9 hours ago, Knight Rider said:

Last year I sold my condo in Pattaya (Jomtien) and came back to the US. I have enough savings (around 500K USD) and I applied for SS to start from September. I will get around $3,000 per month. I am bored in the USA, though I live in a FL beach town. I like beaches. My US daughter lives in IL and she is a health care provider. I am buying a ticket in October to Thailand. I have lived on and off in Thailand for almost twenty years. Initially it was all fun. Alcohol. drugs, and ladies. Now at the age of 65, I lost interest so much so that I don't like drinking even. Only weed keeps me high which is not legal in FL. I feel married people are lucky. I have a daughter in Thailand who will go to the university next year and I am ready to take care of her expenses still she graduates. Her mom is OK and we are good friends and she has her own income but she plans to move to Issan next year when my daughter goes to the university. I simply cannot live in Issan. I am planning to relocate to Koh Samui that has better air quality than anywhere else in Thailand. I also need to buy a health insurance in Thailand. In the last twenty years I have visited more than fifty countries . So, there is no desire to travel anymore also except a trip to China in the next couple of years. 

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? Is Koh Samui a nice place to live? I have been to Koh Samui once ten years ago. I don't like Phuket. I like beaches. 

I would suggest spending several days or a week there and seeing how it feels. I lived there for 10 years, but I left 10 years ago, and when I first moved there I felt like it was paradise, but by the time I left I felt like the place had deteriorated significantly. It became way over developed, a lot more traffic, and the mom and pop places were closing. Covid finished most of them off and now it's significantly more expensive. Some say that it's a good change because there's a lot of nicer places to hang out. For me I liked the older version of Samui, as it was a lot funkier then, had a lot of character, was less crowded, and cleaner. 

5 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

They have so many things these days. I haven\t kept up with it living here but what I see I'd like to get someday. I remember going to the Old Rhineback Aerodrome in Red Hook New York to see the old WW 1 airplanes then they had RC planes, some pretty large. I remember standing near the landing strip and having a jet fly past full speed less then 10 feet above the ground 10 yards away. Pretty exciting for a pre teen. ......

Isn't Red Hook in Jersey

1 minute ago, EVENKEEL said:

Isn't Red Hook in Jersey

That's Sandy Hook, another place we went to to fish. There's also Red Bank New Jersey, not too far from Sandy Hook

Just now, fredwiggy said:

That's Sandy Hook, another place we went to to fish.

Jersey is full of hooks and necks. Really don't miss that place.

Just now, EVENKEEL said:

Jersey is full of hooks and necks. Really don't miss that place.

I do, and would move back there if my children didn't live in Texas, where the hunting and fishing is better. I will be able to visit yearly when I move back, as there's many places I miss there, along with the food. Lot of country in New Jersey if you get away from the east side.

5 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

I do, and would move back there if my children didn't live in Texas, where the hunting and fishing is better. I will be able to visit yearly when I move back, as there's many places I miss there, along with the food. Lot of country in New Jersey if you get away from the east side.

Yeah, how's the property taxes? I hear they're the worst.

1 hour ago, fredwiggy said:

Harrisfan as usual giving me the usual thumbs down , to a post that makes complete sense. 

I also received a thumbs down on a perfectly innocuous post earlier in this topic. I reported it, but honestly what can be done? I'm starting to wonder what value there is in the thumbs down unless it's to generate anger like Facebook admits to doing.

16 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I also received a thumbs down on a perfectly innocuous post earlier in this topic. I reported it, but honestly what can be done? I'm starting to wonder what value there is in the thumbs down unless it's to generate anger like Facebook admits to doing.

It should show who did it. They think  hurting your reputation by giving thumbs downs matters here. People, adults, aren't fooled and can see what kind of person you are over time. I'm here early much of the time, and I'll post something and get an immediate thumbs down, and then look at who's in the recent members list and who's online, just for the hell of it, and it's the same few, and then you'll get another 5 more on your other replies. If you disagree, say why, and make a discussion about it. Otherwise it's childish and very strange behavior. You gotta wonder just what types of weirdos join this forum. 

34 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Yeah, how's the property taxes? I hear they're the worst.

I'm sure they're higher now. I left Jersey in 1985 for Texas. I remember my brother telling me they were more than twice what I paid on my house in Texas yearly, and that was over 10 years ago. I do wish I would have stayed there longer and bought a house, as the prices skyrocketed since. The house my parents bought in 1965 for 35K my sister in law sold a few years back for over 400K. 

31 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I also received a thumbs down on a perfectly innocuous post earlier in this topic. I reported it, but honestly what can be done? I'm starting to wonder what value there is in the thumbs down unless it's to generate anger like Facebook admits to doing.

Not sure I would ever report a post unless it was extremely egregious and contained identifying information, let alone something as ridiculous as a thumbs down. 

what kind of person takes this <deleted> that seriously. 

The mods must just shake their heads when they see you coming

 

Just now, DezLez said:

Does that include Trump?

