I do love this place but as I guess I hated living in the united states even more. Glad I left.

Used to love TL when I was single. Now that I'm married and older, I've come to enjoy my time in both TL and Southern California. They both have positives and negatives. It's nice to be able to spend time in both places.

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I love the life I’ve made for myself in Thailand, my family, my farm, the climate, the greater freedom to just do stuff without oppressive bureaucracy. I DID love Thailand for my first 10 years (here over 18 years to-date), or so, but no longer: I did so in the sense that I always said I would be willing to die protecting the country in the event of war but no longer.

I would phrase things differently. I love my life in Thailand. It has changed a lot over the last 35 years or so but I love my life, which happens to be in Thailand. Loving a country seems like a strange concept to me.

That is well phrased. At this point in my life I am enjoying Thailand thoroughly. How I wil or would feel in 25 years might be a different story entirely. Right now I am enjoying the freedom to do pretty much whatever I want within reason. Canada is too much of a controlling nanny state and the current government policies frustrate me. But, I am in the fortunate position that I can go back and forth pretty much as I like and get the best of both worlds. So, I an not really the right person to ask. I'm just adding my 3 cents worth. Or, should I say, one bath worh.

Similar to rene123, oz is the biggest nanny state of all and hugely controlling. The government has just enforced all cigarette packets to be sold only with olive green packets- to take away branding. Oz is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Thailand is a 1/3 of the price with better people. I love the thai mentality here and everything else.

agreed

as soon as my wife and I are ready we are leaving had enough

road rage

violence

scams

filthy shops

pot holes

corruption etc etc etc

i have to admit it was ready great when moved here years ago.

I would phrase things differently. I love my life in Thailand. It has changed a lot over the last 35 years or so but I love my life, which happens to be in Thailand. Loving a country seems like a strange concept to me.

That is well phrased. At this point in my life I am enjoying Thailand thoroughly. How I wil or would feel in 25 years might be a different story entirely. Right now I am enjoying the freedom to do pretty much whatever I want within reason. Canada is too much of a controlling nanny state and the current government policies frustrate me. But, I am in the fortunate position that I can go back and forth pretty much as I like and get the best of both worlds. So, I an not really the right person to ask. I'm just adding my 3 cents worth. Or, should I say, one bath worh.

Similar to rene123, oz is the biggest nanny state of all and hugely controlling. The government has just enforced all cigarette packets to be sold only with olive green packets- to take away branding. Oz is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Thailand is a 1/3 of the price with better people. I love the thai mentality here and everything else.

agreed

thai mentality !! to kill people in the streets, to have school children killed , to have police turn against their own , you have to be joking

I enjoy it,but to long here,especially where I am based becomes very frustrating and at times simply annoying,while I enjoy the freedom aspect of things,after so long the complete stupidity on the roads,rudeness in shops and general uneducated behaviour that comes with living in more rural and less populated areas becomes slightly monotonous.

Hang in there....mow a lawn for someone....the monotony goes after a few days.....have a beer or three. Theres nothing else....you are at the bottom of the chain of life.....hahhahahahahahahh.....sometimes i think....ME TOO.

Since first visiting Thailand 7 years ago, I still love the reasonably priced massages - Thailand does that extremely well and being here has unleashed my inner hedonist.

How cant you love the place.

No income tax, freedom from clip board holding jobsworths, entrepeneuarial spirit, want to open a food stall, just do it, no need for applications, Health & Safety, do a manufacturers course, wheres your license.

Not paying tax to support foreign wars of dubious legallity, no paying for foreign occupiers to prop up a corrupt regime.

Not paying tax to support tax dodgers or failed quasi socialist or de facto commie countries.

Not paying tax to support illegal immigrants or economic migrants.

Not paying tax to give some dozy cow 16 year old and her sprog a free house and welfare benefits.

Paying 20 baht per month in the moo baan I live in instead of 6,000 baht per month in the UK.

Need I go on?

Since first visiting Thailand 7 years ago, I still love the reasonably priced massages - Thailand does that extremely well and being here has unleashed my inner hedonist.

Isnt there more to life than a massage.....oooops sorry, forgot you are a woman.

