Thai spouse and I now have the financial means to return to the US but likely we never will. I'm 74 now and have been in Thailand since 2010. We've made a nice life for ourselves here, with a house in Pattaya and a condo in Bangkok. Parents are dead, siblings are scattered all over; I'm not sure where we would even decide to live if we ever went back--certainly not in cold, expensive northern Virginia, where I lived for 35 years before coming here.

I think, and I suspect there are many others the same, that I am now here for the duration, unless something drastic beyond my control happens and I am forced to leave.

With spouse's siblings in Bangkok, we are thinking of moving to Bangkok in a couple years, after spouse, now 60, winds down his job here in Pattaya. We've started informally scouting Bangkok property and, I'll tell you what, we are totally spoiled by the much wider choice of housing available in Pattaya. If anybody knows of any housing projects in the IMPACT area with one-story pool villas for around 15MB, more or less, give me a holler. So far, we haven't found a single one--just lots of 2-story no pool housing projects with too small living rooms and too many upstairs bedrooms.

I could make it work, but why? It's a life I don't want.

What do you get?

Clean air

What do you give up? Happiness and everything else.

Our lives here are 200% better than what they would be in USA. Plus, my wife's parents are now pushing 80..

only place I'd be ok is S California and that's impossible.

I'm writing this while relaxing and having a beer mind you.

There are many that don't belong out here and yes, they need to go to

32 minutes ago, StarOfLight said:

I could make it work, but why? It's a life I don't want.

What do you get?

Clean air

What do you give up? Happiness and everything else.

Our lives here are 200% better than what they would be in USA. Plus, my wife's parents are now pushing 80..

only place I'd be ok is S California and that's impossible.

I'm writing this while relaxing and having a beer mind you.

There are many that don't belong out here and yes, they need to go to

Yeah why?

Family matters.

Health.

Deported

Last resort no visa needed.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

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.

All my spreadsheet projections are telling me that I have more than sufficient resources to repatriate comfortably. That's with a very conservative investment portfolio, i.e., mostly bonds, too.

But that's all on paper, and a lot of things completely out of my control could happen between now and the time I check out (government defaults, financial crises, SS benefit cuts, runaway inflation, soaring cost of living, monetary shocks), all of which seem like they have a far higher probability than Thailand revoking my visa.

For me, the question of whether I'd rather be here or back in the States if or when the proverbial $h*t hits the fan is a no-brainer.

Edited May 21May 21 by Gecko123

13 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Yeah why?

Family matters.

Health.

Deported

Last resort no visa needed.

None of those are reasons a person chooses to go back, but rather forced to

7 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

All my spreadsheet projections are telling me that I have more than enough to repatriate comfortably. That's with a very conservative investment portfolio, i.e., mostly bonds. Problem is there is so much macro uncertainty coming from things outside of my control such as government defaults, financial crises, SS benefit cuts, runaway inflation, soaring cost of living, monetary shocks, it keeps me from pulling the trigger. These risks seem to tower over any risk that my immigration status might suddenly be jeopardized. For me, the question of whether I'd rather be here or back in the States if the proverbial $h*t hits the fan is a no-brainer.

It's gonna be a <deleted> storm and here's where I'm a bit envious of the rural expat. Food imo will always be plentiful and cheap for expats, but if you homestead you have everything, always and forever. Chicken, eggs, veggies, honey, weed ...

I've waited for 2008 for twenty years. It's coming a d in a very big way.

Ten year bond 5.2% we are approaching debt spiral levels. All bets off

3 minutes ago, StarOfLight said:

It's gonna be a <deleted> storm and here's where I'm a bit envious of the rural expat. Food imo will always be plentiful and cheap for expats, but if you homestead you have everything, always and forever. Chicken, eggs, veggies, honey, weed ...

I've waited for 2008 for twenty years. It's coming a d in a very big way.

Ten year bond 5.2% we are approaching debt spiral levels. All bets off

I'm watching those yields like a hawk too.

P.S.: it's the 30 year treasury that hit 5.2%.

Edited May 21May 21 by Gecko123

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

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).

If you move to thailand and tax your pension here, you have to pay «kildeskatt» or not ? How is the rules for Danish ?

