Anybody planning to go back to the US?

[Srikcir]

On 7/24/2025 at 4:16 AM, Knight Rider said:

Walmart and hospitals are within 30 minutes drive. 

In rural America now it is likely Walmart will be or has closed due to Trump tariffs and under the BBB Congressional law rural hospitals formerly supported largely by the US government can no longer survive solely from state funding.

[1tent42]

I've been all over the world.  Lived in Europe, Middle East and Asia.  Living in Thailand now for the last two years.  Nowhere feels like home like the US for me.  Moving to Hawaii as soon as my wife gets her immigrant visa.

[angryguy]

3 hours ago, teacherkentravels said:

Yes! I’m Medically Forced to Return to the USA.

After spending 12 years in Thailand (from age 30 to 42), I feel it’s time to share some hard truths. This isn't about criticizing—it's about informing others of the realities, especially as we get older and think about our long-term health and well-being.

The Trade-Offs of Living in Thailand

Thailand, with its natural beauty and culture, can often overshadow serious challenges. Many of us came here for the affordable lifestyle, but we overlooked one key truth: you get what you pay for.

 

I came to Thailand as an NCAA athlete and Olympic hopeful, but the air quality in Bangkok and Southeast Asia has severely impacted my health. The high concentrations of PM2.5—fine particulate pollution—sent me to the hospital with near-fatal heart and respiratory issues. This isn't just an isolated case; many expats and locals face similar health risks, particularly during the dry and burning seasons.

The Cost of Affordable Living

Thailand’s lower cost of living often reflects its environmental and infrastructural challenges. The government, though making some improvements, remains hard to hold accountable, and the air and water quality can be hazardous. Additionally, the roads here are among the deadliest in the world.

While there’s so much to love about Thailand—its food, culture, and people—if you're planning to spend your later years here, you must seriously consider whether the low cost of living is worth the health risks: pollution, under-educated doctors on environmental health, a lack of safety, and an overall disregard for public well-being.

The Disconnect Between Us and Locals

I get that many of us feel a sense of freedom here, free from the complexities of life in the U.S. But if you’ve been here long enough, you realize there’s a disconnect between how we experience Thailand and how locals do. Many Thai people are actively looking for ways to leave, dissatisfied with their own living conditions. Our experience is not universal.

The Reality of Southeast Asia's Pollution

Southeast Asia, including Thailand, has some of the worst air pollution in the world. About 90% of global air pollution deaths are linked to Asia, with one-third of those coming from Southeast Asia.

For those of us in our 50s or older, the long-term effects of constant exposure to this toxic air can be life-threatening. I’m living proof of that.

The truth is, during certain seasons, the PM2.5 levels here can be equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes every day. I had a family member who smoked cigars his whole life and lived into his 90s, but not everyone has that kind of genetic luck. As we age, some of us simply can't afford the risk.

The U.S. Has Its Challenges, But...

Yes, life in the U.S. has its own issues—high living costs, political frustrations, etc.

 

But there are some undeniable benefits: cleaner air, reliable (albeit expensive) healthcare, and a government that takes air pollution seriously. In the U.S., doctors are knowledgeable about how to test for and treat the health effects of pollution. Here in Thailand, many doctors are ignorant about these issues, and if you bring them up, they’ll often think you’re crazy.

Living in a country where air quality is ignored, and big government forces you to breathe toxic air and drink water from microplastic-leaching bottles? That's your choice—but it’s not mine.

Prioritizing Our Health and Peace of Mind

As seniors, we deserve to spend our later years in an environment that supports both our health and peace of mind. I don’t want to spend my days wearing a mask to breathe or worrying about my heart condition getting worse because of pollution.

If the U.S. didn’t meet your expectations, you can stay here, but remember—Thailand’s crematoriums are ready for you when the pollution takes its toll.

Think About Your Future

While you stubbornly stay here, think about what happens if your health deteriorates. Who will take care of you when you’re ill? Who will pay the hospital bills for preventable conditions caused by living in a toxic environment?

