I visited CM for the first time in Dec. 2016 on impulse from Milan airport. My plan in retirement was “Chasing 80”. After 40 years in NYC I wanted to be anywhere in the world where it’s 80 degrees. Started traveling for travels sake. I planned to visit India from Morocco. But at Milan airport I had encountered visa problems. So on impulse, at the airport, I bought a ticket for CM because a guy I used to know in college lived there. Stayed for two weeks and liked it a lot. Visited 37 countries in all, I think but kept coming back. Nov. 2019 until Covid and now from July 2022. No plans on leaving.
I have watched similar videos with similar themes, but it never hurts to have important advice reinforced. At least now I am getting the viewpoints of two people who live in Chiang Mai. Thank you.
I have thought long and hard about all those issues you have raised Fred. I think preparation is the key. I’ll be in CM tomorrow to test all those retirement challenges out. IM READY!
I've been here 8 years. I love ❤️ Chiangmai more than ever. So cheap my net worth has in creased $200,000 . Even after eating out 5 times a week ,traveling domesticly and internationally, I'm going where I want to go, doing what I want to do. It's paradise her for me 😊....we love ❤️ Chiangmai. ( my Thai wife and me)
Things that make you go Hummm? Great video Fred. Hopefully it informs people enough to think about what they’re willing to sacrifice for the gains they seek moving to Thailand. And, to research what locations within the country that best suits their desires and goals. I’m 68 and have processed everything you’ve talked about in order to be seek our joy until the end because tomorrow is never promised. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and your found purpose.
Here in Jomtien, we have guys come and go all the time. we have a group meetup near the pool every afternoon. The latest guy is leaving only after 3 months' time here. He got the retirement visa, paid for a condo for a year.. and now he will leave this week. He has been having some breathing issues and has been sick for about a month. I feel that the issues with him was that he was very unprepared when coming here. He had so many questions and things he needed help with. I say that when you plan to come to Thailand, be prepared. know what things you need. learn about the culture here. also, be prepared to get sick (crud) for the first 6 months while your body's immune system adjusts to the food, water, and bacteria here.
My sister and I are currently staying in Mai Raem area checking out the possibility of moving to Thailand in the future. We are British and at the older end of the age scale and so health care is something we are looking at both in the UK and Chiang Mai. I have listened to 3 videos made by Fred and found them to be very pertinent to our situation. All have contained very helpful advice and I thank you Fred for taking the time and trouble to make these videos. Much appreciated
Nice video! I agree that you need to have something to do. Ive been in Chiang Mai for about 20 years and have never considered leaving. Leaving would have equated to failure in my mind. However, this past burning season I would have headed south IF I wasn't so busy! Keep up the good work!
Some important things to be aware of... I hope after my 1st year here I will have jumped over those hurdles successfully. So far so good... Great video once again Fred,
Everything you said is true. The other thing I hear is that people get tired of feeling like a foreigner. I don't know that I'd get bored b/c there's so much to do in Thailand. But everyone is different.
That could be true about boredom being a foreigner. But I think you can remedy that by getting more immersed in the Culture. Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate it.
Just on the topic of friendships, I find in CM I have a much broader mix of friends than what I would have had back home in Sydney, Australia. These folk have given me a more international perspective of life and come from backgrounds that are so different to the middle class suburbs of northern Sydney that I came from. Also to, here in CM, we foreigners tend to look out for each other a bit more than what I'd be used to back home. In a way we are all visitors here. CM certainly does put together an eclectic mix of people from all corners of the world
🏴greetings to you Fred , I think I agree with your assessment, there could be other factors to add. I think if you are going to retire abroad at least give it a trial first and plan ahead as much as possible, to be retired and bored is a sin, you’ve worked long and hard for the independence!! Blessings to you and your wife 👍🏾🥰🍷
I've lived in Thailand for a long time and my wife is Thai. I have had the opportunity to learn the Thai language. I did learn to read, so I am able to read road signs, menus, signage on shops etc. I had always just taken this for granted. Then, when COVID hit, I lost my teaching job in Thailand. We moved to Taiwan for two years. It was interesting to be suddenly thrown into a culture where I suddenly didn't understand the language and certainly lost the ability to make sense of the written word. Having now moved back to CM, which is our permanent home, I now have more of an appreciation for how difficult it must be at times for Westerners making their way in Thailand. I realize now, for example, to be able to just pick up the phone and ring the local plumber can be a real chore. Of course, we can simply say that the solution is go and take Thai lessons, but I beg to differ. I think it took me five years before I could really say I had a good command of Thai. Most of us who come to CM with plans for retirement just don't have that luxury of such a long time span.