Obviously those who came to Asia for the cheap pussy, booze and are squandering their money in lady bars, brothels etc...of course they will fast run out of cash.

6 hours ago, Hummin said:

If you move to thailand and tax your pension here, you have to pay «kildeskatt» or not ? How is the rules for Danish ?

You need to check the DTA (Double Taxation Agreement) between your home country and Thailand; they are all slightly different. For us Danes we can be taxed of retirement pension in both countries the DTA says, but Denmark insist of taxing — i.e., "kildeskat" — as source country. The DTA protects us for double taxation, so we don't also pay tax in Thailand, as the Danish income tax is (way) higher than Thai income tax.

Before returning (undercapitalisised) to the home country, you may want to stay in Thailand. Leaving the big (tourist) hot spots and move to the Thai "sticks". Extremely cheap living is still possible. Even today.

However, the nearest Farag may be living 20 miles away. The cure: Learn Thai (as hard as it may be). It will open doors, not known to you before. Once the Thai's realise that you are serious about learning their language, they will support you. Some basic Thai will get you a long way in the sticks. (Again: Opening doors).

It may even go as far as some day you will say to yourself: "Why have I been waisting my time in tourist-hubs"?

I strongly believe, that Farangs suffering from diminished income, would be far better off by relocating to the "sticks" in Thailand instead of returning undercapitalised to their home country.

Of course, if a Farang needs the "neon lights" of a tourist-hub, this suggestion is pointless.

3 minutes ago, swissie said:

Before returning (undercapitalisised) to the home country, you may want to stay in Thailand. Leaving the big (tourist) hot spots and move to the Thai "sticks". Extremely cheap living is still possible. Even today.

However, the nearest Farag may be living 20 miles away. The cure: Learn Thai (as hard as it may be). It will open doors, not known to you before. Once the Thai's realise that you are serious about learning their language, they will support you. Some basic Thai will get you a long way in the sticks. (Again: Opening doors).

It may even go as far as some day you will say to yourself: "Why have I been waisting my time in tourist-hubs"?

I strongly believe, that Farangs suffering from diminished income, would be far better off by relocating to the "sticks" in Thailand instead of returning undercapitalised to their home country.

Of course, if a Farang needs the "neon lights" of a tourist-hub, this suggestion is pointless.

Did you mean a s a couple...?....For a foreigner to move to the 'sticks' without a Thai partner, I feel is so far removed from anything he would ever have done in his life prior. Even preparing some basic language skills in advance would not be enough imo to aid him settling in and finding his way, in what would be a very foreign environment............I would add though that there is no better place to learn Thai than being amongst it with locals; one learns basic day to day words fast when there are no mates around chatting in one's own lingo..........and you would have no choice if alone...Bit of a stretch though....!

5 minutes ago, Off Piste said:

Did you mean a s a couple...?....For a foreigner to move to the 'sticks' without a Thai partner, I feel is so far removed from anything he would ever have done in his life prior. Even preparing some basic language skills in advance would not be enough imo to aid him settling in and finding his way, in what would be a very foreign environment............I would add though that there is no better place to learn Thai than being amongst it with locals; one learns basic day to day words fast when there are no mates around chatting in one's own lingo..........and you would have no choice if alone...Bit of a stretch though....!

I went to the Thai sticks alone (no Thai partner). Stayed for 5 years. Basic Thai opened doors for me, far away from Pattaya Bar Talk. To get integrated in any sort of society, the language is the key. Unfortunately the Thai language is hard for westerners to learn (tonality). But, as I said before, once the rural Thai people realise that you are sincere about learning the language, they will support you and not laugh at your mistakes.

PS: Once accepted as a Farang in the sticks, (without female Thai partner in toe) the doors that opened for me were far more numerous than any door that could have opened for me in Pattaya, for example. The language is the key, not the Pattaya bar talk.

Had to return to my home contry for medical reasons. Otherwise I would still enjoy Rural-Thailand and it's people.

1 minute ago, swissie said:

Had to return to my home contry for medical reasons. Otherwise I would still enjoy Rural-Thailand and it's people.

