Clive Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Good Morning. I am after a little advice please I lived in Thailand about 14 years ago, and it has always been my dream to retire there. Im now 53 and will take an early retirement in 2 years time. I was wondering if you would recommend retiring in Thailand now but scouring the internet there seem to be so many negative comments regarding visa/ Thai people etc. with coronavirus thats about all I can do at the moment. Has Thailand changed so drastically in a negative way over the years or is it still a wonderful beautiful place to live? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pilotman Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 No; yes; and you need to make your own mind up. You will not get any useful advice on here. 21 1 4 3 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mark131v Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 Has it changed in 14 years absobloodylutely, some would say better I think most would say worse, that said if your content you get on quietly and if your not you might be a bit more vocal. Post #2 is correct you need to make up your own mind... 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) 57 minutes ago, Clive said: Has Thailand changed so drastically in a negative way over the years or is it still a wonderful beautiful place to live? Other places have become easier to live. If I were starting out in Asia again I'd probably be in Cambodia. (1 year VISA for $300, over 55s) If I were a former American serviceman I'd probably choose the Philippines (special VISA for former military). If I was shopping for a wife, it'd be Vietnam (5 year VISA $50 for married) This is assuming the world ever gets past COVID. We can't go anywhere at the moment. Edited August 8, 2020 by BritManToo 18 2 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pilotman Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 3 minutes ago, BritManToo said: Other places have become easier to live. If I were starting out in Asia again I'd probably be in Cambodia. (1 year VISA for $300, over 55s) If I were a former American serviceman I'd probably choose the Philippines (special VISA for former military). If I was shopping for a wife, it'd be Vietnam (5 year VISA $50 for married) This is assuming the world ever gets past COVID. We can't go anywhere at the moment. Just to add balance OP, I would do none of the things listed above by BritManToo. I told you; you will not get any useful information here. We on TVF constantly spend our time contradicting each other and rubbishing each other's opinions. After all, that's what forums are for. It's quite fun, but not very informative. 6 2 2 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Why Me Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 5 minutes ago, Pilotman said: We on TVF constantly spend our time contradicting each other and rubbishing each other's opinions. Pure rubbish. We don't contradict each other all the time. 2 2 1 30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mark131v Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 1 minute ago, Why Me said: Pure rubbish. We don't contradict each other all the time. Ohhhh yes we do!! 4 16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Pilotman Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) 4 minutes ago, Why Me said: Pure rubbish. We don't contradict each other all the time. I have yet to see an opinion, idea, view point, experience, attitude, feeling, on here that hasn't been contradicted by someone else. Even 'facts' are a movable feast on TVF, as indeed they are on all media platforms, worldwide. Trust no one believe no one Edited August 8, 2020 by Pilotman 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoliLoso Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 11 minutes ago, Pilotman said: Just to add balance OP, I would do none of the things listed above by BritManToo. I told you; you will not get any useful information here. We on TVF constantly spend our time contradicting each other and rubbishing each other's opinions. After all, that's what forums are for. It's quite fun, but not very informative. Totally agreed with Pilotman. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post scammed Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 thais are very easy going as ever, english language skill has gone up while you were away, and i kid you not so has the driving. still, without permanent residency and government guaranteed health care its not a good place to wait for death 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sungod Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 1 hour ago, Clive said: Has Thailand changed so drastically in a negative way over the years or is it still a wonderful beautiful place to live? Depends what you are after, but still a great place. 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sungod Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 1 minute ago, scammed said: still, without permanent residency and government guaranteed health care its not a good place to wait for death Apart from home country, where is? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post AndyAndyAndy Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 8 minutes ago, mark131v said: Ohhhh yes we do!! No, we don't! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BritManToo Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 8 minutes ago, Pilotman said: I have yet to see an opinion, idea, view point, experience, attitude, feeling, on here that hasn't been contradicted by someone else. Even 'facts' are a movable feast on TVF, as indeed they are on all media platforms, worldwide. Trust no one believe no one Would point out Thai hookers are still the most skilled and attentive in the world. I can really believe she is my gf/wife. But nobody comes here for the hookers. 1 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sammieuk1 Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 Knowing what I now know absolutely not stay in europe the governance and safety is an absolute shocker ???? 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
