Can't Afford To Go Home

[gregb]

I feel sorry for those that can't go home due to finanacial reasons, but not so sorry as the poor of Thailand who were born into a world where there is little way out of. Most western countries have some form of socialism: free libraries, free education, and available jobs at a reasonable pay for those willing to work. Some poor farm girl from Issan doesn't have that opportunity, and her parents send her off to the cities to SUPPORT THEM anyway she can!

It all comes down to long range planning and the willingness to work. If you think life is a free ride then somewhere along the way it's going to catch up to you. It's the same with burning your bridges behind you... IT WAS YOUR CHOICE!

If you choose the wrong husband or wife then it was YOUR CHOICE when things inevitably fail!

I know lots of reasonably young farangs who basically burnt their bridges at home and came to Thailand to have a good time. Now they have to eek out a meagre living like so many of the Thais do. It was a choice they made and now have to live with it. Sorry, but there's no free ride in life... except for a lucky few who hit some lottery jackpot.

I think you are taking a very narrow view of the problems people run into. Some of us came over here to work. We have real, respectable jobs and families to support, but then get unexpectedly laid off. That happened to me a few years back and I was scared. Very scared. It is a terrifying position to be in. I was not irresponsible at all. My employer deceived me and then cast me out into the street with barely anything left to my name.

It is a very scary and very terrifying situation to know you will be forced out of the country and unable to stay and try to do your best to support your family. Not everyone who gets into this situation is simply irresponsible. After being here for a decade or two, the costs of trying to relocate an entire family back to the country of your birth are quite high, and the requirements to stay in Thailand can be overly burdensome. I think you are being very unfair to those who find themselves victims of an unfortunate situation.

The reality is that the only thing you can do may be to report yourself to the police for a visa violation. They will invoke contacts at your embassy to forcibly repatriate you after you have served your time in jail for committing a crime. Each country has their own rules for dealing with crimes of this nature.

[wamberal]

I could quite comfortably live on the proceeds of $1,000,000 USD investment and still increase my capital by 3-4% each year (roughly in line with the CPI) and most certainly never run out of money in 20 years.

Yes, there is always that one person in the crowd that says they can live in BKK for 5K baht/month.  

But we are talking about typical scenarios of BKK/Phuket/Samui/Pattaya residents who want to live in Western-style/quality housing, have a wife to support, kids to educate, maybe car, buy house/condo, etc.  

A safe investments of bonds doesn't yield much, even on 1M USD.  Take out taxes, account for inflation, don't touch principle, and you will be surprised how little you get. 

For example, take a look at inflation-adjusted bonds from US Treasury.  http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/pressroom/currenteebondratespr.htm   Currently earning 3.36%.  And guess what?  You get your 3.36% and most people are still liable to pay taxes!  Since you sound like a financial wiz, why don't you tell us how you make big income from 1M principle.  My guess is that you think a standard stock portfolio is low risk or something and want to roll the dice, but that is certainly not 'risk free' or 'low risk' by any financial standard definition.    

As is often the case, the choice is not between "living on 5k baht per month" on the one hand, or "making big income from 1 million USD" on the other.

Just for starters, anybody who decides to retire in a place like Thailand should educate their kids etc, before retiring. Then, there is the old adage of cutting your coat to suit the cloth. If you want to live a full, expat-style, western life of luxury, you probably need more than a mill.

However, as an Australian (and a qualified accountant, for what that is worth) I would be quite happy to put my assets into an Australian share index fund, which will earn a bit over 4% per annum, adjusted for inflation. Because of Australian Tax concessions to do with the prior payment of companies tax, the income tax payable in Australia on this income would be zero, or just a few hundred dollars at most.

I will say it again. Anybody who cannot live on THB 120,000 per month in retirement is not in touch with reality, and this income can be easily, and safely, earned. If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, you will need more capital. But I think a normal lifestyle is easily achievable on the one million USD.

[chops]

I'm 29 and lived here over a year in Pattaya. It's been fun, but I miss my family. I'd rather not though, because I never enjoyed my life there.

[needforspeed]

I'm 29 and lived here over a year in Pattaya. It's been fun, but I miss my family. I'd rather not though, because I never enjoyed my life there.

Pack your suitcase and go back to see your family, what keeps you here?

