Is life better in the land of smiles

[wwest5829]

Well, can't speak as an Englishman for several generations but as a retired American living here for three years I can say I miss for nothing and am quite happy. Having a traditionally raised Thai wife is a great benefit. I am treated as I never was in the U.S. As to the moaning, yes, too many I fear. My recommendation is for a life here, I truly believe I will live longer and happier.

[Benmart]

My life is better in retirement in Thailand than back in the USA.

Moaners are universal as are well adjusted, happy and positive people. Inner peace is my mantra. I've tried the negative road and the trip was most unpleasant.

Good luck and happy travels.

One Day at a Time.

[khunPer]

»So tell me, How many of you regret the decision to move out there, and how many of you love it!«

Best decision I ever made was moving to LOS – now 9 years ago – my only regret is, that I did not do long time before…!

However that had not been financially possible, and without some cash back-up I am sure I would have regretted a move to LOS that soon, so seems like just perfect timing…

Today when reading the news from back home in Europe and listening to my friends there, I also realize that they back home have a lot more to "moan" about, that I can think of here in my most “negative moments” – well I don’t have any, I’m just happy…

[JLCrab]

My life is better in retirement in Thailand than back in the USA.

Moaners are universal as are well adjusted, happy and positive people. Inner peace is my mantra. I've tried the negative road and the trip was most unpleasant.

Good luck and happy travels.

One Day at a Time.

I do two days at time and then take a day off.

[Yooyung]

First of all, coming here for a holiday isn't living here, so don't judge until you have lived here for 15 years. Second, this is an anonymous forum so people are less likely to stick to social norms. They tend to be negative, lash out, and just plain rude. Myself included from time to time. If you want to be truly happy here, don't read TV or any expat forum. 3rd. I assume with her comments that when you are with people in England, you never complain about the cost of living, taxes, immigrants, pollution, politics, etc. Otherwise how is it any different for forum posters to come here and vent?

Most of choose to live her for different reasons and some adjust better than others. I have been happy here for 15 years but there are times that I get fed up. I don't think that is anything to be ashamed of. If I had what I have back in my home country, I would be there. There are things that I don't have here that I miss but overall it is a choice that I can live with.

Seems like you wouldn't be happy here in the long term otherwise you would be here already. Staying as a long term tourist isn't living here.

I also believe that you would get better responses if your OP wasn't judging the people that you want comments from.

Thats very true. Reading ANY expat forum here can get depressing. I sometimes read comments on here, or other forums........and then step outside my front door and realise its all a lot of <deleted>. I am happy here. I didnt come here to be with farangs all day everyday. I live in an area where there arent too many, and thats just fine with me. Life is pretty simple here really, just the way I like it. If you learn the lingo, keep a low profile, dont turn into an alcoholic and dont walk around acting like a prat while smelling like you havent had a shower in two weeks....life here can be very very relaxing and fun. I certainly feel like I have a lot more freedom here to live the way I want. There are plently of lovely ladies and the food is great. No real complaints from me.

[thongsuknork]

The life in Thailand should not be compared with Brits as both are different with different cultures

it is us who should make everu moment happy just go work come back spend time with children have a drink and enjoy life do not compare with others

a saying in India i remember You have come to this world with nothing and you take nothing with you u live and go .

so enjoy Brothers Good Luck

[herb59]

all about is "efficiency factor". there is nothing/nowhere 100%. if you like Thailand 70% and your homecountry 60%, that doesnt mean you have to shut up about problems. no moaning/discussions, means no changes. my efficiency factor was on the side of Thailand, but has changed. many different reasons. moving to another country in 2015. i am happy, i can choose. no investments, but lovely Thaiwife.

make your life as you can. it will change unmeant without prior notice......

BTW my perfect destination: private state in south pacific 10000km² with 1 tesco, 1hospital, yacht, waterski, motorbike, ferrari, diving,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[thailiketoo]

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

The problem is, Thais can not build quality homes full stop they are so dodgy with there build.

If you don't stand over them you can guarantee you will have a shithouse...... As Thais would say 100% :-)

I was just a little late. If I could have taken the builder to home pro to pick out stuff I would have paid the extra cost. Gee Home Pro has some good stuff to build with. I would not have minded the extra cost. My new house is not bad but it really could have been 100% better. Oh well, maybe this post will convince someone doing new construction to take the builder to Home Pro and pay for the stuff extra that you want. I would have put in a tub with 20 jets and weird futuristic looking toilet and kitchen tiles with paintings of fat German cooks dancing with pigs. Such cool things they have at Home Pro.

