for how long, they are even building a mosque in the Lake district.

[youreavinalaff]

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Agree, but doubt I could rent a caravan for less than 800 pounds/month.

And my Thai 3 bed home in a similar location costs 220 pounds/month on a 90% mortgage.

Why would you wish to rent a caravan when there are many better, permanent properties cheaper?

 

Of course Thailand is cheaper. However, I was answering a comment comparing areas of UK.

[proton]

1 minute ago, youreavinalaff said:

Tap water safe to drink, sewerage, good water pressure, water available 24/7. As a few examples.

 So just tap water to drink then, some of it is not of course due to pollution as in SW water recently, there the bills have been over 1000 pounds a year for a long time.

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Agree, but doubt I could rent a caravan for less than 800 pounds/month.

And my Thai 3 bed home in a similar location costs 220 pounds/month on a 90% mortgage.

 

Baan Nok is Thailand is really Baan Nok...     

Countryside in the UK is somewhat different, far more civilised.

 

The two are not really comparable....   I know we all have our preferences... 

 

But, I for one could not live away from a major hub in Thailand, and in the UK I would not live near one !

 

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

Tap water safe to drink, sewerage, good water pressure, water available 24/7. As a few examples.

Tap water also safe to drink in Chiang Mai

Previously lived in Camelford where tap water definitely wasn't safe to drink 20 years after a small mistake.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-17367243

 

Water pressure definitely iffy, but as my water bill is only 120bht/month, I can live with that.

Septic tank works perfectly, haven't emptied it since I moved in 12 years back.

 

Mate, you're having a laff!

[BritManToo]

15 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

Why would you wish to rent a caravan when there are many better, permanent properties cheaper?

Of course Thailand is cheaper. However, I was answering a comment comparing areas of UK.

The house I was renting in 2009 just before I left the UK was 1,000 pounds/month.

And it wasn't as nice as my Thai home.

[youreavinalaff]

Just now, proton said:

 So just tap water to drink then, some of it is not of course due to pollution as in SW water recently, there the bills have been over 1000 pounds a year for a long time.

Incorrect on all counts. Our bills are nowhere near £1000. The water issue in Brixham was isolated and only one road a affected for 9 days. Free water provided for drinking too.

 

With regards to your first sentence,,please revisit my first comment. Thanks.

[youreavinalaff]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Tap water also safe to drink in Chiang Mai

Previously lived in Camelford where tap water definitely wasn't safe to drink 20 years after a small mistake.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-17367243

 

Water pressure definitely iffy, but as my water bill is only 120bht/month, I can live with that.

Septic tank works perfectly, haven't emptied it since I moved in 12 years back.

 

Mate, you're having a laff!

Actually, you've confirmed what I said. It's not a laugh. You've agreed, in the most part, with the exception of something that happened over 25 years ago and a small area of Thailand where you think differently to most others.

[youreavinalaff]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

The house I was renting in 2009 just before I left the UK was 1,000 pounds/month.

And it wasn't a nice as my Thai home.

Once again, I'm not attempting to compare UK with Thailand with regards to rent or property prices. Go back and read what I wrote.

 

However, in many parts of SW UK a grand will get you a very nice place. 

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Tap water also safe to drink in Chiang Mai

Previously lived in Camelford where tap water definitely wasn't safe to drink 20 years after a small mistake.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-17367243

 

Water pressure definitely iffy, but as my water bill is only 120bht/month, I can live with that.

Septic tank works perfectly, haven't emptied it since I moved in 12 years back.

 

Mate, you're having a laff!

 

The tap water is not certified safe to drink anywhere in Thailand....  

The tap water is certified safe to drink anywhere in the UK...

 

Realistically, its arguable IF the tap water in the UK is drinkable due to the taste of Chlorine...

 

In both - bottled water or a proper water filter is the best option - but I certainly wouldn't drink tap water habitually in thailand... and yes, there have been 'water-board-mistakes' in the UK that have been heavily reported on with venomous-reaction - but the media do that and people lap it up to confirm their bias.

Would such an issue even reach the media in Thailand ???

 

 

The realities are:

 

In Thailand: 

- Water at treatment plants may meet safety standards, especially in big cities like Bangkok.