[GungaDin]

I'm 29 and lived here over a year in Pattaya. It's been fun, but I miss my family. I'd rather not though, because I never enjoyed my life there.

Pack your suitcase and go back to see your family, what keeps you here?

Read chops line again

[needforspeed]

I'm 29 and lived here over a year in Pattaya. It's been fun, but I miss my family. I'd rather not though, because I never enjoyed my life there.

Pack your suitcase and go back to see your family, what keeps you here?

Read chops line again

That was the past isn't, he miss his family go back maybe he is going to enjoy it this time .

[Edmond]

Those that have always relied on someone else for a wage at the end of the month and clocked in and out for the last 25 years will struggle here and anywhere else they decide to retire or semi retire to as it just isn't in their nature to look after themsleves.

No matter what your academic background is, how many A levels or Master's Degree's, being self employed, mostly if not all your life in your home country will undoubtedly help you immensely if you decide to live abroad whether you work or not once you get there.

[PeaceBlondie]

Those that have always relied on someone else for a wage at the end of the month and clocked in and out for the last 25 years will struggle here and anywhere else they decide to retire or semi retire to as it just isn't in their nature to look after themsleves.

No matter what your academic background is, how many A levels or Master's Degree's, being self employed, mostly if not all your life in your home country will undoubtedly help you immensely if you decide to live abroad whether you work or not once you get there.

Maybe you're right, but I doubt it. I see no connection regarding retirement, between wage-earners and self-employed. No connection, IMHO.

[robblok]

I could quite comfortably live on the proceeds of $1,000,000 USD investment and still increase my capital by 3-4% each year (roughly in line with the CPI) and most certainly never run out of money in 20 years.

Yes, there is always that one person in the crowd that says they can live in BKK for 5K baht/month.  

But we are talking about typical scenarios of BKK/Phuket/Samui/Pattaya residents who want to live in Western-style/quality housing, have a wife to support, kids to educate, maybe car, buy house/condo, etc.  

A safe investments of bonds doesn't yield much, even on 1M USD.  Take out taxes, account for inflation, don't touch principle, and you will be surprised how little you get. 

For example, take a look at inflation-adjusted bonds from US Treasury.  http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/pressroom/currenteebondratespr.htm   Currently earning 3.36%.  And guess what?  You get your 3.36% and most people are still liable to pay taxes!  Since you sound like a financial wiz, why don't you tell us how you make big income from 1M principle.  My guess is that you think a standard stock portfolio is low risk or something and want to roll the dice, but that is certainly not 'risk free' or 'low risk' by any financial standard definition.    

First of all my qualifications:

Worked for 5 years at a company that traded stock for private clients at the stock exchange. I was head of the back-office and saw all the deals and increases and decreases in portfolio.

Worked for 10 years with Dutch taxes (mostly smaller companies) so i know a bit about it

Lived in Thailand for 4 years so i know about those costs too.

$1000.0000 = about 720.000 eur (depending on the exchange rate)

It is possible to get 4% with relative less risk

720.000 * 4 % = 28.800

Tax 8640 = really the maximum tax in reality its less and can even be 0% if you go into green investments.

20k euros = 820 k baht

Many people would love a tax free income of 68.000k baht a month. (that is the minimum what you get out of it)

There are plenty of retirees that get less a month. Plenty of teachers who get less too. You can live ok with this money in BKK or lil bit outside of it. It all depends on how easy you spend your money.

If you want to avoid the taxes then pay Thai taxes on your earnings it might even be less (sorry im no Thai tax adviser)

So i think Neverdie can be right and you can be right too because it all depends on your living standard. But you don't need to live like a beggar on 68k. It can be quite comfortable.. (unless you have to pay for company all the time like many of you have too)

[robblok]

Those that have always relied on someone else for a wage at the end of the month and clocked in and out for the last 25 years will struggle here and anywhere else they decide to retire or semi retire to as it just isn't in their nature to look after themsleves.

No matter what your academic background is, how many A levels or Master's Degree's, being self employed, mostly if not all your life in your home country will undoubtedly help you immensely if you decide to live abroad whether you work or not once you get there.

Maybe you're right, but I doubt it. I see no connection regarding retirement, between wage-earners and self-employed. No connection, IMHO.

There is a big difference.. people who earn their own money are much better at planning in general. Making your own money is totally different from being a wage earner. You have to be more flexible more active and have more of work ethos.

