Are most Ex-Pats completely broke ?

[puukao]

I have absolutely NO reason why anyone would want to retire in Thailand (visit, YES....retire, NO), unless they didn't have the cash and have a very hard time talking to women back home. I mean, there are tons of better places in the world. Better police, air, food, climate, etc......Italy is fine. Hawaii is nice. Japan is good. Hong Kong, OK. Switzerland pretty nice. San Diego is pretty good. Vancouver, nice. Lots of places in Spain aren't bad either. Thailand is GREAT from November to mid-February...but retire there? LOL.

I don't care if you have a million baht a month.....37 C while eating 30 baht meals and having a woman who can't speak English try to tell you that your gut looks good isn't my idea of paradise.....

Edited June 19, 2013 by puukao

[lazeeboy]

I bkame the mods on here should close posts like this , he just want to start a fight from his mansion in his mind .close threads like this and maybe thaivisa will be a nicer place to visit unlike the way it is very scary for some people ...

[homeownership]

I have absolutely NO reason why anyone would want to retire in Thailand (visit, YES....retire, NO), unless they didn't have the cash and have a very hard time talking to women back home. I mean, there are tons of better places in the world. Better police, air, food, climate, etc......Italy is fine. Hawaii is nice. Japan is good. Hong Kong, OK. Switzerland pretty nice. San Diego is pretty good. Vancouver, nice. Lots of places in Spain aren't bad either. Thailand is GREAT from November to mid-February...but retire there? LOL.

I don't care if you have a million baht a month.....37 C while eating 30 baht meals and having a woman who can't speak English try to tell you that your gut looks good isn't my idea of paradise.....

I have absolutely NO reason why anyone would want to retire in Thailand (visit, YES....retire, NO), unless they didn't have the cash and have a very hard time talking to women back home. I mean, there are tons of better places in the world. Better police, air, food, climate, etc......Italy is fine. Hawaii is nice. Japan is good. Hong Kong, OK. Switzerland pretty nice. San Diego is pretty good. Vancouver, nice. Lots of places in Spain aren't bad either. Thailand is GREAT from November to mid-February...but retire there? LOL.

I don't care if you have a million baht a month.....37 C while eating 30 baht meals and having a woman who can't speak English try to tell you that your gut looks good isn't my idea of paradise.....

I respect your opinion, I really do. But...

Come on Thailand rocks. It has that spirito de punto, the people are amazing, the weather is fantastic, even when raining, it cost beggar all to live here and best of all the food is out of this world.

Even if like me, you spend every weekday lunch time (While in Pattaya) at the loft, having Beef Soup (x 6) I'm sorry you cant beat Thailand. Its truly a great place to live.

This is part of the reaon for the post, would you go to spain half cocked and with very little money, of course not, so why travel to Thailand like that.

[homeownership]

I bkame the mods on here should close posts like this , he just want to start a fight from his mansion in his mind .close threads like this and maybe thaivisa will be a nicer place to visit unlike the way it is very scary for some people ...

I bkame the mods on here should close posts like this , he just want to start a fight from his mansion in his mind .close threads like this and maybe thaivisa will be a nicer place to visit unlike the way it is very scary for some people ...

You see I disagree. A forum is about discussion, debate and above all else listening to each others point of view. I personally never written a post I did not believe in.

This post focuses your mind on the Ex-Pats that come here and contribute nothing, run out of money and run off home. Do we need them no. But then again how do we know we know we are not one of them unless with ask ourselves how much do we need to live here.

Closing a thread like this one, is nothing short of an infringement on freedom of speech. If thats the case, why not have Thai Visa Blog, then your opinion is the only one allowed.

I know, pretty boring isnt it, that thought.

Contribute, I will not be offended.

Edited June 19, 2013 by homeownership

[rct99q]

Dear Homeownership:

That's about all I have to say. This thread is no different than the usual "my thai girlfriend is a hooker but I later found out she was a he then turned himself back into a she" story. Only the later is a lot more interesting then your dribble.

How much does it cost to live here? Seriously, that is the best "new" topic you could think of?

If one keeps throwing darts at the dart board eventually you will hit a bullseye. Keep throwing, Homeownership, no bullseye here.

[rinteln]

Interesting topic and as someone said earlier I do think it almost seems a bit troll like to be honest. Plus a hint of arrogance.

I think alot of this subject depends on what your definition of "broke" is and definition of "hanging in there". My question is why would hanging in there be a bad thing anyway ?! Hanging in for a foreigner will still be pumping more money into the system than many Thais do.

This is Thailand not the UK, there is no social system here. If an Expat is hanging in then it is still by default a positive for Thailand. Its impossible to be a burden on the Thai state as a foreigner. Plus hanging in there in Thailand is probably still better than being in the UK in my opinion.

