I'm just not seeing the relevance of the premise of the question.

Whether others opinions consider me to be "living in Thailand" or just passing through, (after 20+ years here on a business visa followed by successive retirement extension), what difference does it make. Who are these people to me anyway?

My identity, much less my self-worth, isn't influenced by self-proclaimed social media would-be "celebrities".

And likewise, if someone is in Thailand on a tourist visa, and consider themselves "living in Thailand", and, what? I couldn't care less; it means nothing to me. "The price of tea in China" as used to be a common expression, seems infinitely more relevant, living in SE Asia.

I've also, in the past, known people who lived in Thailand for over 15 years on a tourist visa, and did visa runs (laws used to be laxer), .............so ...... what?

Some pissing contest of who's lived in Thailand longer, or under what immigration status, surely what I do in a day and my life's journey is more meaningful than such banal triviality about others I'll never know or care to know.

No offence intended or implied to those who do. Just say'n

Edited May 12May 12 by Cat Boy

21 years for me, although for the whole time I've been working as a teacher. The day my work (and work permit) ends, I have to leave, so it still feels temporary for me!

I consider TH home, along with, only place I own a home, and the address I use for USA Soc Sec & IRS.

It's actually the only place, in adult life I've considered home, as every place I've lived prior to, I knew was temporary housing, and I'd be leaving, whether I owned it or not.

Owned houses in the USA, but never a home, if that makes sense. Never stayed in one house more than 3 yrs at any one time, or planned on when buying or renting, in adulthood. Ones I did own, were rented out, just investments, till sold, and moved to TH.

On 5/11/2026 at 6:58 AM, StarOfLight said:

In your opinion how long does someone need to be living in Thailand to be considered actually living in Thailand?

I ask this question because there are so many people in social media to make such claims only to up and leave or never really settle in the first place. You see them online, you see them in the pubs, they are simply everywhere.

The most egregious offenders are the TikTokers and social media mavens. Often times these people are so absurd they don't even know that without a resident visa and or being 50 years old their life is going to get very difficult in a year. Thai immigration usually give you about a year to have fun and then you start getting the questions

This lot often rarely if ever considers that they're going to need income not only to actually live off in the moment but for decades to come till their death. What to do? I guess the answer is make TikToks for 70 more years

Next perhaps are those on OA and perhaps 90 day O retirement - Do the latter still exist anymore? They're here but they're not. OA actually requires an anchor back in one's home country. So, I think this alone.

Does the person have a home or homes or a family back in their home country? Are they back in their home country as much as they are in Thailand?

Do they work in a third country? If they have a home and a family here I would say that sort of qualifies.

Then you have all of the TikTokers on some form of Education visa. This lot is good for probably for few years at best. They never go to their schooling, the schools are shonky, they run out of money. This is another young crowd with serious money problems to facilitate their life here

The global gonad visa which I don't think anyone actually qualifies for or uses ... because older people with money get a different visa and younger people don't have the income.

What about assimilation? While a person actually might have some sort of residence here ... Maybe nothing is really known about the culture in meaningful way. Anyone remember Thai culture courses? How long does this take before you can really consider yourself living in Thailand / local? Certainly if you lived up country you get a far heavier dose of it then a lifetime in Pattaya or life on Sukhumvit. If you have a girlfriend and especially wife that's going to make a large difference.. again unless you're living in Pattaya..

Certainly having a child or two ups your game

The vast majority of those teaching English in Bangkok that I have met did not did not seem to have any particular or special knowledge based upon the years that they've been here quite the opposite. They all live on Sukhumvit, eat farang food and pretty much live like they do in their home countries. Running a business and dealing with Thai staff might be different.

Dealing with immigration. I used to go out of my way not to walk into an immigration office. I had spent 20 years in East Asia of which that includes a great deal of in and out of Thailand not once in 20 years. This only changed when I started dating my wife and living in Bangkok.

Given how transient the the foreigners are here and the massive volume of them ... I really don't consider someone having roots here unless they're 10 years plus. It seems by 10 years all of the flotsam and jetsam, the short timers, the riff raff have all washed away

After 10 years someone has legitimacy, credibility, been around the block a few times. That is also to say that they have visited the country extensive way, been in at least one serious relationship if not married.