Some would be okay if he left.

With time, nature will solve your problem.

 

25 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Some would be okay if he left.

Only some!

Tell her, or him, to bugger off. 😉

2 hours ago, Magictoad said:

Where in Issan? It's a big place! Some parts are jollier than others. I travelled all over at different times. Whereabouts are you?

 

My avatar gives the game away....555

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

Alcohol and weed.

Or 24 hour of hot sex?

Walk everyday, do weights at home and keep the house clean, clean and repair my bikes...not enough hours in the day...no excuse for being bored 👍 

On 7/14/2025 at 1:43 AM, Knight Rider said:

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? Is Koh Samui a nice place to live? I have been to Koh Samui once ten years ago. I don't like Phuket. I like beaches. 

It really depends of your lifestyle and interests – said by a Samurian expat for 20 years that don't need alcohol to have great fun and don't visit bars; and never got bored on Samui. I'm 75 yo now.

 

My best advice: Get down to the island and try to stay here for a little longer period to test if it fits you. Eventual try stay in different areas of the island, as there can be quite huge difference between the Chaweng-party area, Lamai-tourist village, local communities and more rural places.

On 7/14/2025 at 6:43 AM, Knight Rider said:

Last year I sold my condo in Pattaya (Jomtien) and came back to the US. I have enough savings (around 500K USD) and I applied for SS to start from September. I will get around $3,000 per month. I am bored in the USA, though I live in a FL beach town. I like beaches. My US daughter lives in IL and she is a health care provider. I am buying a ticket in October to Thailand. I have lived on and off in Thailand for almost twenty years. Initially it was all fun. Alcohol. drugs, and ladies. Now at the age of 65, I lost interest so much so that I don't like drinking even. Only weed keeps me high which is not legal in FL. I feel married people are lucky. I have a daughter in Thailand who will go to the university next year and I am ready to take care of her expenses still she graduates. Her mom is OK and we are good friends and she has her own income but she plans to move to Issan next year when my daughter goes to the university. I simply cannot live in Issan. I am planning to relocate to Koh Samui that has better air quality than anywhere else in Thailand. I also need to buy a health insurance in Thailand. In the last twenty years I have visited more than fifty countries . So, there is no desire to travel anymore also except a trip to China in the next couple of years. 

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? Is Koh Samui a nice place to live? I have been to Koh Samui once ten years ago. I don't like Phuket. I like beaches. 

Life is boring every 2nd day

On 7/14/2025 at 6:43 AM, Knight Rider said:

Last year I sold my condo in Pattaya (Jomtien) and came back to the US. I have enough savings (around 500K USD) and I applied for SS to start from September. I will get around $3,000 per month. I am bored in the USA, though I live in a FL beach town. I like beaches. My US daughter lives in IL and she is a health care provider. I am buying a ticket in October to Thailand. I have lived on and off in Thailand for almost twenty years. Initially it was all fun. Alcohol. drugs, and ladies. Now at the age of 65, I lost interest so much so that I don't like drinking even. Only weed keeps me high which is not legal in FL. I feel married people are lucky. I have a daughter in Thailand who will go to the university next year and I am ready to take care of her expenses still she graduates. Her mom is OK and we are good friends and she has her own income but she plans to move to Issan next year when my daughter goes to the university. I simply cannot live in Issan. I am planning to relocate to Koh Samui that has better air quality than anywhere else in Thailand. I also need to buy a health insurance in Thailand. In the last twenty years I have visited more than fifty countries . So, there is no desire to travel anymore also except a trip to China in the next couple of years. 

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? Is Koh Samui a nice place to live? I have been to Koh Samui once ten years ago. I don't like Phuket. I like beaches. 

maybe try someplace less touristy? And while you are here, work on your Thai language ability - -  kids can keep you busy - -  and just be open to new things, people and places... good luck to you 

On 7/14/2025 at 8:01 AM, Quentin Zen said:

Daughter in America and Thailand and not married?

 

maybe put some money towards therapy.  

Holier than thou comment of the day

On 7/14/2025 at 6:43 AM, Knight Rider said:

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? 

Two ideas:

 

My first suggestion is to volunteer. Get up in the morning, go out, and help others.  It can be a rewarding and positive experience. Turn your boredom into something positive. Even if you end up being bored while you volunteer (unlikely!) at least it isn't just boredom for boredom's sake.  If you have any particular expertise is some area, you could offer that knowledge and experience to help others.  It can be incredibly fulfilling. 

 

Second.... Write.  Write what you know.  Write about your younger years. Write about your older years.  Write your story. For yourself. For your kids.

On 7/14/2025 at 7:11 AM, KhunLA said:

If you're bored in FL, making a 'lateral', beach area to beach area, to Samui, isn't going to make much difference.  If anything, you may be more bored, as Samui is really small.  Sort of isolated, along with TH being really small also.   

 

I'm a Yank, and been around the whole country more that a few times, and it's hard finding things that are interesting.  Only takes a year or 2, and you've seen the whole country, a few times.

