22 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Yeah, but they're building tourist attractions

They are building many things.

You would think with tourism being 20% of Thailand's GDP they would invest in it, but they haven't, and they don't.

They just think the tourists will keep coming, and when the numbers drop, all they do is market to countries like China and India to prop up the stats.

10 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Do you think parents would rather have their children working at automotive plants or in tourism?

Tourism.

10 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Apparently it is the only one you've seen

Wrong.

I've been all over Thailand, and visited many places on several occasions.

11 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

But the topic is today, not in the thirty years from now when today's twenty something's start retiring.

Are you suggesting no one, from any country, is retiring this year? 😂

Link please.

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Strange comment

Strange suggestions from you. Why do you want the marriage and retirement financials raised, with no grandfathering with 12 months to comply and no agents? Why does the present system appear to upset you?

No need for pulling hypotheticals out of your arse, or questioning what I think or otherwise. Why do you have you such a hard-on for stricter rules? Do they affect you? Is your quality of life here somewhat diminished by the current rules or what other people chose to do?

Why don't you just relocate to Vietnam for a year and get back to us rather than copy/pasting AI, and posting YouTubes of places you've never been?

Edited August 26Aug 26 by NanLaew

3 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Strange suggestions from you. Why do you want the marriage and retirement financials raised, with no grandfathering with 12 months to comply and no agents? Why does the present system appear to upset you?

No need for pulling hypotheticals out of your arse, or questioning what I think or otherwise. Why do you have you such a hard-on for stricter rules? Do they affect you? Is your quality of life here somewhat diminished by the current rules or what other people chose to do?

Why don't you just relocate to Vietnam for a year and get back to us rather than posting pictures and YouTubes of places you've never been?

He does seem absolute gleeful about the company crackdowns.

2 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

He does seem absolute gleeful about the company crackdowns.

A few here would like Thailand all to themselves, and don't like having other foreigners around, likely didn't get along with them back home and want them to leave.

10 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

A few here would like Thailand all to themselves, and don't like having other foreigners around, likely didn't get along with them back home and want them to leave.

I tend to agree. There are the xenophobic types, and then there are the misanthropes.

You know who you are.

On 8/18/2026 at 2:49 PM, KhunHeineken said:

What give away?

If I move to Vietnam, by choice, or because I refused to jump through Thailand's hoops, my visa runs would be dual purpose. I would time the 3 months to take in a sporting event, festival, concert, Pattaya catch up, whatever. I have said this before. I go to the Singapore F1 every year anyway, so there's one visa run straight away.

Like another member says, I can actually do 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in Vietnam, if I want, and not be a tax resident of Thailand, and not have to jump through any hoops here.

Vietnam is my Plan B. Thailand can crackdown all they like, make it as hard for foreigners all they like. They can kick me out if they like. I couldn't care less.

I have done that for years now, but honestly, it gets tiresome having one foot in each country and nowhere really feeling like home or reflecting a whole life. Financially, it is also more expensive than just settling down in one place in Thailand, paying the tax, and keeping or transferring whatever your visa requires.

As long as you are mobile, it can work. But there comes a time when travelling becomes more of a hassle, especially if your health starts to decline. And if someone is already on a tight budget, six months here and six months there does not necessarily save much money anyway.

10 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I have done that for years now, but honestly, it gets tiresome having one foot in each country and nowhere really feeling like home or reflecting a whole life. Financially, it is also more expensive than just settling down in one place in Thailand, paying the tax, and keeping or transferring whatever your visa requires.

As long as you are mobile, it can work. But there comes a time when travelling becomes more of a hassle, especially if your health starts to decline. And if someone is already on a tight budget, six months here and six months there does not necessarily save much money anyway.

I traveled for work most of my life. I had no interest traveling when I retired.

16 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

I tend to agree. There are the xenophobic types, and then there are the misanthropes.

You know who you are.

I'm glad I'm amiable.

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I traveled for work most of my life. I had no interest traveling when I retired.

Been living out of a bag my whole life too, so hopefully I will slow down as well. Right now, at least, my weight is more in Thailand than Europe. But just lately, new options have showed up, making the final decision harder to make.

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

I don't. ... "The topic is a comparison between Thailand and Vietnam for retirement." ... I'm merely point out that Thailand's tourism is down 7% and Vietnam's tourism is up 15%. Some of those tourist are tomorrow's expat retirees. It's tourism that advertises the place as a retirement destination to people.

With , that statement, 2 thoughts come to mind ...

... NO Retirement Visa at VN, so it's a moot point, TH wins

... then why are you talking about tourist numbers & attractions ?