How cant you love the place.

No income tax, freedom from clip board holding jobsworths, entrepeneuarial spirit, want to open a food stall, just do it, no need for applications, Health & Safety, do a manufacturers course, wheres your license.

Not paying tax to support foreign wars of dubious legallity, no paying for foreign occupiers to prop up a corrupt regime.

Not paying tax to support tax dodgers or failed quasi socialist or de facto commie countries.

Not paying tax to support illegal immigrants or economic migrants.

Not paying tax to give some dozy cow 16 year old and her sprog a free house and welfare benefits.

Paying 20 baht per month in the moo baan I live in instead of 6,000 baht per month in the UK.

Need I go on?

Please don't. Don't embarrass yourself any more.

What a wonderful and exhaustive list of reasons you give, OP. I am surprised that you did not add Chang to your list. Don't you think that this topic has been done to death in many ways in the past?

I guess you have been lurking in the background for some time then?

Since you know this already, after 19 days as a member and 12 posts.

thai mentality !! to kill people in the streets, to have school children killed , to have police turn against their own , you have to be joking

Are you talking about Thailand or California? It sounds more like various US states.

I think the greatest thing about Thailand is that it teaches one to be tolerant.

In the teachings of the buddha

if something bothers you

then its not the thing to change

but to work on one's own mind

to fix what it bothering it.

Suck cynicism! I am cut to the quick..... Is it unreasonable of me to do some background reading and research before posting? Or maybe you think that I have no knowledge of Thailand? Does one have to post count into 5 figures to achieve the ability to have an opinion? I am quite sure that there are many seasoned expats who either do not post on TV, or choose to do so infrequently....and there are those who use TV as a source of information rather than a playground in which to pass thinly-veiled infantile posts such as the OP did.

In my case, I can assure you that there is no "lurking", nor any of the connotations that one may ascribe to such an activity. I have a life outside of Thaivisa that means I find much of the content rather puerile and trivial. I have been fortunate enough to have had the benefit of an education which allowed me to read extensively: even so, it does not take an Einstein to see that threads of this type have been done over and over again....and coincidentally almost exclusively by "newbie" posters. ....or maybe not so coincidentally. personally, it seems to me that these "posters" could well be reincarnations of those who I think you call 'trolls'.

I agree with CobraSnakeNecktie's point that being in Thailand allows one to experience the more positive aspects, such as buddhism and its tenet of tolerance.

I think the greatest thing about Thailand is that it teaches one to be tolerant.

In the teachings of the buddha

if something bothers you

then its not the thing to change

but to work on one's own mind

to fix what it bothering it.

I'll remember that the next time I have diarrhea all day. Rather than a quick fix with Imodium, I'll just work on my mind.

I think the greatest thing about Thailand is that it teaches one to be tolerant.

In the teachings of the buddha

if something bothers you

then its not the thing to change

but to work on one's own mind

to fix what it bothering it.

I'll remember that the next time I have diarrhea all day. Rather than a quick fix with Imodium, I'll just work on my mind.

You've got perfect reasoning! ....Sh1t happens. Mai pen rai.

You take another step towards enlightenment, Grasshopper...

Suck cynicism! I am cut to the quick..... Is it unreasonable of me to do some background reading and research before posting? Or maybe you think that I have no knowledge of Thailand? Does one have to post count into 5 figures to achieve the ability to have an opinion? I am quite sure that there are many seasoned expats who either do not post on TV, or choose to do so infrequently....and there are those who use TV as a source of information rather than a playground in which to pass thinly-veiled infantile posts such as the OP did.

In my case, I can assure you that there is no "lurking", nor any of the connotations that one may ascribe to such an activity. I have a life outside of Thaivisa that means I find much of the content rather puerile and trivial. I have been fortunate enough to have had the benefit of an education which allowed me to read extensively: even so, it does not take an Einstein to see that threads of this type have been done over and over again....and coincidentally almost exclusively by "newbie" posters. ....or maybe not so coincidentally. personally, it seems to me that these "posters" could well be reincarnations of those who I think you call 'trolls'.

I agree with CobraSnakeNecktie's point that being in Thailand allows one to experience the more positive aspects, such as buddhism and its tenet of tolerance.

