1 hour ago, SingAPorn said:

Simply put, many western elderly mongrels, miss the cheap hookers, the cheap food-court over-oily food and of course we all miss the climate. But not much more, considering how prices are rising more and more in Thailand.

Ironically, the sweltering climate and the lack of breathable air are the two main reasons I rally my regular disappearing acts. I have also plugged enough holes in that place over a lifetime to give a beaver an inferiority complex and perhaps even qualify for a PhD in gap studies. Honestly, cannot say I miss either of those bits.

Definately miss that smell of burning plastic and toxic air of Thailand when I retire to the summer Alps retreat. 🤣

23 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Many of us are here, at least partly because it is affordable. I come from America, and it is no longer affordable for most and the quality of life continues to deteriorate.

Dana Eble and Tyler Marcus are finally looking for a second car. But as they jump into the market, the young married couple isn’t sure what they can afford.

“I just keep seeing a lot of different aspects of life getting more expensive, and it’s harder,” said Eble, an account manager for a public relations agency.

Car ownership has long been integral to the American dream. But as automakers slash the production of inexpensive models to cater to customers who can afford oversized pickups and sport utility vehicles, buyers find themselves facing sticker shock at the same time they are already frustrated by the lingering effects of high inflation.

Consumer prices rose 3.3% in March, (a government lie, likely closer to 15%) the biggest yearly increase since May 2024, while new car prices were up 12.6% from a year ago, the Labor Department reported Friday.

The rising cost of cars is contributing to increased concerns about affordability throughout American life. Consumers, especially young people, say they feel like everyday needs like housing, food, utilities and child care are getting costlier and wages aren’t keeping up.

It is a vulnerable position for Republicans ahead of this year’s midterm elections, especially as the Iran war has pumped up gas prices that makes getting behind the wheel even more expensive.

Meanwhile, government data shows that car insurance prices have soared 55% compared with six years ago, or just before the pandemic, driving up the number of Americans going without. Car repairs, on average, are 48% more expensive.

https://apnews.com/article/car-shopping-affordability-midterms-83ae4eb1a57056539d42bb330fa4dfbd

23 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Many of us are here, at least partly because it is affordable. I come from America, and it is no longer affordable for most and the quality of life continues to deteriorate.

Dana Eble and Tyler Marcus are finally looking for a second car. But as they jump into the market, the young married couple isn’t sure what they can afford.

“I just keep seeing a lot of different aspects of life getting more expensive, and it’s harder,” said Eble, an account manager for a public relations agency.

Car ownership has long been integral to the American dream. But as automakers slash the production of inexpensive models to cater to customers who can afford oversized pickups and sport utility vehicles, buyers find themselves facing sticker shock at the same time they are already frustrated by the lingering effects of high inflation.

Consumer prices rose 3.3% in March, (a government lie, likely closer to 15%) the biggest yearly increase since May 2024, while new car prices were up 12.6% from a year ago, the Labor Department reported Friday.

The rising cost of cars is contributing to increased concerns about affordability throughout American life. Consumers, especially young people, say they feel like everyday needs like housing, food, utilities and child care are getting costlier and wages aren’t keeping up.

It is a vulnerable position for Republicans ahead of this year’s midterm elections, especially as the Iran war has pumped up gas prices that makes getting behind the wheel even more expensive.

Meanwhile, government data shows that car insurance prices have soared 55% compared with six years ago, or just before the pandemic, driving up the number of Americans going without. Car repairs, on average, are 48% more expensive.

https://apnews.com/article/car-shopping-affordability-midterms-83ae4eb1a57056539d42bb330fa4dfbd

What you say about the deteriorating quality of life in America is absolutely true. Basic living costs have put many in debt as their incomes have failed to keep up with rising costs of nearly everything one needs to survive. Home ownership has now become unattainable for a large segment of the population. And rents are hitting all-time highs. The future definitely looks bleak for many Americans.

I miss my bed.

