Leaving Thailand for good

[Nowisee]

I have to admit, sometimes I am struggling here and want to leave and I'm not sure if it's because of me or Thailand.

Sometimes I miss a lot of things in or about the US. But, I did not come here with the intent of extending my western way of life. I do like many aspects of asian life and especially of Thai/Buddhist. The more good, friendly and honest Thai people I meet the more content I become.

I get why some people come here, I have my reasons and why some stay. I understand why some people bash it and end up leaving and I can understand why some defend it.

I could never live in parts of southern US or parts of Appalachia... there are places much more backwards than village thailand. I could never live in many inner cities, the crime and cultural mentality there is unbearable and very dangerous.
But, there are areas of the US that are beautiful and affordable.

What you can't get in the US over Thailand is all there is in Thailand. It's Thailand.

But, when it becomes about the same cost to live in CM as it would to live in a comparable city in the US... I have to ask myself, why bother? Or I can come here for a 2 month vacation in the winter... I can also go to Central or South America or Spain.
So, why choose Thailand? I have to come up with reasonable answers.

[monkeycountry]

Absolutely not...

Im leaving on the 23rd of this month, and im not looking back.

The only thing i will miss here is...my gf for 5 years...i love her so much...

but this country has not been what i remembered it to be back in 1989.

I'll still take care of my gf....but this place can kiss my a**

Racist, watching and wanting your every move...piss off.

I'll move on to much better places, where they respect and consider firiegners who help contribute to their economy.

The Philippines and Vietnam, are now on my list.

1989 is a long time ago. Doesn't it annoy you that you waited this long before leaving? Imagine if you had left say 5 or 10 years ago, or whenever you first discovered all the problems with Thailand? Or is your visa running out on the 23rd?

[JLCrab]

I haven't noticed that anyone has explicitly yet said so this topic, but on ThaiVisa it is routine that guys think enough about what others think of them that they had to come on here and let others know that they don't care what others think of them.

[stat088]

Life is certainly cheaper here, unless you insist on trying to live a western lifestyle.

But if you want to live a western lifestyle, why the hell move here in the first place?

some people (like the Mrs and me) moved to Thailand to enjoy a much more comfortable and in fact more luxurious lifestyle than any "western style" one we could afford in the "west". minimum wage in Germany is presently € 8.50 (฿ 315.-) an hour, e.g. for a maid/cleaning lady who works 40 hours a week this adds up ฿ 54,600 a month! that's approximately the basic salaries we pay in Thailand for four fulltime employees (housekeeper, cook, gardener and driver/handyman).

note: in my [not so] humble view most of the resident eggsburts talk about "lifestyle" but forget that the definition of lifestyle varies on a scale from 1 to 100.

and when i read comments insinuating that western lifestyle equates to western kitchens or bathrooms with non squat toilets, a pair of jeans for x-amount dollars, the lack of soi dogs, etc. i feel like laughing out loudly or even sometimes crying bitterly with sympathy

addendum: please refrain from rendering good advice such as "let your wife cook, clean and do the laundry, mow your lawn and trim your bushes/trees yourself and... and... and..." because that's boring me to death

I hope I understood your post correctly.

Is there a reason that you pay less than the minimum wage to your four employees in Thailand?

By my calculations he is paying double the minimum wage to his four employees.

[Silurian]

I haven't noticed that anyone has explicitly yet said so this topic, but on ThaiVisa it is routine that guys think enough about what others think of them that they had to come on here and let others know that they don't care what others think of them.

You think so? I am not sure what to think. I'll have to think about it.

[Jungle Jim]

She won,t last a year maybe not even six months in SLC.

HeijoshinCool:

Has your wife ever been to Salt Lake City? That's got to be quite an adjustment for a Thai person. I don't envy her; in fact I can think of few US cities where it would be more difficult for a Thai person to adjust. I hope her cultural adjustment skills are better than yours seem to be.

