Popular Post Mike Teavee Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 I've been planning/dreaming about moving to Thailand since I 1st visited 12 years ago & thought I had it all sorted (1 year Non-O Multi-Entry, nice Condo in Bangkok) but the recent changes around Visa extensions & now compulsory health insurance are making me seriously reconsider my choice of retirement destination. Do any other future Ex-Pats feel the same & if so, which other places are you considering (For me it's Taiwan, Vietnam, LATAM or Portugal) For Expats who have already made the move, if you were planning your retirement destination today & didn't have any ties to Thailand would you still move here or look elsewhere? 3 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Don Mega Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 Baffles me why anyone would consider leaving their home country to live abroad and not consider health insurance so cannot see why this potential new rule/law would change anyones plans. 15 6 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jacko45k Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 8 minutes ago, Don Mega said: Baffles me why anyone would consider leaving their home country to live abroad and not consider health insurance so cannot see why this potential new rule/law would change anyones plans. And since medical insurance is not yet mandated to obtain an Extension it is a moot point. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Don Mega Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 Just now, jacko45k said: And since medical insurance is not yet mandated to obtain an Extension it is a moot point. Indeed. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post glegolo Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 Just now, jacko45k said: And since medical insurance is not yet mandated to obtain an Extension it is a moot point. Yes 100% correct..... all this screaming about changes.... Changes that is not even valid... welcome to Thailand, have a fantastic life here... glegolo... 4 2 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerojero Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Cost of living is much less in Thailand than most Western countries, especially housing. Baffles me why anyone would consider leaving their home country to live abroad and not consider health insurance so cannot see why this potential new rule/law would change anyones plans. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tagged Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 2 minutes ago, jerojero said: Cost of living is much less in Thailand than most Western countries, especially housing. That is something most of us should think of, since everything can change in 5 - 10 years, and Thailand and Asia is on rise, where everything getting more expensive, our valuta weaker. Can you live a good life if cost for living rise with 20%? 30% or are you already on your limit? 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bkk6060 Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 (edited) 10 minutes ago, jerojero said: Cost of living is much less in Thailand than most Western countries, especially housing. Yes. I guess it all depends where you come from and the monies you have. I have a great retirement from California. My rent for example in Pattaya is 330 US a month with an ocean view compared to 2,200 US + in California. As a golfer it is also much cheaper (1/2 to 1/3) in Thailand. Food is also much less. Time with a lady cannot even compare so much better in Thailand. None of these Thai Visa rules bother me the rest of it more then makes up for any inconvenience. Edited May 15, 2019 by bkk6060 11 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 6 minutes ago, Tagged said: That is something most of us should think of, since everything can change in 5 - 10 years, and Thailand and Asia is on rise, where everything getting more expensive, our valuta weaker. Can you live a good life if cost for living rise with 20%? 30% or are you already on your limit? It's only housing costs and local taxes related to housing that are significant for most people. They have been broadly the same for me since I moved here ten years back. 25% of my monthly spend, in the UK they were 60% of my monthly income. I don't include currency fluctuations in my assessment. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jacko45k Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 (edited) 6 minutes ago, bkk6060 said: I guess it all depends where you come from but my rent for example in Pattaya is 330 US a month with an ocean view compared to 2,200 US + in California Hardly comparable, other than the fact there is no ocean in Pattaya. $330 is an exceptionally cheap monthly rent for a seaview Pattaya condo, California is rather an expensive place to live by the Ocean. The cost of my house in Pattaya, with the appreciation of the baht, is now not far removed from something similar in NW UK. Other related expenses are catching up. Edited May 15, 2019 by jacko45k 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkk6060 Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 8 minutes ago, Tagged said: That is something most of us should think of, since everything can change in 5 - 10 years, and Thailand and Asia is on rise, where everything getting more expensive, our valuta weaker. Can you live a good life if cost for living rise with 20%? 