On 4/12/2026 at 12:21 AM, SoCal1990 said:

For those who do leave Thailand for extended periods, do you miss it when you are away? I sure don’t. Especially when I’m in parts of Europe. Great temperate weather. Beautiful ancient architecture. Food, don’t even get me started. Great wine, edible beef, cheese, chocolate, coffee, butter, a tub of hummus for a euro, peanut butter the same, strawberries, plums, peaches, raspberries, mandarin oranges, etc. And it's all locally made or grown stuff. Not imported and many times the price it should be. Don’t get me started. And of course people who have a much higher level of public awareness, not walking down the street plowing into you while staring at their phones. Humans actually look at each other and even smile because they aren't shy or scared to display public emotion. And people dress with a bit more individuality.

Not sure why you included coffee in your second paragraph. That's something I often miss on my trips away from Thailand. Finding good coffee can be a challenge in many places, and when you do find it, it's 2-3 times the price of Thailand.

On 4/12/2026 at 12:21 AM, SoCal1990 said:

, do you miss it when you are away?

Everyone that I know that has gone away for extended periods all say they cannot wait to get back

Thai spouse and I have traveled quite a bit since we settled in Thailand in 2010. Four trips to Europe and an equal number to China. Japan several times plus many of the other Asian countries around us. Australia. Plus visiting a number of Thailand's islands, and Thailand, itself.

We like to travel but we've found that around 2 weeks is our limit and then we are ready to get back to our great life here in Pattaya--which includes a big home with our own pool and gym, good year-round climate, days that don't get dark at 4pm in the winter, excellent shopping, restaurants, and health care, a Bangkok condo when we want a change of scenery, and just an easy, enjoyable lifestyle.

Are there other places where we could come fairly close to duplicating the lifestyle we have here? Probably--but likely not America, where I am from. With spouse's relatives here, Thailand works for us.

1 hour ago, banyanman said:

Not sure why you included coffee in your second paragraph. That's something I often miss on my trips away from Thailand. Finding good coffee can be a challenge in many places, and when you do find it, it's 2-3 times the price of Thailand.

I had coffee at that S&P cafe in Pattaya recently the coffee seemed to be the same price as Australia same as Starbucks

You can pick up coffee in 711 in Australia for $1 , about 20 baht

51 minutes ago, newnative said:

Thai spouse and I have traveled quite a bit since we settled in Thailand in 2010. Four trips to Europe and an equal number to China. Japan several times plus many of the other Asian countries around us. Australia. Plus visiting a number of Thailand's islands, and Thailand, itself.

We like to travel but we've found that around 2 weeks is our limit and then we are ready to get back to our great life here in Pattaya--which includes a big home with our own pool and gym, good year-round climate, days that don't get dark at 4pm in the winter, excellent shopping, restaurants, and health care, a Bangkok condo when we want a change of scenery, and just an easy, enjoyable lifestyle.

Are there other places where we could come fairly close to duplicating the lifestyle we have here? Probably--but likely not America, where I am from. With spouse's relatives here, Thailand works for us.

Obviously your not poor like many of us ,scraping ,begging and living in a dog box in the flybird or Nirun Condominiums like many of us here !

I don’t know. I haven’t “been away” from Thailand for more than 20 years.

On 4/12/2026 at 9:07 AM, SoCal1990 said:

Fantasies are great. 🤣

I assure you when the pretty young ladies tell me that I am a handsome man I am sure they are being sincere and honest!!!!!!!!!!!

On 4/12/2026 at 12:21 AM, SoCal1990 said:

This topic is meant to be a bit of a piss take, so don't get your panties in a bunch about it. That said, it won’t apply to many of you crusty old gits, since most of you never even leave Thailand, let alone the house, your air-con, or the keyboard, and God forbid your beloved AN, the only thing you have left in life. OK, all kidding aside, even though I wasn’t completely kidding.

For those who do leave Thailand for extended periods, do you miss it when you are away? I sure don’t. Especially when I’m in parts of Europe. Great temperate weather. Beautiful ancient architecture. Food, don’t even get me started. Great wine, edible beef, cheese, chocolate, coffee, butter, a tub of hummus for a euro, peanut butter the same, strawberries, plums, peaches, raspberries, mandarin oranges, etc. And it's all locally made or grown stuff. Not imported and many times the price it should be. Don’t get me started. And of course people who have a much higher level of public awareness, not walking down the street plowing into you while staring at their phones. Humans actually look at each other and even smile because they aren't shy or scared to display public emotion. And people dress with a bit more individuality.