I have been a wage earner for 10 years and self employed for 5, so i know a lil bit of both. But you have to be smart when you are self employed you have to make sure you get your pension because its not all taken care of by an other. (in general)

I am talking here in general because there are always exceptions.

Edited April 4, 2010 by robblok

[NADTATIDA1]

I could quite comfortably live on the proceeds of $1,000,000 USD investment and still increase my capital by 3-4% each year (roughly in line with the CPI) and most certainly never run out of money in 20 years.

Yes, there is always that one person in the crowd that says they can live in BKK for 5K baht/month.

But we are talking about typical scenarios of BKK/Phuket/Samui/Pattaya residents who want to live in Western-style/quality housing, have a wife to support, kids to educate, maybe car, buy house/condo, etc.

A safe investments of bonds doesn't yield much, even on 1M USD. Take out taxes, account for inflation, don't touch principle, and you will be surprised how little you get.

For example, take a look at inflation-adjusted bonds from US Treasury. http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/pressro...bondratespr.htm Currently earning 3.36%. And guess what? You get your 3.36% and most people are still liable to pay taxes! Since you sound like a financial wiz, why don't you tell us how you make big income from 1M principle. My guess is that you think a standard stock portfolio is low risk or something and want to roll the dice, but that is certainly not 'risk free' or 'low risk' by any financial standard definition.

First of all my qualifications:

Worked for 5 years at a company that traded stock for private clients at the stock exchange. I was head of the back-office and saw all the deals and increases and decreases in portfolio.

Worked for 10 years with Dutch taxes (mostly smaller companies) so i know a bit about it

Lived in Thailand for 4 years so i know about those costs too.

$1000.0000 = about 720.000 eur (depending on the exchange rate)

It is possible to get 4% with relative less risk

720.000 * 4 % = 28.800

Tax 8640 = really the maximum tax in reality its less and can even be 0% if you go into green investments.

20k euros = 820 k baht

Many people would love a tax free income of 68.000k baht a month. (that is the minimum what you get out of it)

There are plenty of retirees that get less a month. Plenty of teachers who get less too. You can live ok with this money in BKK or lil bit outside of it. It all depends on how easy you spend your money.

If you want to avoid the taxes then pay Thai taxes on your earnings it might even be less (sorry im no Thai tax adviser)

So i think Neverdie can be right and you can be right too because it all depends on your living standard. But you don't need to live like a beggar on 68k. It can be quite comfortable.. (unless you have to pay for company all the time like many of you have too)

A shame your post is ruined by this holier-than-tho comment at the end.

You have never paid for company?

[robblok]

I could quite comfortably live on the proceeds of $1,000,000 USD investment and still increase my capital by 3-4% each year (roughly in line with the CPI) and most certainly never run out of money in 20 years.

Yes, there is always that one person in the crowd that says they can live in BKK for 5K baht/month.

But we are talking about typical scenarios of BKK/Phuket/Samui/Pattaya residents who want to live in Western-style/quality housing, have a wife to support, kids to educate, maybe car, buy house/condo, etc.

A safe investments of bonds doesn't yield much, even on 1M USD. Take out taxes, account for inflation, don't touch principle, and you will be surprised how little you get.

For example, take a look at inflation-adjusted bonds from US Treasury. http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/pressro...bondratespr.htm Currently earning 3.36%. And guess what? You get your 3.36% and most people are still liable to pay taxes! Since you sound like a financial wiz, why don't you tell us how you make big income from 1M principle. My guess is that you think a standard stock portfolio is low risk or something and want to roll the dice, but that is certainly not 'risk free' or 'low risk' by any financial standard definition.

First of all my qualifications:

Worked for 5 years at a company that traded stock for private clients at the stock exchange. I was head of the back-office and saw all the deals and increases and decreases in portfolio.

Worked for 10 years with Dutch taxes (mostly smaller companies) so i know a bit about it

Lived in Thailand for 4 years so i know about those costs too.

$1000.0000 = about 720.000 eur (depending on the exchange rate)

It is possible to get 4% with relative less risk

720.000 * 4 % = 28.800

Tax 8640 = really the maximum tax in reality its less and can even be 0% if you go into green investments.

