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Dual citizen....mom from England and Dad US...born in US. Love your channel, your eloquence and your honesty. Unfortunately a certain OUTRAGEOUS grifter....fellow you tuber who hates working in Australia, so much that when his Thai wife wanted to divorce her lazy non working grifter husband....she suddenly died ....no autopsy, no toxicology report and 3 hours after her death, with a GOFUNDME already set up in Australia, while he is living in Thailand....he posted an odd video on his wifes sudden death. He showed so much grief about losing his MONEYMAKER (his words) and he took over her youtube channel and pimped out his newly born twins for simpathy. He failed to tell his audience that his wife was older than him and had 3 other children....he constantly lies and as it turned out he had another girlfriend (or ladyboy friend) from the time his wife suddenly died. In Australia there would have been a toxicology report and an autopsy and this person would have been under suspicion. His phone and his computer would have been seized for forensic analysis....especially google searches. I believe he poisoned his wife. Bottom line....I think this guy got away with murder...and what better place to do it in than a 3rd world country.
The tax situation is just typically Thai.Announcements are made then the powers at be think about it.IF THAILAND honours it's no double tax agreement with the many countries it has signed up with them few true retirees have nothing to worry about.BUT WILL THAILAND honour it's agreements.Thats the real question.
Costs of living here have gone through the roof. I have been here forty years. I would have a hard time leaving. But, my kids kids have all gone to work in the USA because they can't earn a decent wage here.
It's just as you said, the uncertainty and instability are the major cons here, not even the taxation. A foreigner can't own the land (= a house), and you'll have 90 days declaration hang around your neck for the rest of your life, not to mention the yearly renewals that can be denied. Another factor that you mentioned - the mass migration from the western countries has just begun. And who knows what Thai government will decide, to protect the country against the invasion. They may tighten the regulations further. You're lucky to be a guy, have a family and settle down. No freaking way in hell this is possible for a woman.
I retired from a 37-year career in 2011 and moved to Thailand that same year. I always knew I was going to retire somewhere outside the US, but I didn't know where. Mostly it was because I'd lived in the US my entire life, and never had the experience of living anywhere else, retirement (and two pensions) afforded me the opportunity that I had no intention of passing up. I ended up in Thailand, and now, 13 years later, I feel like I'm too established in Thailand to want to pick up and relocate anywhere else. I figure I will live here until the family takes me to that last Temple BBQ and I end up in a jar in the temple wall. Like you, I realize I am not Thai, and will never be Thai. I'm a minority living in someone else's country, and there are certain compromises required to accomplish that. I easily meet all the requirements for my visa and have enough practice doing it myself that it's an hour or so exercise once a year. My 90-day checks are an excuse to go into my favorite coffee shop for a latte and cake. I could do the 90-day online but then I wouldn't have the excuse to go into town. The tax uncertainty is just that, monumental uncertainty--and anyone who claims to know what is going to happen is telling stories, either for clicks or some other reason. My plan is to ignore it until there is some certainty. I spent my life living in the future when I was in the US. Here, living in Thailand for over a decade, I'll let tomorrow's issues wait for tomorrow, and take pleasure in living today. I think that's one of the better gifts I've gotten from living in Thailand--I'm better living in and appreciating the moment than I ever way before. The Thai government could always deny my yearly request to stay another year. But unless that happens, I don't plan on going anywhere other than here.
Young English expat in my 20s working in tech. Been doing Thailand for a while. Visas are such a pain here and depending how strict tax/visa situation gets once it’s clarified I’m prepared that I may have to start going to Vietnam/cambodia/ Philippines for so much of the year even though I don’t want to. One place I won’t be going back to is England. Fallen completely.
Right now your type are wanted, Thailand is now wanting thousands of 'Farangs' like you and will give you an easy entry/working visa, but because of a few visiting idiots like the two well off New Zealand guys, the Thai immigration has gone into over drive with their visa applications.
@@rossie273I'm American. We have watched the collapse of the entire western world over the last 15 years. Of course you could see this Orwellian demoralization happening back in the 80s. I remember in the early 90s when they started pushing politically correct speech. Out of nowhere, with no evidence to support the claim, we were suddenly being fed the fake idea that "diversity is our greatest strength". That has evolved in to "multiculturalism is necessary and enriches society", and "you're a bigoted xenophobe racist if you disagree". When I was in elementary school in the 80s it was "Proud to be an American". In middle school in the 90s it changed to "America should be ashamed". Now the message is just "America is evil and you must hate it or you're a racist bigot". The ADL globalist communist elites have been executing this planned destruction for decades. It's only finally become obvious to the masses. No great power has ever fallen so fast. That's what happens when every tier of government, business, media, academia, and tech become infiltrated by the collectivist mind virus.
After spending two decades here, I can confidently say that the positives of living in this place far outweigh any negatives. Listing them all would be a lengthy task, but one standout reason is the warmth of the people. Having previously resided in Germany for 15 years, I've noticed a striking difference: in Thailand, around 95% of the people you encounter wear a smile, whereas in Germany, it's a rarity. That alone speaks volumes about the charm of this beautiful country.
@@jonathanjonathan7386 In most cases, yes. I reside in a small village near a small town, where genuine friendliness is the norm among locals. However, like anywhere else, we have our share of individuals who may not always reflect that sincerity. Thais, like people elsewhere, have their own struggles. Yet, I find that maintaining a smile and humility, especially when making eye contact, fosters a positive atmosphere. This principle holds true across different cultures and countries.
That is fine, but learning a new language after age 50 is very very difficult. But you might not need to. If you already speak a little Slavic dialect. Southeast Asia is not your best choice and this is one of the main reasons why.
Yes, but Thais will never accept you. Don't mistake hospitality with assimilation. The Bangkok Post newspaper reported protest and anger at the Thai government for changing laws that give foreigners the right to own land.
I plan on moving to Thailand for retirement in September of this year. I am not worried about the new tax law, from my understanding, pensions won’t be taxed and even if it is it won’t deter me from moving to Thailand.
No expat should *EVER* consider any country they relocate to as their permanent home. You have to anticipate an eventual shift in their willingness to tolerate foreigners. Loved today, hated tomorrow. Always have a Plan B, a Plan C, etc
I applaud Thailand's attitude that " Thailand is for Thais " . However , if i retired there ( which i'd like to do ) , i would like to be treated as something other than a criminal . I'm talking about the visa laws and having to report every 3mths . I would like to safely invest my money in the country by owing a condo or house ( not including the land ) , a car or 'bike without a black cloud of uncertainty over my head every 3mths . I live in the land of " stupid " ( australia ) - i don't want to move from one scenario to a similar one .
🐧 I feel the same way: I have been closely connected to Thailand since childhood, but I will be giving up my life there in 2024. The financial racism against non-Thais and the economic and social structure that has grown in a radically wrong direction, including police and mafia crime, have made the country unattractive as a place to live! What remains is the end of my supplementary pension for an entire family there, including the considerable emotional suffering caused by my departure, as well as a brutal loss of culture and education for the children in this family. Thailand has made the mistake against 'expats', to "cutting off the hands that feed the country". And there is no next generation of expats which would compensate the given lack. This in result means... Oh My Buddha!, Good Night Thailand!
Cambodia is like Thailand 20 years ago , as long you have your visa nobody ask you anything, you can open a bank account with a 6 months visa and rent contract , drop in it 50k in cash nobody ask you anything , people are super friendly , cost of living super low .. great place to rest
@@manulp9778 a few years ago when leaving Cambodia to cross over into Thailand I noticed I could hear the immigration officer's voice but could not see his face. I'm not sure what to make of that. But when I crossed over to Thailand the face of the Thai immigration officer was very much visible. Cambodia is strange. If you have enough money you can pay not to have license plates on your vehicle. I have seen vehicles like that. Does that mean someone can commit a robbery at night and the police won't have any idea whose vehicle it was?
I love Cambodia but the government there is terribly corrupt and I struggle to go back there for this reason, they rip the heart out of that nation and its incredibly strong people
I've spoken with a few lawyers both in Thailand and back in The States. This is the basic rule: If the money brought into Thailand has been taxed at the source...it will not be taxed here. Am I wrong?
The real issue is how to prove that he’s been taxed. How far back do you need to do the paperwork on old taxes based off of that income? It seems almost impossible to prove anything as there’s no certainty of how old that savings is there’s no forensics on the money that we make basically
I originally had plans to retire in Thailand. But, I met a Cambodian lady and the Love thing kicked in. I've built a house here for her and i've retired now and have a early retirement visa. The tax thing in Thailand scares me, and the retirement visas in Thailand are really troublesome with reporting and depositing of 800k in bank etc.. Here in Cambodia at 55 you can get a retirement visa at 55 with only $270 + $20 visa fee yearly. No other requirements when you use an agent. I find the Cambodian people here to be very friendly and accepting of foreigners. I might someday have a life of traveling between Cambodia and Thailand and the PI for 3-5 months in each country in the future. It is very affordable here, but depends on your expenditure.. I'm thinking $1000 USD a month as a base here, rental of 1 room place is $100 a month down on the Cambodian South coast. No taxes on global income.
Actually there is a tax in global income, it's a residence based taxation. But Cambodia doesn't have a system to inforce it and it's still to early in the stage of developing for them to come after every when. When the country really develops and it's able to tax foriengers it will.
@@mattivirta worth it without having to report to immigration every 3 mo, no deposit 800k in bank, no background investigation or paperwork.. Probably will change in the future though.
I hope to have a vacation home in Thailand when I'm ready to retire. I'm 38. I speak Thai fluently and I can read it. I lived in the Isaan for a year and miss it all the time. I hope it becomes easier to retire there in the next 10 years. I took my wife and her parents in 2017. They had a wonderful time and I can't wait for my next visit, this next time I'll take my 4 kids as well.
I agree with you man. I love living here and really value everything about it. I feel like it’s a privilege to live here and hope to be able to stay the rest of my life. Thanks for another great video and topic!
First time seeing your channel. I’m from the UK and visited Thailand many times. I live in Costa Rica and totally agree on your thoughts regarding immigration in the UK and understand locals not wanting their country to change. I live and mix with locals only, same when I lived in Nicaragua. I feel living in an ex-pat community means missing out on experiencing the country but realize everyone is different and some prefer not to.
Former long term Thai resident, married to a Thai national, had a little girl with her. Settled on the family farm which I own 49% of. My wife owned 25%, grandmother owned 20% and the 3 aunties owned 2% each. Never got any problems from that but I’m a lifetime “Friend of the Thai People”. Lost my wife and kid to an accident and went off the rails. Really did a number on myself. The family were and are very good to me. I’m just a few operations away from returning to what I consider home. You mentioned a few other countries. Lao isn’t too bad but there is a lot of organised crime that flashing cash can get you targeted. Steer clear unless you are very streetwise and can extract yourself from bad situations. Colombia has several honey trap operations in effect. If you want to die tied to a chair, covered in petrol with a car tyre round your neck, then good luck. Me - I’m happy in Korat, early morning walks, afternoons at the lake teaching the local kids (and some adults) to swim.
@@000-z8n Thanks for your sympathies, not looking for that but it’s nice to know you care. While I lived in Khorat there were a few foreigners who came and went. They tended to complain about everything, as though being able to live in a tropical paradise wasn’t good enough. I guess if they don’t like it, they should go home! I suppose if they have not figured out how to be grateful for life’s blessings by that age, a person is never going to be happy anywhere.
In Thailand now. Pattaya. Going to spend a month here. A month in the Philippines, a month in Vietnam and some time in Cambodia. She which place I like best before making a longterm decision where to setup home base.
Thailand or Cambodia are the best in my opinion. I have lived in The Philippines. Nope. Their culture is broken. I visited Laos and Vietnam, were nice, but living in one place is different from visiting. Don't waste your time or money in The Philippines.
Hi, I moved here over 7 years ago and whatever happened here there was no way I was living another day in the UK. The country is unrecognisable from the one I was born and bred in and I felt like a foreigner in my own country. I went to Chiang Mai but now live in Chiang Rai. After 40+ years living in London, I had lived enough city life for many lifetimes. If you are prepared to embrace the culture and lifestyle here it is great, not perfect, but a relaxed lifestyle. Never had any problems with the bureaucracy here, I just accept it's different. I have a house I bought with my now wife and I will curl up my toes eventually in Thailand. I actually applauded the country for putting its own citizens first. As you said, it's a criminal shame that the West doesn't follow suit.
@@chrispekel5709 A well known vlogger who has been here for around 20 years once said "There are no rules in Thailand, merely suggestions" Nothing has happened whilst I have been here that has been life changing. Go with the flow.
It would be more accurate to say your now wife has a house that you bought for her. But as you said, I applaud the Thais for ensuring their country isn't bought out from under them by foreigners, Iike ours has been
The problem in the west is the government's do not look after the people who have worked and paid taxes all their life. There more than happy to give it to some blow in who hasn't contributed contributed
I have lived in China for 10 yrs & left permanently in 1994. I have lived in Thai, Singapore & Taiwan & HK. I got sick of the Expat life, even though it was fantastic & I had a fantastic life. I am from NZ but live in the UK. My life here in the UK is fantastic too. I have lived in at least 7 countries. Planning on retiring in SE UK & Sth Spain. Home is where the heart is. Humans are generally nice & wonderful everywhere. Quite opposite to what you read on the news. My only advice for anyone who chooses the fulltime expat life is Learn the Language & when you start bitching all the time about the country you have adopted then its time to leave. Been here in the UK for 26yrs now & still loving it. Perhaps I am lucky, but I have a great diverse group of friends & even with my Kiwi accent I have never felt like an expat. Home is where the heart is.
@@regnorse well I am 61, & yr question made me question. I lived in NZ a total of 20yrs. Haven't been back in 10. What was so bad about NZ? It's Someone Elses Country & now it's very very expensive, even when money isn't the problem the divide between rich & poor is everywhere, so it doesn't matter where you go. But yeh, NZ is a beautiful country.....but you can't eat beauty. Great dope, beautiful sunsets & bored with the lifestyle. I want to retire playing & recording music (Jazz,Funk,Punk) in Brighton, painting pictures of Seagulls & spending winter in a Cannnabis Club in Seville learning Spanish. At 60 I feel like 40 & feel like I still have a lot to give. So giving is the way to stay positive wherever you go & you will have a fantastic time everywhere. But yeh, No.1 rule, Learn the Language to sing with the music.
If I didn't have a family and a business here, I would be in Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam in a heartbeat. There are many reasons for this. Honestly, one of the biggest drawbacks of Thailand is the quality of expats that this place seems to attract. It's a lower bracket than I seem to have met in other southeast Asian countries, more lowbrow in Thailand compared to these other places...I am not sure exactly why this is, but I have a feeling that it being a known haven for the sex trade is one of them.....I found that those other places offer a more cultured type of expat, a little more educated and well read. Here, it just seems to be old guys that want to drink all day and pontificate. Also, as for Colombia, things have done a 180 from a few years ago, it is much safer and much more friendly toward visitors and expats. Finally, I think that for people to leave places like the US, Uk or wherever to come to Thailand because it is "more free" is very misguided"....Thailand is NOT a free country, sure you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet and drive drunk, but in terms of civil liberties and such, It is not really some place that I would categorize as "free"
I agree, and in this respect i was more highlighting the reasons why people have told me they would move, such as being free, but not saying that this is a true reason.
It’s a welcome pleasure when I meet another expat that doesn’t have alcohol and bar life at the top of the agenda. There are many in that category, but I agree with you about the increasing number of “low brow” expats. Of course, they were here all along. Not to be a snob, I am very uncomfortable being around them. I have flown Bangkok to K.L several times in the last 12 months, and the difference in the type of expat is obvious. But again, my biggest reasons for leaving are pollution, economy, and road safety.
I ended up moving to Cartagena, Colombia from the US. Knowing Spanish goes a long way in getting to meet people and interact. Also met my wife here and that has been a blessing. It has helped a lot on the “how do I legally stay here” situation. I will say living in the US I was always anxious and stressed and moving to a coastal place like Cartagena. It helped me learn to relax and enjoy my time. It’s a big blessing and I’ve never been happier.
