I was reading a thread elsewhere from a guy who, after spending time in Thailand, realised his life back home basically sucked. He discovered a whole new lifestyle in Thailand, much more suited to his personality, and was agonising about making a move from his boring life, and people, to try the exotic.

Despite the usual negative "General Topics" responses, the OP's sentiments stuck a chord.

While reading the thread, I also had a bit of an epiphany, and have realized I should ramp up my plans for the rest of my time on the planet. I feel it's no longer enough for me to settle for the comfortable, boring existance I have here in Australia and should strongly consider moving to Thailand (or Bali) to get some focus, interest and personal interaction back in my life.

I currently live alone.

I'm having trouble breaking away. It's a big deal to contemplate emigrating to a country where you don't speak the language, nor fully understand the culture. And I have concerns about the much documented personal violence and official corruption. Not to mention the exchange rates!

I'm now 60, for fuc_ks sake! (how did that happen?) I know it takes courage to make the big step, to move from the comfort zone, and start a new life away from the ease of western society (health systems, etc.).

While not rich, money is not a worry. A retirement visa is a given.

I am fully aware that residence in Thailand will possibly involve supporting an Issan family to some degree (I have a GF), but I would have someone in my life full time and the advantages that entails. Is that a good enough reason to move?

Should I settle for the comfortable, boring western life, or shoot for something completely different?

I don't know how most Bedlamites would respond. Most of you are somewhat younger and still working, so you're not at my point in life, but I would appreciate your imput.

Taking the step can be scary, especially if you are doing it alone.

Me Dear Old Dad stayed up in his cabin alone for years, with only a couple of friends to visit and the occasional trip to town for groceries and such. He had the time, opportunity and money to basically go anywhere and set himself up, but didn't.

He told me something many, many years ago that really stuck in my mind. He said that when he retired, he wanted to go somewhere where the only time he saw snow was on a postcard, and the only time he saw ice was when he was stirring it in his drink.

That sounded pretty good to me too. Even though I'm a few years away from retirement (depending how long I actually want to continue working), I started making my plans to be somewhere warm when the time came to pack it in.

Last summer I decided to fly DoD over for a visit. He had barely been in the country 2 weeks when he decided he was going to move there. I cautioned him (many times) that things are often very different between being on vacation and living in a place full-time. He decided to give it a go any ways.

He went back to Canada in early Sept and spent the next 5 weeks getting his paperwork together and packing up his house. Mid-Oct and he was back with a shiny new O-A visa and a smile.

Hasn't looked back since. The 2 line emails I get every few days show him to be doing just fine. I was considerably worried when I left to go back to work in November, but had him set up as well as I could. He knew people (Thais) that spoke enough English to help him with just about any thing that might arise. I warned him of the many pitfalls that could be set before him (like the old "if it sounds too good to be true, then it definitely isn't !").

Any ways. If I hadn't brought him over for that trip, he'd of stayed in his cabin until one day the roof caved in on him, or he had a heart attack shovelling snow or carrying firewood. He just needed a little "nudge" to show him that it wasn't as scary as he may have thought it was.

Moving to a foreign country can be a scary proposition, even for younger people. Different language, customs, currency, food, laws, etc.

But often enough, once you get there you realise quite quickly that either you can handle it, or you can't. Some people can adapt and overcome. Some adapt and whine. Some give up and go home where things may not be as good, but they are familiar.

If you are familiar with the country already, then moving isn't that scary. There are adjustments to make though. As I mentioned before, living in Thailand ain't the same as holidaying there !

Besides, I figured an "old croc" would be right at home in Thailand ! Especially down on Walking Street which is full of crocodiles (except they tend to be somewhat younger, better looking, and for the most part, FEMALE !)

My dad moved to Spain & basically retired at age 50, he died in March last year aged 60.

I'm glad he got to spend the last 10 years on earth on his own little bit of mountain, tending to his horse & basically doing what the fuc_k he liked, when he liked. He was a contrary bastard & didn't suit company, he lived alone exactly as he wanted, He had a gf for many of those years, a British uni professor who would travel over to stay with him for a couple of days every few months. It suited them both. We didn't get to spend too much of those 10 years together as I was in LOS & then later living in UK with my husband who couldn't freely travel & then falling preggers blah blah blah but I saw him 6 months before he dies & he got to see his only grandson who was 4 months old at the time.

My dad didn't know he was going to get pancreatic cancer at age 59 & at age 60 drop down dead outside his front door from a brain anurism (sic) 10 months, a pancreas removal & the first course of chemo later so I say go for it. LIfe really is too short & you never know when your time is up so enjoy life whilst you can.

I agree, just go for it. We could be dead tomorrow!