Anyway, I will stop with the comparisons because there will be no end to it. But really, what is there to miss about Thailand when you are away? The bleeding heat? The traffic? The visa nonsense? Maybe the noise and air pollution? The 60+ average road deaths per day? The rotting smell of garbage or open sewers in the streets?

Come on, prove me wrong. Let’s have it!

We live in Thailand about 6 months out of the year and the US the rest of the time. I find that I miss Thailand when I am not here, but after about 5-6 months here, I miss some things about the states as well.

When in the US, I miss the culture, the people, the weather, the fruit and the food of Thailand (although we eat mostly Thai food no matter where we live.) I enjoy the mai pen lai culture of Thailand that is sorely lacking in the US right now (sometimes I think umbrage is the national pasttime in the US.) About this time of year; however, I am ready to leave. It is getting to hot to be outside, the air pollution is getting worse and I miss family back in the US. The thing that I miss the most about the US is the quiet, rural life we live in the US. And while, we could get a place in a more rural area of Thailand and have some of the same advantages, we would not be able to see the wildlife we have in the US or the ability to drive a short distance and hike in open public land without paying a fee or being around 20+ other people. That is my personal experience. AlthoughGuess it all depends on what your life is like in Thailand, where you are spending the rest of your time and what type of values/hobbies one has.

When I am in Australia, I miss paying 200 baht for a massage, and having my car registered for about a fifth of the cost in Australia. Etc. etc.

About the only things I miss when in Thailand are a Gippsland eye fillet steak, and a good shiraz.

I certainly don't miss entitled, ball-breaking Australian women who need to shed about 15 kg.

I did – miss Thailand – when I was away; so, I decided to sell off and move to here. Today I even miss my paradise island when sitting in a plane up to Bangkok for a short visit up there...🫣

I have happy memories about hrowing up in New Jersey, moving to New York City and having my children in Canada.

I went back for summers every year for 30 years. I carried home a suitcase full of goodies you can't buy here.

But I haven't been back since 2019, partly because Mum died and I gave my Island house to my kids. Whenever I went there, I felt homeless and increasingly like a tourist. Nobody wants you to stay more than a week or so, even your nearest and dearest.

During Covid, I discovered there were very few things I couldn't get delivered here. Shopee, Lazada, Ali Express. iHerb. Amazon with free shipping over $35. For anything missing, I send it to my kids to mail.

I often ask myself if I'll ever go back. My daughter's Master's convocation is in June. Will I go?

Not a clue. Not going home!

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Obviously your not poor like many of us ,scraping ,begging and living in a dog

It's not '...many of us, scraping, begging...'. The majority of expats in Pattaya do not live at Flybird or Nirun, or in a 'dog box'. But, once again, I will make the very valid point that many have made in the past. If a person can only afford Flybird or Nirun here, or a dog box, likely they would be living much worse in a western country, perhaps even homeless on the street.

As for my spouse and me, the points I made in my post regarding returning to Thailand after being away were just as valid when we were living in 48 sqm studios here some years ago.

Miss my daily foot massages and someone to keep me company when I need it. 😊

On 4/12/2026 at 3:21 AM, SoCal1990 said:

This topic is meant to be a bit of a piss take, so don't get your panties in a bunch about it. That said, it won’t apply to many of you crusty old gits, since most of you never even leave Thailand, let alone the house, your air-con, or the keyboard, and God forbid your beloved AN, the only thing you have left in life. OK, all kidding aside, even though I wasn’t completely kidding.

For those who do leave Thailand for extended periods, do you miss it when you are away? I sure don’t. Especially when I’m in parts of Europe. Great temperate weather. Beautiful ancient architecture. Food, don’t even get me started. Great wine, edible beef, cheese, chocolate, coffee, butter, a tub of hummus for a euro, peanut butter the same, strawberries, plums, peaches, raspberries, mandarin oranges, etc. And it's all locally made or grown stuff. Not imported and many times the price it should be. Don’t get me started. And of course people who have a much higher level of public awareness, not walking down the street plowing into you while staring at their phones. Humans actually look at each other and even smile because they aren't shy or scared to display public emotion. And people dress with a bit more individuality.

