Considering Retiring in Bangkok

[m07801]

Hello all,

My name is Mike, and I live in the USA Im a newbie to the group. Just joined yesterday. I know you have probably heard this retiring thing many times before. Could you do me the favor of answering a few questions?

Im turning 62 next year. Im researching the possibility of the BKK as a retirement option. This would be for myself. I have never been to Thailand, so that is why it is in the research phase. I plan to visit BKK in October, for about three weeks. I plan to get information there, look around, take day trips, etc. Basically suing it as a base. I like cities, want good health care facilities, and good public transportation. I have read that Thailand is one of the best places to retire for expats.

If I did retire to BKK, I would just rent an apartment, with kitchen. I know the kitchens are not like the ones we have in the west. One question is. Someone told on a website that if I do retire to BKK, I should look for a complex that has other westerners living there. The person then told me the Thais can be loud, blasting music and all that in their apts. Well I would not like that. But I have lived in apt. complexes here in the USA where I had issues with neighbors with loud music, parties, etc. So I cant see how this would pertain to just the Thais. And i guess the complexes that mostly cater to westerners would have much higher rentals.

I heard it is cheaper to live in the BKK out in the "suburbs". Could anyone one recommend me a few names of the areas such as this? Areas where there is public transport to reach the city center. I would not own any type of vehicle in the BKK.

One last question. This might be an unfair one. Im going to give a USD amount per month for income. For a person who is single, would eat out now and then in a restaurant maybe twice a week, go out a couple of times a week for a beer. Not a party person. Would $3200 USD per month sound ok? Would this income allow a single person to live fairly well? Again this is probably an unfair question.

Any opinions, suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

[CaptHaddock]

Thai culture is a culture of sound and that includes loud sounds. Think of it like Puerto Rican culture. If you like the one you would probably like the other. But it sounds like you wouldn't. So, you should definitely live with westerners and upper-class Thais and close to supermarkets that cater to our food tastes. $3200/month is plenty, even for upscale neighborhoods. You can check out current rental offerings by building at prakard.com.

Later, after you are familiar you can go native if you want, but it would be foolish to start off that way especially since you know nothing of Thailand at this point.

The only public transportation that is up to western standards is the light rail system in Bangkok which is excellent, but small. Once you get into the suburbs you will need to drive a car to get into the center and traffic jams will become your way of life. If you get a place, say a block from the BTS or MRT, you will organize your life around those places that are easily accessible. You can take a cheap Uber ride on those occasions when you need to get beyond the reach of the subway.

Why are you considering retiring in Bangkok, by the way? Is it the cheap cost of living? Girls? Are you planning on learning Thai? Beyond the financial question, the big issue with retirement is what are you going to do all day?

[m07801]

Thank you for the response. One of my considerations is economically. But I would also like to live in another country for the experience. I would want to learn and experience the culture. I would want to make new friends. And learn the language. It would be a whole new experience for me.

During my lifetime, I have traveled a lot, but always lived in the USA. Most of my travels have been overseas. I have also been to China three times, and Japan twice. I know they are different from Thailand. But Asia fascinates. The culture, people, etc. And I met some wonderful people in these other countries, especially Japan and China.

If I did move to Thailand or any place overseas. I dont want to just associate with other expats or westerners. I want to get to know and mingle with the local people.

As for what i would do in Thailand upon retiring? I would work part-time if I could. But I know I cant. So I was thinking some sort of volunteer work. I just dont want to stay home all day. And this would give me a chance to meet local people.

As for the girls. Well Iam single. So if I met a nice woman, of course I would date her. i do know it is a different culture though, and could be a language issue. And Im not talking about meeting bar girls or anything like that. Im not a party type guy.

If I retired to BKK, it would be no earlier than next year. I turn 62, so I can also collect Social Security plus my pension from work. I also can keep my health plan which would cover me overse I do meet the retirement visa requirements. The only issue I see is selling my condo quickly. But I would want to do this before I get too old LOL.

Just to clarify. You say that $3200 USD figure is pretty good. Are you including average rent in that figure?

