Leaving Thailand for good

[thaibeachlovers]

Loved Thailand in the beginning but after a decade sick to death of it. Appreciate that many Thais are honest & hardworking but have met so many who are anything but. Speak fluent Thai & have lived in many different countries. But have never encountered the level of deception I have experienced here...perhaps just my personal experience. And now with our new Dear Leader & crew really feel it's time to move on.

Sure, I get really brassed off at the broken infrastructure and insane drivers, but as for "hardworking" back home ( not the US ), LOL. 40% of the country is sucking on the welfare tit and the streets are full of scary unemployed young men.

Most of the Thais that I know that work are far harderworking than those I know back home, and those that don't work don't get welfare anyway.

Have been ripped off by more westerners back home than by Thais.

[ammagic]

I worked in Hong Kong for over 20 years & employed & knew many Filipinos. Found them to be preferable to Thais - again my personal experience. Am bored with Thailand & constantly surprised by the lack of ambition & apathetic work ethic. Also tired of people trying to rip me off. Maybe it's just where I live & again it's based on my personal experience. If you continue to like living here, great. I need to make a move & in the process of researching options.

[MrWorldwide]

if you can not live like a monk, you are a poor soul and in your next life you will find yourself in the body of a bum. you have no excuse.

Buddha is watching you . be careful what you wish for.

I wish you'd hop it.

[sirineou]

if you can not live like a monk, you are a poor soul and in your next life you will find yourself in the body of a bum. you have no excuse.

Buddha is watching you . be careful what you wish for.

I wish you'd hop it.

Funny answer

[VIPinthailand]

I can live like a monk, it doesn't mean I live like a monk.

[NCFC]

I can live like a monk, it doesn't mean I live like a monk.

why not give it a go? you probably wouldn't have to pay income tax - a subject dear to your heart.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Having rescued 5 dogs & 2 cats moving is a bit more complicated. Now researching where next. Some parts of the Philippines are typhoon free & are safe....just about to go & check. Portugal also looks good- friend going soon to check out moving - also sick to death of Thailand. If you still like it - great - I no longer do

what about vietnam or laos, malaysia, indonesia?

your jumping from thailand to the phillippines, why? i suspect your choice is not just about pets or safety.

If I am not mistaken, the thing TH and PH have over the other places you mention is a relatively liberal policy/rules on long-term retirement stays/visa by foreigners.

I'm not sure the other countries you list have the same, especially for those with limited income/savings.

Apart from the nightlife commonalities, I think that's why TH and PH often are seen by retirees as common options -- unlike the other places.

[JB300]

Having rescued 5 dogs & 2 cats moving is a bit more complicated. Now researching where next. Some parts of the Philippines are typhoon free & are safe....just about to go & check. Portugal also looks good- friend going soon to check out moving - also sick to death of Thailand. If you still like it - great - I no longer do

what about vietnam or laos, malaysia, indonesia?

your jumping from thailand to the phillippines, why? i suspect your choice is not just about pets or safety.

If I am not mistaken, the thing TH and PH have over the other places you mention is a relatively liberal policy/rules on long-term retirement stays/visa by foreigners.

I'm not sure the other countries you list have the same, especially for those with limited income/savings.

Apart from the nightlife commonalities, I think that's why TH and PH often are seen by retirees as common options -- unlike the other places.

Malaysia has a very good long term stay option with MM2H (My Malaysian 2nd Home) & 90 day visa exempt options (for Brits at least), bus ride will get you a turn around in Singapore.

Other long term stay option would be Cambodia (less than $300US for a yearly multi-entry "Business" visa).

Personally I prefer Thailand... & Filipinas, now if I could just convince mine to move there I'd be set [emoji106]

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Re Malaysia, that's why I mention retirees without higher incomes. AFAIK, the Malaysia MM2H program involves quite a bit more financial capacity than does either the TH or PH options.

You're right that Cambodia also can work with their Business visa, at least for now. At least in terms of being an economical annual visa option.

Whether Cambodia or PH is a better option/alternative to Thailand, I supposed, depends a lot of what things a prospective retiree considers important in their life. They each have some positives, and a lot of negatives, on their scorecards.

[jdrussell]

You must have A LOT of money to do what your thinking of doing, as I have already done all that. Good for you. There are to many Americans here already that can not except things as they are here. Go home to our New Police State, but be careful as our country is not the same country that you up in !

[JB300]

Re Malaysia, that's why I mention retirees without higher incomes. AFAIK, the Malaysia MM2H program involves quite a bit more financial capacity than does either the TH or PH options.

You're right that Cambodia also can work with their Business visa, at least for now. At least in terms of being an economical annual visa option.

Whether Cambodia or PH is a better option/alternative to Thailand, I supposed, depends a lot of what things a prospective retiree considers important in their life. They each have some positives, and a lot of negatives, on their scorecards.

Yeah, MM2H financial requirements are much higher than Thailand & Philippines, I only mentioned it because it's regularly quoted as one of the "Easiest/Friendliest" options for retirees...

