Is life better in the land of smiles

[buhi]

What does your wife think, after all she is Thai and should be closest to you.

Your child can be better educated for far less money (free) in the UK. Can learn Thai culture and language by spending each summer vacation in Thailand with his mother's' relatives and then if he/she does choose to go to university, college, whatever, take a gap year in Thailand.

Then is the time for your wife and you to make a very big decision.

I am the reverse, my wife tried to live with me in the UK, but could not adapt, needed her family.

I could, so we live here.

[GAZZPA]

Living in Thailand is for me a life beyond my wildest dreams. It's 12 years now. I went home for 3 weeks last month and couldn't wait to get back here.

Why do so many posters here depend on the experiences of others to make a decision. We all have different needs, values and priorities. What I consider heaven (looking at a butterfly landing on a flower in my front garden) brings me the peace of mind and contentment that I was searching for all my life when at home, but could never find.

Were I to die in my bed tonight I would thank God for the 12 greatest years of my life.

Nice post fella, good to hear you have your priorities sorted out and understand what is important in life.

Lets hope you don't die in your bed tonight and you can thank God for years more happiness.

[Sena Dave]

Its not Great all of the time , its just better that living and working in the UK imo

[kannot]

Cant say I love it but cant say I love anywhere if Im honest.

I left the Uk sometime ago, to much regulation for me, unfortunately Thailand had too little regulation. Given the choice I opt for too little.

I also stay as my Wife is Thai and the UK really wouldnt suit her at all, way to cold.

I do not "love" Thailand im not particularly enamoured with Thai people ( although generalising) I find them untrustworthy on many levels, I do like the countryside that which isnt spoilt which unfortunately a lot is through greed and ignorance.

Thats how i see Thailand, its politics dont interfere with my everyday life yet

[rascalman]

Knowledge is what you must have, to answer these questions! I know this place like the people,am content! What do you need, where to live is very important! Good luck!

[manarak]

It's great if you come from a country that's wet and cold.

It's great if you want a younger woman, or just want to go whoring.

It would be a disaster if you came here with a wife and children.

Your children would get a bad (yet expensive) education, no chance of a decent university, and have zero chance of making money in their future.

You owe it to your son to live in the UK until he has started university.

Then you can do what you like, and he will be free to choose his own future, knowing you gave him the best start in life you could.

AOA is spot on for families which are middle class or below, which will be most.

The exception are upper middle class families which can retain their income while in Thailand.

For those, upper middle class at home means:

- expensive rental home

- high taxes, high healthcare costs

- maybe toying with the idea of a 40 year mortgage for buying that nice 4 bedroom house that's not too far out in the suburbs

- toying with the idea of sending the children to a private school, realizing that it is possible but would bring the budget to zero

- uncertain public retirement plans, costly private saving plans

- etc.

If the family can maintain their net income when in Thailand, this means:

- buy a villa with large pool and maid

- almost no tax if the income comes from abroad

- money is enough for sending the kids to the best schools in the country

- etc.

For families which can maintain a net income of a minimum of 5000 to 6000 EUR, there are huge advantages in moving to Thailand.

Edited August 17, 2014 by manarak

[soalbundy]

Sometimes its great,sometimes it isn't, just like in your own country but in your own country you have rights. Why do people moan and still stay here ? Many have burnt their bridges and the way back is just too difficult,many have children and don't want to uproot them, then again people always moan about something, it's like the army, there would be a real problem if nobody moaned.

Edited August 17, 2014 by soalbundy

[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!!

[alanrchase]

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.

[JockPieandBeans]

Sometimes its great,sometimes it isn't, just like in your own country but in your own country you have rights. Why do people moan and still stay here ? Many have burnt their bridges and the way back is just too difficult,many have children and don't want to uproot them, then again people always moan about something, it's like the army, there would be a real problem if nobody moaned.

Ahhhh, the old " A Schumphing soldier is a happy soldier "

[AnotherOneAmerican]

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.

Everything to do with government.

Everything to do with trust, honesty and personal responsibility.

Edited August 17, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[alanrchase]

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.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

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.

[alanrchase]

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?

[Thongkorn]

If you are a Thai person then no, prices have gone up and wages have not. And the job prospects are also down with a lot of migrants entering the Country.

[thailiketoo]

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.

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings/magnet-school-rankings

Most of my children graduated from schools in the top ten. Yes the schools are amazingly good and hard and difficult and put a strain of both parents and children but gosh are they good schools.

[chiang mai]

If you are a Thai person then no, prices have gone up and wages have not. And the job prospects are also down with a lot of migrants entering the Country.

Which seems to mirror the UK position also, wages have not increased whilst inflation is down, except in Europe where inflation is down even further.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

You don't live in Thailand do you?

[alanrchase]

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

You don't live in Thailand do you?

Ha, ha. Yes, I live in my substandard Thai built house. You have a problem with your Thai built house?

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

You don't live in Thailand do you?

Ha, ha. Yes, I live in my substandard Thai built house. You have a problem with your Thai built house?

