Living In Thailand On A 49,000Baht/mo Budget. Questions.

[JSixpack]

Insurance is always the biggest waste of money imaginable. Until you have to claim.

And even then, when the company makes some excuse not to pay your claim. Been there, done that; now I'm self-insured, thank you.

in many cases the out of pocket costs for outpatient can be the same or less than co-pays for some insurance companies in the US.

Very true. Knew a lady enrolled in Medicare who found it a lot cheaper to battle her cancer in Thailand rather than in the USA--because of the co-payments.She could have made the co-payments, mind you, but she preferred to save the money.

[jpinx]

Insurance is always the biggest waste of money imaginable. Until you have to claim.

And even then, when the company makes some excuse not to pay your claim. Been there, done that; now I'm self-insured, thank you.

That is another huge problem. Try reading the small print of an insurance poilicy Their duty is to share-holders -- not to the insured -- so they will look for all possible ways to minimise payouts..

[NeverSure]

I continue to ask for an example of someone dying in the street or even at a hospital door for lack of money or insurance in the US and no one has one. I'm amazed at the misconceptions.

Harvard study finds nearly 45,000 excess deaths annually linked to lack of health coverage

http://www.pnhp.org/...tudy_finds_.php

The study found a 40 percent increased risk of death among the uninsured. As expected, death rates were also higher for males (37 percent increase), current or former smokers (102 percent and 42 percent increases), people who said that their health was fair or poor (126 percent increase), and those that examining physicians said were in fair or poor health (222 percent increase).

Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, study co-author, professor of medicine at Harvard and a primary care physician in Cambridge, Mass., noted: “Historically, every other developed nation has achieved universal health care through some form of nonprofit national health insurance. Our failure to do so means that all Americans pay higher health care costs, and 45,000 pay with their lives.”

With all due respect, this is after all Harvard. Health care has been a big political debate in the US for the past few years and it is polarized and polarizing. Harvard is on the extreme end of the socialists. It doesn't get any more extreme to one end than at Harvard. "Figures don't lie, but liars figure." "68 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot."

There is and has been Medicaid for the poor. There is and has been Medicare (SSI) for the disabled and Medicare for those 65 and older. There is employer provided insurance for those with real jobs and again, Medicaid for those without.

When I was self employed, there was no coverage provided for me so I bought my own. Rather than a "Cadillac" plan, I bought a plan with a US $5,000 per year deductible, 20% co-pay up to $10,000 in bills, and then 90% coverage up to $50k in bills, and the 100% coverage after that. What I was doing was drastically reducing my premiums by self insuring for the first $5k which means I never collected a dime. I was insuring again the catastrophic only. My premiums were about $1,800 a year or $150 per month which is very affordable. My actual medical and drug costs were about $1,000 per year for routine exams and a few times I got sick enough to go to doctors.

So, even with no national health care I was spending about $2,800 per year total for my medical and dental, with insurance against the worst case.

I'm willing to guess that this $2,800 was less than Canadians or Brits pay in extra taxes for their "free" health care since nothing in life is really free.

It is important to remember that I have no sales tax at the stores. I can buy the same new car in the US for US $20k that cost a Canadian US $25k. Compare the price of a new Harley in the two places. Look at the sales or VAT tax and import duties.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. If the government subsidizes it or pays for it, the money has to come from, gasp, the same people who receive the "benefits."

No one, not even a foreigner, is turned away from a hospital when sick. Money is not required. That is the law. I don't know where all of these "deaths" are coming from.

What I hear to the contrary is that long waits for routine procedures in England and Canada amount to rationing of health care. I hear that when people are too old they may be denied a procedure such as a hip replacement or something. That's just what we hear.

What we hear is that one reason health care is expensive in the US is because it isn't rationed. I had 2 MRI's on the same day at two different places. The first one had some spots which worried the neurologist so he sent me to another place and that one came up clear of spots. They were paid for by Medicare Advantage which costs me $125 per month. There was no waiting. Two in one day.

