1 hour ago, Kyoto Kyle said:

I also want to add that I did not watch the video in your original post, but I have been to the Philippines a number of times, initially as a tourist and later for work. Personally, I was never particularly impressed by it, and it is not somewhere I would even consider moving to.

At the time I also had a friend who was living and working there and he did well. He eventually went back to his country in Europe because he never really liked the place. Personal safety and security was an even bigger issue for him and his wife once they started raising a child. He also told me he would have never chosen it as a first option and would have preferred to live in Thailand when he had moved there, but he was unable to find work in Thailand and ended up taking up a good work opportunity in the Philippines instead.

I have also met a number of Filipino people over the years, including sharing a house with one when I was much younger. While many speak English well, some lack real sincerity and I did not always find it easy to connect with certain cultural nuances in the same way I do in other Asian countries.

Because of that, I do sometimes question the judgment of people who choose to retire there, at least from my own perspective and experiences. In my view, deciding to settle in a place like the Philippines for retirement is not necessarily the strongest decision when it comes to safety, stability, healthcare, quality of life, food, and long term comfort, although of course everyone has different preferences and priorities.

It's a great place, no danger for the strong, easiest place in the world to stay long term without paperwork.

If I was moving out of the UK today, I'd probably go there.

5 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

It's a great place, no danger for the strong, easiest place in the world to stay long term without paperwork.

If I was moving out of the UK today, I'd probably go there.

Have you been there? I have and the food is horrific and uneditable. I would be dead from starvation if I stayed any longer.

I cannot forsee any reason why I would want to move home.

Texas yes, home no.

1 minute ago, ArchieBunker said:

Have you been there? I have and the food is horrific and uneditable. I would be dead from starvation if I stayed any longer.

No worse than Thai food IMHO.

I don't eat local food, but plenty of plenty German, Mexican, and Aussie food around.

Think I had pork odobo a couple of times, pork stew and boiled potatoes in gravy, that was perfectly fine.

Must have been out there 5 or 6 times, essentially American/Spanish Catholic culture.

And the PI guys were much more friendly than Thai guys.

I prefer being called Sir or Boss to 'hey you' or farang.

4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

No worse than Thai food IMHO.

I don't eat local food, but plenty of plenty German, Mexican, and Aussie food around.

Think I had pork odobo a couple of times, pork stew and boiled potatoes in gravy, that was perfectly fine.

Must have been out there 5 or 6 times, essentially American/Spanish Catholic culture.

And the PI guys were much more friendly than Thai guys.

I prefer being called Sir or Boss to 'hey you' or farang.

They call me Mr Archie here and thin women in PH are slim pickings.

7 minutes ago, ArchieBunker said:

They call me Mr Archie here and thin women in PH are slim pickings.

I found them everywhere, smallest women in the world.

Not to mention extremely friendly.

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I found them everywhere, smallest women in the world.

Not to mention extremely friendly.

Love me a spinner!

3 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Always keep enough for a campervan simple as that🤔

Some might think you are jesting but I have given serious thought to your advice. A campervan could actually work for some people as it offers freedom to travel anywhere in your country and often provides rent free stays in public forests, parks, warehouse parking lots and even streets. You can often pick up free wifi next to restaurants or a library. Free waste disposal at McDonald's and free water at most gas stations. Not a bad life if you can adapt to it.

1 minute ago, Screaming said:

Some might think you are jesting but I have given serious thought to your advice. A campervan could actually work for some people as it offers freedom to travel anywhere in your country and often provides rent free stays in public forests, parks, warehouse parking lots and even streets. You can often pick up free wifi next to restaurants or a library. Free waste disposal at McDonald's and free water at most gas stations. Not a bad life if you can adapt to it.

There is no place like home.

Another thought.

Cultural differences as far as how old people are regarded and treated as talking about retired expats who have been abroad for many years, we're talking old people.

Years ago I used to hang out with a lot of Philippinos in the US. While they speak English, the culture is different.