Do Mormons even believe Thais go to heaven? Aren't you going to run into former missionaries who are going to automatically assume your wife is a former prostitute/mail order bride? I don't know, HeijoshinCool, most of your complaints about Thailand seem to fall into the "Wahhh...it's not like back home!" category. It would be rather ironic if your Thai wife starts singing the same tune when she arrives in Utah. I hope things work out for you, if only for your wife's sake.

.

Are you dim? Do you know that less than 40% of residents in SLC proper are Mormons? Less and less each year.

I am not Mormon. My wife is highly intelligent and can adjust to pretty much any adversity, just as I adjusted well to life in Thailand, but we are discussing where it is cheaper to live, aren't we?

I could not care less what "former (Mormon) missionaries" think about.

If my wife wants to return to Thailand, I will move back and enjoy life with her to the fullest.

[Tony125]

Oh for some Thai massage and foot massage places readily available in the USA. San Diego is the closest place I have seen that has as many massage places, many are chinese and not Thai, but at least they do have a foot thingy. Claremont Mesa area has some pretty 20 - 30 USD an hour places. But nothing like a little Thai walk in foot massage place. Gosh I can't wait to get there., < 20 days to go

A late Christmas for you I guess : )

There's a GREAT Thai massage place in Linda Vista on Ulric road (about a mile up from Mission Valley). Thai owned and all the employees are Thai, very good traditional Thai massages. It's right across the street from the fantastic Sab-e-Lee Thai resturant and on the same block as the Vietnamese market there (which is pretty good too).

http://www.thaimassagesandiego.com

Do they charge 150 baht / $5.00 per hour for a Thai massage?

In Quincy , MA outside of Boston a 1 hr Thai massage is $65 , in Boston its $125

[Jungle Jim]

my hunch is none speak Thai, none have any hobbies, none eat Thai food, none understand anything going on around them with a non stop lost stick up the butt look, all are likely alcoholics and all have bar girls for girls friends or a wife. typical foreigner in Thailand.

Must admit that where I am in LOS there are a lot of miserable farangs that do nothing but complain, obviously not happy with their lot, or perhaps just naturally miserable wherever they reside..........

[Nemesis7]

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.

Super liked your post mate. Wishing you a great time and do try to complete all that you have on your bucket list. Cheers....

[alex8912]

I like the best of both worlds. November to March in Thailand enjoying the great weather, great food, great travel and nice people and April to October in Boston/ New England enjoying the same ( but everyday people in Thailand are a bit nicer and friendlier) . I hate those long snowy winters and this year is INSANE! You can live really cheap in both places but I really thought ahead and at just turning 50 I'm happy to have a traditional 120 year Old multi family home in Boston and have great tenants keeping my pipes warm, paying my mortgage, property taxes, house insurance and water bill through their rent. Very little overhead, and resale prices are going through the roof unlike many parts of the states and you also can't do that in Thailand. But in Thailand I can have a completely renovated 2 bed 2 bath with modern everything and a 17 meter long balcony with amazing view for 20% of what it would cost in Boston. What I wished many retired people here on a low budget just getting by would do instead of complaining and being on TVF ALL DAY would be to let their younger brothers nieces cousins great nephews etc know more about saving when young and not relying on a pension alone when older. I think a lot more people would be happier in their old age with a few bucks. You don't have to be rich.

Edited February 16, 2015 by alex8912

[Berkshire]

Life is certainly cheaper here, unless you insist on trying to live a western lifestyle.

But if you want to live a western lifestyle, why the hell move here in the first place?

some people (like the Mrs and me) moved to Thailand to enjoy a much more comfortable and in fact more luxurious lifestyle than any "western style" one we could afford in the "west". minimum wage in Germany is presently € 8.50 (฿ 315.-) an hour, e.g. for a maid/cleaning lady who works 40 hours a week this adds up ฿ 54,600 a month! that's approximately the basic salaries we pay in Thailand for four fulltime employees (housekeeper, cook, gardener and driver/handyman).

note: in my [not so] humble view most of the resident eggsburts talk about "lifestyle" but forget that the definition of lifestyle varies on a scale from 1 to 100.

and when i read comments insinuating that western lifestyle equates to western kitchens or bathrooms with non squat toilets, a pair of jeans for x-amount dollars, the lack of soi dogs, etc. i feel like laughing out loudly or even sometimes crying bitterly with sympathy

addendum: please refrain from rendering good advice such as "let your wife cook, clean and do the laundry, mow your lawn and trim your bushes/trees yourself and... and... and..." because that's boring me to death

I hope I understood your post correctly.