My house is good enough, but they could open up a machine shop next door, karaoke bar, condo building, refuse collection center, etc.

[sesdaman]

Guys, you've all revived my faith! Obviously we've all got different views on this subject, and I'm really pleased to see all of your comments. I would say that generally, those of you who have commented have been very positive in your outlook, and I get a feeling that you're all generally happy, which is great news, good luck to you all! The points you have made are spot on, and probably what I had hoped for. Wherever we live there will be good and bad, and things that drive us crazy, but if overall life is better where you are, thats cool! Life is difficult in uk, and it's certainly got its problems, with weather being right up there as a pain in the ****, but some things are still good. My wife has lived here now for 12 years, and seems to be cold most of the time, lol! Her view is that generally life is good in the uk, certainly her standard of life is better! I think my instincts tell me to cotinue here, until my son's education is sorted, then maybe try and spend a bit more time out there, during our winter.

Just one point, is there, or has it ever been considered, a forum for say the uk, where those of us who have thai partners can discuss the various issues that we may have? Just a thought.......

May you all continue to enjoy your time in los, best wishes to you all

[Franky Bear]

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.

I think those of us not at retirement age that do 28/28, or some sort of rotation have the best deal here.

I earn outside the country so when i come for my month off i have absolutely no worries at all.

Personally i love living in Thailand. I'm from Scotland. I hate that country, it's a very bitter and twisted place and us Jocks carry a massive chip on our shoulder and think the world owes us something. I've not lived there regularly since 1999. I was 4 years in Rotterdam then moved to Thailand.

I've been with the Mrs 7/8 year and we have a 6 year old. We have a good life, nice big house and the job i do means we don't have any financial worries. I get zero problems from her Mum who lives 50 miles away, she has no other family aprt from my step kids who're great.

Naturally we have our tiffs but they last 5 mins then all is good.

I'm 40 and been to over 100 countries so traveling isn't a thrill for me.

The recent clamp downs and Junta, as usual, has absolutely no effect no me when it comes to it. So life is good

I'm here for life.

EDIT = Have to admit if i had never been to Thailand before and looked on here for advice i'd probably have second thoughts. I don't think ANY Tha based message board gives a true reflection of how expat life is. There is a lot of very bitter and twisted people on them that should really pick up a bag and go home. Thailand is very simple to live in, i feel those that complain don't fit here and that is usually down to finances and or them wanting Thailand to fit into their train of thought/way of life rather then them fit into Thailand, which is the way it should be

BUT, if my Mrs didn't have her other kids i would have moved back to the UK in a heart beat for the schools and NHS etc as kids are number 1

Edited August 17, 2014 by Franky Bear

[alanrchase]

Fine. What is your problem with housing?

You don't live in Thailand do you?

Ha, ha. Yes, I live in my substandard Thai built house. You have a problem with your Thai built house?

My house is good enough, but they could open up a machine shop next door, karaoke bar, condo building, refuse collection center,

Called freedom, big thing in the USA but strangely lacking. Apparently Americans education won't stretch to the metric system and you still stick to 110V electricity supply. No offence intended.like most Americans I have met.

[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% :-)

[alanrchase]

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.

[sirineou]

Will you be Happy in Thailand?

I guess the answer to that question depends on you and not on Thailand. Happiness depends on the ability of the recipient to be grateful

So what is the connection between Happiness and gratefulness?

Some will say , when you are happy , you are grateful

There are people that have every reason in the world to be happy and they are not because they want more, and then there are others that have many challenges ,and deficiencies yet they are happy,

Why?

because they are grateful for what they have.

So gratefulness is not a result of happiness, But happiness comes as a result of being grateful

We all know of the complainers and moaners, they are not grateful of what Thailand has to offer, the good and the bad that combine to crate the unique experience that e call Thailand , They are not grateful for all that Thailand has to offer, so they are Unhappy

so we come back to the question, Will you be happy in Thailand?

[Cypress Hill]

Life here is better but only up to a point.

Low living costs and generally being left alone to go about one's business without intrusion by the state are worth their "weight" in gold.

To be honest, if I was pulling down £20,000 a month NET, I'd be back to London in a flash as that's what I'd need to lift me - financially, at least - above most of the crap that so many stiffs have to deal with there.

Stuff like a high quality motor and a good-sized apartment in West or Central London.

[e2x10]

It's all what you make it... some of these people wouldn't be happy anywhere...

You have to make a commitment, see it through and move forward.

BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!

E

[PaulHamon]

better for me.

[alanrchase]

Life here is better but only up to a point.

Low living costs and generally being left alone to go about one's business without intrusion by the state are worth their "weight" in gold.

To be honest, if I was pulling down £20,000 a month NET, I'd be back to London in a flash as that's what I'd need to lift me - financially, at least - above most of the crap that so many stiffs have to deal with there.

Stuff like a high quality motor and a good-sized apartment in West or Central London.

20,000£ a month net? In London? Agree it is not bad but think lifestile here is better for same money.