On 5/4/2026 at 3:10 AM, CallumWK said:

After more than 30 years here, I'm seriously considering to leave. Probably not permanently but split my time between Thailand and Portugal or Spain.

The biggest problem is that I have made my life here, and have quite a bit of money and other assets here, which is not so easy to transfer out.Yes you can transfer out, the problem is getting it back into a EU bank account.

I experienced this a few years ago already, I had transferred US$ form a home country bank account to a foreign currency account with Kasikorn, where it had stayed untouched for years.

When I considered sending it back to the same bank account in my home country, the bank said they would not accept it. Even after showing them all the documents, they would not accept the deposit.

Don't know if it is everywhere in the EU already, but in my country you can't just deposit cash money in your bank account anymore. You have to deliver proof where you got it from, and then it has to be transferred from a known account.

I have tried this solution for three years now, and it is not an easy one, especially when the world around us keeps changing.

I have been surprised by how quickly many EU countries seem to be changing for the worse: more bureaucracy, more paperwork, more duties, more regulations, and more taxes. Even with my wife now having her family reunion visa, a mix of global instability and all the above made us decide to invest fully in Thailand.

Having property in both places drains money through taxes, maintenance, and obligations. I can see my wealth declining year by year, while my property is hit with new regulations and more taxation, without any clear extra benefits in return.

I also believe that, because of conflicts and narrower air corridors, flying back and forth may not become easier in the future. That is another valid reason to eventually choose one main place instead of trying to live between two worlds forever.

Thailand is cheap if you live closer to a semi-Thai standard. But if you want a full Western standard, it is not necessarily cheaper than Spain, Portugal, or even Norway in some areas. The expensive part is trying to maintain both lifestyles at the same time.

I am also tired after a long life of living out of a bag, something I have done through both sport and work most of my life. I still get restless, but I now have more going on in my life in one place than I had before. I think, and hope, that this will be satisfying enough for the long run and for the rest of my life.

For me, the better solution may be to live a normal, simpler life most of the year, and then use Thailand more as a place for proper holidays and quality time. Maybe six months with a semi-Western lifestyle, and three to six months with a more Western holiday lifestyle in Thailand, could be a better balance.

The main point is this: living in two countries sounds attractive, but in reality it can become expensive, complicated, and stressful. At some point, choosing one main base may give more freedom than trying to keep everything open forever.

Just now, Presnock said:

Attitudes change, just like the Japanese now trying to shut down tourists as too many of the wrong kind seem to come just like here, too easy for bad types we see daily in various news articles.

Sure -- But, depending on where you choose to live, just about the only place you will catch sight of those types IS in those daily various news articles.

15 years in Thailand from the US. For me Thailand is still my home, have 2 condos one at the beach another in Nonthaburi both have Great views. Don’t worry about money, have good health in our 70’s now, self insure, private and military hospitals, no complaints. Have someone do my 90 day Immigration for me. Eat out often, travel often, enjoy each and everyday. More American, California style of food options at reasonable prices. Have a private driver for long trips otherwise drive myself. People are still kind and helpful. Senior living in Thailand has been very easy and Safe. Language problems are not as bad as before more people speak and understand English these days. I will never return to my own country.

18 hours ago, FlorC said:

In your opinion .

Ok , why is Thailand better now than the late 90's/early 00's ?

Good question. In my opinion it was best from the mid-1960s to mid-1980s. Nightlife, and life generally, in those days was a blast, and friendlier and funnier. That said, I am still very happy to be living in Thailand.

On 5/4/2026 at 1:46 AM, Rockyroad said:

Malaysian would be more expensive but visas are better. I find Thailand very cheap. Japan is expensive.

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Never been to Philippines but AI says this

• Philippines: Allows 30 days visa-free, but it is exceptionally easy to extend this repeatedly at immigration offices for up to 36 months without leaving the country.

3 years easy peasy sounds amazing.

And if you're married to a Viet lady, you get a free 1 year visa on (every) arrival with her.

Just now, Hummin said:

The main point is this: living in two countries sounds attractive, but in reality it can become expensive, complicated, and stressful. At some point, choosing one main base may give more freedom than trying to keep everything open forever.

I agree for the first 10 years I did the 6 month bounce, I was surprised how more relaxed and how much more I settled in and accepted many things and was just more tolerant, when I chose to sever ties with the homeland and make Thailand my hone, best decision that was - this is it- thats me done now, unless something drastically changes here.

Just now, Hummin said:

I have tried this solution for three years now, and it is not an easy one, especially when the world around us keeps changing.