I was in Colombia a few years ago, Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin. Cartagena was my fave. While I definitely liked M over B, both felt like prisons, as most of the housing has electric fence and razor wire about it. Which makes the open outdoor spaces feel like unsafe prison yards. Cartagena, at least where I was in the Old City/Town/ Getsemani didn't feel like that at all. Supposedly Colombia is a LOT safer than it was, but unfortunately its left with the infrastructure/ architecture / memories of the drug war / terror years, in some places, at least.
Been married to my Thai wife for 17 years here in NZ. Can’t wait to move over there early next year when I retire to Nakhon Phanom. The COL in NZ is out of control both housing and food, crime is on the rise, high-density housing being built everywhere. Incidentally when I move to Thailand I become a non-resident for tax in NZ so I don’t give a toss if Thailand wants me to pay some tax. But it’s the same old story if you don’t like it in Thailand nobody is forcing you to stay.
Amen Brother, many people fail to realize that Thailand didn't ask anyone to come here and settle, retire or live. If one gets fed up and wants to go back home, Thailand would not fall apart. it would just mean another wannabe expat has a shot at that place to rent.
I think you still get state pension in NZ as long as you come back for 6 months of the year. However I do agree NZ so bloody expensive now and crime everywhere, don't know what happened to the once beautiful NZ, can't wait to retire to bugger off to Thailand
I'm an Englishman who has lived in Thailand for 28 years, working for various corporates in Bangkok, working in Thailand and supporting offices around APAC. 2 years ago I left on good terms from my latest company of 20+ years with a good severance package. Since then, as I'm no longer tied going between air-conditioned home, to ac'd car, to ac'd office, the air pollution and the increasingly hot months of the year have stopped me from enjoying what was meant to be motorbike riding and traveling around Thailand. The pollution especially has gotten worse with no fix in sight despite constant assurances from the various governments that have been in power. Will I return to England? Not sure as yet, but I'm certainly taking more and longer trips back there than before
Great comment. If you have plenty of money and can afford it, 2 or 3 trips to Thailand per year is more than enough. People slag off England but if you can afford to live in a nice area it's one of the best places in the world. Jacob Rothschild could have lived in BuriRam or even maybe stretched his budget to Phuket - I wonder why he didn't?
England in the summer is the best place on earth, before the kid came along I would work the summer and travel the far east for the winter. Cracking life. Hope to get back to it when the daughter sorts herself out 🎉
@@anthonydixon6985 If money is not an issue, I could live in quite a few places happily. The UK would still not be high on the list though because of the weather, and easy access to amenities (unless you live in London). Also, just because I may be okay, it's not nice to see everything else falling apart.
@@anthonydixon6985 I have just moved back to UK from Australia after 43 years there. I like it the food is great ! the weather is cool too , cost of living better than Australia , no bugs ! Still a great country in my opinion and I am a pensioner with nothing.but good to be home😉
I moved to the Philippines 4 .5 years ago with heart failure and diabetes and have managed to survive so far and support myself and gf and 2 daughters on about $1000 a month. Not always easy but impossible in the USA. Thailand Visa seems much more difficult to get clear info on. Guess everyone has their pros and cons.
You are far better off in P.I. considering your family situation. Stay there, everywhere looks good when things aren't perfect where you are, no matter where you are.
This seems like a popular topic on TH-cam these days and I have seen a few guys discussing it. Thailand has always been a revolving door with people coming and going. One's perspective on this often depends on time in country. As you know I have lived here for many decades so I am pretty blasé when it comes to people leaving. For every person who leaves there seems to be two or three people planning, dreaming or waiting in the wings.
My sentiments exactly I’m currently in Thailand but I have been travelling in Laos Cambodia and the Philippines and although Thailand is technically still in my opinion the best country for many aspects it’s losing its lustre for me. I spent more in two weeks in Thailand than it would’ve cost me for an entire month in Laos or Cambodia and I can feel the difference from three years ago and even more so from 10 years ago in how people the thais greet you and smile at you. don’t get me wrong they are still friendly but let’s say they seem to be more weary or cautious than before it’s not as freely given. I’m also thinking that I will base myself Lin an adjacent Country but still look forward to visiting often. If I was to choose Thailand it would definitely be in a more rural setting away from the tourist areas that are becoming plagued with the miss behaving ex-pats that you’re reading about lately. Thank you for your content you always try to look at all sides of things well thought out as always
I'm australian ( don't laugh ) and a friend of mine , years ago , said i should visit Thailand because the beer was cheap and the sex was cheap . When i asked about other "attractions " he replied , " Oh yeh , there's monkeys up in the mountains " . Years later , I now have a few friends in Thailand - farangs with Thai wives ( their own age ) and they live in the rural parts which i prefer . The sex scene ( which i witnessed one evening in Chiang Mai ) to me , is pathetic . . Not the young ladies but the old men . To each his own i guess .
I feel the same shift. Its hard to describe My first visit in Thailand 2004, i felt genuinely welcomed, even with practically no thb in my pockets. It took till 2016 to return and obviously different. 2018 moved to Thailand and yes... It's slipping away. Hard to say exactly how. Perhaps my own frustration is slowly building up from the so many fuckups? My now standard distrust to Thai after being ripped of so many times? (Deposit is apparently different world for extra payment) The lies and the cheats? Where the "Thai way" is to shrug, pay up,move on and forget it ever happened?? (As im well aware I'm not the only one who this is happening to) If you bump your head often enough, you become careful. Weary even. And this will have its own counter effect. In my 2 months playing tourist in the Philippines i have SAVED money, where in Thailand I'm scraping at the end of the month.... We will he happy to come on holidays... We can afford it by not living in Thailand 😂😂
I must also say that the air quality now a days in Thailand is so bad that any expat with reduced immune system or other underlying diseases, should actually move out! It is dangerous just to breath here now!
Ever hear of wearing a mask for air pollution ? 2 billion Asians wear N95 masks during the field burn season. Bonus: you avoid the flu & other viruses...
Asthma & AS preventing me to move abroad,really depressing,scary at my riper age of 58! Sugar cane burns in many countries making the heat ,diesel,dirt in the air PPM ratio😒
I have left my native Germany in 1998, knowing this whole EU system will kill the whole lifestyle of the people. Now living in Australia since 1998 and thought it was paradise, I feel like leaving this place too. The cost of living is just too high.
Oz showed it is a communist country in the past 4 years, vax mandates, show your papers, stazi police, can only go 3 km from your house, mask mandates - living hell! I am only glad I went there in the 00's before it went to pot
What bugs me is the 400k/800k THB in the bank, and yet all my neighbors are poor, live in shacks and earn a couple hundred baht a day cutting sugar cane! I can live in rural Thailand very comfortably for £100 a week; why do I need so much money in a Thai bank getting 1% interest? This is living; not being a tourist on holiday spending lots of money.
I'm glad to see you always have a hat on , I was born in the skin cancer capital of the world, some of my family needed major surgeries, and I see so many expat videos, with sunburn with no idea how much damage they are doing to their skin.
This is an issue that NO youtubers are talking about. You see Brits who retired in Spain who are 55 and look like 80 with burnt saggy wrinkly skin. I am blonde and burn easy. I stay out of the sun a lot. This is the reality after the holiday bit has worn off. Putting sun lotion on every day gets very boring
If you eat seed oils and grains your skin will burn in the sun. And yes cause damage. If you eat naturally, lots of meat, eggs, saturated animal fat, then you will be fine. And you wont burn nearly as easily. The sun is good for you
I wondered if you would get round to this topic. Seems most of the local blogs are giving it a whirl. At least you have dealt with it in a tasteful way. Personally been here 12 years married to a Thai, live on my UK pensions. We have our own house in a beautiful non foreign tourist part of Thailand and live comfortably. Worst case I might have to pay a few Baht tax if the existing treaties don't cover my already taxed[UK] pensions. Given the benefits I receive by being married to a retired Thai teacher I won't be moaning or leaving. Great place nice people, pity about some of the less desirable falang who can't behave here.
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
I’ve lived in Thailand for 6 months last year and 20 years in Asia. I don’t think I will live in Thailand now because I feel that access to nature is so touristed, and I can’t get away from cell towers and power lines. I’m returning to the N America to live amongst nature in an off road capable travel trailer. As messed up as it is sometimes, I appreciate being a citizen and feel more community. Maybe I’ve been away too long. Also and importantly, climate disruption is creating increasingly hotter temps in the tropics. 51C in the Philippines!
You know 51°C temperature in the Philippines is totally exaggerated, lol! The highest temperature that the Philippines experienced was 42°C in Cagayan Valley and that was decades ago. The average temperature in Thailand is actually higher than the Philippines based on the recent study that I've read. The Philippines has never experienced the heatwave and temperature in the mid-40s that Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam had experienced in recent years!
@@rm_alfaro 😅 11 days I'll fly back to Europe and work some fat off my stomach eating this tasty asian food. To think 3 months ago I cycled across 3 countries😅
Have just subscribed to your channel. Fantastic points! Very nice change from the constant bar advice channels I seem to have pop up on my TH-cam feed. I have been married 14 years to a Thai women. I spent a few years in Bangkok and 5 in Issan, about two hours drive from Udon, 1.5 from Nong Khai and Simon Nakhon. Your noodle shop actually remixes me a few I liked. I returned to the states with my wife and two daughters (5 and 8) so that my wife could experience where I am from and my kids could receive and educational foundation in the West. We have spent the first 5 years of the nearly 7 we have been back in Houston (I work for an oil major), which was horrendous and we both missed Issan dearly. The last 1.5 we have been in Idaho, which has been fantastic. There are still some wonderful places in the US that will remind people of where they grew (if they are American of course), if you know where to go. The problem we have had with this arrangement is the cost to travel back and fourth…… 4 x plane tickets in this day and age is outrageous. It is worth it though. Exposure to rural Thailand has been great for me and certainly is great for my kids. I am sure the tax situation you mentioned (I have no information on this as of yet, but am going to see what I can find), is discouraging for many. My question would be are you a resident if you lay tax? How will they track foreign bank accounts or is this in the honor system? I never banked in Thailand, no idea how government reporting works. My wife does maintain an account at Bangkok bank and since becoming a resident in the states, she has to report this account to the IRS. We will split our time in retirement either year by year or every six months if we can afford it, between the US and Thailand. Everywhere constantly changes and of course Thailand is not different. I unfortunately came my first time in 2012 so have no idea what it may of been like “back in the day”. To all those who leave because of it, I can assure you nowhere is immune. Thanks again for the great video and taking a moment to read this long winded story. Have a good one.
I’ve spent 5 years here. One of the main issues is medical costs especially when you get older. I can’t get insurance because of a pre existing medical issue. I like it here, don’t LOVE it. I’m an American citizen but with my Dad being Greek Cypriot, I just received my Citizenship. Medical is free and the island is beautiful. Every country has its positives or negatives. Refuse to go back to the USA. Negatives here, is the language issues, the crazy drivers and I refuse to get on the road with motor bike or car. Positives. Friendly people and inexpensive. I’ll for sure come and visit
Sawasdee krab. Great Video.Thanks. Im retired and life in Thailand since 2006, with a 4year break in Ecuador+Colombia, after the 2014 Coup. I came back bc of Love i could not shake off. Now im thinking leaving again but this time for good. The air,heat,visas and maybe the taxes as well r the reasons. There r other clear tax free retirement places around the world, like Ecuador(the problems r only along the coast where i don't like it anyway).Cuenca is great.Spanish i can read and learn easy.English no problem to get around.Visas easy and only every 2years.No Pension income taxes.Colombia,also Spanish easy and with English u can get around well. Retirement Visa every 3years only,income taxes only with about $9200 and above a month.Panama,Spanish+English no problem.Retirement Visa only one time and done for the rest of your life.Many discounts for Retired Expat.No income tax.Chile,one time a year Visa renewal,no 90 day Immigration like im on parole.No Pension income Tax. Philppines, sadly no bc im not gone deposit a huge sum of my money on a Gov. Bank account, same with Malaysia.Cambodia i visited but not for me,same with Indonesia,Vietnam has no clear way to retire,no visa for it,Laos no way for me. Im from Europe and i want to be able to read the stuff when i go outside,talk have more order and more people who follow the laws,more basic universal human rights like freedom of speech,no more Coups(i experienced 3 Coups in Thailand,enough), CLEAN AIR and no Pension income Taxes and no more of the "special Fam. with blue bloods". I know that no place and no person is perfect, im the least, but the negatives got too much here.The good here is not enough anymore. As soon as i sell my Condo, im gone and never want to look back.I learned a loot here but i need more peace, cleanliness,milder temps and stability. Take care. Khop khun mak krab🙏
I lived in Thailand for 5 years dating back from 2004, leaving for work opportunities I had always had in my mind to return and retire in Thailand. However now not so sure, the landscape in general has changed so I am going to look in other counties before make any plans I like Thai people, food, and the lifestyle in general but its not as it was before.
its vibe today in general is no better than the usa, after cheap rent your left with wallmart cloothes on the street, wallmalt food on the street plus msg and cheap ugly working girls. the vibe there today is sterile and cheese.
I'm a Canadian living in Mexico for the past 3 years. the covid insanity was a huge motivating force for more people to leave the wealthy western countries. it was for me and I met dozens of people from Canada, US, EU, Aus in Mexico who all came for the same reason. I think as the covid tyranny has sort of cooled off for a couple years now a lot of people seem to be drawn back to their home countries. personally I still see a lot of reasons not to do that. in the last 3 years prices have doubled on many things in Mexico so the finances could also be a reason for people to leave. I actually think the whole thing is some giant kind of manipulation to more evenly spread wealth around the world. rich people in the west have the ability to move to less developed countries and bring their money with them while poor people from those less developed countries are being streamed into the US, Canada and Europe to be the new workers and tax payers. good video man... I agreed with almost everything you said.
The more expats in Mexico City the more expensive everything gets, and the more expensive it is the less locals can actually afford to live there. The Mexicans aren't happy with all the westerners moving in, just like most of us in the US aren't happy with the massive illegal immigration of the last few years. If too many people invade another cultural space they will take it over and change it. The US, Canada, and Europe don't need a "labor force", they need to start having kids again. You can't fix a long-term problem with a short-term solution.
This is the true reason for the Net Zero agenda - to destroy the wealth of the older developed countries and reduce our ability to travel or to move to other countries where our historical currency strength allowed us a great deal of freedom. Ever notice how they don’t give a sh-t how many new coal fired power stations India or China build. It’s all about wealth distribution
I think at least for me who is relatively young (38) with 2 little kids I would rather keep my options open. Lots of people I know with simmilar attitude. People are mostly concerned whether the recent changes and "bad foreginers" chase is just a blip or start of a bigger trend. I think the policy might backfire for Thai government as many foreginers will drastically cut their spending and /or spend less time in Thailand to avoid sunken cost fallacy and keep options open.
This is an interesting topic. I moved to Cambodia in 2019 for work and I’m now working in Malaysia. I feel very privileged to be able to live in other countries and I don’t want to take it for granted. I understand why countries change things and overall they need to prioritize their people. Hopefully, others will remember this when moving abroad.
35% tax rate. That sucks. And if you want to buy a condo, it sounds like they will take 35%. This will kill the property market for people who want to live here.
8 years retired in Chiang Mai. I absolutely love it here and have no intention of leaving. Yes the smoking season sucks, but you learn to deal with it (move to the islands or simply modify your activities for that period). The pluses of living a contented life here in Thailand outweigh BY FAR the negatives (imho mostly minor negatives). I will be in the jar next to the guy above who mentioned his ultimate resting place.
Living since 20 years in Chiang Mai and love it here! Yes, the haze sucks, but i found solutions every years. If you come to Maerim, see you in the Sala Café.😀🙏
@@Ajax-wo3gt I've been living and working in Chiang Mai for 2 years now. Never had any issues with locals. I think it is more relaxed here in the north, less tourist heavy.
