7 hours ago, still kicking said:

I left because of my age (pension requirement). My Thai wife has been here for years; she will never go back to Thailand. In Thailand, I will be drowning in medical costs, which I have free in my country. Plus, I don't like Thai food. I have a very small rent where we stay, which has only been increased by 10 AUD over 8 years (my wife, who is 56 this year, makes about 65 AUD per hr, I am nearly 80, what else do I need?

You leave important facts out regarding why your rent is cheap and why you can apparently get a decent pension with a wife who is working. So your circumstances do not appear to be indicative of what Australians would experience who would be living with their wife and getting a pension.

I'm not planning to ever leave, so I guess the only thing that would make me leave Thailand is the Thai government.

15 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

Thailand is great apart from work and visas. Easy to skip nat parks as most are crap. Thailand is about food, women, beaches and trains.

WOMEN???...and you are happy to be there where hundreds or thousands of men have been before you pay your fee for a few minutes,?

Creepy☠️

An authopsy

If Chiang Mai's pollution spread as far as Hua Hin (and further).

My UK OAP is Frozeni now miss out on £60 per week If I were to up sticks tithe Philippines it would be upgraded and I would get yearly increases £60 per week in the Philippines would provide me with a decent property rental also medical costs are more affordable at 75 immi spring chicken one day I might mercantile home help as I live on my own !!!

13 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

My UK OAP is Frozeni now miss out on £60 per week If I were to up sticks tithe Philippines it would be upgraded and I would get yearly increases £60 per week in the Philippines would provide me with a decent property rental also medical costs are more affordable at 75 immi spring chicken one day I might mercantile home help as I live on my own !!!

Looks to be an attempt at using English, good effort.

24 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

My UK OAP is Frozeni now miss out on £60 per week If I were to up sticks tithe Philippines it would be upgraded and I would get yearly increases £60 per week in the Philippines would provide me with a decent property rental also medical costs are more affordable at 75 immi spring chicken one day I might mercantile home help as I live on my own !!!

What he said?! 😄😂

Nothing. A long time ago I took the decision to live and die in Thailand.

16 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

Siem Reap makes sense. Cost of living is cheaper than most Thai cities. Only Roi Et comes out cheaper and Roi Et is boring. Kampot another option.

Why did that get 9 down votes?

I love Thailand and would most likely not be happier living anywhere else in the world. The Thais are very polite and respectful, the food is great, and the dental and medical care is among the best in the world and affordable. In fact, I have no plans to return to the U.S. even for a visit, and I would not even attempt a visit there if I wanted to because I cancelled my Medicare Part B.

Without that coverage, if I were to get sick or have an accident while visiting the United States and needed to be hospitalized, the cost could be absolutely astronomical. A single hospital stay, especially involving tests, procedures, or surgery, could easily run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. At my age, that’s simply not a risk I’m willing to take. It could wipe me out financially.

Here in Thailand, I have access to excellent medical care at a fraction of the cost, and that gives me peace of mind. For me, it just makes far more sense to stay where I am.

Mind you, I do intend to make a few short trips to Europe and Vietnam to go surfing with my son.

2 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

Why did that get 9 down votes?

Aside from it's your post ... many, including me (guessing) are happy with TH's better infrastructure over KH's.

Along with many that go to KH, simply can't afford to live in TH, though more accurate reason, can't meet Imm requirement of 65k a month, let alone too skint to go the lump sum route. Not that you need 65k a month, but is required for visa.

I know a few that left, once the income affidavits were accepted any more.

Didn't see your post to give it a 👎

I'll give the above post one, since you didn't blame anything on DJT

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Aside from it's your post ... many, including me (guessing) are happy with TH's better infrastructure over KH's.

Along with many that go to KH, simply can't afford to live int TH, though more accurate reason, can't meet Imm requirement of 65k a month, let alone too skint to go the lump sum route. Not that you need 65k a month, but is required for visa.

Didn't see your post to give it a 👎

I'll give the above post one, since you didn't blame anything on DJT

Thanks. I love all the votes!

Frankly, I can't think of any reason that would make me leave, short of being ordered to do so. As long as our income holds up, we're good here.
But... should something unforseen occur, we have a large farmhouse and land in Southern Japan to fall back on. Right now, only my sister-in-law is living there, but with 5 bedrooms, I think there will be enough space for us.

There is no way I would leave Thailand the only other option is going back to the UK

There is no way I would go back to the UK

the Labour party have made UK a third world country illegal immigrants people not working getting more than those who do work

And looking at the headlines it's only going to get worse

12 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Noise.

Unfortunately many Thai people seem to think everyone within a 10 km radius wants to hear the boom, boom, boom baselines of their music.

Moving is only a temporary solution, as the noisy b@st#rds will find you.

I like Thailand, but inconsiderate noise is the one thing that could drive me to a country with effective enforcement and licensing laws.

