2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Sure, For a while.

We're all on borrowed time>

Mid-coast Vietnam.

13 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

Whatever....... I don't know.....return to Thailand?

Hell NO ... nothing in USA I want to see that would justify the expense of just 1 yr holiday there.

Just the plane to / from is enough to turn me off. If not for working for the airlines, and flying FC for near nothing, I would have never even visited TH, let alone move here.

Edited August 10Aug 10 by KhunLA

4 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Hell NO ... nothing in USA I want to see that would justify the expense of just 1 yr holiday there.

Just the plane to / from is enough to turn me off. If not for working for the airlines, and flying FC for near nothing, I would have never even visited TH, let alone move here.

Sleep, watch movies. drink...... not a bad deal.

43 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Plan B, I"ll never need, and I'm not leaving here, why would I.

I can walk here from the house, or cycle, or scooter, or car, and never an issue parking.

Living with my choice ...

PK is a good area for a base for those who are self-driven, and also mobile.

26 minutes ago, Isaan sailor said:

Mid-coast Vietnam.

Endless visa runs.

Enjoy

1 minute ago, Hummin said:

PK is a good area for a base for those who are self-driven, and also mobile.

Just don't have any health issues, as I found out, not 1 cardiologist here, and also had to got to Hua Hin to get cataract done, along with our dentist is in HH also.

Surf is great to look at, but don't plan on swimming in, as fecal count is too high. 2 ear infections the last 2 time in it. So I avoid, not that it's that refreshing anyway, as shallow, so very warm.

Do need partner already, and zip for nightlife, though plenty of surfside restaurants to hang out at, just no nightlife. Why few foreigner settle here.

As you say, great base, and we're O&A qutie a bit. Lovely as it is, you really need to self entertain. That can be challenging.

Still lovin' it, and really can't think of better place to live in TH.

Edited August 10Aug 10 by KhunLA

21 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Just don't have any health issues, as I found out, not 1 cardiologist here, and also had to got to Hua Hin to get cataract done, along with our dentist is in HH also.

Surf is great to look at, but don't plan on swimming in, as fecal count is too high. 2 ear infections the last 2 time in it. So I avoid, not that it's that refreshing anyway, as shallow, so very warm.

Do need partner already, and zip for nightlife, though plenty of surfside restaurants to hang out at, just no nightlife. Why few foreigner settle here.

As you say, great base, and we're O&A qutie a bit. Lovely as it is, you really need to self entertain. That can be challenging.

Still lovin' it, and really can't think of better place to live in TH.

I stopped swimming from shore around the Gulf a long time ago, and made the mistake last year of dipping my body in after a walk up and down Hua Hin beach. I was itching quite a lot afterwards. This was in November last year. The last time before that, a jellyfish got me, so I save my swimming for the clean pools around.

Self driven in Thailand, and also having a partner, GF or wife, I see as a big advantage. No way I would live a life without either. It enriches life and the days, especially if you have the possibility to share time and interests, and spend quality time together. And the older you get, you might need some better options for health care, or at least have a check up yearly and try to stay ahead of the problems instead of letting the problems get ahead of you.

Timing and age when you retire are also important for what decisions you should or will make.

22 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Just don't have any health issues, as I found out, not 1 cardiologist here, and also had to got to Hua Hin to get cataract done, along with our dentist is in HH also.

Surf is great to look at, but don't plan on swimming in, as fecal count is too high. 2 ear infections the last 2 time in it. So I avoid, not that it's that refreshing anyway, as shallow, so very warm.

Do need partner already, and zip for nightlife, though plenty of surfside restaurants to hang out at, just no nightlife. Why few foreigner settle here.

As you say, great base, and we're O&A qutie a bit. Lovely as it is, you really need to self entertain. That can be challenging.

Still lovin' it, and really can't think of better place to live in TH.

It is nice but the pkk beaches are not the best. Also lacks a decent mall. I suppose Hua Hin and Ban Krut are close enough if desire. Thap Sakae has a great gym for a small town if serious. Pranburi is underrated as well - great beach and gym.