20k euros = 820 k baht

Many people would love a tax free income of 68.000k baht a month. (that is the minimum what you get out of it)

There are plenty of retirees that get less a month. Plenty of teachers who get less too. You can live ok with this money in BKK or lil bit outside of it. It all depends on how easy you spend your money.

If you want to avoid the taxes then pay Thai taxes on your earnings it might even be less (sorry im no Thai tax adviser)

So i think Neverdie can be right and you can be right too because it all depends on your living standard. But you don't need to live like a beggar on 68k. It can be quite comfortable.. (unless you have to pay for company all the time like many of you have too)

A shame your post is ruined by this holier-than-tho comment at the end.

You have never paid for company?

paid for it, sure im not a holy man (might even pay for it again in the future who knows). I am more talking about the people who have to pay for it all the time. The ones who need to have an other girl with them every night and pay for it. I understand that they have problems with money because it would cost you a lot.

Also think about the people paying their wives20k plus a month that kinda cuts into your spendable income. This was not really a flame more an observation.

Edited April 4, 2010 by robblok

[GungaDin]

Fellows, spare us the multiple quotes without snipping them.

Geeeez!

[needforspeed]

First of all my qualifications:

Worked for 5 years at a company that traded stock for private clients at the stock exchange. I was head of the back-office and saw all the deals and increases and decreases in portfolio.

Worked for 10 years with Dutch taxes (mostly smaller companies) so i know a bit about it

Lived in Thailand for 4 years so i know about those costs too.

$1000.0000 = about 720.000 eur (depending on the exchange rate)

It is possible to get 4% with relative less risk

720.000 * 4 % = 28.800

Tax 8640 = really the maximum tax in reality its less and can even be 0% if you go into green investments.

20k euros = 820 k baht

Many people would love a tax free income of 68.000k baht a month. (that is the minimum what you get out of it)

There are plenty of retirees that get less a month. Plenty of teachers who get less too. You can live ok with this money in BKK or lil bit outside of it. It all depends on how easy you spend your money.

If you want to avoid the taxes then pay Thai taxes on your earnings it might even be less (sorry im no Thai tax adviser)

So i think Neverdie can be right and you can be right too because it all depends on your living standard. But you don't need to live like a beggar on 68k. It can be quite comfortable.. (unless you have to pay for company all the time like many of you have too)

Rob,

Relative less risk, i understand that but it isn't any garantee income even as it preserve your 1 million capital as there is still a risk

And if you can get 4% without risk place drop me a e mail,

Thanks

[NADTATIDA1]

Please accept my apoligies, mr robblok

[needforspeed]

paid for it, sure im not a holy man (might even pay for it again in the future who knows). I am more talking about the people who have to pay for it all the time. The ones who need to have an other girl with them every night and pay for it. I understand that they have problems with money because it would cost you a lot.

Also think about the people paying their wives20k plus a month that kinda cuts into your spendable income. This was not really a flame more an observation.

If you have a income over 300k a month , 20 k doesnt matter.

Just related to your income.

[robblok]

Rob,

Relative less risk, i understand that but it isn't any garantee income even as it preserve your 1 million capital as there is still a risk

And if you can get 4% without risk place drop me a e mail,

Thanks

I am out of that business, so i am not current. But i believe there is always a risk. I don't know if you people have heard of Icesafe. Loads of Dutch and English people put their money there because they thought it was safe. The bank collapsed and now the Dutch and English government are trying to get the money back (they paid large sums of it already to the people who were duped by it)

I just quote this example to show you that there is almost nothing risk free. But bonds from the German or Dutch government are usually pretty safe. Im sorry i don't know how much they do right now, like i said im out of the business and i haven't looked at how much stocks and bonds trade for in ages.

[needforspeed]

Rob,

Relative less risk, i understand that but it isn't any garantee income even as it preserve your 1 million capital as there is still a risk

And if you can get 4% without risk place drop me a e mail,

Thanks

I am out of that business, so i am not current. But i believe there is always a risk. I don't know if you people have heard of Icesafe. Loads of Dutch and English people put their money there because they thought it was safe. The bank collapsed and now the Dutch and English government are trying to get the money back (they paid large sums of it already to the people who were duped by it)

I just quote this example to show you that there is almost nothing risk free. But bonds from the German or Dutch government are usually pretty safe. Im sorry i don't know how much they do right now, like i said im out of the business and i haven't looked at how much stocks and bonds trade for in ages.