Hi Fred. Just watched a video with you on Video Abroad? Great video! I subbed to your channel. Interested in hearing what you have to say about your life over there. Looks and sounds like an incredible place to retire. 🍹🏄⛵🐟🍺🍽 Ty. 🤝
This is my second stay in Thailand for 1 year. Then 2 - 3 months to Germany or EU and back to Thailand. I came to Thailand and got married when I was 70. Previously I was in Thailand 5 times for 1 month and once for 2 months. I'm fit, I don't have any health problems adjusting and I don't mind heat or rain. We have a house on the outskirts of Chonburi with dogs and cats (shown on my YT channel). I don't get bored because I'm always connected to the world via WiFi. And if I feel like it, I'll go to Pattaya (only 65 km away) for a few days to party and meet up with German and Austrian friends there. I have foreign health insurance. This is required for my one-year long-stay nonimmigrant visa (O-A). Without it I wouldn't travel or live here.
Yep…Got married at 20. Had my first son at 24 and my first granddaughter at 48. Granddaughter two at 62 and grandson one in two months. I am considering a 50/50 split between US and Thailand. it’s a hard thought missing out on grandkids and them missing out on me.
Semi retired retiring next year. I just applied for my passport and am researching chiang Mai. I’m Buddhist so that’s much of my motivation and much of my plans
Thanks Fred, great information and always good to listen to your grounded comments. Love seeing the rain in the background. You keep reality in perspective. Stay safe.
It varies, in make and model but many will be comparable to western prices. There are expat car dealerships where you can buy used vehicles at a very reasonable price. I'll do a video on the car buying process in a couple of weeks.
Thank you, sorry for the late response, traveling back to the states. I hope you follow your dreams, it's definitely worth it. In retrospect I probably would have done it earlier.
Whether you are moving to Thailand, or planning a picnic...you should always be planning for the worst case. Period. Hope and optimism should have nothing to do with planning something that has such potentially negative consequences. I'm planning on retiring overseas, but I'm also planning for contingencies. I have a very small place in the country with taxes that run about $180/year. If my expat retirement goes sideways, I'll be coming back to this. At the same time, I've planned on a budget that is well below (about half) of the minimum I have coming in from SS, a bit in IRAs, cash savings, and passive income from renting my condo out. You never want to be without a few options, even if it means putting off your plans for a while.
I agree 100%. Murphy's Law will show up when you least expect it. I myself don't anticipate moving back to the states, but I do have plan B&C countries, just in case
You have to be away for the burning season. I will be away too.. unfortunately during March I still have to stay due to work. April I am always away. That has been a part of my holiday. I really love the rainy season though..
Thanks for the perspective Fred. Been to Chiang Mai 30 times since 2005. Love the country and people but when I’ve come it was for only 2 weeks and I did projects with ethnic minority refugees and orphans on the boarder. I could easily see myself retiring in Thailand but also realize a lengthy stay would need to take place before pulling that trigger. Even then, may be a 50/50 split between US and Thailand. Also, I greatly appreciated your review of the long-term care facility. What a great option to consider
Thank you William. I've found so many different ways to retire over here. We have friends that spend 6 months here and 6 months back in the States with family. I truly believe it is all about what you're looking for. I appreciate you sharing.