3 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

I traveled for work most of my life. I had no interest traveling when I retired.

I remember walking into the United Airlines office Kowloon side Hong Kong and rep saying 'Nice to see you again, Mr. Jerry.'

And decided maybe I need a change.

On 8/25/2026 at 9:37 AM, KhunLA said:

Another Thai 'world's .... '

Rama IX Bridge ...

... "Significance: Built as part of the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway to coincide with King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, holding the record for the world's longest single-plane cable-stayed bridge span at the time. " ...

VN ... a cable car ...

vs

List of longest cable-stayed bridge spans - Wikipedia

you may want to check facts before you post something of this nature. I know you're a big time Thai apologist and all, but facts mattered!!

1 hour ago, BayArea said:

List of longest cable-stayed bridge spans - Wikipedia

you may want to check facts before you post something of this nature. I know you're a big time Thai apologist and all, but facts mattered!!

Apologist, that's a stretch, though not sure I even know what that means. Apologize for what, being a better country to retire in, vs VN ??? Not beng Thai, why would I apologize for anything about TH, and to who. Something wrong with you people. What is with you people & labels.

That you even search to correct me, speaks volumns. Don't let the hate eat you up.

I simply posted what AI stated, and couldn't be bothered if 1st or 2nd longerst. But I'd say a bit better than a cable car. World's largest 7-11 is so much more impressive IMHO 🙄

Fackts matter, Yes they do, and emphasis on 'single plane' cable stayed bridge. But yea, it wasn't the longest, as bridge in Tampa St Petes opened earlier the same year, so only the 2nd longest at the time it opened.

If only TH had a long cable car, wouldn't that be amazing 🙄

Edited August 26Aug 26 by KhunLA

Objectively Thailand is better than VN based on visas alone.

A fairer question is Thailsnd vs. Panama

14 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Objectively Thailand is better than VN based on visas alone.

A fairer question is Thailsnd vs. Panama

I guess these would be the 2 main financial points, to qualify for their RV. The rest just personal preference to live there.

Certainly wouldn't be my choice, as I think TH is silly small. Huge compared to Panama, as slightly smaller than S. Carolina, USA ... NO THANKS

Long country with lots of coastline, nice added touch. Wee bit smaller than Gulf of Thailand coastline. (2693 km vs 2490) Florida 2170 km coastline.

Edited August 26Aug 26 by KhunLA

35 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I guess these would be the 2 main financial points, to qualify for their RV. The rest just personal preference to live there.

Certainly wouldn't be my choice, as I think TH is silly small. Huge compared to Panama, as slightly smaller than S. Carolina, USA ... NO THANKS

Long country with lots of coastline, nice added touch. Wee bit smaller than Gulf of Thailand coastline. (2693 km vs 2490) Florida 2170 km coastline.

Pros and cons

Panama the retirement visa means permanent residence, financial requirements much lower, and the government gives a robust package of discounts.

Health care in Panama City comparable to Bangkok.

But a higher cost of livimg.

Edited August 26Aug 26 by Jingthing

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Apologist, that's a stretch, though not sure I even know what that means. Apologize for what, being a better country to retire in, vs VN ??? Not beng Thai, why would I apologize for anything about TH, and to who. Something wrong with you people. What is with you people & labels.

That you even search to correct me, speaks volumns. Don't let the hate eat you up.

I simply posted what AI stated, and couldn't be bothered if 1st or 2nd longerst. But I'd say a bit better than a cable car. World's largest 7-11 is so much more impressive IMHO 🙄

Fackts matter, Yes they do, and emphasis on 'single plane' cable stayed bridge. But yea, it wasn't the longest, as bridge in Tampa St Petes opened earlier the same year, so only the 2nd longest at the time it opened.

If only TH had a long cable car, wouldn't that be amazing 🙄

So your post was misleading and yet you still insist on putting down VN to prop up Thailand. talk about " hate" . 🤣

as far as hate, no such thing when comparing different countries for retirement. to each its own, but you are hell bent on LOS so enjoy your stay and let others say what they will on other options without your incessant bias on all things Thailand.

15 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Strange suggestions from you. Why do you want the marriage and retirement financials raised, with no grandfathering with 12 months to comply and no agents? Why does the present system appear to upset you?

As the chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer told Dick Cavett in a 1971 interview:

"I like to make them squirm".

18 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Plan B is only for when Thailand makes too many hoops that I refuse to jump through.

I suspect that will come, or some existing hoops will get a bit tighter!

