I passed one year here November 1. I live 13 hours from Pattaya and I would never retire there. I speak Thai which helps immensely. I'm building my own house in the country with the assistance of a Thai friend I've known since my volunteer days here. I'm single, live with my dogs. I feel far less lonely in Thailand than I did in the US. My cost of living has dropped dramatically while my quality of life has gone up.
As a Thai, I’m delighted to know that you love Thailand. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance! Wishing you happiness with your family in VA. I’ll be looking forward to your travel vlogs with your son. Safe travels khâ!
I've been in Thailand for 7 months this year. I've visited the same places you have. I love this place too ❤ And Im so sad that tomorrow morning, Im going back to America. Im 43 and semiretired. But this will be my 2nd home until Im here full time in the near future 😊
I am in the USA to take care of some business but will be back mid December. First of January, I move into the 2BR 2BA I learned about from your video! Can't wait ❤
Don't be too shocked when you return to the USA, especially in the DMV . Enjoyed meeting you while talking to you during the cookout at Marty and Wendy home..Enjoy your trip home. See you soon 😊 Take care 🎉
Really enjoy your videos! Maybe you already have a video on this, I'd be curious to learn how you arranged your US finances and what loose ends in the US you had to tie up before moving abroad. Thanks for the great content!
I've seen several videos like this one where the headline is very misleading. I will say it worked. I watched the first couple minutes. In a way, I am jealous, but it title is still misleading. Good luck
I disagree. Everything on the thumbnail and in the title is accurate. I have been here a year and I was packing to return to America. I think maybe you, and others, let the words speak to you differently because of negative attitudes and expecting the worst. Try reading it again and add a different tone. See if it changes the interpretation. Thanks for watching.
Curious what your electric is averaging a month? I’m in Vietnam. And what’s average Studio price there? ( I know you can go as high as one wants too) Just curious for basic average. thinking of heading over to Hua Hin to compare to what I’ve been living here in V. Thanks And peaceful journeys
I am looking for your life in four years. getting all my ducks in a row so I can enjoy. thank you for all this and don't scare me with this type of title. lol
Safe travels, friend! My mom (and her side of the family) is from VA! We went there a lot when i was a kid. My mom's family was in the Newport News area as well as Suffolk. What area did you live in? It's a pretty state. I remember a camping trip on Skyline Drive. really beautiful. Glad the year has gone so well. I am looking forward to my time....looks like March 2026 is my target!
I'm living in VA and yes, I cannot wait to not have winter. I'm making the big move to Chiang Mai next year. After a year, what is the 1 thing you have learned that you wish you knew when you first arrived?
February is the month my Thai wife and I also went 5 times all together. Hanoi was light jacket weather the week we spent the but South Vietnam is always been Hot with next to no rain to speak of. Safe travels and Be Well.
We just got back from Va. Spent 6 weeks in in Bristow, but lived in Glen Allen for many years. I’d forgotten how much I do not miss the cold. had to watch tutorial on how to put on long pants and coat.
Just returned from my fourth trip! From Phoenix Arizona it is approximately 22 hours FLIGHT TIME to Bangkok. Bangkok to Phuket or Koh Samui is another 1.5 hours or so. I would HIGHLY recommend a window seat or the aisle of the long haul over the Pacific (or Atlantic if you go East!). I generally fly economy, but this year I upgraded my Pacific segment (San Francisco to Japan) to Premium Economy - it is WELL worth the extra cost! This year my flight round trip was about $1,400. I generally book my flight around April of each year. I generally use Travelocity for all flight segments (but check around!) Hope this is helpful!
Wow, 15$ !!? Not using the AC? I take it. Which condo/Apt place you go with? I wanna keep my studio rental around what I’m at now in Viet which is a little under 300month
I'm not home a lot during the day but if I am, I usually have the doors open and use a fan. A/C at night in the bedroom but the weather is fantastic now and evenings so comfortable sometimes the ac doesn't get turned on at all.
"Plan for unexpected expenses" - this is true. My mom came to visit me in Pattaya. She was complaining of chest pains. Had to keep her in hospital for 4 days, buy a wheelchair & walker, made many trips to pharmacy for medication/diapers, hire nurse & physical therapist, extend her VISA, etc etc etc.
how did you come across your current accommodation Michael , did you use company who i could have a look at for my own needs .... have a great trip back
Thanks for watching. I'm not a golfer but have friends here who go a few times a week and they love it. There are several bars/restaurants that have groups.
Use the apps last person mentioned to check flights but then compare the prices you see there from the ones you'll see on the airlines you see that fly from your area. Since I got screwed by Expedia trying to get back to Canada from Thailand when my return trip was cancelled during COVID-19, I will never use them again. They wouldn't do anything as far as refund the return portion of the ticket saying I have to speak with Air Canada which said I had to speak with Expedia because I booked through them which makes more sense right. Now I book directly through the airlines and pay a few dollars extra for Flex flights which allows me to make changes. I'm fact I booked this trip to Thailand back in June to leave Canada on January 19, but I got laid off from my Job in October so I paid $70 extra to leave December 1st I'm her in Chiang Rai on my 2nd full day. Travel safely and Be Well.