- However, the distribution system (old or poorly maintained pipes and tanks) can re-contaminate the water.

- Common risks: bacteria (like E. coli), parasites, sediments, and heavy metals.

- Locals and tourists typically boil tap water or drink bottled water.

 

In the UK: 

- Highly regulated under UK law and EU/UK Water Quality Directives.

- Water suppliers are routinely monitored and tested for microorganisms, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemical pollutants.

- Advanced filtration, chlorination, and purification systems are standard.

- Infrastructure (pipes, storage tanks, etc.) is well-maintained.

 

[BritManToo]

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Baan Nok is Thailand is really Baan Nok...     

Countryside in the UK is somewhat different, far more civilised.

 

The two are not really comparable....   I know we all have our preferences... 

 

But, I for one could not live away from a major hub in Thailand, and in the UK I would not live near one !

 

UK 15 miles to my nearest town, no bus service, 40 quid in a taxi.

Thailand, 12Km to Chiang Mai moat, 20bht on a Songtaw.

 

I'm not sure why you're all bigging up the UK, it was never that great.

Just work and quiet desperation.

Couldn't even go cycling, cos it rained nearly every day and I was only 3Km from the Camel trail.

[BritManToo]

20 minutes ago, youreavinalaff said:

Incorrect on all counts. Our bills are nowhere near £1000. The water issue in Brixham was isolated and only one road a affected for 9 days. Free water provided for drinking too.

 

With regards to your first sentence,,please revisit my first comment. Thanks.

So if the UK is so great and you're happy there ........ why are you still posting on this forum?

[richard_smith237]

Just now, BritManToo said:

UK 15 miles to my nearest town, no bus service, 40 quid in a taxi.

Thailand, 12Km to Chiang Mai moat, 20bht on a Songtaw.

 

Yeah - thats brutal...   Transport costs across Europe are outrageous.

 

We can get a £25 flight to Paris (baggage free) - but the taxi to the airport costs £200 !!!

 

There are certainly pro's and con's to either location - I just think sensible balance needs to be applied when making that comparison.

 

To rent my house here in BKK: It would cost about - 80,000 baht (£1700) per month

To rent a 'decent' house in the UK: It wold cost the same...     But thats not a fair comparison, because I am not comparing Capital to Capitial... But in balance, I am comparing where I 'would' live.

 

As also mentioned - houses can be found in the UK for £1000 per month...  perhaps not very large or great, but perfectly liveable...  But money definitely goes further here.... 

And if I chose to Live in Hua Hin for Example - I cold probably get a nice Pool Villa for 60,000 baht per month - that can't compare to the UK... 

 

 

Eating out in the UK is outrageous...  Eating out here in Thailand is highly variable - but standard daily meal much cheaper as less than £5 (B200)...   But, Wife spends loads on Grab Delivery !!! (loads !!!) - so maybe in the OK it would be cheaper if she cooks more etc... 

 

Again - the comparisons are highly variable...

 

Charging our EV here is cheaper as Electiricty is Cheaper here - Approx £8 (to fully charge)

Charging the same EV in the UK would be more expensive - Approx £24 (to fully charge) - 3x more expensive

 

Petrol in Thaland Vs Petrol in the UK  £0.97 per litre vs £1.32 per litre - UK is 1.3x more expensive.

Cost to fill an Av car in Thailand vs UK:  £56.20 vs £76.80

 

So many variables to consider.

 

[3NUMBAS]

NHS varies according to where you live some areas are good some bad cos staff don’t want to work in some areas, a mate in Lincoln complains about bad facilities for his declining health with diabetes ,the further north the worse itis

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So if the UK is so great and you're happy there ........ why are you still posting on this forum?

 

Bit of a weak cheap-shot there Brit - doesn't really cover the valid discussion... 

 

Many people live in both the UK and Thailand, sharing their time.

 

This will also happen to my family eventually - does that mean I lose the right to share an opinion about living in Thailand ??? after nearly 3 decades here ?  -   you are argument was a cheap-shot and weakens any points you'd previously made in a discussion which is actually informative.

 

 

[youreavinalaff]

12 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

So if the UK is so great and you're happy there ........ why are you still posting on this forum?