Is there a reason that you pay less than the minimum wage to your four employees in Thailand?

You do understand that Thai minimum wage is a daily rate, whereas in the west, it's typically hourly.

Edited February 16, 2015 by Berkshire

[NCFC]

Selfish to live in Thailand if you have kids. Take them home for a proper education so that they can have good future prospects.

[GAS]

I'm not allowed to own a home and land in Thailand and I wouldn't buy or live in a condo so it has to be potatoes and strawberries. I'm describing what my life is like and what it costs in the US vs Thailand, considering what is possible.

Thailand is a smelly rathole. If you can't see that, up to you.

Cheers.

I wish we could dispel the myth that you can own a home in the USA...you can not. You just rent it from the government.

If you do not pay your property tax every month find out how much you actually own when guys with guns come to take it.

Thailand is a smelly rathole huh?

I have been all over the US, (basically like a truck driver, but different job) and have seen A LOT of it. The US is pretty ruff in a lot of parts. Many inner cities are totally bombed out. The old cool downtowns in small places are deserted and boarded up.

The zombified population waddles into the local Walmart to buy their GMO and High Fructose Corn Syrup and pick up their prozac.

Most of the women are fat, if not morbidly obese (although this is getting a bit better as people start to wake up). (The men are just as bad)

Total Police State with a fed gov't bent on empire and control and a broken fake 2 party system.

That said, lots of good things about the place I still love....for me a little time in both places with an edge to Thailand.

[wowfactor10]

There are plenty of reasons to stay and there are plenty of reasons to move on..

[Naam]

Life is certainly cheaper here, unless you insist on trying to live a western lifestyle.

But if you want to live a western lifestyle, why the hell move here in the first place?

some people (like the Mrs and me) moved to Thailand to enjoy a much more comfortable and in fact more luxurious lifestyle than any "western style" one we could afford in the "west". minimum wage in Germany is presently € 8.50 (฿ 315.-) an hour, e.g. for a maid/cleaning lady who works 40 hours a week this adds up ฿ 54,600 a month! that's approximately the basic salaries we pay in Thailand for four fulltime employees (housekeeper, cook, gardener and driver/handyman).

note: in my [not so] humble view most of the resident eggsburts talk about "lifestyle" but forget that the definition of lifestyle varies on a scale from 1 to 100.

and when i read comments insinuating that western lifestyle equates to western kitchens or bathrooms with non squat toilets, a pair of jeans for x-amount dollars, the lack of soi dogs, etc. i feel like laughing out loudly or even sometimes crying bitterly with sympathy

addendum: please refrain from rendering good advice such as "let your wife cook, clean and do the laundry, mow your lawn and trim your bushes/trees yourself and... and... and..." because that's boring me to death

I hope I understood your post correctly.

Is there a reason that you pay less than the minimum wage to your four employees in Thailand?

By my calculations he is paying double the minimum wage to his four employees.

doing the maths on working time we are indeed paying more than double of the Thai minimum wage plus our employees live in a (nearly attached) staffhouse that does not lack any "western" style amenities, i.e. kitchenette, proper bathrooms, airconditioning, internet connection and satellite-tv. their working hours are 0900-1200, 1400-1700 and 1800-1900hours (~30-32 hours per week).

they work four days a week (wednesdays, saturdays and sundays off except for an hour of dishwashing, preparing food for our doggies and cleaning the kitchen on the off days). besides top salaries they enjoy free medical, three weeks of holidays per annum, travel expenses and various other perks which i don't like to mention in details as i/we were called already crazy because of the kind of accomodation we provide (quote: "in Isaan a whole clan would enjoy that living area!").