[rohlm50212]

Love thailand, but miss my adult kids and grandkids, feel guilty

[robert888d]

Stay in ENGLAND . If you come to Thailand I am pretty sure your mariage will hit the rocks for one reason or another within a few years. I know 10 different couples whose marriages ended after they came to Thailand....the men lusted after bar girls, the wives changed, the families descended on them and wouldn't leave,etc etc. I bet within a few years you would regret the decision.

[Eli1]

I would say if your looking for a cheap lifestyle yes, But to bring up your kid and look after your wife I don't think so mate.

you would find everything in Thailand is substandard just ask your wife she should she should know that ANSWER!!

Is everything in Thailand substandard? Good and bad points about living here, same as most other countries.

Substandard,

Everything to do with housing.

Everything to do with education.

As opposed to USA? No child left behind.

That's just a silly reply,

I don't believe I could find one government school in Thailand, I would want my children to attend.

There are thousands of perfectly decent government schools in the USA.

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

The problem is, Thais can not build quality homes full stop they are so dodgy with there build.

If you don't stand over them you can guarantee you will have a shithouse...... As Thais would say 100% :-)

A "brick s##t house" is considered well built in some countries.

So funny in what you say mate in countries where they build QUALITY HOMES they can afford to say that....But not in Thailand a shithome is exactly that....

[Time Traveller]

Substandard,

Everything to do with housing.

Everything to do with education.

As opposed to USA? No child left behind.

That's just a silly reply,

I don't believe I could find one government school in Thailand, I would want my children to attend.

There are thousands of perfectly decent government schools in the USA.

I think you'll find that the Thai government schools that you might want your children to attend, may not want them. They are selective schools and regulary have student that have won prizes in international student science and math olympics.

In any case, why would anyone - Thailand/ UK/USA/wherever - choose to have the government educate their children? Seems like the parents are just after baby sitters.

Edited August 17, 2014 by Time Traveller

[gazmat]

Me, my Thai wife and our 3 year old son are extremely happy living in Thailand but we planned our move from the UK well in advance.

For starters, we waited until my wife had British citizenship so that if things didn't work out to our liking we could, as UK passport holders, simply hop on a plane and go 'home'.

We also decided that living in my wife's house with her parents would not be suitable for us, so we researched family-friendly accommodation in Bangkok and drew up a short-list before we arrived.

Most importantly we waited until my wife had landed a job that paid a good salary and that I had the requisite funds in place to ensure extending my initial non-immigrant 'O' visa would be as straightforward as possible.

Within a fortnight of arriving we had moved into a great apartment near to my wife's office, with many British neighbours and a huge garden, play areas and swimming pools for our son to enjoy.

We also made it a priority to organise comprehensive health and accident insurance for all of us.

It only took a few weeks to settle in and it was immediately apparent how much more enjoyable, interesting and relaxed our life was compared to the UK for the same financial outlay.

I've made the effort to learn to speak, read and write Thai to a reasonable extent and to avoid the temptations of the nightlife. Which can be tough!

We all keep ourselves busy and active and split our time between the city and my wife's family 20 miles out in the suburbs.

Of course there are annoyances: the traffic, terrible driving, the rudeness and selfishness of some locals, a lack of countryside to escape from the city to and the frightening cost of ensuring your children get a good education but, if you have a good wife with a welcoming family and can earn sufficient money to pay for decent accommodation healthcare and education, it's a good life.

[The Man Who Sold the World]

Thailand is relatively large country, more than 500 thousand square kilometers (200k sq miles). The diverse habitats available run a complete spectrum from inner city slums to tropical tourist spots. Opulent gated communities to remote farming villages. River delta, jungle, plains and mountains. The rich, the poor and the in between.

A population of approximately 70 million residents, legal, illegal, permanent, temporary, visiting and refugee.

All together this provides for just about every situation and/or condition you can imagine. So, in a nut shell, you can find what you are looking for. However, it may take a great deal of detective work to find your preferred location.

In this case, one size does not fit all.

Happy hunting.