14 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

I suspect that will come, or some existing hoops will get a bit tighter!

It is all right here. All they have to do is swap out the numbers including on (6) which is the 'grandfather' clause.

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Pros and cons

Panama the retirement visa means permanent residence, financial requirements much lower, and the government gives a robust package of discounts.

Health care in Panama City comparable to Bangkok.

But a higher cost of livimg.

I am assuming one would also encounter more Americans in Panama than either Thailand or Vietnam. That may not be a pro in some people's eyes.

3 hours ago, BayArea said:

...without your incessant bias on all things Thailand.

That accusation caused me to take a quick look at your forum posting content. You aren't really what is casually labelled as a "Thai basher" but you're getting there.

4 hours ago, BayArea said:

So your post was misleading and yet you still insist on putting down VN to prop up Thailand. talk about " hate" . 🤣

as far as hate, no such thing when comparing different countries for retirement. to each its own, but you are hell bent on LOS so enjoy your stay and let others say what they will on other options without your incessant bias on all things Thailand.

Not putting it down. Just stating a fact, it's not a country to retire in, no visa for retirement. If having one, just not for me, and I point out why. No hate, as never visited, and it seems a lovely county.

Wouldn't retire there, for same reason as many countries, or states in the USA, weather, since typhoons in the area, get a wee bit too close half the year.

TH has it shares of negatives, but most avoidable or at least tolerable. Yes, love it here, and fits us well. I definitely couldn't live in some areas, and if had to, I'd leave TH. Why I left the USA, besides 45 yrs was enough, no place ticked enough boxes for me.

Edited August 27Aug 27 by KhunLA

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Why do you want the marriage and retirement financials raised, with no grandfathering with 12 months to comply and no agents? Why does the present system appear to upset you?

I don't want the marriage and retirement financials raised. I simply stated they can not remain at 800k / 65k forever. At some stage these amounts will have to increase because their purchasing power is being eroded away over time.

The day will come when these amounts no longer represent what the Thai government requires them to represent. For this reason also, I can not see grandfathering.

If they announced grandfathering, there would be a rush of younger future expats, many of which may not have actually even retired yet, apply for the retirement visa before the new financials kick in. These guys could potentially be on the current amounts for the next decade, or more.

The present system does not upset me.

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Why do you have you such a hard-on for stricter rules? Do they affect you? Is your quality of life here somewhat diminished by the current rules or what other people chose to do?

No hard-on for stricter rules. It's economics. Prices go up over time. Nothing new about it.

The current rules do not effect me.

I have a good lifestyle here.

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Why don't you just relocate to Vietnam for a year and get back to us rather than copy/pasting AI, and posting YouTubes of places you've never been?

I copied and pasted an AI in response to another members copy and paste of AI. I normally post links to credible sources.

I didn't do a year in Danang - Vietnam, but I have done a couple of 1 month blocks. One in low season and one in high season. I inspected several properties and have a couple on a short list.

I have also been to several cities / towns in Vietnam as a tourist. I've been to Phu Quoc and been on that cable car. I have a bank account there, and a sim card.

So, I've already done a rekkie of my Plan B.

19 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

He does seem absolute gleeful about the company crackdowns.

I'm never gleeful about Thai's scamming foreigners.

This was allowed to continue for decades. Now the numbers are so big, and they have so many in the net, they decide to take action. How convenient for them.

19 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

A few here would like Thailand all to themselves, and don't like having other foreigners around, likely didn't get along with them back home and want them to leave.

I'm not one of those people. Quite the opposite, actually.

I have said it's tourism that gives expats variety and choice here. That's why expats have a vested interest in Thailand having a thriving tourism industry. If I wanted Thailand all to myself, I wouldn't be saying such a thing.

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

I tend to agree. There are the xenophobic types, and then there are the misanthropes.

You know who you are.

If one was xenophobic, why would they chose to live in a foreign country?

10 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

At some stage these amounts will have to increase because their purchasing power is being eroded away over time.

They might decide to lower the numbers so more expats will be able to meet the genuine requirements and not have to pay bribes to IMM officials via a conduit to get around them.

Edited August 27Aug 27 by JerryM

7 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

If one was xenophobic, why would they chose to live in a foreign country?

To hide for some reason, far away from a country that might be looking for them perhaps? Some here do hate their own kind, which is strange but easy to understand if they were outcasts in their native country, possibly blaming their own kind for the way their life turned out. So they come to a country where they don't need to communicate, hiding away in a village with a young wife who also doesn't understand them, using their money to blend in and remain anonymous.