[Mudcrab]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here,

Huh????

.

Please don't edit my posts. Forum rules require you quote them in their entirety.

You know, this particular misperception is an ongoing argument on TV. And it is usually made by people with mediocre job histories, and/or a miserable existence in their homeland, making retiring to Asia and "enjoying" forty baht meals out, 150 baht massages, and 1000 baht "girlfriends," a good deal.

All the foods I like are available here at no up charge. In Thailand they carry a 300% up charge---even before Villa or Foodland grab their own take.

On Friday, I bought a very nice Chilean Malbec, on sale, for $4.19. That's 125 baht. IN LOS, the same wine was close to 700 baht. I bought an excellent cheese on special, thick smoked bacon for a dollar a pound, and a steelhead trout filet for $4 (fresh, not farmed). That's far less than what I paid at Villa.

My gym does not require a membership, and so has no pesky salesman. It has a flat rate of $15 per month. I, like all members, have a key, making it available 24/7.

When I use UPS or FedEx here, they are reliable and reasonable. Nothing gets stolen, or nailed for extra fees.

When I pay a serviceman here to do work on my vehicle, or my lawnmower, or my plumbing or electric, it is almost always done expeditiously, safely and right, the first time. This, as opposed to going through a series of workers who not only don't get it right, but often make a problem worse.

In LOS, I never had my '65 Honda motorbike running correctly, because the mechanics were incompetent or dishonest. Or both. This increases a tradesman's "bargain" rates considerably, making them no longer a bargain.

One time when I went to pick up my bike after some work, I noticed the original Honda seat was replaced by junk, and my seat was on the bike of the mechanic's buddy. When I pointed this out, they did this: . When I insisted they put it back on my bike, they became confrontational. I had to pay a cop to get my seat back. I don't think I have never had that experience at a Honda bike shop in the USA.

I bought a new gas BBQ last week at Home Depot. Regular cost was $99. On sale for $69. What's a gas BBQ in Thailand? I know the answer: about 10,000 baht for junk. The price goes up from there. The dumbbells I bought in LOS? One there cost as much as six here.

If I buy something at most stores here, there is a no-questions-asked return policy. I have returned to the local Smith's Supermarket, a number of items I found unsatisfactory. Always a smile when handing back my money. As such, I am a loyal customer. In November after returning to the States, I was checking out some groceries, and the bill was fifty-some dollars. I jokingly asked the checker if he had any coupons. He reached in his apron pocket, and swiped one across the scanner, and my bill dropped to $32. This is now a regular occurrence.

Gas where I live is almost half the price it is in Thailand. It is lower in other states.

In Thailand used vehicles carry a ridiculous price. Last week, I bought a '66 Chevy Bel Air. It had sat in an old lady's garage for years, and has 38,000 original miles. I paid $3700 for it. Now I have my eye on a '65, fully restored Chev pickup. $7000. Far less than a used pickup in average condition in Thailand. Both are investments that will never lose me money.

The Asian market I shop in Salt Lake City, actually has lower prices than back at Rhek Thum's "fresh market." And they are the same brands.

Here the tennis courts are free, and in good condition.

Here, cops don't stop me when I'm driving legally, unlike Thailand where they attempt to extort money. And here, Avis doesn't even think of extorting me for a pre-existing scratch, when I return a rental to the airport, just because I speak English.

My dentist here does not try to drill out non-existent cavities, nor pull a cracked tooth that can be repaired (if you have good training), nor spends a mere 15 minutes "cleaning" my teeth. Here it takes a solid hour,and is done right, so I only have to go twice a year rather than every couple of months.

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it. And where we are building, land is cheaper per acre than the rubber tree land where I lived in Rhek Thum. Don't believe me? Do your due diligence and research it, and you'll find my claim holds water.