Don't sugar coat it let's get to the hard truth therei have given it to you and others straight. I don't want Thailand over run with tourists but it is to many Russians Indians Chinese when this happens the demographics change and the feel of the country changes thats what I don't like so many years ago I moved on from Thailand there is life outthere and better places to visit definitely. Problem with most people there very narrow in there thinking and approach in life
the problem is the greed of thai society they can never get enough of your money,govt is a well you know what i mean they put patpong to shame.theyll keep pilling tourists in till it pops.theres no control on people coming in,i knew several from uk with records why are they living in thailand they shouldnt be able to enter,parts of the country are infested with this low life.local cops are basically the same.no thanks im enough.cambodia maybe .phils and nam good for a visit,latam,ummm interesting,south europe,now thats interesting.its a big world,personaly i feel the thais dont mix well with non thais,look at the deal with burmese cambs and laos they treat them awfully.anyway its a personal choice, im out .i get tired of stupid too thats real bad in thailand
My Friend is living in Chiang Mai. He is planning on staying in Thailand for 6 months then living in Cambodia and Vietnam for the rest of the year. Maybe other countries in Asia. Malaysia would have been a good option but the requirements to live there are difficult.
Taiwan also grants three months visa free to American passport holders. It is easy to go for six months Thailand, three months Malaysia and three months Taiwan. Eastern Taiwan is far less polluted than western Taiwan and the view of the Pacific Ocean is beyond beautiful.
Thailand was always the retirement plan but since going to Bulgaria sunny beach I have changed my mind and we probably going to retire there and the three months when it’s freezing December January February we going to stay in Thailand then back to Bulgaria Uk 🇬🇧 here just for reference
Try Varna (Bulgaria), the city by the sea. Eastern Europeans know Bulgaria the best and choose Varna over Sunny Beach & Golden Sands, where the western europeans go. And Varna is only 30 mins from the more expensive & comercialised Golden Sands.
I have lived here in rural Buriram since 2017, through Covid. I am not leaving, and not thinking about leaving. The positives outweigh the negatives by a large margin. Regarding the tax issue, there are eight types of income sources (according to the Thai Revenue Department), and pension income is not on the list of eight types of income. Most countries also have double tax treaties (DTA), many of these treaties reserve taxation of pensions only to the country where that pension was earned (the USA DTA is very clear on the authority to tax pensions). Seems like a bunch of people that know very little about this topic are trying to scare other ignorant people to not live in Thailand (not this channel, but others).
Been visiting for over 20 years. Retired 3 years ago in the middle of Covid lockdowns. 2 years ago made 3 exploratory trips to Thailand. Just over 1 year ago I made the move. Rented a place for 1 year. Completed a year in Thailand, but not going to stay. Moving to Kuala Lumpur. 1. Pollution is far less than Thailand. 2. Very affordable, often more affordable than Thailand. 3. Road safety is higher in Malaysia compared to Thailand (maybe less drunken driving as well). No regrets on living in Thailand, and will always enjoy life there, but the 3 reasons I listed above were enough for me to make my decision. Other issues had some influence on my decision, such as being able to have an intellectual exchange of ideas with the people I meet in Malaysia. Not so much of this in Thailand. Also, Bahasa Melayu is quite simple. Of course, English is almost universally spoken in K.L., and from what I understand, English is spoken almost everywhere else in other parts of Malaysia.
Thanks Brian, I still need to check out Penang (and Georgetown), but my choice of K.L. may still be more practical as I return to my country every month. Travel is arduous enough so must consider total travel time.
@@regnorse Perhaps some aspects of life are strict, or more strict than elsewhere. Don’t have much feel yet for how strict they really are, and what are they strict about. I have only been traveling there and still haven’t moved to K.L. Consider that Thailand has les majeste laws that are possibly some of the strictest in SE Asia. Or anti graffiti laws in Singapore…how many lashes of the cane did they give that teenager? Death penalty for smuggling drugs, I admit that’s very strict (or is that Indonesia law, I forget). Maybe if you are Muslim, many things are strict. But, certainly don’t see many Muslim women wearing a hijab. Only thing they won’t yield on is Israeli citizens entering the country.
If your income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, ad that's when the complications begin.
I live in Jomtein on the darkside,I don't interact with alot of westerners near my village. That said when going into town for shopping im seeing an alarming numbers of westerners, Russians mostly that appear to be settling in. I can tell you im not enthusiastic about this trend. I want to be Immersed in the Thai community. The best of the westerners don't have the delightful vibe of the locals.
@@testicool013 I don't totally regret my decision, nice having the beach,shopping and western food option. However there are far more westerners appearing daily.
Living in a suburb of Pattaya in the second most heavily Foreign populated Province of Thailand, does not sound like you are emersed in a Thai Life style. If you want that you need to move away from these tourist hubs.
This year "spring" the heat killed my vibe, and also because of lack of rain, the burning season continued far longer than what I have been used to, and the confusion of how we are going to be taxed pulled my plug, and I have left for my home country. I can also mention the variety of foreigners that made it hard to thrive as well. Very hard to find expats to socialise with, especially if you are not a regular drinker, and not living in typical tourist places.
At first, I was angry and wanted to give up with the recent visa changes. But after thinking about it, it's going to keep Thailand Thai. I did a 180, and completely support it. What's happening in the west with the manufactured immigration crisis is not going to happen here with strict immigration laws. The trash will take itself out in a sense. Or, at least it can't linger.
Lived and worked legally in thailand for 7 years and the decision to move back to New Zealand was somehow emotion but also brought a lot of security and certainty as I found and still are convinced that staying on thailand is always living with some kind of uncertainty regarding your status and never felt like secure in knowing I would ne living there full.time after retirement, even getting a 30 day extension when visiting myThai family's is always a nervous and frustrating thing and it should not be long stay visa requirement left besides the issue but the system is slow and very very complicated which it shouldn't be I love thailand but bless my angels making the trip back to New Zealand, the opposite is for my wife who got now, without any issues full citizenship and that would never be possible for me in thailand. Plus thailand has become more and more expensive feels like thailanis only interested in rich Chinese, Indians and Russians, I love thailand but never will be my longstay destination 😢😢
I'm planning to use Thailand like most US retirees use Florida. Live in Thailand November to March and then back to the states for the summer. The economy in Thailand isn't good. It's too hot in the summer. It's great there but I can't see living there all year long.
I want to retire in thailand at some point. I'm only 30 so it's not going to happen in the near future but hopefully some day. I am half thai so for me it's just the natural thing to do. I completely agree with your statement that the cost of living here in the west has become too expensive.
Been going to Philippines for 11 years and its like my 2nd home been to Thailand and Vietnam and Cambodia loved them all. But i met a girl in Philippines that won my heart and two beautiful girls later we plan to retire there from the UK. Great Britain is sliding into the abyss and i am scared what it will become. So yes i am out.
Actually i am in the transition phase to Thailand. That has been the planI bought the Elitevisa and after having done it, the tax subject has arisen. Considering also that foreigners can not own at least a small plot of land (own house) and also that foreigners can not be majority owner of a thai registered company other countries might be more favourable. I still have some time but for the time being it seems that i will be not more than 179 days in Thailand. Unfortunately.
Here in the Philippines. I think province life here and in Thai would be very similar, although I believe there is more mountain living in the Fills and so temps can be considerably cooler. Thailand beats the Fills hands down with infrastructure that's way ahead. Food is way better in Thailand ( Taste , quality , and variety ). The consensus is Thailand is somewhat less expensive than the Philippines. English and visas are easier in the Fills. Air quality is generally better , but can also be a problem in the cities. Thailand is more tidy and cleaner (less litter , better construction etc.) imo.
Correct on all points.Staying in the Philippines is easier, especially with a Filipino wife. less hassle, less amenities unless you're in the bigger cities, same for the services and utilities.
Agree with everything. As someone who have lived in both countries: Thailand is definitely cheaper in terms of rent, food, internet and hotels. Thailand is also much more developed and convenient. Philippines's advantages are the infinite tourist visa, English is much more widely spoken, and local women really like foreign white man.
Thailand is cheaper than the Philippines? Thought it was the other way around. From your list it seems Thailand is better overall, assuming the list is correct.
@@roastnut The list is correct. However many choose the Philippines , because English is widely spoken , the visas easier , and imo a little more popular for "men seeking woman".
There are no NHS in Thailand ex husband had traffic accidents went through major hip operation ,very expensive for a retired expat . He now has debts to the hospital which he keeps paying every month.
I want to go where my dollar goes far, low crime, decent/good infrastructure, and good food. Thailand covers those basis for me so I’m really drawn to it. I plan on traveling to even more places but Thailand has the number one spot so far
I have been to Thailand about 5 times over the past 20 years & my last 2 visits before Covid, I had noticed a change occurring in Thai attitudes. Initially, I thought someone was having a bad day & brushed it off but after it had happened a few times, I thought, "This is strange, what has happened to my always smiling Thai hosts?" Fortunately, this was not prevalent but was enough to realize something was changing. In my opinion what is happening in the West is an invasion of Socialist ideals under the pretext of saving the planet. Klaus Schwab has brought forward ideas that are extreme changes in how the world will function & has members of his W.E.F. infiltrating Governments to have his ideals put into action. This is exactly what Justin Trudeau & other members in his Government have brought to Canadians by forcing a percentage of the population into tent cities, food banks, freezing bank accounts, illegal border crossings, creating a housing shortage, ignoring our so called Charter of Rights & Freedoms, forcing inflation & raising taxes while ignoring the majority of Canadians opposed to his actions. Our 'Democracy' here is a joke & we do not have the means to remove him from power regardless of how many scandals he is involved in or laws he breaks. Over 70% of the population want him gone but until his term runs out in 18 months, he still has time to do a lot more damage.
Can't believe someone has actually realized what's going on in the West. Most of the people I know think it's a conspiracy theory, even though they can see right before there eyes. Well said 👍
Already retired to the Philippines and it’s better than other countries-but still enjoy Thailand a good deal. I’d happily stay in Thailand as long as i might with whatever visas could allow it and still use Philippines as ‘base’.
You have the airbnb now? That's awesome. I missed a lot. Sounds like I need to catch up on some vids. I'm not leaving Thailand anytime soon. I also have my life and business here. But I am realizing more that a backup plan may not be a bad idea.
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
I am also planning to retire in Thailand within the next six years. My concerns are only three. The unrelenting heat and humidity. The language barrier once outside the tourist areas. Third is the Visa but as I am over 60 years of age I should be eligible for a retirement visa. My understanding is that you don't have to pay tax on money that you have already paid tax on in the country where you earned it.
@@neilmckenzie4692just dreadfull and relentless ,, it’s bearable for a month but after that it’s just tiresome , getting up in the morning and shower put clean clothes on then go outside they’re all stuck to the salty sweat from your body , shower again rinse and repeat covered in mozzy bites and dengue now more and more prolific ,, no thanks I want a comfortable retirement in a temperate country ,, having said that good luck to this chap and anyone else who enjoys it
Skip Thailand-you can do better.You should come to the Philippines. Climate is much better here in Manila as we get breezes. English is a second language. Over 7,000 islands to explore. My retirement visa (SRRV) that never expires was extremely easy to get and it only needs to be renewed annually.
I've been living in Thailand, on and off, since 2023. During that time I've also lived in The Philippines (5 years) and Mexico (1.5 years) Living abroad can be enjoyable but also hard work. The different culture, language and Visa issues add to the complexities. Simply moving abroad will not make one happy and in my experience, people that were mostly happy in their home countries will also be relatively happy abroad.
Hmmm, people become different when they come here, maybe less flexible and expecting all the brown people will cater to them. Things are changing same as everywhere, but still far better than where I come from, Hawaii. Your mileage will vary.
We left 🇨🇦 in 2021 for all the exact reasons you cited. Happily living in Guatemala for now and planning to move to Thailand this time next year. Great video!
people who say you are wrong are usually brainwashed Trudeau supporters who love government control and censorship. He's become so unpopular now that's he's trying to backtrack his reckless policies. Mass immigration of over a million people in years during a housing, homelessness, and healthcare crisis. Trump even warned him.
Thailand's big pro is the high quality of medical care. Cost of living is still low. Problems are overcrowded areas , pollution and some uncertainty about future visas.
I am one of those who spend 3 months last end of the year in Thailand. 2 months Chiang Mai and 1 months in Koh Samui.My reason for this longer trip was to see if i could retire there.. With all the rules and everything I realized that Thailand is not for me.. It was a nice trip but that’s it.. you will be always a foreigner no matter what and the rules are unrealistic. That’s just my onion..
17 years in Cambodia 🇰🇭, before that 8 years Thailand.Visa was a problem, always visa runs.Cambodia over 55 years old.No problem. 300& and maby a picture. Stay safe ❣️ Happy Easter 🐰
Loved this video. I tried expatriating in Ecuador in the later 1990's. Acquired an investor visa but changed my mind when the country changed in ways I didn't like following a financial crisis in 1999. No place is perfect obviously and most people don't dare more than take an occasional foreign trip if even that. I admire the travel vloggers who post on TH-cam, and If I were still a young guy that's probably what I would be doing.
Im an Australian living in Thailand under a retiree visa and I have no plans to leave yet. I appreciate the Thais. I like that i can speak English in certain areas. I think Thailand is going to become the powerhouse of SE Asia. No plans to leave.
Had 13 years in Thailand on a retirement visa. As a now recipient of a British pension if I choose to live there (Thailand)this pension would be frozen. That means the 10.1% increase in last year's pension and the 8.4% increase on this year's would have been lost. That being said, Thailand is still a wonderful country. Now I'm based in the Philippines so receive annual pension increases. There are some other positives about the Philippines also. It feels (and is) extremely safe. The air quality outside the urban areas is generally better and there does not appear to be aay major drug problems. If you enjoy a beer this is also cheaper. With all the current hype on taxable income I'm feeling many retirees in Thailand will be reassessing their current status. Dealing with the Philippine immigration re visas has been effortless which is an added bonus...
Because Philippines is one of only a handful of countries outside the EU with reciprocal agreements on welfare with UK. The British pension increases kick in next month on April 08th. If you shifted to the Philippines then you would automatically get increases when you advise DWP of your Philippine address. It's worth knowing this because you have to keep up with cost of living increases >>>
@@oyavoyager8469 where you live depends on your likes or dislikes. Being a beachy person then anywhere with sand and good swimming suits just fine. I quite enjoy Boracay because the hype is there if you want it, but plenty of options to avoid the worst of the grockles >>
I currently live in Medellin, considering moving to Pattaya. I’ve been robbed three times here. It’s very rough and aggressive. About 10 years ago, I used to live in Bangkok. (My job as a pilot)
@@Mayfitz I am so sorry sir that your mind is so pathetically small to be able to ascertain that murders and robberies are common in MEDELLIN. Futhermore, - No "loser", 🤣I don't drink, I am a multimillionaire in excellent health. I have a few girlfriends that have normal jobs. So just shut the F.U.🤣
Thanks for sharing. My Thai wife and I are planning on a split (US / Thai) retirement, within the next few years. I thought eventually, we may want to stay fulltime in Thailand. For now, it's a wait and see on the impact of these new tax laws. If we need to limit our time in Thailand to under 180 days per year, I guess we'll be stuck with our original plan. Time will tell. Thanks again!!
I have been in Thailand for 24 years, and , similar to yourself I am married, with family and home etc in Thailand. Saying that, I feel there is no security here in Thailand. What happens if they deny your visa because you made a mistake on this tax issue, or some other bizarre reason that immigration comes up with. To become a Thai citizen is basically impossible. If I could I would move elsewhere, probably Portugal. They always want 'High class' rich tourists and people retiring here, and I say if I had the amount of money they state they are looking for, I would move to a better country (like Portugal). My advice. Think very carefully about moving to Thailand, or if you don't worry about the future, just jump in and go with the flow.