As I said before I think those living a rural existence probably ramp up faster although the geriatric set in Chiang Mai probably as clueless as those living on Sukhumvit although they're probably far more likely to have a girlfriend or online wifey

I find that older men that meet women online and then move into their lives -the women often take care and insulate the partner. They're also old, don't do much traveling if any. If this lot has been here a year or two are they living the dream in Thailand?

How about filing taxes? If you file taxes in your home country with that residence? If you file taxes in Thailand?

Having a resident visa certainly points in the more grounded direction. Can you say you live in Thailand 6 months a year? Perhaps If you actually live here a full 6 months a year and have done so for 10 years. 3 months? Why not one month like the TikTokers?

It seems like many posters on this board don't live in Thailand. Looking through many of the posts in the last week especially in the political section many contributors never leave those forums.

Anyway for myself I'd say it's about 10 years. There are those that make it in seven or eight and those that never make it at all after two decades.

It goes without saying that those with permanent residency, citizenship here have bonifides.

How about the elusive pink card for which all of the geriatric members covet. They with their wives homes and nothing but time on their hands.

Living in Pattaya is not living in Thailand. I know I live there for a few years. It's a lot of fun and it's a great place for single men but it's not Thailand. After living in Bangkok for 15 years I can pretty much say the same thing for the Sukhumvit crowd.

When you own your scooter, not rent it.

On 5/11/2026 at 7:01 AM, Ralf001 said:

Worked and resided here (Chonburi) full time for 20+ years.

I consider myself to be living here.

Chonburi is a large province, that includes Pattaya. If you use the lesser known immigation office our paths may have crossed.

I did 5 years apprenticeship in Pattaya, followed by 3 years in Bang Saen. Retired in 2008, married and set up home in Na Pa. First child from the marriage was born yesterday.

I don't have anywhere else to live so assume the default position.

7 minutes ago, sandyf said:

First child from the marriage was born yesterday.

I don't have anywhere else to live so assume the default position.

Congrats

Been here since 1998 still dont speak the lingo still have not settled still living the dream

Still happier here than other places ive lived

20 minutes ago, pest said:

Been here since 1998 still dont speak the lingo still have not settled still living the dream

Still happier here than other places ive lived

Same with me. Gave up on the language years ago; but still a great place to "live"!

9 hours ago, StarOfLight said:

I don't expect anyone to care. I don't really. It was just something that occurred to me a few years back with my first experience with TikTok. Lately, I've had very similar posts pop up in my X feed.

Not Bob

If you know Bob you are not new here!

On 5/11/2026 at 11:28 AM, VocalNeal said:

Aw! common Andrew you know well I served in the SAS longer than you.

Maybe you did or maybe you did not but i would like to bet i was in the SNS longer than you were in the SAS!

On 5/11/2026 at 8:35 AM, Gandtee said:

O visa. Lived here for forty years. I think I'm getting used to it.😉

Yes but do you think you’ll like it?

Over the last 28 years I guess I spent at least 3 years total in Thailand. (Lived nearby for more than a decade - plenty of short trips to LOS every year)

Now based in Germany - it's four weeks per year and feels like coming home every single time...

Edited May 12May 12 by mangkut70

On 5/11/2026 at 11:22 AM, BritManToo said:

Sound like Bob to me!

could be.

he did vanish mysteriously

On 5/11/2026 at 6:58 AM, StarOfLight said:

Living in Pattaya is not living in Thailand.

the obligatory jab at pattaya

12 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

the obligatory jab at pattaya

From newbie 'starship fuknows'!

1 hour ago, Keeenok Powell said:

Yes but do you think you’ll like it?

I'm working on it.

@StarOfLight welcome new friend!

Your BJ bar in Patpong Soi 2 was surely one of the most down trodden spots that ever was.

https://rockitreports.com/review-star-of-light-bangkok-thailand/

6 hours ago, StarOfLight said:

I would agree, but that's not the question although I'm thinking that means you struggled through as an "English teacher" for a few years and have spent the bulk of time living in Pattaya. You didn't mention you're married, so I presumably you're single

On 5/11/2026 at 9:58 AM, StarOfLight said:

In your opinion how long does someone need to be living in Thailand to be considered actually living in Thailand?

I ask this question because there are so many people in social media to make such claims only to up and leave or never really settle in the first place. You see them online, you see them in the pubs, they are simply everywhere.