I am a perfect example of this. I am 33 and have been living here for 6 years now. My monthly average income has probably never been more than 25,000 a baht and I have lived a healthy life, visited many parts of Thailand, never had visa issues, have a nice apartment, motorbike and even get out for the sports and some nightlife when i want. Should I not be here then ?

Its all about expectation. I've met people who laugh that i live on 25,000 a month and they say there is no way they could ever do that do that but in actual fact I my income is more than twice the national average wage.

[boosta]

Discussing the dire straits of the down-and-out does not require bragging about the wasteful squandering of riches that a few here may indulge in.

[boosta]

Interesting topic and as someone said earlier I do think it almost seems a bit troll like to be honest. Plus a hint of arrogance.

I think alot of this subject depends on what your definition of "broke" is and definition of "hanging in there". My question is why would hanging in there be a bad thing anyway ?! Hanging in for a foreigner will still be pumping more money into the system than many Thais do.

This is Thailand not the UK, there is no social system here. If an Expat is hanging in then it is still by default a positive for Thailand. Its impossible to be a burden on the Thai state as a foreigner. Plus hanging in there in Thailand is probably still better than being in the UK in my opinion.

I am a perfect example of this. I am 33 and have been living here for 6 years now. My monthly average income has probably never been more than 25,000 a baht and I have lived a healthy life, visited many parts of Thailand, never had visa issues, have a nice apartment, motorbike and even get out for the sports and some nightlife when i want. Should I not be here then ?

Its all about expectation. I've met people who laugh that i live on 25,000 a month and they say there is no way they could ever do that do that but in actual fact I my income is more than twice the national average wage.

-

The problem is when you've been "hanging in there" for years, continually slipping down and down without money in the bank to be able to get home, where do you go when you hit bottom?

That "get home and re-establish yourself fund" should IMO be a requirement for remaining in Thailand longer than say six months no matter what the visa status.

New idea for the Thai government both to help cut down on the riff-raff and to help those sex addicts that can't help themselves?

Wouldn't apply to pensioners with a guaranteed income of course, something the down-and-outers will likely never see in their entire lifetime unless they come from one of the lucky nanny-state countries.

Edited June 19, 2013 by boosta

[uptheos]

OP - You said: " I am a truly happy and wealthy man who is very grateful for the hand life has given me".

I am actually ashamed of some of people who come on here with no money and I also want to know how much is enough to live here comfortably for one year.

You want to know how much you need to live on.......why worry, you're wealthy enough.

[Jasun]

It's ok to lose your shirt when it's 30 degrees everyday.

[rinteln]

Interesting topic and as someone said earlier I do think it almost seems a bit troll like to be honest. Plus a hint of arrogance.

I think alot of this subject depends on what your definition of "broke" is and definition of "hanging in there". My question is why would hanging in there be a bad thing anyway ?! Hanging in for a foreigner will still be pumping more money into the system than many Thais do.

This is Thailand not the UK, there is no social system here. If an Expat is hanging in then it is still by default a positive for Thailand. Its impossible to be a burden on the Thai state as a foreigner. Plus hanging in there in Thailand is probably still better than being in the UK in my opinion.

I am a perfect example of this. I am 33 and have been living here for 6 years now. My monthly average income has probably never been more than 25,000 a baht and I have lived a healthy life, visited many parts of Thailand, never had visa issues, have a nice apartment, motorbike and even get out for the sports and some nightlife when i want. Should I not be here then ?

Its all about expectation. I've met people who laugh that i live on 25,000 a month and they say there is no way they could ever do that do that but in actual fact I my income is more than twice the national average wage.

-

The problem is when you've been "hanging in there" for years, continually slipping down and down without money in the bank to be able to get home, where do you go when you hit the bottom.

That "get home and re-establish yourself fund" should IMO be a requirement for remaining in Thailand longer than say six months no matter what the visa status.

New idea for the Thai government both to help cut down on the riff-raff and to help those sex addicts that can't help themselves?

Wouldn't apply to pensioners with a guaranteed income of course, something the down-and-outers will likely never see in their entire lifetime unless they come from one of the lucky nanny-state countries.

Was your first sentence a direct reference to me or just a generic statement assuming people who are hanging cant go home ?

[joeaverage]

Dear Homeownership:

That's about all I have to say. This thread is no different than the usual "my thai girlfriend is a hooker but I later found out she was a he then turned himself back into a she" story. Only the later is a lot more interesting then your dribble.

How much does it cost to live here? Seriously, that is the best "new" topic you could think of?

If one keeps throwing darts at the dart board eventually you will hit a bullseye. Keep throwing, Homeownership, no bullseye here.

fer xxxx sake, its DRIVEL. not dribble.

more interesting THAN your DRIVEL.

not all expats are broke, but a fair number of them are dam_n near illiterate.