My wife and I live on a 70’ motoryacht that we would like to ship over seas somewhere safe and affordable. I’ve traveled through out Thailand back in the 80s. I’m sure it’s changed over the years but South East Asia might be a possibility? The current political changes are motivating us ! It would be nice to know what recommendations that people could provide.
UK retirees do not get a full state pension in Thailand, even with 100% contributions. I know 3 guys who should be getting around 35,000 a month but get around 26,000, yet if they retired in the Phillipines they would get the full amount. How the UK arrive justify this, I have no idea.
do you mean their pension increases were frozen because of taking it in Thailand `? or do you mean the UK gov punitively punishes them because they choose to live in Thailand ......... I guess not !
I was just looking at this just yesterday , I'm 57 from the uk and ready to sell up and live in asia. I spoke to the pension department here and they will pay the state pension, BUT I looked on line and the government has done deals with a handful of countries so that our pensions will pay out the full amount and even when the pensions go up with the tripple lock system with the inflation . Philipines is one of those countries the uk has a deal with. There were over 60 places ie countries the uk has not done deals with and Thailand Vietnam Cambodia Laos are all on the list of NO DEAL If that makes sence. Ive also watched a vlog with the sweedish ambassodor interviewing a ambassodor from thailand about the new TAX rules , that was quiet interesting , if you pay tax in your own country and that country has a deal with thailand with the tax then you wont pay tax. If i can find the post i'll post it.
Yes, the UK seems to be behind other countries in many regards. I'm planning on retiring to Thailand late next year, and am awaiting clarification on Thailands tax intentions on Australian superannuation derived pensions. In Australia they are tax free so it is possible they will be subject to tax in Thailand. The agreement between Australia and Thailand prevents double taxation but not sure if this means the same tax rule must apply in Thailand, or whether it simply allows Thailand to apply a tax where none exists in Australia. My budget planning did not allow for this and a 20% tax (which is the bracket I would fall in) would mean I would need to reconsider. If I managed to bulk up my super fund to make up the shortfall not only would this take longer but would push me into a higher tax bracket anyway. Very frustrating, but I will get professional advice before making any final plans.
I find if somewhat interesting you mention two nominally communist counties (Laos and Vietnam) as offering more freedom than the West. But freedom is relative. I know Thai people who moved to the U.S. and were able to succeed far beyond anything that was available to them in Thailand. Most of the economic pie in Thailand is already divvied up. There is far less economic opportunity for the average person. You can barely sell a craft beer without reimporting it. There’s a reason it’s among the most unequal societies on earth. And civil liberties are pretty nonexistent if you oppose this and other aspects of the existing power structure. I love Thailand, but I also keep perspective. My stock portfolio and passive income are reliant on a flawed but ultimately more transparent western business environment. How many people complaining about the West aren’t living off of the fruits of the western economic system, and welfare states, giving us means few folks in Southeast Asia will ever dream of? We leave the West in order not to live like the locals live in the societies we set up camp in, with money we’re generating elsewhere! It’s a privilege globalism offers us. But we don’t come to Thailand to live like Thais, working 6 days, 60-70 hours a week, for a pittance, laughable pensions and a state hospital system you will die in if you have a serious problem. And there’s a lot more violence than you let on, especially if people take an interest in taking something from you. But there are, once again, problems we get to sidestep, because we finance ourselves, largely, from the outside. So once again, we really need to keep perspective on the kinds of lives we can live in Thailand, or Laos, or Vietnam, and why those lives are available to us.
It is the uncertainty of living here that makes it hard. There is the tax thing. But the big one is the visa issue. You never know if and when they will change it and how much this will cost us. To retire here you work your budget out on known factors but those factors could change dramatically yet you've committed your life here, many have married a Thai and invested money into a property through their wives. No one wants to then find out you have to leave because of visa changes. I could see a point in the not too distant future where they up the financial requirements to stop low income people coming in, instead only wanting higher income people. Retirees on pension could be priced out. Thats hard if you have a Thai wife, she can't just up and move to Cambodia.
I spent the 90s working in finance in Asia. Times were good, I earned incredible money and had a lot of fun, but would never live there. The obvious cultural were evident, but there were underlying differences that took time to even recognise. Despite the smiles, the charm and politeness, I was a constant target for a subtle dislike and distrust. You never fully understand them. That cultural difference spreads across multiple layers and I doubt most people even get to the lower levels. I married a Japanese girl and live in Australia. I would work in Thailand again, but would not live there permanently.
Thank you very kindly for the information that you provided in the video. I search for the more "salty" videos because we see far too many "sweet" videos. While it's nice to dream, we live in a, sometimes, harsh reality. My wife and I are looking to leave the U.S. in roughly three years, and we are targeting Malaysia as our primary target, visiting it next year. However we had Thailand as a secondary. Now I might add a couple more locations. Thanks again, and I hope that you and yours live well and deal with the coming change in stride.
My plan was to retire to Thailand. But now it’s going to be one of the places with having to stay less than 180 days so I’m not classed as resident for tax
Phuket is not the same. Many of the people I talk with say they are leaving for 2 reasons. The traffic….and the cause of the traffic. Which everyone in the comments will know.
@@Zen36977 >IT's good if you're retired or don't have to work, the eastern side of the island is mild in traffic, it's easy to live here with all the western comforts in great weather, yes, hot and times and wet the other times, I don't recommend it for those who cannot roll with a little traffic jam during the rush hours. it's probably the only place in the world like that. Try Bali, it's more fun in traffic.
i have seen tourists in Thailand who think they are better than the locals . People from western countries - usa , australia , england . We are certainly more wealthy BUT - that does not make us better people . My suggestion before moving to Thailand ? - Lose your ego .
@@rossie273 Russians are a big problem also. Last year my Thai girlfriend made a mistake of getting a job in a Russian restaurant, owner was in a wheelchair. A Russian woman in their Russian group slapped her across the face and told her to speak Russian, knowing my Thai girlfriend could not speak it. They were all speaking Russian in front of her when she worked hard there. She's a lot happier working with other Thai people. Russian bullies!!
Hi. Just subscribed. Living in Cambodia for the last 5 years and see all the changes there. Here they keep it simple and love that aspect. However, still like Thailand but love Cambodia. The calmness and friendly ppl make it. Anyway, just wanted to say " hi". Maybe i visit you on my next cycle treck and go fishing around there. Take care.
I’ve been to Thailand 4 times in the last 18 months, and I was planning on moving there this year. Due to the tax confusion, I have also decided not to risk it, and now it looks like I’ll head to the Philippines. I enjoyed your videos though!
Thailand is a great place to live, the food is amazing and cheap, fuel prices are cheap, electricity, gas ,water cheap ASF. Opening a business in Thailand is very easy, tax is very easy to handle. I have been in hospital in Laos and it was awful, meanwhile Thailands hospitals are amazing. I have friends from Cambodia and Vietnam who have decided to return to Thailand after a many years.
Here's the thing. I have been to Thailand at least 25 times, I am 70 years of age and had a long term relationship with a Thai lady and it was always our intention to retire in Thailand together , sadly she passed away in 2021. Nevertheless I was determined to retire to the country I love until my visit to Phuket last year. The Russian invasion of that Koh was overwhelming, I am told by expat friends the same is true in Pattaya. I was planning to live in Phichit but the russian expansion is repulsive to me. I will never return to Thailand unless they are gone.
Curious to know what you have against the Russian people there. Is it their behaviour? I'm a Brit, and can understand when some people say that the Brits are obnoxious in some of the Spanish resorts. Just curious...
@darryllp9399 The main annoyance is that they're very inconsiderate. Noisy on the beach - that kind of thing. My Thai gf was driven to swear "effing Russians" because of this. It may seem a small thing; but to Thai people anyway, who are (usually!) so soft spoken, it's very jarring. Incidentally, I've come across young, culturally-unaware Americans having incredibly noisy conversations on buses and having the same effect. But it's this combined with the sheer numbers that can get under your skin.
@@west_wind_55 Yes, I see what you mean. Some cultures do tend to be like that. And dome people seem to be less sensitive to their surroundings and hosts, part arrogant, part stupid.
I used to love Chiang Mai when I moved here 20 years ago but it more or less sucks now. Horrible traffic everywhere and basic laws are never enforced. Nice areas that become developed turn in to ugly congested messes which are impossible to get in and out of. It's a total pain in the ass, worse than America in the state I'm from. I would move tomorrow if not for my wife but I'm making plans nonetheless. The country is almost going backwards if you ask me but that's just my opinion on the lifestyle which I enjoy in Thailand.
I still like popping over to Chiang Mai for a few days but I guess I can see where you are coming from. Maybe I have just been lucky but where I live 50 km from Chiang Rai the drive to town has gotten easier with a new road and there are so many more options now than when we moved here. For me life is good.
Good hospitals are not the main reason to go to Thailand after we retire in 15 years. Being only a tourist and pay 25% taxes are not what I‘m going to do. I stay in Switzerland - my Thai wife can go. I‘ve seen it all Thailand. The beaches in Costa Rica or Mauritius are even better.
I pay 381 per month in Australia for affordable healthcare. I love private healthcare here you pay as you need it. I’ve spent lot of time in public healthcare as well family waits are long it’s not sparking 🎉 but it get done what’s needed health care .
If you choose to live in Thailand, I would highly recommend taking at least 3 months traveling the country and get a feel for the different provences. There's so much variation and only you will know what suits your requirements
First time watcher here and I’ll subscribe as well. I’m in this category of men migrating from the U.S. and have made specific goals to leave for a 90 day discovery trip and hopefully , an exit to live in SE Asia in 2025. I found this informative, thank you. Peace ☮️
I have been living in Thailand to and from since 1982. I have a daughter that is half Thai and is 39 years old now. This time I have been living here 14 years. I have created a future here in Thailand and have no reason to leave. We live in an ever changing world so laws and regulations changes in every coutry so does it in Thailand. If you would find another country that you think is better than Thainland _now_, would you concider moving?. But if the situation and the laws changes after a few yaers in the new country so you find it impossible to live there. What would you do? Try to go back to Thailand or try find yet another country? We have two homes in the the Surin province and a vacation house by a beach in the Rayong province. It would take a lot to make me even concider leaving all this and start all over again in another country. The Immigration here in Suring is easy to deal with so no problem there either. My wife will not be easy to move either. She has done a career and is a deputy manager at an authority so she will not give up every thing for an uncertain future in another country. You think the foriegners are second/lower class people in the Thai society? Yes we are, but so are Thai people and most immigrants from outside of the western world in my home country.
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Dual citizen....mom from England and Dad US...born in US. Love your channel, your eloquence and your honesty. Unfortunately a certain OUTRAGEOUS grifter....fellow you tuber who hates working in Australia, so much that when his Thai wife wanted to divorce her lazy non working grifter husband....she suddenly died ....no autopsy, no toxicology report and 3 hours after her death, with a GOFUNDME already set up in Australia, while he is living in Thailand....he posted an odd video on his wifes sudden death.
He showed so much grief about losing his MONEYMAKER (his words) and he took over her youtube channel and pimped out his newly born twins for simpathy. He failed to tell his audience that his wife was older than him and had 3 other children....he constantly lies and as it turned out he had another girlfriend (or ladyboy friend) from the time his wife suddenly died. In Australia there would have been a toxicology report and an autopsy and this person would have been under suspicion. His phone and his computer would have been seized for forensic analysis....especially google searches. I believe he poisoned his wife.
Bottom line....I think this guy got away with murder...and what better place to do it in than a 3rd world country.
The tax situation is just typically Thai.Announcements are made then the powers at be think about it.IF THAILAND honours it's no double tax agreement with the many countries it has signed up with them few true retirees have nothing to worry about.BUT WILL THAILAND honour it's agreements.Thats the real question.
Costs of living here have gone through the roof. I have been here forty years. I would have a hard time leaving. But, my kids kids have all gone to work in the USA because they can't earn a decent wage here.
Living in TH is like living in another planet 😮
It's just as you said, the uncertainty and instability are the major cons here, not even the taxation. A foreigner can't own the land (= a house), and you'll have 90 days declaration hang around your neck for the rest of your life, not to mention the yearly renewals that can be denied. Another factor that you mentioned - the mass migration from the western countries has just begun. And who knows what Thai government will decide, to protect the country against the invasion. They may tighten the regulations further. You're lucky to be a guy, have a family and settle down. No freaking way in hell this is possible for a woman.
I retired from a 37-year career in 2011 and moved to Thailand that same year. I always knew I was going to retire somewhere outside the US, but I didn't know where. Mostly it was because I'd lived in the US my entire life, and never had the experience of living anywhere else, retirement (and two pensions) afforded me the opportunity that I had no intention of passing up. I ended up in Thailand, and now, 13 years later, I feel like I'm too established in Thailand to want to pick up and relocate anywhere else. I figure I will live here until the family takes me to that last Temple BBQ and I end up in a jar in the temple wall. Like you, I realize I am not Thai, and will never be Thai. I'm a minority living in someone else's country, and there are certain compromises required to accomplish that. I easily meet all the requirements for my visa and have enough practice doing it myself that it's an hour or so exercise once a year. My 90-day checks are an excuse to go into my favorite coffee shop for a latte and cake. I could do the 90-day online but then I wouldn't have the excuse to go into town. The tax uncertainty is just that, monumental uncertainty--and anyone who claims to know what is going to happen is telling stories, either for clicks or some other reason. My plan is to ignore it until there is some certainty. I spent my life living in the future when I was in the US. Here, living in Thailand for over a decade, I'll let tomorrow's issues wait for tomorrow, and take pleasure in living today. I think that's one of the better gifts I've gotten from living in Thailand--I'm better living in and appreciating the moment than I ever way before. The Thai government could always deny my yearly request to stay another year. But unless that happens, I don't plan on going anywhere other than here.
Thanks for sharing 👍🙏
Love it!
!00%!!!
Remember tomorrow never comes!
a great summation for many of us who reside in Thailand. The one day at at time view of life is what many strive to obtain
Young English expat in my 20s working in tech. Been doing Thailand for a while. Visas are such a pain here and depending how strict tax/visa situation gets once it’s clarified I’m prepared that I may have to start going to Vietnam/cambodia/ Philippines for so much of the year even though I don’t want to.
One place I won’t be going back to is England. Fallen completely.
keep away from australia - we've gone mad
Right now your type are wanted, Thailand is now wanting thousands of 'Farangs' like you and will give you an easy entry/working visa, but because of a few visiting idiots like the two well off New Zealand guys, the Thai immigration has gone into over drive with their visa applications.
@@rossie273I'm American. We have watched the collapse of the entire western world over the last 15 years. Of course you could see this Orwellian demoralization happening back in the 80s. I remember in the early 90s when they started pushing politically correct speech. Out of nowhere, with no evidence to support the claim, we were suddenly being fed the fake idea that "diversity is our greatest strength". That has evolved in to "multiculturalism is necessary and enriches society", and "you're a bigoted xenophobe racist if you disagree". When I was in elementary school in the 80s it was "Proud to be an American". In middle school in the 90s it changed to "America should be ashamed". Now the message is just "America is evil and you must hate it or you're a racist bigot". The ADL globalist communist elites have been executing this planned destruction for decades. It's only finally become obvious to the masses. No great power has ever fallen so fast. That's what happens when every tier of government, business, media, academia, and tech become infiltrated by the collectivist mind virus.
@@rossie273 Well behind the insanity in the UK, but headed in the same direction. Housing affordability is terrible now too unless you can work rural
The worst aspect of living in the UK/Australia is the increasing number of Muslim immigrants.
After spending two decades here, I can confidently say that the positives of living in this place far outweigh any negatives. Listing them all would be a lengthy task, but one standout reason is the warmth of the people. Having previously resided in Germany for 15 years, I've noticed a striking difference: in Thailand, around 95% of the people you encounter wear a smile, whereas in Germany, it's a rarity. That alone speaks volumes about the charm of this beautiful country.
when you give/spend money and (over)pay, everybody smiles, even i Germany.
is the smile genuine tho?
