I've had to do a few 90 day reports in person at the dreaded chaeng wattana. Even though elite visa folks will do it for me, they are in sathorn ...and then it's 2 trips.

 

No frozen bank issues, so far!

 

 

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

But 500b drinks are now the norm. 

 

WHAT??

 

What the hell are you drinking?

 

 

 

Maybe 450 to 500.

The menu says 380 for a basic cocktail (a very reasonable price) then add 17% tax.

Not just sky bars, normal ground level ones too!

Wine is similar price to cocktails.

Beer is so overpriced that you may as well get a nice cocktail instead !!

 

 

2 minutes ago, noobexpat said:

 

Maybe 450 to 500.

The menu says 380 for a basic cocktail (a very reasonable price) then add 17% tax.

Not just sky bars, normal ground level ones too!

Wine is similar price to cocktails.

Beer is so overpriced that you may as well get a nice cocktail instead !!

 

 

 

Best to drink early doors....rarely pay over 90 baht.

 

Or move to the sticks. Large Chang, delivered to your door, with ice ........70 baht....

 

 

14 minutes ago, noobexpat said:

Nightlife is awesome here. But 500b drinks are now the norm. 

356 baht for a san mig light in tic tac toe in emsphere!

165 baht for coffee in ekkamai.

Getting a bit spendy here, lucky I don't have affordability issues.

Investments up 16% year to date, GBP/THB not so great. Haven't transferred any funds over since it hit 46 to £.

 

I rather drink overpriced drinks at decent places than with people who constantly drinking to much because it is cheap. 

9 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Bangkok is like New York and Tokyo - they are all far better places to live and work, than they are to visit.  Enjoy it while it lasts mate - and given that you sound young, try working in other big cities too. But for pity's sake - do not try to retire there - unless you have a very large retirement fund built up.  Good luck to you. 

 

50 now, so not particularly young.

Thinking of retiring soon and I would stay in BKK.

I arrived from UK with a big savings pot and it's grown 50% in the 3 years I've been here, which would have been unthinkable.

I de-risked my cash/equity proportion and now confident I have more than enough to last forever.

 

Not a big spender anyway, to be honest.

Thanks for the well-wishers. Same back to you 👍

7 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Best to drink early doors....rarely pay over 90 baht.

 

Or move to the sticks. Large Chang, delivered to your door, with ice ........70 baht....

 

 

 

There's a few video game bars in ekkamai and phrom phong, where you can drink unlimited cocktails for 300b an hour, I think. That is super-cheap around here!

 

1 minute ago, noobexpat said:

 

There's a few video game bars in ekkamai and phrom phong, where you can drink unlimited cocktails for 300b an hour, I think. That is super-cheap around here!

 

 

 

Not bad at all.....might try that!!

 

Long Island Iced Teas here I come.

 

There used to be an 80baht bar on...???? soi 22...???......ALL drinks 80 baht till 7pm.....can't imagine it's still going though.

8 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Eric - you need to take a good look in the mirror and give yourself a good talking to - STFU about things you know very little about.  I first came to Thailand in 2010 and moved/retired here in 2012 - went home during Covid - came back again in 2022.  For the last 3 years it is clear Covid caused things to change - and on top of that the Government disasters (one after another) made things worse.  In deference to Anutin I must say he has been very steady for the last month or so.

 

Tourism in all other local countries (especially Japan) has increased post-Covid to levels above that of pre-Covid - not so for Thailand. Thailand had an initial surge and then has remained 'stagnant' - they predicted 40 million for 2025 - maybe they will get 30 million. They have given open door Visas and that has attracted all the cheapies (and war escapees) - that itself has also made things worse.  Worse meaning worse than what it was like in 208-2019 when Thailand was great. 

 

Your comment - "they want good exchange rates for tourism but low for exports" shows you know SFA about the issue.  A high baht is bad for tourism and exports - you need to look that up mate.  Japan is booming for tourism because the Yen is at historic low.  When I first came here the $AUD was 32 Baht - now it is about 22 Baht - Japan is cheaper to visit from Aus.  Since the Phue Thai came to power the Baht went from 25 (still high) down to 21 in a few months because they want the Baht at 30 for $USD. The naive daughter PM apologised for the sudden high baht increase, saying 'sorry we over-reacted'. They are keeping the baht high - good for the wealthy elite and for gold sales. Lots of complaints about it - nothing being done about it - the new Head of BOT promised to lower the Baht - but nothing has changed. 