Most of the nutritional products I take that keep me free of those expensive American doctor bills, are not available in Thailand. The few that are, are substantially lower in price here than in LOS. After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

The firearms I buy to go hunting and target shooting are at the very least, 1/3 the price they are in Thailand. The books I read are cheaper when new at the store, and a once-read paperback bought at a garage sale is 10 baht.

The tools I will use to build my house, Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, are much less expensive here in the States. And if they break, the warranty work is done locally and in days. Usually they just hand over a new tool. The building material selection is far more diverse here, enabling both short-term and long-term savings.

Are there exceptions? Are there things cheaper in LOS?

Sure. Instant water heaters, air conditioners, unhygienic meals out, short-time"girlfriends," and massages. There are others, such as contact lenses, but as a whole do not measure up to a genuine savings.

Many items may be cheaper, but are built so cheaply they have a crap service life. Water pumps, clothing, and electrical items are a good example. Speaking of clothing, I bought new Levis last month. On sale, plus a coupon, $22 a pair. Good luck with that in LOS.

Want to retire to a warm climate that has reasonable prices? Try Port Charlotte, Florida. Check out the land and housing prices, and all the free services and discounts for seniors. Thailand does not even come close.

So why do you even bother with this forum at all?

[Naam]

Lasted seven years, came back last fall.

Cost of living is cheaper here,

Huh????

.

Please don't edit my posts. Forum rules require you quote them in their entirety.

You know, this particular misperception is an ongoing argument on TV. And it is usually made by people with mediocre job histories, and/or a miserable existence in their homeland, making retiring to Asia and "enjoying" forty baht meals out, 150 baht massages, and 1000 baht "girlfriends," a good deal.

All the foods I like are available here at no up charge. In Thailand they carry a 300% up charge---even before Villa or Foodland grab their own take.

On Friday, I bought a very nice Chilean Malbec, on sale, for $4.19. That's 125 baht. IN LOS, the same wine was close to 700 baht. I bought an excellent cheese on special, thick smoked bacon for a dollar a pound, and a steelhead trout filet for $4 (fresh, not farmed). That's far less than what I paid at Villa.

My gym does not require a membership, and so has no pesky salesman. It has a flat rate of $15 per month. I, like all members, have a key, making it available 24/7.

When I use UPS or FedEx here, they are reliable and reasonable. Nothing gets stolen, or nailed for extra fees.

When I pay a serviceman here to do work on my vehicle, or my lawnmower, or my plumbing or electric, it is almost always done expeditiously, safely and right, the first time. This, as opposed to going through a series of workers who not only don't get it right, but often make a problem worse.

In LOS, I never had my '65 Honda motorbike running correctly, because the mechanics were incompetent or dishonest. Or both. This increases a tradesman's "bargain" rates considerably, making them no longer a bargain.

One time when I went to pick up my bike after some work, I noticed the original Honda seat was replaced by junk, and my seat was on the bike of the mechanic's buddy. When I pointed this out, they did this: . When I insisted they put it back on my bike, they became confrontational. I had to pay a cop to get my seat back. I don't think I have never had that experience at a Honda bike shop in the USA.

I bought a new gas BBQ last week at Home Depot. Regular cost was $99. On sale for $69. What's a gas BBQ in Thailand? I know the answer: about 10,000 baht for junk. The price goes up from there. The dumbbells I bought in LOS? One there cost as much as six here.

If I buy something at most stores here, there is a no-questions-asked return policy. I have returned to the local Smith's Supermarket, a number of items I found unsatisfactory. Always a smile when handing back my money. As such, I am a loyal customer. In November after returning to the States, I was checking out some groceries, and the bill was fifty-some dollars. I jokingly asked the checker if he had any coupons. He reached in his apron pocket, and swiped one across the scanner, and my bill dropped to $32. This is now a regular occurrence.

Gas where I live is almost half the price it is in Thailand. It is lower in other states.