Interesting insight into your concerns/conflicting emotions there Bags. I am roughly in the same position as yourself, but my greatest issue is resolving some personal business (which is going to take a bit of time and effort) so that I can go. I could probably get it all done in a few months if I went all out, but I'll do it at my own pace. The interesting part to me is that it seems to be some sort of dilemma for you. A security blanket type thing, if I can be trite. You need to bear in mind that if you ever change your mind, you can move back again (probably with less effort than you'll need to make in order to organise your affairs in Australia for the move to LOS).

I have to admit to being surprised that a man in your personal situation has lingering doubts. I wonder how many people have the same thought, but never follow it through due to some sort of insecure feeling about it? I wonder if those same people subsequently have regrets that come too late? Of course, from another perspective, it is understandable; it is a significant change in lifestyle and an upheaval from the environs in which you have been 'at home' all of your life. But from my experience of spending lengthy periods in LOS, it is a lifestyle to which one very easily becomes accustomed. I would be surprised if you ever have more than the slightest nagging feelings of 'missing' Oz once you get established in LOS. And, of course, Oz is only a short plane trip away if you want to visit friends/relatives every now and then.

You only live once, Bags. Go for it, and good luck!

E: Someone shuffled the keys on my keyboard.

I am older than you - my birthday was celebrated on this forum a couple of weeks ago - and still working, alhtough I have a faily in Thailand.

I will be off to Kuwait next month, as I finish work in Vietnam this week. I stay in work because I have few hobbies (I used to play several sports - now too old to compete at top level) and cannot sit and watch the grass grow.

Life in Thailand at a late-middle age virtually means having to retire and have a hobby, even if the hobby is running the local corner shop. No way to start a good business that I know of - although I am, aas always, open to correction.

So what is your current situation? Are you willing to stop whatever you're doing, for ever, and spend the rest of your life watching Thai cable TV?

This is a big decision and one that cannot be reversed after the first few months.

Well, I have a similar story to Boo. My mother struggled with serious and major health issues her entire adult life. Breast cancer 3 times (it was the last one that finally killed her), a heart attack, severe osteoporosis (thanks to the radiation and chemo), diverticulitis, uterine fibroids, and on and on. The amazing thing was, she still lived her life fully and never let it get her down.

She did all the things she enjoyed, came to visit me after the second bout of cancer, went to Bali (a dream of her and my dad), went to plays, went back to school and got her BA, basically lived as if she had to enjoy every day as it came.

She died two months after she retired. But, thankfully, I don't think she had any regrets for things she had not done or things she had missed.

I am not sure a permanent move is necessary, could you try giving it a 6 month go and see how it suits? There is no reason to commit at this point, what if you hate it? But, yes, I think you should give some kind of change a try, you obviously feel the need and what can it hurt? All you might learn is that its not for you.

Go for it, boots!!

If it doesn't work out you can always come to Switzerland....

I made the move 2½ years ago, age 61. Haven't looked back since. I can fully agree with Kerryd's dad's feelings about snow and ice. They should both be OUTLAWED! Here I don't need to worry about either, I donated my snow shovel to my son before I moved.

Incidentally, my son and his girl friend come to visit at least once a year. They think that having a 'free guest house' here is just great

Agree with Patsy (we cat people should stick together): Go for it!

/ Priceless

Thanks to all for the replies.

This little, self indulgent thread evolved on Saturday night after drinking quite a few Margaret River whites alone. (Perhaps it's an example of my contrary nature that my spelling seems to get better when pissed!)

Thanks Kerry, Boo and sbk for sharing your family stories.

Kerry, your father certainly seems to have landed on his feet, and dare I say it, the references to walking street seem to indicate a classic father/son scenario.

Boo and sbk sorry for your family losses, but as you say, they did achieve many of their dreams first.

Ping, we've talked about our similar situations and plans before, and I really hope you can resolve the personal difficulties that are standing in your way at the moment. (and, I really have to thank you for the evolution of the nik name you've bestowed on me! )

Humph and Priceless, good to get imput from those of you who have made the move, albeit in differing circumstances.

A bit more about my personal circumstances: I retired some years ago, mainly because of health reasons, and am now fully adjusted away from the work mindset. This process does take several years, and I initially substituted some voluntary work to help the transistion. (Meals-on-wheels, driving buses for oldies clubs, etc.)

I've had a couple of ops to fix bones/joints and so on, and am travelling a lot better these days than a year ago. However, I'm still a fair way from being fit for many of lifes basic activities which makes living alone difficult. Another reason for my mixed feelings about a move - I can afford a maid/helper/or whatever in Thailand, but not in Oz. But the health care is excellent where I am.