Applicants are required to show they have sufficient financial resources to live in Malaysia without seeking employment or other assistance from the government.

Applicants under 50 are required to show liquid assets above RM500,000 [Approx £92,500] and a monthly income of over RM10,000 [approx £1,850]

Applicants over 50 have show assets over RM350,000 [approx £65,000] and monthly income of RM10,000. Applicants receiving a government pension over RM10,000 a month will be exempted from making the Fixed Deposit (see next section)

Acceptable liquid assets for people over 50 include cash in the bank, bonds and securities.

(http://www.mm2h.com/mm2h-requirements-terms-and-conditions.php).

[SpokaneAl]

You must have A LOT of money to do what your thinking of doing, as I have already done all that. Good for you. There are to many Americans here already that can not except things as they are here. Go home to our New Police State, but be careful as our country is not the same country that you up in !

The US is a police state? Compared to, say, Thailand?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Applicants over 50 have show assets over RM350,000 [approx £65,000] and monthly income of RM10,000. Applicants receiving a government pension over RM10,000 a month will be exempted from making the Fixed Deposit (see next section)

For Malaysia, if the number you're using is in Malaysian Ringgit, that 10,000 amount seems to work out to about $2755 per month in required monthly income in U.S. dollars.

That compares to Thailand's retirement extension of stay monthly income amount of 65,000 baht, or about $2000 U.S. per month. Though the combo method (bank deposit combined with monthly income approach) allows Thailand retirement extension holders to have lower monthly incomes than the straight 65,000 Thb amount.

[sagarverma]

It is good place for travelers at affordable rates.

[CharlieH]

Off topic remarks/ flame removed

[MrWorldwide]

in Thailand you don't have to lay down on the ground when the Cops stop you. UK police shout "stand up, you are not in the USA"

you guys are funny, you see police and the first thing you do is kiss the ground. jeez, in America your own government is an insult to the tax payers. even Thailand don't insult their citizen like that.

A profound misunderstanding about America from some one who get's all his information about the place from TV

I never had to lay down on the ground when pulled over by the police nor do I personally know of anyone who had , any interaction I had with them was professional and courteous

You guys need to stop watching those Cop shows on TV, what you see there is taken out of millions of other interactions that went smoothly and with out drama, and are designed to entertain.

Looks like Chris Rock has been a victim of the same profound misunderstanding.

https://celebrity.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/chris-rock-continues-to-document-police-harassment-161950648.html

[VIPinthailand]

I don't watch cops but I know cops shoot on black.!

Is it a place where you want come back even if you are white?

[Thai at Heart]

Most of those co-op apartments in central Khon Kaen are bought by persons from Bangkok and in many cases have no immediate plans to live in them.

Some are some aren't. I attended the ludicrous launch where the great and good of town bought several at a time off plan using sponsored credit cards. It was nuts.

The plan they have for kkc is horrendous.

[Rigspanner]

Yep, the way I seem to wind my mrs up at times it'll be likely I'll not get anywhere else

[Issangeorge]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

You obviously have the money where you could live anywhere. You're right Thailand may not be the place for you. For people like mean on limited means I don't have that much choice, I would far rather be poor in a nice warm climate amongst friendly people who are genuine, than back in a cold climate, where I seldom see a smile. Come to think of it, even if I had all the money in the world I'd still live here, but maybe I'd take the trip you are planning, or take a summer trip to Europe or Japan, or Alaska or Iceland, two places I'd always wanted to visit. However I would always come home. Yes Thailand is my home now, and if all goes well I will die here.

[JLCrab]

Most of those co-op apartments in central Khon Kaen are bought by persons from Bangkok and in many cases have no immediate plans to live in them.

Some are some aren't. I attended the ludicrous launch where the great and good of town bought several at a time off plan using sponsored credit cards. It was nuts.

The plan they have for kkc is horrendous.

I say the same thing about KKC as I used to say about living in/around Orlando, Florida: It's a great place as long as you don't have to drive during rush hour.

[VIPinthailand]

welcome back to the great police state!

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/07/south-carolina-police-officer-murder-charge

Edited April 9, 2015 by VIPinthailand

[SpokaneAl]

welcome back to the great police state!

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/apr/07/south-carolina-police-officer-murder-charge

Thank you. It is nice to be back in Thailand.

[Thai at Heart]

Most of those co-op apartments in central Khon Kaen are bought by persons from Bangkok and in many cases have no immediate plans to live in them.

Some are some aren't. I attended the ludicrous launch where the great and good of town bought several at a time off plan using sponsored credit cards. It was nuts.

The plan they have for kkc is horrendous.

I say the same thing about KKC as I used to say about living in/around Orlando, Florida: It's a great place as long as you don't have to drive during rush hour.