Great rant! Hope ye feel better

For many rational and straight thinking expats , I believe it's a love-hate relationship.

So many things to love and just as many to hate.

For tourists point of view, can not really see how they can be objective when they do not know even 90% of it.

Everyone loves holidays , but living in the country opens whole new world

I think the greatest thing about Thailand is that it teaches one to be tolerant.

In the teachings of the buddha

if something bothers you

then its not the thing to change

but to work on one's own mind

to fix what it bothering it.

Maybe that's why no one from thailand ever made any useful contribution to the world...... so if Dengue fever is bothering you? You should not blame the mosquitoes, instead it's your own mind that is to blame. Yeah that's really great advice. Don't worry about education, just keep going to those monks for your lucky lotto numbers!

Edited December 8, 201213 yr by Time Traveller

I think the greatest thing about Thailand is that it teaches one to be tolerant.

In the teachings of the buddha

if something bothers you

then its not the thing to change

but to work on one's own mind

to fix what it bothering it.

Maybe that's why no one from thailand ever made any useful contribution to the world...... so if Dengue fever is bothering you? You should not blame the mosquitoes, instead it's your own mind that is to blame. Yeah that's really great advice. Don't worry about education, just keep going to those monks for your lucky lotto numbers!

According to the Buddha, whatever life we lead, it has the nature of some aspect of suffering. Even if we consider ourselves happy for a while, this happiness is transitory by nature. This mean that at best, we can only find temporary happiness and pleasure in life.

When I came to thailand on holiday I thought it was the best place in the world. You meet a lady, live there, get used to the culture, pay the prices for the things you really enjoy, the language barriers, little things that in your country before happen once a year but in thailand on a daily basis like nearly dying whilst driving. I lived there for 2 years, I have just returned home to the UK. Yes its cold, things are on the decline etc but still everything seems easy. Only things I dislike in this country are the little youth hoody rats with guns and knives etc and the prices of houses.

Cant wait for my wife and kid to get here this month.

When I came to thailand on holiday I thought it was the best place in the world. You meet a lady, live there, get used to the culture, pay the prices for the things you really enjoy, the language barriers, little things that in your country before happen once a year but in thailand on a daily basis like nearly dying whilst driving. I lived there for 2 years, I have just returned home to the UK. Yes its cold, things are on the decline etc but still everything seems easy. Only things I dislike in this country are the little youth hoody rats with guns and knives etc and the prices of houses.

Cant wait for my wife and kid to get here this month.

Oh the question is do you love the UK; now I get it.

Good screen name choice.

My thoughts too. Quite appropriate me thinks.

For many rational and straight thinking expats , I believe it's a love-hate relationship.

So many things to love and just as many to hate.

For tourists point of view, can not really see how they can be objective when they do not know even 90% of it.

Everyone loves holidays , but living in the country opens whole new world

That is well said in the fewest number of words. Some of the very things I find annoying about Thailand are also the things I treasure the most. But, as I already said, I don't live here full time. Because I can come and go as I please I don't feel trapped. I might feel trapped if I was a full time resident. There are many things that are more expensive in Thailand, and their are fewer opportunities available if you want to work. It takes a while for our North American (or European) bodies to adapt to the heat, the weather and the change in diet. If you just want to eat farang food then you are better off at home.

For many rational and straight thinking expats , I believe it's a love-hate relationship.

So many things to love and just as many to hate.

For tourists point of view, can not really see how they can be objective when they do not know even 90% of it.

Everyone loves holidays , but living in the country opens whole new world

That is well said in the fewest number of words. Some of the very things I find annoying about Thailand are also the things I treasure the most. But, as I already said, I don't live here full time. Because I can come and go as I please I don't feel trapped. I might feel trapped if I was a full time resident. There are many things that are more expensive in Thailand, and their are fewer opportunities available if you want to work. It takes a while for our North American (or European) bodies to adapt to the heat, the weather and the change in diet. If you just want to eat farang food then you are better off at home.