While not personally concerned about living in LOS (I have spent a fair bit of time there), the points I mentioned above are an annoyance that I don't know if I can be bothered dealing with on a daily basis. However, my biggest worries before moving would be how to divest myself of a house and all my accumulated stuff, and what to do about my 87 yo mother who is slowly dying of emphusema in a nursing home. As her only remaining rellie who visits, she relies on me to keep her supplied with chocolates and lotto tickets and conversation.

Bugger it! Forget Thailand, I've had a better offer from Switzerland. I'm off!

Wait a minute, I just remembered how much I had to pay for a pizza in Pizza Hut, Zurich many years ago.

I can't afford you Patsy.

All you guys have posted here regarding moving to LoS, encompasses what I feel.

I would just love to simply move to Chalong.

I hit the BIG 70, yesterday, so health is the BIG problem in my eyes.

Reasonably healthy, diabeteic and have prostate cancer, hopefully fully in remission.

As Croc stated, getting rid of years accumalated bits and pieces, hard.

My New Zealand Universal Superannuation, requires that I am in the country once every 6 months, or lose it until I return and reapply.

A months super at current rates for fares, no big deal, travelling big nuisance.

NZ has arrangements with some countries and vice versa, OZ the UK for example, where it is paid as if it was normal in those places.

Like said earlier by anther poster, if I do not do it soon, I may regret my procrastination.

I may have to take anothers feelings about this onboard, neva know, lottsa thinking.

Cheers all

Pete the procrastinator.......PMPL

Seventy! Better move soon Pete, you haven't got much time left!

Seriously, I bet you're a young 70. Happy birthday you old bugger.

When you consider the investment you'll be making in your future lifestyle as against the drama you will have divesting yourself of all your bits and pieces, perhaps you should consider giving most of your stuff away or (worst case scenario) dumping it. Even large ticket items like electical/electronics goods are not going to bring much through the Trading Post/E-Bay/whatever, so the lesser items will probably be more of a nuisance in disposal than what it's worth. I am currently contemplating what to do with a ship load of stuff myself - and most of it will be given away (those things that charities don't want I'll probably leave on the front nature strip with a sign saying 'Free to take', and I'll bin anything remaining).

Kerry, your father certainly seems to have landed on his feet, and dare I say it, the references to walking street seem to indicate a classic father/son scenario.

Ummm, I was thinking more about you (the older, wiser croc) wandering down WS amidst the younger, (maybe wiser ?) young female crocs that inhabit the area. I hear they are real man-eaters (at least until they get their fill of som tam) !!

I think it's a bit much to expect Bags to be wandering down Walking Street (I'm assuming that a man of his obvious discernment would gravitate towards the jewel of LOS - Phuket - rather than that grotty little patch across the puddle...)

Yeah, we wouldn't want anyone with a speck of life left in them, to enjoy themselves in Pattaya !

Better off to send all the grumps to Phuket so they can whine about all the "foreigners" clogging up the beaches, bars and shops !

Thanks for sharing Old Croc.

My father died when he was 39 of Leukemia and that event changed my life forever. Although it's not hereditary (sp) it does play on my mind that he had his first child when he was 17 and although he got to see them almost grow up, he didn't have the time to fulfill many of his ambitions. I'm not going out that way.

I was all ready for the permanent move to Thailand, in about 5 years. I've built up a good portfolio of houses and i will have finished paying them all off in about 4 years. Another year or so to save a bit more, with pensions starting to pop up and i was sorted. Then 5 months ago, this little bugger came along.

As chuffed as i am that she has come, it has obviously set back my plans. However, i decided rather than just accepting the fact that i would carry on living in the UK for a longer period, i decided to come to Saudi not long after we found out MrsBoJ was pregnant. It was a big risk cos to be blunt it wasn't exactly the country where i would have chosen. The finances, tax free status etc etc mean i can still work to my initial plan. However, now i've been here for a while i really love it and to make it even better, the family are joining me next week.

So, all in all, I'm glad i came here and made the move. But i'm still looking forward to the next move...Thailand.

I say go for it and give it a whirl Croc.

Edit:- to fix some thungy me bobs

^^Kerry - correct.

E: Jangles got in first

P.S.

I am fully aware that residence in Thailand will possibly involve supporting an Issan family to some degree (I have a GF),

Not neccessarily. The only thing i have forked out for since i met MrsBoJ, is her mothers funeral last March, which was about £300. I didn't have to and wasn't asked to but i wanted to give her a really good send off.

E: Jangles got in first

My ex-wifes new husband has to live with that, too

An afterthought, Bags. There are house clearance mobs (forgot all about them) that will offer to clear most of your stuff out (for a fraction of its value, of course). If you can't find them in the Yellow Pages, a local real estate agent will be able to advise you. I'll be trying the same tack - don't know why I didn't think of it before...