@@jonathanjonathan7386 In most cases, yes. I reside in a small village near a small town, where genuine friendliness is the norm among locals. However, like anywhere else, we have our share of individuals who may not always reflect that sincerity. Thais, like people elsewhere, have their own struggles. Yet, I find that maintaining a smile and humility, especially when making eye contact, fosters a positive atmosphere. This principle holds true across different cultures and countries.
I agree with u 100% about the Germans not smilling
yes big difference between Germans and Thais
German's need several biers to loosen up.
Nothing makes you more welcome in a country, than learning the language and getting good at it, as you appear to have done.
That is fine, but learning a new language after age 50 is very very difficult. But you might not need to. If you already speak a little Slavic dialect. Southeast Asia is not your best choice and this is one of the main reasons why.
@@kashak5941 That´s me. I speak Czech and am planning on making a holiday home in Montenegro, and learning the language.
...this is key to anyone living anywhere abroad.
Yes, but Thais will never accept you. Don't mistake hospitality with assimilation. The Bangkok Post newspaper reported protest and anger at the Thai government for changing laws that give foreigners the right to own land.
Tell the Mexicans coming to the US.
I plan on moving to Thailand for retirement in September of this year. I am not worried about the new tax law, from my understanding, pensions won’t be taxed and even if it is it won’t deter me from moving to Thailand.
Best of luck with your move!
No expat should *EVER* consider any country they relocate to as their permanent home. You have to anticipate an eventual shift in their willingness to tolerate foreigners. Loved today, hated tomorrow.
Always have a Plan B, a Plan C, etc
Bingo!
They will always tolerate foreigners, stop lying you clueless dork, smh. You still live in your grandma's basement.
@flexbillbert5802 same here I need to see it 😊for myself
I applaud Thailand's attitude that " Thailand is for Thais " . However , if i retired there ( which i'd like to do ) , i would like to be treated as something other than a criminal . I'm talking about the visa laws and having to report every 3mths . I would like to safely invest my money in the country by owing a condo or house ( not including the land ) , a car or 'bike without a black cloud of uncertainty over my head every 3mths . I live in the land of " stupid " ( australia ) - i don't want to move from one scenario to a similar one .
Just need to have plan $$$
I lived in Thailand for many years before the internet came along. Truly magical era.
" Father father does Lord of the rings bases on a true story?" The fathers answers:"Lord of the doesn't but TERMINATOR does" ...
You mean internet, or web? We've had internet since 1980 or so. (Usenet started 1979). Gopher was later, 1981. Email was earlier, 1970's.
1987 on Koh Samui.... 25 Baht per night for a bungalow.
same. internet killed asia for budget, wild adventures.
That's incredible. Can only imagine how different things were back then.
🐧 I feel the same way: I have been closely connected to Thailand since childhood, but I will be giving up my life there in 2024. The financial racism against non-Thais and the economic and social structure that has grown in a radically wrong direction, including police and mafia crime, have made the country unattractive as a place to live! What remains is the end of my supplementary pension for an entire family there, including the considerable emotional suffering caused by my departure, as well as a brutal loss of culture and education for the children in this family. Thailand has made the mistake against 'expats', to "cutting off the hands that feed the country". And there is no next generation of expats which would compensate the given lack. This in result means... Oh My Buddha!, Good Night Thailand!
Cambodia is like Thailand 20 years ago , as long you have your visa nobody ask you anything, you can open a bank account with a 6 months visa and rent contract , drop in it 50k in cash nobody ask you anything , people are super friendly , cost of living super low .. great place to rest
Facts
I used to love Cambodia... nowadays I feel like being in China, especially when going to places like Sihanoukville
@@manulp9778 a few years ago when leaving Cambodia to cross over into Thailand I noticed I could hear the immigration officer's voice but could not see his face. I'm not sure what to make of that. But when I crossed over to Thailand the face of the Thai immigration officer was very much visible. Cambodia is strange. If you have enough money you can pay not to have license plates on your vehicle. I have seen vehicles like that. Does that mean someone can commit a robbery at night and the police won't have any idea whose vehicle it was?
Laos , can get a years visa 500 usd.
I love Cambodia but the government there is terribly corrupt and I struggle to go back there for this reason, they rip the heart out of that nation and its incredibly strong people
I've spoken with a few lawyers both in Thailand and back in The States. This is the basic rule: If the money brought into Thailand has been taxed at the source...it will not be taxed here. Am I wrong?
The real issue is how to prove that he’s been taxed. How far back do you need to do the paperwork on old taxes based off of that income? It seems almost impossible to prove anything as there’s no certainty of how old that savings is there’s no forensics on the money that we make basically
Sounds fair.
You are correct but you need to bring evidence to your local authorities
@@annieterminetschuppon7232 I don't think that includes US social security.
It depends on the agreement between your country and Thailand....
I originally had plans to retire in Thailand. But, I met a Cambodian lady and the Love thing kicked in. I've built a house here for her and i've retired now and have a early retirement visa. The tax thing in Thailand scares me, and the retirement visas in Thailand are really troublesome with reporting and depositing of 800k in bank etc.. Here in Cambodia at 55 you can get a retirement visa at 55 with only $270 + $20 visa fee yearly. No other requirements when you use an agent. I find the Cambodian people here to be very friendly and accepting of foreigners.
I might someday have a life of traveling between Cambodia and Thailand and the PI for 3-5 months in each country in the future. It is very affordable here, but depends on your expenditure.. I'm thinking $1000 USD a month as a base here, rental of 1 room place is $100 a month down on the Cambodian South coast. No taxes on global income.
Thank you for sharing 👍🙏
Sound good 👍
Actually there is a tax in global income, it's a residence based taxation. But Cambodia doesn't have a system to inforce it and it's still to early in the stage of developing for them to come after every when. When the country really develops and it's able to tax foriengers it will.
@@mattivirta worth it without having to report to immigration every 3 mo, no deposit 800k in bank, no background investigation or paperwork.. Probably will change in the future though.
I hope to have a vacation home in Thailand when I'm ready to retire. I'm 38. I speak Thai fluently and I can read it. I lived in the Isaan for a year and miss it all the time.
I hope it becomes easier to retire there in the next 10 years. I took my wife and her parents in 2017. They had a wonderful time and I can't wait for my next visit, this next time I'll take my 4 kids as well.
I agree with you man. I love living here and really value everything about it. I feel like it’s a privilege to live here and hope to be able to stay the rest of my life. Thanks for another great video and topic!
Cheers Tim 🙏👍🇹🇭
First time seeing your channel. I’m from the UK and visited Thailand many times. I live in Costa Rica and totally agree on your thoughts regarding immigration in the UK and understand locals not wanting their country to change. I live and mix with locals only, same when I lived in Nicaragua. I feel living in an ex-pat community means missing out on experiencing the country but realize everyone is different and some prefer not to.
Former long term Thai resident, married to a Thai national, had a little girl with her. Settled on the family farm which I own 49% of. My wife owned 25%, grandmother owned 20% and the 3 aunties owned 2% each. Never got any problems from that but I’m a lifetime “Friend of the Thai People”. Lost my wife and kid to an accident and went off the rails. Really did a number on myself. The family were and are very good to me. I’m just a few operations away from returning to what I consider home.
You mentioned a few other countries. Lao isn’t too bad but there is a lot of organised crime that flashing cash can get you targeted. Steer clear unless you are very streetwise and can extract yourself from bad situations. Colombia has several honey trap operations in effect. If you want to die tied to a chair, covered in petrol with a car tyre round your neck, then good luck. Me - I’m happy in Korat, early morning walks, afternoons at the lake teaching the local kids (and some adults) to swim.
Just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear about your wife and daughter.
I wish I had something helpful to say.
@@000-z8n Thanks for your sympathies, not looking for that but it’s nice to know you care. While I lived in Khorat there were a few foreigners who came and went. They tended to complain about everything, as though being able to live in a tropical paradise wasn’t good enough. I guess if they don’t like it, they should go home! I suppose if they have not figured out how to be grateful for life’s blessings by that age, a person is never going to be happy anywhere.
Sorry to hear all you've dealt with
@@slax4884 Challenges and hardship bring out the best in me. Sure I miss them with all my heart but I’m grateful for the years I had with them.
Sorry for your loss 🙏
In Thailand now. Pattaya. Going to spend a month here. A month in the Philippines, a month in Vietnam and some time in Cambodia. She which place I like best before making a longterm decision where to setup home base.
Would love to hear an update
They're all culturally very different, all feel amazing to be there.
@@myendlesslove5120 will do for sure on this channel.
Thailand or Cambodia are the best in my opinion.
I have lived in The Philippines. Nope. Their culture is broken.
I visited Laos and Vietnam, were nice, but living in one place is different from visiting.
Don't waste your time or money in The Philippines.
@@nuevision8 What's wrong with Philippines, can you elaborate?
Another thing is as soon as you think you have all the rules figured out they change them.
How many places are different?
@@brianphuket5951 every place
who follows the rules in Thailand?
@@valuetraveler2026 people that want to stay in Thailand
@@ras9875 to avoid visa runs ok. They never asked questions about border other than that
Hi, I moved here over 7 years ago and whatever happened here there was no way I was living another day in the UK. The country is unrecognisable from the one I was born and bred in and I felt like a foreigner in my own country. I went to Chiang Mai but now live in Chiang Rai. After 40+ years living in London, I had lived enough city life for many lifetimes. If you are prepared to embrace the culture and lifestyle here it is great, not perfect, but a relaxed lifestyle. Never had any problems with the bureaucracy here, I just accept it's different. I have a house I bought with my now wife and I will curl up my toes eventually in Thailand. I actually applauded the country for putting its own citizens first. As you said, it's a criminal shame that the West doesn't follow suit.
I think the issue is the ever changing rules so people don't where they stand, rather than the 'second class citizen' thing.
@@chrispekel5709 A well known vlogger who has been here for around 20 years once said "There are no rules in Thailand, merely suggestions" Nothing has happened whilst I have been here that has been life changing. Go with the flow.
It would be more accurate to say your now wife has a house that you bought for her. But as you said, I applaud the Thais for ensuring their country isn't bought out from under them by foreigners, Iike ours has been
The problem in the west is the government's do not look after the people who have worked and paid taxes all their life. There more than happy to give it to some blow in who hasn't contributed contributed
@@realsatoshihashimoto Split hairs if you wish
I have lived in China for 10 yrs & left permanently in 1994. I have lived in Thai, Singapore & Taiwan & HK. I got sick of the Expat life, even though it was fantastic & I had a fantastic life. I am from NZ but live in the UK. My life here in the UK is fantastic too. I have lived in at least 7 countries. Planning on retiring in SE UK & Sth Spain. Home is where the heart is. Humans are generally nice & wonderful everywhere. Quite opposite to what you read on the news. My only advice for anyone who chooses the fulltime expat life is Learn the Language & when you start bitching all the time about the country you have adopted then its time to leave. Been here in the UK for 26yrs now & still loving it. Perhaps I am lucky, but I have a great diverse group of friends & even with my Kiwi accent I have never felt like an expat. Home is where the heart is.
Learn…adults..nope. Avoid talking
wow great to hear...but what was so wrong with your birthplace New Zealand?? youve lived everywhere except there it seems? :)
@@regnorse well I am 61, & yr question made me question. I lived in NZ a total of 20yrs. Haven't been back in 10. What was so bad about NZ? It's Someone Elses Country & now it's very very expensive, even when money isn't the problem the divide between rich & poor is everywhere, so it doesn't matter where you go. But yeh, NZ is a beautiful country.....but you can't eat beauty. Great dope, beautiful sunsets & bored with the lifestyle. I want to retire playing & recording music (Jazz,Funk,Punk) in Brighton, painting pictures of Seagulls & spending winter in a Cannnabis Club in Seville learning Spanish. At 60 I feel like 40 & feel like I still have a lot to give. So giving is the way to stay positive wherever you go & you will have a fantastic time everywhere. But yeh, No.1 rule, Learn the Language to sing with the music.
@@scoobysnax9787 Oh man, I'm 35 and that gave me a brighter outlook on being in the older years! Keep it rockin! :)
Well said Scooby!
If I didn't have a family and a business here, I would be in Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam in a heartbeat. There are many reasons for this. Honestly, one of the biggest drawbacks of Thailand is the quality of expats that this place seems to attract. It's a lower bracket than I seem to have met in other southeast Asian countries, more lowbrow in Thailand compared to these other places...I am not sure exactly why this is, but I have a feeling that it being a known haven for the sex trade is one of them.....I found that those other places offer a more cultured type of expat, a little more educated and well read. Here, it just seems to be old guys that want to drink all day and pontificate. Also, as for Colombia, things have done a 180 from a few years ago, it is much safer and much more friendly toward visitors and expats. Finally, I think that for people to leave places like the US, Uk or wherever to come to Thailand because it is "more free" is very misguided"....Thailand is NOT a free country, sure you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet and drive drunk, but in terms of civil liberties and such, It is not really some place that I would categorize as "free"
I agree, and in this respect i was more highlighting the reasons why people have told me they would move, such as being free, but not saying that this is a true reason.
This is a great post and I can not like it enough. This is also my experience visiting over the last 25 years (married to Thai wife as well).
you always produce thoughtful material Ryan @@thenakedguru
I totally agree with you, I'm in the U.S. and I wouldn't want any of those guys as my neighbor.
It’s a welcome pleasure when I meet another expat that doesn’t have alcohol and bar life at the top of the agenda. There are many in that category, but I agree with you about the increasing number of “low brow” expats. Of course, they were here all along. Not to be a snob, I am very uncomfortable being around them. I have flown Bangkok to K.L several times in the last 12 months, and the difference in the type of expat is obvious. But again, my biggest reasons for leaving are pollution, economy, and road safety.
I ended up moving to Cartagena, Colombia from the US. Knowing Spanish goes a long way in getting to meet people and interact. Also met my wife here and that has been a blessing. It has helped a lot on the “how do I legally stay here” situation. I will say living in the US I was always anxious and stressed and moving to a coastal place like Cartagena. It helped me learn to relax and enjoy my time. It’s a big blessing and I’ve never been happier.
Loving the dream 😁
Cartagena old city... I went for 3 days and stayed 11 days...just beautiful
I was in Colombia a few years ago, Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin. Cartagena was my fave. While I definitely liked M over B, both felt like prisons, as most of the housing has electric fence and razor wire about it. Which makes the open outdoor spaces feel like unsafe prison yards. Cartagena, at least where I was in the Old City/Town/ Getsemani didn't feel like that at all. Supposedly Colombia is a LOT safer than it was, but unfortunately its left with the infrastructure/ architecture / memories of the drug war / terror years, in some places, at least.
congrats on your new life in the wonderful Colombia.....so envy of that!! cheers!!
@@nicedoppy2077 how is the crime level? It is safe for single woman? TY
Been married to my Thai wife for 17 years here in NZ. Can’t wait to move over there early next year when I retire to Nakhon Phanom. The COL in NZ is out of control both housing and food, crime is on the rise, high-density housing being built everywhere. Incidentally when I move to Thailand I become a non-resident for tax in NZ so I don’t give a toss if Thailand wants me to pay some tax. But it’s the same old story if you don’t like it in Thailand nobody is forcing you to stay.
Bingo
New ruling. Once you leave NZ you loose your right to a state pension. Maybe you have plenty of savings to live off. Hopefully?
Amen Brother, many people fail to realize that Thailand didn't ask anyone to come here and settle, retire or live. If one gets fed up and wants to go back home, Thailand would not fall apart. it would just mean another wannabe expat has a shot at that place to rent.
I think you still get state pension in NZ as long as you come back for 6 months of the year.
However I do agree NZ so bloody expensive now and crime everywhere,
don't know what happened to the once beautiful NZ, can't wait to retire to bugger off to Thailand
@@mickyt.4007 What a load of balderdash.
