If You Had A Chance To Do It Again!

[Royspurs]

Team Thailand,

I am 48 yo and looking at retiring to Thailand in approximately 2 years time. We are building a house in my wifes village (20km form Sakon Nakhon) which is almost complete.

I from England, lived in Oz for 17 years and am currently in the US and will be for the next 2 years, I share this as I have the opportunity to bring things from any of these countries or set things up here before I come toThailand.

We plan tohave children in 2 years also to coincide with living in Thailand full time, assuming I can hit the target!!

So, that is my situation, my Q is what would you have done differently, or what did you do that was really beneficial leading up to settling down in Thailand full time, eg: financially, what did you bring, what didnt you bring, did you come too soon, should you have come too earlier, etc.

I have 2 years to get things in order, any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks Roy

[ricklee]

Hey Roy- just a few things. Do you plan to work here? If not, make sure you are ready to retire at such a young age. 50 is pretty young to put yourself out to pasture unless you're a lazy sod at heart. I'm about the same age as you (52) and sometimes think I should have waited a few more years before coming over, to work, accumulate some more money, etc. If you are retiring get yourself a hobby, quick! Also, a mistake for me was shipping too much of my stuff over here. Travel light if you can. It simplifies things and saves on moving expenses. Where will you be living? We might be neighbors.

- Rick

[Royspurs]

Rick,

House is in Nong Phur (on rd to Nakhon Phanom) neighbors?

No plan to work as I have been travelling for years and dont want to leave the family too much, although would like to keep my hand in somehow??

I am very active, play tennis, golf, gym, travel, motorcycling, travel and a child hopefully

"travel light" I would have thought some say electrical goods would be much more expensive in Thailand?

good feedback and your point about 50 being too young does concern me

Roy

Hey Roy- just a few things. Do you plan to work here? If not, make sure you are ready to retire at such a young age. 50 is pretty young to put yourself out to pasture unless you're a lazy sod at heart. I'm about the same age as you (52) and sometimes think I should have waited a few more years before coming over, to work, accumulate some more money, etc. If you are retiring get yourself a hobby, quick! Also, a mistake for me was shipping too much of my stuff over here. Travel light if you can. It simplifies things and saves on moving expenses. Where will you be living? We might be neighbors.

- Rick

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

I retired at 50 that was 25 years ago. Have never regretted it for a minute. As long as you have adequate funds to be able to pay cash for everything up front and save 10% of your earnings each year you should be OK. Something to keep the mind and hands busy makes a big difference, a hobby perhaps.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Royspurs]

[beentheredonethat,

financially, I beleive you are spot on, I think the same way and will be able to follow suit.

25 years retired and counting, that great and why not hey. Did you learn Thai/Isaan?

roy ]

I retired at 50 that was 25 years ago. Have never regretted it for a minute. As long as you have adequate funds to be able to pay cash for everything up front and save 10% of your earnings each year you should be OK. Something to keep the mind and hands busy makes a big difference, a hobby perhaps.

Good luck and enjoy.

[parryhandy]

Have you lived in the village for at least 1 year before building the house ? How long have you been married ?

I would never build a house (or even hint that I would) in a place I did not know unless I had lived normally there for at least a year, probably longer, unless I had money to burn.

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Royspurs

We have only lived in LOS for three years. Spent time in a lot of other places during our 25 year retirement. Must say I can think of nowhere that I would rather be than LOS.

Age has caused a few problems and hearing is one of the biggies. So unable to learn Thai and struggle with English now. But hey, I'm just happy as Larry to be here so just take it as it comes. Concentrate on the good things in life and forget about the bad. But I think I was born with rose colored glasses on and still have them. Life is great and keeps getting better.

I think you will have a great retirement.

Best of luck

Beenthere

[Royspurs]

[Hello Parryhandy,

Only visited the village a few times and have been married 2 1/2 years. I have lived in remote locations in Canada & Australia so comfortable with quieter life, keeping myself occupied etc, and have been constently travelling globally for many years so comfortable and respectful of other cultures.

I was sure about my wife and thats why I married her so building a house is no issue and also give here security which I am happy to do for her, she is educated and could survive without me.

Dont have money to burn though, but can afford to retire with a sustainable income.

Your comments are valid but I am comfortable with this situation

thanks Roy

]

Have you lived in the village for at least 1 year before building the house ? How long have you been married ?

I would never build a house (or even hint that I would) in a place I did not know unless I had lived normally there for at least a year, probably longer, unless I had money to burn.

[retiredusn]

Retired at 46yrs old and never looked back. The other posters have given great advice, only bring what you need over here as just about everything is available save the cost of shipping and enjoy the cash while here. The wife and I have lived in Thailand for 6 years now and can think of no other place we would rather be. What you may want to consider is getting your visa prior to arrival here either OA retirement or O married to a Thai its a bit more paper work but you arrive with no problems and have plenty of time too sort out your extension's of visa, its just a nice feeling to land with no rush facing you. Good Luck and dam_n good planning...