I started working over here in 2001 but didn't move to full time until 2 years ago. You got the worst smoke year this year but it is progressively worsening. If anything would make me leave the smoke would be it
Fred my brother lives in Chiang Mai and he just went through a tough couple of months due to his wallet getting stolen. He notified his bank in the US to cancel and resend his debit cards and the replacement card came but the pin didn’t follow for a long time and he finally get his pin and the card didn’t work. The bank had to send him out another card. He fortunately had his SS check show up on time and was able to live off that till his card situation got resolved. I think some would’ve got frustrated and gave up.
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad it worked out in the end. This was one of my worst fears when I was planning to move over here. I keep cards separate and have my wise card with two months living expenses on it in case of an emergency.
On another note, I have no issues ordering from Amazon in the USA. Just do not purchase electronic items and you will be fine. My clothes such as boxer shorts arrive within a week's time.
Stay healthy and live with a realistic expectations. Keep your mind free from bringing up reminders the comforts fun where you're from. Live within the mean of income or saving. Stay away from any hardcore nightlife. Then one shall be contented, wherever you live in Asia. ❤
I am a single woman planning on moving to CM in 2 years time, i have been many times and have some great friends there who will help me with my transition, for me it would be cheaper to live CM than in London, I will miss my daughter but in time I hope she will come out here and live with me, I will live city for first 3 months than rent house, possibly Hang Dong, I love Mae Rim too
I have zero worries about living there long term. Have researched for 2 years now. I am on limited income and the other reasons I want to live there is the society and kindness in general. Very tired of hate and judgment etc in the US. My main concern is actually not being able to stay long term. I am more worried of having to leave.
Well stated, and sometimes the government makes changes that don't always benefit expats. That is truly my only concern, but I think in the long run it will be ok.
@@farawayfred802 Thanks for sharing! I've been considering relocating to SE Asia but the heat, bugs, language barrier, and how I would maintain an income are the main deterrents for me.
Our possible plan is to spend 3/3/6 Thailand/Perth/England on rotation from 2025. Any thoughts please? We’re currently doing research. We will visit the Issan province February 2025.
Google translate reads signs. Walk don't ride or ride an E bike. Family can be seen on video calls. The familiar? Good go home...if you still need Amazon after retirement you are way too materialistic. I have no dreams to shatter...achieved those all when young ... it's about quality of life, I have it here and could not back home in the USA on $1700 a month
Tough career being a law enforcement with all them bad characters individual with bad intents. Glad to see you retired and enjoy. Stay away from them Florida nutcase
I visited CM for the first time in Dec. 2016 on impulse from Milan airport. My plan in retirement was “Chasing 80”. After 40 years in NYC I wanted to be anywhere in the world where it’s 80 degrees. Started traveling for travels sake. I planned to visit India from Morocco. But at Milan airport I had encountered visa problems. So on impulse, at the airport, I bought a ticket for CM because a guy I used to know in college lived there. Stayed for two weeks and liked it a lot. Visited 37 countries in all, I think but kept coming back. Nov. 2019 until Covid and now from July 2022. No plans on leaving.
I have watched similar videos with similar themes, but it never hurts to have important advice reinforced. At least now I am getting the viewpoints of two people who live in Chiang Mai. Thank you.
Thank you! I did the same prior to moving over. It helps to get multiple perspectives.
I have thought long and hard about all those issues you have raised Fred. I think preparation is the key. I’ll be in CM tomorrow to test all those retirement challenges out. IM READY!
I've been here 8 years. I love ❤️ Chiangmai more than ever. So cheap my net worth has in creased $200,000 . Even after eating out 5 times a week ,traveling domesticly and internationally, I'm going where I want to go, doing what I want to do. It's paradise her for me 😊....we love ❤️ Chiangmai. ( my Thai wife and me)
@@DavidWilliams-qr5yj ,
That is amazing! you can definitely save money living here!
@@farawayfred802 1 million net worth is like 3 million net worth.
Things that make you go Hummm? Great video Fred. Hopefully it informs people enough to think about what they’re willing to sacrifice for the gains they seek moving to Thailand. And, to research what locations within the country that best suits their desires and goals. I’m 68 and have processed everything you’ve talked about in order to be seek our joy until the end because tomorrow is never promised. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and your found purpose.
