Do You Live Outside Thailand In Se Asia?

[vitz]

hii all.. i'm newbie here ... hope all it's well, i'm from indonesia... nice to meet you all..

Regards

[stevemcqueen]

I live in the Lao PDR (can we at least get that name right?) because one, I want to and two, because my lovely wife is from here. Yes it's got it's downsides but they are completely outweighed by the ups. We gave it a try in the UK - but it just wasn't for either of us!

Not much else too add really! Enjoying semi-retirement at the grand old age of 33 . . .

Plans are a foot to actually make something out of my stay here so it may become fully permanent completely with residency if all goes well!

Even then I'll be managing and sitting back watching the money coming in!

How do get on with visas/visa runs etc???????

Just read this!!!! Sorry.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=145703

[cdnvic]

hii all.. i'm newbie here ... hope all it's well, i'm from indonesia... nice to meet you all..

Regards

Welcome vitz. Are you Indonesian, or just living there?

[vitz]

yes, i'm indonesian. now i live and work in indonesia, but my girl friend it's thai.

hii all.. i'm newbie here ... hope all it's well, i'm from indonesia... nice to meet you all..

Regards

Welcome vitz. Are you Indonesian, or just living there?

[cdnvic]

Great. Look forward to your firsthand knowledge

yes, i'm indonesian. now i live and work in indonesia, but my girl friend it's thai.

hii all.. i'm newbie here ... hope all it's well, i'm from indonesia... nice to meet you all..

Regards

Welcome vitz. Are you Indonesian, or just living there?

[astral]

is Thailand bashing allowed from in here???!!!!

If you feel the need to ask the question,

I suspect you already know the answer.

[PeaceBlondie]

Nobody checked that they're living in the Philipines! Yet, another TVisa poster was telling me about Cebu and a place in Mindanao, that I might want to retire to, and teach English, etc.

Shall I start a new topic about the Philipines?

[Prakanong]

Nobody checked that they're living in the Philipines! Yet, another TVisa poster was telling me about Cebu and a place in Mindanao, that I might want to retire to, and teach English, etc.

Shall I start a new topic about the Philipines?

I had a few days in Cebu earlier this year after a business meeting - seemed OK and much cheaper than Thailand

The expats I met were OK too

English teaching though - is there a call for it in the PI?

One thing they were advertising like mad were the call centre positions - maybe teaching there in business English might be an option?

[cdnvic]

There's certainly a market for English teaching there, but with so many English speaking natives, what is the prospects for foreigners, job-wise, or for visas?

[Prakanong]

I do not know the exact situation but one English bloke living in Cebu told me it was easy for him to get the retirement visa.

He had a malay chinese wife and not a local so it was not by marriage.

He told me he moved there as you still get the raises of UK pension that he would not get in Malaysia as its rozen there - anyone?

[SoCal]

I have lived in Saigon for two years, and consider it somewhat of a love/hate relationship, that is slowly comming to terms with itself. Recognition that the grass is always greener, and some things that used to bother me, do so less these days.

Big advantages is that a visa is easy obtained, without any border runs. Also, there is a tremendous amount of opportunity here. That said, it takes some time to find a reliable Vietnamese partner, and build the needed relationship. If you can do that, it is really priceless. If you invest without it, you will probably be taken for a long expensive ride. Additionaly, the government (immigration/police/etc) have a certain deference for foreigners, which is nice. Lastly, it is relatively cheap, but the salaries are still good.

The two biggest detractors for me: 1) I like to be independent, and here I am very much dependent on others to help me navigate the waters, and get things done. I am married to a Vietnamese, and also have my staff, which help out a lot. Don't think I would choose to live here without a Vietnamese significant other (wife/reliable girlfriend/partner) or without a good job. 2) There isn't much to do. Not vis a vis Thailand, America, etc. Most people find a sport, and try to get away on the weekends.

If I was told that I could stay in Vietnam, but never go to America again, I would pack my bags. If I was told that I could go to America, but never return to Vietnam, then I would still pack my bags, but would have a profound sadness.

All in all, I will probably spend the rest of my life here. Too many investments (emotional and financial.) That said, will gladly get away from time to time to keep my sanity.

[diggers]

hmmm 9 users so far who don't live in Thailand!

I know there was at least one other person who lived in Lao as they replied to a topic of mine sometime ago!

I'm moving to Lao from Chiangmai in one months time... I'm a musician artist type. -will start in Vientienne and head north by bike, not sure where I'll eventually stay, but definately will give Lao a good try - i love it there

[seonai]

Cambodian Steve must be on holiday

[dumball]

Well , I have been living in Cambodia for almost 4 years now and have found it to be much to my liking after about 6 years in Thailand , the people here are far more friendly and helpfull to what the average Thai I came in contact with on a daily basis had become . I do not get looked down upon or harrased in any way shape or form , in fact it has been quite the opposite , my young Camdodian wife treats me better than I remember being treated by my caucasian wife of 25 years , no sin-sot or begging for money from the extended family either , of course I am not a wealthy person so not worth trying to take advantage of . Visa ? No special stipulations or jumping through hoops to appease the piper , simply walk into the friendly travel agent once a year , "Pays me money " and store my passport for another year other than travel beyond the border , use my Country card when ID is required . Banking and the such-like , nothing but courtesy and politeness , in fact the whole country seems to run on genuine smiles and good service to the limits of their abilities , as of this moment I have no reason or desire to change my choice of country , it suits my requirements to a 'T ' . Have helped several xpats relocate here and their thoughts and feelings are somewhat in the same vien as my own , "What's to complain about ?" other than what at first appears to be uncivilised driving techniques , but like many things here , that is changeing for the good . This country is moving forward at a fairly rapid rate not retrograde as I experienced Thailand becoming .

