Mate don’t be paying £1000 for your visa … plenty of places can help you for half that price for you first visa and then a quarter of that to renew it … plus you get 60 days on entry and then 30 day extension at Jomtien immigration so 90 day in total once you get your 30 day extension go see the agent to organize your visa I use Maneerat on soi 13/2 (Soi Post Office) been with them for 5 years never a problem they can also sort a bank account for you usually Bangkok Bank anyways good look on the move fella
You’ve done some very good research. I’ve been here since 2017 and absolutely love it. With your common sense and attitude, you’ll love it too. All the best.
Left uk last year October for Thailand. Best decision of my life. Just me, my bike and a little suitcase of vests and shorts. The cost of living has made uk an unviable option. And you get f all for it
Esp if you live up north it isn't unviable, among other parts of UK! Do you have a job out there or???? Many factors to consider, and he did say he would go there for a year then decide about what to do next!
Was back home in Ireland for a week and just catching up on your videos. Absolutely delighted your making this move. It will do ya the world of good. Your a good guy now go there and be happy cos ya deserve every bit of it. Keep up with the videos ❤
I agree with some of the other posts. Get your Non O in London, open a bank account when you arrive in country and a letter of residence from your apartment owner, then apply for the retirement visa yourself. It is a pain in the butt but you'll have all the time in the world, plus it's a learning process. It will cost you 1,900 THB for the retirement visa. Why shell out 50k to 70k for someone to do it for you? The process is relatively easy and will introduce you to Thai bureaucracy, a surreal expirence which ine has to experience. The money you'll save will pay your rent for 4 or 5 months. Good luck whatever you decide.
Hi, D.J. mai pen rai, rai normally pronounced Li. Is the Thai for no worries no problem etc. Good luck with your move mate, also ladys say sawatdeKAA Men say sawatdeeKAP also kupKap men say lady say kupkaa for thank you. Remember men say kap lady says kaa. Sorry to bleat on at you😢😢
Hi Dj. Me again also phed prounounced pet. Dont ask me why, I havent got a clue means spicy so if you want it very spicy say pet MAK MAK. Little bit spicy (if you feel a little bit "delicate"after a few to many of those chocy/banana shake things😊) means pet nid noy. Nid noy being the the Thai for a litte bit.
Loving the videos. Like yer candour and attitude. Interested to see how you manage your purpose as you navigate pattaya and retirement ....wish u the best
Daren my word of advice get an older building make sure the electricity is 5 baht per unit not 10 baht and the older buildings are 44 42 square meters the newer building are match boxes
HI Darren,Another great video its amazing how much the city has changed with still lots of the old buildings but you can see new buildings appearing, Well you have certainly done all the homework required so what date do you actually fligh out each day is getting closer now. Again thank you for sharing.
Darren, fist thank you so much for your great videos, I am a 67 year old Scottish lady living in Cannes south of France now for 48 years . But thinking also to move to Thailand. Just wanted to ask you if you have watched « Retired and living the dream » on you tube His name is Les from England. Been living in Thailand for 12 years. Looks a great man and honest. I think before spending all that money I know you can contact Les on a one to one for 1 hour or even 3 hours for the same price 10 pounds who knows perfectly the in’s and outs of everything in Thailand. But before watch his you tube channel first and see what you think. And his live videos as well. He seems a great Guy just like you. Thank you again for your fantastic videos. God bless you and your family. Patricia
@@PH-hw5nx dear Patricia. I worked in Cannes for 30+ years organising trade shows for TV, Music and Property. You know who we were🥰 Beautiful place but Covid brought us down. Our events brought €360 million a year to Cannes through our clients. Almost all of us were laid off in 2020. Age, illness and salary have stopped me getting another job. I wish you well🙏🏽😘😎 Mike
Best of luck mate. I did the same 20 years ago. One thing I'd say to anyone wanting to do this who needs to work, rather than retire with sufficient funds already in place, is find a way to earn money online/remotely. If you get that set up first, then the world really is your oyster.