[NoshowJones]

I would say give it a try.... maybe rent out your place in the UK, give it a year and see.

Personally, after 6 years here being married and a new baby, I love it still.

I have property in the UK and go back once a year for a few weeks.... but after a few weeks I honestly have an urge to get back to Thailand.

Not much I miss about the UK and with technology today staying in touch with friends and family is easy.

Next year I will take my family to the UK, to live the UK lifestyle for 3-4 months. I will have a better idea of which lifestyle I want for the foreseeable future.

Give it a go but don't burn your bridges in the UK.

I am in Scotland just now, my intention was to stay till after the Yes/No vote, but I'm coming back here to Thailand on Wed, the weather is dreadful, the Eastern Europeans begging all over Glasgow city centre, the slow, slow buses. The UK sucks badly compared to Thailand.

[BadBouy]

Costas2008

"There is no comparison with the UK or any other country, there you slave for a living, here you are the boss of yourself and you adjust yourself and your family as you feel fit."

Absolutely agree!

[benalibina]

I would say give it a try.... maybe rent out your place in the UK, give it a year and see.

Personally, after 6 years here being married and a new baby, I love it still.

I have property in the UK and go back once a year for a few weeks.... but after a few weeks I honestly have an urge to get back to Thailand.

Not much I miss about the UK and with technology today staying in touch with friends and family is easy.

Next year I will take my family to the UK, to live the UK lifestyle for 3-4 months. I will have a better idea of which lifestyle I want for the foreseeable future.

Give it a go but don't burn your bridges in the UK.

I am in Scotland just now, my intention was to stay till after the Yes/No vote, but I'm coming back here to Thailand on Wed, the weather is dreadful, the Eastern Europeans begging all over Glasgow city centre, the slow, slow buses. The UK sucks badly compared to Thailand.

And ...drivingabilities.....?

[NoshowJones]

From Europe? The best...if you can...is to live there in Summer and here in Winter...and have the best of the 2 worlds!!

No, this is supposed to be summer here in Scotland, and it is wet and windy, roll on Wed when I go back to Thailand and my lovely wife.

[pigeonjake]

From Europe? The best...if you can...is to live there in Summer and here in Winter...and have the best of the 2 worlds!!

No, this is supposed to be summer here in Scotland, and it is wet and windy, roll on Wed when I go back to Thailand and my lovely wife.

i agree with you mare,

ive had the last 4 years working the summers in scotland, and the weather,,,lol,,

but i enjoyed it,

[3NUMBAS]

you have to jump thru a lot of hoops these days and it will get worse in the coming years requiring more funds

if you can handle this in your old age when you are decrepit go ahead

some guys think they will be young and agile forever ,never requiring expensive hospital treatment

Edited August 17, 2014 by 3NUMBAS

[NoshowJones]

I would say give it a try.... maybe rent out your place in the UK, give it a year and see.

Personally, after 6 years here being married and a new baby, I love it still.

I have property in the UK and go back once a year for a few weeks.... but after a few weeks I honestly have an urge to get back to Thailand.

Not much I miss about the UK and with technology today staying in touch with friends and family is easy.

Next year I will take my family to the UK, to live the UK lifestyle for 3-4 months. I will have a better idea of which lifestyle I want for the foreseeable future.

Give it a go but don't burn your bridges in the UK.

I am in Scotland just now, my intention was to stay till after the Yes/No vote, but I'm coming back here to Thailand on Wed, the weather is dreadful, the Eastern Europeans begging all over Glasgow city centre, the slow, slow buses. The UK sucks badly compared to Thailand.

And ...drivingabilities.....?

I know what you mean, yes, the driving is much worse in Thailand.

[ChiangraiTony]

I fell in love on my first trip 30 years ago. We dated on and off for many years and got to know each other quite well. Three years ago we were married and I still feel the love.

[GAZZPA]

I would say if your looking for a cheap lifestyle yes, But to bring up your kid and look after your wife I don't think so mate.

you would find everything in Thailand is substandard just ask your wife she should she should know that ANSWER!!

Is everything in Thailand substandard? Good and bad points about living here, same as most other countries.

Of course it is, its a developing country. Most things are substandard... the roads, railways, housing, water system, electricity system, quality of stuff in shops, public transport, hospitals (unless you pay and then its good), your basic rights,,, I could go on and on.