I recall being told by a number of them that they were personally horrified how badly old people are treated even by their own families in the US.

Being old in the US (I can't speak about other western countries) you may as well be INVISIBLE.
While Thais are not as polite as they were years ago and foreigners behaving badly isn't helping -- as an old person you still are much more visible here than in the US.

Sometimes it's not about whether or not one can afford to move back to their native land, so much as it is about making a huge sacrifice in regard to the quality of life, by moving back.

Unless you own a home free and clear these days in America and many other places, the cost of living is fairly ridiculous.

37 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Sometimes it's not about whether or not one can afford to move back to their native land, so much as it is about making a huge sacrifice in regard to the quality of life, by moving back.

Unless you own a home free and clear these days in America and many other places, the cost of living is fairly ridiculous.

And all the regulations and duties makes it even harder to run a company back in the west. So even I could had made some more to my funds, it is not worth it anymore, when you can lean back and enjoy what you have while you still have time and energy for it.

I can't see that this issue would ever arise. If you can't afford to live in Thailand/Philippines then you certainly can't afford to live back home. So why go back?

Another group to consider here are the small number of long-term expats who have no living friends or relatives "back home", and no connections/resources/property "back home".

20 minutes ago, henryford1958 said:

I can't see that this issue would ever arise. If you can't afford to live in Thailand/Philippines then you certainly can't afford to live back home. So why go back?

That is where family comes in. You keep those bonds, because if everything goes to hell, family can become your real safety net.

The same goes for the country you were born in. Hopefully, there is still some kind of safety net there if life turns bad.

But here, if you have nothing, then what?

So if you intend to burn all bridges, make sure you have built something sustainable here instead of partying your ass off until your health stops you.

That is why work, assets, family, and planning matter. It is not only about comfort today. It is about protection tomorrow.

5 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

Another group to consider here are the small number of long-term expats who have no living friends or relatives "back home", and no connections/resources/property "back home".

Doesn't bear thinking about........................

Been in CNX now 9 years. Plan B is always go back to where I came from I go home (it will always be home because LOS has never felt like home) at least twice a year and always check on prices (rent, car, health insurance etc). The numbers based upon my income are do able. Not the highest quality of life but will have place to live, a used car to drive, health insurance ($900 per month so that will hurt), groceries and can eat out once a week and probably an annual trip back to the Land of Smiles.

Will be harder going back home but it'll be a much better place for my daughter to school and grow up. along with not dealing with the negatives here. When it's home, like others mentioned, there's nothing like it. Looking forward to being back in Texas with all the good food a short drive away, along with being able to hunt and fish a place where conservation means something and is practiced.

5 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Will be harder going back home but it'll be a much better place for my daughter to school and grow up. along with not dealing with the negatives here. When it's home, like others mentioned, there's nothing like it. Looking forward to being back in Texas with all the good food a short drive away, along with being able to hunt and fish a place where conservation means something and is practiced.

Then do it Fred! You have been talking about this for over 2 years. Every month your daughter falls further behind. Why not just make a plan to pack up and go.

28 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Will be harder going back home but it'll be a much better place for my daughter to school and grow up. along with not dealing with the negatives here. When it's home, like others mentioned, there's nothing like it. Looking forward to being back in Texas with all the good food a short drive away, along with being able to hunt and fish a place where conservation means something and is practiced.

Just leave FFS!

On 5/20/2026 at 8:13 AM, Jingthing said:

Often about retired people but not necessarily.

I think this is much more common than people might assume.

Each expat has their own specific story and it doesn't need to be a case as extreme as not being able to afford a plane ticket, but rather about how harsh the actual reality would be upon repatriation (by choice or pushed).

The expat in this video (living in the Philippines) has his own specific story that will in detail be different than others, but there are many possible mixes of specific circumstances that would add up to the same grim conclusion of not really being able to afford to have an acceptable life back home.

His specifics-

A reasonably sufficient pension for Asean

A local partner that he supports.

