Popular Post bwpage3 Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 On almost every post, you can always find a distinct and sometimes die-hard stance on the issues at hand. People get bashed when they decide that after living in Thailand for years they return home. People are excited to live in Thailand based on their < 45,000 thb monthly income. Some are financially trapped Some can't seem to compare apples to apples. Owning versus renting, having a car versus public transportation, eating street food every meal or western food All sorts from A to Z The question is how much are expats influenced to live in Thailand or stay in Thailand by the amount of money they have either through their earnings in Thailand or their retirement pensions? It would seem many have succumbed to the fact that they will live in Thailand forever, due to their own economic misfortunes. Some have money, can afford to live in Thailand half the year and their own country the other half. (This seems to be the happiest and least confrontational lot.) Some just seem to have enough money to do whatever they want to. Would so many expats be so gung-ho living in Thailand if they had the financial freedom to make others choices? It seems whenever posts get combative and argumentative, the majority come from the lower income expats living in Thailand, who at times defend their position without even the slightest bit of logic. It is one thing to make your decisions, but this post is focusing on how much of the decision making to live, stay, die in Thailand is made strictly due to personal financial situations? And why are the expats with little income always bashing those that move back to their countries? 13 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post cranki Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 In short...I think you are right...opinions are very much dependent on how much "coin" some have. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post i claudius Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 I could not imagine living back in the UK with all the rules and regulations and the PC bullsh-- . I like the fact that if i park my car with its wheel touching the yellow line i dont get a fine for 90 quid,like my son in law did yesterday.I would miss the sun and freedom we have ,not rich,but enough for now ,i also have a terrific Thai family. Sent from my SM-A720F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app 16 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Nyezhov Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 Im here because I cant do winter, and am bored in the USA looking at the same sh*t every day. Plus my girlfriend drives me nuts. 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post richard_smith237 Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 (edited) Without a doubt.... While most of us try and apply balance its only natural that our opinions are influenced by our own experiences.... Life in Thailand is much easier when not so tightly budgeted..... better restaurants, better medical care, better transport (own car), better accommodation (better neighbors), better education for child etc etc etc... and perhaps more insulation from the absurd... And.... not being on the breadline opens a world to meeting wealthier Thai's many of whom have a Western education, speak fluent English. It's easier to develop mutually respectful relationships and friendships that develop within ones own-socio-economic-educational spectrum... life just becomes far more normal.... On the other hand, living under financial strain is stressful, I'm sure people would suggest they are exposed to the 'real' Thailand and everyones mileage may vary, but whenever I decided to go more native there are just more hassles... Now of course, the above is just two facets of a multifaceted issue... and financial wellbeing is not the only or primary factor in ones opinions of Thailand... being a balanced, rational and positive person, and having a balanced, rational and positive approach outweighs any other factor in how we enjoy life in Thailand and how that would impact or opinions. Edited December 5, 2018 by richard_smith237 20 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post impulse Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said: Without a doubt.... While most of us try and apply balance its only natural that our opinions are influenced by our own experiences.... Life in Thailand is much easier when not so tightly budgeted..... better restaurants, better medical care, better transport (own car), better accommodation (better neighbors), better education for child etc etc etc... and perhaps more insulation from the absurd... Life just about everywhere is better if you don't have to cringe and wonder how you're going to cover an unexpected expense that pops up. Businesses (and governments) have gotten so good at bleeding us dry a few $$$ at a time. Back in the States for the first time in 8 years, I am astounded at how poor people can afford all the nickel and diming that goes on every time I go out in public. It's just a few bucks to a few tens of bucks each time, but at the end of a month, it adds up to hundreds. In Thailand for 7+ years, I don't recall feeling nickeled and dimed like I do here back home. Another thing I learned in Asia is that the decision whether to go some place is vastly different when there is no gassed up car sitting in the driveway just beckoning. It's a very different decision when each trip has its own discrete taxi or BTS or MRT expenses, as opposed to getting lost in the fixed cost of amortizing the car, paying the insurance and an occasional tank of gas. 7 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post The Cobra Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 I used to "bounce" for many years, and then decided to stop, and within months of decidong not to do that, I found myself more settled and happier, more accepting and less critical of Thailand. I stopped making continual mental comparisons of the two countries. Best decision I ever made. Money of course plays a part but not in that decision, however the upside is I now have a higher disposable income as there is no more travelling to Europe. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gk10002000 Posted December 5, 2018 Share Posted December 5, 2018 20 minutes ago, impulse said: Life just about everywhere is better if you don't have to cringe and wonder how you're going to cover an unexpected expense that pops up. Businesses (and governments) have gotten so good at bleeding us dry a few $$$ at a time. Back in the States for the first time in 8 years, I am astounded at how poor people can afford all the nickel and diming that goes on every time I go out in public. It's just a few bucks to a few tens of bucks each time, but at the end of a month, it adds up to hundreds. In Thailand for 7+ years, I don't recall feeling nickeled and dimed like I do here back home. Another thing I learned in Asia is that the decision whether to go some place is vastly different when there is no gassed up car sitting in the driveway just beckoning. It's a very different decision when each trip has its own discrete taxi or BTS or MRT expenses, as opposed to getting lost in the fixed cost of amortizing the car, paying the insurance and an occasional tank of gas. I like your travel comments and that is what I love about Thailand. I loved Pattaya because one can hop and off a baht bus. So easy and convenient. I would add that I don't borrow or pay for cars with loans so my USA travel costs are less than most. But I still have amortization costs, routine repairs, major repairs that crop up, insurance etc. Although I drive used SUV no need to insure the vehicle for collision, etc. So there are ways to free up money and live cheaper no matter where one is. I love hands free traveling on decent bus or train. But I sure do like the independence of being able to hop in my car and go anywhere at any time. For a few months I am happy to give that up and wander around Thailand. Not sure how I will like 6 months of no car. Motorbike is so dangerous, yet convenient 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bermondburi Posted December 5, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 5, 2018 Yes, it's all about the money. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post dotpoom Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 I would imagine that all people's attitudes about life are influenced by the amount of "dosh" they posess? 6 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sirineou Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 Having Money is Having options, and I don't think there is anyone on his right mind that does not want more options. It is not that one has to exercise these options , but it's good to know that you have them. IMO ,Not having options creates stress and such stress colors perceptions in a negative way . 14 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Peterw42 Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 (edited) 11 hours ago, bwpage3 said: The question is how much are expats influenced to live in Thailand or stay in Thailand by the amount of money they have either through their earnings in Thailand or their retirement pensions? Of course it is money, 90% of us are here because we can have a better (or at least equivalent) lifestyle than back home. For less money. I dont think anyone has ever moved back home because its cheaper. Coming to live here on a fixed retirement income makes perfect sense. Few would question or criticize how, why etc. The thing I often dont understand is when people start quoting monthly budgets and condo prices etc, far in excess of what they would spend to live well back home. That is the thing I would question, why come to live in Thailand for the same cost or in excess of what a comfortable life back home would cost. Maybe climate, beaches etc comes into the equation for Brits and Europeans etc but for America and Australia etc we have the climate options as well. Edited December 6, 2018 by Peterw42 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janclaes47 Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 10 minutes ago, Peterw42 said: I dont think anyone has ever moved back home because its cheaper. I thought all those that have been forced back home claim that's it because far cheaper there. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murraynz Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 1 hour ago, dotpoom said: I would imagine that all people's attitudes about life are influenced by the amount of "dosh" they posess? what i cant understand is----how do so many people get to retirement age, after 45yrs of potential working time...yet they havent accumulated enough savings ,assets, passive income to provide for a good retirement. so many dont even have enough to deposit the 800,000thb in bank for visa..{its a pittance,realy} scrimping and scraping in retirement is not at all clever...prepare for retirement, we may live 30 yrs past 65.. i dont feel sorry for the people who havent saved---they must have boozed or lived over -extragantly, in their early years... moving to a country with cheaper cost of living-doesnt always solve the problem.... 2 3 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sanemax Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 2 minutes ago, murraynz said: what i cant understand is----how do so many people get to retirement age, after 45yrs of potential working time...yet they havent accumulated enough savings ,assets, passive income to provide for a good retirement. so many dont even have enough to deposit the 800,000thb in bank for visa..{its a pittance,realy} scrimping and scraping in retirement is not at all clever...prepare for retirement, we may live 30 yrs past 65.. i dont feel sorry for the people who havent saved---they must have boozed or lived over -extragantly, in their early years... moving to a country with cheaper cost of living-doesnt always solve the problem.... Spending your working life providing for a wife and kids , getting divorced and losing most of everything you own can have a detrimental effect on your fiances 27 1 5 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post watcharacters Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 12 minutes ago, sanemax said: Spending your working life providing for a wife and kids , getting divorced and losing most of everything you own can have a detrimental effect on your fiances I don't think the poster above your post took that into consideration at all and yet it's very real. I'll just add that there are also those who perhaps took a risk and lost at a point in their life where there wasn't time for recovery. 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 11 hours ago, bwpage3 said: Owning versus renting, A man with a wife never owns anything in the western world. 