[torrenova]

Do you already have a grown up family ? I certainly wouldn't have kids at 50. I know Thai women "need" kids and I guess your wife is considerably younger than you. I hope you have gone through all these things but if you are asking finance related questions then I guess you are perhaps some way off the requirements.

Start with this. Kids in international schools cost up to Bt1,000,000 a year when everything is factored in. These are very broad and over inflated numbers I know but they allow for inflation and are easily understood and computed. Costs less early on and then more. Then you have university. A 4 year degree course in the Uk including subsistance allowance will knock you back at least Bt1,000,000 a year. So, with say 2 kids, do you have Bt2,000,000 a year free income which will definately be available for the next 25 years and plans in place to continue this amount should you die ?

That is about £40,000 a year after all taxes. Add in your spending money and you're knocking on £60,000 a year. Discount it a bit to £50,000. That is quite a pension.

For general advice, don't underestimate the setting up costs. Think long and hard about the big ticket items, their replacements over time, various health insurances and income protection policies (I would not trust my child's mother or family to deal with a multi million estate and pay for all the things my child needs and still have money 20 years later !)

My rule of thumb is that a mid range car or truck costs about Bt200,000 a year to run, including fuel, tax, maintenance, insurance and depreciation etc.

If a mid range computer setup with printers and the like costs 40-60k then it is another Bt20k a year in costs. Work other things out like this. True replacemant cost per annum.

Insurance is a killer and you need cover. Life cover is going to be an issue after 65 or 70 as well.

I wouldn't bring small stuff, just bin it or give it away (or sell it) unless you are keeping a property abroad.

[PeaceBlondie]

Hi Roy,

Welcome to TVisa.

I took early retirement from a little outfit called the IRS. That was in 1998, at age 56, which means I'm now...32? I flew to Central America for an intensive Spanish immersion course. Then 3 years in Mexico, half the time doing NGO work, the rest living on the beach. Went back to S Texas for a year; then on to Thailand. Two years teaching full time, then I fell off the bike and lost a humerus. Now I'm settled back in Chiang Mai; we built as house this year.

What would I have done differently? Well, when I was 12, there was this neighbor, and I wish we had...never mind. At 56 the 6 children were grown, the career was dead-end; no regrets there. I stopped making babies at age 38, when they started popping out as twins. I think age 50 is old for making babies, but 'up to you.' I would not send my kids to a Thai school, at all.

Schttufff to bring to Thailand? I brought 2 suitcases and a backpack, but I was single. Like a travel guide-book advised: bring half as much stuff, and twice as much money

If I had a chance to do it all over, I would not have left Latin America, because I can't puut Thai. Can you?

[Royspurs]

Royspurs

We have only lived in LOS for three years. Spent time in a lot of other places during our 25 year retirement. Must say I can think of nowhere that I would rather be than LOS.

Age has caused a few problems and hearing is one of the biggies. So unable to learn Thai and struggle with English now. But hey, I'm just happy as Larry to be here so just take it as it comes. Concentrate on the good things in life and forget about the bad. But I think I was born with rose colored glasses on and still have them. Life is great and keeps getting better.

I think you will have a great retirement.

Best of luck

Beenthere

Beenthere,

Great accessories those rose coloured glasses I also have a pair, just add level headed optimism and it’s quite a combo

Where is home for you?

Best regards Roy

[Royspurs]

[

quote name='retiredusn' date='2009-07-06 09:17:26' post='2852978']
Retired at 46yrs old and never looked back. The other posters have given great advice, only bring what you need over here as just about everything is available save the cost of shipping and enjoy the cash while here. The wife and I have lived in Thailand for 6 years now and can think of no other place we would rather be. What you may want to consider is getting your visa prior to arrival here either OA retirement or O married to a Thai its a bit more paper work but you arrive with no problems and have plenty of time too sort out your extension's of visa, its just a nice feeling to land with no rush facing you. Good Luck and dam_n good planning...
[/quote]

Retiredusn'

would you recommend OA or O

thanks for your input

Roy

[Royspurs]

Do you already have a grown up family ? I certainly wouldn't have kids at 50. I know Thai women "need" kids and I guess your wife is considerably younger than you. I hope you have gone through all these things but if you are asking finance related questions then I guess you are perhaps some way off the requirements.

Start with this. Kids in international schools cost up to Bt1,000,000 a year when everything is factored in. These are very broad and over inflated numbers I know but they allow for inflation and are easily understood and computed. Costs less early on and then more. Then you have university. A 4 year degree course in the Uk including subsistance allowance will knock you back at least Bt1,000,000 a year. So, with say 2 kids, do you have Bt2,000,000 a year free income which will definately be available for the next 25 years and plans in place to continue this amount should you die ?

That is about £40,000 a year after all taxes. Add in your spending money and you're knocking on £60,000 a year. Discount it a bit to £50,000. That is quite a pension.

For general advice, don't underestimate the setting up costs. Think long and hard about the big ticket items, their replacements over time, various health insurances and income protection policies (I would not trust my child's mother or family to deal with a multi million estate and pay for all the things my child needs and still have money 20 years later !)