Sorry to hear that, I trust the health picks up..................

2 minutes ago, swissie said:

I went to the Thai sticks alone (no Thai partner). Stayed for 5 years.

Impressive...............

Absolutely language is key...........you're talking to the converted..!...I started many moons ago with this simple book below and 3 words a day noted in a pocket book,...... best investment i ever made

On 5/21/2026 at 5:39 PM, SingAPorn said:

Obviously those who came to Asia for the cheap pussy, booze and are squandering their money in lady bars, brothels etc...of course they will fast run out of cash.

Most of us have pensions, I can't run out of cash for longer than 2 weeks.

On 5/20/2026 at 1:22 PM, Jingthing said:

...

Maybe that's the answer. Get sent to prison first and then you might get social support later. Kidding of course.

Why kidding? Prison is probably a very good option for many - (relatively) safe place to stay, free daily food, free health care etc.

The problem is that it's almost impossible to get sent to prison nowadays in the UK. Rob a bank? Probation. Rape a rabbit? Probation and mental help blah blah blah..... I'm not sure what offence lands you in prison as a first-time offender. Oh I know!! Tell the truth on social media about the immigration situation in the UK and you'll be in prison without any delay....

7 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Why kidding? Prison is probably a very good option for many - (relatively) safe place to stay, free daily food, free health care etc.

The problem is that it's almost impossible to get sent to prison nowadays in the UK. Rob a bank? Probation. Rape a rabbit? Probation and mental help blah blah blah..... I'm not sure what offence lands you in prison as a first-time offender. Oh I know!! Tell the truth on social media about the immigration situation in the UK and you'll be in prison without any delay....

Anti-Muslim tweets seem to be effective!

I think many haven't necessarily burnt bridges, but rather they have collapsed. Death of parents, distant relatives, friends not seen in decades (often buried in debt and jealous).

Banking and investing in US is a total hassle.

Medicare for those overseas is nothingburger. Penalized on return for B

Most of all expats simply fight the same thing all Americans (everyone Oz, Nz, UK, EU) housing unaffordability. How many people you know in the wrong house, but can't move not even bc price, but interest rate alone??!

Having kept a house looks like genius in hindsight, but still there are the taxes, upkeep, insurance, etc. Selling a house and moving abroad is genius.

Most expats that go back either have serious health issues (or expect to) and or never really a good fit to begin with. There is also a certain isolation... one needs to be happy in their own company. If you need a social circle, family expat life probably not for you.

I tried going back a few times. I always was miserable. Now married, it would be easier, better but still I would miss the energy of Asia.

I saw back in 90s Asia was up and coming and America fading, stumbling and out of step. Just more clear with each passing year.

Where do you move? California is out. Florida is a remote possibility. The rest is just second tier and below. Texas is basically landlocked, WA, OR expensive and cold.

Taxes are only going to skyrocket

Simple life happy life

On 5/21/2026 at 5:02 PM, Hummin said:

If you move to thailand and tax your pension here, you have to pay «kildeskatt» or not ? How is the rules for Danish ?

Americans are exempt on government pension. Denmark maybe be - no idea

My pension is rather small as I stopped working in USA at 43. Still, it's enough to live off of month to month. It also increases with inflation.

Can also bring in 140-60k thb tax free which is the exemption everyone.

2 minutes ago, StarOfLight said:

Can also bring in 140-60k thb tax free which is the exemption everyone.

Nope, many of us get 600kbht exemption (if they were to tax us)

personal allowance + over 60s allowance + pension allowance + kid in school allowance.

So true for so many of us.

You probably don't plan to get "stuck" abroad but it happens anyway.

The main advantage I see to my "home country" is no need for a visa.

Younger expats most likely won't get this video.

Either they haven't experienced it yet, are in denial, or just don't even want to think about the long term future and the consequences of the life they've chosen (being a retired expat in Thailand) really means.

Of course, I'm not saying that what he's saying fits 100 percent to 100 percent of older retired expats.

But if you are an older retired expat here (who's not filthy rich of course) can you really say he's wrong and if so, in what way is he wrong?

Edited July 9Jul 9 by Jingthing