I had visted twice in 2009 and twice in 2010, stayng a month each visit. Traveled a bit, but decided Chiang Mai felt right. Sold all in the US and retired here in 2011. Figured I would rent anything I needed. Then bought a motorbike, floods in 2011 convinced me that a car roof would be handy. A friend was downsizing and I benefitted in buying a car, and some furniture. Reasonably priced condo rooms became available so I bought three, reconstructed and furnished. Met my ex-wife and was settled in. So much for the renting all idea. Now single again in the condo with car and motorbike but back to renting other services. So, I have come back partly to full circle. Only miss having a female to go on short trips, cuddle on the couch some evenings. Otherwise still happy in Chiang Mai.

My plan was to live in CM for 6 months, now

after 6 1/2 years still enjoying life in CM 3-4

months each year and Pattaya the other months.

 

I planned to find a decent house in a good neighborhood, make some friends and enjoy life.  So far, I am right on schedule.

I came here to enjoy the eastern women and to settle down with one who didn't mind me fooling around, all was and is well so far, but I burned myself out on the nightlife and quite like being domesticated now.  I do still enjoy the fact that my wife never worries about what I do or where I go, but no need to fool around anymore. Got it all in spades here, just as planned. I had some lookers back home but not with the freedom and piece of mind I have here.

JAFO

i read your post,i have to agree with you.

I love you brother.

KKD

28 minutes ago, Khon Kaen Dave said:

JAFO

i read your post,i have to agree with you.

I love you brother.

KKD

 

Somebody's feeling the christmas cheer. 

Did your plans/intentions change after arriving in Thailand?

 

Never had a plan, had to wait one night to transfer to a flight here to Taiwan.

Booked a hotel, got drunk and slept with a lady.

Missed my flight so here I am, 40+ years on.

Started out with two suitcases and a bag of dreams....the place has a way of wearing out its welcome....in the proces of packing it back up and doing a re-do.....just because I can and will.....lol...???

I came to Thailand on a whim in the early 60's- young and full of dreams. I loved the place the first time I hit Don Muang. I knew then I would retire in Thailand and made plans to do it.  Many life events have altered  plans such as financial up and downs and deaths but somehow you  find ways to endure. While I like to remember the Thailand of old; and there are great memories- it could be the best ones are still to be made.

On 12/10/2016 at 0:04 PM, marko kok prong said:

yes,my petting zoo business crashed,the sheep couldn't take the heat,and got cranky,my prize Norfolk bantams faded to nothing,then the hot season arrived the lush grass died,i was left with a wasteland,of empty pens and dead trees ,i would continue but i am getting emotional,anyway i thought it was a sure thing,lost a few quid,but never mind.

So, even after all that, you're still here??  Like the rest of us, 'life goes on'.......

 

1 hour ago, Thaidream said:

I came to Thailand on a whim in the early 60's- young and full of dreams. I loved the place the first time I hit Don Muang. I knew then I would retire in Thailand and made plans to do it.  Many life events have altered  plans such as financial up and downs and deaths but somehow you  find ways to endure. While I like to remember the Thailand of old; and there are great memories- it could be the best ones are still to be made.

Funnily enough I wished to god that I'd never come to Thailand during the first week of a two week holiday, and cried myself to sleep most nights - longing to go back home!

 

The second week it stopped raining and we gave up on driving around (too many dead dogs on the road which we found extremely depressing) and stayed close to the quiet resort.

 

It was only then that I started to appreciate the beautiful beach/friendly locals (although even at the time, I wasn't particularly impressed when the hotel receptionist wanted to introduce my husband to  her mother....) etc.

On 08/12/2016 at 11:22 PM, mcfish said:

Op tink to mut

Sent from my SC-01D using Tapatalk
 

+ 1

Came here to help startup a new petrochemical plant. Lived in a apartment type hotel paid for by the company. Fell in love with Thailand. So much cheaper here than back home and hardly any taxes. No cold and snow suites me just fine. Sold everything back home but have a storage locker for all my tools which wI'll go to my older son. Met a Thai girl and have a son to be 5 year old soon that is a joy. Trying something times at my age but am happy. That's my short version.

 

 

After retiring and while on a trip in Europe I decided to cut the ball and chain and enjoy the freedom of movement.  Sold, gave away and threw out 95% of my things and with 2 suit cases arrived in Thailand.  

I figured I'd stay a year or two and travel around... now 5th year here :)  
There's been some struggles, probably little to do with Thailand and more to do with me and what I like to do and how I like to live.   
Most of the time it's ok, but I don't want to "live" here and as I spend more and more time in other places I'm me ok with keeping Thailand as my base camp for now.  
USA, Canada and parts of Europe are hands down more fun, more things to do, beautiful country, good food, good people and easier to communicate.   

Renewing my extension of stay and multi-reentry permit this week ... 555