I was interested in your video because i went exactly throug the same experience. Though i was shoked when you mentioned 800$ per month. Really??? Where do u live?
best to get the money in your us bank and just use ATMs. You need to jump through a bunch of hoops often if you're getting your SS into a foreign bank. They want proof you did not kick the bucket.
Our SS is deposited into our Fidelity Investments bank account because they have no ATM fee for both local and foreign withdraws. Charles Schwab also has the same ATM benefits. Next we use WISE to transfer money from US bank account into our local Thai bank account. It is safer and easier to deposit your SS benefits into a US bank account.
Thank you all for a great year here on TH-cam.
I passed one year here November 1. I live 13 hours from Pattaya and I would never retire there. I speak Thai which helps immensely. I'm building my own house in the country with the assistance of a Thai friend I've known since my volunteer days here. I'm single, live with my dogs. I feel far less lonely in Thailand than I did in the US. My cost of living has dropped dramatically while my quality of life has gone up.
Enjoy
@@khunmaw22222 I was curious where you were I visited twice and stayed in a village outside of Phayoa
"Some people might call my life boring, but I'm living my life, not yours." Love it!
Thanks
Just my thought.
over 30 years in Thailand, and will never ever leave !!
that's awesome! i hope i get 29 more
Same same 😊
As a Thai, I’m delighted to know that you love Thailand. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance! Wishing you happiness with your family in VA. I’ll be looking forward to your travel vlogs with your son.
Safe travels khâ!
Thank you very much.
Love retirement. Hate working. Life is too short to work and pay taxes for government wasteful spending.
Truth!
I've been in Thailand for 7 months this year. I've visited the same places you have. I love this place too ❤ And Im so sad that tomorrow morning, Im going back to America. Im 43 and semiretired. But this will be my 2nd home until Im here full time in the near future 😊
Safe travels. Thanks for watching.
I appreciate you so much for introducing me to my new place! I move there January 1.
You're welcome. Let's catch up when I'm back from the US
Great video that helps me to make the big move in a few years. Thanks a lot :-)
Thanks for watching.
I am the opposite of you with 25 coming up I don’t want to be in America.
I am in the USA to take care of some business but will be back mid December. First of January, I move into the 2BR 2BA I learned about from your video! Can't wait ❤
That's great Ann! We can catch up once you get settled.
Safe travels! I am from Virginia and winter is definitely here. Lows in 20's and Highs in 40's. Stay warm and have fun with your family!
Thanks
Travel Safe and have a great HOLIDAY w/ family.
Thank you
Don't be too shocked when you return to the USA, especially in the DMV . Enjoyed meeting you while talking to you during the cookout at Marty and Wendy home..Enjoy your trip home. See you soon 😊 Take care 🎉
Thanks. I'll be back soon enough.
I'm back in the USA as well, but just to get my DTV Visa and wrap up some business. Then it's back to Thailand.
Sounds good. I'll be back soon.
Really enjoy your videos! Maybe you already have a video on this, I'd be curious to learn how you arranged your US finances and what loose ends in the US you had to tie up before moving abroad. Thanks for the great content!
Thank you very much. Videos on my prep to leave and arriving here are on the channel page.
Thumbs up 👍 Michael
I've seen several videos like this one where the headline is very misleading. I will say it worked. I watched the first couple minutes. In a way, I am jealous, but it title is still misleading. Good luck
I disagree. Everything on the thumbnail and in the title is accurate. I have been here a year and I was packing to return to America. I think maybe you, and others, let the words speak to you differently because of negative attitudes and expecting the worst. Try reading it again and add a different tone. See if it changes the interpretation. Thanks for watching.
safe travels back to U.S. holidays. Curious, is the retirement VISA better than the DTV VISA?
Can't say better or worse. They're very different. Choose what suits your needs best.
Well, I have lived here for 15 years and am NEVER going back to America. Have a nice trip.
Thanks
Curious what your electric is averaging a month?
I’m in Vietnam.
And what’s average Studio price there? ( I know you can go as high as one wants too)
Just curious for basic average.
thinking of heading over to Hua Hin to compare to what I’ve been living here in V.
Thanks
And peaceful journeys
My electricity has been about 15 USD a month for last 3 months. Studios can be 6000 THB and up. ($175)
I am looking for your life in four years. getting all my ducks in a row so I can enjoy. thank you for all this and don't scare me with this type of title. lol
But I am packing and leaving...555
Safe travels, friend!
My mom (and her side of the family) is from VA! We went there a lot when i was a kid. My mom's family was in the Newport News area as well as Suffolk. What area did you live in? It's a pretty state. I remember a camping trip on Skyline Drive. really beautiful.
Glad the year has gone so well. I am looking forward to my time....looks like March 2026 is my target!
I'm from Richmond. Thank you.
Your channel just found me, what Thailand city do you reside in?
Cost is minimal to live. Great info.
Have a safe journey to USA.
Thank you.