I’m not telling anyone what to do, but just sharing my experience as food for thought.

The Reality of Living Near Toxic Sites

For those living in or near Pattaya, you’re literally in the "Ohio" of Thailand, surrounded by toxic chemical factories.

 

Every year, SCG (a major company) has an explosion at one of its factories, releasing toxins into the air that you eventually breathe and consume.

 

And don’t forget, Thailand is an open trash-burning country. In every Southeast Asian country, plastics and electronics are openly burned, releasing toxins that end up in the food we consume—meat, dairy, eggs, and more.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Cheap Living

Yes, Thailand can be beautiful, but the health costs—physical, emotional, and financial—can be significant. It’s a personal decision, but I’ve chosen to prioritize my health and future, even if it means a higher cost of living.

 

As we age, we must consider how we’re spending our time and what we’re investing in. Our health should be our top priority, and there’s so much to enjoy in the U.S. that’s free—hiking, surfing, Frisbee golf, etc. When I lived in San Diego, I did all of that. But in Thailand, those activities cost money. The country is designed like an amusement park. Everywhere peaceful costs money; everywhere else is the mall, a dangerous road, or private property.

 

Thailand may offer cheap living, but at what cost?

 

I think it’s worth considering, especially for those of us in our senior years.

It’s a personal choice, but I’ve made mine - to survive and try to figure out how to thrive in the USA from Americans who are currently successful. It's all about mindset 😉

 

If a Muslim can immigrate to the USA and then get elected as Mayor of New York City, then any of us can at least figure out a way to live a relaxing life stateside too. 

 

Being a privileged brat will only keep you in Thailand. You gotta be tough, have hope, and think productively. 

 

Below is an air pollution graph of air quality in Bangkok at Bangkok university. You can see that there's only been a few weeks of Clean Air within the past 5 years.

 

Source: https://aqicn.org/city/thailand/pathum-thani/bangkok-university-rangsit-campus/

Very true. My biggest thing are the roads here first and foremost, its looney tunes. The air is secondary for me but its a pretty big secondary. Humans need clean water and air. Yeah the healthcare is cheap, so what. Better to not need hospitals to begin with

[Tom Parkinson]

I’m sorry. If you’re reduced to selling Walmart half an hour away as an enticement, I’m absolutely not interested. 

[Srikcir]

On 7/24/2025 at 5:58 AM, Celsius said:

Will they accept a Canadian 

Yes - For detention, then deportation if say unkind things about Trump in social media.

[Yellowtail]

1 hour ago, DezLez said:

What a sad response!

Have you never studied history and read what a country does to citizens of another country living inside it's country when attacked by that other country?

It is done to prevent what is called stopping imbedded spies and/or 5th columnists infiltrating the country.

So did JFK, LBJ or RMN lock up Vietnamese American, Russian Americab or Chinese Americans during the Vietnam war? 

 

[KhunLA]

25 minutes ago, angryguy said:

Very true. My biggest thing are the roads here first and foremost, its looney tunes. The air is secondary for me but its a pretty big secondary. Humans need clean water and air. Yeah the healthcare is cheap, so what. Better to not need hospitals to begin with

Air pollution is a problem, and why we live below Hua Hin.   Above HH, and the air is not good enough for me / us.

 

Roads are only dangerous to people that don't know how to drive.  I've had 1 oops here, in 25 yrs, and it was my fault.  Same 25 yrs in the USA, and I've been hit by others, about 5 times.   I feel much safer driving here, especially on a motorcycle.   MC get no respect in the USA.

 

Clean water, not a problem at all.  You can filter your water, city or rain.  I filtered my water in the USA, so no different than here.   We drink RO bottled water here, excellent, and better than any municipal water in the USA.   Everything else, is rain water, 8 or 9 months of the year, and the municipal water here is clean, though should filter if drinking.