I live here in Nong Khai Thailand Darren and all you researched is “technically” correct, BUT, as any expat will tell you, things are not what they appear in the real world. I suggest you have a mentor or sit with a group of British guys for a beer and learn about how Thailand really works. Good luck on your adventure.
Your retirement visa is 2000 baht, under 60 quid, health insurance is more complex but you should budget around 3000 quid per year for a decent coverage. Health insurance will rise every year and will be your biggest expense.
Your bang on about Pattaya Darren, we’ve been going to Thailand for 19 years, fell in love with it like you did. We only went to Pattaya for the first time in 2022 because of what everybody said about it and we loved it, it’s all there if you want it but if you want a quiet time you can. I’m 59 still working my wife retired after covid, got sick of being abused in a supermarket 😂. So we can only go for a couple of months max. What a place , good luck mate we will be following every minute of it 👍
Darren john just watched the first vlog. Got suggested. I'm in east Yorkshire, like london Got a thai wife.got a house in Thailand. Been going to Thailand since 2004,I'm 64 now Not sure if i retire to Thailand yet. Will watch your vids , good watching. Excellent
@@brianlutkin2085 I am in the same situation having a Thai wife and unsure about living in Thailand. Honestly we could move tomorrow but I just don't feel like moving. I have spent that much time in Thailand, it just feels like going somewhere local
Darren, I’ve been watching and enjoying your video postings for the past three years. I’m from Bethnal Green and was so interested in your visits in and around the East End of London (places I knew and those I didn’t) and then of course your reviews all over London. I’ll be honest and say that I wouldn’t be interested in your Thailand postings but I wish you all the best success on the new chapter of your life and thank you for all the entertainment you have provided me for the past three years. Having watched you and listened to you recently I could see that you were becoming less happy and dare I say it…..quite lonely as well. Your recent illness didn’t help but having lost your job recently as well, the uncertainty surrounding your flat and your son moving to the US, I think you have made the right decision to get out of London and the UK. All the best matey and I shall keep an eye out just in case you do return to London and make more vlogs…safe trip! 🤝👋👋
If you need any help or advice when you get here, let me know. I’ve been here for 3 years now and had to do a lot of settling in and laying the foundations for a permanent stay
Darren as an expat living in Thailand May I suggest that if you’re renting a condo you look at the Pratanmak area there are plenty of condos for rent with all the facilities and it’s about 10 minutes by taxi into Pattaya if you’re looking at houses try East Pattaya and again so many rental properties available. Visas I would suggest you speak with Cambodian Visa Shop in Soi Buakhow and they will look after all your visa requirements. Good luck.
The hardest part of this move DJ is the selling of the bikes not many will understand but i know how hard that is it has to be done i wish you happiness and health in this move and can't wait for more videos from you
Stay chilled Darren like everyone else has said I would really miss you on you tube if you disappeared . When I get to visit London again (its been 6 year's) your videos are the only ones I will watch to research where to go 😊
You’ve got to go with your heart so good for you. And you never know, maybe TH-cam will send me notifications like they used to because I’m getting nothing now 😡😡 It’s annoying going onto TH-cam and having to scroll down in case you’ve posted something.
The beauty of thailand is that its bang in the middle of everywhere , laos, cambodia, vietnam , india , china , to name a few . this is a endless source of content for the channel. now the only way to make it sustainable is to live as a thai would live , ie eat where the thais eat , drink where they drink ect but im sure you know that already . This journey will change you for ever as it did me , for the better i might add , and im looking forward to watching it from the beginning .
I take my hat off to you Sir. This is a bold move , I moved to Poland 9 years ago with my Polish wife and I can tell you going to a country on holiday for a few weeks is one thing living in the country is quite another. But I would imagine there is a British community living in Thailand so news friends and an adventure for sure. Wishing you good luck.
I'll enjoy watching your journey to retirement in Thailand.My younger brother has lived there for nearly 20 years and works there as well now.I'll watch with interest,plan for my retirement and escape the rat race in the UK.
I live in jomtien I don't go to the tourists area no need, I have me pick up motorbike which I use to travel around Thailand, dont think to much, you can do everything here, health, visas, condos etc, its very easy to do.
