8 minutes ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

Same, I don't usually want to come back, or just ambivalent, but don't get me wrong I'm not bashing Thailand, more expat life. been here a long time have a wife and 2 kids etc, but feel like there is a LOT lacking, and no suggestions like gym, massage, temples etc is going to change that. 

 

To me, Thailand is a trap of convenience. There’s nothing particularly bad about it to get you to leave, but nothing truly lovable either. What keeps me here is how easy everything is and how no one really bothers me. The people are pretty easy to be around too. Getting things done is simple most of the time, I don’t have to do much for myself, and there’s plenty of food with lots of choices and just about everything I need can be delivered right to my door from a few clicks of an app. I can walk almost anywhere I need to go. So I’d say I stay because life here is effortless, not because it’s amazing. It’s fine overall, nothing major to complain about, but it doesn’t check all the boxes either.

58 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

Thailand has a decent climate.

Decent at best, if you compare it to some really cold places. But the heat is extreme, and I find myself forced to leave during certain times of the year because I find the climate unlivable.

6 minutes ago, SoCal1990 said:

 

To me, Thailand is a trap of convenience. There’s nothing particularly bad about it to get you to leave, but nothing truly lovable either. What keeps me here is how easy everything is and how no one really bothers me. The people are pretty easy to be around too. Getting things done is simple most of the time, I don’t have to do much for myself, and there’s plenty of food with lots of choices and just about everything I need can be delivered right to my door from a few clicks of an app. I can walk almost anywhere I need to go. So I’d say I stay because life here is effortless, not because it’s amazing. It’s fine overall, nothing major to complain about, but it doesn’t check all the boxes either.

 

100% agree with all of that my friend, why I'm still here for so long no doubt, but I don't want to stay forever, but who knows, like a lot things money plays a big part as that gives you options, or otherwise.

Just now, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

100% agree with all of that my friend, why I'm still here for so long no doubt, but I don't want to stay forever, but who knows, like a lot things money plays a big part as that gives you options, or otherwise.

True. A lot of people talk about the low cost of living in Thailand being a draw, which is a positive, I agree, and I appreciate that, but I wouldn't mind living in a place that costs a bit more, but also offers a bit more of a complete lifestyle at the same time.

4 minutes ago, SoCal1990 said:

Decent at best, if you compare it to some really cold places. But the heat is extreme, and I find myself forced to leave during certain times of the year because I find the climate unlivable.

 

100%, I wince when I hear farangs say how great the climate is, morons. Extreme heat is bloody awful.

1 minute ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

100%, I wince when I hear farangs say how great the climate is, morons. Extreme heat is bloody awful.

45 is extreme. 35 isnt.

1 hour ago, SoCal1990 said:

Why do so many people spend hours hanging around this forum? Is it just boredom or having nothing better to do, or is it something deeper like the need to be heard, the desire for recognition, the urge to feel right, to be admired, liked, accepted, or simply to experience some form of human connection?

 

I’ve noticed that when I’m busy, traveling, or caught up in life, I can go weeks without even glancing at the site. For me, it’s purely a way to kill downtime on occasion. That got me thinking: is everyone else here for the same reason, or are some drawn in because they just don’t have much going on?

 

If you suddenly had something better or more engaging to keep you busy for most of your time, would you still even bother logging in?

 

I’m talking specifically about the sections of the site meant for chatting and social banter, not the parts for answering questions or sharing real info.

 

So why do people really keep coming back for hours at a time everyday to discuss mostly nothingness?

Why do you hand out and ask thoroughly stupid questions? 

Just now, connda said:

Why do you hand out and ask thoroughly stupid questions? 

To be able to have the pleasure of reading your even more stupid replies?

1 minute ago, connda said:

Why do you hand out and ask thoroughly stupid questions? 

Read his last 5 topics. Jordan Peterson level. 

11 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

Decent at best, if you compare it to some really cold places. But the heat is extreme, and I find myself forced to leave during certain times of the year because I find the climate unlivable.

 

Yeah, the climate bothers me. 

But I come from a really cold climate and even in the summer months it's a bit too hot. So there's only a couple of months of decent weather where I come from. So Thailand is much better. 

 

Meditteranean climate (or California) might be the best.

 

I would also like to spend some time in Europe and walk around for hours and explore the architecture. 

You can't do that here. It's simply too hot. And the cities are not as nice as in Europe. 

 

 

5 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

45 is extreme. 35 isnt.

 

Actually agree, I can just about handle 35 these days, but where I am it gets into the 40's at times which is evil.

4 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

Yeah, the climate bothers me. 