Pattaya has better and cheaper Farang food than anywhere I have lived in North America. I have lived in Toronto, Montreal and San Francisco all had better food but also more expensive. In Chiang Mai I also found the food more expensive. So I would say that I like Thailand because food in Pattaya is less expensive and more varied than anywhere else I have found. I have lived in Southern California, South Texas and South Florida in North America so climate has never been an issue for me. I have also lived on the South side of Chicago, East St. Louis, Detroit and Miami and Pattaya is a very safe and quiet city for old folks to retire in with better and cheaper health care and public transportation.

Edited December 9, 201213 yr by chiangmaikelly

How cant you love the place.

No income tax, freedom from clip board holding jobsworths, entrepeneuarial spirit, want to open a food stall, just do it, no need for applications, Health & Safety, do a manufacturers course, wheres your license.

Not paying tax to support foreign wars of dubious legallity, no paying for foreign occupiers to prop up a corrupt regime.

Not paying tax to support tax dodgers or failed quasi socialist or de facto commie countries.

Not paying tax to support illegal immigrants or economic migrants.

Not paying tax to give some dozy cow 16 year old and her sprog a free house and welfare benefits.

Paying 20 baht per month in the moo baan I live in instead of 6,000 baht per month in the UK.

Need I go on?

no income tax? how exactly do you do that?

yes you pay 20 baht/month in the moo baan, but you also earn 1/10 of what you do in UK, plus in your moo baan hardly anything gets fixed, looked after or done, not to mention you do not even own it

I have a feeling, you are retired and getting your information from the forum alone, instead of the real life.

Rest assured, if you are a foreigner working in Thailand, you do pay personal tax along with many other things

Cheap? Its far from cheap if you like the nice things in life. If you are an old farang who is happy to eat street food, drink local beer and adapt to thai life then yeah its cheap but if you enjoy things like nice beef, lamb, wines, clothes and other things that usually need to be imported than its a very expensive place to live.

You didnt actually list anything overly nice? 5555

beef & lamb... done to death... they are not nice, they are boring standard shit.... maybe after a few years break they become nice again?

wines..... prefer a scotch any day.... hell, ill even take beer over wine...

clothes.... good quality, 'trendy' cothes from dept stores are expensive when compared to market clothes, but not expensive when compared to dept store clothes in Australia for example.

... I am not saying your wrong... I am simply saying that what some people look for can be vastly different to you...

I can live my life in Australia for about 150,000 a month or Thailand for 40,000 a month.... 60,000 and i am suddenly a rock star with 2/3 new girls each week.... Thailand is very cheap for some of us...

Edited December 9, 201213 yr by Jigger

How cant you love the place.

No income tax, freedom from clip board holding jobsworths, entrepeneuarial spirit, want to open a food stall, just do it, no need for applications, Health & Safety, do a manufacturers course, wheres your license.

Not paying tax to support foreign wars of dubious legallity, no paying for foreign occupiers to prop up a corrupt regime.

Not paying tax to support tax dodgers or failed quasi socialist or de facto commie countries.

Not paying tax to support illegal immigrants or economic migrants.

Not paying tax to give some dozy cow 16 year old and her sprog a free house and welfare benefits.

Paying 20 baht per month in the moo baan I live in instead of 6,000 baht per month in the UK.

Need I go on?

no income tax? how exactly do you do that?

Get your accountant to explain Thai tax laws to you.

yes you pay 20 baht/month in the moo baan, but you also earn 1/10 of what you do in UK, plus in your moo baan hardly anything gets fixed, looked after or done, not to mention you do not even own it

Where did I say I own a house, suggest you visit some of the moo baans in Bkk before passing comment on the state of the moo baan I live in.

For earnings, I wouldnt get out of bed for less than 200k per month. You?

I have a feeling, you are retired and getting your information from the forum alone, instead of the real life.

Wrong yet again, real life is Bkk where I have lived for the last 7 years.

Rest assured, if you are a foreigner working in Thailand, you do pay personal tax along with many other things

What many other things would that be?

What a wonderful and exhaustive list of reasons you give, OP. I am surprised that you did not add Chang to your list. Don't you think that this topic has been done to death in many ways in the past?

I guess you have been lurking in the background for some time then?

Since you know this already, after 19 days as a member and 12 posts.

Well done Colombo ...