My rule of thumb is that a mid range car or truck costs about Bt200,000 a year to run, including fuel, tax, maintenance, insurance and depreciation etc.

If a mid range computer setup with printers and the like costs 40-60k then it is another Bt20k a year in costs. Work other things out like this. True replacemant cost per annum.

Insurance is a killer and you need cover. Life cover is going to be an issue after 65 or 70 as well.

I wouldn't bring small stuff, just bin it or give it away (or sell it) unless you are keeping a property abroad.

Torrenova,

One of the main reasons for having kids when we get to Thailand is to encourage, hopefully, the best of both worlds for them. My wifes village is very traditional with a community caring outlook, I beleive that we can get the kids into a school that will give them a good education academic and cultural, with all due respects to westwern kids (and I am generalising) they tend to grow up thinking of themselves and dont willingly contribute to the family, they may get an edge on the academic side of education but not on the real life side, so expensive expat type schools are not for us.

Uni is deifferent in regard to recognition of quals and so we may go back to Oz at that time, although I must say in my experience the education at a uni level is not always that much better in western uni's the Asian's let themselves down in regard to leadership, confidence and being too impressed by all things western.

Thanks for your imput, but we have a different outlook in this regard

Kind regards Roy

[Royspurs]

Hi Roy,

Welcome to TVisa.

I took early retirement from a little outfit called the IRS. That was in 1998, at age 56, which means I'm now...32? I flew to Central America for an intensive Spanish immersion course. Then 3 years in Mexico, half the time doing NGO work, the rest living on the beach. Went back to S Texas for a year; then on to Thailand. Two years teaching full time, then I fell off the bike and lost a humerus. Now I'm settled back in Chiang Mai; we built as house this year.

What would I have done differently? Well, when I was 12, there was this neighbor, and I wish we had...never mind. At 56 the 6 children were grown, the career was dead-end; no regrets there. I stopped making babies at age 38, when they started popping out as twins. I think age 50 is old for making babies, but 'up to you.' I would not send my kids to a Thai school, at all.

Schttufff to bring to Thailand? I brought 2 suitcases and a backpack, but I was single. Like a travel guide-book advised: bring half as much stuff, and twice as much money

If I had a chance to do it all over, I would not have left Latin America, because I can't puut Thai. Can you?

Hello PeaceBlondie,

cant speak Thai yet..........................................................

[gpdjohn]

[

quote name='retiredusn' date='2009-07-06 09:17:26' post='2852978']
Retired at 46yrs old and never looked back. The other posters have given great advice, only bring what you need over here as just about everything is available save the cost of shipping and enjoy the cash while here. The wife and I have lived in Thailand for 6 years now and can think of no other place we would rather be. What you may want to consider is getting your visa prior to arrival here either OA retirement or O married to a Thai its a bit more paper work but you arrive with no problems and have plenty of time too sort out your extension's of visa, its just a nice feeling to land with no rush facing you. Good Luck and dam_n good planning...
[/quote]

Retiredusn'

would you recommend OA or O

thanks for your input

Roy

I would recommend a OA. Easier, & less paperwork, ( for you and the them in Immigration ) no 30 day wait and no visits from big brother and did not have to provide a load of pictures.

[ronthompson]

i have been in LOS for 5 years full time, 2 years in BKK and 3 in a very small village between Surin and Buriram. I love my life here its the dessert for working. I was 65 when I moveded here.

I do not understand how some one young can expect to move to LOS if he does not have money, a young Thai wife is wonderful but do not expect the Thai women to fall in love with u because u are a forang, they each and every one are looking for the dream of a better life.

While it is very possible to live with less money in Thailand, your life style will reflect your finicial status. I do not belive u should move to Thailand and expect to make a good living.

I also do not understand why forangs will move to Thailand with plans to have a family, children are not cheap and will u live long enough to support them even if u have the funds? In America babies and children are in a car child seat for several years and yet in Thaind the are on a motorbike when they come home from the hospital. I know its not my place to say who can and should have children but children DO NOT cement a marriage in Thailand any more than it does in the States and they will NOT MAKE u a better person.

In answer to your question as to what I should have carried to Thailand when I moved??

U sound as if u are coming from the States so

1. Bring Money

2. I miss my hand tools but with the differentce in electrical power u can not bring power tools.

3. Have a monthly income

4. Most food stuffs are easily availabe here but have friend who will be able to mail u the certain items u like.

5. Thailand is a cash society

Do not believe for a second I am not happy here, I am all i want is here and I have no plans to leave.

[binnsy]

Do you already have a grown up family ? I certainly wouldn't have kids at 50. I know Thai women "need" kids and I guess your wife is considerably younger than you. I hope you have gone through all these things but if you are asking finance related questions then I guess you are perhaps some way off the requirements.

