8 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

Wherever, modern China goes it leaves behind a trail of catastrophic environmental destruction, and has  little regard for the rights or needs of the individual. It is a nation that is corrupt to the core and where position and rank carries  undue influence. 

That's true, by and large, with most developed nations

On 7/16/2025 at 6:51 AM, KhaoHom said:

1 Debanking sure

2 Medical price increases

3 Major visa ext changes

4 Jingoism, Anti American sentiment in general population

5 Thb stronger, longer with seemingly no rebound

6 Price increases to point Thailand loses its value. Already threatening**

7 Payment of any serious amount of taxes - with nothing in return

 

#1 Stands alone. If debanked I'm gone. Rest could be a mix of the above

 

yeah if US bankers decided to stop doing extra work for expats and refuse to extend account for overseas then I would probably depart unless the US govt would send my pension straight overseas then maybe I would still stay here...would have to determine the service and value thereof.  Right now I have no worries about taxation of foreign funds (pension only) even if worldwide taxation of income since I would still be protect from taxes IAW DTA and LTR.  But who knows what the govt may eventually decide to do on that front.  I did read this morning that the government seems to be waking up to the Chinese zero-dollar businesses yet they seem to concentrate on appeasing that govt even though it seems that it will cost them on re-selling Chinese merchandise as Thai-made.

4 hours ago, Stocky said:

That's true, by and large, with most developed nations

Have to agree - a lot of it is coming out in the wash of the tariffs for all to see.

On 7/16/2025 at 7:29 AM, SoCal1990 said:

I've heard plenty of retirees in Thailand who say they’re here until the end. That Thailand is where they plan to spend the rest of their life, no intention of ever moving back home, or anywhere else, no desire to ever leave, etc.

 

But I’ve always wondered, what would actually be a game changer that makes someone up and leave after so many years of living in Thailand? In fact, I ask myself the same question all the time, but never really come up with a good answer. I believe there is an answer though. Everyone has a breaking point on everything. 

 

Would it take a major political shift? New visa rules and costs that make long stays much more challenging? Health issues that push you back towards Western healthcare? A major natural disaster? A large increase in crime? Maybe a pronounced rise in population of an undesirable immigrant group, or maybe some big environmental issue like constant flooding, excessive pollution, or earthquakes? What about if they abolished all nightlife and alcohol sales in Thailand? What if the happy ending massage was no more? Or would it be something more personal, like problems in a relationship or the simple and difficult reality of aging?

 

I suspect some people will feel there’s no scenario where they’d ever leave, no matter how bad things might ever get.
 

Curious though what others think would be the final straw that sends one packing after deciding to remain in Thailand for the duration.

If I was ever forced to reply to your daily questions! 

On 7/16/2025 at 8:22 AM, Gandtee said:

My death.

If you died your body may remain in country.

Demise of the Democratic party.

Having lived here for over 25 years, I am also toying with the thought, e.g. I have to pay tax or it will be made difficult to keep retirement visa.
The only question I am then told by my girlfriend is ‘what about me’ as she is not going with me.

Someone give me a million bucks and a nice house in tropical Queensland. I pay own airfares for wifey and me.

 

On 7/16/2025 at 1:14 PM, FlorC said:

What do you want in return for taxes ?

Citizenship ? Voting ? No big deal.

Single pricing for starters. 

On 7/16/2025 at 6:29 AM, SoCal1990 said:

I've heard plenty of retirees in Thailand who say they’re here until the end. That Thailand is where they plan to spend the rest of their life, no intention of ever moving back home, or anywhere else, no desire to ever leave, etc.

 

But I’ve always wondered, what would actually be a game changer that makes someone up and leave after so many years of living in Thailand? In fact, I ask myself the same question all the time, but never really come up with a good answer. I believe there is an answer though. Everyone has a breaking point on everything. 

 

Would it take a major political shift? New visa rules and costs that make long stays much more challenging? Health issues that push you back towards Western healthcare? A major natural disaster? A large increase in crime? Maybe a pronounced rise in population of an undesirable immigrant group, or maybe some big environmental issue like constant flooding, excessive pollution, or earthquakes? What about if they abolished all nightlife and alcohol sales in Thailand? What if the happy ending massage was no more? Or would it be something more personal, like problems in a relationship or the simple and difficult reality of aging?