Edited June 19, 2013 by metisdead

[chrisinth]

There are many many many fellows here that don't have the money for the ticket home, and would also need to come up with the B20K for their many-years overdue visa overstay fee on their way out.

Maybe we should start up a fund; would you like to be a sponsor?

However I'm sure it's less than say 10% are in that desperate a position - perhaps even less.

There are many many many fellows here that don't have the money for the ticket home, and would also need to come up with the B20K for their many-years overdue visa overstay fee on their way out.

Maybe we should start up a fund; would you like to be a sponsor?

However I'm sure it's less than say 10% are in that desperate a position - perhaps even less.

10% is far higher than I could ever had imagined. Dear God.

I invoke rule number 7 regarding sponsership.

With the title of your OP, "Are most Ex-Pats completely broke ?" and you consider 10% to be a higher figure than you could ever have imagined, I sincerely hope that your current 'successful' business has nothing to do with assessment and that you don't have customers reliant on any figures produced.

Whereas exercise is generally a good thing, when you come out from under the bridge, walk the other way...................

[boosta]

Was your first sentence a direct reference to me or just a generic statement assuming people who are hanging cant go home ?

-

Why would you think I was referring to you? Not referring to anyone specifically.

And no assuming, just pointing out a common situation where many people are getting by month to month but don't have anything at all in the bank, can't afford the ticket home, can't afford to get legal on their visa, can't afford the fine required to exit the country, nothing for a deposit on a flat once they do get home, no job waiting for them.

That's what I refer to as "down and out" rather than legitimately "hanging in there".

[simple1]

1) but also ensure you can support other around you too.

2)There is a Duty of Care, (Male Ex-Pats) that should be assumed when taking a Thai Wife as your Bride. That duty is not just to her, but her entire family. You are the head of the family. Start acting like it.

You wearing a babies bib to catch that dribble running off your chin ?

You wearing a babies bib to catch that dribble running off your chin ?

I dont understand what your talking about. Try to be lest cryptic.

Suggesting you don't know the reality i.e. it's the wife's father & mother who are the "head of the family". BTW you mentioned free speech. Sorry doesn't exist on this forum, nor in Thailand - highly regulated in compliance with various Thai laws

[chrisinth]

.

On behalf of many who have just read your insightful musings

...

.

To emphasize your observations and comments David, this might help....................

[cpofc]

I wish to thank the OP from the bottom of my (poor) heart. It is the dawn of a brand new day, and I am invigorated, inspired, and I am going to try and be a better person.

Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

I have been saving my bottle of Johnny Walker Platinum for a special time, and I think today might just be it. But just a wee nip mind you, not too much, everything in moderation (btw speaking of moderation).

I have taken my last drink of Lao Khao!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc

[uptheos]

.

On behalf of many who have just read your insightful musings

...

.

To emphasize your observations and comments David, this might help....................

433-annasophia-robb---giant-troll.jpg

Who won't be here long as his 20 Baht will soon run out in the Internet shop.

[gmac]

Was your first sentence a direct reference to me or just a generic statement assuming people who are hanging cant go home ?

-

Why would you think I was referring to you? Not referring to anyone specifically.

And no assuming, just pointing out a common situation where many people are getting by month to month but don't have anything at all in the bank, can't afford the ticket home, can't afford to get legal on their visa, can't afford the fine required to exit the country, nothing for a deposit on a flat once they do get home, no job waiting for them.

That's what I refer to as "down and out" rather than legitimately "hanging in there".

Interesting viewpoint. So living comfortably here on adequate pensions rather than barely existing on them back in the UK qualifies you as down and out?

[boosta]

Suggesting you don't know the reality i.e. it's the wife's father & mother who are the "head of the family".

-

Maybe you're one of those who refused to pay a sin sot?

That's what it's for IMO, the right to take your teerak far away from her family and set up a new completely independent family unit.

Sure you are going to support her well, but it's her responsibility to support them to the extent she is able to from her own resources, not yours.

And her mum and dad have nothing at all to do with your decision-making, if they want to try to influence their daughter that's fine and good, but if you're letting her unduly influence you then again, you're doing it wrong.

Pretty hard to change these patterns once they've set in, but for those who still have options maybe these guidelines will help.

And for sure don't live closer than 6-8 hours travel time to her family or the above takes a lot of energy to maintain.

She's free to go visit them of course, but no need for you to tag along more than once or twice a year, and even then no need to stay over at their house, make it clear you prefer the nearest hotel with hot & cold running water if that applies.

[boosta]

Interesting viewpoint. So living comfortably here on adequate pensions rather than barely existing on them back in the UK qualifies you as down and out?

-

Maybe you missed the part above where I specifically excepted those lucky folk in that situation.

But wouldn't you also consider it pretty sad if they didn't have the dosh to keep their visa status legal nor to buy a ticket home?