[jadee]

Hi, my advice is to search this forum and read other threads, that's the best research you could do and far better than coming to visit for 3 weeks in October where everything looks wonderful due to rose-tinted glasses (or beer goggles!). You'll find plenty of thread by other Americans who chose to retire here, and others who made the move but want to relocate back to the states. Those threads (use the search function) will help you answer both your questions about where to live and about your budget. You'll find the whole range of human experiences: some people live here decades and love it, others get bored in a few short years. To each their own.
My personal thoughts are that it's odd you are considering retiring to a country you've never visited before and you should definitely not sell your US condo and cut ties before you've taken a 'trial' retirement of around a year. Just as some students take a 'gap' year to travel between school and college (like President Obama's daughter is doing), there is also a growing number of older people taking a year off, dubbed a 'grey' year. That approach may be beneficial.
My personal advice if you do make the move is to study Thai intensively in a language center when you first arrive, or before you arrive if you can. That's the no.1 thing that will open doors and opportunities. Many US missionaries come and study intensively so they can preach to Thais and it works. Thailand is boring and frustrating if you can't read anything, and can't speak with Thais or make friends.

[beachproperty]

I applaud you decision to relocate to Thailand. And the advice given so far has been stellar.

I am an American who retired to Thailand over 10 years ago. I do not regret it.

Your budget is MORE then enough for a good lifestyle here in Thailand.

Pravet is a suburb of Bangkok (btw downtown and the Airport). Getting around is easy enough by Taxi (costs any where from $2...locally , to $10...downtown) or even cheaper if you take public transportation. AND there are plenty of taxi.....every 5th car is a taxi.

Rent can be anywhere from $300 to ?????. An example http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/real-estate/apartments-to-rent/regent-home-22-sukhumvit-85-for-rent-bangkok-366504.html

This will be you biggest expense next to food and it all depends on you.

I wish you luck

Edited June 25, 2016 by beachproperty

[CaptHaddock]

Thank you for the response. One of my considerations is economically. But I would also like to live in another country for the experience. I would want to learn and experience the culture. I would want to make new friends. And learn the language. It would be a whole new experience for me.

During my lifetime, I have traveled a lot, but always lived in the USA. Most of my travels have been overseas. I have also been to China three times, and Japan twice. I know they are different from Thailand. But Asia fascinates. The culture, people, etc. And I met some wonderful people in these other countries, especially Japan and China.

If I did move to Thailand or any place overseas. I dont want to just associate with other expats or westerners. I want to get to know and mingle with the local people.

As for what i would do in Thailand upon retiring? I would work part-time if I could. But I know I cant. So I was thinking some sort of volunteer work. I just dont want to stay home all day. And this would give me a chance to meet local people.

As for the girls. Well Iam single. So if I met a nice woman, of course I would date her. i do know it is a different culture though, and could be a language issue. And Im not talking about meeting bar girls or anything like that. Im not a party type guy.

If I retired to BKK, it would be no earlier than next year. I turn 62, so I can also collect Social Security plus my pension from work. I also can keep my health plan which would cover me overse I do meet the retirement visa requirements. The only issue I see is selling my condo quickly. But I would want to do this before I get too old LOL.

Just to clarify. You say that $3200 USD figure is pretty good. Are you including average rent in that figure?

Yes, it's good to see the world from outside of the USA. Part of what you may discover is how American you are after all. It is a big adjustment living in Thailand where the culture is quite alien to Americans. That can be stimulating, but it can also be very frustrating.

You can probably only work if you start your own company for which being an American offers some significant advantages compared to other nationalities. Volunteer work in Thailand requires a work permit even if unpaid.

As for your budget, as should be obvious, no one size fits all. I live in a high end building on a quiet soi half a block from the BTS. Swimming pool, squash court, steam room, diligent staff. Construction nearly to western standards. prakard.com lists a 67 sq. m. one-bedroom currently available for 45,000 baht/month or $1269. You can afford that and you wouldn't have to worry about noise. That's just one example. Perhaps you can find better deals. There are certainly posters on here who would consider a rent like that outrageously high. Chacun a son gout.

Learning Thai is quite challenging particularly if you are monolingual. Most schools that teach Thai to foreigners are junk and most Westerners fail ever to become fluent. If you want to succeed you have to look beyond the routine discussion you will find here. If you think that you can learn Thai from books and tapes you are dreaming, but it's a popular dream. There are two programs that I can recommend that teach Thai to the standard of a US university. If you are committed and willing to work hard, you can certainly become fluent in Thai, but you will be in a small minority.

Mixing with Thai women is not too difficult. Many of them speak English. Becoming friends with Thai men is much more difficult.

[The Dancer]

(1) $3200 which is bit more than 110,000b is ample income per month to have a comfortable lifestyle here. You have zero financial worries to look out for.

