If you were to move out of Thailand, where would you go?

[pluto_manibo]

I have lived here in Thailand and extensively explored the South East Asian region for the last twenty years. Although it is rapidly changing and feels a lot more populated, there are still some amazing spots and hideaways. Thailand as a traveling hub is unbeatable and as a home, is mostly comfortable. When you stay here for a while, you easily get jaded and only see the negative aspects. However, when you go abroad for any amount of time, especially in the western world....you start to long for it! If I was to move out from here, I would probably go to Central America. I am curious to know, where some of you would go?

[SeaVisionBurma]

Discussion of expat life, moving to Pub

[Blindside]

Malaysia

Mozambique

Angola

[Fellini]

Mexico.

I look like a mestizo anyway, and Spanish is muy fácil, so I'm sure I'd fit in pretty well.

[moonseeker]

Costa Rica, Florida, Borneo....Or?? Interesting subject, maybe we get some more expert insight into other destinations here. THX> MS>

[Spoonman]

Back home to my house on the gold Coast in Australia.

[yimlitnoy]

I would move to Ethiopia or Tanzania.

[Katipo]

I'd go home. New Zealand. it's a great country that offers a great way of life. I'm thinking about leaving Thailand anyway. The Thai charm has largely worn off me, although there are still many things I love about the country. Having said that, perhaps this coup could finally bring about much needed change and renew my passion for the country.

I would also consider certain parts of the USA, Central & South America, and the UK.

I'm not one of these people who whinges about how crap this place or the other is. Life is generally what you make of it, and in my experience it's usually losers who complain the loudest.

[jpduggan]

Been thinking about Cambodia since I don't feel welcome here anymore. South America sounds interesting and I'm curious to know where in Sth. America you would go to Pluto?

[Anders W Ferslev]

Hoi An vietnam....

[tsigane]

Taiwan in Asia (slightly more expensive but far better place, no "farang issues", very wet climate though)

Ecuador or Peru in S America (cheap, quiet, no visa BS, get residency with 25000 USD deposited in your bank account, great climate, very diverse, but less develped than Thailand)

[jmccarty]

Central America probably!

[advancebooking]

Indonesia for sure

[humqdpf]

Malaysia

Mozambique

Angola

A strange melange of countries.

Malaysia (as in KL) is like living in an Asian suburb of an American city - everything is there but perhaps somewhat boring unless you head to Penang, perhaps. At least English is spoken there.

Mozambique is developing but living there might be a challenge for some and there is the tendency of the former rebels to start up again - great fishing but you can visit there from a neighboring country such as South Africa if you want that.

Angola - fine if you have really big money (highest rent in the world for housing that is even approaching Western standard) but most people I met who lived there did so for work.

For someone who is interested in living well without going broke, not being too bored, good travel connections and standards and police that are less likely to be anti-foreigner, I would suggest Vietnam - Hanoi is an acquired taste but Danang is nice, clean, plenty of nightlife and within an hour or so to huge beaches that are empty and Hoi An if you need some culture.

Cambodia is developing fast and many foreigners live happily in Phnom Penh and other cities. Laos is also available for those who want a really laid-back location - probably Luang Prabang might be best for such persons.

If you like life a bit more spicy and can put up with some of the nonsense, there is always Indonesia. Or Philippines. But the capitals of both places are not easy to live in.

For those with some more money and can speak reasonable Spanish, there are many South and Central American countries to chose from. Each Spanish speaking country has its own flavor, its own level of development and culture. Cuba would be worth trying if one can deal with the residence permits and you can find your way around the police state (but not for Americans as they get into trouble for going to Cuba, apparently).

If you cannot speak Spanish or Portugese and don't want to be in Asia, I would suggest some African countries - mainly East Africa, although the attraction of that part of the world is being slowly eroded by insurgency coming from the North (Somalia). Costal Kenya used to be great but no so much now. Tanzania is worth a look at but again quite an acquired taste. Uganda can be fun for the right personality. I am hearing very good reports about Zimbabwe although that would require a more rugged personality, I guess.

If you really need to be in the sun but in a "Western" country that is not USA, I would suggest Spain. Barcelona and Madrid for culture and everywhere else for everything else.

For those who need to be in Europe and prepared to learn another language, former Yugoslavian countries on the coast might be interesting - Croatia and its neighbours.

[Bernard Flint]

Malaysia

Mozambique

Angola

A strange melange of countries.