@@herbiemann7350 Thanks for dropping in and giving your take as well. I appreciate it.
Here in Jomtien, we have guys come and go all the time. we have a group meetup near the pool every afternoon. The latest guy is leaving only after 3 months' time here. He got the retirement visa, paid for a condo for a year.. and now he will leave this week. He has been having some breathing issues and has been sick for about a month. I feel that the issues with him was that he was very unprepared when coming here. He had so many questions and things he needed help with. I say that when you plan to come to Thailand, be prepared. know what things you need. learn about the culture here. also, be prepared to get sick (crud) for the first 6 months while your body's immune system adjusts to the food, water, and bacteria here.
Great advice, I feel sorry for him that he has to leave, it happens more often than many realize.
@stanleykyle been here 8 years never got sick 😫 that's not what our experience has been .obtw we travel alot all over the world. And don't get sick.
My sister and I are currently staying in Mai Raem area checking out the possibility of moving to Thailand in the future. We are British and at the older end of the age scale and so health care is something we are looking at both in the UK and Chiang Mai. I have listened to 3 videos made by Fred and found them to be very pertinent to our situation. All have contained very helpful advice and I thank you Fred for taking the time and trouble to make these videos. Much appreciated
Thank you very much, I appreciate the kind words.
Nice video! I agree that you need to have something to do. Ive been in Chiang Mai for about 20 years and have never considered leaving. Leaving would have equated to failure in my mind. However, this past burning season I would have headed south IF I wasn't so busy! Keep up the good work!
Some important things to be aware of... I hope after my 1st year here I will have jumped over those hurdles successfully. So far so good... Great video once again Fred,
Thank you! I watched your last budget video, you are doing outstanding! Thanks again Peter!
Everything you said is true. The other thing I hear is that people get tired of feeling like a foreigner. I don't know that I'd get bored b/c there's so much to do in Thailand. But everyone is different.
That could be true about boredom being a foreigner. But I think you can remedy that by getting more immersed in the Culture. Thanks for stopping in. I appreciate it.
Just on the topic of friendships, I find in CM I have a much broader mix of friends than what I would have had back home in Sydney, Australia. These folk have given me a more international perspective of life and come from backgrounds that are so different to the middle class suburbs of northern Sydney that I came from. Also to, here in CM, we foreigners tend to look out for each other a bit more than what I'd be used to back home. In a way we are all visitors here. CM certainly does put together an eclectic mix of people from all corners of the world
@@RobertMcGregor-ys2di ,
I agree with you 100%! It is indeed an amazing melting pot over here.
🏴greetings to you Fred , I think I agree with your assessment, there could be other factors to add. I think if you are going to retire abroad at least give it a trial first and plan ahead as much as possible, to be retired and bored is a sin, you’ve worked long and hard for the independence!! Blessings to you and your wife 👍🏾🥰🍷
@@PaulCousins-ko3jd ,
Planning ahead is definitely of utmost importance, and having realistic expectations. As always, thanks for dropping in.
Very wise & informed list.
I've lived in Thailand for a long time and my wife is Thai. I have had the opportunity to learn the Thai language. I did learn to read, so I am able to read road signs, menus, signage on shops etc. I had always just taken this for granted. Then, when COVID hit, I lost my teaching job in Thailand. We moved to Taiwan for two years. It was interesting to be suddenly thrown into a culture where I suddenly didn't understand the language and certainly lost the ability to make sense of the written word. Having now moved back to CM, which is our permanent home, I now have more of an appreciation for how difficult it must be at times for Westerners making their way in Thailand. I realize now, for example, to be able to just pick up the phone and ring the local plumber can be a real chore. Of course, we can simply say that the solution is go and take Thai lessons, but I beg to differ. I think it took me five years before I could really say I had a good command of Thai. Most of us who come to CM with plans for retirement just don't have that luxury of such a long time span.