(2) If you rent in a bit upscale (more than the average) building, say where the min rent is 20,000b, your neighbors aren't going to be the type to be partying till late with music blasting and doors open or wandering drunk through the hallways.

(3) Don't stay in the suburbs at first. You don't need to as you can comfortably afford to be in the city where there's a heckuva lot more to do and it's far easier to meet people.

(4) No, you don't need American/farang neighbors to survive. If you do get homesick expats are easy to meet all over the city. And forums like this one will get you all the help you'll ever need.

(5) Thai is a challenging language but learning is a fun project. I would hire a 1-on-1 tutor at first. That way you have a local friend too.

(6) Don't fall in love before being here a year at least. No, I am not being facetious. You're a (relatively) rich single foreigner which means you'll be a magnet for some women, who aren't necessarily gold diggers but who could strip you or your independence pretty quickly. Stay free till you know the ropes.

(7) Have fun. You will. I moved here from the US 12 years ago and it's been a blast.

Edited June 25, 2016 by The Dancer

[slipperylobster]

It's cheap enough for your budget.

You would actually be happier trying one month in different parts of Thailand

Do not lock yourself into a lease just yet. Try monthly apartels and such.

Thailand has much variety. Try it all out.

At least try some island life, some city life, some mountain life, and some countryside life.

[Thainess]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

[beachproperty]

Just don't. Far more negatives than positives these days. The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S., unless you're retiring from somewhere like New York.

Would you care to direct us to ANY site that indicates that "The cost is likely to be equal to or more than the U.S"

Either you don't live here in Thailand ,just a Thai Basher, or a troll.

Either way, OP ....just ignore this advice as he's talking out of his as-

Edited June 25, 2016 by beachproperty

[dddave]

Lots of sound advice already. I moved to Thailand from the US at 61 and have now been here for more than 10 years. At first, I tried living with a Thai GF in Isan but soon realized that was not working for me on many levels and bailed out...I'm basically a city guy.

As others have said; a three week trip will give you some feeling for Bangkok and maybe enough time for you to find reasons you don't like it enough to want to stay long term but not enough time really to determine that it would be right for you in the long run. If possible, keep your US options open until you have stayed a minimum of a full year.

Bangkok is a great city and even after more than 10 years here, I still find fascinating new things almost on a daily basis. I also feel personally safer here than in any US city but living here and enjoying it requires a pretty high level of tolerance for the daily annoyances encountered is dealing with a society and culture far different from back home. If you spend some time reading this forum, you will find many examples of ex-pats who for whatever reasons live here but seem to despise everything Thai and spend a lot of time and energy pissing and moaning about every facet of life here. These same fellows can usually be found sitting on the stool next to you at many local watering holes and they will be more than happy to explain to you all the reasons Thailand sucks

Like every society on earth, Thailand has an abundance of faults, contradictions and hypocrisies and is not the heavenly "Land of Smiles" it pretends to be but it is arguably one of the most tolerant societies there is...with some glaring and sometimes hilarious exceptions; for instance, don't try to join a Bridge club.

You certainly have the means to stay here for as long as you like. You have more than enough monthly income to qualify for legal retirement financial requirements and there will be a huge range of housing options available to you.

For many expats here, Bangkok is actually a pretty small town. Socially, expats seem to cluster in specific parts of town at western oriented bars and restaurants, often targeted at specific national groups: Brit bars, Aussie bars, American bars...you name the country, there'll be a bar catering to it's countrymen.

No question you will learn what it's like to feel like a rock star, even at 62, when you first venture into the world of women here...few first time visitors fail to fall into the honey trap that beckons at every corner, coffee shop and shopping mall...you won't even be safe in line at 7-11. The smiles are dazzling, the attentiveness seductive and the casual availability more than tempting....just keep the mantra: "It's about the money" written on the back of your hand because that is truly what it is ultimately about.

The air is horrible, the heat unrelenting, the rains torrential and the pavements treacherous. Wires hang low. sidewalks are motorways and pedestrians are worthy only of car drivers contempt. Thais can be cloyingly sweet and amazingly rude and store clerks consistently clueless. All that said, I would still not want to live anywhere else.

You won't know unless you give it a try. I hope you do.