I don't have all of the answers for every country.

Edited December 26, 2012 by NeverSure

[loong]

A 25 year old asks about monthly cost of living in Thailand and it turns into a major discussion about health insurance for retirees and healthcare in the USA ?????

You should easily manage on a 49K Baht budget. Especially if you have cheap hobbies. People with nothing to do tend to get bored and spend more money.

You may consider living in an area with a university. Lots of younger people to interract with.

Don't try to plan everything, come here, move around a bit and see where you like and what suits you.

It is a good idea to have an emergency fund, maybe $10,000, but don't do what many before you have done and spend that emergency fund on a woman.

You mention Phuket. I find it amazing how often bad news is Phuket related and it seems very expensive compared to other parts of Thailand. Can't understand why it is so popular. You may want to cross Phuket off of your list.

If you can eat Thai food, you can eat for 50Bt or less in most places. It will be a bit of trial and error before you find the best places to eat. It makes life much easier if you have a refridgerator, kettle and a microwave. Not all rooms have them. You can actually buy some good cheap meals in a bag at Tescos and reheat them later.

[cdnvic]

A 25 year old asks about monthly cost of living in Thailand and it turns into a major discussion about health insurance for retirees and healthcare in the USA ?????

Good point. Please return to the original topic.

[CaptHaddock]

With all due respect, this is after all Harvard. Health care has been a big political debate in the US for the past few years and it is polarized and polarizing. Harvard is on the extreme end of the socialists. It doesn't get any more extreme to one end than at Harvard. "Figures don't lie, but liars figure." "68 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot."

There is and has been Medicaid for the poor. There is and has been Medicare (SSI) for the disabled and Medicare for those 65 and older. There is employer provided insurance for those with real jobs and again, Medicaid for those without.

When I was self employed, there was no coverage provided for me so I bought my own. Rather than a "Cadillac" plan, I bought a plan with a US $5,000 per year deductible, 20% co-pay up to $10,000 in bills, and then 90% coverage up to $50k in bills, and the 100% coverage after that. What I was doing was drastically reducing my premiums by self insuring for the first $5k which means I never collected a dime. I was insuring again the catastrophic only. My premiums were about $1,800 a year or $150 per month which is very affordable. My actual medical and drug costs were about $1,000 per year for routine exams and a few times I got sick enough to go to doctors.

So, even with no national health care I was spending about $2,800 per year total for my medical and dental, with insurance against the worst case.

I'm willing to guess that this $2,800 was less than Canadians or Brits pay in extra taxes for their "free" health care since nothing in life is really free.

It is important to remember that I have no sales tax at the stores. I can buy the same new car in the US for US $20k that cost a Canadian US $25k. Compare the price of a new Harley in the two places. Look at the sales or VAT tax and import duties.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. If the government subsidizes it or pays for it, the money has to come from, gasp, the same people who receive the "benefits."

No one, not even a foreigner, is turned away from a hospital when sick. Money is not required. That is the law. I don't know where all of these "deaths" are coming from.

What I hear to the contrary is that long waits for routine procedures in England and Canada amount to rationing of health care. I hear that when people are too old they may be denied a procedure such as a hip replacement or something. That's just what we hear.

What we hear is that one reason health care is expensive in the US is because it isn't rationed. I had 2 MRI's on the same day at two different places. The first one had some spots which worried the neurologist so he sent me to another place and that one came up clear of spots. They were paid for by Medicare Advantage which costs me $125 per month. There was no waiting. Two in one day.

I don't have all of the answers for every country.

This will be my last comment to you, Neversure. You don't understand the healthcare situation in the US and you never will because you simply dismiss evidence that does not fit your own misconceptions. People and organizations with education and expertise whose data rebuts your naive beliefs are all communists and socialists. What you present is the face of ignorance.

Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

[NeverSure]

This will be my last comment to you, Neversure. You don't understand the healthcare situation in the US and you never will because you simply dismiss evidence that does not fit your own misconceptions. People and organizations with education and expertise whose data rebuts your naive beliefs are all communists and socialists. What you present is the face of ignorance.

Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

This for me started out as my main concern about living in Thailand, $49,000 baht per month as the OP mentioned or any reasonable number.

I am concerned about giving up my $125 per month Medicare Advantage which is full coverage - doctor's visits, hospital, prescription drugs - everything, and taking the risk of being uninsured in LOS. Seems like a simple debate to me.

Now, if you choose to accept an unscientific "estimate" of some imagined deaths by a university with its own political agenda about health care (and health care is a politically polarizing hot potato right now) that's OK with me, but I'm not that gullible.

I've lived here for 66 years and it's not realistic to say "You don't understand the healthcare situation in the US and you never will..." or "you simply dismiss evidence that does not fit your own misconceptions" when that wasn't "evidence" but rather an estimate by someone I don't trust and which doesn't fit my experience.

Who am I do believe when making my decision about giving up my Medicare Advantage and heading for LOS?

One polarized "estimate" or my own lying eyes?

[thaibeachlovers]

Also, I believe another poster mentioned that the exchange rate can change and that can really bite you in the ass (or really benefit you). I haven't read all of the posts but it sounds to me like you've never been here before. If that's the case you really need to travel here and see if you really want to live here. There's a lot of good here, but not everything is perfect. Good luck!

Just ask any Brit who retired here 10 years ago. They went from getting nearly 80 baht to the pound at one time, to under 50. That's a huge hit when costs were going up at the same time.

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

[HardenedSoul]

Also, I believe another poster mentioned that the exchange rate can change and that can really bite you in the ass (or really benefit you). I haven't read all of the posts but it sounds to me like you've never been here before. If that's the case you really need to travel here and see if you really want to live here. There's a lot of good here, but not everything is perfect. Good luck!

Just ask any Brit who retired here 10 years ago. They went from getting nearly 80 baht to the pound at one time, to under 50. That's a huge hit when costs were going up at the same time.

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

I'm sure Tommo Rockefeller's much-celebrated, Warren Buffett-devised, all-singing, all-dancing pension has a provision that compensates for currency fluctuations of up 200% in any direction

[chiangmaikelly]

Also, I believe another poster mentioned that the exchange rate can change and that can really bite you in the ass (or really benefit you). I haven't read all of the posts but it sounds to me like you've never been here before. If that's the case you really need to travel here and see if you really want to live here. There's a lot of good here, but not everything is perfect. Good luck!

Just ask any Brit who retired here 10 years ago. They went from getting nearly 80 baht to the pound at one time, to under 50. That's a huge hit when costs were going up at the same time.

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

I stopped drinking and smoking and hanging out with go go dancers when my money in Western currencies nosedived. First actually I started working again. So in this order, I started working and then stopped drinking and then stopped smoking and then stopped hanging out with go go dancers.

I have to tell you I am way ahead.

[thaibeachlovers]

Just ask any Brit who retired here 10 years ago. They went from getting nearly 80 baht to the pound at one time, to under 50. That's a huge hit when costs were going up at the same time.

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

I stopped drinking and smoking and hanging out with go go dancers when my money in Western currencies nosedived. First actually I started working again. So in this order, I started working and then stopped drinking and then stopped smoking and then stopped hanging out with go go dancers.

I have to tell you I am way ahead.

<I have to tell you I am way ahead>

LOL.

As the saying goes, "I spent most of my money on wine, women and song, the rest I wasted".

Honestly, had I been castrated as a very young man, I'd be incredibly rich now.

Post modified to allow posting.

[rgs2001uk]

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

Over on another thread the pensioners are bitching about not getting annual pension rises on their OAP, being paid the same in Pound terms as they were 15 years ago,each and every passing year their buying power is decreased.

Remember the Johnny come lately blue rinse brigade that were getting 75 to the Pound, oh great can live like a king on a thousand pounds a month.