But I come from a really cold climate and even in the summer months it's a bit too hot. So there's only a couple of months of decent weather where I come from. So Thailand is much better. 

 

Meditteranean climate (or California) might be the best.

 

I would also like to spend some time in Europe and walk around for hours and explore the architecture. 

You can't do that here. It's simply too hot. And the cities are not as nice as in Europe. 

 

 

 

Yep, not long been back from a 3 week trip to germany, austria, slovenia and croatia. was amazing, I literally felt like a different person and had more energy.

5 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

I would also like to spend some time in Europe and walk around for hours and explore the architecture.

Yep, Europe is great for that. Do that all the time when I'm there. Parts of Japan are great for that too. The biggest problem with Japan though is that the climate there is only really good for a few months a year. It's not like that temperate Mediterranean weather in southern Europe that lasts for at least half a year. 

1 minute ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

Yep, not long been back from a 3 week trip to germany, austria, slovenia and croatia. was amazing, I literally felt like a different person and had more energy.

Sounds fantastic. Southern Germany, Northern Austria, Slovenia, all great. I heard Croatia has gotten a lot more expensive though. Not such a good value anymore. 

11 hours ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

Yep, not long been back from a 3 week trip to germany, austria, slovenia and croatia. was amazing, I literally felt like a different person and had more energy.

 

Well, travel costs money.

If you can afford it, great.

If you're single, otherwise the partner also has to be available to travel with you. 

It's not realistic to expect travel to cure your boredom unless you have deep pockets and not tied down to anyone.

If you really prefer other countries, then consider leaving. How easy is it to get visas though? 

 

But now I am also starting to get into a routine where I'm hauling my butt to the gym. 

Sometimes life is boring and need to just follow routines. 

 

This just popped into my feeds on Youtube and I'll give it a watch. 

If you're not curious about anything ... then life is more boring.

A lot of stuff available online if you are curious. 

Which is less effort and money than traveling. 

 

This guy made a fortune in Thailand ... then disappeared. 

 

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, SoCal1990 said:

Sounds fantastic. Southern Germany, Northern Austria, Slovenia, all great. I heard Croatia has gotten a lot more expensive though. Not such a good value anymore. 

 

I found Croatia the same as the other countries, around EUR 5 for a beer around 20 for a decent meal. 

1 minute ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

 

I found Croatia the same as the other countries, around EUR 5 for a beer around 20 for a decent meal. 

Sounds OK. I think things there used to be more on the level of eastern Europe pricing rather than northern Europe pricing though. So things have changed and I guess it's not the same value for money as it used to be.

if asking why here on the forum, I go because I have been to Thailand 15 times since 2004 and always planned to semi retire there or at least spend much time there between my contract jobs.  So getting as much information as possible.  The changes in immigration, no more USA embassy income letter, expat's experience with immigration, monthly money transfers for retirement extensions, 800k baht using agent, new TDAC requirement, and most recently information on tax implications and filing if staying in country more than 180 days. This tax thing is of concern to me as I retire and like things simple and have no desire to deal with a foreign country about what monies of mine are reportable, assesable, or taxable.  And many other things.  

 

1 hour ago, SoCal1990 said:

Why do so many people spend hours hanging around this forum? Is it just boredom or having nothing better to do, or is it something deeper like the need to be heard, the desire for recognition, the urge to feel right, to be admired, liked, accepted, or simply to experience some form of human connection?

 

I’ve noticed that when I’m busy, traveling, or caught up in life, I can go weeks without even glancing at the site. For me, it’s purely a way to kill downtime on occasion. That got me thinking: is everyone else here for the same reason, or are some drawn in because they just don’t have much going on?

 

If you suddenly had something better or more engaging to keep you busy for most of your time, would you still even bother logging in?

 

I’m talking specifically about the sections of the site meant for chatting and social banter, not the parts for answering questions or sharing real info.

 

So why do people really keep coming back for hours at a time everyday to discuss mostly nothingness?

 

I like to tell people they are wrong, there is more to what you see and hear, and where there is logic solutions, people tends to do the opposite. 

 

And I love getting negative responses for every sane and logical anser I give.

 

Honestly, I have no idea why I'm stuck here. I came with another nick when it was still common to ask questions about farming and construction as well visa information, and now kind of stuck in this pool of idiocracy society where almost no productive happens. 

 

Time consuming habit 

2 minutes ago, SoCal1990 said:

Sounds OK. I think things there used to be more on the level of eastern Europe pricing rather than northern Europe pricing though. So things have changed and I guess it's not the same value for money as it used to be.