Edited June 25, 2016 by dddave

[gdgbb]

The only public transportation that is up to western standards is the light rail system in Bangkok which is excellent, but small. Once you get into the suburbs you will need to drive a car to get into the center and traffic jams will become your way of life. You can take a cheap Uber ride on those occasions when you need to get beyond the reach of the subway.

The OP needs to take remarks like this with a large pinch of salt, in other words, what the poster said is not true. And there is more to getting around than Uber. There are real, cheaper, regulated taxis also.

The BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground are excellent but the systems are definitely not small. They enable easy, cheap, air-conditioned travel around most areas of the city which is spread wide.

You do not necessarily need a car living in the suburbs of Bangkok, there are 100,000 registered taxis in and around the city and getting a taxi outside of the centre of Bangkok is easy, and very cheap. Bear in mind that most taxi drivers themselves live in the suburbs so, by definition, those living in the suburbs are catered for.

My ex-wife and my son live miles out of Bangkok in Lam Luk Ka, Pathumthani and after a two minute walk from their house to the main road there are hundreds of metered taxis to choose from to get back to the city.

Being retired you will be able to choose your own times of travel and if you want to avoid heavy traffic avoid the rush hours. Simple. Bangkok is not gridlocked all day.

[gdgbb]

Lots of sound advice already. I moved to Thailand from the US at 61 and have now been here for more than 10 years. At first, I tried living with a Thai GF in Isan but soon realized that was not working for me on many levels and bailed out...I'm basically a city guy.

As others have said; a three week trip will give you some feeling for Bangkok and maybe enough time for you to find reasons you don't like it enough to want to stay long term but not enough time really to determine that it would be right for you in the long run. If possible, keep your US options open until you have stayed a minimum of a full year.

Bangkok is a great city and even after more than 10 years here, I still find fascinating new things almost on a daily basis. I also feel personally safer here than in any US city but living here and enjoying it requires a pretty high level of tolerance for the daily annoyances encountered is dealing with a society and culture far different from back home. If you spend some time reading this forum, you will find many examples of ex-pats who for whatever reasons live here but seem to despise everything Thai and spend a lot of time and energy pissing and moaning about every facet of life here. These same fellows can usually be found sitting on the stool next to you at many local watering holes and they will be more than happy to explain to you all the reasons Thailand sucks

Like every society on earth, Thailand has an abundance of faults, contradictions and hypocrisies and is not the heavenly "Land of Smiles" it pretends to be but it is arguably one of the most tolerant societies there is...with some glaring and sometimes hilarious exceptions; for instance, don't try to join a Bridge club.

You certainly have the means to stay here for as long as you like. You have more than enough monthly income to qualify for legal retirement financial requirements and there will be a huge range of housing options available to you.

For many expats here, Bangkok is actually a pretty small town. Socially, expats seem to cluster in specific parts of town at western oriented bars and restaurants, often targeted at specific national groups: Brit bars, Aussie bars, American bars...you name the country, there'll be a bar catering to it's countrymen.

No question you will learn what it's like to feel like a rock star, even at 62, when you first venture into the world of women here...few first time visitors fail to fall into the honey trap that beckons at every corner, coffee shop and shopping mall...you won't even be safe in line at 7-11. The smiles are dazzling, the attentiveness seductive and the casual availability more than tempting....just keep the mantra: "It's about the money" written on the back of your hand because that is truly what it is ultimately about.

The air is horrible, the heat unrelenting, the rains torrential and the pavements treacherous. Wires hang low. sidewalks are motorways and pedestrians are worthy only of car drivers contempt. Thais can be cloyingly sweet and amazingly rude and store clerks consistently clueless. All that said, I would still not want to live anywhere else.

You won't know unless you give it a try. I hope you do.

Absolutely right, except for the bit about the "horrible" air quality.

Bangkok's air is no worse than many other cities outside Thailand and much better than most. Recent independent surveys confirm that.

I came here 20+ years ago from the UK where I suffered from dust allergy and regularly needed to use a prescribed inhaler in order to be able to breathe properly, I haven't had to use it in 20 years and I've lived in the centres of Bangkok, Sathorn, Silom, lower and mid Sukhumvit, Yannawa, Klong Toei and Bang Rak.

Edited June 25, 2016 by gdgbb

[CaptHaddock]

The only public transportation that is up to western standards is the light rail system in Bangkok which is excellent, but small. Once you get into the suburbs you will need to drive a car to get into the center and traffic jams will become your way of life. You can take a cheap Uber ride on those occasions when you need to get beyond the reach of the subway.