The 75 k baht lifestyle has risen to 100k baht due to infaltion, the Pound goes south and the blue rinse brigade now have to find 2,000 Pounds a month.

Visit Pattaya and see how some are living the dream.

[NeverSure]

Who am I do believe when making my decision about giving up my Medicare Advantage and heading for LOS?

One polarized "estimate" or my own lying eyes?

Ah the dilemma, cheap healthcare or cheap pussy, whats a man to do?

LOL. Now there's a man of few words who can say it all in one sentence.

[HardenedSoul]

Why not ask a Brit that retired here 15 years ago. They went from getting 35bht to the pound, to just under 50. That's a huge bonus.

The rate actually went up to 91 and then fell to around 70 for many years. It's now around 49.

However, try living the same life style on 50 as was possible on 45 in the early 90s now most things have doubled or more in price- can't be done.

Over on another thread the pensioners are bitching about not getting annual pension rises on their OAP, being paid the same in Pound terms as they were 15 years ago,each and every passing year their buying power is decreased.

Remember the Johnny come lately blue rinse brigade that were getting 75 to the Pound, oh great can live like a king on a thousand pounds a month.

The 75 k baht lifestyle has risen to 100k baht due to infaltion, the Pound goes south and the blue rinse brigade now have to find 2,000 Pounds a month.

Visit Pattaya and see how some are living the dream.

It does make one wonder why they're bitching since a life on a grand a month in the UK would be far more gruelling. Even more so if they were on less than that

[Konini]

I know a lot of folks worry about the insurance issue and can understand this, but if the choice was to be uninsured in the US or uninsured in Thailand, I would choose the later...

The cost of healthcare in US is just crazy ... If you had to pay out of pocket, then almost anything requiring you to he admitted or requiring surgery would likely break the bank...

In LOS I keep being told that if you don't have the cash ready right now up front, they will leave you to die. A lot of retirees in LOS are getting past the age to get real insurance.

It is LOS which scares me unless I can set aside at least US $100,000 cash handy for an unexpected collapse and need for quadruple bypass surgery and other aging maladies.

It's the catastrophic illness which, if reports on this forum are correct, could really bite some expats.

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

The short hospital visit is irrelevant. A couple of weeks ago I had an ambulance, a bed in ICU in a mid level hospital, 2 CT scans and an MRI, medication and it cost less than $500. No problem, much cheaper than in Australia where we self insured for 18 years. The problem would be if the seizure I had wasn't a one-off, if it was full blown epilepsy, or if it caused, or was caused by, a stroke, or if they found something horrible on the scans. I have no recollection of any of this, the seizure, being in hospital, going home and the next 24 hours or so after being discharged. It's just an unexplained seizure and couple of 'lost days in an unresponsive daze' I'm told. No problem financially, but if it were more than a couple of days, if there was something seriously wrong, if I stayed in the 'daze' for a week or a month or a year? Without insurance we would have been up the creek.

That's when people will get into trouble. We self insured in Australia because we were young and fit and we knew that if we had a serious accident or developed a lifelong condition, the hospitals are good and free if you choose not to go private. We're 50 now. We don't have the fall-back position of having a decent medical system to look after us at no charge until we die if necessary. We know that over the years the wheels will gradually start to fall off, and we really can't afford to self insure against a lifetime condition requiring intensive treatment and full time care if we have to pay for it.

It really isn't worth it.

[thaibeachlovers]

I know a lot of folks worry about the insurance issue and can understand this, but if the choice was to be uninsured in the US or uninsured in Thailand, I would choose the later...

The cost of healthcare in US is just crazy ... If you had to pay out of pocket, then almost anything requiring you to he admitted or requiring surgery would likely break the bank...

In LOS I keep being told that if you don't have the cash ready right now up front, they will leave you to die. A lot of retirees in LOS are getting past the age to get real insurance.