Good video!
Thank you!
Hi Fred. Just watched a video with you on Video Abroad? Great video! I subbed to your channel. Interested in hearing what you have to say about your life over there. Looks and sounds like an incredible place to retire. 🍹🏄⛵🐟🍺🍽 Ty. 🤝
Thank you, and I apologize for getting back to you so late, busy planning the overseas trip. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
This is my second stay in Thailand for 1 year. Then 2 - 3 months to Germany or EU and back to Thailand. I came to Thailand and got married when I was 70. Previously I was in Thailand 5 times for 1 month and once for 2 months. I'm fit, I don't have any health problems adjusting and I don't mind heat or rain. We have a house on the outskirts of Chonburi with dogs and cats (shown on my YT channel). I don't get bored because I'm always connected to the world via WiFi. And if I feel like it, I'll go to Pattaya (only 65 km away) for a few days to party and meet up with German and Austrian friends there. I have foreign health insurance. This is required for my one-year long-stay nonimmigrant visa (O-A). Without it I wouldn't travel or live here.
This is awesome! It sounds like you have systems in place. That is definitely what it takes!
Great video Fred. My grandkids are why I can’t leave the states. Not having Amazon to buy from would save me a lot of money. 😂
Yep…Got married at 20. Had my first son at 24 and my first granddaughter at 48. Granddaughter two at 62 and grandson one in two months. I am considering a 50/50 split between US and Thailand. it’s a hard thought missing out on grandkids and them missing out on me.
Semi retired retiring next year. I just applied for my passport and am researching chiang Mai. I’m Buddhist so that’s much of my motivation and much of my plans
Please let me know when you make your way over here.
Thanks Fred, great information and always good to listen to your grounded comments. Love seeing the rain in the background. You keep reality in perspective. Stay safe.
Thank you, I appreciate it!
How much is a typical vehicle over there?
Thanks for the video
It varies, in make and model but many will be comparable to western prices. There are expat car dealerships where you can buy used vehicles at a very reasonable price. I'll do a video on the car buying process in a couple of weeks.
I appreciate your thoughtful honesty. I’m planning on moving to Thailand next summer. I’ve made three visits and I need the information you provide.
What are your plans regarding the visa?
Please feel free to reach out to me by email if I can do anything to help.
Thank you Fred, regards to you and your wife
Thank you Mary, it's always good seeing you on here.
Elderly parents needing care is definitely a big factor
Just found your channel. Really enjoy your content. I’m newly retired and looking to move abroad & maybe even start a You Tube channel. 👍🏾
Thank you, sorry for the late response, traveling back to the states. I hope you follow your dreams, it's definitely worth it. In retrospect I probably would have done it earlier.
Thanks a lot for your channels.❤❤
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Moved here when I was 23 and I am 70 now so I guess I am staying.
That is amazing! I bet you've seen a lot of changes over the years.
Whether you are moving to Thailand, or planning a picnic...you should always be planning for the worst case. Period. Hope and optimism should have nothing to do with planning something that has such potentially negative consequences. I'm planning on retiring overseas, but I'm also planning for contingencies. I have a very small place in the country with taxes that run about $180/year. If my expat retirement goes sideways, I'll be coming back to this. At the same time, I've planned on a budget that is well below (about half) of the minimum I have coming in from SS, a bit in IRAs, cash savings, and passive income from renting my condo out. You never want to be without a few options, even if it means putting off your plans for a while.
I agree 100%. Murphy's Law will show up when you least expect it. I myself don't anticipate moving back to the states, but I do have plan B&C countries, just in case
I never understand the wrong idea prople have to stay in one place forever. The world is still vast. Explore when you can.
I agree most wait till they are too old to fully enjoy their retirement.
You have to be away for the burning season. I will be away too.. unfortunately during March I still have to stay due to work. April I am always away. That has been a part of my holiday.
I really love the rainy season though..