 

You obviously knew SFA about the problems Expats sometimes have with the 90 days reporting and you should always remember that after the talking you give yourself - STFU about things you know very little about. Your comments made it very clear (to someone that has lived here for over 10 years) that you do not live here - and in fact that you are just a regular visitor.  Here's some advice - Things change big time when you move somewhere to live - the rose coloured glasses you wore when visiting, quickly fall off.  Far too many ignorant old blokes come here to retire, but fail to realise they are not on a holiday anymore, and they get themselves into serious trouble financially - and/or get taken for a ride by a Thai girl and are 'stripped mined' and then dumped.  Please let me give you some more advice from a grumpy old man  - it is only when you are retired and no longer have a regular/possible source of additional income, that you learn how much things actually cost, and that spending money is always easy, but getting more money is not always possible.

 

This isn't a pissing competition!!! 

 

Take a look in the mirror and give myself a good talking to... dude that is the funniest thing I've ever heard and dont even know what it means.

allot of incorrect assumptions about me, but yeah you know everything about me and Thailand.   

How many Amulets do you have? 

 

As for Anutin we will see,  I liked the directions he was taking last time, I  think he has good intentions.   

 

Tourist numbers in the 90's was around 3 million tourist a year and the last 30 years Thailand's numbers have increased just about year after year.  

Again I've been hearing from tourists and expats for decades that this or that is the last nail in the coffin for Thailand, but somehow it's more crowds and and groups with their little flags. 

 

exchange rates, When I first came to Thailand in the early 90's the rate was 25 to the USD. Late 90's (after the 97 economic crash) the exchange rates where up in the high 40's and actually hit a little over 50 to the USD. 

 

The BOT does not set the exchange rate, it floats but the BOT does adjust (manipulate) things to help the exchange rates, but they dont set the exact exchange rate.

Like I said it's balancing act between tourism and exports. We all have an idea or a comfort level where we would like the exchange rates, but it's not about us or our needs.

 

My company transferred me to Thailand in the mid 90's and I lived in Thailand fulltime until 2016 when I went to the US to care for my mom in her final years.

After my mother passed we've been been going back and forth. (semi-retired, cant really just stop working as I get bored).

We spend 3-5 months at our house and condo in Thailand and then we stay in the USA and travel around the remaining part of the year.

So according to you I shouldn't be posting on AN at this time because I'm in the USA not Thailand?

 

Just because I dont live fulltime in Thailand anymore doesn't mean I have no ties or no interest in what is going on when we're not there as we still have family there. 

 

Last thing.....90 reports?? this is so simple 99% of the time can be done online.. again few people have problems with 90 day report but you make it sound like this is major issue. 

It's kind of arrogant to think you know more about Thailand than other AN members because you believe you lived a long time in Thailand.

 

 

More than enough reasons to live in TH.

 

Why would anyone want to live in countries (USA (my experience) that taxes a home, you already bought.   You pay to own a home, and now, you seem to be renting the same home from the gov't, for the privilege of living in something you bought.

 

Something you were already taxed on when you bought, with income that was taxed, and you paid RE taxes (council tax) the whole time while paying it off.   Then you'll die, give it to your children, or who ever and they'll get taxed again.

 

And a big chunk of that tax, based on value of real estate, is a school tax, for that 'free' education, for the kids, that in my case, I never had.

On 11/9/2025 at 12:12 AM, Stressed Eric said:

What about soi 6 people?

 

Eric.

Who?  Whores, Lady Boys, Gansta Motocy drivers, Crazy Farang, Cops with their hand out, and everyone that treats you like a walking ATM??  You mean those people?? , not a real friend amongst them, wouldn’t trust them as far as I could throw them.  But, thats just me, and about 70% of those that live in Thailand, we dolt go to those places.  You can have every inch of it, and I spend a lot of time in ‘Real’ Pattaya, not Farang Land.    Peace

5 minutes ago, Explorator en Actione said:

Who?  Whores, Lady Boys, Gansta Motocy drivers, Crazy Farang, Cops with their hand out, and everyone that treats you like a walking ATM??  You mean those people?? , not a real friend amongst them, wouldn’t trust them as far as I could throw them.  But, thats just me, and about 70% of those that live in Thailand, we dolt go to those places.  You can have every inch of it, and I spend a lot of time in ‘Real’ Pattaya, not Farang Land.    Peace

The real Pattaya???

 

Where is that then?

 

Eric.

13 minutes ago, Stressed Eric said:

The real Pattaya???

 

Where is that then?

 

Eric.

 

Here for one

The social scene in BKK.

Last night I went to a meet up at The Gardens of Dinsor Palace.

Probably 100 people or so, mixing and mingling. 

Bottled beer was 150b which was cheaper than expected.

Sunday night I went to a meet at robin hood pub in phrom phong.

