Hi,

I've tryed to post other forums and I am having a difficult time getting any feedback. I'm aware that the last thing anyone wants to discuss is another farang moving to Thailand, but I would like some honest feedback. This being a women forum, Im hoping that you can help. I am a 43yr old single female, that comes to Thailand annually for at least a month or more. I have finally come to a place where it is possible to make this move. I can't explain the love I feel for Thailand..the culture, people, and even the negitive aspects, are not so negitive to me. The peace that I feel the minute the plane touches down is incredible to me. I hate leaving Thailand and wait all year to go back.

I would like some realistic feedback from the ladies. I plan on coming over for 6mo to live as a non tourist and check things out. Employment, business opportunities or if I even need to work. I need to truely find out what the cost of living is there, and I know there is no set answer on that. But I would like to know about health insurance, reputable companies that you can direct me to. And the best type of visa for my 6mo stay.

I am very familiar with the culture and most of my dear friends are Thai. I have many friends in Patong. So, with that information...can you please give me your thoughts. If you need more information let me know, ill gladly give it to you.

I would really appreciate it...I have searched forums and web sites...but feedback from women that have done the same thing would be so helpful. I anxiously await your replys...thank you in advance.

Margaret

Sounds like a sensible plan to me.

There is expat insurance available. BUPA being one. Check the health forum, I think there was a thread about that previously.

Visa, I would go for the double entry tourist visa (if they still do it). You can get two months, then extend at immigration for another month. Then border run to Ranong (easy from Phuket) for another two months, then another 1 month extension. Not sure if the double entry tourist is still available but lopburi in the visas section will know for sure.

Couldn't tell you about life in Phuket but I have certainly enjoyed my visits when going there. There is one lady living there (khall, where are you?) that I know of so she is probably your best source of information.

Employment, business opportunities or if I even need to work. I need to truely find out what the cost of living is there, and I know there is no set answer on that.

I think this will be the deciding factor as to if you can live here or not. Visas and health insurance etc. are fairly straightforward to sort out and you have some good information above.

But a permanent, even 6-month stay will feel very different from a one-month visit. Long term you'll probably have to live further away from the beach and the 'centre' of things than in a hotel, so your lifestyle will be quite different. The holiday feeling may also wear off quite quickly and you may discover things about Thailand that could dent your romantic image of it.

Then there'll be things you miss from home that you never thought you would... but in Phuket it's very westernised, with a large ex-pat community, so this may not be such a big problem.

Regarding work, do you have any skills that you'd like to develop here? Or any business ideas? (Bear in mind that work permits are only given to those who are doing something a Thai person cannot - and in Phuket there is no shortage of skilled labour).

The cost of living varies drastically in Phuket - depends how high-maintenance you are! Even if financially you are lucky enough not to have to work, an occupation, or at the very least a hobby, will be essential as going to the beach every day does actually get boring after a while...

Sounds like a sensible plan to me.

There is expat insurance available. BUPA being one. Check the health forum, I think there was a thread about that previously.

Visa, I would go for the double entry tourist visa (if they still do it). You can get two months, then extend at immigration for another month. Then border run to Ranong (easy from Phuket) for another two months, then another 1 month extension. Not sure if the double entry tourist is still available but lopburi in the visas section will know for sure.

Couldn't tell you about life in Phuket but I have certainly enjoyed my visits when going there. There is one lady living there (khall, where are you?) that I know of so she is probably your best source of information.

Hi sbk,

Thank you very much for your reply...seems to be difficult getting information from people. Your post was very helpful...Bupa seems to be the health insurance of choice by the people I know as well. I did finally get clarification on the visa...I believe an 1yr non-immigrant type O visa is what you are referring to. Thanks again...Its nice to meet a friendly helpful person on here. take care...

Sunshine...

Employment, business opportunities or if I even need to work. I need to truely find out what the cost of living is there, and I know there is no set answer on that.

I think this will be the deciding factor as to if you can live here or not. Visas and health insurance etc. are fairly straightforward to sort out and you have some good information above.

But a permanent, even 6-month stay will feel very different from a one-month visit. Long term you'll probably have to live further away from the beach and the 'centre' of things than in a hotel, so your lifestyle will be quite different. The holiday feeling may also wear off quite quickly and you may discover things about Thailand that could dent your romantic image of it.

Then there'll be things you miss from home that you never thought you would... but in Phuket it's very westernised, with a large ex-pat community, so this may not be such a big problem.

Regarding work, do you have any skills that you'd like to develop here? Or any business ideas? (Bear in mind that work permits are only given to those who are doing something a Thai person cannot - and in Phuket there is no shortage of skilled labour).

The cost of living varies drastically in Phuket - depends how high-maintenance you are! Even if financially you are lucky enough not to have to work, an occupation, or at the very least a hobby, will be essential as going to the beach every day does actually get boring after a while...