Understand,

Cheers

[bprinceuk]

I can't imagine being in a position of being stuck in another country with so little, I guess a lot of people throw in the towel in there home countries and move to the bright lights of Thailand without really thinking of what is involved.

There has been in the past some very good threads by some very intelligent people breaking down the real costs of living in Thailand now and in the future, if one reads these it is scary to see just how expensive life in Thailand really is and more so what the real costs are going to be in the future.

One guy broke down the costs of starting with $1 000 000 us in the bank and it worked out that you would eat through the entire amount in 20 years, what it shows is that when you start to eat into your principle amount which I think was in year 12 then there is a very quick slide to poverty, i think if more people sat down and really thought through there plans they would change there minds.

Best of luck to those in a terrible situation.

The person who wrote that article must have expensive tastes, I believe that the majority of expats living in Thailand do not have 1,000,000 US in the bank.

I certainly do not, but still manage to have a far better standard of living than I had in the UK

Brian

[rick75]

So here are a few quick sums

Retire today on a monthy wage of 100,000 Thai Baht.

Retirement period 25 years..... 4% inflation per year and a yeild of 5% per annum after Tax

You would need 27 million baht today in the bank.

At year 13 you start to eat into your principle amount, by year 25 you have $0 left.

In real dollars what you can buy today for 100,000 baht by year 18 will cost you 200,000 baht.

This a really simple calculations they don't take into account changes in FX rates.

But you get the picture, for those that say I could easily live on 1,000,000 US you may get a little surprise in the future.

For those that can live now on 60,000baht you will need around 14 million baht based on 4% inflation and 5% post tax income

Edited April 4, 2010 by rick75

[scottbrown]

the only way I am going back to Belgium is in a body bag

[BWPattaya]

I could quite comfortably live on the proceeds of $1,000,000 USD investment and still increase my capital by 3-4% each year (roughly in line with the CPI) and most certainly never run out of money in 20 years.

Yes, there is always that one person in the crowd that says they can live in BKK for 5K baht/month.

But we are talking about typical scenarios of BKK/Phuket/Samui/Pattaya residents who want to live in Western-style/quality housing, have a wife to support, kids to educate, maybe car, buy house/condo, etc.

A safe investments of bonds doesn't yield much, even on 1M USD. Take out taxes, account for inflation, don't touch principle, and you will be surprised how little you get.

For example, take a look at inflation-adjusted bonds from US Treasury. http://www.treasurydirect.gov/news/pressro...bondratespr.htm Currently earning 3.36%. And guess what? You get your 3.36% and most people are still liable to pay taxes! Since you sound like a financial wiz, why don't you tell us how you make big income from 1M principle. My guess is that you think a standard stock portfolio is low risk or something and want to roll the dice, but that is certainly not 'risk free' or 'low risk' by any financial standard definition.

First of all my qualifications:

Worked for 5 years at a company that traded stock for private clients at the stock exchange. I was head of the back-office and saw all the deals and increases and decreases in portfolio.

Worked for 10 years with Dutch taxes (mostly smaller companies) so i know a bit about it

Lived in Thailand for 4 years so i know about those costs too.

$1000.0000 = about 720.000 eur (depending on the exchange rate)

It is possible to get 4% with relative less risk

720.000 * 4 % = 28.800

Tax 8640 = really the maximum tax in reality its less and can even be 0% if you go into green investments.

20k euros = 820 k baht

Many people would love a tax free income of 68.000k baht a month. (that is the minimum what you get out of it)

There are plenty of retirees that get less a month. Plenty of teachers who get less too. You can live ok with this money in BKK or lil bit outside of it. It all depends on how easy you spend your money.

If you want to avoid the taxes then pay Thai taxes on your earnings it might even be less (sorry im no Thai tax adviser)

So i think Neverdie can be right and you can be right too because it all depends on your living standard. But you don't need to live like a beggar on 68k. It can be quite comfortable.. (unless you have to pay for company all the time like many of you have too)

A shame your post is ruined by this holier-than-tho comment at the end.

You have never paid for company?

Probably doesn't pay for company because with his attitude he lives alone.

[robblok]

Probably doesn't pay for company because with his attitude he lives alone.