Start with this. Kids in international schools cost up to Bt1,000,000 a year when everything is factored in. These are very broad and over inflated numbers I know but they allow for inflation and are easily understood and computed. Costs less early on and then more. Then you have university. A 4 year degree course in the Uk including subsistance allowance will knock you back at least Bt1,000,000 a year. So, with say 2 kids, do you have Bt2,000,000 a year free income which will definately be available for the next 25 years and plans in place to continue this amount should you die ?

That is about £40,000 a year after all taxes. Add in your spending money and you're knocking on £60,000 a year. Discount it a bit to £50,000. That is quite a pension.

For general advice, don't underestimate the setting up costs. Think long and hard about the big ticket items, their replacements over time, various health insurances and income protection policies (I would not trust my child's mother or family to deal with a multi million estate and pay for all the things my child needs and still have money 20 years later !)

My rule of thumb is that a mid range car or truck costs about Bt200,000 a year to run, including fuel, tax, maintenance, insurance and depreciation etc.

If a mid range computer setup with printers and the like costs 40-60k then it is another Bt20k a year in costs. Work other things out like this. True replacemant cost per annum.

Insurance is a killer and you need cover. Life cover is going to be an issue after 65 or 70 as well.

I wouldn't bring small stuff, just bin it or give it away (or sell it) unless you are keeping a property abroad.

Andy

Where in Buriram are you going to pay 1 million per year to have a child in International School?

Computers 40 to 60k per year? Does this mean everyone in the family has a laptop?

200,000 to run a truck/car seems high unless you are driving here there and everywhere!

Are you trying to scare the guy off ? I would be amazed if ANY farang in Buriram are paying the amounts that you estimate.

[kamalabob2]

Roy, I also had the opportunity for two years to transport to Thailand at no extra cost 150 kilo in airline luggage on many trips to Thailand from USA. It only takes a window shopping trip to Home Pro, Emporium, Makro, Siam Paragon to see items you ALREADY OWN and the prices for the same or similar items in Thailand. More electric items than you realize from America are dual voltage and will work fine in Thailand. Even the 110 electric cords you already own will be a great improvement over what is considered cheap at Tesco, and any reasonable quality electric item is not less money in Thailand. Hand tools you already own will be of better quality and last longer than most you can find here. You av/stereo cables you already own are a fraction of what it would cost for similar quality in Thailand. If you really have a good luggage arrangement then consider your home stereo speakers. If you already own quality bed sheets, down pillows, and good bath towels use those items to wrap other items in your luggage. In the USA you can buy excellent quality athletic socks at Costco for a pittance that will last years. No such luck in Thailand. If you wear wide size shoes such as New Balance EEEE they are double for the same model in Bangkok as from Kohl's in America. Your work boots (not rubber boots) that you already own would be impossible to buy here at near what you already paid. Gillette Mach 3 razor blades might be copies in Thailand and certainly are more money than at Costco. The normal ball point pens you already own are of better quality than you can possible find at Makro or Office Depot in Thailand.

If you already own a quad band mobile phone chances are the charger will be dual voltage and you can use that same phone with a new sim card in Thailand. If you have your retirement visa there are very clear customs regulations on what you can bring over with no duties. Frankly I bought over in checked luggage 16 of the Contico Tool Box 3725

http://www.amazon.com/TRUCK-CONTICO-3725-S...E/dp/B000LEH58K

which I bought on sale at Lowes as my luggage. I foolishly brought over one Kohler sink faucet I had left from a rental unit, but it is collecting dust as the spare parts for that item cost more here than a well built COTTO or TOTO made in Thailand faucet. Plus Cotto and Toto have excellent customer service in most parts of Thailand. You can bring over your existing PC or Lap top, but many printers are region specific on toner cartridges. Your existing DVD's will play on many region free players here. Bring over your favorite books and several dictionaries. English language publications and books are insane prices compared to what you can pay on line or on discount in USA. If you already own zinc or better yet stainless nuts, bolts, screws, etc.. bring them assuming you have a good weight allowance. Not like you can't eventually find stainless steel small items, but things get lost in translation at a shop and you end up with rust after a week or two. I foolishly brought over two suits I already owned. One was ruined by a "dry cleaner" in our town, which of course had no liability. But other than the wedding photo session I have had zero need to wear a suit in four years in Thailand. I did not listen to my wife when she requested only that I bring over a blanket. Nah it is hot in Thailand I said. It sure sucked buying a down comforter at Index design center when I could not give away the down comforter and wool blankets I had in California. The picture frames you already own might be better quality than you will find in most places in Thailand. Any medicine and bandages you already own bring over as they really are not a good value in Thailand.

PAPERWORK: If you are making the "big move" consider how you want to bring over copies of tax returns and financial statements. Maybe in digital form, but Invariably someone back home will have a question and you will need an easy way to access financial paperwork you filed correctly years prior. Certainly originals or certified copies from your home Country of any divorce, death certificate of a previous spouse, your birth certificate will be asked for at some point in a government dealing in Thailand. I suggest you maintain a Paypal account in USA or Australia if you ever want to pay someone in those countries or make a purchase arrangement on line for an item to be shipped to you. You can establish and maintain an American phone number via www,magicjack.com and perhaps a similar service is possible if you need an Australian phone number which actually rings in Thailand. If you want to purchase term or whole life insurance it is a good deal in USA, perhaps in Australia, but a terrible value in Thailand. BUPA Thailand will offer you excellent health insurance in Thaiuland for a fraction of what an "International health policy" would cost. Auto and motorcycle insurance in Thailand is a very good value.

