I just returned from a short, first trip to Queensland and Northern Territory... as an American from from a cold climate, I was surprised how similar tropical Austrialia was to Thailand. Makes me wonder, why do you aussies from that region choose to retire in Thailand? Is it generally hotter or cooler than your homeland?

It may have something to do with the fact that Northern Australia has far fewer Thai ladies than Thailand.

also the northern part of australia(apart from some coastal areas in north queensland and kakadu national park)is a barren wasteland and so much hotter than thailand.

And a lot less tax in Thailand

Cairns is about the same distance from the equater as Chiang Mai, so most Australians live well south of this line in less than a tropical climate. But as already stated we dont go to Thailand because of weather.

Rents mate.

They've gone through the roof in Aus.

The house I rent here is 6000bt/month.

In Aus the rent would be at least 35,000bt/month

More, if the house was in a city.

Ask anyone on a crappy, Aussie pension.

Food prices, Petrol prices, tax, government bullshit you have to put up with (too numerous to mention), rent, women, attitude of people in the service industry, please don't get us started...

Oz