[klikster]

Nobody checked that they're living in the Philipines! Yet, another TVisa poster was telling me about Cebu and a place in Mindanao, that I might want to retire to, and teach English, etc.

Shall I start a new topic about the Philipines?

Yes, please. The Philippines is one "fallback". It would also be nice if those who adore Thailand would refrain from bashing the PI.

[hanno]

Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Why: Needed a change after 14 years on and off in Vietnam

[MJo]

Good question, have place and family in Thailand but work is "based" in Spore, where i also have a more permanent place to stay, but in practise done around the region and africa. In last 12 months was few months in Afica, few months in Indonesia. Short stints in Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Europe. Remaining split between Thailand and Singapore. So where do i live, most of the time feels like i don't live anywhere... So what should i vote. Maybe add "offshore" as an option....

[Xangsamhua]

I live in the Lao PDR (can we at least get that name right?)

Is there a country in this world with the word "Democratic" in it's name that actually is?

It'll always be Laos (or mueang lao) to me, but as Techo says, Lao PDR is what's on people's passports.

[anotheruser]

hmmm 9 users so far who don't live in Thailand!

I know there was at least one other person who lived in Lao as they replied to a topic of mine sometime ago!

I live in Lao as well, 4,000 islands area to be exact.

[doggie888888]

Where - Singapore

Why - I thought better schools(for my daughter), but actually I disagree now so I'm going back to LOS in 2 weeks for a year(lived there for 5 years prior) or so. The world just seems so small when you can choose where you want to live. I really get quite confused with what or where is best

Sorry to be totally off topic, but I love that little insect avatar....i thought it was a real bug and tried to squash it

[Nostraforce]

Just curious. People who spend a lot of time there seem to call it "Lao" in casual conversation as opposed to "Laos." Which is correct?

The story of 'Laos' and 'Lao' all stems from it being a French colony who in there own wisdom christened the place 'Laos'. The twist to the tale is that in French the trailing 's' is silent! So even 'Laos' is pronounced Lao, however the problem lies that only French has this silent 's'. Where are the English speaking world it becomes 'Laoss' or 'Lay-os' or 'La-os' or which ever way some one wants to bastardise it!

No to split hairs, as I believe you're quite right about the origin of the name Laos :-), but in French we do pronounce the "s" at the end, it's English speakers that usually don't! :-) In French, we say La-us (with the 'La' sounding like la-la-la, and the 'us" like "us and them")

That Laos vs. Lao thing confused me forever!

Well the thing with lao vs. laos is that the French during Indochina times established a unified state they named Laos, meaning 'three lao kingdoms united' (the s signifies plurality) the Pathet Lao decided to drop the dated colonial s in the 70's and added the socialist acronym of PDR.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Nostraforce

[Xangsamhua]

Just curious. People who spend a lot of time there seem to call it "Lao" in casual conversation as opposed to "Laos." Which is correct?

The story of 'Laos' and 'Lao' all stems from it being a French colony who in there own wisdom christened the place 'Laos'. The twist to the tale is that in French the trailing 's' is silent! So even 'Laos' is pronounced Lao, however the problem lies that only French has this silent 's'. Where are the English speaking world it becomes 'Laoss' or 'Lay-os' or 'La-os' or which ever way some one wants to bastardise it!

No to split hairs, as I believe you're quite right about the origin of the name Laos :-), but in French we do pronounce the "s" at the end, it's English speakers that usually don't! :-) In French, we say La-us (with the 'La' sounding like la-la-la, and the 'us" like "us and them")

That Laos vs. Lao thing confused me forever!

Well the thing with lao vs. laos is that the French during Indochina times established a unified state they named Laos, meaning 'three lao kingdoms united' (the s signifies plurality) the Pathet Lao decided to drop the dated colonial s in the 70's and added the socialist acronym of PDR.

To people - Lao and Farang - who left Laos in the mid-70s or earlier, the use of the term "Lao" as a noun sounds very strange.

In gatherings of Lao-diaspora people I've never heard "Laos" referred to in any language as "Lao" without a preceding adjective. When speaking French or English people say "Laos" (differently accented) and in Lao, they say "Mueang Lao" (when they're not saying "baan hao").

The word "Lao" is an adjective, so Lao people are khon Lao, the country is "mueang Lao", Lao songs are "pheng Lao" and so on. To say "I went to Lao" or "She lives in Lao" is like saying "I went to French" or "She lives in Danish". Hence it sounds weird to the ears of pre-1975 Lao people and old Lao hands.