Experiences vary. I have lived in 5 different locations here in Chiang Mai off the third ring road. Noise has never been of any concern but ... yes, I can understand it can be quite different in different locations. Fortunately, choices can be mad to stay way from the noise.

My Thai Wife and I discussed after the taxation issue was raised. As an American, I must report worldwide income. Reality, that is only derived fro US sources supporting my retirement required income to be brought into Thailand. Under USA income tax law, my annual income is non-taxed. If using Thailand income tax law, I might be subject to tax. In which case ... other counties can be looked at to receive my retirement money supporting the family. No issue leaving after being retired in Thailand for 15 years.

If I compare to my home country Denmark, Thailand is still far better – parhaps even relative more than when I left the Nordic sphere for good, now 20 years ago.

And yes, some things have changed in Thailand while I've been here, but many things hav e also changed in my home country.

It is of course depending of from where you originates, if Thailand is still better. A major point often hear is economy, Thailand is getting too expensive. When I compare over a 20-years period – you need to see econimy on a bit longer perspective than year-by-year – the consumer price index is almost the same in both countries, close to a 45% increase. The major economic difference might be currency exchange rate, which can jump both up and down; the OP mentions Britsh Pounds In my case the currency exchange rate is a slightly bit lower right now, about 4%. But during the periode I both got little less Thai baht from my kroner than now, and some glorious periods even 40% more – which made me afford both domestic help and enjoying an outstanding excellent party-time era... – so, viewed in that aspect, it's hard times now...

If I for whatever reason should move out – and not due to issues, where it had to head back home – it's hard to find alternatives to a perfect all-year-summer with average 28°C – never too cold, nor too hot – on a tropical paradise island. Many fellow countrymen (and women) now choose Portugal, which is reasonable priced, but way too hot in the summer and can be little chilly during winter. Malaysia, as mentioned in OP, don't draw me; it would rather be Cambodia, but there are many other aspects to consider, before moving to there.

So, I think I'll just stay put in paradise – and when the party here in Middle World is over, it hopefully continues higher up in my next spiritual level, which is so far my long-term plan...😇

Al this could probably be cut as short as @BritManToo said it: "Death!"...

4 hours ago, WDSmart said:

I'm not planning to ever leave, so I guess the only thing that would make me leave Thailand is the Thai government.

Me too- and I am less than happy at how my country has changed in the last few years

11 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

I've learnt Thai. I embrace local cultures. I don't enforce my own culture and beliefs onto Thai people or the enviroment i am in. I don't act a prat or break laws.

Whilst i have no issue with visitors wanting to come to Thailand, you want quality visitors. You don't want trash, Bendiromy type trash, who come to trash the place, party, do the whole 'look at me' routine, look down on Thais, no respect for the enviromnet they are in.

The Gym bros do my head. Walking around without tops on. The guys from India who hit on any woman that moves asking 'how much?'

Thailand not operating a criminal record check, and very low requriments for visa checks is horrific. It's all designed to prop up the real estate sector, without a care for the culture of the country.

Wouldn't that be something, along with the 30 day exempt entry stamp for all visa-less folks soon, add a criminal record check you mentioned, mandatory health insurance for visitors that they are talking about now......wow quiet beaches and streets and bored police...... 😉.

2 hours ago, oslooskar said:

I love Thailand and would most likely not be happier living anywhere else in the world. The Thais are very polite and respectful, the food is great, and the dental and medical care is among the best in the world and affordable. In fact, I have no plans to return to the U.S. even for a visit, and I would not even attempt a visit there if I wanted to because I cancelled my Medicare Part B.

Without that coverage, if I were to get sick or have an accident while visiting the United States and needed to be hospitalized, the cost could be absolutely astronomical. A single hospital stay, especially involving tests, procedures, or surgery, could easily run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. At my age, that’s simply not a risk I’m willing to take. It could wipe me out financially.

Here in Thailand, I have access to excellent medical care at a fraction of the cost, and that gives me peace of mind. For me, it just makes far more sense to stay where I am.

Mind you, I do intend to make a few short trips to Europe and Vietnam to go surfing with my son.

Sure compared to the US , but us euro's have much cheaper medical care back home

and a lot better than the dreadful government hospitals here.

Of course if you pay an arm and a leg to insurance or directy to a private hospital

it will be better but not like back home.

What would actually make you leave Thailand for good?

The obvious answer is if I can't get my retirement visa extension.

42 minutes ago, Legal Lifeline said:

I'm not planning to ever leave, so I guess the only thing that would make me leave Thailand is the Thai government.

Me too- and I am less than happy at how my country has changed in the last few years

I am too. I assume you are from the USA, like me. ☹️

Although it would not immediately "make me leave Thailand," if the USA were to stop sending me monthly Social Security payments, say, if they ran out of money or enacted a law requiring you to be in the USA to receive them. That would put a strain on my finances, and I might have to sell some of the property I (and my Thai wife) own now.

