Leaving Thailand for good

[NCFC]

Thailand has fox news too.!

Is that an argument for or against staying in Thailand?

[AhanFan]

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.

I CANNOT believe your comment!

I mean, how did you ever last 7 years, or even 7 months, in the first place.

The first day I hit Thailand, I LOVED it.

There was not one day that went by that I did not like it.

I have lived for a time in the USA, but the Kooky Koche brothers mentality has pervaded the whole GD country.

People in the USA, now, and for the past 30 years since I left, have become really nuttier than fruitcakes.

I kid you not.

Well.....

As they say,

Each to his own,

And may you lie in it.

[thehelmsman]

No, I don't have to quote anybody here. Why is it that so many feel it necessary to belittle and go the name calling route for those who have different view points.

I'm happy to say those few farang I come in contact with are relatively normal and don't seem to have the biased views of most of you.

[AhanFan]

No, I don't have to quote anybody here. Why is it that so many feel it necessary to belittle and go the name calling route for those who have different view points.

I'm happy to say those few farang I come in contact with are relatively normal and don't seem to have the biased views of most of you.

Are you saying, the few farang you contact inside Thailand, or outside Thailand, are normal.

Because, I think you are wrong in either case, and both cases.

[thehelmsman]

No, I don't have to quote anybody here. Why is it that so many feel it necessary to belittle and go the name calling route for those who have different view points.

I'm happy to say those few farang I come in contact with are relatively normal and don't seem to have the biased views of most of you.

Are you saying, the few farang you contact inside Thailand, or outside Thailand, are normal.

Because, I think you are wrong in either case, and both cases.

For the record - I'm never wrong, it's always someone elses fault.

I was referring to foreigners in Thailand. Geez, just remembered those oddballs I sometimes see at Makro and Big C, But don't really include those as coming "in contact with" I'm one of the fortunate ones who has put down roots in Thailand, but am able to move back to the states at will. What I've spent on my home in Thailand won't stop me from moving if that's what we think will be the best for the kids. It's nice to have choices.

[HeijoshinCool]

No, I don't have to quote anybody here. Why is it that so many feel it necessary to belittle and go the name calling route for those who have different view points.

I'm happy to say those few farang I come in contact with are relatively normal and don't seem to have the biased views of most of you.

Are you saying, the few farang you contact inside Thailand, or outside Thailand, are normal.

Because, I think you are wrong in either case, and both cases.

For the record - I'm never wrong, it's always someone elses fault.

I was referring to foreigners in Thailand. Geez, just remembered those oddballs I sometimes see at Makro and Big C, But don't really include those as coming "in contact with" I'm one of the fortunate ones who has put down roots in Thailand, but am able to move back to the states at will. What I've spent on my home in Thailand won't stop me from moving if that's what we think will be the best for the kids. It's nice to have choices.

.

... Why is it that so many feel it necessary to belittle and go the name calling route for those who have different view points ….

Your comment is a breath of fresh air in a thread that went stale with unnecessarily nasty comments.

Except I would disagree; it is not "so many." In fact it is barely more than a handful and the usual group, in a thread that has over 500 posts.

[SoiBiker]

So you were capable of leaving a country because you didn't like it, but somehow you can't do the same with a forum that isn't to your tastes?

[HeijoshinCool]

I never said I did not like Thailand, but liking or not liking Thailand had nothing to do with why I left.

Why are you so concerned that I post here? Do you not know that many who read and/or post on TV do not live full-time, or at all, in Thailand? Are your posts of more value than ours?

Why?

Edited March 6, 2015 by HeijoshinCool

[NeverSure]

Well, HeijoshinCool, there's no place like 127.0.0.1, LOL.

[VIPinthailand]

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

if you are retired, you can extend the American dream in USA , but guys who are not retired and make money from their little of big investments, I believe Thailand is much better. the cherry on the cake is to not be a US guy and in this case nothing to report to tax office. (tax on residence vs tax on citizenship).

think about, a life in Thailand, no tax, no fbar, all you money you saved from tax, you can spend it as you wish in Thailand.

this is why there is no return possible form most of us. we are in Thailand, because it 's cheaper, don't lie to yourself, it' s all about money.

Edited March 6, 2015 by VIPinthailand

[Showbags]

Love all these farang with really good, solid Thai friends...the ones that will stand by you no matter what..

[NCFC]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people know when it's time to leave.

[smokie36]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people know when it's time to leave.

I hope you're happy back in Shrewsbury.

[Naam]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people know when it's time to leave.

astute people are those who know it's time to leave Thailand after buying a pair of jeans for $22 in their home country

[SoiBiker]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people get an idea of what the place is actually about and whether they'll like it first, rather than diving in blindly and then running home with their tail between their legs when it doesn't turn out to be the fantasy paradise they thought it would.