Habing spent 21 uninterrupted years in Thailand, we now split our time between UK and Thailand. That way, we get the best of both worlds. Happy days.

[richard_smith237]

Just now, 3NUMBAS said:

NHS varies according to where you live some areas are good some bad cos staff don’t want to work in some areas, a mate in Lincoln complains about bad facilities for his declining health with diabetes ,the further north the worse itis

 

Valid points - level of treatment is definitely "swings and round abouts"... 

 

Have something life threatening... i.e. a DVT or heart condition and the NHS is outstanding... 

 

... Have debilitating knee pain and you could be waiting 6 months or more, just for an MRI that highlights you need a Knee Op and you'll be waiting a further 8-12 months....  You could be looking at 1.5 years in pain before something is done... 

 

The biggest concern with the health service in the UK is the deterioration in something we (as a nation) were once so proud of - The Emergency response - Ambulance wait times used to be incredible and life saving, but now...  its not anything I have trust in...

 

But, its worse here.

 

 

[3NUMBAS]

Some areas can’t afford MRI scanners some can ,so you need to choose well

and scanners are free to use with maybe a weeks wait 

[richard_smith237]

13 minutes ago, 3NUMBAS said:

Some areas can’t afford MRI scanners some can ,so you need to choose well

and scanners are free to use with maybe a weeks wait 

 

If you are referring to the UK... this is not true - a number of second hand experiences with Family members.

 

MRI scanner within a resonable radius (30miles from Home) - both family members on separate occasions waiting months (about 6) for an MRI appointment...     Really shocking.

 

Anecdotal I know - but your comment of 'a weeks wait' is somewhat throwaway and readily disproven.

 

The guy across the road - was waiting 2 years for his knee operation (he'd just lost both is wife and daughter - walking his dog was is only 'social life' and he couldn't do that)...

 

I received excellent emergency treatment in the UK and a CT scan for diagnosis (PE), but that was a potentially life threatening emergency (and I was driven to the hospital).

 

When it comes to 'non live saving specialist health care' the NHS is awful IMO.

However, when it comes to screening for cancer etc - the UK excellent.

When it comes to 'emergency care' AT the hospital - the UK is 'generally' excellent (depending upon how busy that hospice is)

When it comes to Ambulance services - its now shockingly poor.

 

Nurses have to pay for their parking - and that really really gets my goat... 

 

 

[BritManToo]

8 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

When it comes to 'emergency care' AT the hospital - the UK is 'generally' excellent (depending upon how busy that hospice is)

Hospice is for untreatable people waiting to die.

No emergency care.

[jori123]

Some of the claims against living in UK are ludicrous, now I live half and half ISH.Weathers good,not cold Not wet and cold every day,even in winter.food excellent,no pricey restaurants,full English and I mean full 6 quid,it goes on and on.  Illness forced me back,surprised how good things turned out,its clean healthy ,price wise excellent...trains /bus free plenty of them,no need for car Off to far right rally tomorrow,get the <deleted> out,4 hour train ride,not quite free tenner,out of county,.Yes plenty of <deleted> ,but they are marginalised and kept to their own areas,feel like spitting on them actually,hardly ever see them ,so its ok

     UK ain't that bad,one thing not ok,air fares on the up,just booked for return next week,but hell authorities shovel money out  I'll take it

[transam]

2 minutes ago, jori123 said:

Some of the claims against living in UK are ludicrous, now I live half and half ISH.Weathers good,not cold Not wet and cold every day,even in winter.food excellent,no pricey restaurants,full English and I mean full 6 quid,it goes on and on.  Illness forced me back,surprised how good things turned out,its clean healthy ,price wise excellent...trains /bus free plenty of them,no need for car Off to far right rally tomorrow,get the <deleted> out,4 hour train ride,not quite free tenner,out of county,.Yes plenty of <deleted> ,but they are marginalised and kept to their own areas,feel like spitting on them actually,hardly ever see them ,so its ok

     UK ain't that bad,one thing not ok,air fares on the up,just booked for return next week,but hell authorities shovel money out  I'll take it

I just knew you never fiddled your pension.........🤥................