I'm an Englishman who has lived in Thailand for 28 years, working for various corporates in Bangkok, working in Thailand and supporting offices around APAC. 2 years ago I left on good terms from my latest company of 20+ years with a good severance package. Since then, as I'm no longer tied going between air-conditioned home, to ac'd car, to ac'd office, the air pollution and the increasingly hot months of the year have stopped me from enjoying what was meant to be motorbike riding and traveling around Thailand. The pollution especially has gotten worse with no fix in sight despite constant assurances from the various governments that have been in power. Will I return to England? Not sure as yet, but I'm certainly taking more and longer trips back there than before
Great comment. If you have plenty of money and can afford it, 2 or 3 trips to Thailand per year is more than enough.
People slag off England but if you can afford to live in a nice area it's one of the best places in the world.
Jacob Rothschild could have lived in BuriRam or even maybe stretched his budget to Phuket - I wonder why he didn't?
England in the summer is the best place on earth, before the kid came along I would work the summer and travel the far east for the winter.
Cracking life.
Hope to get back to it when the daughter sorts herself out 🎉
@@anthonydixon6985 If money is not an issue, I could live in quite a few places happily. The UK would still not be high on the list though because of the weather, and easy access to amenities (unless you live in London). Also, just because I may be okay, it's not nice to see everything else falling apart.
@@anthonydixon6985 I have just moved back to UK from Australia after 43 years there. I like it the food is great ! the weather is cool too , cost of living better than Australia , no bugs ! Still a great country in my opinion and I am a pensioner with nothing.but good to be home😉
@@martinpip8212 England has fallen to immigrants that have a totally different culture than the English...It's days are numbered.
I moved to the Philippines 4 .5 years ago with heart failure and diabetes and have managed to survive so far and support myself and gf and 2 daughters on about $1000 a month. Not always easy but impossible in the USA. Thailand Visa seems much more difficult to get clear info on. Guess everyone has their pros and cons.
You are far better off in P.I. considering your family situation. Stay there, everywhere looks good when things aren't perfect where you are, no matter where you are.
This seems like a popular topic on TH-cam these days and I have seen a few guys discussing it. Thailand has always been a revolving door with people coming and going. One's perspective on this often depends on time in country. As you know I have lived here for many decades so I am pretty blasé when it comes to people leaving. For every person who leaves there seems to be two or three people planning, dreaming or waiting in the wings.
My sentiments exactly I’m currently in Thailand but I have been travelling in Laos Cambodia and the Philippines and although Thailand is technically still in my opinion the best country for many aspects it’s losing its lustre for me. I spent more in two weeks in Thailand than it would’ve cost me for an entire month in Laos or Cambodia and I can feel the difference from three years ago and even more so from 10 years ago in how people the thais greet you and smile at you. don’t get me wrong they are still friendly but let’s say they seem to be more weary or cautious than before it’s not as freely given. I’m also thinking that I will base myself Lin an adjacent Country but still look forward to visiting often. If I was to choose Thailand it would definitely be in a more rural setting away from the tourist areas that are becoming plagued with the miss behaving ex-pats that you’re reading about lately. Thank you for your content you always try to look at all sides of things well thought out as always
Thanks for sharing 🙏👍
สมัยนี้พี่น้องไทยว่า....เบื่อฝรั่ง
I'm australian ( don't laugh ) and a friend of mine , years ago , said i should visit Thailand because the beer was cheap and the sex was cheap . When i asked about other "attractions " he replied , " Oh yeh , there's monkeys up in the mountains " . Years later , I now have a few friends in Thailand - farangs with Thai wives ( their own age ) and they live in the rural parts which i prefer . The sex scene ( which i witnessed one evening in Chiang Mai ) to me , is pathetic . . Not the young ladies but the old men . To each his own i guess .
I feel the same shift.
Its hard to describe
My first visit in Thailand 2004, i felt genuinely welcomed, even with practically no thb in my pockets.
It took till 2016 to return and obviously different.
2018 moved to Thailand and yes... It's slipping away. Hard to say exactly how.
Perhaps my own frustration is slowly building up from the so many fuckups?
My now standard distrust to Thai after being ripped of so many times? (Deposit is apparently different world for extra payment) The lies and the cheats?
Where the "Thai way" is to shrug, pay up,move on and forget it ever happened??
(As im well aware I'm not the only one who this is happening to)
If you bump your head often enough, you become careful.
Weary even.
And this will have its own counter effect.
In my 2 months playing tourist in the Philippines i have SAVED money, where in Thailand I'm scraping at the end of the month....
We will he happy to come on holidays...
We can afford it by not living in Thailand 😂😂
@@rossie273it’s not been the Aussies mainly in the news it’s been Swiss British mainly
Thanks I appreciate your insight 🙏 I have been living here over 12 months now and planning on staying
I must also say that the air quality now a days in Thailand is so bad that any expat with reduced immune system or other underlying diseases, should actually move out! It is dangerous just to breath here now!
Ever hear of wearing a mask for air pollution ?
2 billion Asians wear N95 masks during the field burn season.
Bonus: you avoid the flu & other viruses...
Asthma & AS preventing me to move abroad,really depressing,scary at my riper age of 58! Sugar cane burns in many countries making the heat ,diesel,dirt in the air PPM ratio😒
I have left my native Germany in 1998, knowing this whole EU system will kill the whole lifestyle of the people. Now living in Australia since 1998 and thought it was paradise, I feel like leaving this place too. The cost of living is just too high.
Oz showed it is a communist country in the past 4 years, vax mandates, show your papers, stazi police, can only go 3 km from your house, mask mandates - living hell! I am only glad I went there in the 00's before it went to pot
What bugs me is the 400k/800k THB in the bank, and yet all my neighbors are poor, live in shacks and earn a couple hundred baht a day cutting sugar cane! I can live in rural Thailand very comfortably for £100 a week; why do I need so much money in a Thai bank getting 1% interest? This is living; not being a tourist on holiday spending lots of money.
Many have nothing in the Bank and pay bribes to get their extensions
Well you don't actually need to deposit said amounts. I fund my retirement extension by importing 65+K Baht each month.
😂
Some cant do that either@@naturewatchth
Just use an agent.
I'm glad to see you always have a hat on , I was born in the skin cancer capital of the world, some of my family needed major surgeries, and I see so many expat videos, with sunburn with no idea how much damage they are doing to their skin.
... we almost doubled the FCKW conentration in ozon layer in the 90ies ... highe UV-rates ... skin cancer often diagnost too late - unfortunately
This is an issue that NO youtubers are talking about. You see Brits who retired in Spain who are 55 and look like 80 with burnt saggy wrinkly skin. I am blonde and burn easy. I stay out of the sun a lot. This is the reality after the holiday bit has worn off. Putting sun lotion on every day gets very boring
If you eat seed oils and grains your skin will burn in the sun. And yes cause damage. If you eat naturally, lots of meat, eggs, saturated animal fat, then you will be fine. And you wont burn nearly as easily. The sun is good for you
Education on removing skin spots with topical application of a supplemental. @nothingchangesuntilyouchange
I wondered if you would get round to this topic. Seems most of the local blogs are giving it a whirl. At least you have dealt with it in a tasteful way.
Personally been here 12 years married to a Thai, live on my UK pensions. We have our own house in a beautiful non foreign tourist part of Thailand and live comfortably. Worst case I might have to pay a few Baht tax if the existing treaties don't cover my already taxed[UK] pensions. Given the benefits I receive by being married to a retired Thai teacher I won't be moaning or leaving.
Great place nice people, pity about some of the less desirable falang who can't behave here.
well said
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
I’ve lived in Thailand for 6 months last year and 20 years in Asia. I don’t think I will live in Thailand now because I feel that access to nature is so touristed, and I can’t get away from cell towers and power lines.
I’m returning to the N America to live amongst nature in an off road capable travel trailer. As messed up as it is sometimes, I appreciate being a citizen and feel more community.
Maybe I’ve been away too long.
Also and importantly, climate disruption is creating increasingly hotter temps in the tropics.
51C in the Philippines!
I know what your saying. Was in the Philippines last month this in kuala lumpur. Bit of English countryside land seems like my plan at the moment. 😂
You know 51°C temperature in the Philippines is totally exaggerated, lol! The highest temperature that the Philippines experienced was 42°C in Cagayan Valley and that was decades ago. The average temperature in Thailand is actually higher than the Philippines based on the recent study that I've read. The Philippines has never experienced the heatwave and temperature in the mid-40s that Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam had experienced in recent years!
Maybe I'm used to Northern Europe temperatures as walking up stairs in Kuala Lumpur last week gets me out of breath due to heat and humidity
@@Goodman849 Yeah, I can relate! Lol! March to May are the hottest months here in the Philippines.
@@rm_alfaro 😅 11 days I'll fly back to Europe and work some fat off my stomach eating this tasty asian food. To think 3 months ago I cycled across 3 countries😅
Have just subscribed to your channel.
Fantastic points! Very nice change from the constant bar advice channels I seem to have pop up on my TH-cam feed.
I have been married 14 years to a Thai women. I spent a few years in Bangkok and 5 in Issan, about two hours drive from Udon, 1.5 from Nong Khai and Simon Nakhon. Your noodle shop actually remixes me a few I liked.
I returned to the states with my wife and two daughters (5 and 8) so that my wife could experience where I am from and my kids could receive and educational foundation in the West.
We have spent the first 5 years of the nearly 7 we have been back in Houston (I work for an oil major), which was horrendous and we both missed Issan dearly. The last 1.5 we have been in Idaho, which has been fantastic. There are still some wonderful places in the US that will remind people of where they grew (if they are American of course), if you know where to go.
The problem we have had with this arrangement is the cost to travel back and fourth…… 4 x plane tickets in this day and age is outrageous. It is worth it though. Exposure to rural Thailand has been great for me and certainly is great for my kids.
I am sure the tax situation you mentioned (I have no information on this as of yet, but am going to see what I can find), is discouraging for many. My question would be are you a resident if you lay tax? How will they track foreign bank accounts or is this in the honor system? I never banked in Thailand, no idea how government reporting works. My wife does maintain an account at Bangkok bank and since becoming a resident in the states, she has to report this account to the IRS.
We will split our time in retirement either year by year or every six months if we can afford it, between the US and Thailand. Everywhere constantly changes and of course Thailand is not different. I unfortunately came my first time in 2012 so have no idea what it may of been like “back in the day”. To all those who leave because of it, I can assure you nowhere is immune.
Thanks again for the great video and taking a moment to read this long winded story. Have a good one.
Australia has thousands of homeless people and now the Labor government have started a 500, 000 migrant intake.
NZ and Oz golden years are over. Sinking ships sadly due to woke govt.
@@mikimoto99 100%
another one?? albo has to go
@@mikimoto99 not even woke just greed
Aussie gov is garbage
I’ve spent 5 years here. One of the main issues is medical costs especially when you get older. I can’t get insurance because of a pre existing medical issue. I like it here, don’t LOVE it. I’m an American citizen but with my Dad being Greek Cypriot, I just received my Citizenship. Medical is free and the island is beautiful. Every country has its positives or negatives. Refuse to go back to the USA.
Negatives here, is the language issues, the crazy drivers and I refuse to get on the road with motor bike or car. Positives. Friendly people and inexpensive. I’ll for sure come and visit
Sawasdee krab. Great Video.Thanks. Im retired and life in Thailand since 2006, with a 4year break in Ecuador+Colombia, after the 2014 Coup. I came back bc of Love i could not shake off. Now im thinking leaving again but this time for good. The air,heat,visas and maybe the taxes as well r the reasons. There r other clear tax free retirement places around the world, like Ecuador(the problems r only along the coast where i don't like it anyway).Cuenca is great.Spanish i can read and learn easy.English no problem to get around.Visas easy and only every 2years.No Pension income taxes.Colombia,also Spanish easy and with English u can get around well. Retirement Visa every 3years only,income taxes only with about $9200 and above a month.Panama,Spanish+English no problem.Retirement Visa only one time and done for the rest of your life.Many discounts for Retired Expat.No income tax.Chile,one time a year Visa renewal,no 90 day Immigration like im on parole.No Pension income Tax. Philppines, sadly no bc im not gone deposit a huge sum of my money on a Gov. Bank account, same with Malaysia.Cambodia i visited but not for me,same with Indonesia,Vietnam has no clear way to retire,no visa for it,Laos no way for me. Im from Europe and i want to be able to read the stuff when i go outside,talk have more order and more people who follow the laws,more basic universal human rights like freedom of speech,no more Coups(i experienced 3 Coups in Thailand,enough), CLEAN AIR and no Pension income Taxes and no more of the "special Fam. with blue bloods". I know that no place and no person is perfect, im the least, but the negatives got too much here.The good here is not enough anymore. As soon as i sell my Condo, im gone and never want to look back.I learned a loot here but i need more peace, cleanliness,milder temps and stability. Take care. Khop khun mak krab🙏
I lived in Thailand for 5 years dating back from 2004, leaving for work opportunities I had always had in my mind to return and retire in Thailand. However now not so sure, the landscape in general has changed so I am going to look in other counties before make any plans I like Thai people, food, and the lifestyle in general but its not as it was before.
its vibe today in general is no better than the usa, after cheap rent your left with wallmart cloothes on the street, wallmalt food on the street plus msg and cheap ugly working girls. the vibe there today is sterile and cheese.
I'm a Canadian living in Mexico for the past 3 years. the covid insanity was a huge motivating force for more people to leave the wealthy western countries. it was for me and I met dozens of people from Canada, US, EU, Aus in Mexico who all came for the same reason. I think as the covid tyranny has sort of cooled off for a couple years now a lot of people seem to be drawn back to their home countries. personally I still see a lot of reasons not to do that. in the last 3 years prices have doubled on many things in Mexico so the finances could also be a reason for people to leave. I actually think the whole thing is some giant kind of manipulation to more evenly spread wealth around the world. rich people in the west have the ability to move to less developed countries and bring their money with them while poor people from those less developed countries are being streamed into the US, Canada and Europe to be the new workers and tax payers. good video man... I agreed with almost everything you said.
The more expats in Mexico City the more expensive everything gets, and the more expensive it is the less locals can actually afford to live there. The Mexicans aren't happy with all the westerners moving in, just like most of us in the US aren't happy with the massive illegal immigration of the last few years. If too many people invade another cultural space they will take it over and change it. The US, Canada, and Europe don't need a "labor force", they need to start having kids again. You can't fix a long-term problem with a short-term solution.
This is the true reason for the Net Zero agenda - to destroy the wealth of the older developed countries and reduce our ability to travel or to move to other countries where our historical currency strength allowed us a great deal of freedom. Ever notice how they don’t give a sh-t how many new coal fired power stations India or China build. It’s all about wealth distribution
Great vlog and absolutely spot on where the UK is concerned 👍
I think at least for me who is relatively young (38) with 2 little kids I would rather keep my options open. Lots of people I know with simmilar attitude. People are mostly concerned whether the recent changes and "bad foreginers" chase is just a blip or start of a bigger trend. I think the policy might backfire for Thai government as many foreginers will drastically cut their spending and /or spend less time in Thailand to avoid sunken cost fallacy and keep options open.
I think you may be right
hope so
This is an interesting topic. I moved to Cambodia in 2019 for work and I’m now working in Malaysia. I feel very privileged to be able to live in other countries and I don’t want to take it for granted. I understand why countries change things and overall they need to prioritize their people. Hopefully, others will remember this when moving abroad.
Spot on bud ! Thank you
35% tax rate. That sucks. And if you want to buy a condo, it sounds like they will take 35%. This will kill the property market for people who want to live here.
8 years retired in Chiang Mai. I absolutely love it here and have no intention of leaving. Yes the smoking season sucks, but you learn to deal with it (move to the islands or simply modify your activities for that period). The pluses of living a contented life here in Thailand outweigh BY FAR the negatives (imho mostly minor negatives). I will be in the jar next to the guy above who mentioned his ultimate resting place.