 

Yes, it was looked at as one of them type of cheaper countries, like Bulgaria for example. They moved out of their local currency into the Euro in Jan 24 so no doubt that made a difference to pricing.

1 hour ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

Because there are a lot of very bored farangs here, including me. take away the cheap booze and birds and what is left? NOTHING. many will deny this of course, but I won't be having any of it. Thailand is a place for holidays, not to live. 

 

Now I'm off out to feed a soi dog.

Daily life is boring, but it doesn't mean it is not good.

 

Boring is necessary to have your moments with joy once and awhile, but since someone here aimed for living in paradise, I can understand their disappointment after awhile. 

 

Life is good, and that's the most important. And the good thing, feeling well and good, is all in your head. You are your creator of your own happiness, nobody else, or nowhere else for that sake.

7 minutes ago, Stuck in Thailand said:

They moved out of their local currency into the Euro in Jan 24 so no doubt that made a difference to pricing.

Ah, makes sense. That explains it. Same happened when Germany went over to the Euro. 

I am here on the forum for informations  ( about Thailand and every day life ), I read only one or two threads a day , many questions farangs ask don't interest me 

 

if it's " why you are in Thailand"?, it's just  because I like the people, weather, language , country side where I live 

if you meant why am I in Thailand or go to Thailand?  Loved the place from my first trip.  I loved the modern yet small city character of Pattaya.  I love to walk all over.  I love the convenience of the baht bus.  I love the food.  Daily foot massages or weekly oil.  love pools on a hot day.  Love the scenery.  Love the country bus system and being able to tak trips to Korat, or Sukhothai or wherever.  Love visiting phuket and karon beach.  Love Ao Nang and the limestone stacks offshore, the jungle, sea and cliff right there are beautiful.  So much more to see and do.  Have had a fine time with a few ladies over the years.  I like Issan music.  I don't care for the more modern malls.  I got those here in the USA and don't need the marble floor places like the gardens mall in Palm Beach. Terminal 21 is ok for a change.  Love the Tuk La Dee lunch counter short order food experience.  Bangkok BTS really is great except so crowded at times.  I do appreciate the tenets of buddhism.  I thought the level of education of the general population was good in that they could read and write their own language and do basic math.  The USA by the numbers has gone down in those   areas.  So many more things to explore in Thailand.  It is a convenient stepping stone to some other Asian countries.

 

In general when I am there, I fell no need to rush or to do anything.  I have no money issues and every day the biggest decision might be whether to turn left or right when leaving the hotel!

I will add that when I have stayed for two month periods I have gotten bored and did return to the USA to work or do other things. As an engineer I still like to keep my brain busy doing technical things.  But it is hard to beat Thailand for monthly relaxation and a break

One reason is that I always was a news junkie. Someone once joked was that I was the only person they ever met who read the Shipping News in the NY Times.

1 hour ago, SoCal1990 said:

 

To me, Thailand is a trap of convenience. There’s nothing particularly bad about it to get you to leave, but nothing truly lovable either. What keeps me here is how easy everything is and how no one really bothers me. The people are pretty easy to be around too. Getting things done is simple most of the time, I don’t have to do much for myself, and there’s plenty of food with lots of choices and just about everything I need can be delivered right to my door from a few clicks of an app. I can walk almost anywhere I need to go. So I’d say I stay because life here is effortless, not because it’s amazing. It’s fine overall, nothing major to complain about, but it doesn’t check all the boxes either.

well stated.  I have considered retiring several times the last few years.  But after many visits to Thailand I decided I was not quite ready to go out to pasture yet.  I get bored.  And at my age I have no desire to make work, or add complications just to keep busy ,such as have a baby, start paying for her distant relatives up country etc...

2 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

One reason is that I always was a news junkie. Someone once joked was that I was the only person they ever met who read the Shipping News in the NY Times.

haha.  I watch the American Farm Report on late night TV here in the USA!  News is interesting 

47 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Daily life is boring, but it doesn't mean it is not good.

 

Boring is necessary to have your moments with joy once and awhile, but since someone here aimed for living in paradise, I can understand their disappointment after awhile. 

 

Life is good, and that's the most important. And the good thing, feeling well and good, is all in your head. You are your creator of your own happiness, nobody else, or nowhere else for that sake.

Some days are boring. Some days are fun. Humans vibrate like the ocean waves. You can't be happy all the time. Some people are morning people. Some are night people. Just go with the flow.

1 hour ago, Harrisfan said:

To read all your great positive topics.

 

2 hours... what took you so long?