What keeps you in Thailand?

[Somsrisonphimai]

Have been seeing quite a few threads and comments dissatisfied with Thailand, but for some of you, Thailand is still a preferable place to stay, so what keeps you in Thailand, women, work, booze, beach, love, food or life style?

[thailiketoo]

I am a veteran. Many veterans in the US die while waiting for an appointment to see a doctor. Here I don't even need an appointment. I think the health care here is much better and quicker (two serious operations). A good dinner out for myself and the wife is $9. Our new house by the ocean is $600 a month.

If I ever needed home care one of the young family members would move in and take care of me for a reasonable amount of money.

The dog likes it here. I can get anything I need delivered to the house quickly and cheaply if I ever became ill. I've got money in the bank for emergencies but we live well on my pension; I don't think I could do that in the West.

One of the big things is there are no Jones to keep up with here. I wear what I want. Go out when I want. Fast computer, big screen TV that was made for watching football. I got the ocean, good food, good house, good dog, good wife.

If I want a big weekend I can go to Bangkok and live the high life for a couple of days and then back to my comfort zone in the country.

Edited June 16, 2014 by thailiketoo

[Soutpeel]

I stay for the work, and one day when it ends which it will do eventually will be time to move on

[Sandman77]

The fact that a have no friends at home!

Farang country to cool and to expensive!

[HeavyDrinker]

Work.

I won't deny the 'fringe benefits' you mention (and others I receive from my employers such as flights home twice a year etc) have made Thailand a joy to work in for the last two decades or so, apart from the women who must remain on a 'look but not touch' basis (and I do look; a hell of a lot) or the wife would have me knackers pinned on the wall.

When I have to go into the office here I get picked up from my door and taken to the door of the office. In London/Belgium I'd be looking at a slog across town under my own steam having to mingle with the plebs.

While I won't deny there are things which do get me pissed off at times here, but I realised as long time ago there is little or nothing I can do to change them so try not to let them get to me but we all need a "blow out" from time to time, and TV forum provides many the chance to do so.

I can imagine many others here for work reasons remain for the same reasons as I do - its a good life - far better than we could dream of in the West.

My pal Big Fat Dave gets driven to the point of utter eye popping madness by certain aspects of life here (especially the heat) but as he is now regional director for his employers and he stands to make a bomb once the ASEAN stuff kicks in, he weighs up the 'pros and cons' quickly enough and moves on. When he first moved here, he would turn up on our doorstep at least 3 times a week, in a frenzy but soon learned to settle down and enjoy the pampered life he leads.

I meet many fellow expats here on packages that put mine to shame (and I feel pampered at times); but to listen to some of them, you'd think they'd been posted to the mouth of Hell and not one of the most beautiful/fascinating nations on Earth.

On the other hand I meet some lads here teaching on a poor wage, no fancy benefits at all, but relish every moment of being here, though mainly for the things you mention.

[saakura]

I am a veteran. Many veterans in the US die while waiting for an appointment to see a doctor. Here I don't even need an appointment. I think the health care here is much better and quicker (two serious operations). A good dinner out for myself and the wife is $9. Our new house by the ocean is $600 a month.

If I ever needed home care one of the young family members would move in and take care of me for a reasonable amount of money.

The dog likes it here. I can get anything I need delivered to the house quickly and cheaply if I ever became ill. I've got money in the bank for emergencies but we live well on my pension; I don't think I could do that in the West.

One of the big things is there are no Jones to keep up with here. I wear what I want. Go out when I want. Fast computer, big screen TV that was made for watching football. I got the ocean, good food, good house, good dog, good wife.

If I want a big weekend I can go to Bangkok and live the high life for a couple of days and then back to my comfort zone in the country.

There are also many negatives here in Thailand, you have listed only the positives. A lot of posters here on TV might want to learn from your positive approach and attitude and enjoy the stay.

[Water Buffalo]

My daughter. My lady. Warm weather. Cheaper living. Healthier lifestyle. Higher standard of living. Better quality of life. Its more interesting here. Pleasant atmosphere. Hot chicks to ogle at.

[skyaslimit]

Family, work, life style, beaches, booze, love and friends, OP describe it all for me.

Sent from my GT-S5360 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[HeavyDrinker]

When I first came to work here, one "old hand" told me to let the negatives build up and they make the horrors of going home so much more bearable, even a joy.

[Costas2008]

I'm here, because I can see around beautiful ladies like you.(As your Avatar)

I'm here, because my money can go a loooong way further than in Europe.

