Retirement: Thailand vs Spain

[lostoday]

The women?

Many Spanish women have somethingmost Thai women lack - a moustache!

and a brain ...

So did a Thai or Spanish women succeed in getting all your cash?

[Jimlove]

Its a no brainer : Spain win easy - only gonna make the biggest cons / pros :

Thailand

Cons : RTP - Junta - Dangerous - Unfriendly - Bad healthcare - not cheap anymore - Xenophobia - Corruption and a lot more ...

Pros : Women (my wife)

Spain

Cons : Winter - EU

Pros : Food and wine - Democracy - No dual prices - No police-ba$tards - Beautiful country and a lot more ...

So when are you taking your first trip to Spain or Thailand?

Ah lets see, first trip to Spain was in 1973 - first trip to Thailand in 2005 and live in CM now, anything else you want info about ... ?

[lostoday]

Its a no brainer : Spain win easy - only gonna make the biggest cons / pros :

Thailand

Cons : RTP - Junta - Dangerous - Unfriendly - Bad healthcare - not cheap anymore - Xenophobia - Corruption and a lot more ...

Pros : Women (my wife)

Spain

Cons : Winter - EU

Pros : Food and wine - Democracy - No dual prices - No police-ba$tards - Beautiful country and a lot more ...

So when are you taking your first trip to Spain or Thailand?

Ah lets see, first trip to Spain was in 1973 - first trip to Thailand in 2005 and live in CM now, anything else you want info about ... ?

Ya, what is your favorite example of a brainless Thai woman and a brain trust Spanish lass? There are brainless people everywhere and smart people everywhere. To say Thai women don't have a brain says more about you than Thai women.

Edited August 9, 2015 by lostoday

[nong38]

For 20 years I holidayed at least twice a year in Spain, mainly in the north but not always and in that time I saw prices spiral. The last time I went the economy was going down big time, all the cranes were slient. Local bar tenders would say that we in the UK were lucky, we had control of our own interest rates. I wonder how far away from the Greece situation Spain is?

Looking at the pros and cons with Thailand, it has to be Thailand for me, but, everyone has a different situation so whats right for one is not right for another, we all have our own priorities. Nowhere is going to tick all the boxes.

I look back on my Spanish trips with fond memories but I wont be going back. I am happy here, no buffalo, no extended family apart from cats and dogs, no grief, perhaps its the sign on the gate "SAS and SBS welcome"

[rocketboybkk]

Spain's good for a holiday but I'd never live there

The UK is not like the good old days but I'm not going to up sticks in my 40's & live on the breadline in Thai.

That's not for me

When I can afford to retire I'll be in my 60's I think

I'd consider Thai for a few months but again I think the UK is where I'll be

Things might change

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sickwaterbuffalo2]

It's the tax,stupid! Properly organised Thailand is one of the most tax efficient countries to live in (full time) for those whose wealth and income are based/sourced from, outside Thailand (not talking about UK pensioners here) . For those who wish to live legally ( and full time) Spain comes nowhere close ( from a tax perspective). It is the major reason, in my view, why Thailand is increasingly seen as an attractive home base for some seriously wealthy individuals. Obviously the country has other attractions as well which may appeal to those who find Monaco a little restrained!

so maybe thats why some of the richest families and bussines tycoons from Thailand have most of their dosh parked in offshore tax havens outside Thailand and are heavily investing in high end property in Paris and London etc...or football clubs in Europe...and most who can afford Monaco can enjoy the services of high class escorts from every corner of the world not the upcountry bumbkins you would enjoy. Edited August 9, 2015 by sickwaterbuffalo2

[Patsycat]

Donde es el gato? El gato es en la casa.

None of you knew that Patsy can speak fluent Spanish, did you? And French!!

I'm just a wee brainbox!!

Edited August 9, 2015 by Patsycat

[robertthebruce]

Donde es el gato? El gato es en la casa.

None of you knew that Patsy can speak fluent Spanish, did you? And French!!

I'm just a wee brainbox!!

Go Girl !!!!!!

[F4UCorsair]

The women?

Spanish women have a lot more hair......in places men prefer it not to be!

[F4UCorsair]

Donde es el gato? El gato es en la casa.

None of you knew that Patsy can speak fluent Spanish, did you? And French!!

I'm just a wee brainbox!!

Brainbox enough to type 'google online translator'.........at least.

[wordchild]

It's the tax,stupid! Properly organised Thailand is one of the most tax efficient countries to live in (full time) for those whose wealth and income are based/sourced from, outside Thailand (not talking about UK pensioners here) . For those who wish to live legally ( and full time) Spain comes nowhere close ( from a tax perspective). It is the major reason, in my view, why Thailand is increasingly seen as an attractive home base for some seriously wealthy individuals. Obviously the country has other attractions as well which may appeal to those who find Monaco a little restrained!

so maybe thats why some of the richest families and bussines tycoons from Thailand have most of their dosh parked in offshore tax havens outside Thailand and are heavily investing in high end property in Paris and London etc...or football clubs in Europe...and most who can afford Monaco can enjoy the services of high class escorts from every corner of the world not the upcountry bumbkins you would enjoy.

the point is you live here (and it is where you are tax resident) but, for sure, no one with any sense keeps any real wealth here.