I agree overall 👍🙏
I'm thinking of moving to Chiang Mai. How do the locals feel about foreigners?
i'm glad to hear you're happy there . Chiang Mai is my favourite city - many fond memories . Cheers from far north Queensland , Australia .
Living since 20 years in Chiang Mai and love it here! Yes, the haze sucks, but i found solutions every years. If you come to Maerim, see you in the Sala Café.😀🙏
@@Ajax-wo3gt I've been living and working in Chiang Mai for 2 years now. Never had any issues with locals. I think it is more relaxed here in the north, less tourist heavy.
Don't sugar coat it let's get to the hard truth therei have given it to you and others straight.
I don't want Thailand over run with tourists but it is to many Russians Indians Chinese when this happens the demographics change and the feel of the country changes thats what I don't like so many years ago I moved on from Thailand there is life outthere and better places to visit definitely.
Problem with most people there very narrow in there thinking and approach in life
the problem is the greed of thai society they can never get enough of your money,govt is a well you know what i mean they put patpong to shame.theyll keep pilling tourists in till it pops.theres no control on people coming in,i knew several from uk with records why are they living in thailand they shouldnt be able to enter,parts of the country are infested with this low life.local cops are basically the same.no thanks im enough.cambodia maybe .phils and nam good for a visit,latam,ummm interesting,south europe,now thats interesting.its a big world,personaly i feel the thais dont mix well with non thais,look at the deal with burmese cambs and laos they treat them awfully.anyway its a personal choice, im out .i get tired of stupid too thats real bad in thailand
My Friend is living in Chiang Mai. He is planning on staying in Thailand for 6 months then living in Cambodia and Vietnam for the rest of the year. Maybe other countries in Asia. Malaysia would have been a good option but the requirements to live there are difficult.
Malaysia offer a 3 month visa on arrival for many nationalities.
Panag if anything
Taiwan also grants three months visa free to American passport holders. It is easy to go for six months Thailand, three months Malaysia and three months Taiwan. Eastern Taiwan is far less polluted than western Taiwan and the view of the Pacific Ocean is beyond beautiful.
Thailand was always the retirement plan but since going to Bulgaria sunny beach I have changed my mind and we probably going to retire there and the three months when it’s freezing December January February we going to stay in Thailand then back to Bulgaria
Uk 🇬🇧 here just for reference
Try Varna (Bulgaria), the city by the sea. Eastern Europeans know Bulgaria the best and choose Varna over Sunny Beach & Golden Sands, where the western europeans go.
And Varna is only 30 mins from the more expensive & comercialised Golden Sands.
cool idea
Been looking into Bulgaria as well. Looks like a really beautiful place to live cheaply as an expat.
Perfect, cooler months to visit Thailand too. Best wishes with your plans.
What will you do with your house in Bulgaria for 3 months each year?
I have lived here in rural Buriram since 2017, through Covid. I am not leaving, and not thinking about leaving. The positives outweigh the negatives by a large margin. Regarding the tax issue, there are eight types of income sources (according to the Thai Revenue Department), and pension income is not on the list of eight types of income. Most countries also have double tax treaties (DTA), many of these treaties reserve taxation of pensions only to the country where that pension was earned (the USA DTA is very clear on the authority to tax pensions). Seems like a bunch of people that know very little about this topic are trying to scare other ignorant people to not live in Thailand (not this channel, but others).
Been visiting for over 20 years. Retired 3 years ago in the middle of Covid lockdowns. 2 years ago made 3 exploratory trips to Thailand.
Just over 1 year ago I made the move. Rented a place for 1 year. Completed a year in Thailand, but not going to stay.
Moving to Kuala Lumpur.
1. Pollution is far less than Thailand.
2. Very affordable, often more affordable than Thailand.
3. Road safety is higher in Malaysia compared to Thailand (maybe less drunken driving as well).
No regrets on living in Thailand, and will always enjoy life there, but the 3 reasons I listed above were enough for me to make my decision. Other issues had some influence on my decision, such as being able to have an intellectual exchange of ideas with the people I meet in Malaysia. Not so much of this in Thailand. Also, Bahasa Melayu is quite simple. Of course, English is almost universally spoken in K.L., and from what I understand, English is spoken almost everywhere else in other parts of Malaysia.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
I've heard many good things about life in KL. I live in Phuket. Penang would be where I would go.
Thanks Brian, I still need to check out Penang (and Georgetown), but my choice of K.L. may still be more practical as I return to my country every month. Travel is arduous enough so must consider total travel time.
@@Adair9800 isnt it super strict there?
@@regnorse Perhaps some aspects of life are strict, or more strict than elsewhere. Don’t have much feel yet for how strict they really are, and what are they strict about. I have only been traveling there and still haven’t moved to K.L. Consider that Thailand has les majeste laws that are possibly some of the strictest in SE Asia. Or anti graffiti laws in Singapore…how many lashes of the cane did they give that teenager? Death penalty for smuggling drugs, I admit that’s very strict (or is that Indonesia law, I forget). Maybe if you are Muslim, many things are strict. But, certainly don’t see many Muslim women wearing a hijab. Only thing they won’t yield on is Israeli citizens entering the country.
The $20,000 does not bother me , I can always take that out and leave , but to be taxed on my small pension is BS
Yes I treat it as a back up savings 👍
Pay your tax in Thailand. You have much more than the usual Thai. Smile and pay your tax- don't be a parasite
it wont affect your pension. vloggers and the like are going to be hit hard
@@regnorse most of us pay tax through company structure based in Thailand already 👍
If your income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, ad that's when the complications begin.
I live in Jomtein on the darkside,I don't interact with alot of westerners near my village. That said when going into town for shopping im seeing an alarming numbers of westerners, Russians mostly that appear to be settling in. I can tell you im not enthusiastic about this trend. I want to be Immersed in the Thai community. The best of the westerners don't have the delightful vibe of the locals.
Totally agree!
Jomtien and The Darkside are two different areas.
@@testicool013 I don't totally regret my decision, nice having the beach,shopping and western food option. However there are far more westerners appearing daily.
@@testicool013yeah that was after 9\11. Only three percent of Americans knew were Thailand was if that
Living in a suburb of Pattaya in the second most heavily Foreign populated Province of Thailand, does not sound like you are emersed in a Thai Life style. If you want that you need to move away from these tourist hubs.
This year "spring" the heat killed my vibe, and also because of lack of rain, the burning season continued far longer than what I have been used to, and the confusion of how we are going to be taxed pulled my plug, and I have left for my home country. I can also mention the variety of foreigners that made it hard to thrive as well. Very hard to find expats to socialise with, especially if you are not a regular drinker, and not living in typical tourist places.
At first, I was angry and wanted to give up with the recent visa changes. But after thinking about it, it's going to keep Thailand Thai. I did a 180, and completely support it. What's happening in the west with the manufactured immigration crisis is not going to happen here with strict immigration laws.
The trash will take itself out in a sense. Or, at least it can't linger.
Lived and worked legally in thailand for 7 years and the decision to move back to New Zealand was somehow emotion but also brought a lot of security and certainty as I found and still are convinced that staying on thailand is always living with some kind of uncertainty regarding your status and never felt like secure in knowing I would ne living there full.time after retirement, even getting a 30 day extension when visiting myThai family's is always a nervous and frustrating thing and it should not be long stay visa requirement left besides the issue but the system is slow and very very complicated which it shouldn't be I love thailand but bless my angels making the trip back to New Zealand, the opposite is for my wife who got now, without any issues full citizenship and that would never be possible for me in thailand. Plus thailand has become more and more expensive feels like thailanis only interested in rich Chinese, Indians and Russians, I love thailand but never will be my longstay destination 😢😢
I'm planning to use Thailand like most US retirees use Florida. Live in Thailand November to March and then back to the states for the summer. The economy in Thailand isn't good. It's too hot in the summer. It's great there but I can't see living there all year long.
I want to retire in thailand at some point. I'm only 30 so it's not going to happen in the near future but hopefully some day. I am half thai so for me it's just the natural thing to do. I completely agree with your statement that the cost of living here in the west has become too expensive.
You can retire when you are 50. Take a tour a few times before that to see if you would like it.
Been going to Philippines for 11 years and its like my 2nd home been to Thailand and Vietnam and Cambodia loved them all. But i met a girl in Philippines that won my heart and two beautiful girls later we plan to retire there from the UK. Great Britain is sliding into the abyss and i am scared what it will become. So yes i am out.
Actually i am in the transition phase to Thailand. That has been the planI bought the Elitevisa and after having done it, the tax subject has arisen. Considering also that foreigners can not own at least a small plot of land (own house) and also that foreigners can not be majority owner of a thai registered company other countries might be more favourable. I still have some time but for the time being it seems that i will be not more than 179 days in Thailand. Unfortunately.
Here in the Philippines. I think province life here and in Thai would be very similar, although I believe there is more mountain living in the Fills and so temps can be considerably cooler. Thailand beats the Fills hands down with infrastructure that's way ahead. Food is way better in Thailand ( Taste , quality , and variety ). The consensus is Thailand is somewhat less expensive than the Philippines. English and visas are easier in the Fills. Air quality is generally better , but can also be a problem in the cities. Thailand is more tidy and cleaner (less litter , better construction etc.) imo.
Correct on all points.Staying in the Philippines is easier, especially with a Filipino wife. less hassle, less amenities unless you're in the bigger cities, same for the services and utilities.
Agree with everything.
As someone who have lived in both countries:
Thailand is definitely cheaper in terms of rent, food, internet and hotels. Thailand is also much more developed and convenient.
Philippines's advantages are the infinite tourist visa, English is much more widely spoken, and local women really like foreign white man.
Thailand is cheaper than the Philippines? Thought it was the other way around. From your list it seems Thailand is better overall, assuming the list is correct.
@@roastnut The list is correct. However many choose the Philippines , because English is widely spoken , the visas easier , and imo a little more popular for "men seeking woman".
Lao seems VERY popular at the moment. Vientiane is blowing up very quickly, but inflation is over 120%.
There are no NHS in Thailand ex husband had traffic accidents went through major hip operation ,very expensive for a retired expat . He now has debts to the hospital which he keeps paying every month.
If you have a decent insurance this is not an issue, depending on age insurance is very affordable
@@evangelineisacsson1049 NHS in Thailand is for Thai taxpayers. Expats need to insure.
I want to go where my dollar goes far, low crime, decent/good infrastructure, and good food. Thailand covers those basis for me so I’m really drawn to it. I plan on traveling to even more places but Thailand has the number one spot so far
I was going to Thailand but now going to Greenland as it's greener
I have been to Thailand about 5 times over the past 20 years & my last 2 visits before Covid, I had noticed a change occurring in Thai attitudes. Initially, I thought someone was having a bad day & brushed it off but after it had happened a few times, I thought, "This is strange, what has happened to my always smiling Thai hosts?" Fortunately, this was not prevalent but was enough to realize something was changing. In my opinion what is happening in the West is an invasion of Socialist ideals under the pretext of saving the planet. Klaus Schwab has brought forward ideas that are extreme changes in how the world will function & has members of his W.E.F. infiltrating Governments to have his ideals put into action. This is exactly what Justin Trudeau & other members in his Government have brought to Canadians by forcing a percentage of the population into tent cities, food banks, freezing bank accounts, illegal border crossings, creating a housing shortage, ignoring our so called Charter of Rights & Freedoms, forcing inflation & raising taxes while ignoring the majority of Canadians opposed to his actions. Our 'Democracy' here is a joke & we do not have the means to remove him from power regardless of how many scandals he is involved in or laws he breaks. Over 70% of the population want him gone but until his term runs out in 18 months, he still has time to do a lot more damage.
Can't believe someone has actually realized what's going on in the West. Most of the people I know think it's a conspiracy theory, even though they can see right before there eyes. Well said 👍
in addition they no longer revere us. look at all the outrageous behavior plastered all over western media outlets almost daily. we look pathetic now
Like Bali..... a smile is not a smile🙈
Already retired to the Philippines and it’s better than other countries-but still enjoy Thailand a good deal. I’d happily stay in Thailand as long as i might with whatever visas could allow it and still use Philippines as ‘base’.
You have the airbnb now? That's awesome. I missed a lot. Sounds like I need to catch up on some vids.
I'm not leaving Thailand anytime soon. I also have my life and business here. But I am realizing more that a backup plan may not be a bad idea.
Thankyou for the video. A very thorough and well thought out video.
Im caming to Thailand on May 13th. But hearing all the taxes and things going on. Im having second thoughts. Im married to a thai lady in Rayon.
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
I am also planning to retire in Thailand within the next six years. My concerns are only three. The unrelenting heat and humidity. The language barrier once outside the tourist areas.
Third is the Visa but as I am over 60 years of age I should be eligible for a retirement visa.
My understanding is that you don't have to pay tax on money that you have already paid tax on in the country where you earned it.
Heat and humidity Graham not wrong 😡
@@neilmckenzie4692just dreadfull and relentless ,, it’s bearable for a month but after that it’s just tiresome , getting up in the morning and shower put clean clothes on then go outside they’re all stuck to the salty sweat from your body , shower again rinse and repeat covered in mozzy bites and dengue now more and more prolific ,, no thanks I want a comfortable retirement in a temperate country ,, having said that good luck to this chap and anyone else who enjoys it
I'm a local . I can confirm heat is deadly in Summer. @@neilmckenzie4692
Skip Thailand-you can do better.You should come to the Philippines. Climate is much better here in Manila as we get breezes. English is a second language. Over 7,000 islands to explore. My retirement visa (SRRV) that never expires was extremely easy to get and it only needs to be renewed annually.
@@dr.michaellittle5611 Yes it sounds much better
I've been living in Thailand, on and off, since 2023. During that time I've also lived in The Philippines (5 years) and Mexico (1.5 years) Living abroad can be enjoyable but also hard work. The different culture, language and Visa issues add to the complexities. Simply moving abroad will not make one happy and in my experience, people that were mostly happy in their home countries will also be relatively happy abroad.
Hmmm, people become different when they come here, maybe less flexible and expecting all the brown people will cater to them. Things are changing same as everywhere, but still far better than where I come from, Hawaii. Your mileage will vary.
not necessarily
We left 🇨🇦 in 2021 for all the exact reasons you cited. Happily living in Guatemala for now and planning to move to Thailand this time next year. Great video!
Thank you - I’ve had lots of Canadians comment that I was wrong about Canada but it seems not everyone thinks so 😁
people who say you are wrong are usually brainwashed Trudeau supporters who love government control and censorship. He's become so unpopular now that's he's trying to backtrack his reckless policies. Mass immigration of over a million people in years during a housing, homelessness, and healthcare crisis. Trump even warned him.
I enjoyed your walk through the markets Ryan…I lived in CM for 2 years …nice to see some of my favourite shops.
Thailand's big pro is the high quality of medical care. Cost of living is still low. Problems are overcrowded areas , pollution and some uncertainty about future visas.
I am one of those who spend 3 months last end of the year in Thailand. 2 months Chiang Mai and 1 months in Koh Samui.My reason for this longer trip was to see if i could retire there.. With all the rules and everything I realized that Thailand is not for me.. It was a nice trip but that’s it.. you will be always a foreigner no matter what and the rules are unrealistic. That’s just my onion..
Thank you for sharing Anna!
Anna, do you think there is any other country that you may feel it's possible to retire in?
@@voice.of.reasonabsolutely!
17 years in Cambodia 🇰🇭, before that 8 years Thailand.Visa was a problem, always visa runs.Cambodia over 55 years old.No problem.
300& and maby a picture.
Stay safe ❣️
Happy Easter 🐰
Thanks for sharing Linda 🙏🙏
Loved this video. I tried expatriating in Ecuador in the later 1990's. Acquired an investor visa but changed my mind when the country changed in ways I didn't like following a financial crisis in 1999. No place is perfect obviously and most people don't dare more than take an occasional foreign trip if even that. I admire the travel vloggers who post on TH-cam, and If I were still a young guy that's probably what I would be doing.