E: Razor sharp Jangles

Well, I have a similar story to Boo. My mother struggled with serious and major health issues her entire adult life. Breast cancer 3 times (it was the last one that finally killed her), a heart attack, severe osteoporosis (thanks to the radiation and chemo), diverticulitis, uterine fibroids, and on and on. The amazing thing was, she still lived her life fully and never let it get her down.

She did all the things she enjoyed, came to visit me after the second bout of cancer, went to Bali (a dream of her and my dad), went to plays, went back to school and got her BA, basically lived as if she had to enjoy every day as it came.

She died two months after she retired. But, thankfully, I don't think she had any regrets for things she had not done or things she had missed.

I am not sure a permanent move is necessary, could you try giving it a 6 month go and see how it suits? There is no reason to commit at this point, what if you hate it? But, yes, I think you should give some kind of change a try, you obviously feel the need and what can it hurt? All you might learn is that its not for you.

Echo what sbk says there. You can test the waters before-hand.

Just one thing though, if you decide to go for 6months or so, go with the mindset of a person who has emigrated, not with a "holiday mode" mindset. If you tell yourself its a permanent move, you will be able to get a better feel if you think it will work out for you or not. Might also be worth being a quite frugal to see how you would get on if your cash was limited. Plus of course if one area doesnt suit you another area might. Lastly, allow yourself enough time to adjust and ride out any bumpy moments when you might wonder what the hel_l you are doing in this strange country!

To put things on hold, and try to lock everything up for six months or rent the place out, is nearly as difficult as moving permanently, but I am planning a trip of at least 3 months first up.

I can probably impose on people to look after things at home for that shorter period.

I usually throw money around when I'm in Thailand because many of the people who have become friends do it very tough. This attitude started when I went to Phuket a couple of weeks after the tsunami and basically donated money directly, not just through the collection organisations at home.

But you're right, I certainly need to get a cheaper rental, and learn to live more frugally as a resident rather than a tourist to see how I go.

Unfortunately, like nearly everybody, a lot of my spending money has gone down the drain in the last 12 months, but I can probably still achieve around 100k a month so it should be enough for my lifestyle even in Phuket (if I stay away from Bangla!).

Good lord, Old Croc. 100,000 a month and you would live like a king on Koh P

Of course you'd be bored witless after awhile but it would be good for your blood pressure

Well ive no idea what Bangla is, or much about Island prices, but i imagine at 100k a month you should be comfortable. So go on and set up that 3 months asap GOod luck!

Edit: lol, sbk just answered a sec before me. So, sbk, you can really live well in Islands for that money? For SO long been meaning to take a trip south to check out what island life might be like. I imagine its very different from Chiang Mai.

edit2: old croc, did you realise you posted your last post at: Yesterday, 2009-01-27 22:22:22 Maybe has some significant meaning. Go talk to a Monk pronto!

Bangla Rd, Phuket is similar to Walking Street.

00.22.22 for me.

^Bags, that's a long bow to draw...

('Course the other issue is that Phuket has a lot to offer - not just Soi Bangla/Patong. Pattaya has Walking Street and... um...)

Sure, you cant' travel all the time but if all you want is a simple life then its easy.

Rent a house, nice house, 10,000/month perhaps. Internet, dunno what is it about 1000/month

Since we have a limited selection of eateries, eating out isn't such a big past time here. The road to Hadrin is just scary enough to make alot of people think twice about popping down there for food. Monthly eating out, maybe 5,000. If you like to go out drinking obviously that costs more, but then it does everywhere else too.

Don't need aircon that much, we don't have it at all tbh. We do have a hot water heater which is nice tho. So, utilities, maybe 1000/month?

Its hard for me to guesstimate since we don't live a private lifestyle (ie we live on site in our resort and all personal expenses like electric are also part of the resort). But 100,000/month? Sure. easy.

But, life is pretty quiet here, regardless of what some people think. If you live a quiet lifestyle and don't get involved with the druggies, the gamblers, the girlie bars or the police then you should be fine. I've managed to live here 20 years without a single event.

But anyway, I like the 3 month idea, Old Croc. Be sure to not live like a tourist tho. Try to live as tho you are staying long term and see how you like it. It really is an entirely different kettle of fish.

Who the hel_l eats at Pizza Hut, when there are so many other cheaper restos around!!

Good luck, boots, whatever you decide and keep us informed of your plans.

Oh, and keep away from the local flora and fauna i.e. tigers....

Well, I dont even have half of 100k baht (especially now that the exchange rate is so bad ) a month and i live ok in Chiang Mai, just thought that the popular Islands would take a lot more to live on. I live quite frugally though and still put money in savings.

As for "similar to Walking Street", the only one i know of is here in Chiang Mai, and thats where you buy clothes and trinkets and eat food. Somehow i think im getting the wrong impression. But, if i am, no need to enlighten me.