They have basically deliberately created gridlock. One shopping centre and 8 planned condos around one junction. Idiotic. Truly idiotic

[steve654]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

You obviously have the money where you could live anywhere. You're right Thailand may not be the place for you. For people like mean on limited means I don't have that much choice, I would far rather be poor in a nice warm climate amongst friendly people who are genuine, than back in a cold climate, where I seldom see a smile. Come to think of it, even if I had all the money in the world I'd still live here, but maybe I'd take the trip you are planning, or take a summer trip to Europe or Japan, or Alaska or Iceland, two places I'd always wanted to visit. However I would always come home. Yes Thailand is my home now, and if all goes well I will die here.

I've only been to Thailand once, but I really enjoyed my time there. People were warm and friendly wherever I went.

[uptheos]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

You obviously have the money where you could live anywhere. You're right Thailand may not be the place for you. For people like mean on limited means I don't have that much choice, I would far rather be poor in a nice warm climate amongst friendly people who are genuine, than back in a cold climate, where I seldom see a smile. Come to think of it, even if I had all the money in the world I'd still live here, but maybe I'd take the trip you are planning, or take a summer trip to Europe or Japan, or Alaska or Iceland, two places I'd always wanted to visit. However I would always come home. Yes Thailand is my home now, and if all goes well I will die here.

That's what people with limited resources always say.

There is no question that there are far, far better places to live than Thailand.

[JB300]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

You obviously have the money where you could live anywhere. You're right Thailand may not be the place for you. For people like mean on limited means I don't have that much choice, I would far rather be poor in a nice warm climate amongst friendly people who are genuine, than back in a cold climate, where I seldom see a smile. Come to think of it, even if I had all the money in the world I'd still live here, but maybe I'd take the trip you are planning, or take a summer trip to Europe or Japan, or Alaska or Iceland, two places I'd always wanted to visit. However I would always come home. Yes Thailand is my home now, and if all goes well I will die here.

That's what people with limited resources always say.

There is no question that there are far, far better places to live than Thailand.

Like where? Can you please give some examples & please don't mention anywhere in the US as I'm a Brit so can only spend 6 months of the year there.

[uptheos]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here, better quality of life, and:

People smile without hoping for anything other than a smile back;

Haven't heard a single dog bark in three months, let alone been attacked by a pack of them;

No burning of plastic;

No loud music, caterwauling as the moon sets, or unbridled exhaust;

Haven't seen one person pick their nose. Nope, not even the person preparing my food ...

Were there good things about my time in Thailand? Sure, but no where near enough to consider living there any longer, let alone dying there.

My wife is joining me in April. We have a bucket list in the first month that includes:

The Grand Canyon- camping and rafting;

Las Vegas- attending a Cirque de Sol show, and, in the casinos, losing money;

Driving north from San Diego through Malibu, sailing to and about Catalina, then taking Hwy 1 up the coast into Washington State and eventually Victoria, B.C. We'll stop at wineries and cheese farms along the way, detouring for camping in Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Forest. Then Yosemite and back over to the coast ….

Absolutely no way I would consider wasting another precious day of life in LOS.

You obviously have the money where you could live anywhere. You're right Thailand may not be the place for you. For people like mean on limited means I don't have that much choice, I would far rather be poor in a nice warm climate amongst friendly people who are genuine, than back in a cold climate, where I seldom see a smile. Come to think of it, even if I had all the money in the world I'd still live here, but maybe I'd take the trip you are planning, or take a summer trip to Europe or Japan, or Alaska or Iceland, two places I'd always wanted to visit. However I would always come home. Yes Thailand is my home now, and if all goes well I will die here.

That's what people with limited resources always say.

There is no question that there are far, far better places to live than Thailand.

Like where? Can you please give some examples & please don't mention anywhere in the US as I'm a Brit so can only spend 6 months of the year there.

If you're a British Citizen you can live anywhere you like and if you're a person of unlimited resources I'm sure you could find somewhere beautiful to live. Of course if you're a bit strapped or on benefits that's a different story.

Bibury in The Cotswolds would be a good place to start.

Edited April 10, 2015 by uptheos

[simon43]

That's what people with limited resources always say.

There is no question that there are far, far better places to live than Thailand.

Here's another Brit asking the same question.

Thailand may not be perfect, (where is?) but it seems to tick many boxes, especially compared to other destinations around the world.

I have the $$$ to live wherever I want (visa rules allowing etc). But I can't think of a better choice than Thailand (of course, this is all subjective and many would disagree with my reasons for living here ==> good weather, friendly people, low cost of living, good private hospitals, tasty food, general lack of female lard-buckets etc)

Edited April 10, 2015 by simon43

[Berkshire]

That's what people with limited resources always say.

There is no question that there are far, far better places to live than Thailand.

Here's another Brit asking the same question.

Thailand may not be perfect, (where is?) but it seems to tick many boxes, especially compared to other destinations around the world.

I have the $$$ to live wherever I want (visa rules allowing etc). But I can't think of a better choice than Thailand (of course, this is all subjective and many would disagree with my reasons for living here ==> good weather, friendly people, low cost of living, good private hospitals, tasty food, general lack of female lard-buckets etc)

Agree. There seems to be some folks who really "want to believe" that many of us are stuck here. But like you, I have no financial constraints and can live comfortably most anywhere. Yet, I choose Thailand.