 

Big outdoor area. I was working around ekkamai so I got there before everyone arrived...

 

 

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Why would anyone want to live in countries (USA (my experience) that taxes a home, you already bought.   You pay to own a home, and now, you seem to be renting the same home from the gov't, for the privilege of living in something you bought.

Free/Subsidised medical care when over 75 - good reason for me to return in some years.

 

PS - Florida in USA does not tax the home you bought. I believe many Red States are like that.  Europe are all taxers and rip-offs that is for sure. 

42 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Free/Subsidised medical care when over 75 - good reason for me to return in some years.

 

PS - Florida in USA does not tax the home you bought. I believe many Red States are like that.  Europe are all taxers and rip-offs that is for sure. 

USA ... Medicare Plan B is what now, $185 a month.  Not exactly free.   Doesn't count the silly deductibles, which cost more than the docs visit, and the scripts here in TH.

 

FL's homestead tax exemption ... a pittance of the accessed value.

(from AI ... The median price for a home value in Florida is around $377,06)

 

First Exemption ($25,000): The first $25,000 of the assessed value is exempt from all property taxes, including school district taxes.

 

Second Exemption (up to $25,000+): An additional exemption applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. This second portion is exempt from all taxes except school district taxes.

For the 2025 tax year, the maximum amount for this additional exemption is $25,722, due to an annual inflation adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This amount is automatically applied if the property value is at least $75,722

 

And how much is hurricane / flood insurance ... too much ... 

 

... "Hurricane and flood insurance costs in Florida vary significantly based on location, flood zone, and property specifics. Hurricane coverage is part of a standard homeowners policy in Florida, with the average annual cost for homeowners insurance being around $2,179 per year, though this can be higher due to risk. 

 

Flood insurance is a separate policy, with average annual costs ranging from about $610 in low-risk areas to $2,412 in high-risk zones like those beginning with 'A' or 'V'." ... 

 

That's added to you basic homeowner's insurance, which I have none here.  

 

Taxes, Med Plan B, insurance premiums, high utilities cost, totaled up, are more than my monthly expenses here in TH.  Then I got to feed myself, and buy petrol to get around, as BEVs are silly priced, and no real CS network, unless owning a Tesla.   

 

I stay in decent bungalows when O&A, for average of 1000 THB a night.   Don't think you can get a hotel near any surf or nice hill top view for less than $100 USD.

 

There is no reason to live in the USA if you don't have family (kids) there, and that's if living near, or if they even have time for you.

 

No for me anyway.   TH fits me perfectly, just wished I lived closer to daughter, and she had more time off of work.

 

EDIT:   Medicare Plan B & C 'MONTHLY' cost  

 

... "For 2026, the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium is projected to be $206.50

 

The 2026 Part D base premium is projected to be about $38.99 per month" ...

 

Let's not forget those deductibles, before anything is covered ...

 

... "For 2025, Medicare Part A has a $1,676 deductible for each inpatient hospital benefit period, while the annual Part B deductible is $257.

 

For Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug plans (Part D), the deductibles vary depending on the specific plan you choose. 

 

Medicare Part A

Deductible: $1,676 for each benefit period.

 

How it works: A new benefit period starts when you are admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility. ....

 

.... A new deductible is required for each new benefit period, even if it's for the same condition, notes UnitedHealthcare....   

 

Medicare Part B

Deductible: $257 annually for 2025.

How it works: You pay this amount for covered outpatient services and doctor visits before Medicare begins to pay its share. 

 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D

Deductibles: These vary significantly by plan.

 

How it works: It's crucial to check the specific deductible for any Medicare Advantage or Part D plan you are considering, as they are not standardized like Parts A and B. " ... 

 

My mother had Medicare, and by the time she got to see a specialist, (for that sore throat) she was stage 4 ... 🥵

 

I can walk into any hospital here, and order any test I want.  If a Q, simply pay small fee for 'off hours' services.

Flame removed 

 

Discuss the topic, not other members 

 

@TroubleandGrumpy

14 hours ago, ericthai said:

90 reports?? this is so simple 99% of the time can be done online.. again few people have problems with 90 day report but you make it sound like this is major issue. 

Not true - because you never lived here you obviously do not know that the online system frequently fails. For me it has about 50/50 and when I ring local or Bangkok Immigration they never know why it does not work - no one knows. Last time I lodged the document online and if you ever did that you would know they give you a PDF copy of your online submission. When it was rejected - 'missing data' - I printed that exact document out, signed it manually, and took it to the local Office - after waiting etc. it was approved - the exact same document I lodged online which was rejected, was approved by the local Office.

