Chiang Rai Rates Highly With Retirees.

[Will27]

I'm curious about the health care thing, what qualifies as a "worldclass" hospital?

Obviously major transplants would be in the ballpark but judging by the waiting lists elsewhere they seldom have to be done at a moments notice anyway.

Is there any suggestion that Chiang Rai hospitals could not cope with a heart attack or a stroke?

Judging by the number of road accidents locally I would be surprised if there weren't some competent trauma surgeons around. (A bit like knee replacement specialists in Belfast and those gender reassignment fellers in Bangkok).

Scea, I read on the "other" forum that the Govt Health Insurance scheme

for 3800 Baht per year has now closed for Chiang Rai.

Some Australians might be able to go back home for care on

Medicare but a lot of that would also depend on residency status.

Having said that, I couldn't see the hospital not giving medical treatment

to an Australia citizen in duress but I guess you never quite know these days.

[harrry]

I am very happy here .....but I did know what I was getting in to having lived in several countries and even Thailand for a considerable period in the past. I am not so sure here is very suitible for people who have never moved more than 10km from their birthplace.

[harrry]

I'm curious about the health care thing, what qualifies as a "worldclass" hospital?

Obviously major transplants would be in the ballpark but judging by the waiting lists elsewhere they seldom have to be done at a moments notice anyway.

Is there any suggestion that Chiang Rai hospitals could not cope with a heart attack or a stroke?

Judging by the number of road accidents locally I would be surprised if there weren't some competent trauma surgeons around. (A bit like knee replacement specialists in Belfast and those gender reassignment fellers in Bangkok).

I think there are world class trauma surgeons here..but the delays in getting to hospital with the fairly basic lift and drive type of ambulance service reduce your chances somewhat.

[kevvy]

What perplexes me, is that somehow "the haves" quite often tend to think that

the "have nots" don't deserve to be here for some reason. Or that they have more

of a reason to be here than them. As if it affects their lives.

Just because someone is fortunate, lucky or intelligent enough to have money, that

doesn't make them an asset to Chiang Rai. And people having less doesn't necessarily

make them a burden either.

I know people here on 30 000 Baht per month and people on 300 000 per month.

That doesn't make the higher earner a better person who is more deserving to be here.

IMO, they should just feel fortunate to be in that position.

Of course you get more "bang for you buck" in Thailand than you would do in Oz, UK,

the USA or wherever.

You can read often enough on here, people that swear they couldn't live on 100 000 per month

and others can do it on 15 000 Baht per month.

As I've mentioned on here before, a person I met in Chiang Mai quite a few years ago now

was living off his old age pension which was around 20 000 per month.

This guy had a decent life paying minimal rent and had enough left over for a few drinks, lady company

or whatever. He had money put away for emergencies.

Had been married for 40 years when his wife passed away. He said to me "I can either live

in a cheap council flat in the cold (UK) and go to bingo once a week or live here".

Who could argue with that?

That's the trouble with TV, everything becomes a "urinating" contest over how much one can spend,

afford "my car is better than yours, my house is bigger, my wife is hiso", etcetera etcetra.

If you're well off, why not just be happy about it and try not to begrudge others who aren't as well

off living here?

It's not as if Thailand is some exclusive club.

Well said Will, couldnt agree with you more .. I hope I am not a burden when I build in Chiang Rai.

[curtklay]

I believe you would have to go very native to survive on $750/mo in any city in Thailand. I wonder who writes these thing, maybe a backpacker ! ! ! ! ?????

This article was written by Kathleen Peddicord. She has made a career out of writing highly inaccurate articles and books about retiring overseas.

[sceadugenga]

Oh well, she's not the first person to be well paid for doing something badly.

Forum's been a bit slow, I thought I'd rattle the cage a bit.

[Fiddlesticks]

Oh well, she's not the first person to be well paid for doing something badly.

Forum's been a bit slow, I thought I'd rattle the cage a bit.

OK, I'll bite! When you say she is not the only one to be paid well for performing badly, are you referring to the current Thai PM? If so, I will wholeheartedly agree.

[sceadugenga]

Now now....

[Goat Roper]

We have visited CR many times for a few days at a time with the idea in mind to move there. We really did like the place but my wife and I just could not seem to feel comfort there, ditto CM. Just us I suppose but it is a nice place.