Apparently, no significant savings other than pension income

Burnt bridges -- lack of a support system to attach to back home

Old age -- beyond hope of starting over with new work situations

I see this as a range.

From the extreme case of not being to afford even an airline ticket to less severe of knowing a life back home would add up to a major degradation in quality of life.

I think somewhere in that range for long term expats is very very common. I'm guessing that probably the middle of that range being relevant to the highest number of long term especially retired expats.

Something to consider for those who haven't made the jump yet. There may be long term

consequences you haven't even thought about.

I can't be bothered to watch the video as it is probably about one of those people who came here with no long term plan or a grasp on reality.

It was obvious for me well before I came to stay here four years ago full time that we are just long term visitors on an annual basis re visa extension, we are always seen as a falang no matter which Western country we come from.

I made sure I have a property in England which I could go back to which is currently rented out.

I have made sure there are sufficient funds to get me back in any situation should things change here, the free NHS would be waiting for me if long term medical treatment was needed.

It is all so very simple.

I am not being negative about the country, it is great but I am in no illusion I am a visitor.

If anyone disagrees let me know if you have a Thai ID and a Thai passport and I will then agree.

One son who was born in the UK and grew up there and now living in NZ has both a Thai ID and Thai passport along with his British passport and so the house I live in is in his name, it was paid for out of his inheritance money anyway so no loss there.

Life here can be a 'dream' as long as there is a plan to back it up.

Edited May 21May 21 by JamesPhuket10

I am in the same boat, when I left Australia many years ago I gave up everything I owned there to my daughter & friends, there is no way I could afford to move back there and live after spending nearly all of my money on setting up here with my wife and I wouldnt want to. I am considered disabled by the aussie govt due to a severe back injury, here I live comfortably with my wife and my pension is more than enough to do so, I made the decision to make Thailand my home before I moved here, I have been back to Australia a few times but not since covid and I do not miss it apart from my daughter. I could not afford to live there now and I dont want to, at 73 I like where I am and who I am with, all my friends are here now, we built a house I designed to suit me, we have land to grow what we want and people from overseas visit to see our trees. My biggest decision was moving here and it was the right one, anyone moving overseas to live has to be comfortable with their decision, while some may be in the financial position to move countries as they please some of us are not and we have to accept that and take in what may happen in the future before deciding, I have.

1 hour ago, marin said:

Then do it Fred! You have been talking about this for over 2 years. Every month your daughter falls further behind. Why not just make a plan to pack up and go.

Actually a little over a year, and it takes awhile to find a house, especially seeing I'm not there and only have my daughter who works to take time to look at the ones I'm interested in. I also have to get money for my house here, either my ex makes me an offer or I have to go to court to enforce reimbursement. It's quite a lot of money I'll need to start over back there. Strange I get 2 thumbs downs on personal plans.

Edited May 21May 21 by fredwiggy

This definitely is me.

Being an alki I never expected to live to pension age so paid the bare minimum self employed stamp.I now get £196 a week pension which would go nowhere in the UK.

I manage ok in the land of smiles so at 76 I’m extremely grateful to live my life out here.

Thank you Thailand.

On 5/20/2026 at 2:20 AM, CharlieH said:

I think quite a number have come to realise that the place they once called "home" and possibly many of the people they knew there no longer exist! Its consigned to history and memories.

They build a life elsewhere, previous situations dissolve, to have to then return for whatever reason and at senior age I believe would be horrific without a support network of some kind.

My thoughts entirely

Once you decide to leave your country of birth you need to have a mindset that you will not return to live there

Stand up honest guy says it as it is. It's not so much he can't afford to go back, it's the life he would be living compared to what he has in PI, and it would be pretty grim. He's already made his decision, he ain't going nowhere.

I just arrived in Bangkok today for my usual 8 month stay so I have the best of both worlds although I know this is not for everyone. I closed the storm shutters on my Florida condo, locked the door and covered my car. I try to take care of any medical issues while in USA but it’s getting harder to find good doctors there.