2 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I stopped swimming from shore around the Gulf a long time ago, and made the mistake last year of dipping my body in after a walk up and down Hua Hin beach. I was itching quite a lot afterwards. This was in November last year. The last time before that, a jellyfish got me, so I save my swimming for the clean pools around.

Self driven in Thailand, and also having a partner, GF or wife, I see as a big advantage. No way I would live a life without either. It enriches life and the days, especially if you have the possibility to share time and interests, and spend quality time together. And the older you get, you might need some better options for health care, or at least have a check up yearly and try to stay ahead of the problems instead of letting the problems get ahead of you.

Timing and age when you retire are also important for what decisions you should or will make.

Without the wife, and going O&A, I'm not sure TH would be for me, or nearly as enjoyable. The daughter is at Krung Thep, someplace I don't want to live, and she has her own life now anyway. We see each other about once a month.

Maybe more in the future, as now has better job, less hrs and weekends off. As I might have stated, 10 or 20X, if not for them, I probably wouldn't have stayed in TH.

I'd prefer to be single in the USA. Not that it wasn't fun here, between wives, but easier in the USA. That was 25 yrs ago though 🙄

Edited August 10Aug 10 by KhunLA

6 minutes ago, Rockyroad said:

It is nice but the pkk beaches are not the best. Also lacks a decent mall. I suppose Hua Hin and Ban Krut are close enough if desire. Thap Sakae has a great gym for a small town if serious. Pranburi is underrated as well - great beach and gym.

Most known Thai beaches are too developed, and fecal counts too high. Ban Krut probably the safest in that reguard. Gulf isn't clear enough for me, as I like seeing what swimming in.

We pop up & down to both, HH & Bk or point in between, quite a bit. Wish we had an East & West to explore, as East less than 5 km to surf, and hills west only 10 kms away.

45 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Panama:

1) Americans can get 6 months without a visa

2) Panama Pensionado Visa seems doable for me. The basics are $1,000 of pension income or even an annuity and a long list of requirements. The main points that some might dislike are: 1) Need to hire a Panamanian lawyer 2) It can take months to complete 3) High cost of the visa. It can range from $3,000 to $7000. But in the end it is a permanent residency program after all so renewals or extensions are not needed once it is granted. Lastly the $ USD is the defecto currency in Panama. Planning a trip to Panama City next year and daily flights are available on Copa Airlines from several major US cities.

Great on paper.

However.

Rent in Panama City is high and its very hot and humid. 2000 a month up for something decent in a good area.

Great city though.

Coronado developed tourism beach city two.hours drive from the city.

I guess worth checking out but I don't think its my style.

The second city David is a country hick town bore. But affordable and has good shopping and health care. Extremely hot.

Boquetre great weather but an expat ghetto and now overpriced.

More remote highlands and beach options and provincial smaller towns.

As far as I can tell you need a car everyone except Panama City and central Boquette.

26 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Great on paper.

However.

Rent in Panama City is high and its very hot and humid. 2000 a month up for something decent in a good area.

Great city though.

Coronado developed tourism beach city two.hours drive from the city.

I guess worth checking out but I don't think its my style.

The second city David is a country hick town bore. But affordable and has good shopping and health care. Extremely hot.

Boquetre great weather but an expat ghetto and now overpriced.

More remote highlands and beach options and provincial smaller towns.

As far as I can tell you need a car everyone except Panama City and central Boquette.

I'm going to see "if it is my cup of tea". The rents and total cost of living in Panama is higher and even more so in Panama City.

9 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

I'm going to see "if it is my cup of tea". The rents and total cost of living in Panama is higher and even more so in Panama City.

I guess an expat could find cheaper housing in less expat popular areas of Panama City. If you want to have a car there are a lot more options such as Vulcan.

Overall I just think the place is too expensive and too car dependent outside of Panama City. Too bad really.