In Thailand used vehicles carry a ridiculous price. Last week, I bought a '66 Chevy Bel Air. It had sat in an old lady's garage for years, and has 38,000 original miles. I paid $3700 for it. Now I have my eye on a '65, fully restored Chev pickup. $7000. Far less than a used pickup in average condition in Thailand. Both are investments that will never lose me money.

The Asian market I shop in Salt Lake City, actually has lower prices than back at Rhek Thum's "fresh market." And they are the same brands.

Here the tennis courts are free, and in good condition.

Here, cops don't stop me when I'm driving legally, unlike Thailand where they attempt to extort money. And here, Avis doesn't even think of extorting me for a pre-existing scratch, when I return a rental to the airport, just because I speak English.

My dentist here does not try to drill out non-existent cavities, nor pull a cracked tooth that can be repaired (if you have good training), nor spends a mere 15 minutes "cleaning" my teeth. Here it takes a solid hour,and is done right, so I only have to go twice a year rather than every couple of months.

This summer I'm out to buy a piece of land and build a vacation home. It's mine when I'm done, though my wife's name will also be on it. And where we are building, land is cheaper per acre than the rubber tree land where I lived in Rhek Thum. Don't believe me? Do your due diligence and research it, and you'll find my claim holds water.

Most of the nutritional products I take that keep me free of those expensive American doctor bills, are not available in Thailand. The few that are, are substantially lower in price here than in LOS. After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

The firearms I buy to go hunting and target shooting are at the very least, 1/3 the price they are in Thailand. The books I read are cheaper when new at the store, and a once-read paperback bought at a garage sale is 10 baht.

The tools I will use to build my house, Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee, are much less expensive here in the States. And if they break, the warranty work is done locally and in days. Usually they just hand over a new tool. The building material selection is far more diverse here, enabling both short-term and long-term savings.

Are there exceptions? Are there things cheaper in LOS?

Sure. Instant water heaters, air conditioners, unhygienic meals out, short-time"girlfriends," and massages. There are others, such as contact lenses, but as a whole do not measure up to a genuine savings.

Many items may be cheaper, but are built so cheaply they have a crap service life. Water pumps, clothing, and electrical items are a good example. Speaking of clothing, I bought new Levis last month. On sale, plus a coupon, $22 a pair. Good luck with that in LOS.

Want to retire to a warm climate that has reasonable prices? Try Port Charlotte, Florida. Check out the land and housing prices, and all the free services and discounts for seniors. Thailand does not even come close.

So why do you even bother with this forum at all?

[Jungle Jim]

And where did you meet you English speaking Thai wife ? and you are miserable so why do you stay ?

my hunch is none speak Thai, none have any hobbies, none eat Thai food, none understand anything going on around them with a non stop lost stick up the butt look, all are likely alcoholics and all have bar girls for girls friends or a wife. typical foreigner in Thailand.

Must admit that where I am in LOS there are a lot of miserable farangs that do nothing but complain, obviously not happy with their lot, or perhaps just naturally miserable wherever they reside..........

But I don't speak Thai, I don't eat Thai grub, I do have a Thai wife.

Was in a bar once and sitting there listening to mainly and a farang said to me, "You always look miserable".......

Reality was I ignore the usually banter, thats it.

I said, " Accept me for who I am, I am nooo problem".

[fey]

i like living in the chiang mai area but would not want to be old/elderly here. dont think it would ever feel like home or comfortable on my deathbed. dont reallt like thailand at all except in the north.

one of my fears has always been turning into one of these pattaya type losers, getting old surrounded by prostitutes and drinking buddies passing through who were there for strange reasons. the fear became worse in bkk and increases in phuket, pattaya etc.

i see myself (hopefully) able to pull off a comfortable situation in my home country (usa) as i age, or move somewhere in europe (italy, france, etc).