[villagefarang]

We have visited CR many times for a few days at a time with the idea in mind to move there. We really did like the place but my wife and I just could not seem to feel comfort there, ditto CM. Just us I suppose but it is a nice place.

It took many years before Chiang Rai began to grow on me, so I can see how it might not be for everyone. For my first 30 years in Thailand I was happier being based in Bangkok and only visiting the countryside on brief visits. For many years Bangkok was as undeveloped as I was prepared to deal with but that did change with time.

I was in my fifties before I even began thinking about living somewhere other than Bangkok. Though I am not enthralled by the temperament of some CR expats, they have never played a part in my relationship with CR. I have a good life here and fortunately have no need of drinking buddies or a village pub.

[onthedarkside]

A number of inflammatory posts have been removed. If this bickering continues then warnings and suspensions will be awarded.

[Goat Roper]

We have visited CR many times for a few days at a time with the idea in mind to move there. We really did like the place but my wife and I just could not seem to feel comfort there, ditto CM. Just us I suppose but it is a nice place.

It took many years before Chiang Rai began to grow on me, so I can see how it might not be for everyone. For my first 30 years in Thailand I was happier being based in Bangkok and only visiting the countryside on brief visits. For many years Bangkok was as undeveloped as I was prepared to deal with but that did change with time.

I was in my fifties before I even began thinking about living somewhere other than Bangkok. Though I am not enthralled by the temperament of some CR expats, they have never played a part in my relationship with CR. I have a good life here and fortunately have no need of drinking buddies or a village pub.

I am quite a bit north of 50 so at this stage of my life I think I'll have to stick it out where I'm at. To be honest we never found a place we both really liked, Nong Khai, Hua Hin, Phuket and a couple places in Essan. CR and CM came the closest for the both of us but just could not pull the trigger on moving.

[villagefarang]

We have visited CR many times for a few days at a time with the idea in mind to move there. We really did like the place but my wife and I just could not seem to feel comfort there, ditto CM. Just us I suppose but it is a nice place.

It took many years before Chiang Rai began to grow on me, so I can see how it might not be for everyone. For my first 30 years in Thailand I was happier being based in Bangkok and only visiting the countryside on brief visits. For many years Bangkok was as undeveloped as I was prepared to deal with but that did change with time.

I was in my fifties before I even began thinking about living somewhere other than Bangkok. Though I am not enthralled by the temperament of some CR expats, they have never played a part in my relationship with CR. I have a good life here and fortunately have no need of drinking buddies or a village pub.

I am quite a bit north of 50 so at this stage of my life I think I'll have to stick it out where I'm at. To be honest we never found a place we both really liked, Nong Khai, Hua Hin, Phuket and a couple places in Essan. CR and CM came the closest for the both of us but just could not pull the trigger on moving.

I fully understand and I must admit, I cannot imagine what circumstances would compel me to move to Thailand at my present age if I hadn’t already been living here my entire adult life.

Obviously I can see the benefits of travel and seeing as much of the world as one can afford, but to pack up and move to the far side of the world to start a life in a place so strange and different, is something I can’t imagine.

I look at my friends living back home with their Thai wives and fantasizing about retiring to Thailand, and I simply cannot encourage them to go through with it. I am convinced they are much better off visiting from time to time and would have a very difficult time acclimating.

[Goat Roper]

We have visited CR many times for a few days at a time with the idea in mind to move there. We really did like the place but my wife and I just could not seem to feel comfort there, ditto CM. Just us I suppose but it is a nice place.

It took many years before Chiang Rai began to grow on me, so I can see how it might not be for everyone. For my first 30 years in Thailand I was happier being based in Bangkok and only visiting the countryside on brief visits. For many years Bangkok was as undeveloped as I was prepared to deal with but that did change with time.

I was in my fifties before I even began thinking about living somewhere other than Bangkok. Though I am not enthralled by the temperament of some CR expats, they have never played a part in my relationship with CR. I have a good life here and fortunately have no need of drinking buddies or a village pub.

I am quite a bit north of 50 so at this stage of my life I think I'll have to stick it out where I'm at. To be honest we never found a place we both really liked, Nong Khai, Hua Hin, Phuket and a couple places in Essan. CR and CM came the closest for the both of us but just could not pull the trigger on moving.