[berybert]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people get an idea of what the place is actually about and whether they'll like it first, rather than diving in blindly and then running home with their tail between their legs when it doesn't turn out to be the fantasy paradise they thought it would.

Does this mean that those who stay believe they are living in a fantasy paradise ? Only for the fantasy to be broken by someone sitting at a table that was reserved for an umbrella.

[HeijoshinCool]

Any fool can move to Thailand. The astute people get an idea of what the place is actually about and whether they'll like it first, rather than diving in blindly and then running home with their tail between their legs when it doesn't turn out to be the fantasy paradise they thought it would.

.

Ah, there you are!

You couldn't answer my questions in post #556, those in reply to your snide post #555, but now here you are days later, back peddling more misquotes and untruths.

[SoiBiker]

You're demanding that I answer you? Get over yourself.

[Gumballl]

Everyone rationalizes their actions in order to justify their decisions, based on some pretext... It's human nature, even when their statements really don't pass the smell test... In this case, I'm not sure how anyone could state that living in Thailand is more expensive than living in the US... Yes, crap you buy in Walmart is cheaper and electronic gadgets are cheaper due to little or no import duties being imposed on imported good, while at the same time the cost of day-to-day staples rise dramatically...

One factor alone will blow your budget in the US over what you spend in Thailand and that is health care... Unless you and your family are fortunate enough to be covered by a health-care program under which you have no premiums, you will be sorely reminded of the ever-growing cost of health care in the US on your return... And please don't forget that health care insurance coverage is now mandatory in the US...

In 2006, the average family in the US spent an average of $6,400 on health care per year...

In 2014, the average family in the US spent an average of $16,500 on health care insurance and costs per year...

Using the above example, health care, my current annual premiums in the US for 70/30 coverage with a $4500 deductible is $10,860 per year and this is through a retired execs program with a former employer, thus reflecting a 20% discount... My annual premiums in Thailand for 100/100 coverage with $0 deductible is $2,140 USD...

Of course I have just returned to Thailand a few months ago, so perhaps my rose-colored glasses need adjustment, but my cost of living has dropped significantly since moving back... To the tune of being 45% cheaper to live in Thailand vs the USA, while having a better lifestyle...

To each their own, it's what makes the world go round, but please don't blow smoke up our skirts...

You are or must have been self-employed to have been paying astronomical health insurance rates such as those you quoted above.

In the past 5 years, my insurance premiums have not changed much. I pay for 20% of the cost for health insurance, and my employer pays the remaining 80%. This amounts to about $390/month out of my pocket -- mind you, pre-tax.

My family and I rarely get sick, thus we almost never have to see a doctor, or even go to a hospital for treatment. When we do see a doctor, the co-pay is a mere $10. There are no other fees. Dental care is also covered, and two visits per year are free.

In my opinion, some people are fortunate, and others are not. Do I pay over $16K per year in health insurance?... hell no!

Edited March 7, 2015 by Gumballl

[Gumballl]

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

if you are retired, you can extend the American dream in USA , but guys who are not retired and make money from their little of big investments, I believe Thailand is much better. the cherry on the cake is to not be a US guy and in this case nothing to report to tax office. (tax on residence vs tax on citizenship).

think about, a life in Thailand, no tax, no fbar, all you money you saved from tax, you can spend it as you wish in Thailand.

this is why there is no return possible form most of us. we are in Thailand, because it 's cheaper, don't lie to yourself, it' s all about money.

Working at McDonalds or some other hourly wage job is not NORMAL.

In the US, everybody has a chance to succeed; with schooling and hard work, perhaps a combination of both, people can actually earn a decent salary. I know I do, and even with paying taxes, I make far more than I could ever earn in Thailand or any other country.

[HeijoshinCool]

You're demanding that I answer you? Get over yourself.

.

Nah. Not even asking, let alone demanding.

You made yet another inaccurate statement, one of many on this thread you've made through misquotes and false assertions, and I was simply pointing this out.

You never have to answer me, that's entirely up to you. But even when you do, you don't.

[SoiBiker]

That novel must be quite something.

[redandyellow]

It's never too late to change your mind and stay, now consider that!

[NCFC]

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

if you are retired, you can extend the American dream in USA , but guys who are not retired and make money from their little of big investments, I believe Thailand is much better. the cherry on the cake is to not be a US guy and in this case nothing to report to tax office. (tax on residence vs tax on citizenship).

think about, a life in Thailand, no tax, no fbar, all you money you saved from tax, you can spend it as you wish in Thailand.

this is why there is no return possible form most of us. we are in Thailand, because it 's cheaper, don't lie to yourself, it' s all about money.

Working at McDonalds or some other hourly wage job is not NORMAL.

In the US, everybody has a chance to succeed; with schooling and hard work, perhaps a combination of both, people can actually earn a decent salary. I know I do, and even with paying taxes, I make far more than I could ever earn in Thailand or any other country.