Renters or Home OWNERS insurance is also a good value in Thailand. Using an independent INSURANCE BROKER, not a "captive agent" or "dealing direct" is the best way to obtain insurance cover in Thailand. It is easy to obtain insurance quotes from several native English speakers who are Insurance Brokers in Thailand via e-mail.

My adopted daughter has been in a normal Thai Government school, had several excellent private tutors, been in group tutoring, been enrolled two years in a "for profit" private school, and for over one year enrolled in a special Government Jr/Sr High with the emphasis on education and not sports. In my opinion these schools look for an excuse to have a "teacher day off, teacher at meeting-no school". The cost of this education is very nominal, but you have to work hard at even seeing a report card. There are more expensive "for profit" schools "on the bypass road" in Buriram than we sent our daughter, but the bus ride each day frighten me so we kept her closer to our home.

Now if your Mother in law does not "clean" the Teflon coating with steel wool from the good quality cookware you already own that is a nice item to bring over. I had to tactfully educate my Thai wife on how to wash, dry and put away in a prompt fashion good cutlery. Just check the prices at Robinson's, Central, Emporium on the same cookware or cutlery you already own and you can see the virtue of putting that in your suitcase IF you have a "inexpensive to free" opportunity to bring over items in the next two years prior to your retirement. I brought over MEDECO and MUL T LOCK brand padlocks that I already owned in USA and while they are not cheap in America they are a fortune for the same pad lock at selected Home Pro stores. I never rode a motorbike in the USA, but if you are a rider now, chances are the helmet you already own and wear in USA is far superior to any you could buy outside of Bangkok.

To save you from taking a written and driving test when applying for your Thai drivers license the "International Driving Permit" you might have from AAA will be part of the items you need here. Before you move to Thailand you might obtain a post office box at your local post office to enable a more simple mailing address and mail at a small town post office box is placed 6 days a week, while mail is brought to most small villages on a more sporadic, not daily basis. If you are in the USA I can recommend a CAPITAL ONE VISA credit card. To my knowledge this is the only card that presently does not charge any "foreign convenience FEE" and many merchants in Thailand accept USA credit cards with no extra fee. The hotels and airlines in Thailand seem to prefer a Visa card over your word on the phone that you will show up. Easy to pay bills from the USA on line, especially if you set up those on line accounts prior to moving here.

Good luck, it is possible, I retired at 52 and have not looked back.

[ballbreaker]

Have you lived in the village for at least 1 year before building the house ? How long have you been married ?

I would never build a house (or even hint that I would) in a place I did not know unless I had lived normally there for at least a year, probably longer, unless I had money to burn.

Although you have already responded to this comment I believe you should not blow it off so quickly. Retirement in rural area of Thailand is not like living in rural area's of western countries, where you were working. Remember a lot of things you took for granted back home may not be available in rural Thailand. Eating out at western food restaurant or taking in a movie at the local theater with english sound track are just a couple that come to mind.

Another problem you face when moving to the wife's home town is being left alone. She will have many friends and family to visit everyday and although you will be invited you will feel like a fifth wheel. Even if you know the language the difference in cultures will leave very little to talk about after a few visits or conversations.

At your age don't underestimate the amount of money you will need for the next 30 years. Many people I know forgot to factor in exchange rate fluctuations and inflation or even cost of health care insurance. Remember one major illness can wipe out savings quickly without insurance. Or how about the UK guys that saw the GBP exchange rate drop from around 68 to as low as 50 baht over the last year. It has since moved up to 55 in last several weeks.

Edited July 6, 2009 by ballbreaker

[Dave the Dude]

. Or how about the UK guys that saw the GBP exchange rate drop from around 68 to as low as 50 baht over the last year. It has since moved up to 55 in last several weeks.

It went down to 43 earlier this year when my yearly visa was due !

Dave (retired at 48 and very, very happy in LOS)

[bartomeer]

That is about £40,000 a year after all taxes. Add in your spending money and you're knocking on £60,000 a year. Discount it a bit to £50,000. That is quite a pension.

My rule of thumb is that a mid range car or truck costs about Bt200,000 a year to run, including fuel, tax, maintenance, insurance and depreciation etc.

If a mid range computer setup with printers and the like costs 40-60k then it is another Bt20k a year in costs. Work other things out like this. True replacemant cost per annum.

50.000£/12= 4166£*55= 229.166 bath

car 200.000/12= 16.666 bath

computer 60.000/12= 5.000bath

229.166 + 16.666 + 5.000= 250.832bath/monthly Now i know why the misses "lobe you to mat"

[happylarry]

You said you like to fill your time with playing tennis , golf and going to the gym....well you can kiss that lot goodbye if you are in a little village.