Anyway, I will stop with the comparisons because there will be no end to it. But really, what is there to miss about Thailand when you are away? The bleeding heat? The traffic? The visa nonsense? Maybe the noise and air pollution? The 60+ average road deaths per day? The rotting smell of garbage or open sewers in the streets?

Come on, prove me wrong. Let’s have it!

Don't miss Thailand at all. Nor does the Thai missus. We both miss the family there and visit whenever we can. At some stage we'll end up living there but it's not our priority at the moment. Wife likes the money she can earn in Australia too much.

Why do you ask?

On 4/12/2026 at 6:30 PM, bkk6060 said:

Yes I miss it.

Looking down at a cute 20 year old with braces is almost impossible where I am from.

Along with Doc Martens?

Pining for the skinhead years?

On 4/13/2026 at 2:33 PM, georgegeorgia said:

I would rather winter ,your in Melbourne, unfortunately in northern Australia it hits 45 degrees

Not where I am, maybe 38 at a push.

Its great!

Ive lived , and worked, in 45 degrees in the Pilbara. Its a dry heat and not that uncomfortable. You dress and adjust your lifestyle to suit.

On 4/12/2026 at 4:17 PM, NanLaew said:

I think you've nailed it. Thailand doesn't use wallpaper.

Wallpaper is available if you know where to look. And, people are available to hang it for you. We've used wallpaper a number of times with our renovations. You'll often see it in higher-end properties.

8 hours ago, Deerculler said:

I miss my bed.

You can share GG's. Problem solved.

6 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Obviously your not poor like many of us ,scraping ,begging and living in a dog box in the flybird or Nirun Condominiums like many of us here !

Georgeena that sounds just about right.

The rest of us are out here barely even surviving. Merely scraping by like it is nobody's business.

Crushed into Flybird and Nirun, rationing toothpaste, wearing sweaty, unwashed Chang beer singlets 24/7/365, farting just to put a scent in their pants, running the numbers, trying to make it through another day of intense field research and statistical engineering.

Meanwhile, this bloke is casually out there rotating between a house, a pool, a gym, a Bangkok condo, and international travel like it is nothing!

Different world entirely.

Some of us are working with three suitcases, reflective safety vests, clipboards up the wazoo, and pure, raw determination.

Others have gone full luxury and skipped the statistical phase altogether. Their loss. What a pity.

No diaries
No graphs
No dental clinic audits

No bookstore check-ins

No spreading their good luck around

Not getting it done!

Just enjoying life, that lot is.

Very bizarre approach, but each to their own.

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

Wallpaper is available if you know where to look. And, people are available to hang it for you. We've used wallpaper a number of times with our renovations. You'll often see it in higher-end properties.

I suggest you go back and read the context by @NanLaew in which the post you quoted/posted about is.

See also my replies and exchange with that poster!

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

I suggest you go back and read the context by @NanLaew in which the post you quoted/posted about is.

See also my replies and exchange with that poster!

I suggest we focus on the topic rather than my tongue-in-cheek comment that may have gone over some heads.

4 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I suggest we focus on the topic rather than my tongue-in-cheek comment that may have gone over some heads.

I agree!

I did not want the topic diverted in the same way as we nearly did.

On 4/13/2026 at 10:32 PM, georgegeorgia said:

I never seen Melbourne hit 45 degrees in a long time !

Darwin and Cairns are similar to Phuket. 30 to 38 are the max temps.

Lately there's is less and less to miss Thailand for what with the regulation getting tougher and some says making

living in Thailand not such a bargain any longer, and things aren't going to get better, just worse, mark my worrd.

4 minutes ago, ezzra said:

Lately there's is less and less to miss Thailand for what with the regulation getting tougher and some says making

living in Thailand not such a bargain any longer, and things aren't going to get better, just worse, mark my worrd.

The baht is weaker this year and flights are cheaper now than 10 years ago.