I think Mexico has more good and more affordable choices without the need for a car.

Has anyone noticed ? In most of those countries mentioned, the population wants to emigrate to Europe or the US. Due to the lack of any economic opportunities.

So, the "Farang" wants to establish himself as a"neo colonialist" with 1000 Dollars per month ? Those times are gone.

Fortunate is a Farang in Thailand that is able to fulfill minimal residential requiremnts. It doesent get any better nowhere.

13 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I guess an expat could find cheaper housing in less expat popular areas of Panama City. If you want to have a car there are a lot more options such as Vulcan.

Overall I just think the place is too expensive and too car dependent outside of Panama City. Too bad really.

I think Mexico has more good and more affordable choices without the need for a car.

I did a rough and long distance calculation of a month in PTY compared to CNX. I tried to make it apples to apples (Apartment/Condo, food, transportation , internet and cell phone) . PTY would be at a minimum 50% to 75% more expensive than CNX. I am finally at a point in life due to increased income that I can consider PTY or even going back to my old neighborhood in So Cal. . If PTY per month comes in at $2000 to $2500 it is much better than the $3500 to $4000 per month back in So Cal. The only thing I am not sure about is the cost of medical and dental in Panama. Also took a long hard look at the Elite/Privilege Visa and spending 650,000 Baht for 5 years with the same benefits as as a tourist just seems not a good way to spend my money.

Also, looked at Albania (you know American can get 1 year on arrival) and the place just seems too far and distance in many aspects for me. I have always looked at other destinations even though I am mostly content with CNX.

Edited August 10Aug 10 by sqwakvfr

34 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

I did a rough and long distance calculation of a month in PTY compared to CNX. I tried to make it apples to apples (Apartment/Condo, food, transportation , internet and cell phone) . PTY would be at a minimum 50% to 75% more expensive than CNX. I am finally at a point in life due to increased income that I can consider PTY or even going back to my old neighborhood in So Cal. . If PTY per month comes in at $2000 to $2500 it is much better than the $3500 to $4000 per month back in So Cal. The only thing I am not sure about is the cost of medical and dental in Panama. Also took a long hard look at the Elite/Privilege Visa and spending 650,000 Baht for 5 years with the same benefits as as a tourist just seems not a good way to spend my money.

Also, looked at Albania (you know American can get 1 year on arrival) and the place just seems too far and distance in many aspects for me. I have always looked at other destinations even though I am mostly content with CNX.

A quick AI search says this:

Cost of living in Panama City is 47.1% higher than in Chiang Mai, excluding rent, and 71.2% higher when including rent.

I think the rent thing is hard to compare.

F-rangs can rent very cheap in CM.

They can't realistically live in places that would be very cheap in Panama City.

Lower than the best areas would still be relatively expensive but more local with little international expat appeal.

Albania does give the one year to Americans but then you need to leave and stay away for three months before getting a new year. But a retirement visa is an option.

Geogia offers continuous one year visa runs. Also a way to formalize residency.

Reading between the lines, you might want to look at Chile on a 3K USD a month budget. There you could get permanent residence, first world infrastructure, wide choice of climates, and entry into an excellent health care system.

3 hours ago, swissie said:

Has anyone noticed ? In most of those countries mentioned, the population wants to emigrate to Europe or the US. Due to the lack of any economic opportunities.

So, the "Farang" wants to establish himself as a"neo colonialist" with 1000 Dollars per month ? Those times are gone.

Fortunate is a Farang in Thailand that is able to fulfill minimal residential requiremnts. It doesent get any better nowhere.

Your overall theory is simplistic and silly though there is some truth that globalization is on the decline.

Thailand is never objectively the "best" for retired expats as it doesn't offer residence security or a buy in into a good national health plan. The "best" destinations do both.

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Thailand is never objectively the "best" for retired expats as it doesn't offer residence security or a buy in into a good national health plan. The "best" destinations do both.