 

Hospitals, so far, excellent, accessible and inexpensive compared to USA, even if having insurance there.  Unless hi-tech or long term expensive care, I'll take Thai healthcare over USA.

 

I can afford to live almost anywhere, I'm staying here / TH.

[Yellowtail]

48 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

You do know here is a monumental difference between peace time laws and laws at the time of war....what am I saying....obviously not.

You do know here is a monumental difference between citizens and illegal aliens? ........what am I saying....obviously not.

[angryguy]

22 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Roads are only dangerous to people that don't know how to drive

Thai people dont know how to drive is what im trying to say

[J Branche]

You mentioned Live, Not Survive.

 

Thailand offers a variety of freedoms and activities people enjoy.  The prices are mostly still affordable, the quality good, and experiences fun.  

 

If you need a change there are many countries under 4 hour flight away that are affordable.

 

50 years in America, Not in any hurry to return when my quality of life has improved 30% to 40% by living in Thailand.

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, angryguy said:

Thai people dont know how to drive is what im trying to say

Neither do a whole bunch of Yanks also, in USA.  Difference I see, Thais have a tendency to commit suicide by their lack of safe driving skills.  MB vs car / truck and not wearing a helmet ... you lose that one.   Pick up loaded up with people in the back, and losing control ... oops, spilled another load.

 

They're usually only a danger to themselves, unlike Yanks, that seem to like taking out people with them.

[DezLez]

28 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

So did JFK, LBJ or RMN lock up Vietnamese American, Russian Americab or Chinese Americans during the Vietnam war? 

 

 Who cares as the US started that pointless war and it was/is unlike the wars/situations/countries I have discussed!!

[Yellowtail]

2 minutes ago, DezLez said:

 Who cares as the US started that pointless war and it was/is unlike the wars/situations/countries I have discussed!!

The US started the Vietnam war? You know even less about that than you do the Constitution.

[wwest5829]

On 7/24/2025 at 4:16 AM, Knight Rider said:

A few mid-western states are giving free lands in rural towns to build homes and stay in the US. Anybody planning to go back to the US with their social security? Property taxes are "alleged" to be in "hundreds" only.  And in rural Kansas one can build a house for $125K. Walmart and hospitals are within 30 minutes drive. 

Ha! I am here as a retired American due to not being able, as a working middle class member, on my $2400.00 sustainable monthly budget. I will not be returning to the USA, subjecting myself to having a search of my iPhone/computer for anti trump statements. I am royally PO’d at the current policies/actions of the current trump administration.

[Yellowtail]

6 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

Ha! I am here as a retired American due to not being able, as a working middle class member, on my $2400.00 sustainable monthly budget. I will not be returning to the USA, subjecting myself to having a search of my iPhone/computer for anti trump statements. I am royally PO’d at the current policies/actions of the current trump administration.

That's hilarious 

[wwest5829]

On 7/24/2025 at 8:16 AM, EVENKEEL said:

So much drama in your response. First of all, no one will offer you free car, house and money. You are not required to eat out in restaurants. 

 

What I do dislike about paying for take out using a credit card, you are asked about tipping in the transaction. So, I pay cash for meals.

 

I imagine you don't really have enough cash to return. This happens to those who sold out RE before leaving the US. There are many like you on this forum who bad mouth the US out of jealousy.

Ha! I sold out and went to cash. I am free to live where I can live on my $2400.00. As that excludes my own homeland, I am “outsourced” in retirement. Jealousy? Not this camper, especially under the current administration.

[DezLez]

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

The US started the Vietnam war? You know even less about that than you do the Constitution.

US troops invaded Vietnam!

Vietnam troops did not invade the USA!

[Yellowtail]

10 minutes ago, DezLez said:

US troops invaded Vietnam!

Vietnam troops did not invade the USA!

The US was allied with the Vietnamese Scottie

[ThreeCardMonte]

13 minutes ago, DezLez said:

US troops invaded Vietnam!

Vietnam troops did not invade the USA!

Are you a member of the communist party?