Having said that I dont know the area you are moving to but when my wife and I moved to Isaan we lived in a small town called Nong Ki in the Buriram province. I hated every dam_n minute of it, could'nt wait to get away. No restaurants to eat out at, no bars to go for a drink (apart from the usual Thai kareoke bars of course, but who wants to go there) Nobody to talk to most of the time. Hated it, hated it, hated it. Anyway we moved up to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) which is the third largest city in Thailand, and are very happy living here. As a point of interest my wife felt exactly the same as I did about Nong Ki even though all her family are there, I guess that was because we had lived in Koh Samui for four years and she had got used to the better things in life.

But seriously mate as a previous poster said, you dont want to build or buy until you have lived there for a year or so because once you have put your roots down it is impossible to pull them up again if you dont like it, you wont find anyone to buy it off you also you can always find houses to rent in these places for next to nothing, so that is really the way to go.

I took early retirement at the age of 56 and by doing so I lost a percentage of my pension but would I have done it differently....mmmmmm yeah maybe I would have gone even earlier!!!!!!!!!

I have had a great 5 years over here and wouldnt change for the world.

Good luck mate.

HL

[soihok]

Depends a lot on what you call retirement.

No work or business involvement,,,or bits of this and that and not doing a great deal and relying on an income from pensions, insurances , huge deposits of cash , etc,etc.

I,m too young to say i,m going to retire at the age of 44.

Temporarily unemployed and in Korat now, but wont be for too long. Dont get me wrong, I really love my life here with my wife and two kids( youngest is almost 2), but will be dragging them all off soon ,,once I get another contract outside of Thailand.

It all comes down to ( cost) what you are looking for you and your family, I,m not sure about the running costs of a motor adding up to 200,000 a year ( unless my wife is driving), and a computer set can be what you make it.

Schools,, this is a tricky one...pay(or not) what you want.

I would not want to be looking at having any more kids at my age , due to finance as well the age thing....I will be looking towards education fees into my late 50,s.

If you,re Brad Pitt you dont have to worry about such things, and gather together loads of kids ...go for it.

I now have a plan to make loads on an insurance claim, which would stop me having more kids and be able to retire.

Industrial accident involving my John Thomas.....pass the shears Gerald

Living costs adding up to about 40,000 baht a month, excluding schools, insurances, big auto/house repairs, brother in laws hospital fees, mother in laws shop, service on Papa,s pick up, etc,,,etc,,, for a family of four. (or 14 depending on how you look at it)

Edited July 6, 2009 by soihok

[Royspurs]

i have been in LOS for 5 years full time, 2 years in BKK and 3 in a very small village between Surin and Buriram. I love my life here its the dessert for working. I was 65 when I moveded here.

I do not understand how some one young can expect to move to LOS if he does not have money, a young Thai wife is wonderful but do not expect the Thai women to fall in love with u because u are a forang, they each and every one are looking for the dream of a better life.

While it is very possible to live with less money in Thailand, your life style will reflect your finicial status. I do not belive u should move to Thailand and expect to make a good living.

I also do not understand why forangs will move to Thailand with plans to have a family, children are not cheap and will u live long enough to support them even if u have the funds? In America babies and children are in a car child seat for several years and yet in Thaind the are on a motorbike when they come home from the hospital. I know its not my place to say who can and should have children but children DO NOT cement a marriage in Thailand any more than it does in the States and they will NOT MAKE u a better person.

In answer to your question as to what I should have carried to Thailand when I moved??

U sound as if u are coming from the States so

1. Bring Money

2. I miss my hand tools but with the differentce in electrical power u can not bring power tools.

3. Have a monthly income

4. Most food stuffs are easily availabe here but have friend who will be able to mail u the certain items u like.

5. Thailand is a cash society

Do not believe for a second I am not happy here, I am all i want is here and I have no plans to leave.

Hi Ron,

Dont worry I have a good sustainable income and serveral proerties in OZ and $ to invest, my Q is around making the transition to LOS

thx for the tips

[Royspurs]

Roy, I also had the opportunity for two years to transport to Thailand at no extra cost 150 kilo in airline luggage on many trips to Thailand from USA. It only takes a window shopping trip to Home Pro, Emporium, Makro, Siam Paragon to see items you ALREADY OWN and the prices for the same or similar items in Thailand. More electric items than you realize from America are dual voltage and will work fine in Thailand. Even the 110 electric cords you already own will be a great improvement over what is considered cheap at Tesco, and any reasonable quality electric item is not less money in Thailand. Hand tools you already own will be of better quality and last longer than most you can find here. You av/stereo cables you already own are a fraction of what it would cost for similar quality in Thailand. If you really have a good luggage arrangement then consider your home stereo speakers. If you already own quality bed sheets, down pillows, and good bath towels use those items to wrap other items in your luggage. In the USA you can buy excellent quality athletic socks at Costco for a pittance that will last years. No such luck in Thailand. If you wear wide size shoes such as New Balance EEEE they are double for the same model in Bangkok as from Kohl's in America. Your work boots (not rubber boots) that you already own would be impossible to buy here at near what you already paid. Gillette Mach 3 razor blades might be copies in Thailand and certainly are more money than at Costco. The normal ball point pens you already own are of better quality than you can possible find at Makro or Office Depot in Thailand.