[Rajhulmaheesh]

he is trying to tell us how stupitt we are for choosing to live in thailand.....................hahahahahaha

[Jungle Jim]

There for strange reasons ? you mean like hiding from the law ? seeking under age kids ? drinking 24/7 ? living out of a 7/11 ? pattaya , phuket , Koh Samui , Chiang Mai i think your talking about hell on Earth . Losers is too kind of a word.

i like living in the chiang mai area but would not want to be old/elderly here. dont think it would ever feel like home or comfortable on my deathbed. dont reallt like thailand at all except in the north.

one of my fears has always been turning into one of these pattaya type losers, getting old surrounded by prostitutes and drinking buddies passing through who were there for strange reasons. the fear became worse in bkk and increases in phuket, pattaya etc.

i see myself (hopefully) able to pull off a comfortable situation in my home country (usa) as i age, or move somewhere in europe (italy, france, etc).

[mrfaroukh]

Ok Bye Bye have a nice time back home. At least you should have told us where are you going which is better than Thailand then it could make us wonder too. By the way are you leaving because your currency against Baht does not give you much return to be able to stay here???

[dotpoom]

Absolutely.......if the force be with me. The present moment is all I have so I'm here forever.

[laislica]

Life is certainly cheaper here, unless you insist on trying to live a western lifestyle.

But if you want to live a western lifestyle, why the hell move here in the first place?

some people (like the Mrs and me) moved to Thailand to enjoy a much more comfortable and in fact more luxurious lifestyle than any "western style" one we could afford in the "west". minimum wage in Germany is presently € 8.50 (฿ 315.-) an hour, e.g. for a maid/cleaning lady who works 40 hours a week this adds up ฿ 54,600 a month! that's approximately the basic salaries we pay in Thailand for four fulltime employees (housekeeper, cook, gardener and driver/handyman).

note: in my [not so] humble view most of the resident eggsburts talk about "lifestyle" but forget that the definition of lifestyle varies on a scale from 1 to 100.

and when i read comments insinuating that western lifestyle equates to western kitchens or bathrooms with non squat toilets, a pair of jeans for x-amount dollars, the lack of soi dogs, etc. i feel like laughing out loudly or even sometimes crying bitterly with sympathy

addendum: please refrain from rendering good advice such as "let your wife cook, clean and do the laundry, mow your lawn and trim your bushes/trees yourself and... and... and..." because that's boring me to death

I hope I understood your post correctly.

Is there a reason that you pay less than the minimum wage to your four employees in Thailand?

By my calculations he is paying double the minimum wage to his four employees.

Oops, I beg your very pardon.

[laislica]

and when i read comments insinuating that western lifestyle equates to western kitchens or bathrooms with non squat toilets, a pair of jeans for x-amount dollars, the lack of soi dogs, etc. i feel like laughing out loudly or even sometimes crying bitterly with sympathy

addendum: please refrain from rendering good advice such as "let your wife cook, clean and do the laundry, mow your lawn and trim your bushes/trees yourself and... and... and..." because that's boring me to death

I hope I understood your post correctly.

Is there a reason that you pay less than the minimum wage to your four employees in Thailand?

By my calculations he is paying double the minimum wage to his four employees.

doing the maths on working time we are indeed paying more than double of the Thai minimum wage plus our employees live in a (nearly attached) staffhouse that does not lack any "western" style amenities, i.e. kitchenette, proper bathrooms, airconditioning, internet connection and satellite-tv. their working hours are 0900-1200, 1400-1700 and 1800-1900hours (~30-32 hours per week).

they work four days a week (wednesdays, saturdays and sundays off except for an hour of dishwashing, preparing food for our doggies and cleaning the kitchen on the off days). besides top salaries they enjoy free medical, three weeks of holidays per annum, travel expenses and various other perks which i don't like to mention in details as i/we were called already crazy because of the kind of accomodation we provide (quote: "in Isaan a whole clan would enjoy that living area!").

My humble apologies.

PS Please let me know if you have a vacancy, sounds really good.

[Banzai99]

I can't even get what I have in the US in Thailand because Thailand is a rotten, smelly rathole. It's great for a vacation and then I need to get back to a first world environment.

