2 hours ago, connda said:

I know wealthy guys who sit in their opulent big apartments and "get on their warrior keyboards and start with nasty, hostile comments because they feel" superior to the rest of us who are economizing in Thailand. 

 You're just a sad Cheap Charlie.  Not like wealthy SAFETY FIRST!  

 What you don't understand is that economizing and thrift builds wealth.  Unlike you trust-fund babies who believe yourselves to be god's gift to the world.  Some of the saddest sots I've met in my life have been some of the wealthiest.  Bored, unhappy, and drinking and drugging themselves into oblivion. 

What do you have against people who have worked hard and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

10 hours ago, ezzra said:

Yes Thailand is a cheap detonation if you know how to manage your expenses and still live comfortly (relatively speaking)

But it is becoming increasingly hard and difficult to obtain retirement permits, open bank accounts and getting driving permits

as I hear from my lawyer friend, Thailand simply don't care for retirees any longer, they don't want them.

 

What a load of nonsense!

 

I just renewed my driver's licenses. I arrived at the Transport Office at 2 PM with appointment and left two hours later with both licenses in hand, valid until 2031. The cost was negligible.

 

Every year I renew my visa without going through an agent and without any hassle. It usually takes two hours with waiting and five minutes the next day to pick them up.

 

I've had my Kasikorn account since 2009 without ever having the slightest problem. And when I request a specific service, like changing my phone number or getting an explanation for a charge, I'm always received kindly and efficiently at the local branch.

9 hours ago, Cameroni said:

Also large groups, big families. Not great. In CM there's usually single girl Nomads, single guy Nomads, older guys, okay and few families. But not seen any Indian groups or Russian groups.

 

I was in the new Kad Farang in Mae Rim last weekend and we're backing in to a parking place. Some frickin Indian guy came speeding in and tried to steal the spot from us. It's horrifying but I think Indians are coming to CM now and they're in more remote parts of the city now even. I saw some others too recently in places you would not expect. This is a dramatic increase as there were virtually zero until what feels like just a couple years.

1 minute ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

I was in the new Kad Farang in Mae Rim last weekend and we're backing in to a parking place. Some frickin Indian guy came speeding in and tried to steal the spot from us. It's horrifying but I think Indians are coming to CM now and they're in more remote parts of the city now even. I saw some others too recently in places you would not expect. This is a dramatic increase as there were virtually zero until what feels like just a couple years.

 

Well, there'll be a few Indians and Russians. But it's not a Russian family mecca like Pattaya or Bombay Central like some parts there.

13 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

What do you have against people who have worked hard and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

 

Rubbing it in people's faces that you're wealthier.

 

And also, no need to bash people who live simply. Sure, govts always want more money and would love everyone to live lavishly. But fortunately, they don't put a gun to anyone's head, so why should an expat go around belittling another expat for living more simply? Just mind your own business and leave people alone. 

 

5 hours ago, KannikaP said:

OK, my app is wrong.

You app may not be measuring street level pollution, as it is horrid.   Stand on any corner waiting for the light to change to cross the street, and the diesel exhaust is nauseating.   After a stroll around, and you smell like exhaust, with a rough throat & a cough.

 

Not much green on the Krung Thep map, and we're barely in the green @ 49 

On 10/28/2025 at 8:37 PM, Jingthing said:

Which explains why destinations in Vietnam are so high on their list.

In my view, because of the no visa situation there, Vietnam should not be on any retire abroad list.

But it's still good to see the appreciation of Jomtien.

 

 

Vietnam remains a wonderful place to visit IMHO.

 

 

 

20 hours ago, Sigmund said:

Any other place in Asia will be more welcoming then Thailand and all it's immigration hassles on visa issues and their absurd requisites to show this or that document during e-Visa submission that can take far to long depending on the foreign consulated submitted. 

 

 

Just splash out a few Baht for an agent an your grief will go away.

 

 

 

12 hours ago, simon43 said:

You're correct 🙂  I got tired of the cannabis smoke in my condo building and having to drop 800,000 baht into my bank account AND report to Thai immigration every 90 days.

 

I moved back to live in Luang Prabang (Laos). No 90 day reports, no 800k in the bank needed, safe and peaceful, let the police sleep...

 

It is  great that your move to a small backward provincial town (pop. 48,000) works for you. You have a relatively simple lifestyle and are content with a bed, a fan and basic facilities, so you can probably be happy anywhere that you are allowed in.  Many people do not see that as  a desirable lifestyle and want access to modern comforts such as a reliable electrical grid, AC, comprehensive healthcare,  quality retail and groceries etc. 

 

The visa you have is not easily available to many people who are now in Thailand.  https://lao-evisa.com/laos-long-term-visa/

Nor does Laos make it easy for some of the  "special" people who are in Thailand. For example, Laos does not have a "digital nomad" or the perpetual education including muay thai class of visas.