The OP needs to take remarks like this with a large pinch of salt, in other words, what the poster said is not true. And there is more to getting around than Uber. There are real, cheaper, regulated taxis also.

The BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground are excellent but the systems are definitely not small. They enable easy, cheap, air-conditioned travel around most areas of the city which is spread wide.

The combined BTS and MRT system is tiny. The figure I find for the BTS is 35 kilometers and for the MRT 20 kilometers of track. If that doesn't include the latest extension then double it. Still tiny. The New York City subway system is 1100 kilometers of track.

Salt should be shared generously.

Bangkok is designed for traffic jams. Manhattan and Tokyo has road surface areas between 22% and 28% of total area, from memory. Bangkok's road surface area is no more than 13% of total area. Friends of our recently allowed two hours to get to the restaurant for their anniversary dinner. Gave up and went home after four hours. Must be bad luck. Rescheduled for the next day and set out even earlier. Again gave up and went home hungry after four hours. In thirty years I never heard a story like that living in New York.

[berybert]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind that you are not stuck if things don't work out for you.

I lived in Bangkok for 13 months and am planning on going back later this year. I have lived in London all my life other than those 13 months. So I am also a city person and if you love city life then the madness of Bangkok will appeal.

The public transport isn't great but it was good enough for me.

Your budget will be fine for a good life including rent. I lived in a 1 bed 50 meter condo not far from Thonglor BTS which cost me 21,000 baht all bills in. Tho I am not an a/c fan so it might cost an extra 3 or 4 thousand, which is still not a great deal.

Give it a go, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Good luck.

[CaptHaddock]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind

He shouldn't keep the condo if he's from a state with an income tax and owning property in that state could make him liable for state income tax even though he is living in Bangkok. Whether that is a risk or not depends on the tax domicile regulations of the state.

[KhunBENQ]

With 3200 USD per month you don't have to worry too much about loud neighborhoods

Also I wouldn't care too much about a kitchen.

More than a microwave, little oven, fridge and a simple cooktop for the hunger in between is enough.

Otherwise you go out for food and with your budget you can stick to western food if you fancy.

Yes, you HAVE to love cities to stay in Bangkok. I don't think this needs more details.

A first visit in October will likely give you a taste of rainy season.

[berybert]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind

He shouldn't keep the condo if he's from a state with an income tax and owning property in that state could make him liable for state income tax even though he is living in Bangkok. Whether that is a risk or not depends on the tax domicile regulations of the state.

The idea of renting a place out is that it covers all tax that needs to be paid. This is what I do.

[CaptHaddock]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind

He shouldn't keep the condo if he's from a state with an income tax and owning property in that state could make him liable for state income tax even though he is living in Bangkok. Whether that is a risk or not depends on the tax domicile regulations of the state.

The idea of renting a place out is that it covers all tax that needs to be paid. This is what I do.

You are probably thinking of property tax (like British council tax?), for which he may indeed be liable, but which is not what I am referring to. Nearly all US states, and some cities, impose an income tax that is over and above the federal income tax that all US residents pay to the national government. For instance, New York State's income tax may be as high as 9% of taxable income. (New York City levies an additional 4% income tax in addition to NY State.) The states have various criteria for determining whether for tax purposes you remain a "resident" of the state even if you now live in Bangkok. Owning property in the state is one of the qualifications that the states take into consideration. So, that owning property could result in his being taxed by his former state on all of his worldwide income, not just the rental income from the property itself.

[realenglish1]

I would think twice about settling in Thailand at this point with the this repressive government at this time They are gearing up to control the internet You have to report to Immigration every 3 months when you are here and fill in a form about your background that is very intrusive such as bank account information, social media exposure Where you go shopping etc Yes you read this right .

It is BIG BROTHER

You are better retiring to a place like Panama where you are treated with respect I am going to leave Thailand and move there since they truly do welcome foreigners here they really do not like Foreigners except the money they bring

[phuketandsee]

Don't do it - at least not for a year or two till you can judge better the way things are going. And even if things work out ok, which IMHO is very unlikely, you have the problem of Bangkok sinking below the sea. This is a very real issue.

Edited June 25, 2016 by phuketandsee

[LPCustom69]

If you don't have health insurance, look into purchasing a policy.