As for health care, a lot of guys in LOS are retired and eligible for Medicare in the States. It's not expensive.

People who dive into a $1,500 a month lifestyle in Thailand are living as one would live in a slum in the US. I have never seen a middle class apartment, condo or house in Thailand that has the amenities that my US house has. Not even close with central aircon, full Western kitchen, Western bathrooms, garage with opener, and on we go. It's paid for so all I have is reasonable taxes, insurance and utilities. That's at most $500 per month all in and I couldn't rent that in Thailand for that much money.

A lot of guys go to Thailand to retire because they can't afford their home country. Then they live like a pauper in a cheap apartment and eat noodles and tell me it's cheaper.

No thanks.

interesting financial maths "it's paid for... in Thailand i couldn't rent for that much money" thus comparing potatoes with strawberries.

al what i read is pure bias and contradictions. why would anyone have a "great vacation in a rotten and smelly rathole"?

give me a break NS!

I'm not allowed to own a home and land in Thailand and I wouldn't buy or live in a condo so it has to be potatoes and strawberries. I'm describing what my life is like and what it costs in the US vs Thailand, considering what is possible.

Thailand is a smelly rathole. If you can't see that, up to you.

Cheers.

Your life is so great you spend most of it in front of a PC, telling everyone what a great life you have, just another old man who couldn't handle Thailand, don't be shy about it, you screwed up, you weren't the first, you certainly wont be the last.

There are Swiss and German people in my Condo who are in their 80's and they have a ball, then again, they have the money to have a good life whether they're in Thailand or Europe, they certainly don't spend nearly every waking hour on an anonymous forum wasting the precious time they have left.

[harleyclarkey]

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.

Rode my motorcycle all the way from Anchorage to San Diego...every mile on the coast (except for the Alcan!).Stick around BC and Alberta a bit longer...stunning scenery.

Magic...wonderful experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Rode then to Vegas via that big Canyon. Then continued to ride all the lower 48's.

Can't see any of this in Thailand.......

Edited February 16, 2015 by harleyclarkey

[YeahSiam]

Never have understood that logic. Work till your 65 or older retire than drop dead a year later flat broke. Sounds like fun..

Yep. Work like a dog until you're 65,

then hit LOS after being diagnosed

with heart trouble, hip trouble and

back trouble. Move in a bargirl, pop

blue pills to keep up with her, drink

every night and end up in hospital

where a doctor lays it down "Sorry but

you're OLD. Keep this up and you'll be

going back home in a box."

[nodomino]

Hard to say, after five years here, I see it in all its Splendour, my biggest bug, is Dangerous Driving everywhere, it's enough to put you off going out...

Lots of positives that's for sure....

See what happens in the future....

Ah yes, the FUTURE! It certainly was not my intension to live here until the inevitable end so I kept going back and forth to my Homeland until I found myself looking at the return to my birthplace with diminishing enthusiasm and while I was 'there' I would become eager to return 'home'. Life here has its drawbacks and I am nagged by some lingering, undefinable fears-which would likely be the same in my Homeland-but day by day, my life here is more fulfilling and can even rise to exciting on occasion which is an event that is highly unlikely to happen from where I came from. So, I'll keep pondering on it until providence makes the decision definite.

[nodomino]

Hard to say, after five years here, I see it in all its Splendour, my biggest bug, is Dangerous Driving everywhere, it's enough to put you off going out...

Lots of positives that's for sure....

See what happens in the future....

Ah yes, the FUTURE! It certainly was not my intension to live here until the inevitable end so I kept going back and forth to my Homeland until I found myself looking at the return to my birthplace with diminishing enthusiasm and while I was 'there' I would become eager to return 'home'. Life here has its drawbacks and I am nagged by some lingering, undefinable fears-which would likely be the same in my Homeland-but day by day, my life here is more fulfilling and can even rise to exciting on occasion which is an event that is highly unlikely to happen from where I came from. So, I'll keep pondering on it until providence makes the decision definite.