The most egregious offenders are the TikTokers and social media mavens. Often times these people are so absurd they don't even know that without a resident visa and or being 50 years old their life is going to get very difficult in a year. Thai immigration usually give you about a year to have fun and then you start getting the questions

This lot often rarely if ever considers that they're going to need income not only to actually live off in the moment but for decades to come till their death. What to do? I guess the answer is make TikToks for 70 more years

Next perhaps are those on OA and perhaps 90 day O retirement - Do the latter still exist anymore? They're here but they're not. OA actually requires an anchor back in one's home country. So, I think this alone.

Does the person have a home or homes or a family back in their home country? Are they back in their home country as much as they are in Thailand?

Do they work in a third country? If they have a home and a family here I would say that sort of qualifies.

Then you have all of the TikTokers on some form of Education visa. This lot is good for probably for few years at best. They never go to their schooling, the schools are shonky, they run out of money. This is another young crowd with serious money problems to facilitate their life here

The global gonad visa which I don't think anyone actually qualifies for or uses ... because older people with money get a different visa and younger people don't have the income.

What about assimilation? While a person actually might have some sort of residence here ... Maybe nothing is really known about the culture in meaningful way. Anyone remember Thai culture courses? How long does this take before you can really consider yourself living in Thailand / local? Certainly if you lived up country you get a far heavier dose of it then a lifetime in Pattaya or life on Sukhumvit. If you have a girlfriend and especially wife that's going to make a large difference.. again unless you're living in Pattaya..

Certainly having a child or two ups your game

The vast majority of those teaching English in Bangkok that I have met did not did not seem to have any particular or special knowledge based upon the years that they've been here quite the opposite. They all live on Sukhumvit, eat farang food and pretty much live like they do in their home countries. Running a business and dealing with Thai staff might be different.

Dealing with immigration. I used to go out of my way not to walk into an immigration office. I had spent 20 years in East Asia of which that includes a great deal of in and out of Thailand not once in 20 years. This only changed when I started dating my wife and living in Bangkok.

Given how transient the the foreigners are here and the massive volume of them ... I really don't consider someone having roots here unless they're 10 years plus. It seems by 10 years all of the flotsam and jetsam, the short timers, the riff raff have all washed away

After 10 years someone has legitimacy, credibility, been around the block a few times. That is also to say that they have visited the country extensive way, been in at least one serious relationship if not married.

As I said before I think those living a rural existence probably ramp up faster although the geriatric set in Chiang Mai probably as clueless as those living on Sukhumvit although they're probably far more likely to have a girlfriend or online wifey

I find that older men that meet women online and then move into their lives -the women often take care and insulate the partner. They're also old, don't do much traveling if any. If this lot has been here a year or two are they living the dream in Thailand?

How about filing taxes? If you file taxes in your home country with that residence? If you file taxes in Thailand?

Having a resident visa certainly points in the more grounded direction. Can you say you live in Thailand 6 months a year? Perhaps If you actually live here a full 6 months a year and have done so for 10 years. 3 months? Why not one month like the TikTokers?

It seems like many posters on this board don't live in Thailand. Looking through many of the posts in the last week especially in the political section many contributors never leave those forums.

Anyway for myself I'd say it's about 10 years. There are those that make it in seven or eight and those that never make it at all after two decades.

It goes without saying that those with permanent residency, citizenship here have bonifides.

How about the elusive pink card for which all of the geriatric members covet. They with their wives homes and nothing but time on their hands.

Living in Pattaya is not living in Thailand. I know I live there for a few years. It's a lot of fun and it's a great place for single men but it's not Thailand. After living in Bangkok for 15 years I can pretty much say the same thing for the Sukhumvit crowd.

Ask a Thai. They will tell you.

8 hours ago, sandyf said:

Chonburi is a large province, that includes Pattaya. If you use the lesser known immigation office our paths may have crossed.

I did 5 years apprenticeship in Pattaya, followed by 3 years in Bang Saen. Retired in 2008, married and set up home in Na Pa. First child from the marriage was born yesterday.

I don't have anywhere else to live so assume the default position.

How old are you?

21 hours ago, StarOfLight said:

Anyway, it was a serious question that I was curious about from other expats that actually live in Thailand. This has gone nowhere as I suspect it would. The admins can close to this. It's just going to get stupid and nasty from here on in

Well, you started it.