Malaysia (as in KL) is like living in an Asian suburb of an American city - everything is there but perhaps somewhat boring unless you head to Penang, perhaps. At least English is spoken there.

Mozambique is developing but living there might be a challenge for some and there is the tendency of the former rebels to start up again - great fishing but you can visit there from a neighboring country such as South Africa if you want that.

Angola - fine if you have really big money (highest rent in the world for housing that is even approaching Western standard) but most people I met who lived there did so for work.

For someone who is interested in living well without going broke, not being too bored, good travel connections and standards and police that are less likely to be anti-foreigner, I would suggest Vietnam - Hanoi is an acquired taste but Danang is nice, clean, plenty of nightlife and within an hour or so to huge beaches that are empty and Hoi An if you need some culture.

Cambodia is developing fast and many foreigners live happily in Phnom Penh and other cities. Laos is also available for those who want a really laid-back location - probably Luang Prabang might be best for such persons.

If you like life a bit more spicy and can put up with some of the nonsense, there is always Indonesia. Or Philippines. But the capitals of both places are not easy to live in.

For those with some more money and can speak reasonable Spanish, there are many South and Central American countries to chose from. Each Spanish speaking country has its own flavor, its own level of development and culture. Cuba would be worth trying if one can deal with the residence permits and you can find your way around the police state (but not for Americans as they get into trouble for going to Cuba, apparently).

If you cannot speak Spanish or Portugese and don't want to be in Asia, I would suggest some African countries - mainly East Africa, although the attraction of that part of the world is being slowly eroded by insurgency coming from the North (Somalia). Costal Kenya used to be great but no so much now. Tanzania is worth a look at but again quite an acquired taste. Uganda can be fun for the right personality. I am hearing very good reports about Zimbabwe although that would require a more rugged personality, I guess.

If you really need to be in the sun but in a "Western" country that is not USA, I would suggest Spain. Barcelona and Madrid for culture and everywhere else for everything else.

For those who need to be in Europe and prepared to learn another language, former Yugoslavian countries on the coast might be interesting - Croatia and its neighbours.

SIR

Excellant post, witty, informative and to the point.

[eddi]

Indonesia for sure

Why?

35USD to get in (30 day VOA) 150,000 IDR to get out

I was quoted USD 900 for a years retirement visa.

Some nice places and people there though!

[Costas2008]

I would go to Pattaya.

I heard it's a very interesting country, lots of friendly people, tall boys with high heels to take your breath away, the best looking girls in the world, the beer flows like a river, and they have the new technology buses the Baht buses.

Where else can I find a better place to go?

[godden]

central america would be a good choice, i think.

[davidmann]

south France

[pluto_manibo]

Been thinking about Cambodia since I don't feel welcome here anymore. South America sounds interesting and I'm curious to know where in Sth. America you would go to Pluto?

I would go to Costa Rica. Twenty five percent of the land is national park. Clean, great wildlife, fruits, coffee, vegetables, great Surfing on both the Pacific coast and the Caribean coast, best health care system, volcanoes, mountains, lakes....Yes, its' not perfect but nowhere is, it would do for me.

[TomTao]

Back to Australia to look after my parents.

[TomTao]

Duplicate post.

[Tanlic]

The nearest graveyard............I like it here don't wana go anywhere

[anon467367354]

I've looked into Uruguay and it's a very easy place to move to.

When you get their you pay a $125 residence application, you prove you make $600 or more a month

and you get a temporary residency card. Upon approval which is easy you're done!

You can also import your personal belongings tax free.

I was told though that you would be better off if your monthly income was more like $1200-$2000 a month.

But very doable in my opinion.

[Sam Gold]

Back home and actually that's where I'm headed next month after 5 years in Thailand.

One of the things long-term expatriation here teaches you is that it isn't so bad in the West, you get a lot more perspective on things.

[bluebellpepper]

Azores. Good climate year round, stunning scenery and clean. Good food too!
Would be best to do 6 month Thailand (Oct-March) and 6 month Azores (Apr-Sept).

[stgrhe]

I am not planning of moving but in the event that happens it will most likely be Malaysia.

[joshstiles]

why Central America? What's the draw there?

[EmptyHead]

Vietnam

Malaysia

Hong Kong

Middle East

[ebean001]

Costa Rica is ideal but it is getting expensive. Check a website for housing. Escazu is the suburb for San Jose where the expats live. It is about 10 klms from downtown. Not a lot of motorcycles so figure in buying a car. Lots of Thailand like nightlife but more expensive.