 

I suspect some people will feel there’s no scenario where they’d ever leave, no matter how bad things might ever get.
 

Curious though what others think would be the final straw that sends one packing after deciding to remain in Thailand for the duration.

Visa not extended

Medical care beyond what coverage

Someone give me a million US to leave

 

 

I would love to know what percentage of expats living in Thailand have no plan B.

 

57 minutes ago, jingjai9 said:

I would love to know what percentage of expats living in Thailand have no plan B.

If I thought I needed a plan B, I wouldn't be here now.

 

I'd be in the 'Don't have' column of that survey.

4 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

If you died your body may remain in country.

 

When you are dead you are no longer attached to your body, so if you are also incinerated what difference does it make if your ashes are scattered to the wind or in the sea?

The fact that you give so much importance to your body after your death is ridiculous. Who do you want to remember you after 100 years you have gone into eternity forever.

12 hours ago, Stocky said:

That's true, by and large, with most developed nations

No.  Norway, Sweden, Canada, Australia and many others are all advanced and economically developed nations. There is a rule of law, and a national culture of fairness. Yes, there are pollution issues in each of the countries, but they  have environmental protection laws and and enforce those laws. These states do not harvest the orans of marginalized  humans so that the wealthy and powerful can have them. There is no state sanctioned system of slave labour , nor do these nations use their military to invade and enslave or to take the land of others.

3 hours ago, BE88 said:

 

When you are dead you are no longer attached to your body, so if you are also incinerated what difference does it make if your ashes are scattered to the wind or in the sea?

The fact that you give so much importance to your body after your death is ridiculous. Who do you want to remember you after 100 years you have gone into eternity forever.

 

Some people have families. Others have an attachment to their native  lands. Others have family plots. Going home provides comfort to many because they hold happy memories of their childhood and might wish to be buried in proximity to their families. 

Too many Indians.

On 7/16/2025 at 6:29 AM, SoCal1990 said:

But I’ve always wondered, what would actually be a game changer that makes someone up and leave after so many years of living in Thailand?

 

If you stop posting here, I'll leave Thailand immediately and never look back. 

On 7/16/2025 at 8:34 PM, KhaoHom said:

 

So you couldn't adjust and you married an equally problematic woman. Perfect

 

Got it

So a woman with a brain is 'problematic'?

3 hours ago, GinBoy2 said:

So a woman with a brain is 'problematic'?

 

Generally speaking, not always - yes.

2 hours ago, KhaoHom said:

 

Generally speaking, not always - yes.

I think I'll stick with my brainiac and you play with the infantial bar girls, I think I know who wins in the end

Death, but not just death...

 

Must be cremation, with my body and soul converted into CO2 plus H2O.....

 

Wafting up and being blown out to sea, over the Andaman sea, preferably....

 

 

I am mostly made of methane gas, as you know.....

 

 

 

 

Not getting a driver's license renewal .

On 7/16/2025 at 10:32 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

 

First and foremost this is my list. You can make your own

 

Banking: Anything possible. They could do limits or documentation or whatever. Think you've made the mistake of believing that they actually want us here. You have more money than sense if you are living on ATM pulls at 250b a crack.

 

Many of us don't fly home for anything short timer. This is home. Moreover, if you've just had a stroke or severe heart attack possibly needing a transplant you're not hopping on a plane the next day and flying to wherever. Finally, you're not an American but American seniors have no direct access to the healthcare system as it's effectively linked to residency.

 

Almost nothing regarding visas is grandfathered. Really, nothing.

 

Jingoism. I specifically singled out into American sentiment ... Given the tens of millions of tourists that pass through here annually they could just get sick of all of us in total. It's already a bit sour in BKK.

 

THB strength. Is pure speculation on your part. We've seen the THB hit 30. There is no telling what the government might do to resolve the tariff issue internally. One thing for certain is those heady days of 97-05 weakness are long past. Only a few blips on the chart the THB peeking above 35.

 

Rents are reasonable for a reason. That cheap condo is not 120sqm but only 45. That house 50% of price at home is located in the sticks, poorly built and prone to all sorts of problems from theft to fire. Things are cheaper but they are cheap and break quickly. Food is the only thing that will remain low. Note: restaurants catering to the farang palette are just as expensive as the West from what I can see in Bangkok. * I never eat in these places.