It is LOS which scares me unless I can set aside at least US $100,000 cash handy for an unexpected collapse and need for quadruple bypass surgery and other aging maladies.

It's the catastrophic illness which, if reports on this forum are correct, could really bite some expats.

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

The short hospital visit is irrelevant. A couple of weeks ago I had an ambulance, a bed in ICU in a mid level hospital, 2 CT scans and an MRI, medication and it cost less than $500. No problem, much cheaper than in Australia where we self insured for 18 years. The problem would be if the seizure I had wasn't a one-off, if it was full blown epilepsy, or if it caused, or was caused by, a stroke, or if they found something horrible on the scans. I have no recollection of any of this, the seizure, being in hospital, going home and the next 24 hours or so after being discharged. It's just an unexplained seizure and couple of 'lost days in an unresponsive daze' I'm told. No problem financially, but if it were more than a couple of days, if there was something seriously wrong, if I stayed in the 'daze' for a week or a month or a year? Without insurance we would have been up the creek.

That's when people will get into trouble. We self insured in Australia because we were young and fit and we knew that if we had a serious accident or developed a lifelong condition, the hospitals are good and free if you choose not to go private. We're 50 now. We don't have the fall-back position of having a decent medical system to look after us at no charge until we die if necessary. We know that over the years the wheels will gradually start to fall off, and we really can't afford to self insure against a lifetime condition requiring intensive treatment and full time care if we have to pay for it.

It really isn't worth it.

It all comes down to whether one wants to eke out a life with chronic health problems, or allow nature to take it's path.

Living each day as if it were one's last is an excellent philosophy.

[loong]

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

Do you really think that a 25 year old looking to try to live in Thailand should be overly concerned about these diseases in the near future?

If I had lived my life so far being overly concerned about getting these diseases, I would have been basically paralysed by my fears and would have been too scared to venture beyond the shores of the UK.

Get real. It is always a good idea to have health insurance in place, but for a 25 year old it's not as expensive as it is for the elderly.

[cdnvic]

Just had to delete four posts over crude language. Don't waste your time writing posts we have to delete, or quoting them.

[Konini]

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

Do you really think that a 25 year old looking to try to live in Thailand should be overly concerned about these diseases in the near future?

If I had lived my life so far being overly concerned about getting these diseases, I would have been basically paralysed by my fears and would have been too scared to venture beyond the shores of the UK.

Get real. It is always a good idea to have health insurance in place, but for a 25 year old it's not as expensive as it is for the elderly.

As I said, nobody knows what the future holds. We had this earlier in the year in Turkey when my husband, who is as fit as a fiddle and spends 2 or 3 hours in the gym every day, slipped getting out of the bath. I've never seen so much blood, I presume because he'd just got out of a very hot bath. The paramedics then nurses at the hospital asked if he were taking Warfarin or any other blood thinner because it was spurting so much. Thankfully there was no damage apart from a black eye and 17 stitches in his forehead. Half an inch lower and he would have lost his eye, but it wasn't. If it was, I would have to worry about that, not how we were going to pay the bill. I'm very glad that we didn't have to pay that bill (apart from $100 excess) for the ambulance, doctors, neurologist, scans and a night in a room in a hospital which was more like a 5 star hotel. That's what insurance is for.

I don't worry about things happening, I'm not paralysed with fear, but I'm prepared if the worst does happen. This morning I was almost taken out by a policeman on a motorbike running a red light at a crossing. Bad stuff does happen. Hopefully not to me and mine or you and yours.

[thaibeachlovers]

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

Do you really think that a 25 year old looking to try to live in Thailand should be overly concerned about these diseases in the near future?

If I had lived my life so far being overly concerned about getting these diseases, I would have been basically paralysed by my fears and would have been too scared to venture beyond the shores of the UK.

Get real. It is always a good idea to have health insurance in place, but for a 25 year old it's not as expensive as it is for the elderly.