I think you're putting way too much priority on the PR and nat. health plan. Nobody is chucked out of TH, that isn't doing something illegal.

All the added cost to live elsewhere, could easily be spent on excellent healthcare ins. in TH. If one's health is that bad, should stay in home country's safety net.

Only negatives for TH, IMHO ...

... air pollution, simply live below Hua Hin

... land ownership, for those wanting, and that seems to be a minority of people.

Let's not forget, you can get PR int TH, or other visas, that are less hassle, though extending every year is simply too easy.

I peeked at MX, some N & S. American countries, Eastern Europe countries, and none are as easy and inexpensive as TH to live in.

300+ replies, and nobody has come up with anything yet, better than TH, especially if needing more than a mere ฿800k / $25k USD to extend. Then can live on any budget you can afford. 15-20-30-100+k THB a month.

The grass isn't greener elsewhere. Even for myself, leaving the USA. Hindsight, if not liquidating, living in USA would be easy, even with all the extra cost than TH, for same lifestyle.

People need to think long & hard, before leaving to hopefully greener pastures. Way too much info today in internet, not to know what awaits.

Don't burn the bridges for a couple years, as it would take that long to settle in anywhere.

Edited August 11Aug 11 by KhunLA

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Your overall theory is simplistic and silly though there is some truth that globalization is on the decline.

Thailand is never objectively the "best" for retired expats as it doesn't offer residence security or a buy in into a good national health plan. The "best" destinations do both.

Seriously, what are the "best" destinations, and if they are the best why not move there?

If I left Thailand, I would move back to the US.

28 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Seriously, what are the "best" destinations, and if they are the best why not move there?

If I left Thailand, I would move back to the US.

Ditto ... back to USA also, though would knock around KH, VN & CN as long a visa would allow.

All the expats thrown out could rent a nice place together

Edited August 11Aug 11 by KhunLA

This is about Plan B options if you need to leave Thailand.

It is not about promoting leaving Thailand if you don’t need to or want to.

Its hilarious to me how some people get so irrationally defensive about any little thing they take as a criticism of Thailand.

Take such off topic idiocy somewhere else.

Edited August 11Aug 11 by Jingthing

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

This is about Plan B options if you need to leave Thailand.

It is not about promoting leaving Thailand if you don’t need to or want to.

Its hilarious to me how some people get so irrationally defensive about any little thing they take as a criticism of Thailand.

Take such off topic idiocy somewhere else.

Now that right there is funny!

2 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Now that right there is funny!

Of course you would

You're not here to discuss the actual topic.

Guy in Ecuador said a 40K CD / bond of some sort gives residency and yields 10% per year. Or 40K in real estate.

But there are cartels in Ecuador, I think. Maybe not that safe everywhere. But maybe Quenca is safe. Not sure.

Also, a lot of blackouts?

Someone said a lot of expats have left.

So nowhere is perfect.

Scratch Columbia off the Plan B list ...

... "At least 132 people have been killed and 570 injured after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing buildings, trapping people beneath rubble and triggering a major national emergency. Officials warned the death toll is likely to rise" ...

17 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Scratch Columbia off the Plan B list ...

... "At least 132 people have been killed and 570 injured after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, collapsing buildings, trapping people beneath rubble and triggering a major national emergency. Officials warned the death toll is likely to rise" ...

I wouldn't think anyone would see Colombia as a reasonable place to live, given the risk of kidnapping and murder.

On 8/10/2026 at 2:50 PM, Rockyroad said:

It is nice but the pkk beaches are not the best.

I'm sure PKK is a very nice place, but it would also lack the restaurant, massage and mall options of CM obviously which is still my favourite place.

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

I wouldn't think anyone would see Colombia as a reasonable place to live, given the risk of kidnapping and murder.

I'm sure PKK is a very nice place, but it would also lack the restaurant, massage and mall options of CM obviously which is still my favourite place.

I scratched most of any place below MX off any potential list, for safety reasons. Shame, as I used to be fluent in Spanish.