5 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

I can't be bothered to watch the video as it is probably about one of those people who came here with no long term plan or a grasp on reality.

It was obvious for me well before I came to stay here four years ago full time that we are just long term visitors on an annual basis re visa extension, we are always seen as a falang no matter which Western country we come from.

I made sure I have a property in England which I could go back to which is currently rented out.

I have made sure there are sufficient funds to get me back in any situation should things change here, the free NHS would be waiting for me if long term medical treatment was needed.

It is all so very simple.

I am not being negative about the country, it is great but I am in no illusion I am a visitor.

If anyone disagrees let me know if you have a Thai ID and a Thai passport and I will then agree.

One son who was born in the UK and grew up there and now living in NZ has both a Thai ID and Thai passport along with his British passport and so the house I live in is in his name, it was paid for out of his inheritance money anyway so no loss there.

Life here can be a 'dream' as long as there is a plan to back it up.

5 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

I can't be bothered to watch the video as it is probably about one of those people who came here with no long term plan or a grasp on reality.

It was obvious for me well before I came to stay here four years ago full time that we are just long term visitors on an annual basis re visa extension, we are always seen as a falang no matter which Western country we come from.

I made sure I have a property in England which I could go back to which is currently rented out.

I have made sure there are sufficient funds to get me back in any situation should things change here, the free NHS would be waiting for me if long term medical treatment was needed.

It is all so very simple.

I am not being negative about the country, it is great but I am in no illusion I am a visitor.

If anyone disagrees let me know if you have a Thai ID and a Thai passport and I will then agree.

One son who was born in the UK and grew up there and now living in NZ has both a Thai ID and Thai passport along with his British passport and so the house I live in is in his name, it was paid for out of his inheritance money anyway so no loss there.

Life here can be a 'dream' as long as there is a plan to back it up.

You're wrong about the expat in the video.

He is a very sensible man. It's sleazy of you to insult him based on no knowledge.

As far as residence security for retired expats, you are correct, Thailand offers none.

The Philippines and many other expat destinations globally do though.

You are a case that did consider repatriation before expatriation. I think you are in the minority of retired expats who usually view the move as probably for life.

Younger expats of course more often see expatriation as more temporary.

Your solution is being wealthy enough in the form of your real estate back home.

But there are other ways. People often sell everything back home and invest that wealth. Other people of course sell everything and that wealth is for setup abroad without a large reserve. It often does come down to wealth level.

Wealthy enough people are out of the range of people with the types of concerns that is actually the topic. Your situation puts you out of range I talked about before (at least you think it does).

Cheers

I've avoided talking about how I personally fit into this range.

Self assessments of this kind might be worth doing for many people.

Wealth level isn't everything, but it's a lot, probably most of it.

The expat in the video has a pension good for Asean but very difficult without a large outside nest egg for living in the west.

He could move back to the US, but as he correctly projects, it would be a crap life compared to his life abroad.

I'd put him roughly in the middle of the range I've been talking about. Probably a bit towards the more negative side.

I have a different mix of pension and investments, but overall I'm also roughly in the middle. I definitely could move back and I definitely could easily afford cash money for the initial expensive setup from nothing, but I also would have a crap life without any new income sources which would be very unlikely.

So I can definitely relate to the sentiments in the video and it's obvious many others can as well.

Sensibly, I don't want a crap life.

So my plan is to stay in Thailand, but with the residency insecurity I think it's smart to have Plan Bs in mind other than Thailand and other than the unaffordable home country.

Edited May 21May 21 by Jingthing

It's really depending on from which country you originates, how big your retirement pension is at home and your home country's social welfare-system.

It might well be that some mayneed to adjust their lifestyle to return home...☹️

For us Danes, our governmental pension will normally be more — about double, if you are not wealthy, and if you are wealthy, you can afford to return — but abround 40% generally lower living costs in Thailand compensates that. For Brits the frozen state-pension might be unfrosen when returning (a Brit will know).