As I said, nobody knows what the future holds. We had this earlier in the year in Turkey when my husband, who is as fit as a fiddle and spends 2 or 3 hours in the gym every day, slipped getting out of the bath. I've never seen so much blood, I presume because he'd just got out of a very hot bath. The paramedics then nurses at the hospital asked if he were taking Warfarin or any other blood thinner because it was spurting so much. Thankfully there was no damage apart from a black eye and 17 stitches in his forehead. Half an inch lower and he would have lost his eye, but it wasn't. If it was, I would have to worry about that, not how we were going to pay the bill. I'm very glad that we didn't have to pay that bill (apart from $100 excess) for the ambulance, doctors, neurologist, scans and a night in a room in a hospital which was more like a 5 star hotel. That's what insurance is for.

I don't worry about things happening, I'm not paralysed with fear, but I'm prepared if the worst does happen. This morning I was almost taken out by a policeman on a motorbike running a red light at a crossing. Bad stuff does happen. Hopefully not to me and mine or you and yours.

You are right. The difference between good health and bad health is but a second or two on the road if one is unlucky. Even eating the wrong thing can mean a large hospital bill for the uninsured.

[rene123]

Without reading all the posts arguing the subject, you can certainly live comfortably in Thailand on less than 49 K baht/ month. I'm doing that easily in Chiang Mai. However, everything is a trade off and a gamble. Choosing to actually live full time in any country as an expat, is another thing entirely. You give up certain rights and privileges you might have accepted as normal in your home country.

[loong]

That's the one that scares me. Catastrophic and worse than that, catastrophic and long term. Alzheimers, emphesima, Parkinsons, MS, stroke, heart disease. None of us know what is in store for us in the next few years. Hopefully nothing. But what if?

Do you really think that a 25 year old looking to try to live in Thailand should be overly concerned about these diseases in the near future?

If I had lived my life so far being overly concerned about getting these diseases, I would have been basically paralysed by my fears and would have been too scared to venture beyond the shores of the UK.

Get real. It is always a good idea to have health insurance in place, but for a 25 year old it's not as expensive as it is for the elderly.

As I said, nobody knows what the future holds. We had this earlier in the year in Turkey when my husband, who is as fit as a fiddle and spends 2 or 3 hours in the gym every day, slipped getting out of the bath. I've never seen so much blood, I presume because he'd just got out of a very hot bath. The paramedics then nurses at the hospital asked if he were taking Warfarin or any other blood thinner because it was spurting so much. Thankfully there was no damage apart from a black eye and 17 stitches in his forehead. Half an inch lower and he would have lost his eye, but it wasn't. If it was, I would have to worry about that, not how we were going to pay the bill. I'm very glad that we didn't have to pay that bill (apart from $100 excess) for the ambulance, doctors, neurologist, scans and a night in a room in a hospital which was more like a 5 star hotel. That's what insurance is for.

I don't worry about things happening, I'm not paralysed with fear, but I'm prepared if the worst does happen. This morning I was almost taken out by a policeman on a motorbike running a red light at a crossing. Bad stuff does happen. Hopefully not to me and mine or you and yours.

Please note that my post was about diseases that a 25 year old fit person should not be overly concerned about. Please also note that I think that having insurance in place is a good idea.

You are talking about accidents that have no relevance when quoting my post.

[TommoPhysicist]

I'm sure Tommo Rockefeller's much-celebrated, Warren Buffett-devised, all-singing, all-dancing pension has a provision that compensates for currency fluctuations of up 200% in any direction

Yes, my pension is index linked. How about yours?

As for currency fluctuations, I keep around 1M cash in Thailand so I don't need to worry about short-term currency problems. Seems sensible to me.

Edited December 27, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[Konini]

Please note that my post was about diseases that a 25 year old fit person should not be overly concerned about. Please also note that I think that having insurance in place is a good idea.

You are talking about accidents that have no relevance when quoting my post.