We have one small Lotus's mall here, and it & Lotus's sucks. Does have a newish stand alone Pizza Co. & a Swensens's. Basically the only reason we visit a few times a month.

Even restaurants w/ AC are a challenge to find, and reason for all the home cooking, way more than when we lived in Udon.

9 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

I did a rough and long distance calculation of a month in PTY compared to CNX. I tried to make it apples to apples (Apartment/Condo, food, transportation , internet and cell phone) . PTY would be at a minimum 50% to 75% more expensive than CNX. I am finally at a point in life due to increased income that I can consider PTY or even going back to my old neighborhood in So Cal. . If PTY per month comes in at $2000 to $2500 it is much better than the $3500 to $4000 per month back in So Cal. The only thing I am not sure about is the cost of medical and dental in Panama. Also took a long hard look at the Elite/Privilege Visa and spending 650,000 Baht for 5 years with the same benefits as as a tourist just seems not a good way to spend my money.

Also, looked at Albania (you know American can get 1 year on arrival) and the place just seems too far and distance in many aspects for me. I have always looked at other destinations even though I am mostly content with CNX.

No chance of meeting the locals in Albania - they are all in the UK.....

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I think you're putting way too much priority on the PR and nat. health plan. Nobody is chucked out of TH, that isn't doing something illegal.

All the added cost to live elsewhere, could easily be spent on excellent healthcare ins. in TH. If one's health is that bad, should stay in home country's safety net.

Only negatives for TH, IMHO ...

... air pollution, simply live below Hua Hin

... land ownership, for those wanting, and that seems to be a minority of people.

Let's not forget, you can get PR int TH, or other visas, that are less hassle, though extending every year is simply too easy.

I peeked at MX, some N & S. American countries, Eastern Europe countries, and none are as easy and inexpensive as TH to live in.

300+ replies, and nobody has come up with anything yet, better than TH, especially if needing more than a mere ฿800k / $25k USD to extend. Then can live on any budget you can afford. 15-20-30-100+k THB a month.

The grass isn't greener elsewhere. Even for myself, leaving the USA. Hindsight, if not liquidating, living in USA would be easy, even with all the extra cost than TH, for same lifestyle.

People need to think long & hard, before leaving to hopefully greener pastures. Way too much info today in internet, not to know what awaits.

Don't burn the bridges for a couple years, as it would take that long to settle in anywhere.

I asked AI to compare inflation in a selection of countries over the last three years and make these charts. I then asked it to look at the numbers in light of today’s world situation, whether these trends are temporary or likely to continue, and what it could mean for choosing where to live in the future.

So the question to be asked is, what will the future bring for each and every country? Which country will bring stability?

At least in Thailand it is possible to build and invest cheaply for the future, energy wise and food wise, but you also need to secure your investment one way or another. Renting can be expensive one day, and the requirements can change.

The pictures show something important. From 2023 through 2025 Norway, the EU and the US went through a period of much higher accumulated inflation than Thailand. Thailand was unusually stable. But that does not automatically mean Thailand will always remain at 1 to 2 percent while Norway continues at 3 to 5 percent. Thailand’s very low inflation partly reflected cheaper energy and food, soft domestic demand and relatively weak economic growth. IMF and Bank of Thailand assessments both describe Thai inflation as unusually subdued rather than a permanent new normal.

We are already seeing how quickly that can change. Thai inflation rose to around 2.4 percent year on year in June 2026, largely after higher energy costs entered the system. The Bank of Thailand’s June forecast was around 2.8 percent inflation for 2026, although forecasts have moved considerably because energy prices and the geopolitical situation have become so unpredictable.

Norway is almost the opposite situation. Inflation is still stubbornly above target. Norwegian CPI was around 3.1 percent year on year in July 2026, and Norges Bank now expects inflation to take several years to get properly back toward its 2 percent target. Their current projections do not see inflation returning fully to target until around 2029.