I'm here, because I found a lady to take care of me, even me being an old fart.

I'm here, because Thai people smile and greet me, not as in Europe that you don't even meet your neighbour.

I'm here, because I love Thailand and it's people.

[Somsrisonphimai]

I think it is ok to vent and be opinionated for the things you think Thailand needed improving, but also not to forget the things that make you want to be in Thailand still.

[beachproperty]

To me it's a toss-up. Lived in Calif. prior to meeting my wife (Thai). She is actually the one who wants to live in Thailand (Family and friends here ...none in the US). I am retired so can live where ever I want ....as long as its with my wife ...."Happy wife ....Happy life!". Both places have their pluses and minuses ....just different..

Have to say though, after 10 years in Thailand ...I love it...The people's attitudes, food, and prices!

[CharlieH]

I like the freedom! Freedom from excessive taxes, freedom to do as you please, no constant rules and permits or licences for this and that.

Just "freedom" or as the Thais often say "up to you"

[Somsrisonphimai]

To me it's a toss-up. Lived in Calif. prior to meeting my wife (Thai). She is actually the one who wants to live in Thailand (Family and friends here ...none in the US). I am retired so can live where ever I want ....as long as its with my wife ...."Happy wife ....Happy life!". Both places have their pluses and minuses ....just different..

Have to say though, after 10 years in Thailand ...I love it...The people's attitudes, food, and prices!

You don't mind the double pricing, 555.)

[transam]

I like the freedom! Freedom from excessive taxes, freedom to do as you please, no constant rules and permits or licences for this and that.

Just "freedom" or as the Thais often say "up to you"

Agree.

Oh, congrats on your new job. I will try and behave............

[neverdie]

Nothing keeps me in Thailand, except the fact that other countries won't have me

[beachproperty]

To me it's a toss-up. Lived in Calif. prior to meeting my wife (Thai). She is actually the one who wants to live in Thailand (Family and friends here ...none in the US). I am retired so can live where ever I want ....as long as its with my wife ...."Happy wife ....Happy life!". Both places have their pluses and minuses ....just different..

Have to say though, after 10 years in Thailand ...I love it...The people's attitudes, food, and prices!

You don't mind the double pricing, 555.)

Even with the double standard of pricing in Thailand for farangs it's still cheaper than the states. Always willing to walk away if I don't like the price. And if my wife or I find out that a vendor charged us more just because I am a farang .....they never get our business again! Have to add also, if I think they might jack the price up because they see the farang ....I just send my wife in to negotiate (generally have a price in mind when I do this)

[fredob43]

I am a veteran. Many veterans in the US die while waiting for an appointment to see a doctor. Here I don't even need an appointment. I think the health care here is much better and quicker (two serious operations). A good dinner out for myself and the wife is $9. Our new house by the ocean is $600 a month.

If I ever needed home care one of the young family members would move in and take care of me for a reasonable amount of money.

The dog likes it here. I can get anything I need delivered to the house quickly and cheaply if I ever became ill. I've got money in the bank for emergencies but we live well on my pension; I don't think I could do that in the West.

One of the big things is there are no Jones to keep up with here. I wear what I want. Go out when I want. Fast computer, big screen TV that was made for watching football. I got the ocean, good food, good house, good dog, good wife.

If I want a big weekend I can go to Bangkok and live the high life for a couple of days and then back to my comfort zone in the country.

There are also many negatives here in Thailand, you have listed only the positives. A lot of posters here on TV might want to learn from your positive approach and attitude and enjoy the stay.

In my case the positives far outweigh the negatives. Negative's can be counted on one hand/finger positives Id need a calculator.

Positives.

I come from England the cost there are frightening, fuel, government tax, house tax, just the latter covers all my utility bills here with loads left over. If I want anything done I just get someone to do it here for around 350bt = £7 a day that compares to well over £100 if I was lucky in Blighty.

I also don't have to pay any tax not in the EU, holidaying here costs peanuts. Quality of living here is great. Heat although it can be a bit over the top even oppressive at times I don't get any aching bones because of the cold, the big smile I get from my Thai wife several times everyday, compared to the grumpy look I used to get from the now departed (thank Buddha) English EX. I could go on and on but that would take forever, then again I don't live in a tourist resort, or BKK that I must say would drive me to distraction.

Negatives.

Having to report by post every 90 days then once a year having to spend about 20 min: doing paperwork for visa.