 

It is in a nation's best interest to seek out  immigrants and visa holders who will make a significant positive economic or cultural  impact. Foreigners who are live on the boundaries of financial stability are undesirable.   The reality is cold and harsh for everyone, including me. 

 

. 

59 minutes ago, In Full Agreement said:

 

 

Vietnam remains a wonderful place to visit IMHO.

 

 

 

Sure but the topic isn't about just visiting. 

10 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

What do you have against people who have worked hard and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

There is a subset of people who come from wealthy families who perhaps have been lazily brought up by the parents. I think for, example, of major actors offspring who seem to squander their opportunities. 

Anyone retiring on only US $800.00 F—— up.

9 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

Rubbing it in people's faces that you're wealthier.

 

And also, no need to bash people who live simply. Sure, govts always want more money and would love everyone to live lavishly. But fortunately, they don't put a gun to anyone's head, so why should an expat go around belittling another expat for living more simply? Just mind your own business and leave people alone. 

 

If you retire poor then surely you should have thick enough skin to not be bothered by words. Then we have the retirees who have loads of money but continue their minimalist lifestyle out of choice. 

 

Either way, we're all old enough not to be hurt by words on an anonymous forum. 

 

17 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

It is in a nation's best interest to seek out  immigrants and visa holders who will make a significant positive economic or cultural  impact. Foreigners who are live on the boundaries of financial stability are undesirable.   The reality is cold and harsh for everyone, including me. 

 

No, that's nonsense.

In low season, it's the retirees keeping the economy afloat in the tourist zones.

Makes no difference how much you spend. Anything is better than nothing. 

No one is going around checking if you order an expensive bottle of wine with every meal.

 

[quote]

It is in a nation's best interest to seek out  immigrants and visa holders who will make a significant positive economic or cultural  impact. Foreigners who are live on the boundaries of financial stability are undesirable.   The reality is cold and harsh for everyone, including me. 

[/quote]

 

<removed>

 

in general, your assessment of myself in your other post is correct.  I don't greatly contribute financially to the country's economy, but niehter do I create any problems.  Some local restaurants benefit daily from my custom, but yes, that's about it. But I'm not a drain on the country in any way, unlike in the UK with the millions of foreigners (I'm a great believer that social welfare should only be available to citizens of that country)..  But that's down to UK government policy - they could change that if they so wished.

An off topic section about the situation in the UK was removed from a post. 

3 hours ago, save the frogs said:

 

No, that's nonsense.

In low season, it's the retirees keeping the economy afloat in the tourist zones.

Makes no difference how much you spend. Anything is better than nothing. 

No one is going around checking if you order an expensive bottle of wine with every meal.

 

 

Your claim  relies on your own personal assumptions and imagined facts.  I did not claim  foreign retirees are poor or financially marginalized. Some are and some are not.

 

No, foreign retirees do not keep the economy afloat in the tourist zones. On the contrary, the day trippers, and short stay visitors from the region, particularly Malaysia, Indians, South Koreans and to a lesser extent Chinese are the reason  tourist zones survive during rainy season.

 

The data does not support your claim. Do you even know how many foreign retirees live in Thailand? Out of the millions of visas granted, less than 50,000 are actual retirement O visas according to government statements (The reported data is dated, and is less than the estimated 2025 number.)  In 2022, The Bangkok Post stated  A total of 35,846 foreigners have obtained retirement visas   https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2252339/grimaces-replace-smiles-for-retirees Prior to Covid, it was approx. 52,000 as per the Immigration data  release.

 

50,000 or even 100,000 retirement visas is not a financially significant number. Considering that the majority of these retirees are disbursed throughout the country, no one  tourist hub is going to have anywhere near the numbers of retirees as it will regional visitors.

 

And yes, it makes a difference how much one spends. Your argument is illogical. A person occupies space and  uses public services such as roadways, transit, and other infrastructure. A person generates waste. A person who pays little or no tax and who spends relatively little, is not actually  paying for the  general services consumed, and is instead piggybacking on the financial contributions of others. Their contribution to the total income is insignificant. An Indian tourist who comes for a week will generate more income on a daily basis for the economy than many retirees. There are also retirees who create jobs through their spending, and this is done when they have domestic staff and when they purchase quality goods and services. Others made significant contributions when they were working or operating a business and provided employment for Thai people. Hiring a Thai bargirl for sexual services is not the same thing.  No country wants  foreign residents who do not contribute significantly to the economy. They are a burden or a potential burden. That's the harsh reality.

10 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

It is  great that your move to a small backward provincial town (pop. 48,000) works for you. You have a relatively simple lifestyle and are content with a bed, a fan and basic facilities, so you can probably be happy anywhere that you are allowed in.  Many people do not see that as  a desirable lifestyle and want access to modern comforts such as a reliable electrical grid, AC, comprehensive healthcare,  quality retail and groceries etc. 

Solar panels are cheap, make your own reliable electricity like I have done.

Lazada and Shoppee will deliver anywhere along with most major stores.