If people move here expecting the highest quality they are going to be very sorely disappointed. Thailand just isn't ready to cater for people in that way.

[chiang mai]

I would say if your looking for a cheap lifestyle yes, But to bring up your kid and look after your wife I don't think so mate.

you would find everything in Thailand is substandard just ask your wife she should she should know that ANSWER!!

Is everything in Thailand substandard? Good and bad points about living here, same as most other countries.

Of course it is, its a developing country. Most things are substandard... the roads, railways, housing, water system, electricity system, quality of stuff in shops, public transport, hospitals (unless you pay and then its good), your basic rights,,, I could go on and on.

If people move here expecting the highest quality they are going to be very sorely disappointed. Thailand just isn't ready to cater for people in that way.

I partially agree. If a person wants everything finely tuned and as close to perfection as it gets these days, Thailand is probably not the place to be. But that lack of refinement, the incompleteness of it all, therein lies much of the appeal.

[JLCrab]

There's a post above where the Brit gent mentions that he has moved with his family back to Thailand and now lives where there are many British neighbours. No comment.

[watso63]

Jeez, dunno where to start! Most of it is inside your own head and what kind of person you are. I did my time in the British Army. I loved the sunshine postings and whenever I got off the plane at Akrotiri etc, chucked my kit in my room, cracked open a cold beer and relaxed on a sunbed I knew this is what I wanted out of life. When I was forcibly "medically retired" I got a good tax free pension, index linked with UK inflation rate for life. (This gives me the financial security needed to live here) I worked for a further 10 years driving aviation fuel tankers all over the place making good money, but after working 60 hours plus every week I realised there was more to life than living for the weekend. When I split with the wife I came here with my brother and his Thai wife and liked what I saw. I did my sums, sold up and because I know my inner self I knew that I would be happy here. I have everything I need. A great TGF, a home in the country, a soon to be finished condo in Pratumnak, a great pick up truck, motorbike, dog, land, friendly, fun village people, 2 bicycles (road and mountain) which I spend riding for a few hours most days. The river Mun is just 6km away, so I am going to take up fishing. I love the simple life partying hard, travelling, so Thailand has got it all for me. Buriram isn't far away, a football match there is a great night out and I am looking forward to seeing the new race circuit. Life is great. I for one do not need the experience of having to live here for 15 years to know what Thailand is about.

I am only 51, so I feel like the cat that got the cream.

Edited August 18, 2014 by watso63

[watso63]

There's a post above where the Brit gent mentions that he has moved with his family back to Thailand and now lives where there are many British neighbours. No comment.

You just did. 555

Each to their own. Free to pick and choose whether to make friends or not.

[gazmat]

There's a post above where the Brit gent mentions that he has moved with his family back to Thailand and now lives where there are many British neighbours. No comment.

That was me. As we have many Thai family members and friends living close to us, we were happy to find we also had plenty of British families in the neighbourhood. Primarily so our son gets to experience both cultures week in week out.

[gwynt]

I'm one of the happy ones, yes we do have the occasional run-in with culture etc.

That said:

I earn more, spend less, have a bigger home and a generally higher standard of living than I ever did in the UK, I like the weather

But:

I am a consultant engineer to major infrastructure projects around Asia, not restricted to Thailand although 3 of my current projects are Thailand based.

Like "Crossy" I am one of the happy ones working as an engineer, I have been based here for eleven years with three projects, including the current one being in Thailand. I would not enjoy the same standard of living in UK and certainly would not have the enjoyment of waking up to sunshine most every morning.

I socialise with people whose company I enjoy, probably no more than if I was in the UK, so all in all a very happy with my lot.

Driving, probably best not go there. I suppose I am another perfect driver who never does anything wrong, but I go through the usual expletives most mornings on the way to work.

[joebrown]

As a pensioner with a fixed income my happiness sometimes gets dented by the exchange rate fluctuations. In fact, during the 10 years I've lived here my income has dropped by 25%. However, I still consider myself reasonably 'comfortable', without living in luxury. As a 'guest' of the Thai Government, I always feel vulnerable when I apply for my yearly (Visa) 'extension', but so far my fears have been unfounded! For me 'happiness' is being able to go to bed at night not having to worry what tomorrow might bring. Many people say "expect the unexpected" in Thailand. It's true, life is never boring here!!