I could see moving back to America under one condition. A sponsor would have to step up and pay me $3 million a year. I would then do it for 3 years and then divide my time between Thailand and elsewhere, but certainly not decrepit and depressing America.

For me, I would only think of leaving due to the death of my Thai spouse or if Thailand changed the visa rules and I was unable to qualify to stay. I think both are unlikely, as my spouse is younger and I have enough financial resources to likely be able to meet any visa changes. Despite all the hysteria regarding visa changes, my retirement visa hasn't changed at all since 2010 except for the health insurance requirement.

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Money not going as far.

... Money is non issue for myself, Actually going further, but that's on a personal level. Always budget 50% - 100% more than you think you need. Sh!t happens.

Rules keep changing

... also not a problem as doesn't affect me, since already bought in. IF, didn't retire early, and retired at say 65, remittance tax wouldn't be an issue, as I wouldn't buy in at that age. Remittance tax is a major issue for many. Dual pricing & alcohol, isn't worth mentioning.

Visa treadmill

... not sure how visa issue are a problem for anyone, as it really is too easy to be here legally.

Where would you go

... haven't a clue. Wouldn't be SEA, 25+ yrs, had enough. Probably back to USA, since 71. If younger, maybe elsewhere.

Have no thoughts or reason to leave, and can't think of one that would make me leave. If single & no daughter, I probably wouldn't be here. No special reason to leave, but also, no reason to stay without them. That answers the last query.

same here except if the wife checks out before me, I have a lifetime Usufruct so I'm not going anywhere.

and everything we have is paid for, house , car it costs me the electric bill, gas , phone /internet , med ins. and food

I have a hard time spending 30% of my Soc Sec every month ( and that's for the two of us )

21 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

There are wokisms around but it's not the main issue.

But it's more of the trashy tourists, the violence, the gym bros, the whole influencers pushing the 'you can live in Bangkok for 40 dollar a year in a luxury condo, michell star food for a dollar' type nonsense. They then come to Thailand influenced and just wreck the place.

There is wokism around too as you say. A young girl on tiktok who claims to live here, stating how dreadful Thais are for using so much plastic, etc

21 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

I've learnt Thai. I embrace local cultures. I don't enforce my own culture and beliefs onto Thai people or the enviroment i am in. I don't act a prat or break laws.

Whilst i have no issue with visitors wanting to come to Thailand, you want quality visitors. You don't want trash, Bendiromy type trash, who come to trash the place, party, do the whole 'look at me' routine, look down on Thais, no respect for the enviromnet they are in.

The Gym bros do my head. Walking around without tops on. The guys from India who hit on any woman that moves asking 'how much?'

Thailand not operating a criminal record check, and very low requriments for visa checks is horrific. It's all designed to prop up the real estate sector, without a care for the culture of the country.

Good for you to have the illusion that, for Thais, you are not just one of them. You are delusional thinking Thais distinguish between foreigners who are nice or can speak Thai (who cares? They will still speak English to you) or are "integrated" in Thai society, and tourists.

After 30 years here, we are still tourists. A foreigner is a foreigner is a foreigner, never mind small differences (ie how much money does he have?).

It doesn't matter he is from China, from San Marino or from Mars, he has a Thai passport or speaks Thai, first and foremost he is a foreigner, a tourist.

BTW this would be my answer to the thread title.

11 hours ago, FlorC said:

Of course if you pay an arm and a leg to insurance or directy to a private hospital

I have used private hospitals here in Thailand and found them to be top-notch and very affordable.

I think everyone SHOULD leave Thailand at least once. Why, you ask? Here's why:

I've told this tale numerous times. I had gotten the seven-year itch, tired of all the bureaucratic BS, the lousy sidewalks/streets, etc., so I pulled up stakes and moved to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. You know the one - highlighted at the very end of The Shawshank Redemption, beautiful white sandy beach. WHAT A LOAD! The MOST boring place on the planet. The only thing to do there is eat at the innumerable boring restaurants. It was a site for Canadian retirees - no nightlife to speak of. I was there for six months and the entire time there saw only one woman I'd even think about planting my stick into. No internet to your home until someone else moved away or died, there were only so many connections available. The beaches? Average quality and the alligators didn't swim around there ALL the time. Quite expensive, too. Even in today's elevated costs in Thailand, LOS is still a better deal all around.

I came back with a renewed appreciation for life in Thailand. The biggest mistake I made was not getting a re-entry permit. Viva LOS, I'm here for the duration!

12 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I could see moving back to America under one condition. A sponsor would have to step up and pay me $3 million a year. I would then do it for 3 years and then divide my time between Thailand and elsewhere, but certainly not decrepit and depressing America.

I just returned from my last visit to Murikkka. It's 30 hours travel door-to-door to get to my Aunt's place (and after years of making this trip I know how to whittle it down to the bare bones) and 33 hours return. I told my family and friends we can do Zoom meetings and share a meal that way, my body can't take the punishment any more.