If you already own a quad band mobile phone chances are the charger will be dual voltage and you can use that same phone with a new sim card in Thailand. If you have your retirement visa there are very clear customs regulations on what you can bring over with no duties. Frankly I bought over in checked luggage 16 of the Contico Tool Box 3725

http://www.amazon.com/TRUCK-CONTICO-3725-S...E/dp/B000LEH58K

which I bought on sale at Lowes as my luggage. I foolishly brought over one Kohler sink faucet I had left from a rental unit, but it is collecting dust as the spare parts for that item cost more here than a well built COTTO or TOTO made in Thailand faucet. Plus Cotto and Toto have excellent customer service in most parts of Thailand. You can bring over your existing PC or Lap top, but many printers are region specific on toner cartridges. Your existing DVD's will play on many region free players here. Bring over your favorite books and several dictionaries. English language publications and books are insane prices compared to what you can pay on line or on discount in USA. If you already own zinc or better yet stainless nuts, bolts, screws, etc.. bring them assuming you have a good weight allowance. Not like you can't eventually find stainless steel small items, but things get lost in translation at a shop and you end up with rust after a week or two. I foolishly brought over two suits I already owned. One was ruined by a "dry cleaner" in our town, which of course had no liability. But other than the wedding photo session I have had zero need to wear a suit in four years in Thailand. I did not listen to my wife when she requested only that I bring over a blanket. Nah it is hot in Thailand I said. It sure sucked buying a down comforter at Index design center when I could not give away the down comforter and wool blankets I had in California. The picture frames you already own might be better quality than you will find in most places in Thailand. Any medicine and bandages you already own bring over as they really are not a good value in Thailand.

PAPERWORK: If you are making the "big move" consider how you want to bring over copies of tax returns and financial statements. Maybe in digital form, but Invariably someone back home will have a question and you will need an easy way to access financial paperwork you filed correctly years prior. Certainly originals or certified copies from your home Country of any divorce, death certificate of a previous spouse, your birth certificate will be asked for at some point in a government dealing in Thailand. I suggest you maintain a Paypal account in USA or Australia if you ever want to pay someone in those countries or make a purchase arrangement on line for an item to be shipped to you. You can establish and maintain an American phone number via www,magicjack.com and perhaps a similar service is possible if you need an Australian phone number which actually rings in Thailand. If you want to purchase term or whole life insurance it is a good deal in USA, perhaps in Australia, but a terrible value in Thailand. BUPA Thailand will offer you excellent health insurance in Thaiuland for a fraction of what an "International health policy" would cost. Auto and motorcycle insurance in Thailand is a very good value.

Renters or Home OWNERS insurance is also a good value in Thailand. Using an independent INSURANCE BROKER, not a "captive agent" or "dealing direct" is the best way to obtain insurance cover in Thailand. It is easy to obtain insurance quotes from several native English speakers who are Insurance Brokers in Thailand via e-mail.

My adopted daughter has been in a normal Thai Government school, had several excellent private tutors, been in group tutoring, been enrolled two years in a "for profit" private school, and for over one year enrolled in a special Government Jr/Sr High with the emphasis on education and not sports. In my opinion these schools look for an excuse to have a "teacher day off, teacher at meeting-no school". The cost of this education is very nominal, but you have to work hard at even seeing a report card. There are more expensive "for profit" schools "on the bypass road" in Buriram than we sent our daughter, but the bus ride each day frighten me so we kept her closer to our home.

Now if your Mother in law does not "clean" the Teflon coating with steel wool from the good quality cookware you already own that is a nice item to bring over. I had to tactfully educate my Thai wife on how to wash, dry and put away in a prompt fashion good cutlery. Just check the prices at Robinson's, Central, Emporium on the same cookware or cutlery you already own and you can see the virtue of putting that in your suitcase IF you have a "inexpensive to free" opportunity to bring over items in the next two years prior to your retirement. I brought over MEDECO and MUL T LOCK brand padlocks that I already owned in USA and while they are not cheap in America they are a fortune for the same pad lock at selected Home Pro stores. I never rode a motorbike in the USA, but if you are a rider now, chances are the helmet you already own and wear in USA is far superior to any you could buy outside of Bangkok.

To save you from taking a written and driving test when applying for your Thai drivers license the "International Driving Permit" you might have from AAA will be part of the items you need here. Before you move to Thailand you might obtain a post office box at your local post office to enable a more simple mailing address and mail at a small town post office box is placed 6 days a week, while mail is brought to most small villages on a more sporadic, not daily basis. If you are in the USA I can recommend a CAPITAL ONE VISA credit card. To my knowledge this is the only card that presently does not charge any "foreign convenience FEE" and many merchants in Thailand accept USA credit cards with no extra fee. The hotels and airlines in Thailand seem to prefer a Visa card over your word on the phone that you will show up. Easy to pay bills from the USA on line, especially if you set up those on line accounts prior to moving here.

