Repatriation - On Leaving Thailand

[thaigene2]

Note that all my choices involves taking personal responsibility for ones life.

Compare to he OP's options.

TH

?

One option .. create a poll to your liking.

Note that all his choices involves taking responsibility for "ones" life. But what if you're not here on your own to retire, monger, get a year-round sunburn? Maybe the OP's optional questions are more suited to those with more than just a "personal" responsibility -- but responsible for more than "one"?

[thaigene2]

Looking at the list of options I think they could all be encompassed in (The Truth Hit Home).

Not so much that things have changed as the view from the outset being somewhat optimistic.

The onset of concern over the real costs of life in Thailand, the real culture, the visa rules and bureaucracy and the real safety issues may not be so much that these things have changed as an indication of the departure of denial and arrival of realism.

Either that or you’ve lost your saffron tinted sunglasses.

Yes I think so too.

[thaigene2]

One thing that really bothers me about Thailand is the inability for "me" to own land outright .. especially when a Thai can go to the US and buy a house in his name. Before coming to Thailand, I owned homes for years. The idea of buying some land in a nice quiet location and building a comfortable house is very appealing.

Yes but it goes deeper than the worn-out excuses that Thail LAND only for Thai PEOPLE, since much of the 'land' was gobbled up by Chinese "Thai" families during the last 30 years or so. Note that you can also NOT own a business here, and even just trying to partner with your wife (assuming she's Thai) is also problematic if not impossible (as a 50-50 LTD venture). Nope, it's got to be Thais owing it all (or enough to ensure they can get rid of you and keep the assets anytime they want).

So not just land/houses...but businesses. And who does that protect? Is it the average "THAIS" or the "other" Thais?

Everything here is loaded in favour of the business/civil servant/political dynsastic families and their guang xi satellite families-supporters. They've even managed to make significant inroads into occupying senior positions within the military establishment - traditionally the last remaining counterfoil to their total domination of this society.

They will never let you compete with them head on. Why should they? They are in a position of near-absolute power.

A quick edit to add that IMHO, the present state of politics being played out is a battle solely between different elements of the above group - to make sure no one can use 'populism' to upset the apple cart again, but more specifically a battle between houses to make sure each dynasty doesn't get shut out by one of the others. It's that latter battle that concerns me the most. And I think it should worry everyone to some degree or another.

Edited February 3, 2008 by thaigene2

[Apothecary]

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

Curious..

i never heard anyone say something so positive about America.. may i ask where in america you reseide?

[Gravelrash]

Everyones situation is different although to a large extent the environment is a constant. I have thought of leaving but why am I still here? Couple of reasons really. Here I have sole legal custody of my children, if I went home where my ex Thai wife resides she could probably cause me grief. The kids are better off with me even if it means living in exile from my home country as its laws will support my now nationalised ex wife. Sad really. She lives in my country and I in hers. Her country has supported me based on the rule of law, yet mine would support her based on her gender.

I am entering a new phase in my business, if all goes to plan (a gamble) then I could be making a considerable income here, and that would of course then put a differnt spin on things.

As to land I bought a house in my daughters name, can't sell till she comes of age, but no need to anyway. I slapped a 30 year lease on it anyway just to make sure the ex couldn't get her foot in the door, although as sole guardian this wouldn't happen any way.

My Thai GF doesn't speak any English so would currently find life difficult abroad. In all likelihood I will continue on here for several years and re-evaluate circumstances later. Business directions will be clearer and the gf will have finished english school. Plus my children will be attaining high school age.

As to education I do wonder where is the best option, a better standard foreign school with the usual drug problems and rebellious anti-parent attitudes or a top rate and expensive Thai International School?

[whopper]

Ive been here full time for about six years. I always planned on living in two places, half and half. I think eventually, it will happen. It keeps things from getting stale.

just an idea to pass along

[ttthailand]

It was hard to think about returning home to America but I am glad I did. The future will be better for my GF ( soon to be married ) and me. I can once again buy land, MY LAND ! My family and old friends are glad I am back. It's a new start at an older age but it is exciting. I am home !

Curious..

i never heard anyone say something so positive about America.. may i ask where in america you reseide?

Before I left 13 years ago for Thailand I lived in the Bradenton / Sarasota, Florida area. I am currently in Galveston, Texas. There are problems here like everywhere else in the world but not too bad. It is a tourist location and has many things to do and great places to eat. The island people have some class and take life a little easier them most.