Sorry Loong, I twisted your reply a bit to include accidents;being young and fit won't help you if a car or motorbike hits you, and as you say insurance is a good idea. This accident in Turkey was our first, we've grudgingly paid insurance for 6 years but I'm glad we had it. It was more relief than anything else. At the hospital there was an Irish lady very upset and pulling her hair out around trying to get family members to transfer money into her bank account. The only thing I had to worry about was my husband, as it should be.

for twisting your post to suit my argument. This is something I'm very passionate about.

[HardenedSoul]

I'm sure Tommo Rockefeller's much-celebrated, Warren Buffett-devised, all-singing, all-dancing pension has a provision that compensates for currency fluctuations of up 200% in any direction

Yes, my pension is index linked. How about yours?

Don't have one - not worth it when UK governments seem to regard pension pots and the dwindling tax benefits they once had in abundance as something to be raided as and when they feel the need arises.

Moreover, I'm not of pensionable age. Investments at home and here are perfectly capable of sustaining me in the event that I decide to retire one day.

Having said that, with a four-hour "working" day, I kinda feel like I'm retired already

[joorakee]

I don't even try to pick up girls at the bars here in America. If I go to the bar, it's because I want to get drunk with my friends. Not to chase some tail. I'd rather meet a girl that doesn't hang out in bars waiting for dudes to pay for their drinks.

If so, then 49k THB per month will probably be more than enough... Provided you don't change your attitude in the meantime. Many people manage to live on far less than that in European countries, where the costs of living are higher. If I were you, I'd try to put aside about 10k every month - for your future and/or a rainy day, as it has already been suggested. Good luck and don't let discourage yourself!

P.S. I don't know which part of the US you come from, but maybe moving to Thailand seasonally instead of spending there the whole year would be also worth considering, e.g. if you enjoy living in the US in spring and summer but hate the winter?

[thaibeachlovers]

I'm sure Tommo Rockefeller's much-celebrated, Warren Buffett-devised, all-singing, all-dancing pension has a provision that compensates for currency fluctuations of up 200% in any direction

Yes, my pension is index linked. How about yours?

As for currency fluctuations, I keep around 1M cash in Thailand so I don't need to worry about short-term currency problems. Seems sensible to me.

<I keep around 1M cash in Thailand>

Lucky you. Unfortunately, not all of us are as fortunate.

[joorakee]

As above, one day you'll wake up and you'll be in your 60's and there are 7 year olds who can do your job better than you for less money. Or even if that doesn't happen, do you want to work until the day you die? If you don't have a nest egg you'll have no choice.

If you have a job that you really love (liking it may be insufficient), you can work until the end of your life. You can also establish a small business that won't let you starve (or rent out your flat/house that you possess in your home country, for example).

Edited December 28, 2012 by joorakee

[joorakee]

The money is not a problem if you are content to lead simple life style

The problem is the country does not want young people like you to stay for long periods.

Thailand seems to be changing its policy towards foreigners having understood that they might be more advantageous for the country than expected. If a farang in his most productive years decides to settle down and work (legally) in the Land of Smiles, he will contribute to the growth of the country more than his not working counterpart (for example spending in the LOS only 2~3 winter months like me) - not only because the former will pay here his taxes. More foreigners = more foreign investments. I have some Japanese acquaintances in Thailand, almost all of them work for Japanese companies which also give jobs to Thais.

[TommoPhysicist]

The money is not a problem if you are content to lead simple life style

The problem is the country does not want young people like you to stay for long periods.

Thailand seems to be changing its policy towards foreigners having understood that they might be more advantageous for the country than expected. If a farang in his most productive years decides to settle down and work (legally) in the Land of Smiles, he will contribute to the growth of the country more than his not working counterpart (for example spending in the LOS only 2~3 winter months like me) - not only because the former will pay here his taxes. More foreigners = more foreign investments. I have some Japanese acquaintances in Thailand, almost all of them work for Japanese companies which also give jobs to Thais.

Thailand isn't anti-foreigner, it is anti-white people.