Good luck, it is possible, I retired at 52 and have not looked back.

kamalabob2,

Your the man! big thanks taking the time to put together great info, just what I was looking for, infact you have confirmed many things I was considering and opened my eyes to other good ideas, again thanks, I will be implementing many of your ideas.

Roy

[Royspurs]

Have you lived in the village for at least 1 year before building the house ? How long have you been married ?

I would never build a house (or even hint that I would) in a place I did not know unless I had lived normally there for at least a year, probably longer, unless I had money to burn.

Although you have already responded to this comment I believe you should not blow it off so quickly. Retirement in rural area of Thailand is not like living in rural area's of western countries, where you were working. Remember a lot of things you took for granted back home may not be available in rural Thailand. Eating out at western food restaurant or taking in a movie at the local theater with english sound track are just a couple that come to mind.

Another problem you face when moving to the wife's home town is being left alone. She will have many friends and family to visit everyday and although you will be invited you will feel like a fifth wheel. Even if you know the language the difference in cultures will leave very little to talk about after a few visits or conversations.

At your age don't underestimate the amount of money you will need for the next 30 years. Many people I know forgot to factor in exchange rate fluctuations and inflation or even cost of health care insurance. Remember one major illness can wipe out savings quickly without insurance. Or how about the UK guys that saw the GBP exchange rate drop from around 68 to as low as 50 baht over the last year. It has since moved up to 55 in last several weeks.

Ballbreaker,

You make good points and yes, I know the challenges and feel somewhat confident that I can make it work, one of my prerequisits for timimg of retirement is that I could afford to retire in Oz not just LOS, this being the case LOS should be ok as I will be able to travel frequently if the isolated thing happens

Roy

[Royspurs]

You said you like to fill your time with playing tennis , golf and going to the gym....well you can kiss that lot goodbye if you are in a little village.

Having said that I dont know the area you are moving to but when my wife and I moved to Isaan we lived in a small town called Nong Ki in the Buriram province. I hated every dam_n minute of it, could'nt wait to get away. No restaurants to eat out at, no bars to go for a drink (apart from the usual Thai kareoke bars of course, but who wants to go there) Nobody to talk to most of the time. Hated it, hated it, hated it. Anyway we moved up to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) which is the third largest city in Thailand, and are very happy living here. As a point of interest my wife felt exactly the same as I did about Nong Ki even though all her family are there, I guess that was because we had lived in Koh Samui for four years and she had got used to the better things in life.

But seriously mate as a previous poster said, you dont want to build or buy until you have lived there for a year or so because once you have put your roots down it is impossible to pull them up again if you dont like it, you wont find anyone to buy it off you also you can always find houses to rent in these places for next to nothing, so that is really the way to go.

I took early retirement at the age of 56 and by doing so I lost a percentage of my pension but would I have done it differently....mmmmmm yeah maybe I would have gone even earlier!!!!!!!!!

I have had a great 5 years over here and wouldnt change for the world.

Good luck mate.

HL

happylarry,

30 mins to Sakon Nakhon so easy access to my listed activities, house 90% complete, however, the few extended visits I have had, the longer I am there the better it gets for me, life is another thing, right.

Roy

[lioness]

Regarding Kamalabob's post, I got a headache trying to wade through it, I guess everyone if different.

I arrived with a suitcase of clothes and enough money to do what I wanted to you. I gave everything I owned to my son prior to leaving my home country.

Would I do this any diifferently with hindsight, most definately yes, I wouldn't bother with the suitcase of clothes.

[torrenova]

Where in Buriram are you going to pay 1 million per year to have a child in International School?

Computers 40 to 60k per year? Does this mean everyone in the family has a laptop?

200,000 to run a truck/car seems high unless you are driving here there and everywhere!

Are you trying to scare the guy off ? I would be amazed if ANY farang in Buriram are paying the amounts that you estimate.

Hang on a minute, who said anything about kids going to school in Buriram ? Relating back to having kids at all, if your location means that only crap schools are available, then should you not consider relocation or not having kids ? Top line schools are way over 500k now, add in expenses, things you "have" to buy and pay for, some inflation etc. and million is a nice round number.

The 40/60k was per 3 years which with no residual value means a 20k a year acccrual.

My truck was just shy of 800k. If you change it every 5 years and get back half and prices have gone up 20% then the maths is 800*50%+800*20% = 400k + 160k = 560k. That is an annual effective replacement cost / depreciation of just over 110k a year.

Insurance - 30k

Maintenance and service - 10k

Taxes - 10k (I know it is less but rounding all to 10ks)

Fuel - 10,000km at 10km/l = 1000 litres @ Bt30 a litre comes to 30k

Cleaning etc. - 10k

There you have an annual cost of 200k. The number just comes out of nowhere and slugs you in the face doesn't it