 

Secondly, in terms of Thailand being a place to live, one of the many downsides, compared to all other nearby options, is that Thailand forces all Expats to report to the Immigration Police every 90 days - that in itself is not a good thing.  I have some contacts in Philippines and Bali (Indonesia) and they laugh about that - I believe Communist China and Cambodia also force Retired Expats living there full-time to also report every 90 days like a Parolee.  If Thailand was genuinely interested in long term retiree Expats, they would not impose such a draconian requirement. As far as I know the top retirement destinations in the world do not force long term retirees to report to Police every 3 months -  9. Italy  8. Greece 7. Malaysia 6. Spain 5. France 4. Mexico 3. Costa Rica 2. Portugal 1. Panama (International Living).  Can you name me other countries that force regular reports to Police for Retired Expats?? 

 

As for all the other things you stated - no comment except - as per the reactions - wrong again. 

 

2 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Not true - because you never lived here you obviously do not know that the online system frequently fails. For me it has about 50/50 and when I ring local or Bangkok Immigration they never know why it does not work - no one knows. Last time I lodged the document online and if you ever did that you would know they give you a PDF copy of your online submission. When it was rejected - 'missing data' - I printed that exact document out, signed it manually, and took it to the local Office - after waiting etc. it was approved - the exact same document I lodged online which was rejected, was approved by the local Office.

 

Secondly, in terms of Thailand being a place to live, one of the many downsides, compared to all other nearby options, is that Thailand forces all Expats to report to the Immigration Police every 90 days - that in itself is not a good thing.  I have some contacts in Philippines and Bali (Indonesia) and they laugh about that - I believe Communist China and Cambodia also force Retired Expats living there full-time to also report every 90 days like a Parolee.  If Thailand was genuinely interested in long term retiree Expats, they would not impose such a draconian requirement. As far as I know the top retirement destinations in the world do not force long term retirees to report to Police every 3 months -  9. Italy  8. Greece 7. Malaysia 6. Spain 5. France 4. Mexico 3. Costa Rica 2. Portugal 1. Panama (International Living).  Can you name me other countries that force regular reports to Police for Retired Expats?? 

 

As for all the other things you stated - no comment except - as per the reactions - wrong again. 

 

Very well said.

 

Eric.

90 day reporting is way too easy, and approved 100% of the time, in <2 days.   Last couple submitted, <1 day.

 

Must be IO dependent, same with ease of extending non -0- visa (marriage or retirement based), and takes just over an hour, all in.

 

Makes me wonder why anyone even bothers with agents, though suspect I know the real reason.

7 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Not true - because you never lived here you obviously do not know that the online system frequently fails. For me it has about 50/50 and when I ring local or Bangkok Immigration they never know why it does not work - no one knows. Last time I lodged the document online and if you ever did that you would know they give you a PDF copy of your online submission. When it was rejected - 'missing data' - I printed that exact document out, signed it manually, and took it to the local Office - after waiting etc. it was approved - the exact same document I lodged online which was rejected, was approved by the local Office.

 

Secondly, in terms of Thailand being a place to live, one of the many downsides, compared to all other nearby options, is that Thailand forces all Expats to report to the Immigration Police every 90 days - that in itself is not a good thing.  I have some contacts in Philippines and Bali (Indonesia) and they laugh about that - I believe Communist China and Cambodia also force Retired Expats living there full-time to also report every 90 days like a Parolee.  If Thailand was genuinely interested in long term retiree Expats, they would not impose such a draconian requirement. As far as I know the top retirement destinations in the world do not force long term retirees to report to Police every 3 months -  9. Italy  8. Greece 7. Malaysia 6. Spain 5. France 4. Mexico 3. Costa Rica 2. Portugal 1. Panama (International Living).  Can you name me other countries that force regular reports to Police for Retired Expats?? 

 

As for all the other things you stated - no comment except - as per the reactions - wrong again. 

 

again, because you and I dont agree on something, I must be a visitor, you know everything about Thailand and everyone else on AN is a liar and never lived in Thailand. 

Another new guy that thinks he knows everything about Thailand and things only work one way in Thailand.  

9 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Free/Subsidised medical care when over 75 - good reason for me to return in some years.

 

PS - Florida in USA does not tax the home you bought. I believe many Red States are like that.  Europe are all taxers and rip-offs that is for sure. 

free/subsided healthcare over 75?

If you're talking about Medicare it's 65 unless your deaf, blind or have other permanent disabilities, then you get get Medicare early.

I dont know any programs that start when you turn 75.

 

Florida does have property tax,  we own a house in Florida and we have to pay property tax. (almost $6000 a year)

DeSantis is talking about getting rid of property tax, but right now it's still in place. 