If you don't have too many forces working against you life is what you make it. You have to keep the right frame of mind.

[klikster]

Ive been here full time for about six years. I always planned on living in two places, half and half. I think eventually, it will happen. It keeps things from getting stale.

just an idea to pass along

That actually used to be a pretty good idea for me. It even works okay for retirement visas if you time things properly. But travel gets harder as I ger older/lazier. From portal to portal, waiting included, a trip home for me is about 24 hours each direction .. assuming I don't wander off into a far corner of the terminal, get lost, and miss my flight.

And now the domestic air fare is almost as much as the international fare.

[thaigene2]

Everyones situation is different although to a large extent the environment is a constant. I have thought of leaving but why am I still here? Couple of reasons really. Here I have sole legal custody of my children, if I went home where my ex Thai wife resides she could probably cause me grief. The kids are better off with me even if it means living in exile from my home country as its laws will support my now nationalised ex wife. Sad really. She lives in my country and I in hers. Her country has supported me based on the rule of law, yet mine would support her based on her gender.

I am entering a new phase in my business, if all goes to plan (a gamble) then I could be making a considerable income here, and that would of course then put a differnt spin on things.

As to land I bought a house in my daughters name, can't sell till she comes of age, but no need to anyway. I slapped a 30 year lease on it anyway just to make sure the ex couldn't get her foot in the door, although as sole guardian this wouldn't happen any way.

My Thai GF doesn't speak any English so would currently find life difficult abroad. In all likelihood I will continue on here for several years and re-evaluate circumstances later. Business directions will be clearer and the gf will have finished english school. Plus my children will be attaining high school age.

As to education I do wonder where is the best option, a better standard foreign school with the usual drug problems and rebellious anti-parent attitudes or a top rate and expensive Thai International School?

Wow - sympathies really. As for the schooling - I've thought about the same thing. Still not sure. But guess your decision is made by the legal situation.

[klikster]

Everyones situation is different although to a large extent the environment is a constant. I have thought of leaving but why am I still here? Couple of reasons really. Here I have sole legal custody of my children, if I went home where my ex Thai wife resides she could probably cause me grief. The kids are better off with me even if it means living in exile from my home country as its laws will support my now nationalised ex wife. Sad really. She lives in my country and I in hers. Her country has supported me based on the rule of law, yet mine would support her based on her gender.

I am entering a new phase in my business, if all goes to plan (a gamble) then I could be making a considerable income here, and that would of course then put a differnt spin on things.

As to land I bought a house in my daughters name, can't sell till she comes of age, but no need to anyway. I slapped a 30 year lease on it anyway just to make sure the ex couldn't get her foot in the door, although as sole guardian this wouldn't happen any way.

My Thai GF doesn't speak any English so would currently find life difficult abroad. In all likelihood I will continue on here for several years and re-evaluate circumstances later. Business directions will be clearer and the gf will have finished english school. Plus my children will be attaining high school age.

As to education I do wonder where is the best option, a better standard foreign school with the usual drug problems and rebellious anti-parent attitudes or a top rate and expensive Thai International School?

Ouch! Sad Catch 22. I really do feel for you.

[zorro1]

. Basic things like getting a phone, setting up a bank account, getting a car loan, renting an apartment were so easy that I could hardly believe that I put up with all the crap in Thailand for as long as I did. People where I am living are so nice I can't believe it QUOTE]

I will never understand how this could possibly be an issue. I opened my bank account on a tourist visa and it was done in twenty minutes and i didn't say a word just handed over my passport and got everything i needed on the spot. back home i would need 100pts of ID and stand in a Que for an hour and sign 10 forms . I have rented same procedure as home however I recently bought and it was zero effort, no lawyers no taxes apart from 1% transfer( would have been 15k back home), just signed power of attorney walked out and had deeds in my hands within 2 weeks. Nice people ? yesterday I had a man chase me (thai) holding his daughter and my wallet with 13k in it. I left it on the sink in the loo so I gave him 500bht tip. What an absolute gentleman and must say I have had great experiences with nice people here but then again you only get back what you put in..

[klikster]

.. but then again you only get back what you put in..

I was sort of with you up to this point.