I have been surprised by how quickly many EU countries seem to be changing for the worse: more bureaucracy, more paperwork, more duties, more regulations, and more taxes. Even with my wife now having her family reunion visa, a mix of global instability and all the above made us decide to invest fully in Thailand.

Having property in both places drains money through taxes, maintenance, and obligations. I can see my wealth declining year by year, while my property is hit with new regulations and more taxation, without any clear extra benefits in return.

I also believe that, because of conflicts and narrower air corridors, flying back and forth may not become easier in the future. That is another valid reason to eventually choose one main place instead of trying to live between two worlds forever.

Thailand is cheap if you live closer to a semi-Thai standard. But if you want a full Western standard, it is not necessarily cheaper than Spain, Portugal, or even Norway in some areas. The expensive part is trying to maintain both lifestyles at the same time.

I am also tired after a long life of living out of a bag, something I have done through both sport and work most of my life. I still get restless, but I now have more going on in my life in one place than I had before. I think, and hope, that this will be satisfying enough for the long run and for the rest of my life.

For me, the better solution may be to live a normal, simpler life most of the year, and then use Thailand more as a place for proper holidays and quality time. Maybe six months with a semi-Western lifestyle, and three to six months with a more Western holiday lifestyle in Thailand, could be a better balance.

The main point is this: living in two countries sounds attractive, but in reality it can become expensive, complicated, and stressful. At some point, choosing one main base may give more freedom than trying to keep everything open forever.

"Damned if you do, damned if you don't."

Old saying.

Just now, mrmicbkktxl said:

Could you tell me what is expensive in Japan?

Accomodation, transport and food.

Edited May 5May 5 by Rockyroad

Just now, BritManToo said:

And if you're married to a Viet lady, you get a free 1 year visa on (every) arrival with her.

Nice. Women are good too.

On 5/3/2026 at 7:46 PM, Rockyroad said:

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Simply not true.

USDTHB Average for 2025 was 32.88.

USDTHB Average YTD is 31.92.

In fact, alongside the world's reserve currency in USD (and with the exception of MYR), THB has rallied against all other ASEAN currencies YTD, vs last year.

Your arguments would carry more weight, if you didn't make up 'statistics' to support them.

On 5/4/2026 at 4:42 AM, CharlieH said:

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

I'm PRO the shift, the government is needed to make a change, keep out the riff-raff

Too many loser YouTubers sending the wrong impression about Thailand.

All I hear and see is cheap, cheap and more bloody cheap.

Bring on the dual pricing etc, keep out the Cheap Charlies.

To hell with the content creators, these people are destroying our wonderful way of life... I'm Living the dream but my dream is jeopardised, now I'm seeing hostility from government employees etc who have been abused by scummy foreigners, the beautiful Thais are fed up with nasty, disrespectful foreigners

The filth and scum now arriving is in your face, need to stop these type

Edited May 5May 5 by SAFETY FIRST

Just now, Rookie123 said:

Simply not true.

USDTHB Average for 2025 was 32.88.

USDTHB Average YTD is 31.92.

In fact, alongside the world's reserve currency in USD (and with the exception of MYR), THB has rallied against all other ASEAN currencies YTD, vs last year.

Your arguments would carry more weight, if you didn't make up 'statistics' to support them.

You quoted the USD as if it is the only farang currency.

Tell us 5 others.

Just now, Rookie123 said:

Your arguments would carry more weight, if you didn't make up 'statistics' to support them.

Pound up

Euro up

Nzd up

Swiss franc up

Aud up

Most farang money is up 2.5% to 11%

Just now, SAFETY FIRST said:

I'm PRO the shift, the government is needed to make a change, keep out the riff-raff

Too many loser YouTubers sending the wrong impression about Thailand.

All I hear and see is cheap, cheap and more bloody cheap.

Bring on the dual pricing etc, keep out the Cheap Charlies.

To hell with the content creators, these people are destroying our wonderful way of life... I'm Living the dream but my dream is jeopardised, now I'm seeing hostility from government employees etc who have been abused by scummy foreigners, the beautiful Thais are fed up with nasty, disrespectful foreigners

The filth and scum now arriving is in your face, need to stop these type

If Thailand was expensive who would go?

Just now, Rockyroad said:

If Thailand was expensive who would go?

Definitely not the losers.

I'd Still be here.

I've been to over 40 countries, the Thai's are the most beautiful, lovely people I've ever met.

Edited May 5May 5 by SAFETY FIRST

Just now, SAFETY FIRST said:

Definitely not the losers.

I'd Still be here.