Appreciate those that answered the question. It's funny, most of those pretty much align with my sentiment as well

Negativity on this board just grows by the month

21 hours ago, KhunLA said:

If you don't have a Non-Immigrant Type "O" visa (Non-O) that gets extended every year, then I'd consider you just a visitor. Owning a home and putting down some roots would add pluses to 'living here'.

There's a few that split their time about 50 / 50, for years, so about as close as 'living here' as one can get without just being an occasional visitor.

I know people that say they have a Thai wife or GF, but see her a couple times a year, for couple weeks maybe, and not even monogamous. Don't think that counts as being married or in a relationship.

This post seems to be popular. I'd agree, at a minimum an O visa. Maybe even OA or long-term I think they are X, but not global gonad visa or edumacashun visas. Definitely, a bank account. B visa - maybe. Ones own business 5 years+. Teachers 7 years+

Tax liability in Thailand no, that's just residence. You could technically be on a tourist visa for 180 days and be liable. Home country considers you here - yes. Pay tax home country residence - maybe.

Splitting ones time between home country and Thailand. No, but done consistently and long term respect there.

I've long since deleted TT. In fact, I just take in news on X and don't post. I don't have social media accounts.

Everybody still living the dream lol

21 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

I'm just not seeing the relevance of the premise of the question.

Whether others opinions consider me to be "living in Thailand" or just passing through, (after 20+ years here on a business visa followed by successive retirement extension), what difference does it make. Who are these people to me anyway?

My identity, much less my self-worth, isn't influenced by self-proclaimed social media would-be "celebrities".

And likewise, if someone is in Thailand on a tourist visa, and consider themselves "living in Thailand", and, what? I couldn't care less; it means nothing to me. "The price of tea in China" as used to be a common expression, seems infinitely more relevant, living in SE Asia.

I've also, in the past, known people who lived in Thailand for over 15 years on a tourist visa, and did visa runs (laws used to be laxer), .............so ...... what?

Some pissing contest of who's lived in Thailand longer, or under what immigration status, surely what I do in a day and my life's journey is more meaningful than such banal triviality about others I'll never know or care to know.

No offence intended or implied to those who do. Just say'n

Nothing of the sort. You're reading too much into this

I'd just become annoyed at the numerous posters on TT and as of late X that post up all sorts of tripe - very often it's objectively incorrect information or even perceptions.

It got me to thinking...what sort of basis for these people have to make such claims?

Mind you they are using the logical fallacy of appealing to authority - they are the authorities. They are not authorities.

Not any deeper than that. People and I've seen this post to some sort of deep psychological question really need to spend more time away from their computer/phone

On 5/11/2026 at 6:58 AM, StarOfLight said:

In your opinion how long does someone need to be living in Thailand to be considered actually living in Thailand?

I don't think it's measured in years. I've met foreigners in Thailand who were shockingly ignorant about how Thailand works even after 20 years of living here. I've also seen others who had a pretty good grasp after just a few years. It's between the ears.

What Country of Residence Means and Why It Matters

Your country of residence is the nation where you physically live for a significant, continuous period, often for work, study, or permanent living.

45 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

What Country of Residence Means and Why It Matters

Your country of residence is the nation where you physically live for a significant, continuous period, often for work, study, or permanent living.

For Yanks, doesn't matter much, as they'll (USA IRS) want to tax any & all income generated, and don't even think about using your Medicare, unless flying to USA or territory of.

No freezing of Retirement Social Security, and they'll send it almost anywhere for you, as probably want you to stay away, and not use your Medicare.

21 hours ago, Caldera said:

I don't think it's measured in years. I've met foreigners in Thailand who were shockingly ignorant about how Thailand works even after 20 years of living here. I've also seen others who had a pretty good grasp after just a few years. It's between the ears.

Understood. As I mentioned the teachers in Bangkok that I've bumped into were totally clueless. Most were here to exist in BKK. No I interest even in the major tourist sites. Don't know and don't care

All the down voting and hostilities no doubt from people that don't actually live in Thailand lol

On 5/12/2026 at 12:26 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

Same with me. Gave up on the language years ago; but still a great place to "live"!

Likewise, being tone deaf just couldn't hack it.

On 5/12/2026 at 7:05 PM, emptypockets said:

How old are you?

I will be 79 in August and wife will be 64 in Sept.