When is the right time, what was it for you ?

[CharlieH]

Many people come to Thailand for many reasons, new start, retirement, relationship, marriage whatever. I purposely didnt include for work as I believe thats slightly different.

My question is, when and why is the right time to cut that final bridge to the homeland ?

Some move here, have a happy relationship or marriage, rent or buy a home, maybe start a family etc. During that process of settling down settling in, you learn many new things and get to understand a little more. Many people maintain, as I did, a connection to the "homeland", maybe its a property you now rent out, maybe you still have family there, perhaps even business interests etc. There has to come a time when you feel sufficiently comfortable, happily settled to decide to close or cut those strings, to burn that last bridge so to speak and go "all in" to Thailand and the life you created.

There may be some that will never burn that last bridge, if so why ? What stops you ?

For those that did, when and what was it that made you decide to finally commit to your new home and say that final goodbye to the "homeland".

[David48]

Mate ... great OP ...

For me ... I doubt I'll ever burn the return bridge.

For me ... my Thai Partner and our Kids future remain split between the two countries ... the two cultures.

I wish our kids to enjoy the 'Best of both Worlds' ... the freedom and tastes of Thailand, but the rigor and education of the West.

So, the reply is not of a man who will retire here ...

But also, the bridge to Thailand will never be burnt ... because, where else can I be the 'Hunsum Man' ...

Yes Honey ... I'm washing the nappies now ... no honey ... I not play Thai Visa ...

.

[CharlieH]

Mate ... great OP ...

For me ... I doubt I'll ever burn the return bridge.

For me ... my Thai Partner and our Kids future remain split between the two countries ... the two cultures.

I wish our kids to enjoy the 'Best of both Worlds' ... the freedom and tastes of Thailand, but the rigor and education of the West.

So, the reply is not of a man who will retire here ...

But also, the bridge to Thailand will never be burnt ... because, where else can I be the 'Hunsum Man' ...

Yes Honey ... I'm washing the nappies now ... no honey ... I not play Thai Visa ...

.

The twins are very fortunate in that they will have the benefit and the choices ahead of them. I guess for your family it will remain a foot in both camps for the foreseeable future.

Great choices and a world of options and opportunities.

Good luck to you and the family David.

[ToddWeston]

In our case my Thai spent 25 years abroad and is having a very difficult time readjusting to Thailand, it's been 15 months and is still a daily challenge, I was "home" in a matter of weeks.

We have a home in Canada and a small property in the UK. It was always the plan to "winter" in Thailand but I've fallen in love with the country all over again and keep delaying travel. I don't know if I can ever cut my ties with the homeland because of family, perhaps in 20 years when some have passed on it will change things there.

I doubt we will ever be "all in" as our money is abroad and whatever home we want is only a plane ride away, medical issues would be a game changer for me though and we wouldn't burn any bridges for that reason.

We also arrived here young enough to be active in our Thai families daily life & I've bonded with my nieces and nephews better than I could have ever imagined.

The one problem I had was lack of friends, a social network, however that has changed quickly and I've met some great people here

I'm with David48, enjoy the best of both worlds, if they'd only lower the price of wine I'd be in paradise.

[BKK Blues Brother]

It's much easier these days not to burn bridges with home because of the www and social networking sites.

It always best to leave all options open imho as the only things that are certain in life are "death and taxes".

[Costas2008]

Your question OP:

"My question is, when and why is the right time to cut that final bridge to the homeland ?"

My answer:

Never.

Don't believe, a minute, what the posters say, about their homeland.

Doesn't matter for how long you have been living in Thailand and how happy you are, you always think of your homeland.

May be, conditions of living and circumstances are better than your homecountry.

But you never forget and sometimes, hoped that you could be back if circumstances were different.

Try to say something nasty about others homeland.......and they will be up in arms trying to eat you alive.

That shows a lot.

[wym]

I feel sorry for those that do cut the ties to home.

Only possible justification from a psychological/spiritual POV I can see is just being so darn skint broke there's just no alternative.

Which may not be as sad, but is still sad. . .

[Somsrisonphimai]

The option should always be open, never know what will happen, life is full of surprises.

[beachproperty]

I moved to Thailand 10 years ago. It's different ...I love it!....BUT where I live is not so important to me as WHO I live with....ie my wife (Thai). She wants to live in Thailand. OK with me ....as for cutting ties to my homeland ....Think not, for me. I have investments there, and I have investments here....I like the diversification.