 

Where you are, is simply a location, which won't kill your boredom.  You have to do that, with hobbies, exercise routine, socializing if into that.

 

Shopping for whole foods, home cooking, leaning to, is a good hobby.  Can take up some time, and healthy.  

 

Could always do some incognito volunteering (avoid work permit issues) at someplace that interests you.

Very cogent answer. Cooking and baking both take time and are rewarding. Growing weed has time consuming attributes. If you move back to LOS, live near other expats. You could meet similarly bored people for coffee. Living on an island is seldom varied and lonely by yourself. Good luck.

Take up a hobby 

Get a canoe / kayak & fishing rod

On 7/14/2025 at 6:43 AM, Knight Rider said:

Last year I sold my condo in Pattaya (Jomtien) and came back to the US. I have enough savings (around 500K USD) and I applied for SS to start from September. I will get around $3,000 per month. I am bored in the USA, though I live in a FL beach town. I like beaches. My US daughter lives in IL and she is a health care provider. I am buying a ticket in October to Thailand. I have lived on and off in Thailand for almost twenty years. Initially it was all fun. Alcohol. drugs, and ladies. Now at the age of 65, I lost interest so much so that I don't like drinking even. Only weed keeps me high which is not legal in FL. I feel married people are lucky. I have a daughter in Thailand who will go to the university next year and I am ready to take care of her expenses still she graduates. Her mom is OK and we are good friends and she has her own income but she plans to move to Issan next year when my daughter goes to the university. I simply cannot live in Issan. I am planning to relocate to Koh Samui that has better air quality than anywhere else in Thailand. I also need to buy a health insurance in Thailand. In the last twenty years I have visited more than fifty countries . So, there is no desire to travel anymore also except a trip to China in the next couple of years. 

Any suggestions to kill time (not going to bars everyday) to get rid of boredom? Is Koh Samui a nice place to live? I have been to Koh Samui once ten years ago. I don't like Phuket. I like beaches. 

Get a blank piece of paper and a pen.

Create a list of things that could motivate you or give you some enjoyment.  Keep going until you have ten things in the list.  I do appreciate that this may take some time.

I wonder if you should seek another relationship.  Too much time spent pondering your own woes is not healthy but more time focused on enjoying someone else's company and developing something meaningful is very healthy.

When you have the list, come back here with it if you still need some inspiration.
 

I'd just say that you don't need to stay on an island to enjoy beaches.

I have lived in:

Miami Beach, North Miami Beach ( motel row ), Hollywood FL, 'FLL',  Long Beach Ca ( also Toronto, Montreal, Hong Kong - traveled Europe including Iceland ) stayed in PATTAYA 2 years ( 8 years ago ) ALL back in "the day"

 

Now as a married Yank in my 80's  I am living the ""quiet"" life in Korat ( Isaan ) with my 54 year old Thai wife ( she has ever been out of Thailand ) in a nice house ( with fenced yard, veggie garden and 3 trees ) in a gated community.

 

We walk to weekend concerts every other weekend, walk to Temple activities ( non religious ) opposite weekends, a fishing lake 2 minutes away, movie theater trips to downtown Korat,  ( also have  4 major stores 15 minutes away on electric trike ) holiday trips anytime we feel like it - going to take a week on the beach in 3 weeks, visit our condo in BKK when shopping or going on a 'road trip', visit family in her home village - her relatives also visit us. 2 other mixed couples in 30 house complex, landlord and neighbors are friendly including the resident soi dog and 3 cats.

 

Retirement is WHAT YOU make of it - your LOCATION,  LIFESTYLE and it's important to keep on 'trucking'.

You have some good answers here to ponder over.

 

 I am in agreement with the ideas of finding other interests that could stimulate and even inspire you to do more, like one poster who is teaching voluntarily.

 

Having said that, you might first need to understand what’s going on in your head!

You are trying to find an external solution for an internal problem, search until you expire and you may never find it if the answer is with you and you need help to find it.
 

While in the East some of its philosophy might be of help. Try looking for a good online course that will help you understand yourself better. Meditation etc, you need not practice it fully but getting to grips with being contented with your life. Enjoying nature fully not just “ like being by the seaside “, understand what it is about it that you enjoy.  Even get some good counseling before your boredom becomes a depression!  It’s not a sign of weakness but getting to reflect more and learn about yourself. All the things you have been busy doing so far in your life hasn’t allowed you to understand and appreciate what you have.

 

Good luck in your decision making, but don’t ponder too much, just get on and do it.

 

10 hours ago, IsaanT said:

Get a blank piece of paper and a pen.

Create a list of things that could motivate you or give you some enjoyment.  Keep going until you have ten things in the list.  I do appreciate that this may take some time.

I wonder if you should seek another relationship.  Too much time spent pondering your own woes is not healthy but more time focused on enjoying someone else's company and developing something meaningful is very healthy.

When you have the list, come back here with it if you still need some inspiration.
 

Sounds like woowoo