Edited August 10, 2015 by wordchild

[HeijoshinCool]

Spain's good for a holiday but I'd never live there

The UK is not like the good old days but I'm not going to up sticks in my 40's & live on the breadline in Thai.

That's not for me

When I can afford to retire I'll be in my 60's I think

I'd consider Thai for a few months but again I think the UK is where I'll be

Things might change

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

.

Even though the good ol' days are gone, there's no place like home, Dorothy.

[teatree]

Well why don't you check below:

http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Spain&country2=Thailand

I would say that is pretty spot on.

The problem with that site is that in many instances it simply doesnt compare like with like.

For example: it compares a meal in a local Spanish restaurant at 385B (10EUR) and one in Thailand at 50B.

Well, yes, you can get a bowl of noodle soup at a street stall here for 50B and very nice it is too. But it just cant be compared to what you can get in Spain. Even in France 15EUR buys you a very good 3-course meal served in a proper restaurant with real tables and chairs, clean dishes and cutlery, air-con, free water and free bread.

If you take a truly comparable meal here it will probably cost you 300+B, maybe more. And the wine you have with it will cost a small fortune here whereas in Spain it will only cost a Euro (40B).

So I am very wary of the figures quoted on that site.

Spain is certainly much cheaper than northern European countries.

I was there a few months ago and the food was excellent and not expensive.

But you can't compare the prices with Thailand. It's much cheaper in Thailand and you can get all the things you mentioned (air-con, tables, chairs, cleanliness), you just have to little more discerning.

I was at a very clean a/c restaurant near Ratchathewi BTS the other day and had Pad Kapao Kung and Spicy Spaghetti Thai style. It was absolutely delicious and the total bill was around 100baht. We then bought a bag of fried bananas for 20 baht. I don't think you can eat that cheaply in the centre of Madrid.

One thing you have to factor in is the portion size - the amount of food you get in Thailand is less. But it is still a lot cheaper here.

I just wish the EU and Thailand would hurry up and work out a trade deal and then maybe we could get some reasonably priced wine over here.

[loppylugs1]

About to do a survey Of Lagos Algarve for a move,yep 'plane tix booked. Trawled around the costas couple of years ago looking for alternative to life in Thailand and yes beats here by a mile,age and infirmity will dominate the thinking.

Is cheaper Spain,look at supermercado pricing,renting cheaper. just have to say goodbye to Thai long time GF was thinking of marrying,but would miss her family too much.

Here 7 years ,Goa 5 years ,just want to get nearer home

[Naam]

Donde es el gato? El gato es en la casa.

None of you knew that Patsy can speak fluent Spanish, did you? And French!!

I'm just a wee brainbox!!

convert "es" to "esta" because "el gato" is not always "en la casa" ("esta" is used for temporary situations)

[craigt3365]

My wife and I ate at an AC restaurant here a few days ago. We had great Thai food and soda drinks for about 220B. Very clean restaurant, great wait staff, brand new in a nice mall. Food was very good and well sized. I tend not to do street food.

I remember a few years ago in Spain doing the tapas thing. It's not cheap. Wine is definitely cheaper. But each tapas dish is 2.5-5 EUR+. On average, I'd say restaurant prices were quite higher than here. Even in out of the way places. But, what a variety! Thai food is cheap here, anything else typically isn't. But apples to apples, prices are perhaps about the same? Of course, we don't have the variety nor style of restaurants in, say, Madrid. Great eating options!

It's definitely colder there also. We were there in early November and it was cold. Not too bad in the very south, but Madrid was a bit cool. Even in Seville, we had to wear jackets.

[swampdonkey]

Is there an equivalent site for Spain ?

All you moaners should migrate there.

[Nowisee]

This is a good thread. I am also one of those considering spending some time in Spain...need a break from here.

I'm not clear on what they tax you on in Spain. Income tax from pension? Taxed on assets held in accounts?

The others that mention, there's no place like home... I agree. The pacific northwest of usa is still tops in my opinion.

[Bernard Flint]

Does Spain have all the premier league matches live????, this is of great importance hahahah, much more than cost

[craigt3365]

Damn...well this rules Spain out:

http://spain.angloinfo.com/money/income-tax/

Personal Income Tax in Spain A quick guide to understanding if you will need to pay income tax in Spain...

You will become liable for tax as a resident of Spain if:

• a) You spend more than 183 cumulative days in one calendar year in Spain i.e. 1st January to 31st December, which is the tax year. You will become liable whether or not you formally register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros or
• Your centre of economic interests is in Spain, i.e. the base for your economic or professional activities is in Spain or
• c) Your centre of vital interests is in Spain, i.e. your spouse lives in Spain and you are not legally separated, and/or your dependent minor children live in Spain.

In Spain, an individual is either resident or not resident for the whole tax year. Part-year tax residency is not part of the Spanish system.

As As a resident of Spain you will be liable for tax on your worldwide income at scale rates after any available allowances and deductions.