I'm living in VA and yes, I cannot wait to not have winter. I'm making the big move to Chiang Mai next year. After a year, what is the 1 thing you have learned that you wish you knew when you first arrived?
I wish I had known how truly inexpensive and easy it is to live here. I could have retired years ago!
February is the month my Thai wife and I also went 5 times all together. Hanoi was light jacket weather the week we spent the but South Vietnam is always been Hot with next to no rain to speak of. Safe travels and Be Well.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
We just got back from Va. Spent 6 weeks in in Bristow, but lived in Glen Allen for many years. I’d forgotten how much I do not miss the cold. had to watch tutorial on how to put on long pants and coat.
Glad you were able to escape again. 555
555😂😂😂. We are also living in Bangsaray. Been here for 2 years and loving it.
We should catch up when I'm back
Sounds good 👍
How long is the flight? Any good deal right now?
Too long!
Just returned from my fourth trip!
From Phoenix Arizona it is approximately 22 hours FLIGHT TIME to Bangkok. Bangkok to Phuket or Koh Samui is another 1.5 hours or so. I would HIGHLY recommend a window seat or the aisle of the long haul over the Pacific (or Atlantic if you go East!).
I generally fly economy, but this year I upgraded my Pacific segment (San Francisco to Japan) to Premium Economy - it is WELL worth the extra cost! This year my flight round trip was about $1,400. I generally book my flight around April of each year. I generally use Travelocity for all flight segments (but check around!)
Hope this is helpful!
@@MiSt8Spar10 Thank you.
Wow, 15$ !!? Not using the AC?
I take it.
Which condo/Apt place you go with?
I wanna keep my studio rental around what I’m at now in Viet which is a little under 300month
I'm not home a lot during the day but if I am, I usually have the doors open and use a fan. A/C at night in the bedroom but the weather is fantastic now and evenings so comfortable sometimes the ac doesn't get turned on at all.
"Plan for unexpected expenses" - this is true. My mom came to visit me in Pattaya. She was complaining of chest pains. Had to keep her in hospital for 4 days, buy a wheelchair & walker, made many trips to pharmacy for medication/diapers, hire nurse & physical therapist, extend her VISA, etc etc etc.
You never know what will happen.
how did you come across your current accommodation Michael , did you use company who i could have a look at for my own needs .... have a great trip back
Yes I did. Shoot me an email with what you're looking for and I can connect you with the right agent.
I CANNOT GO BACK TO AMERICA!.... I AM GOING TO AMERICA... fickle my friend! LOLOL Safe trip!
🤣🤣
Any knowledge of local golf courses? Price, quality, etc...
Thanks an d i enjoy your content!
Thanks for watching. I'm not a golfer but have friends here who go a few times a week and they love it. There are several bars/restaurants that have groups.
Thank you! Safe travels!
Where in VA are u going to?
Cause that's where I'm going also for Christmas. Have a safe trip!.
Back to Richmond
Which websites do you advice for internal ( cheap? ) flights ?
I use expedia, kayak and the airlines websites
Use the apps last person mentioned to check flights but then compare the prices you see there from the ones you'll see on the airlines you see that fly from your area. Since I got screwed by Expedia trying to get back to Canada from Thailand when my return trip was cancelled during COVID-19, I will never use them again. They wouldn't do anything as far as refund the return portion of the ticket saying I have to speak with Air Canada which said I had to speak with Expedia because I booked through them which makes more sense right.
Now I book directly through the airlines and pay a few dollars extra for Flex flights which allows me to make changes. I'm fact I booked this trip to Thailand back in June to leave Canada on January 19, but I got laid off from my Job in October so I paid $70 extra to leave December 1st I'm her in Chiang Rai on my 2nd full day. Travel safely and Be Well.
I was interested in your video because i went exactly throug the same experience. Though i was shoked when you mentioned 800$ per month. Really??? Where do u live?
Yep, I just did an update on my expenses. You can get more on where & how in that one.
Where in Virginia?? I am in Northern Va in Loudoun County, 45 mins from D.C.
I'm from Richmond. Have spent a lot of time in NOVA.
$800.00 a month? Where I live you can't even find an apartment for less than that.
Yes, my mortgage on my old condo in the US was 2x that.
I would like to know about open bank account and obtain driving license in Thailand please. Thank you
Check my other videos. I have done one already.
Good luck
thank you
Safe trip
Thank you
Can you make a video on how to get a cheap flight
555 I don't have any secrets. I just search for them.
How to get the SSN money send to bank in Thailand?
I'm not on SS
best to get the money in your us bank and just use ATMs. You need to jump through a bunch of hoops often if you're getting your SS into a foreign bank. They want proof you did not kick the bucket.
@@StreetSmartMillionaire Thank you.
Our SS is deposited into our Fidelity Investments bank account because they have no ATM fee for both local and foreign withdraws. Charles Schwab also has the same ATM benefits. Next we use WISE to transfer money from US bank account into our local Thai bank account. It is safer and easier to deposit your SS benefits into a US bank account.
I am in OK if you co.e close to here like to treat you to lunch
Thank you