[Jeffkp]

I retired to Chiang Mai two years ago and don't regret it. Much of the advice offered here is sound. I bought my condo and budget $2200.00 a month which is more than adequate. Don't limit yourself to just considering Bangkok! I live in Chiang Mai because the pace is more to my liking, as is the weather. Also Chiang Mai has excellent medical facilities and an international Airport. It's also easy and fun to make day trips out of town.

As for apartments, ask how many foreigners live there. Look at the construction and the overall cleanliness. If you are dealing with the owner, talk to the building management staff as well. Many of the newer condos that cater to westerners have western kitchens (probably pay a bit more for that).

Learning some Thai is key. Even if you only speak a little that can go a long way to gaining good will.

Most of all, keep a good sense of humor! You're in a different culture with a completely different world view from the west. If's their county, not yours. Part of the wonder and joy of living here.

[Thainess]

I would think twice about settling in Thailand at this point with the this repressive government at this time They are gearing up to control the internet You have to report to Immigration every 3 months when you are here and fill in a form about your background that is very intrusive such as bank account information, social media exposure Where you go shopping etc Yes you read this right .

It is BIG BROTHER

You are better retiring to a place like Panama where you are treated with respect I am going to leave Thailand and move there since they truly do welcome foreigners here they really do not like Foreigners except the money they bring

100% correct. The Thais have never respected foreigners. It's one of the most xenophobic countries on earth. They grudgingly accept your presence in order to exploit you financially. Many other countries genuinely like Westerners and welcome you to live in their country, making it easy for you to buy property, start companies, and so on, without trying to rip you off and charge you more than locals. Thailand is the opposite of that.

[The manic]

Mike- ignore the nay sayers and Thai haters on this forum they are damaged people and often failed here. They are Thai haters. I am 62 - travelled all round the world and Thailand is the most fun extraordinary exciting but relaxing place I have ever lived in. Although based in Pattyaya I travel all round going to festivals and have a great time. The Thais are nice . Do your research and see what's is happening in October - elephants round ups- traditional food and music dance festivals - boat races- wax castles - fireballs from dragons. There is no place like it on earth if you are a positive person. However this forum isvfamous for its miserable people and misery never lacks company. You can PM me if you want. Ignore the losers here - I sense you are not one. Oh great food - food of the world - cheap food - cheap transport- good booze and plenty of company and good weather. Once you settle in here you will regret that you did not do it years ago.

Edited June 25, 2016 by The manic

[beachproperty]

I would think twice about settling in Thailand at this point with the this repressive government at this time They are gearing up to control the internet You have to report to Immigration every 3 months when you are here and fill in a form about your background that is very intrusive such as bank account information, social media exposure Where you go shopping etc Yes you read this right .

It is BIG BROTHER

You are better retiring to a place like Panama where you are treated with respect I am going to leave Thailand and move there since they truly do welcome foreigners here they really do not like Foreigners except the money they bring

100% correct. The Thais have never respected foreigners. It's one of the most xenophobic countries on earth. They grudgingly accept your presence in order to exploit you financially. Many other countries genuinely like Westerners and welcome you to live in their country, making it easy for you to buy property, start companies, and so on, without trying to rip you off and charge you more than locals. Thailand is the opposite of that.

Well, Thainess , as it seems you will not respond to my comment on your previous post I'll respond to this vague and ambiguous post.

Firstly, Thais have a big heart. ALL the Thais I have met have been nothing but giving and helpful. You must be the type who invites others to exploit you....financially and otherwise

Secondly, Painting the Thais with a single brush stroke just shows YOUR xenophobia towards the Thais.....You get what you sow

And lastly ....Yes ....The government is going through a change....whats different...it changes every 5-6 years

[Thaifly88]

My advice would be to go for it. But do not sell your condo in the U.S. rent it out of if can, that way you always have the option and peace of mind that you are not stuck if things don't work out for you.

I lived in Bangkok for 13 months and am planning on going back later this year. I have lived in London all my life other than those 13 months. So I am also a city person and if you love city life then the madness of Bangkok will appeal.

The public transport isn't great but it was good enough for me.

Your budget will be fine for a good life including rent. I lived in a 1 bed 50 meter condo not far from Thonglor BTS which cost me 21,000 baht all bills in. Tho I am not an a/c fan so it might cost an extra 3 or 4 thousand, which is still not a great deal.

Give it a go, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Good luck.