Im an Australian living in Thailand under a retiree visa and I have no plans to leave yet. I appreciate the Thais. I like that i can speak English in certain areas. I think Thailand is going to become the powerhouse of SE Asia. No plans to leave.
Had 13 years in Thailand on a retirement visa. As a now recipient of a British pension if I choose to live there (Thailand)this pension would be frozen. That means the 10.1% increase in last year's pension and the 8.4% increase on this year's would have been lost. That being said, Thailand is still a wonderful country.
Now I'm based in the Philippines so receive annual pension increases.
There are some other positives about the Philippines also. It feels (and is) extremely safe. The air quality outside the urban areas is generally better and there does not appear to be aay major drug problems.
If you enjoy a beer this is also cheaper.
With all the current hype on taxable income I'm feeling many retirees in Thailand will be reassessing their current status.
Dealing with the Philippine immigration re visas has been effortless which is an added bonus...
Thanks for sharing
How come you getting pension increase in Philippines?
Because Philippines is one of only a handful of countries outside the EU with reciprocal agreements on welfare with UK.
The British pension increases kick in next month on April 08th.
If you shifted to the Philippines then you would automatically get increases when you advise DWP of your Philippine address.
It's worth knowing this because you have to keep up with cost of living increases >>>
Where do u live in philippines? Only went to chebu, will explore more if i can
@@oyavoyager8469 where you live depends on your likes or dislikes. Being a beachy person then anywhere with sand and good swimming suits just fine.
I quite enjoy Boracay because the hype is there if you want it, but plenty of options to avoid the worst of the grockles >>
I currently live in Medellin, considering moving to Pattaya. I’ve been robbed three times here. It’s very rough and aggressive. About 10 years ago, I used to live in Bangkok. (My job as a pilot)
Have you gone to Santa Marta? For birding? Did you get robbed while you were cavorting? Drinking?
@@Mayfitz I am so sorry sir that your mind is so pathetically small to be able to ascertain that murders and robberies are common in MEDELLIN. Futhermore, - No "loser", 🤣I don't drink, I am a multimillionaire in excellent health. I have a few girlfriends that have normal jobs. So just shut the F.U.🤣
Thanks for sharing. My Thai wife and I are planning on a split (US / Thai) retirement, within the next few years. I thought eventually, we may want to stay fulltime in Thailand. For now, it's a wait and see on the impact of these new tax laws. If we need to limit our time in Thailand to under 180 days per year, I guess we'll be stuck with our original plan. Time will tell. Thanks again!!
I have been in Thailand for 24 years, and , similar to yourself I am married, with family and home etc in Thailand. Saying that, I feel there is no security here in Thailand. What happens if they deny your visa because you made a mistake on this tax issue, or some other bizarre reason that immigration comes up with. To become a Thai citizen is basically impossible. If I could I would move elsewhere, probably Portugal. They always want 'High class' rich tourists and people retiring here, and I say if I had the amount of money they state they are looking for, I would move to a better country (like Portugal). My advice. Think very carefully about moving to Thailand, or if you don't worry about the future, just jump in and go with the flow.
My wife and I live on a 70’ motoryacht that we would like to ship over seas somewhere safe and affordable. I’ve traveled through out Thailand back in the 80s. I’m sure it’s changed over the years but South East Asia might be a possibility?
The current political changes are motivating us !
It would be nice to know what recommendations that people could provide.
UK retirees do not get a full state pension in Thailand, even with 100% contributions. I know 3 guys who should be getting around 35,000 a month but get around 26,000, yet if they retired in the Phillipines they would get the full amount. How the UK arrive justify this, I have no idea.
do you mean their pension increases were frozen because of taking it in Thailand `? or do you mean the UK gov punitively punishes them because they choose to live in Thailand ......... I guess not !
Maybe UK doesn’t have a tax agreement with Thailand. Australia, US and Canada do.
I was just looking at this just yesterday , I'm 57 from the uk and ready to sell up and live in asia. I spoke to the pension department here and they will pay the state pension, BUT I looked on line and the government has done deals with a handful of countries so that our pensions will pay out the full amount and even when the pensions go up with the tripple lock system with the inflation . Philipines is one of those countries the uk has a deal with. There were over 60 places ie countries the uk has not done deals with and Thailand Vietnam Cambodia Laos are all on the list of NO DEAL If that makes sence. Ive also watched a vlog with the sweedish ambassodor interviewing a ambassodor from thailand about the new TAX rules , that was quiet interesting , if you pay tax in your own country and that country has a deal with thailand with the tax then you wont pay tax. If i can find the post i'll post it.
Yes, the UK seems to be behind other countries in many regards. I'm planning on retiring to Thailand late next year, and am awaiting clarification on Thailands tax intentions on Australian superannuation derived pensions. In Australia they are tax free so it is possible they will be subject to tax in Thailand. The agreement between Australia and Thailand prevents double taxation but not sure if this means the same tax rule must apply in Thailand, or whether it simply allows Thailand to apply a tax where none exists in Australia. My budget planning did not allow for this and a 20% tax (which is the bracket I would fall in) would mean I would need to reconsider. If I managed to bulk up my super fund to make up the shortfall not only would this take longer but would push me into a higher tax bracket anyway. Very frustrating, but I will get professional advice before making any final plans.
@@dtester61 A UK citizen can only get a fulll UK state pension in the US but not in Canada. Don't know about Australia.
I find if somewhat interesting you mention two nominally communist counties (Laos and Vietnam) as offering more freedom than the West.
But freedom is relative. I know Thai people who moved to the U.S. and were able to succeed far beyond anything that was available to them in Thailand.
Most of the economic pie in Thailand is already divvied up. There is far less economic opportunity for the average person. You can barely sell a craft beer without reimporting it. There’s a reason it’s among the most unequal societies on earth.
And civil liberties are pretty nonexistent if you oppose this and other aspects of the existing power structure.
I love Thailand, but I also keep perspective. My stock portfolio and passive income are reliant on a flawed but ultimately more transparent western business environment.
How many people complaining about the West aren’t living off of the fruits of the western economic system, and welfare states, giving us means few folks in Southeast Asia will ever dream of?
We leave the West in order not to live like the locals live in the societies we set up camp in, with money we’re generating elsewhere!
It’s a privilege globalism offers us. But we don’t come to Thailand to live like Thais, working 6 days, 60-70 hours a week, for a pittance, laughable pensions and a state hospital system you will die in if you have a serious problem.
And there’s a lot more violence than you let on, especially if people take an interest in taking something from you. But there are, once again, problems we get to sidestep, because we finance ourselves, largely, from the outside.
So once again, we really need to keep perspective on the kinds of lives we can live in Thailand, or Laos, or Vietnam, and why those lives are available to us.
It is the uncertainty of living here that makes it hard. There is the tax thing. But the big one is the visa issue. You never know if and when they will change it and how much this will cost us. To retire here you work your budget out on known factors but those factors could change dramatically yet you've committed your life here, many have married a Thai and invested money into a property through their wives. No one wants to then find out you have to leave because of visa changes. I could see a point in the not too distant future where they up the financial requirements to stop low income people coming in, instead only wanting higher income people. Retirees on pension could be priced out. Thats hard if you have a Thai wife, she can't just up and move to Cambodia.
Thanks for sharing!
I spent the 90s working in finance in Asia. Times were good, I earned incredible money and had a lot of fun, but would never live there. The obvious cultural were evident, but there were underlying differences that took time to even recognise.
Despite the smiles, the charm and politeness, I was a constant target for a subtle dislike and distrust. You never fully understand them.
That cultural difference spreads across multiple layers and I doubt most people even get to the lower levels.
I married a Japanese girl and live in Australia. I would work in Thailand again, but would not live there permanently.
i felt the same after a couple of years living in Cambodia, subtle dislike.. you worded that perfectly.
Thank you very kindly for the information that you provided in the video. I search for the more "salty" videos because we see far too many "sweet" videos. While it's nice to dream, we live in a, sometimes, harsh reality.
My wife and I are looking to leave the U.S. in roughly three years, and we are targeting Malaysia as our primary target, visiting it next year. However we had Thailand as a secondary.
Now I might add a couple more locations. Thanks again, and I hope that you and yours live well and deal with the coming change in stride.
Welcome 🙏
My plan was to retire to Thailand. But now it’s going to be one of the places with having to stay less than 180 days so I’m not classed as resident for tax
This is us as well. We'll now probably do 6 months in Thailand and 6 in Aus.
This is what we think, too.
Me too. It isn’t just the cost of the tax but it’s also the hassle.
Phuket is not the same. Many of the people I talk with say they are leaving for 2 reasons. The traffic….and the cause of the traffic. Which everyone in the comments will know.
@@testicool013 Clearly you have not lived in Phuket...it's VERY DIFFERENT now. It's like it is not even Thailand anymore.
@@Zen36977 >IT's good if you're retired or don't have to work, the eastern side of the island is mild in traffic, it's easy to live here with all the western comforts in great weather, yes, hot and times and wet the other times, I don't recommend it for those who cannot roll with a little traffic jam during the rush hours. it's probably the only place in the world like that. Try Bali, it's more fun in traffic.
@@Zen36977 putinket
...what gets me is how poorly the foreigners we are talking about in Phuket treat the local Thais...of course all farang are blamed.
The same thing is happening in Spain, especially Barcelona. Locals have had enough of tourists.
Oh really ? Do they have enough of the money their bringing with them too, and are happy to go work in factories instead ? Interesting...
i have seen tourists in Thailand who think they are better than the locals . People from western countries - usa , australia , england . We are certainly more wealthy BUT - that does not make us better people . My suggestion before moving to Thailand ? - Lose your ego .
Spanish have hated blacks forever. Lmao
@@rossie273 Russians are a big problem also. Last year my Thai girlfriend made a mistake of getting a job in a Russian restaurant, owner was in a wheelchair. A Russian woman in their Russian group slapped her across the face and told her to speak Russian, knowing my Thai girlfriend could not speak it. They were all speaking Russian in front of her when she worked hard there. She's a lot happier working with other Thai people. Russian bullies!!
What is happening in Spain? I don't understand.
Hi. Just subscribed. Living in Cambodia for the last 5 years and see all the changes there. Here they keep it simple and love that aspect. However, still like Thailand but love Cambodia. The calmness and friendly ppl make it. Anyway, just wanted to say " hi". Maybe i visit you on my next cycle treck and go fishing around there. Take care.
I’ve been to Thailand 4 times in the last 18 months, and I was planning on moving there this year. Due to the tax confusion, I have also decided not to risk it, and now it looks like I’ll head to the Philippines. I enjoyed your videos though!
Thailand is a great place to live, the food is amazing and cheap, fuel prices are cheap, electricity, gas ,water cheap ASF. Opening a business in Thailand is very easy, tax is very easy to handle. I have been in hospital in Laos and it was awful, meanwhile Thailands hospitals are amazing. I have friends from Cambodia and Vietnam who have decided to return to Thailand after a many years.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Opening a business in Thailand is easy? Never ever, a bureaucratic nightmare!
In the end, they all come back or wish they never left. Problem is, what you built has been lost. either way, coming back or going.
Here's the thing. I have been to Thailand at least 25 times, I am 70 years of age and had a long term relationship with a Thai lady and it was always our intention to retire in Thailand together , sadly she passed away in 2021. Nevertheless I was determined to retire to the country I love until my visit to Phuket last year. The Russian invasion of that Koh was overwhelming, I am told by expat friends the same is true in Pattaya. I was planning to live in Phichit but the russian expansion is repulsive to me. I will never return to Thailand unless they are gone.
Racist. Who are you to decide who gets to live and be in Thailand? And why would you have more right to be there than Russians?
@@PeterEk31 Excetly. He thinks he is better than the Russians and has more rights to reside in Thailand.
Curious to know what you have against the Russian people there. Is it their behaviour? I'm a Brit, and can understand when some people say that the Brits are obnoxious in some of the Spanish resorts. Just curious...
@darryllp9399 The main annoyance is that they're very inconsiderate. Noisy on the beach - that kind of thing. My Thai gf was driven to swear "effing Russians" because of this. It may seem a small thing; but to Thai people anyway, who are (usually!) so soft spoken, it's very jarring. Incidentally, I've come across young, culturally-unaware Americans having incredibly noisy conversations on buses and having the same effect. But it's this combined with the sheer numbers that can get under your skin.
@@west_wind_55 Yes, I see what you mean. Some cultures do tend to be like that. And dome people seem to be less sensitive to their surroundings and hosts, part arrogant, part stupid.
I used to love Chiang Mai when I moved here 20 years ago but it more or less sucks now. Horrible traffic everywhere and basic laws are never enforced. Nice areas that become developed turn in to ugly congested messes which are impossible to get in and out of. It's a total pain in the ass, worse than America in the state I'm from. I would move tomorrow if not for my wife but I'm making plans nonetheless. The country is almost going backwards if you ask me but that's just my opinion on the lifestyle which I enjoy in Thailand.
Thanks for sharing
I still like popping over to Chiang Mai for a few days but I guess I can see where you are coming from. Maybe I have just been lucky but where I live 50 km from Chiang Rai the drive to town has gotten easier with a new road and there are so many more options now than when we moved here. For me life is good.
Do you think your "old country" hasn't changed? Think carefully. Take a trip. go in the winter.
Thank you for this....very well considered and graciously presented. From Australia
เกษียรตอนแก่โรงพยาบาลสำคัญต่อการใช้ชีวิตมากการจะหาโรงพยาบาลดีๆบริการดีๆในไทยนั้นหาง่ายมาก..ส่วนมากประเทศเพื่อนบ้านคนที่มีเงินจะมารักษาที่ไทยเพราะเหตุผลหลายประการเรายินดีต้อนรับถ้ามาแล้วทำถูกกฎระเบียบประเทศไทยการให้เกียรติซึ่งกันและกันก็สำคัญเช่นกันครับ
ดีใจและภูมิใจที่เมืองไทยมีการรักษาพยาบาลดีแต่ต้องมีเงินนะคะ คนจนส่วนใหญ่ยังลำบาก
จริงๆ
Good hospitals are not the main reason to go to Thailand after we retire in 15 years. Being only a tourist and pay 25% taxes are not what I‘m going to do. I stay in Switzerland - my Thai wife can go. I‘ve seen it all Thailand. The beaches in Costa Rica or Mauritius are even better.
I pay 381 per month in Australia for affordable healthcare. I love private healthcare here you pay as you need it. I’ve spent lot of time in public healthcare as well family waits are long it’s not sparking 🎉 but it get done what’s needed health care .
If you choose to live in Thailand, I would highly recommend taking at least 3 months traveling the country and get a feel for the different provences. There's so much variation and only you will know what suits your requirements
First time watcher here and I’ll subscribe as well. I’m in this category of men migrating from the U.S. and have made specific goals to leave for a 90 day discovery trip and hopefully , an exit to live in SE Asia in 2025. I found this informative, thank you. Peace ☮️
Cheers Michael and welcome to the channel 👍🙏
I have been living in Thailand to and from since 1982. I have a daughter that is half Thai and is 39 years old now. This time I have been living here 14 years.
I have created a future here in Thailand and have no reason to leave. We live in an ever changing world so laws and regulations changes in every coutry so does it in Thailand. If you would find another country that you think is better than Thainland _now_, would you concider moving?. But if the situation and the laws changes after a few yaers in the new country so you find it impossible to live there. What would you do? Try to go back to Thailand or try find yet another country?
We have two homes in the the Surin province and a vacation house by a beach in the Rayong province. It would take a lot to make me even concider leaving all this and start all over again in another country. The Immigration here in Suring is easy to deal with so no problem there either. My wife will not be easy to move either. She has done a career and is a deputy manager at an authority so she will not give up every thing for an uncertain future in another country.
You think the foriegners are second/lower class people in the Thai society? Yes we are, but so are Thai people and most immigrants from outside of the western world in my home country.
I agree
no theyre not. immigrants have equal and more rights in western countries now...never seen any struggling to find housing like western locals are