I've been to over 40 countries, the Thai's are the most beautiful, lovely people I've ever met.

Kymers are friendly. Vietnam has hot women. The Thai economy is rigged against the poor so prices won't go up 100%. Most farangs are getting 2.5 to 11% more this year.

Only Iran war stopping huge numbers. Losers go to Pattaya not the good beaches.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Kymers are friendly. Vietnam has hot women. The Thai economy is rigged against the poor so prices won't go up 100%. Most farangs are getting 2.5 to 11% more this year.

Only Iran war stopping huge numbers. Losers go to Pattaya not the good beaches.

I was under the impression that you resided in Pattaya.

Just now, nick supreme said:

I was under the impression that you resided in Pattaya.

That's your problem not mine.

The possible introduction of compulsory Heath insurance for all foreigners could have an effect for some choosing Thailand as a viable place to retire to. The increasing cost as you age, will be a game changer for some.

At the moment my wife and I both self insure. Partly because if we took out insurance policies there would be exclusions for pre existing conditions. Should we need hospital treatment, there is a good chance pre existing conditions would be the most likely cause of hospital expenditure and therefore not covered.

Also the way insurance companies try to wiggle out of any payments under their policies gives us no confidence in them.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

If Thailand was expensive who would go?

What do you consider expensive, what kind of tourists should Thailand try to attract?

Just now, pchansmorn said:

15 years in Thailand from the US. For me Thailand is still my home, have 2 condos one at the beach another in Nonthaburi both have Great views. Don’t worry about money, have good health in our 70’s now, self insure, private and military hospitals, no complaints. Have someone do my 90 day Immigration for me. Eat out often, travel often, enjoy each and everyday. More American, California style of food options at reasonable prices. Have a private driver for long trips otherwise drive myself. People are still kind and helpful. Senior living in Thailand has been very easy and Safe. Language problems are not as bad as before more people speak and understand English these days. I will never return to my own country.

Great post. I was going to write my own post but yours fits me to a 'T'--and, I suspect, many other expats, as well. The OP mentioned those who have 'all their ducks in a row'--I think we both do, as also do many others here. And, if one doesn't, one would likely be having some problems other places, too.

On 5/4/2026 at 1:42 AM, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

On 5/4/2026 at 1:42 AM, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

The real problem is people become older, see the world in a different light no matter which country they live in and then they become negative about the country they are in.

They are the ones changing in a negative way, not the country.

I have been coming here since 1987 and have visited for months at a time over that period and have now been living full time in Phuket for four years.

Phuket is actually much better that in was in 1987 when I first came here, in the area I stayed in there were two hotels on a beach, one bar and nothing to do so I left after two days.

Now Phuket is international, large very good quality shopping centres, international food, a great vibe and lots to do.

The cost of living has gone up everywhere in the world so if farangs can not afford to live here then they will really struggle elsewhere unless they want to go and live in say Bangladesh for example. I doubt if any want to do that.

Food etc has risen but incomes from rents in the UK have also increased as have pensions so it is still cheap for most of us to live here.

Dirt cheap for example when compared to the UK as I was there last year for a few months, one visit to a basic restaurant for a couple, £110 (4,840 baht) that is expensive for a one course meal and a few beers.

Immigration, yes it is a good thing that visa runs etc are being stopped, we want properly documented farangs in this country, people who are legally here, ones who do not give us a bad name.

Earlier this year it took me 20 minutes to get my one year non-O visa extension in the immigration office in Phuket, that is not much once a year, it take two minutes to do the 90 day report online and two minutes to do the TM30 online so I don't know what the problem is re immigration status, it is easy if we are legal.

Bank accounts, I have never had a problem with a Thai bank account over the last 30 years, tens of millions of transactions are done every day, now and then a very few will have a problem so the news should be tens of millions of people used their bank accounts successfully today and without a problem one or two had a problem.

Houses are cheap in Thailand if we have a way to own one legally, for example a three bed, two bath detached house in a gated housing development in Kathu, Kathu, Phuket is about 6 million baht, the equivalent in a good seaside town in England would cost 33 million.

I think the rent for this house would be about 30k baht a month which is cheap compared to many countries.

I have noticed here when people write real truthful POSITIVE comments, the old moaners bombard it with negative thumbs down so feel free to do the same here, it will just make me laugh out loud even more. 😁👍

Edited May 5May 5 by JamesPhuket10
Error with text.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Pound up

Euro up

Nzd up

Swiss franc up

Aud up

Most farang money is up 2.5% to 11%

True, the £ is up to 44.18 baht to the pound. Up about 8% and an extra 10,000 baht a month for free. 😃

Just now, JamesPhuket10 said:

The real problem is people become older, see the world in a different light no matter which country they live in and then they become negative about the country they are in.