 

I think the right to own a small plot of land and multi year residence visa at the very least. PR. Certainly not voting rights - that will never happen and I do not care as the country is a basket case

Icould like to tell you about 2 restaurants that serve American food and are very reasonable.  The Salad factory has a nice selection of American food, steaks, lamb, chicken, fish, many different salads, etc.  The Sizzler has great meat dishes with bake potatoes or rice and an open salad bar, and finally for really cheap under 6.00 dollars you can pig out on huge portions of food at Eat and I restaurants.  And there are. Many burger, ribs, and steak places throughout Bangkok.  Good Eating.  

On 7/16/2025 at 10:40 AM, KhaoHom said:

 

Both government and the general vibe. It's fine now. Not trying to create a controversy when none exists. Nevertheless, I sense exhaustion. Would be one thing if the average tie was benefiting from the tourism and the mayhem but they are not... they do have to deal with the fallout.

 

I can tell you that large and even massive suitcases on the MRT at peak hours is unnerving even for me. The backpacks that are not taken off and left on the tourists backs.  This is all while the ties are basically grinding it out to and from work. When you look at their faces they are very unhappy

 

My wife is also content in Bangkok. She's got a fun job that she enjoys and is making a bit of money. She would love to move to the United States but understands what that will cost and is perfectly fine being here.

 

I'd love to see another thread open on what might be a good country or good countries to retire in with a Thai wife

 

I really don't want to go back to the United states. California is out of control and that pretty much only leaves me Florida.

 

I think we both enjoy Italy but expected to be almost expensive as the United States and full of its own problems.

Many people like Spain & Portugal, but unless you live in the big cities you will need to learn Spanish.  There’s Australia, New Zealand but they are not cheap.  I have heard parts of Italy are nice.  I have been in Thailand for 13 years also from California where I would never be able to afford and the wife wouldn’t feel safe. I’m always looking for a back door too.  Patrick 

50 minutes ago, pchansmorn said:

Many people like Spain & Portugal, but unless you live in the big cities you will need to learn Spanish.  There’s Australia, New Zealand but they are not cheap.  I have heard parts of Italy are nice.  I have been in Thailand for 13 years also from California where I would never be able to afford and the wife wouldn’t feel safe. I’m always looking for a back door too.  Patrick 

Spain is wonderful. I'm from the CA central valley, child of farm workers, so No Shi***t Sherlock I speak Spanish. 

 

Of course I don't have their snooty lisp, so I sound like a hick.

 

Portugal; folks seem to think Spanish, Portuguese, Italian speakers we can all understand each other

 

I understand Portuguese like English speakers understand German. I'll get certain words but thats about it

 

Both countries are great, but don't expect cheap. 

 

In the English speaking ecosphere both countries are dominated by the Brits, so hope you love fish n chips and bangers and mash 

 

Moving to the US, California is all over the map. The coastal cities are insanely expensive.

 

I lived in the Bay Area and San Diego for years and I loved it, today no way.

 

My youngest daughter still lives in San Diego and I don't know how they do it.

 

My wife loves San Diego when we visit, but hates the traffic and the hoards of people

 

But inland and up North its like a different world, the crowds and the traffic are gone, and the prices are back to real world

Try medical issues that are not covered by insurance.

 

Getting bum violated by a gang of monkey security guards.

 

One hand stroking.

 

Catching fleas.

I would leave Thailand if we will have to pay tax on our global income.

The day the new tax system for foreign pensioners actually comes into force, I will be gone immediately. Byebye...My Plan B from the start...Vietnam is a beautiful country🤗

On 7/18/2025 at 6:14 PM, BE88 said:

 

When you are dead you are no longer attached to your body, so if you are also incinerated what difference does it make if your ashes are scattered to the wind or in the sea?

The fact that you give so much importance to your body after your death is ridiculous. Who do you want to remember you after 100 years you have gone into eternity forever.

First of all how do you know it is ridiculous and secondly how do you know you have gone for eternity?

On 7/20/2025 at 10:03 AM, Photoguy21 said:

First of all how do you know it is ridiculous and secondly how do you know you have gone for eternity?

 

Because nobody is back to say the opposite