Non-residents of Spain will be liable for Spanish income tax only on Spanish income, generally at fixed rates and with no allowances or deductions.

http://spain.angloinfo.com/money/income-tax/how-income-is-taxed/

[jpinx]

Donde es el gato? El gato es en la casa.

None of you knew that Patsy can speak fluent Spanish, did you? And French!!

I'm just a wee brainbox!!

convert "es" to "esta" because "el gato" is not always "en la casa" ("esta" is used for temporary situations)

.....which is why all girlfriends are called Ester

[loppylugs1]

Spanish tax is quite high,looking at the figures about £ 9000 before tax kicks in then 19% tax up until £15000 then 24%, after that 30% this for pensions

Edited August 10, 2015 by loppylugs1

[KittenKong]

But you can't compare the prices with Thailand. It's much cheaper in Thailand and you can get all the things you mentioned (air-con, tables, chairs, cleanliness), you just have to little more discerning.

I was at a very clean a/c restaurant near Ratchathewi BTS the other day and had Pad Kapao Kung and Spicy Spaghetti Thai style. It was absolutely delicious and the total bill was around 100baht. We then bought a bag of fried bananas for 20 baht. I don't think you can eat that cheaply in the centre of Madrid.

One thing you have to factor in is the portion size - the amount of food you get in Thailand is less. But it is still a lot cheaper here.

I just wish the EU and Thailand would hurry up and work out a trade deal and then maybe we could get some reasonably priced wine over here.

My point was that the site in question was trying to compare two incomparable things, both under the label of "a local meal". A 50B meal in Thailand cannot be properly compared to what you can get for 10EUR in Spain, and to try to do so skews their results.

Even in the UK I know plenty of places where I can get a good meal (with large portions) in nice surroundings for the equivalent of 300B, so as I say prices here are not as cheap as they might seem at first sight. And of course any imported food items bought in a supermarket here for home use will cost a small fortune compared to what they would cost in Spain, but imported food items in Spain wont cost very much more than local ones. I've bought Brazilian mangoes in Europe for less than I've paid for Thai mangoes here.

As for alcohol, the high prices here are exclusively due to internal taxes and so nothing is likely to happen to reduce that. Even 30+ years ago a beer in Thailand cost much more than one in the Philippines, for example, and it still does now.

[Jimlove]

Its a no brainer : Spain win easy - only gonna make the biggest cons / pros :

Thailand

Cons : RTP - Junta - Dangerous - Unfriendly - Bad healthcare - not cheap anymore - Xenophobia - Corruption and a lot more ...

Pros : Women (my wife)

Spain

Cons : Winter - EU

Pros : Food and wine - Democracy - No dual prices - No police-ba$tards - Beautiful country and a lot more ...

So when are you taking your first trip to Spain or Thailand?

Ah lets see, first trip to Spain was in 1973 - first trip to Thailand in 2005 and live in CM now, anything else you want info about ... ?

Ya, what is your favorite example of a brainless Thai woman and a brain trust Spanish lass? There are brainless people everywhere and smart people everywhere. To say Thai women don't have a brain says more about you than Thai women.

Have you absolutely no knowledge at all about the education system in Thailand and why thai university degrees are not acknowledged abroad ... ? Not to mention the brainwashing of thai people from they are small children ... the Face culture that stop all innovative thinking what so ever ...

You are not gonna find a useless education system like that in Spain and the school children are actually allowed to ask the teachers questistions without being scared that the teacher is gonna lose face if not knowing the answer ...

Lets hear what your personal experience is with Spain - how many times and where have you been in Spain .... ? Sorry, did I make you lose face ... ?

Edited August 10, 2015 by Jimlove

[craigt3365]

Restaurant meals are tough to compare to other places outside Asia. Street food helps make prices low. But then you're eating off a cart in a plastic chair on the side of the road with dishes washed in cold water. LOL Or, in a food court. Of which some food courts are good and some are...well...less than good. But you can have some really cheap meals in these places.

Interesting to look at the Mercer report. Shows Thailand jumped a bunch of places this year and Spain went down a bunch.

https://www.imercer.com/uploads/GM/col2015/e654123/index.html

Madrid is at 115, Bangkok at 45.

[Jimlove]

Spanish tax is quite high,looking at the figures about £ 9000 before tax kicks in then 19% tax up until £15000 then 24%, after that 30% this for pensions

Agree ... You pay tax in all European countries - In my homecountry tax is quite high but the reason for that is :

Free healthcare - Libraries - Policeforce that enforce law - Infrastructure - Schools - Welfare system - Prisons for corrupt officials etc. etc.

[TIMMMMM]

"Prisons for corrupt officials etc. etc." what country is that?

[loppylugs1]

Cannot copy and paste the file I wanted to show,but Portugal has 10 year tax free for foreign residents

money.htm

Edited August 10, 2015 by loppylugs1

[Jimlove]

"Prisons for corrupt officials etc. etc." what country is that?

Not Thailand - if you have connections and Money you go free ... Not in a civilized country thats not a banana republic ...

[TIMMMMM]

Portugal 10-year tax free offer has lots of conditions attached. It ain't that rosy as it looks. More like a trap.

Edited August 10, 2015 by TIMMMMM