15 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

And yes, it makes a difference how much one spends. Your argument is illogical. A person occupies space and  uses public services such as roadways, transit, and other infrastructure. A person generates waste. A person who pays little or no tax and who spends relatively little, is not actually  paying for the  general services consumed, and is instead piggybacking on the financial contributions of others.

An empty house or condo is a wasted source of foreign income for any country.

I pay 7% VAT on every item I purchase, and more on the foreign imports I buy.

Only 20% of the Thai population have ever paid income tax.

 

20 hours ago, connda said:

Cheaper to retire in Nowhereville, Lamphun Province.    

Nice!  Reminds me of expensive areas in California….Santa Ynez for example.

21 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Solar panels are cheap, make your own reliable electricity like I have done.

Lazada and Shoppee will deliver anywhere along with most major stores.

In Luang Prabang, the mains electricity is very stable, occasional 5 minute outages. My monthly electricity bill (1 air-con, instant shower water heater etc) is about 550 baht.

 

When I'm working in Myanmar, the mains electricity is rubbish!  I take a solar controller box and 12v DC/220v AC inverter with me and locally buy a car battery and solar panel.  It all works OK!  Fiber internet and mobile internet are fairly reliable for my on-line lessons.

 

I live a fairly simple life because that what suits me 🙂  Zero stress, zero worries about partners.  Why own 2 pairs of shoes when you only have 2 feet? 🙂

On 10/29/2025 at 2:28 AM, KhunLA said:

Jomtien .. No thanks, been there, and no reason to return.  Add the stories about the Imm office there, oh Hell NO.

 

The only reason one would want to retire there, is, well... Certainly not for beautiful beaches, scenery, clean water, or value for money. 

21 hours ago, connda said:

Cheaper to retire in Nowhereville, Lamphun Province.    

We got nice rolling hills (mountains in TH), < 10 kms from house, when tired of looking at the bays, 5 kms from house 😎

 

Need to stay healthy, as I don't even think there's a cardiologist in the amphur, as one pops down from Hua Hin a couple times a month  

 

Added plus ... no nightlife, and those it attracts 

 

Different strokes for different folks, but really, nothing about Patts or Jomtien is for us.  We'll take just enough of everything, over way too much.

17 hours ago, Toc-Toc said:

What a load of nonsense!

 

I just renewed my driver's licenses. I arrived at the Transport Office at 2 PM with appointment and left two hours later with both licenses in hand, valid until 2031. The cost was negligible.

 

Every year I renew my visa without going through an agent and without any hassle. It usually takes two hours with waiting and five minutes the next day to pick them up.

 

I've had my Kasikorn account since 2009 without ever having the slightest problem. And when I request a specific service, like changing my phone number or getting an explanation for a charge, I'm always received kindly and efficiently at the local branch.

Read my post again, I was referring to NEW applications in all those subjects, NOT a renewal Mr. smarty pants.

18 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

What do you have against people who have worked hard and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. 

Not a damn thing.  I worked hard all of my life and now I enjoy the fruits of my labor unlike the rich sots whose mummy and daddy gave them everything they have.  And I also still save about 1/2 of what I earn and reinvest.  And I economize.  What I'm tired of are the "holier-than-thou-I'm-richer-than-you" types who haunt this forum.  Really - screw them!

50 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

We got nice rolling hills (mountains in TH), < 10 kms from house, when tired of looking at the bays, 5 kms from house 😎

 

Need to stay healthy, as I don't even think there's a cardiologist in the amphur, as one pops down from Hua Hin a couple times a month  

 

Added plus ... no nightlife, and those it attracts 

 

Different strokes for different folks, but really, nothing about Patts or Jomtien is for us.  We'll take just enough of everything, over way too much.

Exactly!

21 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

The alternative?

Living in farang land on the same money  !

Someone finally got it. It's cheaper doing it here for most people.

There is far too much development now in Jomtien in terms of new Condos. For that reason alone I think it will become a less attractive place to live in the future. More congestion, more people and more anti-social behaviour and crime.

On 10/28/2025 at 8:37 PM, Jingthing said:

...

by long established popular youtuber Vagabond Awake.

This guy and his Malaysian model partner have been slow traveling most everywhere for many years now.

So they do have an informed opinion.

I do like that they (and others now) are making the important distinction between Pattaya and Jomtien.

I've never seen Naklua or the Dark Side mentioned on any similar global list.

That said, even though they target the retire abroad on a budget crowd, they have not actually done that. They're slow travelers.

So they don't put much value in long term visas for retirement.

Which explains why destinations in Vietnam are so high on their list.

In my view, because of the no visa situation there, Vietnam should not be on any retire abroad list.

But it's still good to see the appreciation of Jomtien.

 

 

 

Guess I missed his Tikky-Tokky dancing video?🙃🙃

9 hours ago, kinyara said:

There is far too much development now in Jomtien in terms of new Condos. For that reason alone I think it will become a less attractive place to live in the future. More congestion, more people and more anti-social behaviour and crime.

Many people need that. That's why they move there.