Hi HarryHerb,

Thanks for your imput, I am very aware of all the social and cultural issues. I do have specific employment skills but as I said, business might be better for me. I also totally agree with you, If I do not need to work, there is no way I would stay idol. I am very involved with volunteer work in the states, and would keep busy in Phuket. I have seen Thailand from the "honeymoon is over" perspective and I still have a deep love for the culture and the people. The romantic ideals changed after a few years of coming there and spending alot of time with my Thai friends.

Thank you so much for you imput though, just getting feedback is wonderful. Its nice just getting differing opinions from people...take care

Sunshine....

Sunshine,

If you could let us know how much in US dollars you plan to spend per month, we could get a better idea if it was feasible, or, not. Also, how much would you be prepared to spend in starting/buying a business.

With these facts, I think you would get more meaningful answers to your questions.

Sunshine,

If you could let us know how much in US dollars you plan to spend per month, we could get a better idea if it was feasible, or, not. Also, how much would you be prepared to spend in starting/buying a business.

With these facts, I think you would get more meaningful answers to your questions.

Hi Sir Burr,

Thank you for your reply. As far as the questions in my post, they have, for the most part, been answered. What I am really interested in, is the feeback from single women that have made the move to Thailand. Experiences, unexpected situations/problems, pros, cons and if they are happy with their decision. A single woman vs a single mans perspective, I assume, would differ greatly. To answer your questions, any amount less than 3k a month, is cheaper than what I pay in the states to live. Alot of that being sucked up from outrageous insurance rates, electical bills and such. In regards to business, I have had good friends discuss partnerships but I need to be there to reaserch all of my options. I appreciate your reply and taking the time to help out...any information is always welcomed. Thanks again..

Sunshine...

Hi Sunshine,

As a single woman living on Phuket - a similar age to you- I guess I qualify to add some input. A resident for over 3 yrs now, I still enjoy living here. There is always something to do, places to go but sometimes you just can't be bothered with the drive across this large island.

Phuket is rapidly modernising and basically you can find everything you need here now. There's not much I miss anymore as it's all available in the new department stores. The thing I really enjoy is the choice to frequent the local market one day and ducking to the cinema in the giant Central complex the next. How spoilt!

In the south of the island, there is a community of easy-going and creative expats who are great company and also very helpful. We have regular brainstorming sessions at a local seaside cafe- males, females, all age groups, nationalities, walks of life.

It's great that you are considering volunteer work as there are many opportunities here for that. I can think of some excellent programs that you may want to get involved in. For starters, check out: http://www.lifehomeproject.org/ and www.etcth.org

Are you into sailing? There's a regular monthly social sail at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and regattas throughout the year. This is always fun and a great way to meet new people.

Tis a big topic really. The lifestyle is excellent, the problems are getting fewer. Am happy to help with any of your queries.

Look forward to meeting you here!

Hi Sunshine,

As a single woman living on Phuket - a similar age to you- I guess I qualify to add some input. A resident for over 3 yrs now, I still enjoy living here. There is always something to do, places to go but sometimes you just can't be bothered with the drive across this large island.

Phuket is rapidly modernising and basically you can find everything you need here now. There's not much I miss anymore as it's all available in the new department stores. The thing I really enjoy is the choice to frequent the local market one day and ducking to the cinema in the giant Central complex the next. How spoilt!

In the south of the island, there is a community of easy-going and creative expats who are great company and also very helpful. We have regular brainstorming sessions at a local seaside cafe- males, females, all age groups, nationalities, walks of life.

It's great that you are considering volunteer work as there are many opportunities here for that. I can think of some excellent programs that you may want to get involved in. For starters, check out: http://www.lifehomeproject.org/ and www.etcth.org

Are you into sailing? There's a regular monthly social sail at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club and regattas throughout the year. This is always fun and a great way to meet new people.

Tis a big topic really. The lifestyle is excellent, the problems are getting fewer. Am happy to help with any of your queries.

Look forward to meeting you here!

Khall64,

Hi there, nice to meet you. That is the exact feedback I was looking for, we sound of like minds. I am a very positive person as a whole and look for the good in everything. I too have never had a problem getting what I need in Phuket, if big C doesnt have it, I dont need it..LOL

That is some great information on the volunteer subject, and nice to know there is a place where people get together and brain storm. *S* I have never been bored a day in my life, so I can't imagine getting that way in Thailand.

Sailing??? Now that is something I have never done, but sounds very interesting. Im open for any new experiences really. Every year I try new things and learn a bit more about the island, and the culture. I am really interested in learning to read and write Thai, wondering if they have any schools that are in Patong area? I learn a bit more Thai every year, and have programs here in on my computer. But without my Thai friends to correct my tones, It makes it difficult. *S*

Well thank you again, that is really helpful information. Its nice to get some positive feedback, seems lot of people are not so happy in Thailand. I wonder why they stay? Anyway, take care

Sunshine...