Right now my strongest tie to my homeland is my mother (she's 87) and I think its important to see her as much as possible! Funny thing is I see her more now that I am living in Thailand than I did 20 years ago when I was living in the states (1 hour drive). Now when I go to the States (Christmas and April-taxes) My wife and I stay with her. When she's gone ...who knows ....as I have capable people taking care of my investments there.

Final thought ....I love Thailand with all its quirks....life is different but rewarding ....Luckiest man on earth that I met my wife!

Edited March 14, 2014 by beachproperty

[HardenedSoul]

It'll never happen.

I don't intend to remain here forever

I most certainly don't intend to settle down with a Thai woman

For all of my homeland's woes, I owe much of what I am and what I have to the realm and the notion of cutting ties to that in favour of a country where the law is but a suggestion and an education of any acceptable standard is a privilege is, frankly, unthinkable.

Yes I love living in Thailand. I still find its pros outweigh its cons by a very comfortable ratio but I can never forget my first, true love; Great Britain.

God Save The Queen

[CharlieH]

Thanks to everyone who have taken the time to contribute so far.

It seems that many would like to keep that "door open" or that "bridge back" in place. if possible and practical to do so.

It is fair to say that no one knows what the future holds etc but its always good to have options. Often circumstances dictate our actions and it remains good to evaluate them from time to time and discuss them as we move through our lives and those sometimes untimely losses we encounter, sad but inevitable family ties are lost etc.

I think that the saying "home is where the heart is" serves best, an ever shifting sand of time that we share with those we love and those we've lost along the way.

beachproperty: hit the nail on the head for me with "its not where I am, its who I am with", thanks for that one mate, sums it up nicely.

People are often more important than geography.

[wym]

But it's true that some have burnt their "people bridges", and only have SOs and friends here anymore.

It's not having options that really sucks. . .

[rgs2001uk]

It'll never happen.

I don't intend to remain here forever

I most certainly don't intend to settle down with a Thai woman

For all of my homeland's woes, I owe much of what I am and what I have to the realm and the notion of cutting ties to that in favour of a country where the law is but a suggestion and an education of any acceptable standard is a privilege is, frankly, unthinkable.

Yes I love living in Thailand. I still find its pros outweigh its cons by a very comfortable ratio but I can never forget my first, true love; Great Britain.

God Save The Queen

Agree with everything you say, except for your last sentence, as a Republican I was almost going to disagree, however the more I thought of it, the more I agree, the longer "Lizzy" stays on the throne means less time on it for the idiot who will follow.

GSTQ.

[Waterloo]

Mate ... great OP ...

For me ... I doubt I'll ever burn the return bridge.

For me ... my Thai Partner and our Kids future remain split between the two countries ... the two cultures.

I wish our kids to enjoy the 'Best of both Worlds' ... the freedom and tastes of Thailand, but the rigor and education of the West.

So, the reply is not of a man who will retire here ...

But also, the bridge to Thailand will never be burnt ... because, where else can I be the 'Hunsum Man' ...

Yes Honey ... I'm washing the nappies now ... no honey ... I not play Thai Visa ...

.

Same Same, we have a good life here in the UK and are determined to give our 2 young children the best of both worlds.

To that end they will be spending 2 months with Yai in June & July to help there multi lingual skills, going to miss them like hell but it is very important to both myself & there Mother.

Come retirement we intend to chase the summer and split our time evenly between the 2 countrys.

[Waterloo]

It'll never happen.

I don't intend to remain here forever

I most certainly don't intend to settle down with a Thai woman

For all of my homeland's woes, I owe much of what I am and what I have to the realm and the notion of cutting ties to that in favour of a country where the law is but a suggestion and an education of any acceptable standard is a privilege is, frankly, unthinkable.

Yes I love living in Thailand. I still find its pros outweigh its cons by a very comfortable ratio but I can never forget my first, true love; Great Britain.

God Save The Queen

Yes the constant bashing of the home country gets very tiring, the UK has been very good to us and the Wife is very comfortable here.

[ToddWeston]

It'll never happen.

I don't intend to remain here forever

I most certainly don't intend to settle down with a Thai woman

For all of my homeland's woes, I owe much of what I am and what I have to the realm and the notion of cutting ties to that in favour of a country where the law is but a suggestion and an education of any acceptable standard is a privilege is, frankly, unthinkable.