30% or are you already on your limit? And your home country will go up the same. It is ridiculous for people to say how expensive Thailand is now they do not understand economics. Inflation should be a big part of your financial portfolio planning. But most here have no idea what I am referring too.... 3 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 34 minutes ago, Don Mega said: Baffles me why anyone would consider leaving their home country to live abroad and not consider health insurance so cannot see why this potential new rule/law would change anyones plans. Because in most countries there is no 'health insurance'. In quite a lot of the world people don't use insurance of any kind. Americans don't really understand (or consider other peoples POV) so it's fairly understandable you're baffled. Not slamming you, just pointing out you have a cultural blind spot about insurance. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 2 minutes ago, jacko45k said: The cost of my house in Pattaya, with the appreciation of the baht, is now not far removed from something similar in NW UK. Other related expenses are catching up. I pay 11,000bht/month mortgage (90% loan) repayments on my new (ish) 3 bedroom house in Chiang Mai. Would like to know where in NW England I can rent or buy a similar house for that amount (including council tax). I've been unable to find anything under 600 pounds a month. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Some off topic posts and some attempts to start a bickering session have been removed. Edit: And a couple more off topics bickering posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrJack54 Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 Back to the OP....I for one if could have time over might consider Vietnam. The recent changes to money in bank method are not pleasant. I can stick 800k in the Thai bank and leave it there but not a fan. For all out bitching many of us live in los because we love it. Just finding imm rules a pain. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 If I had to choose today, it'd be Cambodia. Easy 1 year VISA, cheap beer and plenty of women at a price I can afford. Just like Thailand was 10 years back. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko45k Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 13 minutes ago, BritManToo said: If I had to choose today, it'd be Cambodia. Easy 1 year VISA, cheap beer and plenty of women at a price I can afford. Just like Thailand was 10 years back. But where in Cambodia? I don't know many places but PP is a dump! Snooky a lost cause! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post SEtonal Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 57 minutes ago, Mike Teavee said: Do any other future Ex-Pats feel the same & if so, which other places are you considering (For me it's Taiwan, Vietnam, LATAM or Portugal) I am moving to Thailand next week for retirement purposes. I am from the United States and just spent a year in Vietnam. It is OK but I would feel more secure in a country where I can have a bank account and a bricks and mortar bank to walk into when I have a problem. I also don't like having to leave Vietnam to renew my visa. I am still too young to retire in Cambodia, otherwise I would have gone there to avoid all of the Immigration changes in Thailand. So far, I meet all the requirements to retire in Thailand so I might as well do it now while I still can. Taiwan does not have a retirement program. Many Latin American countries require pensions. Some like Colombia will tax your world-wide income. Portugal requires a pension for non-EU citizens and I believe health insurance is mandatory. Thailand's immigration policies are simply catching up with the rest of the world. 5 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 9 minutes ago, jacko45k said: But where in Cambodia? I don't know many places but PP is a dump! Snooky a lost cause! I like PP, near bar street (136) is great, nice riverside walk, rooftop bars, naughty girly bars. No different to any Thai town, but maybe a bit more action & beer at cheaper prices. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 And again off topic posts have been removed bringing health insurance into the discussion. There is a topic in the news forum where it can be discussed, 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tagged Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 1 hour ago, bkk6060 said: And your home country will go up the same. It is ridiculous for people to say how expensive Thailand is now they do not understand economics. Inflation should be a big part of your financial portfolio planning. But most here have no idea what I am referring too.... For most of us, our currency is down almost 50% in 15 years since we first got the taste of Thailand. Explain what we do not understand what you talking about. Another 30% will put my lifestyle on my limits, since I now manage to save 30% at the moment! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mike Teavee Posted May 15, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Don Mega said: Baffles me why anyone would consider leaving their home country to live abroad and not consider health insurance so cannot see why this potential new rule/law would change anyones plans. It's not the Health Insurance per se, it's the constant changes to the rules & the feeling that Thailand isn't as welcoming to Expat Retirees as it once was whereas other places (e.g. Vietnam) are becoming more welcoming. 13 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Mega Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 1 minute ago, Mike Teavee said: It's not the Health Insurance per se, it's the constant changes to the rules & the feeling that Thailand isn't as welcoming to Expat Retirees as it once was whereas other places (e.g. Vietnam) are becoming more welcoming. I hope you enjoy Vietnam. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thaidream Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 1 hour ago, Mike Teavee said: I've been planning/dreaming about moving to Thailand since I 1st visited 12 years ago & thought I had it all sorted (1 year Non-O Multi-Entry, nice Condo in Bangkok) but the recent changes around Visa extensions & now compulsory health insurance are making me seriously reconsider my choice of retirement destination. Do any other future Ex-Pats feel the same & if so, which other places are you considering (For me it's Taiwan, Vietnam, LATAM or Portugal) For Expats who have already made the move, if you were planning your retirement destination today & didn't have any ties to Thailand would you still move here or look elsewhere? First came in 1971 and loved it and always planned to retire in Thailand. I still love the Thai people but there are now so many negatives involved in settling in Thailand- It's not just the Immigration issues although they are a nuisance nor the possibility of medical insurance which is way overpriced for the coverage. What bothers me the most are= -The costs of any product imported are rising constantly. Imported medicines; foods; wines; health products cost 3-5 times what they do in America/ -Pollution- bad and getting worse year by year without any type of controls. The beaches are dirty; the water is filthy and no controls are enforced. -Lack of Justice- the police do not do their jobs ; the judicial system is limited; and money controls the whole system. -Income Inequality- There is a rising undercurrent in the population based upon a lack of income; education and opportunity fueled by alcohol and drugs. When there is no hope- youth acts out in ways that destroy civil society -Lack of Any Moral Compass- Double Pricing; Scams; Massive Corruption; Decaying religion -Driving- completely out of control- chaotic and will take generations to cure but there is no start to a program -Education- my Thai Step Daughter is in a first rate Thai university but her future is limited- due to a real lack of opportunity and upward mobility except for the connected. It's not one thing that is a deal breaker. It is the combination of things that make Thailand a society that is going backward while other countries are moving forward. Like the OP- I worked mostly outside Thailand- in Asia- and visited my Thai wife and family regularly and while I speak passable Thai- I never really focused on the negatives. However, since full retirement in Thailand and having alot of time on my hands I have become fully aware of the negatives and any lack of commitment from the Government to do anything to really help the country. When you add in the Immigration changes; possible Insurance requirement and the decline of Western currencies, Thailand doesn't look as good as it once did. If I was single I would not stay in Thailand full time- I would go to the Philippines and Japan. However, people like myself have many assets in Thailand- House and Condo; cars; children in school and an extended Thai family so making a move is not feasible. At this juncture- if one is not fully invested in Thailand with assets etc and you s still have a choice- I would think long and hard whether what you want in life is available in Thailand long term. Think about what Thailand will be 5. 10, 15, 20 years from now and what you want in life. 20 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post totally thaied up Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 8 minutes ago, Thaidream said: First came in 1971 and loved it and always planned to retire in Thailand. I still love the Thai people but there are now so many negatives involved in settling in Thailand- It's not just the Immigration issues although they are a nuisance nor the possibility of medical insurance which is way overpriced for the coverage. What bothers me the most are= -The costs of any product imported are rising constantly. Imported medicines; foods; wines; health products cost 3-5 times what they do in America/ -Pollution- bad and getting worse year by year without any type of controls. The beaches are dirty; the water is filthy and no controls are enforced. -Lack of Justice- the police do not do their jobs ; the judicial system is limited; and money controls the whole system. -Income Inequality- There is a rising undercurrent in the population based upon a lack of income; education and opportunity fueled by