Leaving Thailand for good

[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.

[Jungle Jim]

You think maybe that drinking every night just might be part of the problem? add the stress of having a pain in the ass Thai hooker and blue pills. In these cases they are their own worst enemy .

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."

[Gecko123]

Live and let live, and to each his own, but why the 'so long suckers' self-congratulatory' exit interview crap?'

Thriving in Thailand deserves to be respected. Not everyone can do it.

And don't you forget it.

[Jungle Jim]

Escaping from Anchorage i don,t blame you. What a hole. Did you meet Sarah ?

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.......

[chiang mai]

Each to their own. I fully expect to spend my final days here although I will spend a couple of months back in the UK each year, no more than two. Here I'm perfectly happy with my garden, trying to grow orchids and raise a world class lawn, my current goal is to construct the most beautiful garden for many miles around, I've got some stiff competition but it's all great fun.

[nithisa78]

I treat everyday like it is the end.

[SoiBiker]

Live and let live, and to each his own, but why the 'so long suckers' self-congratulatory' exit interview crap?'

Thriving in Thailand deserves to be respected. Not everyone can do it.

And don't you forget it.

Some people seem to need to trash the place after they leave to feel better about things. Maybe they don't want to admit that some people get on well with the place and enjoy living here?

[amykat]

For the reading impaired who have commented I live in California, I don't. I never said I did. Try reading my post again if you still don't believe me.

I did have my career there, but like most Californians with a brain, upon earning my vested pension, left for less expensive places where my retirement check went further, and wasn't taxed.

I now live in SLC, and am building my retirement home in the woods of Idaho, where land is far cheaper than in Thailand.

Your posting was California specific, so we focused on that.

Salt Lake city is the world's largest hole above ground and I pity your wife. OMG, what a wasteland both in terms of culture and aesthetics. get some photos of her for memories ... for she will flee before August of 2015.

You see, dear friend, there is a REASON some places are dirt cheap (like the middle of a desert) ... They suck.

OMG, I really am laughing out loud. This entire thread is pivoting on a comparison of one of the world's most beautiful countries and people ... with SALT LAKE CITY.

I am laughing so hard ... OMG ... I think i just pee'd ,myself a little

F ing HYSTERICAL !!

Salt Lake City! If someone offered me $150,000 a year, and the only stipulation was I could not cross the city line of SLC, i would reply "Not for twice that amount."

(And YES ... i have been there. Really a ring of hell. Just awful)

Wow, you are sounding so ignorant! Utah and SLC are some of the most beautiful places on earth! Ever heard of Park City or Sundance, or half a dozen famous national parks ...or the 14 other famous ski resorts, or Lake Powell, various other rivers, mountains, etc. And it is not dirt cheap ...not at all.

Bangkok, now that is one gorgeous sh&t hole!! With so much variety ...water skiing one moment, snow skiing the next day, awesome fishing, beautiful red rock deserts and green, lush, tall mountains, all in a very small area ... maybe those things are not "your things" but for people who enjoy that you are putting down one of the best places in a pretty extreme way!

Just so you don't look so stupid if this subject ever comes up again, you should check Google images a bit and take a look around. Look at some real estate ...SLC has grown a lot and it sounds like you haven't been there since 1975 or so.

I know it is a place a lot of people like to knock, for some reason, but mostly people who have little to no experience in the state or city ...like they visited on a business trip for 3 days, stayed near the airport and "got a bad vibe" and they really can't usually explain it past that.

[harryfrompattaya]

I thought I missed the US until I came back. Now, I can't wait to get back to Thailand! America is so boring and American women are just nasty.

At 85 tell me how women in America will my money as much as here

Women can only take what they can steal or give them in America Lawyers will take it all

Come here and have you family and send you only 3 thousand a month

[ggt]

After feeling like crap the past few years, I am once again healthy and have my vitality back. That has great economic value.

Ditto on all you have said and more...

What value can you place on good healthy choices, lack of language barriers...joy to take on the day...instead of dread to face the daily grind of LOS...

[BKK Beat]

'Anyone see yourself here till the end?'

No way hozay.

But I'm young.

[ggt]

I thought I missed the US until I came back. Now, I can't wait to get back to Thailand! America is so boring and American women are just nasty.

At 85 tell me how women in America will my money as much as here

Women can only take what they can steal or give them in America Lawyers will take it all

Come here and have you family and send you only 3 thousand a month

Exactly how many women do you require at 85 years of age?

[siamike]

I lived & worked in Florida for close to 25 years, on the other side of the state from Port Charlotte, in Melbourne. You're right about FL being an inexpensive place to live,...that is until a hurricane comes blowin' your way. Hope you were able to get hurricane and flood insurance,...if you haven't been hit yet, it's just a matter of time. My home was hit twice by category 3s...I was lucky, my home suffered very little damage,...some of my neighbors lost pretty much everything. Even those that thought they had super good insurance, were more than a little disappointed with the coverage; many retirees were left still paying mortgages on homes that no longer existed. Don't get me wrong, I loved living the easy FL lifestyle,...but I would never go back to retire there,...I don't like betting against mother nature.