Florida doesn't have any income tax, maybe you were thinking of that. 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

90 day reporting is way too easy, and approved 100% of the time, in <2 days.   Last couple submitted, <1 day.

 

Must be IO dependent, same with ease of extending non -0- visa (marriage or retirement based), and takes just over an hour, all in.

 

Makes me wonder why anyone even bothers with agents, though suspect I know the real reason.

 

Maybe because you haven't left the country. 

I went to HCMC for the weekend, so the next 90 day had to be done in person. Which makes little sense, seeing as I got a 1 year stamp in my passport on arrival at swampy.

 

14 minutes ago, noobexpat said:

 

Maybe because you haven't left the country. 

I went to HCMC for the weekend, so the next 90 day had to be done in person. Which makes little sense, seeing as I got a 1 year stamp in my passport on arrival at swampy.

 

 

Is it really that much of an inconvenience to pop into Imm and do the most simplest thing.

 

Don't forget, it is your choice to live, be in TH, so simply know and follow the rules.  Most were in place, before you arrived.   

 

Sure every country has rules everyone disagrees with, but they are there for a reason.  Still one of the easiest countries to live in.

 

Nobody is forcing anyone to stay 

 

You obviously think it's a better choice than where you hold your passport.

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

Is it really that much of an inconvenience to pop into Imm and do the most simplest thing.

 

Don't forget, it is your choice to live, be in TH, so simply know and follow the rules.  Most were in place, before you arrived.   

 

Sure every country has rules everyone disagrees with, but they are there for a reason.  Still one of the easiest countries to live in.

 

Nobody is forcing anyone to stay 

 

You obviously think it's a better choice than where you hold your passport.

 

"approved 100% of the time"

 

Explaining why it isn't.

25 minutes ago, noobexpat said:

 

"approved 100% of the time"

 

Explaining why it isn't.

 

Thanks for knowing and applying the rules you apparently know about, one I don't need to follow or was making reference to, so, what's the problem.  No need to explain anything to me.

 

Note to self:   in every post, now, add, " in my experience ".   Along with quoting the person (who stated worked only 50% of the time),  that you were thinking about when posting.   So people don't assume you don't know the other rules, such as: 1st time or if returning to TH.

 

Though I only saw their post, since it was quoted.   Yea ... one of them, and not that I believe anything he/she/it posts 😎

 

I have been here a while, even left (TH) and returned, though 20+ yrs ago.  So may even followed that rule (when returning) or not.

16 hours ago, ericthai said:

again, because you and I dont agree on something, I must be a visitor, you know everything about Thailand and everyone else on AN is a liar and never lived in Thailand. 

Another new guy that thinks he knows everything about Thailand and things only work one way in Thailand.  

You said it yourself - you are not speaking the truth because you do not know it. Online reporting is a problem and everyone living here knows that over the years since it was introduced it has been problematic at best. 

 

 

2 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

You said it yourself - you are not speaking the truth because you do not know it. Online reporting is a problem and everyone living here knows that over the years since it was introduced it has been problematic at best. 

 

 

90 day reporting is, in and of itself, a disgrace and in violation of a persons basic human rights.

 

Eric.

16 hours ago, ericthai said:

free/subsided healthcare over 75?

If you're talking about Medicare it's 65 unless your deaf, blind or have other permanent disabilities, then you get get Medicare early.

I dont know any programs that start when you turn 75.

 

Florida does have property tax,  we own a house in Florida and we have to pay property tax. (almost $6000 a year)

DeSantis is talking about getting rid of property tax, but right now it's still in place. 

Florida doesn't have any income tax, maybe you were thinking of that. 

 

Why do Yanks often think everything is about USA?  And why do they respond so literally to everything? Asking for a friend mate 🙂 

 

I have said I am returning home when I am 75+ - obviously you missed that. I have said insurance companies here often cancel or reduce policies when you are 70-75+ but they all put up premiums massively.  You also do not know that in Australia Medicare is free for all - and if you can put 2 and 2 together - I intend returning when over 70-75 due to the very likely huge medical costs we all incur when we enter 'the end game'.  Some of us drop dead, but most take years of illnesses before we keel over - very sad that many Expats here dont plan ahead, run out of money for medical costs, and so they 'opt out'.  

 

Yes I got that mixed up - Florida does not have income taxes - and they are looking to remove property taxes - my bad. 

 

 

On 11/9/2025 at 11:14 AM, Fact said:

We understand that you dislike Thailand. Please feel free to leave.

Says the dude who been here a month and a half. 

Just now, connda said:

Says the dude who been here a month and a half. 

ikr.

 

Eric.