Yes I love living in Thailand. I still find its pros outweigh its cons by a very comfortable ratio but I can never forget my first, true love; Great Britain.

God Save The Queen

Agree with everything you say, except for your last sentence, as a Republican I was almost going to disagree, however the more I thought of it, the more I agree, the longer "Lizzy" stays on the throne means less time on it for the idiot who will follow.

GSTQ.

And I agree with everything he says especially the last line, so there we are. It's our home and I won't burn any bridges today or tomorrow.

[Waterloo]

In our case my Thai spent 25 years abroad and is having a very difficult time readjusting to Thailand, it's been 15 months and is still a daily challenge, I was "home" in a matter of weeks.

We have a home in Canada and a small property in the UK. It was always the plan to "winter" in Thailand but I've fallen in love with the country all over again and keep delaying travel. I don't know if I can ever cut my ties with the homeland because of family, perhaps in 20 years when some have passed on it will change things there.

I doubt we will ever be "all in" as our money is abroad and whatever home we want is only a plane ride away, medical issues would be a game changer for me though and we wouldn't burn any bridges for that reason.

We also arrived here young enough to be active in our Thai families daily life & I've bonded with my nieces and nephews better than I could have ever imagined.

The one problem I had was lack of friends, a social network, however that has changed quickly and I've met some great people here

I'm with David48, enjoy the best of both worlds, if they'd only lower the price of wine I'd be in paradise.

Yes we are spoiled with the price of wine at home, always a shock when in country

[Beetlejuice]

When and why is the right time to cut that final bridge to the homeland?

There is no why, as everyone’s situation is different and have their own reasons for moving to Thailand.

Firstly, you have to decide whether or not Thailand is for you. You can either love it or hate it. Remember that the culture, attitudes and the ways of thinking are totally different to that of the West and also not to expect the types of services and rights that we take for granted in our home countries. Westerners have very little, if any, statutory rights in Thailand, we will not receive and are entitled to nothing. No point in plonking yourself here and complaining about the Thais and Thailand later. Do your research first or try living here for the short team to discover whether you are able to adapt to the conditions, lifestyle and can afford it.

The time to take the plunge is, when you are financial secure enough to support yourself in Thailand, meaning; not having to rely on working in the Kingdom for an income, having ample savings to fall back on in the event of a rainy day, health, emergencies and so on, plus enough funds to satisfy the imposed Immigration Department requirements. Also a pension or the prospect of a pension later on or some sort of long term reasonable income from the home country.

Keep in mind that Thailand is not the cheap paradise it used to be. In Thailand you need dosh and lots of it. If you intend to stay in Thailand for the rest of your natural, than you need to be financially secure without just living on a hope and a prayer that all will work out.

Down to the nitty gritty.

My advice for a secure stress free future in Thailand:

Bring over in savings a minimum of 6 million baht. 2 million to purchase a home if you’re not renting, a vehicle and to set yourself up. 4 million in the bank to cover your visa requirements, your backup funds plus of course having the extra income from the interest of this amount and allowing for any increased amounts the Immigration Department may impose in the future for your annual visa extension.

You can probably live comfortably on a monthly income of approx 30000 baht, that is if you don`t intend to live it up with wine, women and song, otherwise a monthly income of around 70 to 80000 baht is more realistic. Evaluate your income on 40 baht = £1 if you’re from the UK, and if the bank exchange rate is higher, than consider that as a bonus and not the norm. This way you are covered if the bank interest rates and bahts for western currencies go down.

Keep in mind that your cost of living expenditure is going to increase each year with inflation. So have another income available, such a Government State pension to claim later on that will take your income up to the inflationary levels in the future.

Last but not least, always be able to live in Thailand without having to contravene any laws, i.e., not working illegally, without hustling and not getting involved with the wrong activities or the wrong people.

If not able to fulfil any the recommendations I have mentioned above, than think again before plonking yourself here, because in Thailand if you end up in the deep do dars there is no cavalry to come to your rescue, otherwise it`s at your own risk and judgements.

[GrantSmith]

If I may add my 50 satang worth...

Won't be burning any bridges between my home now (Thailand) and my country of residence (Australia) anytime soon, it would be (if I did burn them) be an awful waste of time and money invested.

Parents and family are happy to visit whenever they want, my family is scattered around, oldest sister is in the USA and younger sisters are in other states of Australia and we all love to travel.