Thanks for the perspective Fred. Been to Chiang Mai 30 times since 2005. Love the country and people but when I’ve come it was for only 2 weeks and I did projects with ethnic minority refugees and orphans on the boarder. I could easily see myself retiring in Thailand but also realize a lengthy stay would need to take place before pulling that trigger. Even then, may be a 50/50 split between US and Thailand. Also, I greatly appreciated your review of the long-term care facility. What a great option to consider
Thank you William. I've found so many different ways to retire over here. We have friends that spend 6 months here and 6 months back in the States with family. I truly believe it is all about what you're looking for. I appreciate you sharing.
I started working over here in 2001 but didn't move to full time until 2 years ago. You got the worst smoke year this year but it is progressively worsening. If anything would make me leave the smoke would be it
I can fully understand. We will be heading south next smokey season.
Some people leave because they miss cooler and less humid weather.
That is true, the humidity can be tough to deal with here.
Very good video.
Thank you very much!
Fred my brother lives in Chiang Mai and he just went through a tough couple of months due to his wallet getting stolen. He notified his bank in the US to cancel and resend his debit cards and the replacement card came but the pin didn’t follow for a long time and he finally get his pin and the card didn’t work. The bank had to send him out another card. He fortunately had his SS check show up on time and was able to live off that till his card situation got resolved. I think some would’ve got frustrated and gave up.
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad it worked out in the end. This was one of my worst fears when I was planning to move over here. I keep cards separate and have my wise card with two months living expenses on it in case of an emergency.
On another note, I have no issues ordering from Amazon in the USA. Just do not purchase electronic items and you will be fine. My clothes such as boxer shorts arrive within a week's time.
I'm glad you figured it out. My address won't register. I usually order when I make a trip to the States.
Please tell us more about ordering from Amazon in the US from Thailand, such shopping cost and other considerations.
Stay healthy and live with a realistic expectations. Keep your mind free from bringing up reminders the comforts fun where you're from. Live within the mean of income or saving. Stay away from any hardcore nightlife. Then one shall be contented, wherever you live in Asia. ❤
Excellent advice!!
I am a single woman planning on moving to CM in 2 years time, i have been many times and have some great friends there who will help me with my transition, for me it would be cheaper to live CM than in London, I will miss my daughter but in time I hope she will come out here and live with me, I will live city for first 3 months than rent house, possibly Hang Dong, I love Mae Rim too
Congratulations! We looked at Hang Dong as well and will probably end up spending some time in Mai Rim. I love that there are so many options, 😀
I have zero worries about living there long term. Have researched for 2 years now. I am on limited income and the other reasons I want to live there is the society and kindness in general. Very tired of hate and judgment etc in the US. My main concern is actually not being able to stay long term. I am more worried of having to leave.
Well stated, and sometimes the government makes changes that don't always benefit expats. That is truly my only concern, but I think in the long run it will be ok.
What about pests like roaches, mosquitoes, spiders, scorpions, rats, mice, snakes, lizards? Has that been a problem for you?
We've had a spider and mosquito problem so far. I think that's mostly because of the rainy season. But we are getting monthly pest control soon.
@@farawayfred802 Thanks for sharing! I've been considering relocating to SE Asia but the heat, bugs, language barrier, and how I would maintain an income are the main deterrents for me.
Our possible plan is to spend 3/3/6 Thailand/Perth/England on rotation from 2025. Any thoughts please? We’re currently doing research. We will visit the Issan province February 2025.
Google translate reads signs. Walk don't ride or ride an E bike. Family can be seen on video calls. The familiar? Good go home...if you still need Amazon after retirement you are way too materialistic. I have no dreams to shatter...achieved those all when young ... it's about quality of life, I have it here and could not back home in the USA on $1700 a month
Can't we say flip flops on the ground instead of boots
Nobody where's boots
Because they miss their mommy?
I don't think you're ever too old to miss your parents 😎
@@farawayfred802 But you can def be too old to miss their care
Tough career being a law enforcement with all them bad characters individual with bad intents. Glad to see you retired and enjoy. Stay away from them Florida nutcase
I couldn't have asked for a better life over here after that career.