473geo Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 As you can see by this thread if you can put up with occasional pantomime antics life will be ok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timendres Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Short list Thailand and Vietnam. I would come check both to decide. There are many good choices in SEA, and starting out in one place does not lock you in. As long as you keep yourself from being tied down. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scammed Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 11 minutes ago, sungod said: Apart from home country, where is? if your home country is a eu member, then every eu nation is 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sungod Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 2 minutes ago, scammed said: if your home country is a eu member, then every eu nation is When u off? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olfu Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Yes, so far Thailand is better than other choices. Easy to travel to other countries in Asia. Problem is you need decent money as monthly income. My problem is I cannot stay more than 3 month in any country--bored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Soze666 Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Another one of these 'advice' threads, where as said by Pilotman, the OP will ultimately not listen or act on a single thing wrote on here. A complete waste of time. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BritManToo Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 1 minute ago, olfu said: Easy to travel to other countries in Asia. Odd, because I'm in Thailand, and can't travel anywhere. Borders all closed, flights all grounded. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted August 8, 2020 Author Share Posted August 8, 2020 Thank you for you replies so far. I love Thai food and that is the main attraction for me as well as the weather. Although Im not religious I like to see the temples as for me it gives the country the foreign Asian aspect. There are many places in S/E Asia that have the weather, the girls etc but not the culture that Thailand has to offer. I suppose as I get older I have to look at what life will be like for me in say 20 or 30 years time regarding healthcare or ability to stay in the country. I have a friend that loves the phillipines but he doesn't like asian food as I do but I don't think that Id be happy there as the food is not so good generally. Seriously considering Cambodia or Vietnam if Thailand becomes to difficult to live Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post JWRC Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 Yes, I would move here, I like Thailand, I have never had a problem with Thai people, where I live especially is very scenic, it's not a village so on the odd occasion I feel I should get out and about, there is always somewhere nice to go. The <deleted> you get on TV complaining about immigration rules, is just that, <deleted>.. As long as you can comply with the financial requirements there shouldn't be a problem. Mixing socially, well I guess that's up to you, most foreigners seem to socialize in the bars or cafes. I have never been in a bar in Thailand so I cannot comment on that side of things., my only other preferred place to live would be Scotland as I love the country and the people, however I do not like cold weather so that is not an option. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarFlungFalang Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 12 minutes ago, 473geo said: As you can see by this thread if you can put up with occasional pantomime antics life will be ok Not always as after 22 years of setting up a home here and the last 5 years since I retired I've been told to leave Thailand before the 26th September because I've used my 60 day extension which ran out just after the borders closed,I have all the amnesty stamps but can't get the year extension for marriage because my visa has expired.I've now got the money in the bank and an embassy letter for a last ditched attempt if that fails I will have to just walk away from it all. 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post scammed Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Clive said: Thank you for you replies so far. I love Thai food and that is the main attraction for me as well as the weather. Although Im not religious I like to see the temples as for me it gives the country the foreign Asian aspect. There are many places in S/E Asia that have the weather, the girls etc but not the culture that Thailand has to offer. I suppose as I get older I have to look at what life will be like for me in say 20 or 30 years time regarding healthcare or ability to stay in the country. I have a friend that loves the phillipines but he doesn't like asian food as I do but I don't think that Id be happy there as the food is not so good generally. Seriously considering Cambodia or Vietnam if Thailand becomes to difficult to live there is a problem in that the older you get the more difficult it gets to relocate, and eventually impossible when you can barely move at all, even make it to immigration to get a 90 day stamp. there is also the ever present lingering angst of changes in visa regulation. as mobility decreases so does expenses go up to pay for all sorts of help that you can no longer accomplish, it would be a good thing to be able to predict future so you can leave in a timely manner while you still can Edited August 8, 2020 by scammed 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post talahtnut Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 Dear OP, Theres only one way to find out mate, try it for a year, making sure you leave a clear escape route. 13 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silent Number Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 1 hour ago, Why Me said: Pure rubbish. We don't contradict each other all the time. We do so too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post OneMoreFarang Posted August 8, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted August 8, 2020 26 minutes ago, Clive said: Thank you for you replies so far. I love Thai food and that is the main attraction for me as well as the weather. Although Im not religious I like to see the temples as for me it gives the country the foreign Asian aspect. There are many places in S/E Asia that have the weather, the girls etc but not the culture that Thailand has to offer. I suppose as I get older I have to look at what life will be like for me in say 20 or 30 years time regarding healthcare or ability to stay in the country. I have a friend that loves the phillipines but he doesn't like asian food as I do but I don't think that Id be happy there as the food is not so good generally. Seriously considering Cambodia or Vietnam if Thailand becomes to difficult to live Come and visit Thailand and see if you still like it. And visit other places which you consider. And make sure you get an idea about life in those countries and not just holiday. And, maybe most important, don't make any important decisions within the first couple of months. Too many guys saw this one great opportunity to "invest" their money. And too many guys met their dream girl in the first week, built a house, etc. Take it easy, take your time, and maybe decide first where you want to stay maybe for a year or two. And after you stayed that year or two you can think about if you want more of the same or something different. I think too many people here seem to think they must make a decision for the rest of their lives. Don't do that! Take it easy and stay flexible. 8 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puchaiyank Posted August 8, 2020 Share Posted August 8, 2020 Come over and scope it out...talk with local expats in the community you are considering to retire...the answer will be basically are you willing to put up with Thai immigration hassles and corruption in order to have unobstructed access to some world class...wait for it! Food! ???? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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