[Nid_Noi]

On 7/23/2025 at 10:32 PM, NorthernRyland said:

I'm in Colorado now until the end of August. Once you get a few miles east of the mountains it's flat, dry, desolate plains for hundreds of miles and all the way into Kansas and beyond. This is extremely undesirable land if you ask me but people still keep build in Colorado since there's work to be had. 

 

To be fair though most of Thailand is boring, flat desolate rice fields so maybe Kansas isn't that bad. You'd be really isolated though and reliant on cooking food bought on your weekly trip to the nearest city.  Freezing cold in the winters too and strong winds that can blow you over on foot.

Don’t forget that Kansas is in the middle of Tornado Alley. Either you build super strong or …super cheap. Apart from that people are quite nice in the mid-west and you are centrally located… and gas is cheap (24 baths/liter for regular).

[radiochaser]

On 7/24/2025 at 3:30 PM, FolkGuitar said:

 

Absolutely correct. No dual pricing because you're white.

But try being a Black man (or Latino or Asian), trying to buy a house in a rural white neighborhood in Alabama or Louisiana.  

Will they even let you into their neighborhoods? Or will they call ICE first?

 

Go into an all black neighborhood in Baton Rouge, LA at night as a white person.   

Let us know if you make it out unharmed!

[DezLez]

28 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Are you a member of the communist party?

What a stupid and irrelevant comment which has nothing to do with my responses to this topic!

[DezLez]

29 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Are you a member of the communist party?

Are you sane?

[ThreeCardMonte]

7 minutes ago, DezLez said:

What a stupid and irrelevant comment which has nothing to do with my responses to this topic!

I don’t think so

[ThreeCardMonte]

7 minutes ago, DezLez said:

Are you sane?

I am.  It’s you that worries us.

[khunJam]

58 minutes ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Are you a member of the communist party?

 

29 minutes ago, DezLez said:

What a stupid and irrelevant comment which has nothing to do with my responses to this topic!

Hey answer the question. Are or are you not a member of the communist party.

[Hawaiian]

7 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

Do you have any black friends? 

Yes.

[DrunkenIrishPoet]

I've visited close to 80 countries and some for stretches long enough to fairly call it "living there". I love Thailand but I would never want to live there. As for the US, millions of people are risking their lives to sneak in every year, so there must be some appeal. I am very concerned about the direction the US is taking under Trump. He appears intent on creating some sort of police state and taking away freedoms, but I don't think he will be successful although it's very concerning. As far as the UK, which I have visited probably 35 times over the last 50 years, NFW. Between Thailand, US and the UK, the UK would be dead last. In fact, in regard to all of Europe, I would judge it in the lower 25% of desirability as a place to live. Within the UK, if I had to choose,  I would prefer Scotland, then Wales, then Northern Ireland and England last. The UK lost the plot some time ago and I presume that is why so many expats on this Board are British, because they don't want to live there. 

 

That being said, the UK does have some wonderful things about it like its pub culture, its marvelous history and the beauty of its countryside, especially on a sunny spring day. In fact, all countries have good and bad aspects.  Just my two satangs. 

[Mike_Hunt]

9 hours ago, Wingate said:

So if I ever move back to what was the US (I suspect a number of States will secede before 2028), how can I pretend to be a MAGA?

 

I figure drop 50-75 IQ points, add 30-50 kg in adipose tissue, toss out my entire wardrobe and replace it with what I can get at Mike's Shopping Mall in Pattaya.....anything else?

 

When I see MAGAs in Thailand, the look is always obese, dumb and dressed like a 5 year old Isaan schoolkid. They also seem to like flame tatts on their flabby arms, but I doubt any women are impressed. Most are drunk by noon, too.

 

I guess in MAGAstan all that is called "livin' the dream".

I feel sorry for you.

[Mike_Hunt]

4 hours ago, DezLez said:

US troops invaded Vietnam!

Vietnam troops did not invade the USA!

Go read a history book.