alcohol and drugs. When there is no hope- youth acts out in ways that destroy civil society -Lack of Any Moral Compass- Double Pricing; Scams; Massive Corruption; Decaying religion -Driving- completely out of control- chaotic and will take generations to cure but there is no start to a program -Education- my Thai Step Daughter is in a first rate Thai university but her future is limited- due to a real lack of opportunity and upward mobility except for the connected. It's not one thing that is a deal breaker. It is the combination of things that make Thailand a society that is going backward while other countries are moving forward. Like the OP- I worked mostly outside Thailand- in Asia- and visited my Thai wife and family regularly and while I speak passable Thai- I never really focused on the negatives. However, since full retirement in Thailand and having alot of time on my hands I have become fully aware of the negatives and any lack of commitment from the Government to do anything to really help the country. When you add in the Immigration changes; possible Insurance requirement and the decline of Western currencies, Thailand doesn't look as good as it once did. If I was single I would not stay in Thailand full time- I would go to the Philippines and Japan. However, people like myself have many assets in Thailand- House and Condo; cars; children in school and an extended Thai family so making a move is not feasible. At this juncture- if one is not fully invested in Thailand with assets etc and you s still have a choice- I would think long and hard whether what you want in life is available in Thailand long term. Think about what Thailand will be 5. 10, 15, 20 years from now and what you want in life. I will second everything said above. I have found the little things building up over the years and extra time on my hands to see the real village Thailand slightly concerning. The pollution now in Chiangmai is becoming much, much longer each year and a declining dollar has eroded the value to almost near absolute zero for farang basic staples. 70% of my friends here are only for the cheap women available but they can be found in neighboring countries. In reality, staying in Thailand just for a woman now is madness but most my friends have painted themselves into a corner and have no recourse or avenue to go home and are trapped here. Thailand now needs second thoughts for any one retiring here thinking unless they are well funded, that it is cheap. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 As a golfer it is also much cheaper (1/2 to 1/3) in Thailand. I'm surprised golf is cheaper for you. I'm pretty sure in Europe and Australia it's a lot cheaper, i could play unlimited golf in the UK for around £1k a year. Thailand 3x a week £8k+ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post somtumwrong Posted May 15, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted May 15, 2019 (edited) I planned to move to Thailand in 2013. The following year I realized there is no security in terms of law, government or much anything. So I kept the house in my home country, and ever since spend only half of the calendar year in Thailand with my family. Did not move my financial assets to this country, lost interest in buying car or house here, a condo is enough. Since nothing is protected, then why move your assets and life here? Always have an escape plan and a home in your own country. If I did not have family I would not come here except maybe to have a short romance here and then (sorry, besides the temples the only thing I see would consider interesting in Thailand if single.) Instead, I would perhaps move to Spain, Portugal and consider buying a condo in Da Nang, Vn. This country is not interesting. Bad traffic, bad air, bad English, cannot find the idyllic naive small village by the sea I would like to live in. I still enjoy my life here, and have a good life without worries or problems. Even since 2013, this country has changed a lot. People are less friendly, <removed> Edited May 15, 2019 by ubonjoe inflammatory comment removed 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somtumwrong Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 53 minutes ago, Tagged said: For most of us, our currency is down almost 50% in 15 years since we first got the taste of Thailand. Explain what we do not understand what you talking about. Another 30% will put my lifestyle on my limits, since I now manage to save 30% at the moment! +1 He misses the point on inflation vs currency fluctuation. Two different things, 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 Some more inflammatory and off topic posts have been removed. No further notice of removed posts will be given from now on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCC1701A Posted May 15, 2019 Share Posted May 15, 2019 3 hours ago, Mike Teavee said: , if you were planning your retirement destination today & didn't have any ties to Thailand would you still move here or look elsewhere? i will let you know as soon as something changes that actually affects me in a new way. so far nothing has changed even with the new insurance requirements. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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