I am talking about the expats with gf half their age paying large sums to keep them happy then 68k is not enough. If you just take a girl once in a while from a bar.. no problem.

And im not holy at all i have paid for company but never paid a girl a salary to stay with me. But to answer your question no i dont live alone. I live with a gf and two dogs.

But my gf shares in the costs like she pays 40% of rent / electricity / internet / car. That makes things a lot easier then if you have to pay them all yourself and pay for the gf to stay.

I could not care less about paying for sex but renting a gf is a bit strange that is kidding yourself. Anyway for me there is kind of distinction between the two it could be personal and others might not see it.

[Chunky1]

Personally, I am really enjoying living in Thailand. The last few years have been great, and I do enjoy returning after visits at home. But, I am very much looking forward to moving back home someday.

I do know of several people who returned home after living in Thailand for varying lengths of time. The majority of these people are unhappy, but the common denominator appears to be money. Getting a job at home right now is tough, so they are living with relatives/friends and trying to scrape by. I think that you really have to plan ahead if you plan on going home. I am doing that now - already starting to save up so that I have plenty of money to get started when I go home eventually.

Having a broke, ex-sexpat sleeping on your couch and whining about how great and cheap Thailand was must be great for the relative.

Edited July 31, 2010 by Chunky1

[tomahawk]

I was thinking about this subject yesterday as I have a friend here who is from Ireland and is I think in this category. He gets about 27,000 baht a month from pension and is making payments on small house. He lives with Thai woman and for transportation uses bicycle and taxis. He is over 70 years old and worked whole life in construction trades. He has very difficult time here financially, but in UK he says would be much worse and I do not know what would happen if had to leave Thailand.

I am also retired but have much larger pension than my friend. Still, I would have difficulty moving back to US. I would have to find apartment which means paying at least 3 months rent for security deposit. My old house in Catskill mountains cost 460 dollars a month 3 years ago. Now it is over 900 and that is cheap. Then I would have to get car, which means also insurance, and license fees as I let my driver's license expire while I was here. Then of course food is more expensive. So I would have to find job, and since my experience is in law enforcement I would most likely have to work some private security job, probably for minimum wage. Also, unless I move down south or somewhere, I would have to pay for heat. So while it is possible, it would be very difficult to move back.

Here I have new house, car, motorbike, satellite tv and internet. Also young wife. Plus money and time to travel and help people when I can and basically just be retired. I love America, but I would have few of these things there. And on top of this I really do love Thailand and Thai people also, so I have no plans to leave unless circumstances force me to go back to US.

[Ulysses G.]

My current understanding is that the US will lend the money, but it is owed back, and you loose your right to travel internationally until it is paid back.

Lucky for you. The UK government will stump up for a phone call home so you can beg someone for the fare.

Yeah, but when you get there, you can go on the dole and live like a king with taxpayers paying the bill. In the U.S, you get a free place on the sidewalk to beg for spare change.

[lovelomsak]

Very good topic. I am amazed at how many foreigners here are just making it.I cannot understand why anyone would want to live here by choice on survival income. Especially the guys in their 30s and early 40s. I have met guys that sleep on the floor with their gf in her apartment and have nothing but white skin and a big nose to assist them. Why do they come here in the first place. I sold everything when i came here but investments are keeping up with inflation I watch the real estate to check if I return I can buy back where I left. My honest feelings are anyone who comes here unprepared to take care of themselves are even more "live for today" people than thais. Makes me wonder if they burnt alll their bridges in their home country a long time ago while they were living there and have no choice.

[Ulysses G.]

I used to work for 10,000 to 20,000 a month and still lived better than on a crap job at home. You can get a comfortable room with bath and English TV for less than 5,000 baht and eat good veggie food for 20 baht a meal if you have to.

I rather be here with a small income than back in the West (of course no income in a different thing). It just depends on how spoiled one is.

[zzaa09]

I used to work for 10,000 to 20,000 a month and still lived better than on a crap job at home. You can get a comfortable room with bath and English TV for less than 5,000 baht and eat good veggie food for 20 baht a meal if you have to.

I rather be here with a small income than back in the West (of course no income in a different thing). It just depends on how spoiled one is.

Hear! Hear! Delightfully pondered upon!

[Ulysses G.]

It seems that someone has recently swallowed a dictionary.