Thailand has it's share of problems too, but at least hurricanes aren't among them.

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.

[SpokaneAl]

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.

You can't own a home in the US? - that is just silly. When you purchase property you agree to pay property taxes which cover infrastructure like police, fire protection, schools etc. Don't want to pay your portion? - rent, but you can be sure that monthly rent factors in those same taxes.

And gotta love generalizations like the American women are all fat, and everyone is a zombie - again pretty silly stuff.

And of course there are places that are beaten down, and also plenty of magnificent parts of the U.S. - like most other countries.

As far as the government - I think you suffer from the law of recency. Government ebbs and flows, and voters ultimately determine its form and direction. Those changes may not work as fast as you like, but unlike Thailand, it does work.

My suggestion is that perhaps you might consider lightening up - life and the world are what you make of them - no matter where one hangs his/her hat.

Edited February 16, 2015 by SpokaneAl

[ianf]

Used to.

Glad I woke up and left. If I was single maybe I could have done it, but parental responsibility meant I was honor bound to leave.

I have had enough. Always another bureaucratic problem.

Example: I voluntarily coach young Thai cyclists at the Velodrome Chiang Mai. There were all sorts of hassles getting this up and running 5 years ago, but we got there in the end. People in this sport know who I am. When they wanted someone to sort out the junior track team for the regional games, it was me. I supplied the bikes, the energy drinks, the skills, the expertise - all for free. I love this sport! But today the 700 year stadium officials tried to turf us all out. Hell of a row and so I got some of the parents together and they stormed the office. reprieve ... until next time. Can you imagine this happening in any civilised country?

On Saturday cycled up my road to see two prone bodies on the road, apparently bleeding to death. They'd just been knocked off a motorbike and off course they had no helmets. Big crowd gawping but not one hand raised in assistance. I've seen more dead bodies here in 6 years than in my previous 60.

I could go on and list hundreds of negatives and some positives. I am so stressed and fed up with this country. Full of stupid and dishonest people in my humble opinion.

Come and buy my house if you want to stay here. Then I can move!

[harryfrompattaya]

I thought I missed the US until I came back. Now, I can't wait to get back to Thailand! America is so boring and American women are just nasty.

At 85 tell me how women in America will my money as much as here

Women can only take what they can steal or give them in America Lawyers will take it all

Come here and have you family and send you only 3 thousand a month

Exactly how many women do you require at 85 years of age?

It is not how many its the age of them how they look the fun I have with them and how they cook and clean Not forgotting the bed

Yes it cost money but on 3,000 US Total for everything Women food rent everything and and on the First of month another 3000 to spend In America at least 8,000 for someone her mothers age

[Showbags]

Left the shythole, went back for 2 weeks recently...wanted to change the flights to depart earlier...could not wait to leave... happily cancelled my retirement visa on departure....the place is just a cesspit these days

[mesquite]

It is for me, to live a Western lifestyle. I don't want to live "like a Thai."

I don't either.

I live in a nice apartment with maid service and laundry pickup/deliver close in in Chiang Mai, eat at western restaurants daily, get several massages a week, drink coffee daily at Starbucks, all for less that 1500 USD/month. That also includes gasoline for the motorbike and car, and all utilities and 3g cell phone service. City living at it's best. Where in the US could you get that?

So, you spend about 9% of your monthly expenses on Starbuck's coffee?

13

[SoiBiker]

We'll probably cope without you.

[manarak]

Starbucks and Nespresso... :shakehead:

[HeijoshinCool]

Dear Mr HeijoshinCool,

You make a very detailed and compelling argument for the USA being cheaper than Thailand and throw in a whole heap of examples why it is more convenient and so much more stimulating and interesting. I am curious as to what it might have been that detained you in Thailand for seven years.

.

I came to Thailand with a goal. Meeting that goal took the first few years. I greatly enjoyed Thailand during that period.

I also brought my three dogs with me. They grew old and had health issues in just that three years, the two bigger dogs not able to travel back to the States. I met someone, decided to hang out. Two of my dogs passed, I got married.

I left, mainly, because I want my wife to see where I am from, to experience what is still beautiful about the States, and the rest of the world, too. It's called broadening one's horizons. Despite a government that seems bent on destroying the quality of life for everyone everywhere, there are still excellent opportunities to be had in certain areas of the US. I will let my wife decide if she would like to take advantage of any of them.

[HeijoshinCool]

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..........

.

I speak passable Thai.

I had hobbies in Thailand.

I not only eat Thai food, but attended cooking school, and cook Thai food.

I have a diet and exercise regimen that would put you on the floor.

[mesquite]

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.

In my case I live like a king on that money. No, the apartment does not have a garage door opener and in fact does not even have a garage or a Western kitchen. But I don't need that as I eat out all the time, in western restaurants, some quite healthy, others quite tasty. No noodle stand food for me.

$1500 is not my income; it is what I spend to live in Chiang Mai. I spend the rest of my money traveling the world because that's what I want to do.

If want to own a house (though actually in owns you), enjoy doing your own laundry, cooking your own food, and getting $100 no-frills massages, the US is the place to be.