Bit of a loss to think of anything else at the moment, there must be some but I think they are only of your own making. Over to peeps that seem to have those to enlighten me.

I forgot double pricing where I live you just don't get it in fact I seem to get better service from Thai's at better prices (I always ask for a discount) than my Thai wife.

Edited June 16, 2014 by fredob43

[richard_smith237]

In reality - I'm here because thats where I started...

My First Job out of Uni was based here, I made friends here, settled here.

I tried life in the UK and enjoyed that too, but ended up moving back out to Thailand after two years, again for work.

Since then I've married had a child, made more friends and feel quite at home.

That said - my area in the UK has a strong attraction and there is temptation to move back. What prevents me is the number of friends I would miss, the easier lifestyle, the weather, the range and access to quality food...

IMO: The pro's and cons are closely balanced...

[geronimo]

I have no desire to go anywhere. Here is where I came 33 years ago and here is where I'll end my days.

[snottgoblin]

I came here for a year, and ten years later still here. There are frustrations along the way, but I can't complain about my life or job. Met some great people along the way here to, and do feel disconnected from my country of origin. I'm realistic to know though, that it might not always be that way, and at some point through work or other reasons I may have to move on. As for the bitter people, they're bitter and resentful wherever they are.

Edited June 16, 2014 by snottgoblin

[JDGRUEN]

Keeps me here ... only here 6 months - but stayed here a year in what seems like a million years ago...

Let's see. Thai women smile at me - flirt with me... and a lot more. Thai women are lovely to look at, often personable, helpful and respectful. Not 100% of them -- but far more than in America by factors of 10. And I can actually put my arm around their waist without using a chalk mark to see where I need to start again... ... I like learning the Thai language, got a pretty good handle on Thai culture,customs and people - but a lot more to go.. It is an adventure I simply could not find at home (without Adventure in life I would be bored to death). I find a lot of what I encounter daily in Thailand to be quite quaint. It is so different than America - one can actually find people on the streets and in shops to interact with...

Obviously I live better on my monthly income here even though Farlang type food is quite expensive. I like the fact that I could start a business here without the stymying over regulation of the States and at a low start up cost. I haven't done this yet - but everything seems feasible ... I wouldn't even think of trying to start a business in America on a low start up cost - not to mention the crazy out of control regulation in every city, county and state in the U.S.

There are many reasons - it would take writing a book to get it all down... but I have to say being away from the U.S. Government and the daily insanity of the man who calls himself President was a significant reason I left the U.S,. and a big reason I stay here and have no plans of going back.

There are some irritants here and even a few insults - but life is not an event no matter where one lives that is without a bit of irritation and insulting situations... And I have come to "Where the weather suits my clothes"...

[JLCrab]

Saving a few non-English-speaking individuals, I can be a recluse in Thailand and no one makes fun of me.

[MichaelJackson]

My wife keeps me in Thailand, she took all the money, the house and the car !

I leave I got nout ! So, as someone else said, happy wife happy life, so far all good.

Edited June 16, 2014 by MichaelJackson

[sawim]

The considerate and respectful locals.

[JLCrab]

Our new house by the ocean is $600 a month. In what country -- Thailand abuts the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

[chiang mai]

A sea is a part of an ocean!

http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-ocean-and-sea/

[thailiketoo]

A sea is a part of an ocean!

http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-ocean-and-sea/

In front of my house is a large body of water and tankers drive up and down about a mile offshore. What I like about the ocean is the sea breeze. It keeps the air cooler than inland.

I lived on the ocean in the West; I've lived on the Great lakes too. I've lived by a little pond in the mountains and streams where trout swam. About the only difference I noticed is one has to varnish your hull more in salt water and here I can walk to the go go. The doctor said exercise so I like to walk.

[neverdie]

I came here for a year, and ten years later still here. There are frustrations along the way, but I can't complain about my life or job. Met some great people along the way here to, and do feel disconnected from my country of origin. I'm realistic to know though, that it might not always be that way, and at some point through work or other reasons I may have to move on. As for the bitter people, they're bitter and resentful wherever they are.

It's a pity you didn't join TVF earlier, I enjoy your contributions to the thread, thanks for sharing.

You are right of course, there's bitter <deleted>everywhere.

[HeavyDrinker]

You are right of course, there's bitter xxxx everywhere.

Very much so. Look at some of the humourless amateur psychologists attacking members trying to make light hearted comments on some topics of late.

I can't fathom it. If you can't be happy here, you're going to struggle anywhere.

Edited June 16, 2014 by Rooo