I am currently in a monthly rental in Sukumwit Soi 4 - in the heart of the action, but too close for comfort (for me). I am interested in other monthly rental options not too far away from where I am currently staying as it's near my Thai language school. Would you be able to list a few options please (names and locations). You mentioned Thong Lor, that sounds perfect - more detail if you don't mind. Thanks in advance..

[The manic]

Hi, my advice is to search this forum and read other threads, that's the best research you could do and far better than coming to visit for 3 weeks in October where everything looks wonderful due to rose-tinted glasses (or beer goggles!). You'll find plenty of thread by other Americans who chose to retire here, and others who made the move but want to relocate back to the states. Those threads (use the search function) will help you answer both your questions about where to live and about your budget. You'll find the whole range of human experiences: some people live here decades and love it, others get bored in a few short years. To each their own.

My personal thoughts are that it's odd you are considering retiring to a country you've never visited before and you should definitely not sell your US condo and cut ties before you've taken a 'trial' retirement of around a year. Just as some students take a 'gap' year to travel between school and college (like President Obama's daughter is doing), there is also a growing number of older people taking a year off, dubbed a 'grey' year. That approach may be beneficial.

My personal advice if you do make the move is to study Thai intensively in a language center when you first arrive, or before you arrive if you can. That's the no.1 thing that will open doors and opportunities. Many US missionaries come and study intensively so they can preach to Thais and it works. Thailand is boring and frustrating if you can't read anything, and can't speak with Thais or make friends.

This dreadful advice - come in October and you will be delighted - I have been coming here for 25 years - do not have rose tinted glasses and simply cannot be bothered going anywhere else now ! I have visited, worked in or lived in nearly 60 countries. You need money here and you have it in spades with your budget. Ignore the advice about reading through these threads rather than coming here - Have a great time when you come . You do not need to learn the language - it's not nesscessary and a possible waste of time until it comes naturally. The only sensible suggestion is not to sell your USA property - rent it out for a year. BTW Medical services are excellent here. The main drawback here is that Thailand attracted a lot of mediocre expats who don't have the talent to enjoy life-made some bad decisions and are stuck here with no money or made bad decisions and can't come back. The Christian Missionaries here are a lunatic fringe of street screamers reviled by most expats but tolerated by the Thais who are Buddhists and don't need Christian zealots Edited June 25, 2016 by The manic

[likeke]

I moved to Bangkok 3 years ago at he age of 64. I traveled here on six occasions before making the jump, so I knew the layout and had friends in place. My pension is approximate to yours, and have no problems financially, in fact I save a lot. My condo is very quiet and I pay about 20,000 ($570). If you want a nice quiet place just stay away from "Thai-style" apartments that cost about 3,500 baht per month. With your income you will have no problems. Anything over 100,000 for a single guy you can live extremely well. Here's what I recommend:

(1) Don't burn any bridges back home. Don't sell anything until you have been here for awhile.

(2) Don't commit to anyone or anything for at least 1-2 years. Seriously.

(3) Don't take bar girls seriously. Have fun and look for a nice Thai lady.

(4) Have or develop a hobby. I go to the gym 5 days a week, and ballroom dance and take bachata/salsa lessons.

(5) You will love the transit system here. One of the main reasons I am still here, as will as the cost of living benefits.

(6) Invest in Thai language lessons as soon as you can.

(7) Travel throughout SEA if you can. Bangkok is an excellent hub to do that.

Chok dee khrup.

[MyFriend You]

I would think twice about settling in Thailand at this point with the this repressive government at this time They are gearing up to control the internet You have to report to Immigration every 3 months when you are here and fill in a form about your background that is very intrusive such as bank account information, social media exposure Where you go shopping etc Yes you read this right .

It is BIG BROTHER

You are better retiring to a place like Panama where you are treated with respect I am going to leave Thailand and move there since they truly do welcome foreigners here they really do not like Foreigners except the money they bring

A bit off topic, but I lived in Panama City for 3 1/2 years due to work, was robbed three times, car jacked once, and beaten severely by half dozen young kids during a festival.........been associated with Thailand for forty years, never robbed once, or even in a fight, was pick pocketed once in Pon Thip though, they got four thousand bath from a front pocket.

Its all a matter of perspective, most of us have nothing to hide, so we don't give a rats behind whether Big Brother is watching........we get the correct Visa's, we report every 90 days, make Thai friends, avoid 'the honey traps' and live life to the fullest. Enjoy Panama, if you think it rains in Thailand, wait till you've lived in Panama for awhile you've got a rude awakening coming.