4 1 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murraynz Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 9 minutes ago, sanemax said: Spending your working life providing for a wife and kids , getting divorced and losing most of everything you own can have a detrimental effect on your fiances many of us have done that---i had to 'start again,' at 44yrs---have taught my kids to work hard and invest well--they have all done very well {late 30's}--live far better lives than i ever did....its easily possible, with the right effort.. the next 'amazing thing'....many expats then get married to thai lady and then loose everything--again.... its hard to start from scratch at seventy yrs old----so they jumo from balcony ???/ its hard to understand why men are sooo dumb.... im very 'hot blooded'-love thai women, but dont loose my brains, when with them... 1 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 12 hours ago, bwpage3 said: It would seem many have succumbed to the fact that they will live in Thailand forever, I will live in Thailand for the next 12 years, due to the fact of my 7-year-old son. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 44 minutes ago, Peterw42 said: Of course it is money, 90% of us are here because we can have a better (or at least equivalent) lifestyle than back home. For less money. It doesn't matter how much money I have, I can't make the UK warmer or drier. 8 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sanemax Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 5 minutes ago, murraynz said: many of us have done that---i had to 'start again,' at 44yrs---have taught my kids to work hard and invest well--they have all done very well {late 30's}--live far better lives than i ever did....its easily possible, with the right effort.. the next 'amazing thing'....many expats then get married to thai lady and then loose everything--again.... its hard to start from scratch at seventy yrs old----so they jumo from balcony ???/ its hard to understand why men are sooo dumb.... im very 'hot blooded'-love thai women, but dont loose my brains, when with them... You are very clever and an intelligent person and have been quite fortunate being born so good and clever , unluckily for others , they arent as good as you 3 1 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 (edited) 10 hours ago, richard_smith237 said: Life in Thailand is much easier when not so tightly budgeted..... better restaurants, better medical care, better transport (own car), better accommodation (better neighbors), better education for child etc etc etc... and perhaps more insulation from the absurd... Just not true, I'm a better cook than your expensive restaurants. I'm not chronically ill, I don't need any medical care. I prefer cycling to sitting in a traffic jam (the car sits at home most weeks). I don't need more than my modern 3 bedroom house (and a garden is pointless as I'm too lazy to garden). My kids are doing fine in government school. Edited December 6, 2018 by BritManToo 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Katipo Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 Money (and by extension career), is the one of the primary reasons I stay in Thailand. Back home I would be comfortable, here I am very much more so, and am able to travel regularly. I am almost certain I will have (or want) to go back home at some point, and have no issues with that, I love my country. Currently just making the most of the opportunity I have. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murraynz Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 24 minutes ago, sanemax said: You are very clever and an intelligent person and have been quite fortunate being born so good and clever , unluckily for others , they arent as good as you its not about being 'clever' , or being 'better'...you are very childish...grow up.....ANYBODY can do it, with the right effort.. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thingamabob Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 Rather strange question. If you are short of funds life is tough, anywhere. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheungWan Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 34 minutes ago, BritManToo said: It doesn't matter how much money I have, I can't make the UK warmer or drier. How about moving to a warmer, drier part of the UK and downsizing so that keeping the place warm and dry is financially easier? 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheungWan Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 1 minute ago, Thingamabob said: Rather strange question. If you are short of funds life is tough, anywhere. Yes, but not equally. One can move to cheaper places in retirement to make things easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheungWan Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 7 minutes ago, murraynz said: its not about being 'clever' , or being 'better'...you are very childish...grow up.....ANYBODY can do it, with the right effort.. I have noticed over the years that though the same opportunities may present themselves, not everybody takes advantage of them. However it is a phenomenon from many of those who did not take advantage at the time to blame others for their predicament later on in life when consequences kick in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thaiwrath Posted December 6, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted December 6, 2018 13 hours ago, bwpage3 said: And why are the expats with little income always bashing those that move back to their countries? Maybe I could start a thread on "why do those that move back to their countries, come on here frequently, bashing Thailand, and people who choose to reside here ?" Does it ring a bell ? 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted December 6, 2018 Share Posted December 6, 2018 (edited) 27 minutes ago, SheungWan said: How about moving to a warmer, drier part of the UK and downsizing so that keeping the place warm and dry is financially easier? I lived in Cornwall, it was still cold and wet most of the time. You know of a drier place in the UK? Cycling and walking isn't much fun in the rain. Edited December 6, 2018 by BritManToo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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