That's what I'm talking about.

Edited June 19, 2013 by boosta

[moe666]

hehehe they do show up on occasion those that know how others should live their lives

[Ulysses G.]

I have lived for for more than 20 years and know lots of expats. Almost all of them have enough money to live pretty well compared to most Thais. You do not have to be rich to live in a country with a minimum wage of 300 baht a day which very few workers actually receive.

I have lived for for more than 20 years and know lots of expats. Almost all of them have enough money to live pretty well compared to most Thais. You do not have to be rich to live in a country with a minimum wage of 300 baht a day which very few workers actually receive.

This is going to sound snobbish, so forgive me in advance.

300 baht want even buy you a ice cold beer in some of the hotels I frequent. Yes technically you could survive, but why move all the way out here to do that, surely people come here for the good life.

Are you purposely misunderstanding my post? If large numbers of THAI PEOPLE can exist on 300 baht a day, most foreigners can do pretty well on a much higher income. Very few Westerners are living on 300 baht per day.

I have been relatively rich and relatvely poor in Thailand over the years, but - to me - 300 baht for a locally made beer is a complete waste of money.

Edited June 19, 2013 by Ulysses G.

[rinteln]

Was your first sentence a direct reference to me or just a generic statement assuming people who are hanging cant go home ?

-

Why would you think I was referring to you? Not referring to anyone specifically.

And no assuming, just pointing out a common situation where many people are getting by month to month but don't have anything at all in the bank, can't afford the ticket home, can't afford to get legal on their visa, can't afford the fine required to exit the country, nothing for a deposit on a flat once they do get home, no job waiting for them.

That's what I refer to as "down and out" rather than legitimately "hanging in there".

If someone was in the situation you describe above then yes I would agree with you but seems a bit of an extreme example. As it did come as a direct reply to my quote I have the feeling you may of been referring to an assumed position of mine which actually Ive had before because and shows its all about expectation.

I think what the OP is trying to imply is that he thinks Thailand should only have Expats in it with surplus amounts of money where in actual fact Thailand is no way near ready for that yet. Thailand is doing ok but we are not talking about living in Singapore are we. Even a poor Expat in this country is probably still more of a benefit to the state than the average Thai financially.

Thailand is not at the stage yet where they can start evaluating its immigrants in such a way and I would be interested to see what definitive reason and burden or negative effect someone who isnt rich has on the Thai state.

Edited June 19, 2013 by rinteln

[Radar501]

Rule9. Never be ashamed to brag

No-one here could ever accuse you of that.

[i claudius]

Some people have way to much time on their hands (mind you living in Hua Hin i am not surprised) they do seem to feel a little above us Pattaya types ,i suggest to the op he just gets on with his own life instead of just posting generalizations on this forum ,they have all been done to death before.

One thing i can say is that i am not the head of my wife's family as most seem to have more money than me and i am not short of a bob or two.

[Hedghog]

Op.

Please remove head from arse.

Before next post.

Thank you.

[Jasun]

2)There is a Duty of Care, (Male Ex-Pats) that should be assumed when taking a Thai Wife as your Bride. That duty is not just to her, but her entire family. You are the head of the family. Start acting like it.

Traditionally, in marrying your wife she enters your family, not vice versa. This is the case with most Asian cultures, Thailand included. That is why responsibility of caring for parents and extended family falls usually falls with sons, particularly if they are the eldest. Helping out those who happen to be less fortunate may be the moral and decent thing to do, but it's not your duty.

[theblether]

OP.....you're needing a lesson in how to annoy the membership in a hundred words or less. Let me help you.

1. The majority of members are not expats, they are long term holiday makers pretending to be expats. ( 17 words ).

2. Some are so witless, their hobby is trolling on TV. ( 10 words ).

3. I fly business class, and I'm a millionaire. ( 8 words ).

4. My Thai friends discuss philosophy. ( 5 words ).

5. I love Thai dinner dances with my Hi-So Thai Chinese pals. ( 11 words ).

6. I will never live in Thailand full time. ( 7 words ).

7. Tattoos look good on my Thai gf. ( 7 words ).

8. Teaching in Thailand is of a high standard. ( 8 words )

9. My gf has a beautiful ass, you want to see? ( 10 words )

10. British pensioners don't deserve a raise. ( 6 words ).

11. Only a fool buys a house they can't own. ( 9 words ).

Total 98 words.

Right, I must point out to you that Thaivisa members really really don't like a lot of words, so learn to edit. Another thing they don't like is the truth cos it hurts a lot of them.

So stop telling lies about getting from the door of the aircraft to your hotel room door in down town BKK in 23 minutes. It ruins your entire troll credibility.

Remember, the best lie is a half truth.

Carry on.

[Morakot]

The authoritative guide to life and all that stuff...