Chiang Mai is the perfect (for me) combination of Asia fun and western amenities.

Regarding HC living in Salt Lake City vs that small village/town he lived in in Thailand, I think he has a point. I would probably prefer SLC with an imported Thai wife over the middle-of-nowhere Thailand with that same wife.

[HeijoshinCool]

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?

.

Entertainment. I don't watch television.

To learn something of value, that I didn't know.

[SoiBiker]

I used to live in London. I can't imagine spending much of my spare time on a London forum telling people what I thought of the place.

[Anthony5]

.

That's a good point. I too worked hard to get where I am, and my earning potential, and what I am again earning now that I'm back in the States, is quite good. Retirement for me was boring, debilitating even.

But many of those contending Thailand is cheaper, had low earning ability and "retired" to a third world country on a tight pension. I don't criticize that, but it does not mean LOS is cheaper than the States. It means you are giving things up.

And I lived in Chiang Mai. A truly "nice" apartment and all the amenities someone listed, can not be had for 45,000 baht a month. The nice condos cost 25-30k a month alone. Hell, just the Starbucks he claims to drink every day would be costing him 4000 baht a month.

All the guys who say Thailand is cheaper, always focus on the rent.

Well I've never been in the US or had a Starbucks in Europe, but here it is the equvalent of between 3 and 4$.

What is the price of a Starbucks coffee in the US?

I'm sure in Europe you can't have one for the price as in Thailand.

[thaipo7]

End of what? I plan on dieing here someday.

[HeijoshinCool]

I used to live in London. I can't imagine spending much of my spare time on a London forum telling people what I thought of the place.

.

A London forum …

[AZBill]

Take the drive around Lake Tahoe if you are there in good weather. Worth the 3 hour detour from the coast!

[Mikki Nyman]

I did move to Vietnam based on only 1-month long scouting trip to country, differences were so great that it was actually very easy decision to make especially while being single. I list here some of the biggest differences between Vietnam and Thailand, these are just my point of views and not meant to p*** any hc Thailand fans off. I just list few points and not in any specific order, some of these may not feel important for some... for me they are like domino effect.

1. People are much more polite and friendly in Vietnam. Especially Vietnamese males are much more polite with much better manners than their Thai counterparts, and generally Vietnamese are being more helpful with tourists. Here "loosing the face" is not controlling people's life, people do not pretend to know things if they don't.

2. A legal 100% foreign ownership in business is quite easy to setup using local law firms, Vietnam is actually very happy to receive foreign investments and they also show it. Land ownership is still illegal for foreigners, but I would not be surprised if that will open to us here in the near future. Country is in huge state of change, and government is trying to keep up with country's development rush.

3. Taxis and the drivers… Whoa! Vietnamese taxis are clean and have meters, and drivers do use meters without even asking for it. (I use taxis daily here in Vietnam, but absolutely nothing negative to comment.)

At Thailand especially tourist locations taxis are operated by violent and aggressive drivers and their mafias, serious attacks against tourists are common problem today as you all TVF users knows.

4. No aggressive or pushy street vendors in Vietnam. You can actually walk in Vietnam on sidewalk without being physically stopped or blocked by vendors, who are trying to crab you from arm etc.… This is one of the biggest turn-offs for most tourists, and is getting even worst on Thailand’s main tourist locations. This may sound racist but I am clad that Vietnam is not over run by vendors from India, Nepal or Bangladesh. (What is the case especially in Thailand’s tourist hubs)

5. Beaches are better in Vietnam. I am taking main beach of Nha Trang for example, I have never seen so clean and well maintained beach in Thailand. Nha Trang beach has trash bins everywhere, and city workers clean beach daily. In Thailand they only dig holes and burry the trash to the sand when situation gets too bad, just moving the problem a little bit further in time. Also lack of Jet Skis on beaches + operator mafia and their notorious scams against tourists is huge bonus for Vietnam, also making beaches much more enjoyable in general.

6. Vietnam is cleaner, a lot cleaner. Trash bins available everywhere is welcome sight what is not common in Thailand, difference between countries gets even greater when comparing coastal tourist locations like Nha Trang and Phuket.

7. Traffic here can look chaotic but is working much better than in Thailand, but more important it is like 100x safer. You can travel around the country for month without seeing one traffic accident, and people do obey the traffic rules especially in the cities (everyone wears a helmet). Opposite to Thailand people (local and foreigners) do not drive reckless, they take all other drivers to consideration around them. (don't know if Vietnamese being 80% atheist and not believing regarnation makes them more life honouring people)

8. Here in Vietnam Im not a "farang" to local people, I am equal as person even not a Viet. They have no word in their language to call foreigners in negative manner generally. Vietnam contains over 100 different ethnic groups what makes them to see themselves as "collective" and not "one", and I think this is the key for their open-mind attitude towards outsiders.

I could go on and on about Vietnam being a lot cheaper holiday destination etc. etc., but I bet you all got my point already. Those who wonders what Im doing still here in TVF, I want to say that reading all this bs happening in Thailand just makes me feel better about my move.