I fully understand and I must admit, I cannot imagine what circumstances would compel me to move to Thailand at my present age if I hadn’t already been living here my entire adult life.

Obviously I can see the benefits of travel and seeing as much of the world as one can afford, but to pack up and move to the far side of the world to start a life in a place so strange and different, is something I can’t imagine.

I look at my friends living back home with their Thai wives and fantasizing about retiring to Thailand, and I simply cannot encourage them to go through with it. I am convinced they are much better off visiting from time to time and would have a very difficult time acclimating.

Like you I would never advise any of my back-home friends to move here. I see many young folks that are intrigued by the booze and sex, after a one week holiday they think they have found utopia and aspire to move here. I see here on TV many young guys are asking if they can live on pocket-money and asking how is the best way they can move here. I'm not a boozer so don't need bars and don't need companionship from foreigners.

I have been living here full time for twenty years and for the most part have enjoyed them all. I first came to Thailand in 1966-67 and fell in love with the place. Did several long projects here over the years and again loved the place each time. I worked internationally for 29 years and lived in four other countries (other than Thailand) for extended periods of time and would never consider any of those places to move to. Having said all that I do miss my home country at times.

[BookMan]

What perplexes me, is that somehow "the haves" quite often tend to think that

the "have nots" don't deserve to be here for some reason. Or that they have more

of a reason to be here than them. As if it affects their lives.

Just because someone is fortunate, lucky or intelligent enough to have money, that

doesn't make them an asset to Chiang Rai. And people having less doesn't necessarily

make them a burden either.

I know people here on 30 000 Baht per month and people on 300 000 per month.

That doesn't make the higher earner a better person who is more deserving to be here.

IMO, they should just feel fortunate to be in that position.

Of course you get more "bang for you buck" in Thailand than you would do in Oz, UK,

the USA or wherever.

You can read often enough on here, people that swear they couldn't live on 100 000 per month

and others can do it on 15 000 Baht per month.

As I've mentioned on here before, a person I met in Chiang Mai quite a few years ago now

was living off his old age pension which was around 20 000 per month.

This guy had a decent life paying minimal rent and had enough left over for a few drinks, lady company

or whatever. He had money put away for emergencies.

Had been married for 40 years when his wife passed away. He said to me "I can either live

in a cheap council flat in the cold (UK) and go to bingo once a week or live here".

Who could argue with that?

That's the trouble with TV, everything becomes a "urinating" contest over how much one can spend,

afford "my car is better than yours, my house is bigger, my wife is hiso", etcetera etcetra.

If you're well off, why not just be happy about it and try not to begrudge others who aren't as well

off living here?

It's not as if Thailand is some exclusive club.

Excellent post KhunWill

[villagefarang]

Like you I would never advise any of my back-home friends to move here. I see many young folks that are intrigued by the booze and sex, after a one week holiday they think they have found utopia and aspire to move here. I see here on TV many young guys are asking if they can live on pocket-money and asking how is the best way they can move here. I'm not a boozer so don't need bars and don't need companionship from foreigners.

I have been living here full time for twenty years and for the most part have enjoyed them all. I first came to Thailand in 1966-67 and fell in love with the place. Did several long projects here over the years and again loved the place each time. I worked internationally for 29 years and lived in four other countries (other than Thailand) for extended periods of time and would never consider any of those places to move to. Having said all that I do miss my home country at times.

I guess we have been back now for a little over a month from our latest visit to Hawaii. Though the purpose of our trip was far from joyful, with the aid of my wife, we were able to fill the time between obligations with food, friends and wonderful memories.

Though there is much to be said for Hawaii, it is no longer my home, but that does not mean we don’t miss it at times. I am not at all sure, however, that we are best served by chasing down every dream. It is nice to leave some things just out of reach and in the realm of fantasy.

[Goat Roper]

Like you I would never advise any of my back-home friends to move here. I see many young folks that are intrigued by the booze and sex, after a one week holiday they think they have found utopia and aspire to move here. I see here on TV many young guys are asking if they can live on pocket-money and asking how is the best way they can move here. I'm not a boozer so don't need bars and don't need companionship from foreigners.