"Lao-ocean-girl" talks about it from the perspective of a young Laotian-American woman at http://lao-ocean.com/2004/11/05/whats-in-a-name-lao-or-laos/

Nevertheless, language and usage change, so perhaps the pre-1975 types have to get used to the new ways. I have noticed my wife and sister-in-law starting to use "Lao" as a noun recently after returning from a trip to Vientiane, so I guess that's the way things are and will be. I might even start using it that way myself if it's become the accepted form.

Incidentally, I think the Thai have no qualms about the use of "Lao" as a noun, but I suspect that's a more recent usage too. I don't recollect Thais using the term that way before 1975.

[gaby]

Just curious where the members from the region are from?

unintentional oversight on your part?

you forgot "others" in your list like any other surveys.

now, i don't know where i belong in your survey.

[dumball]

The thread is about where you live in SE Asia outside of Thailand , we have had almost a full page on how Thai pronounce LOA , I hoped it would have been interesting and insightfull on other countries but like many threads it has become BORING .

[BLUEEYEDTHAI]

Well , I have been living in Cambodia for almost 4 years now and have found it to be much to my liking after about 6 years in Thailand , the people here are far more friendly and helpfull to what the average Thai I came in contact with on a daily basis had become . I do not get looked down upon or harrased in any way shape or form , in fact it has been quite the opposite , my young Camdodian wife treats me better than I remember being treated by my caucasian wife of 25 years , no sin-sot or begging for money from the extended family either , of course I am not a wealthy person so not worth trying to take advantage of . Visa ? No special stipulations or jumping through hoops to appease the piper , simply walk into the friendly travel agent once a year , "Pays me money " and store my passport for another year other than travel beyond the border , use my Country card when ID is required . Banking and the such-like , nothing but courtesy and politeness , in fact the whole country seems to run on genuine smiles and good service to the limits of their abilities , as of this moment I have no reason or desire to change my choice of country , it suits my requirements to a 'T ' . Have helped several xpats relocate here and their thoughts and feelings are somewhat in the same vien as my own , "What's to complain about ?" other than what at first appears to be uncivilised driving techniques , but like many things here , that is changeing for the good . This country is moving forward at a fairly rapid rate not retrograde as I experienced Thailand becoming .

As i may be forced to relocate because of new back to back tv regs just implemented in t'lnd,I would be most interested to learn more about Cambodia eg.cost of living,yearly visa cost etc.Like you I am by no means rich,live on U.S. social insecurity.If you have some time would greatly appreciate corresponding with you.thx,Don

[jlaaway]

I thought I was retired and built a house in Philippines around my custom made pool table. But alas, I ran out of money and had to go back to work. I've been working in Malaysia for three years now. My place in Philippines is very small (a townsite) and food selection is quite limited, local only. In Malaysia, there are supermarkets where you can buy almost any food, from almost anywhere, you want. The bad part about Malaysia is that beer, and cigarettes are quite expensive.

Work is the sin of the drinking class...

[dumball]

I have often wondered why there are so many Philipino living in my immediate area here in Phnom Penh and now I know . We have just had another super market mall open where many Barang style foods and other requisites are available , local markets have a wide variety of meats/fruits and vegetables at good prices , booze and cigarettes are realy low cost .

[RubbaJohnny]

I do not know the exact situation but one English bloke living in Cebu told me it was easy for him to get the retirement visa.

He had a malay chinese wife and not a local so it was not by marriage.

He told me he moved there as you still get the raises of UK pension that he would not get in Malaysia as its rozen there - anyone?

pension correct but what aprice to pay a very dangerous place where i would not feel safe at night

my us friend would prefer LOS but visa costs

[Hazri]

Hello everyone. Newbie here. I'm Malaysian living in KL. Sawaddee kwam roo jak krab.

[siggie2]

Well , I have been living in Cambodia for almost 4 years now and have found it to be much to my liking after about 6 years in Thailand , the people here are far more friendly and helpfull to what the average Thai I came in contact with on a daily basis had become . I do not get looked down upon or harrased in any way shape or form , in fact it has been quite the opposite , my young Camdodian wife treats me better than I remember being treated by my caucasian wife of 25 years , no sin-sot or begging for money from the extended family either , of course I am not a wealthy person so not worth trying to take advantage of . Visa ? No special stipulations or jumping through hoops to appease the piper , simply walk into the friendly travel agent once a year , "Pays me money " and store my passport for another year other than travel beyond the border , use my Country card when ID is required . Banking and the such-like , nothing but courtesy and politeness , in fact the whole country seems to run on genuine smiles and good service to the limits of their abilities , as of this moment I have no reason or desire to change my choice of country , it suits my requirements to a 'T ' . Have helped several xpats relocate here and their thoughts and feelings are somewhat in the same vien as my own , "What's to complain about ?" other than what at first appears to be uncivilised driving techniques , but like many things here , that is changeing for the good . This country is moving forward at a fairly rapid rate not retrograde as I experienced Thailand becoming .

May i ask where in Cmbodia you are living,as it sounds like you are very happy and content.