That comment almost suggests that someone who has been, abused by the bureaucracy, or cheated, or had a laptop stolen or .. deserved what he got. How about the couple over in K'buri that a Police SMaj killed? What had they "put in" to deserve that?

Yes, I know there is good and bad everywhere, so why refuse to acknowledge the negative aspects of Thailand?

[NanLaew]

.. but then again you only get back what you put in..

I was sort of with you up to this point.

That comment almost suggests that someone who has been, abused by the bureaucracy, or cheated, or had a laptop stolen or .. deserved what he got. How about the couple over in K'buri that a Police SMaj killed? What had they "put in" to deserve that?

Yes, I know there is good and bad everywhere, so why refuse to acknowledge the negative aspects of Thailand?

By the same token what exactly have you gained by specifically referencing a recent, single, high-profile, farang-related act of violence in this thread?

Maybe this particular poster, like myself, prefers to remember the nice things from personal experience rather than dwell on less pleasant events, particularly anecdotal tales of misfortune befalling unknown 3rd parties or the latest headline grabbing 'news'.

[klikster]

.. but then again you only get back what you put in..

I was sort of with you up to this point.

That comment almost suggests that someone who has been, abused by the bureaucracy, or cheated, or had a laptop stolen or .. deserved what he got. How about the couple over in K'buri that a Police SMaj killed? What had they "put in" to deserve that?

Yes, I know there is good and bad everywhere, so why refuse to acknowledge the negative aspects of Thailand?

By the same token what exactly have you gained by specifically referencing a recent, single, high-profile, farang-related act of violence in this thread?

"By the same token"? Gained? I didn't see any "gain". I simply referenced and commented on Zorro1's cliche ".. but then again you only get back what you put in..", using the murders as an exaggerated, but real example, of what can happen in Thailand and certainly seems to be much more than they deserved.

Maybe this particular poster, like myself, prefers to remember the nice things from personal experience rather than dwell on less pleasant events, particularly anecdotal tales of misfortune befalling unknown 3rd parties or the latest headline grabbing 'news'.

You do the victims and their families a gross disservice by calling their murders " .. anecdotal tales of misfortune befalling unknown 3rd parties ..". They deserve better, IMO.

And if all you want to remember are the " .. nice things from personal experience .." .. that's fine .. but that's a personal choice.

Personally, I prefer to maintain a balanced view of Thailand.

Edited February 7, 2008 by klikster

[ttthailand]

. Basic things like getting a phone, setting up a bank account, getting a car loan, renting an apartment were so easy that I could hardly believe that I put up with all the crap in Thailand for as long as I did. People where I am living are so nice I can't believe it QUOTE]

I will never understand how this could possibly be an issue. I opened my bank account on a tourist visa and it was done in twenty minutes and i didn't say a word just handed over my passport and got everything i needed on the spot. back home i would need 100pts of ID and stand in a Que for an hour and sign 10 forms . I have rented same procedure as home however I recently bought and it was zero effort, no lawyers no taxes apart from 1% transfer( would have been 15k back home), just signed power of attorney walked out and had deeds in my hands within 2 weeks. Nice people ? yesterday I had a man chase me (thai) holding his daughter and my wallet with 13k in it. I left it on the sink in the loo so I gave him 500bht tip. What an absolute gentleman and must say I have had great experiences with nice people here but then again you only get back what you put in.

I guess we all have had different experiences in LOS. I too have had some great times and great experiences but that does not remove the bad ones or the ease of living. Bank account in Pattaya, I was not able to open at two banks but did fine one to accept my account, pain in the as....Car loan in Thailand in GF name as I could not get loan. House phone weeks waiting and then had a party line, totally crazy to deal with... Rent a house from a Thai and your on your own if something happens, one bad experience, two not so great experiences. Home in pattaya, 9:00 PM the local Thais music went up until early morning, real nice people ! Was only paying 18,000 per month so perhaps you get what you pay for. My experience on my return to America went great. Took care of everything so quickly and with ease. Not one bad experience and has held true to this point. Happy to be back in the USA !

[klikster]

I have rented same procedure as home however I recently bought and it was zero effort, no lawyers no taxes apart from 1% transfer( would have been 15k back home), just signed power of attorney walked out and had deeds in my hands within 2 weeks.

With the chanode duly recorded in your name?

Edited February 9, 2008 by klikster