They are the ones changing in a negative way, not the country.

I have been coming here since 1987 and have visited for months at a time over that period and have now been living full time in Phuket for four years.

Phuket is actually much better that in was in 1987 when I first came here, in the area I stayed in there were two hotels on a beach, one bar and nothing to do so I left after two days.

Now Phuket is international, large very good quality shopping centres, international food, a great vibe and lots to do.

The cost of living has gone up everywhere in the world so if farangs can not afford to live here then they will really struggle elsewhere unless they want to go and live in say Bangladesh for example. I doubt if any want to do that.

Food etc has risen but incomes from rents in the UK have also increased as have pensions so it is still cheap for most of us to live here.

Dirt cheap for example when compared to the UK as I was there last year for a few months, one visit to a basic restaurant for a couple, £110 (4,840 baht) that is expensive for a one course meal and a few beers.

Immigration, yes it is a good thing that visa runs etc are being stopped, we want properly documented farangs in this country, people who are legally here, ones who do not give us a bad name.

Earlier this year it took me 20 minutes to get my one year non-O visa extension in the immigration office in Phuket, that is not much once a year, it take two minutes to do the 90 day report online and two minutes to do the TM30 online so I don't know what the problem is re immigration status, it is easy if we are legal.

Bank accounts, I have never had a problem with a Thai bank account over the last 30 years, tens of millions of transactions are done every day, now and then a very few will have a problem so the news should be tens of millions of people used their bank accounts successfully today and without a problem one or two had a problem.

Houses are cheap in Thailand if we have a way to own one legally, for example a three bed, two bath detached house in a gated housing development in Kathu, Kathu, Phuket is about 6 million baht, the equivalent in a good seaside town in England would cost 33 million.

I think the rent for this house would be about 30k baht a month which is cheap compared to many countries.

I have noticed here when people write real truthful POSITIVE comments, the old moaners bombard it with negative thumbs down so feel free to do the same here, it will just make me laugh out loud even more. 😁👍

Agree with all of that. Thailand is mostly great. The moaners are probably just too unfit to do much anymore. The smaller islands are worse I think but many places are better. I still love Bangkok after 65 trips. Thai trains are great. Small towns are great. Still have 50 baht meals. 50 baht gyms. 200 baht motorbikes. The baht is soft this year too.

The thumbs down types will never be happy. Some people whinge from 2yo to death.

Just now, JamesPhuket10 said:

True, the £ is up to 44.18 baht to the pound. Up about 8% and an extra 10,000 baht a month for free. 😃

I see the miseries are out in force again, a thumbs down received for writing a simple fact, but you do make me laugh. 😉

Just now, JamesPhuket10 said:

I see the miseries are out in force again, a thumbs down received for writing a simple fact, but you do make me laugh. 😉

Every year for 25 years I was told Phuket was crap now. I visited 8 times had a great time. Same with Bangkok. There must be a negative gene. If people hate both there must be something wrong with them.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Thailand is mostly great. The moaners are probably just too unfit to do much anymore.

For one thing, you sound like a perpetual teenager who's never been married or who never plans to settle down, with all your tales of hopping around the country ceaselessly from hostel to hostel, seeking the cheapest air-conditioned gyms.

Thailand can get complicated when people marry. And broken marriages can lead to life savings being drained in real estate purchases. There's actual reasons adults moan.

Edited May 5May 5 by save the frogs

same people again - getting tiresome- either leave the topic or dont post - continue as you have and you'll lose the ability to post.

Just now, save the frogs said:

For one thing, you sound like a perpetual teenager who's never been married or who never plans to settle down, with all your tales of hopping around the country ceaselessly from hostel to hostel, seeking the cheapest air-conditioned gyms.

Thailand can get complicated when people marry. And broken marriages can lead to life savings being drained in real estate purchases. There's actual reasons adults moan.

Marrying poor women does not make sense. Better to not marry unless she has money. It is not like you get citizenship.

It is better to work, travel and enjoy life. Why "settle down" and do nothing? The happiest people work or travel. Never met a happy retired person. If Clint is working age 96 why are these guys in Pattaya not working? No wonder they are unhappy.

Edited May 5May 5 by Rockyroad

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Marrying poor women does not make sense. Better to not marry unless she has money.

What about true love for the poor women?

Edited May 5May 5 by scottiejohn