I have been living here full time for twenty years and for the most part have enjoyed them all. I first came to Thailand in 1966-67 and fell in love with the place. Did several long projects here over the years and again loved the place each time. I worked internationally for 29 years and lived in four other countries (other than Thailand) for extended periods of time and would never consider any of those places to move to. Having said all that I do miss my home country at times.

I guess we have been back now for a little over a month from our latest visit to Hawaii. Though the purpose of our trip was far from joyful, with the aid of my wife, we were able to fill the time between obligations with food, friends and wonderful memories.

Though there is much to be said for Hawaii, it is no longer my home, but that does not mean we don’t miss it at times. I am not at all sure, however, that we are best served by chasing down every dream. It is nice to leave some things just out of reach and in the realm of fantasy.

Each time we visit my family and friends we go with the intention of staying 2-3 weeks. After a week I am on the phone booking our flight back home (Thailand). What few folks I have left don't even know where Thailand is. My 93 year old aunt thinks I live in Taiwan (God bless her).

I lived in Torino, Italy for 1.5 years and I think I could live in the Tuscany region. Lived in Sardinia for six months and that's not too bad, it's doable for me. My Thai wife would never go for either of those places so here we are.

[villagefarang]

Like you I would never advise any of my back-home friends to move here. I see many young folks that are intrigued by the booze and sex, after a one week holiday they think they have found utopia and aspire to move here. I see here on TV many young guys are asking if they can live on pocket-money and asking how is the best way they can move here. I'm not a boozer so don't need bars and don't need companionship from foreigners.

I have been living here full time for twenty years and for the most part have enjoyed them all. I first came to Thailand in 1966-67 and fell in love with the place. Did several long projects here over the years and again loved the place each time. I worked internationally for 29 years and lived in four other countries (other than Thailand) for extended periods of time and would never consider any of those places to move to. Having said all that I do miss my home country at times.

I guess we have been back now for a little over a month from our latest visit to Hawaii. Though the purpose of our trip was far from joyful, with the aid of my wife, we were able to fill the time between obligations with food, friends and wonderful memories.

Though there is much to be said for Hawaii, it is no longer my home, but that does not mean we don’t miss it at times. I am not at all sure, however, that we are best served by chasing down every dream. It is nice to leave some things just out of reach and in the realm of fantasy.

Each time we visit my family and friends we go with the intention of staying 2-3 weeks. After a week I am on the phone booking our flight back home (Thailand). What few folks I have left don't even know where Thailand is. My 93 year old aunt thinks I live in Taiwan (God bless her).

I lived in Torino, Italy for 1.5 years and I think I could live in the Tuscany region. Lived in Sardinia for six months and that's not too bad, it's doable for me. My Thai wife would never go for either of those places so here we are.

We stayed for three weeks and were not desperate to get home but my wife had things on her schedule and we were at risk of wearing out our welcome so came home, but I have never felt the urge to cut a trip short. We are blessed with generous friends who always offer to put us up while we are there and of course we do the same for them.

I try to enjoy the differences inherent in the places we go, and take comfort in knowing home is waiting for us. To be honest my wife thinks she might prefer living in Hawaii, at times, but that is not really on the table at this point.

[onthedarkside]

If members want to chat then best use the PM function. 'chat' posts removed.

[onthedarkside]

Let me remind our members of Thaivisa rule 10) Do not discuss moderation publicly in the open forum; this includes individual actions, and specific or general policies and issues. You may send a PM to a moderator to discuss individual actions or email support (at) thaivisa.com to discuss moderation policy.

This seemed like a very reasonable topic and moving along nicely until 2 forum members hi-jacked the topic for their own amusement.

[bobbyd1]

I like the different viewpoints here on the subject. It all boils down to freedom of choice and what you are comfortable with. As a retiree on a fixed income I appreciate the monetary discussion on what it takes to be happy in the final chapter of our existence. Taking a set budget and making it work is very relative. We all have a slew of expectations which makes that challenging to say the least. Trying to plan our final resting place requires much wisdom and forethought. Surely the climate, cost-of-living, what makes you happy, etc; (plays a crucial role in that process). With that said, I enjoy Chiang Rai and probably will fade off into the sunset here because the area fits my lifestyle and budget. Surely the Post Subject, rates High with me as with the all the other retired folks that reside here. It is not easy to leave your comfort zone of your home country and live abroad. But in my case, the pro's out weigh the con's.