My business sees me visit the folks at least 3 times a year, more if business requires. Which will continue for the very foreseeable future.

As for the wife, she's happy to live in Australia (she's lived there for over year before, so culture shock's irrelevant) if needed and one day when we have our own little clan, they'll be schooled in Australia and be free to choose where they want to live. Love the idea of 'best of both worlds'.

As for the cost of living, you win some, you lose some. Sure, I'd love for the tax on alcohol to be halved, makes a lot of sense but it is what it is. Seek and ye shall find mentality

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[gmac]

Right time for me was 13 years ago, redundant, unable to find suitable fresh employment 46 years old and realised that with a chunk of cash in the Bank, a company pension at 50 and and UK pension at 65 (now 66 for me) would let me put my feet up and live pretty comfortably in Thailand. A few failed relationships, falling interest and currency rates and I still wouldn't change a thing. Things are a bit tighter these days but no regrets.

[CWMcMurray]

Can't ever see any reason to ever want to burn any bridges any where at any time...

Life is about building bridges, not tearing them down... The more bridges you have, the more options you have..

And the more options you have, the less stress and worry you will have...

I have been in Thailand going on 10 years now. Working for a good Thai company and hope will be staying at this company for the next 25 years (nock on wood)

But no one can ever predict the future... So always good to know that if needed, we could relocate back to US without too much difficulty

Still have US address (parents house), still have US bank account, US drivers license, US Credit Cards... And this year planning a family trip back to US, so wife should get a 10yr visa this time around

All in all, happy with my life in Thailand and don't ever plan on moving back to US, but why burn any bridges?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[impulse]

When I'll cut the bridges? When they toss the dirt in on me...

Not to say I haven't allowed some of the bridges to disintegrate from lack of effort. Some of my biggest regrets...

Pretty sure the guys from Rhodesia Zimbabwe can teach us all a lesson about the value of bridges.

Edited March 15, 2014 by impulse

[robblok]

Why burn bridges its a stupid thing to do.

I will always be linked to my home country, my job is connected to it and at any time could i move back without any loss of education / experience and work back home.

Also most have family back home.. why shut those out. I can understand that flying over a lot is hard if your a OAP with limited resources. But even then that does not mean you have to cut it.. Internet makes communiction easier.

[smotherb]

Well, since I have spent the vast majority of my long adult life overseas, I don't believe it would bother me if I never went back to my home country. Of course, I never intend to renounce my citizenship or refuse to go back if need be. My home is where my arse is.

[Diablo Bob]

Interesting topic.....

What if you never had a bridge to burn?

I left the USA when I was 6 months old then spent the next 15 years living in Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the Philippines before returning to the USA.

Finished High School in one state, went to college in another state, then spent the next 10 years working in my profession in two other states.

Finally went the expat route and worked/lived in Central America, South America, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and a few islands between the continents.....around 35 years.

I do not feel comfortable in my birth country, never have.... I have always believed that the initial 15 years pretty much set my future in motion.

[houlicha]

Just curious, for US citizens would burning those bridges mean no more tax return filings?

[harber8]

I would have used "burn" and not "cut" the final bridge. You'd need some very large sicssors for that!!

In response to you OP. It really depends on how comfortable you are here and how important things are to you in the homeland. Personally I would never burn the last bridge. Always have an escape route in the land of smiles.

Goodluck

[techboy]

I dunno. You assume that there is a burning bridges thing. I have never looked at life like that. I mean people, friends, places are all part of your life. If you were talking strictly about financial interests that is a logistic which is something altogether different from the sweeping philosophy that you are speaking of.

[losgrad]

Why must one disconnect from their past?

In my 20's upon completing my education, getting married and starting a new career, I moved my family to another area hundreds of miles from my hometown. In the new area, the majority of the population spoke English as their 2nd language. After 25+ years, my three children completed their education and began developing their careers with each in different time zones. Seven years ago my ex- and i decided on separate retirement plans and five years ago, i moved to Thailand where i married and have been developing the next phase of my life.

During all these years and until I am physically incapable, I shall continue to keep in contact and annually or more frequently visit family, childhood, school and former work friends (including my ex- and her family). Why terminate just from geography?

Financially, as long as i am able, i shall keep diversified with assets in my hometown, with my children and in Thailand.

Edited March 15, 2014 by losgrad

[Benmart]

I will retain the bridge to my home country in the event that I may have to cross it later on during my present retirement.