VIPinThailand was enquiring on another thread about the feasibility of setting up a crepes business similar to what he saw in his local market. As he says 'no return possible for most of us' unquote. Sounds like one of those penniless guys stuck in Thailand because they can't afford to return home. Won't go? Can't go!

[NeverSure]

-snip-

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

Some of us who didn't spend our lives flipping burgers at McDonald's are going to disagree with that. Some of us have a home and all of the trappings in our home country, and still travel anywhere we want at will.

Please don't tell me I'm lucky. As someone once said, "The harder I worked, the luckier I became."

[VIPinthailand]

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

if you are retired, you can extend the American dream in USA , but guys who are not retired and make money from their little of big investments, I believe Thailand is much better. the cherry on the cake is to not be a US guy and in this case nothing to report to tax office. (tax on residence vs tax on citizenship).

think about, a life in Thailand, no tax, no fbar, all you money you saved from tax, you can spend it as you wish in Thailand.

this is why there is no return possible form most of us. we are in Thailand, because it 's cheaper, don't lie to yourself, it' s all about money.

Working at McDonalds or some other hourly wage job is not NORMAL.

In the US, everybody has a chance to succeed; with schooling and hard work, perhaps a combination of both, people can actually earn a decent salary. I know I do, and even with paying taxes, I make far more than I could ever earn in Thailand or any other country.

VIPinThailand was enquiring on another thread about the feasibility of setting up a crepes business similar to what he saw in his local market. As he says 'no return possible for most of us' unquote. Sounds like one of those penniless guys stuck in Thailand because they can't afford to return home. Won't go? Can't go!

you are wrong. if I return home to work, problem is the tax. I will be fully resident and I will have to work to compensate what I lose in tax. why should I pay tax anyway?

I don't file anything as I don't make any money in Thailand , European tax system is based on residence and not on citizenship.

this is the reason why I said for some of us there is no possible return to taxland unless to let Mr. taxman and his mafia to dig in our deep pockets right after our return.

[HeijoshinCool]

-snip-

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

Some of us who didn't spend our lives flipping burgers at McDonald's are going to disagree with that. Some of us have a home and all of the trappings in our home country, and still travel anywhere we want at will.

Please don't tell me I'm lucky. As someone once said, "The harder I worked, the luckier I became."

.

Over my years in Thailand, it became obvious that most of those who constantly criticized their home countries, and used all those awful things they came up with as justification to live in Thailand, never had much of a life in their home countries to begin with.

The economy where I'm living is booming. And I'm not flipping burgers. It may not last, in fact, won't last, but I'm going to take advantage of it while it does. There's still plenty of money to be made in the west.

[NCFC]

salaries are just to low in USA and in Europe too. it s just too hard in farangland to make a decent living with a normal job.

if you are retired, you can extend the American dream in USA , but guys who are not retired and make money from their little of big investments, I believe Thailand is much better. the cherry on the cake is to not be a US guy and in this case nothing to report to tax office. (tax on residence vs tax on citizenship).

think about, a life in Thailand, no tax, no fbar, all you money you saved from tax, you can spend it as you wish in Thailand.

this is why there is no return possible form most of us. we are in Thailand, because it 's cheaper, don't lie to yourself, it' s all about money.

Working at McDonalds or some other hourly wage job is not NORMAL.

In the US, everybody has a chance to succeed; with schooling and hard work, perhaps a combination of both, people can actually earn a decent salary. I know I do, and even with paying taxes, I make far more than I could ever earn in Thailand or any other country.

VIPinThailand was enquiring on another thread about the feasibility of setting up a crepes business similar to what he saw in his local market. As he says 'no return possible for most of us' unquote. Sounds like one of those penniless guys stuck in Thailand because they can't afford to return home. Won't go? Can't go!

you are wrong. if I return home to work, problem is the tax. I will be fully resident and I will have to work to compensate what I lose in tax. why should I pay tax anyway?

I don't file anything as I don't make any money in Thailand , European tax system is based on residence and not on citizenship.

this is the reason why I said for some of us there is no possible return to taxland unless to let Mr. taxman and his mafia to dig in our deep pockets right after our return.

For sure if you return to Europe and work you will have to pay tax. But if you work in Thailand you will have to pay tax; in a decent-paying job you will be in a 40% tax band. At least that was the rate when I worked in Thailand. The only way you won't pay income tax in Thailand is if you don't work work or if you plan to work illegally under the radar. It's not an equal comparison that you are making.

[HeijoshinCool]

.

I will have to work to compensate what I lose in tax

Interesting theory.

[JLCrab]

This topic about leaving or not leaving Thailand is beginning to remind me of the TV show M*A*S*H --

The Korean War lasted 3 years but the TV series M*A*S*H about the Korean War lasted 11 years.

Edited March 7, 2015 by JLCrab