P.S. If i did not have a Thai wife and was fortunate to be stationed here in Thailand with the U.S. military, I probably would of not known about the economy of scale here for retirement. 555 In addition, I do not get wrapped around the axle with things I can not change culturally. As they say, when in Rome, do what the Romans do. Enjoy living in one of the Best Kept Secrets for Retirement. If you work here, enjoy your stay. For the negative, this is not our first Rodeo......

Cheers

[harrry]

. But in my case, the pro's out weigh the con's.

P.S. If i did not have a Thai wife and was fortunate to be stationed here in Thailand with the U.S. military, I probably would of not known about the economy of scale here for retirement. 555 In addition, I do not get wrapped around the axle with things I can not change culturally. As they say, when in Rome, do what the Romans do. Enjoy living in one of the Best Kept Secrets for Retirement. If you work here, enjoy your stay. For the negative, this is not our first Rodeo......

Cheers

I am sure those that prefer these would be better in Pattaya or maybe ChiangMai.,

[Will27]

I like the different viewpoints here on the subject. It all boils down to freedom of choice and what you are comfortable with. As a retiree on a fixed income I appreciate the monetary discussion on what it takes to be happy in the final chapter of our existence. Taking a set budget and making it work is very relative. We all have a slew of expectations which makes that challenging to say the least. Trying to plan our final resting place requires much wisdom and forethought. Surely the climate, cost-of-living, what makes you happy, etc; (plays a crucial role in that process). With that said, I enjoy Chiang Rai and probably will fade off into the sunset here because the area fits my lifestyle and budget. Surely the Post Subject, rates High with me as with the all the other retired folks that reside here. It is not easy to leave your comfort zone of your home country and live abroad. But in my case, the pro's out weigh the con's.

P.S. If i did not have a Thai wife and was fortunate to be stationed here in Thailand with the U.S. military, I probably would of not known about the economy of scale here for retirement. 555 In addition, I do not get wrapped around the axle with things I can not change culturally. As they say, when in Rome, do what the Romans do. Enjoy living in one of the Best Kept Secrets for Retirement. If you work here, enjoy your stay. For the negative, this is not our first Rodeo......

Cheers

Nice post.

I especially like the "freedom of choice" part.

If you can afford to stay in Thailand visa wise, it's no concern (or business) of mine what people

have or spend. That's entirely up to the individual.

Each persons situation is different so I don't think it's wise just to make a blanket statement

as you don't really know their circumstances.

[villagefarang]

I am not one of those foggy eyed, sentimental nostalgists who lament the passage of time but I have watched as the tapestry of expats in Thailand has changed over the years, beginning in the mid-70s. Neither am I a bean counter by nature so will leave it to others to argue the merits of one number over another.

I do disagree with those who disavow the impact which movies, news, magazines, the internet and online meat markets play on the numbers and kinds of foreigners attracted to, and some might say are inundating this country, Chiang Rai included but to perhaps a lesser extent.

These are fairly modern developments and the people who end up coming to Thailand simply because they read somewhere, how cheap it is to survive or to satisfy their prurient needs, seldom have any interest in Thailand, its people, customs, religion or language. They often become exactly the same kind of people they try to block from immigrating to their own homeland.

Few countries are enamored with immigrants who never learn the language or customs of their adopted land. To move somewhere and then complain endlessly that the locals don’t do things the “right” way, is hardly a winning recipe. The bad impression that gives the locals has a spillover effect on all of us which is becoming more difficult to avoid.

The brazen sense of entitlement possessed by many, that they “deserve” to go where they wish and do what they wish with absolute impunity, does not endear them to their hosts.

If you are one of those individuals then you no doubt disagree with what I have written here. You may argue that you are too old to learn or change, but that only goes one step further to making my point.

I don’t expect these trends to stop or diminish anytime soon and as long as there is a market to be served and money to be made writing these kinds of articles, they will no doubt continue. As the title says, Chiang Rai may rate highly with retirees but one does wonder how highly retirees rate with our Thai hosts?

[ginglee]

I can see why it would be popular, I spent sonkran week there. Hired a car and went seen a lot of it. Very nice place- very laid back. The Mynmar visa crossing was a breese too...