Hi darren . Im gonna miss you as im always on the look out for you when i visit canterbury, or sometimes margate. Take care mate, and i really hope that all goes well for you , you deserve it. Its an adventure that you need to take on . Im sure it will work out good. All the best. Steve( just down the A2 from you.)Regards top man . Steve.
What you should have done is apply for a non o visa online in the uk which cost me £60 and lasts 90 days, that gives you plenty of time to sort out a retirement visa
please explain, what is a "non o visa" ? do you mean online visa, uk residents currently get 60 days which can be extended to 90 presumably in Thailand
If your gonna go the 800k in the bank then do the visa yourself its quite simple 1900B, You will be prob have to get the bank account done by agent about 5 - 6K, Make sure you have a Wise card before you leave and serveral UK bank accounts in case one gets blocked or shut down best to use a VPN when accessing UK bank accounts to avoid suspicion.
Darren you can get in on a visa waiver scheme for 60 days, you can extend that for an extra 30 days with a border run and then get another 60 + 30 days. However you're better off on a retirement visa and I would suggest using an agent to do that so you dont need the 20k in the bank. An agent will charge you between 15 and 20k baht for that service and they will do everything including getting round the 800k bht bank requirements. Best agent in town is in soi post office 13/2 off 2nd road, called Maneerat. They charge 14k bht a year to do it. If yiu want any advice I'd be happy to help, been here a very long time and know all the tricks.
As of the 21st ish of December Laos are going digital with their visa and it will take 14-15 days to process! Which is insane, especially with the bad press they're receiving due to the methanol poisonings.
Hey mate, you are making the right decision. I go to Thailand at least 3 times a year for work. Awesome country. Im in Australia. If you need help with anything when you get there, message me. I know heaps of Australian and British expats who live there who can give you great advice. There's nothing like local knowledge . And if you ever want to visit Australia, i have an air bnb on the beach that you are more than welcome to for free. Get this, it was 37c and 85% humidity in my home town the last few days. It was brutal, but i love it. You will acclimatise to the weather in Thailand to the point of a 26c day that will feel slightly chilly. I shit you not. Rant over, cheers mate. Have a top week. 👍🇦🇺🌴
As some have already mentioned here, don't be paying £1000 for a Retirement Visa. Use you initial 60 days, then extend it be another 30 days (2000B). That gives you 3 months to arrange everything before that. Use a visa agent, who can also open a Bangkok Bank account for you. Open a Wise account online. Then you can transfer money (via Wise) from your UK bank account to your new Bangkok Bank account.
Hi Darren thanks for showing us around London one more time I worked there for years and yes it’s a very special place but go to Thailand and start your new life and I for one will carry on watching you and your exploits as they unfold
You must be renting in London . If your monthly outgoings are £3600 per month . Don't book a condo online and wait until you arrive in Thailand. Have a great time
I live in rural Thailand 🇹🇭 and i love it, i take occasional trips to Bangkok, Pattaya etc etc and treat these locations as a holiday within a holiday 😂 You will love Thailand 🇹🇭 but take note from those that became ATM machines for some girls but don’t tar them all with the same brush and listen to the stories of the best to avoid. Common sense will see you enjoy. Best when you arrive in Pattaya to visit the immigration office in Jomtien and explain what you want to do because it isn’t as straightforward as many think. You can use an agent but I don’t know the cost of this. I opened a Thai bank account with Bangkok bank in back in 2016 whilst on holiday, it was easy then. I also got my first Thai visa from the Embassy in London who accepted I had enough money to get my visa but there was a lot of hassle getting a medical, police report etc and I had to travel back to London from Scotland 🏴 to complete it however it is another option available to you and you would arrive here with your retirement visa Every thing is easy after that if you stay within the Thai financial rules. I fell foul of these because of changes made in 2019 and it then becomes a bit of a hassle to renew it 😅😢 I got my 90 day visa easily enough and I go on Monday to apply for my retirement visa again and also do my 90 day check in at immigration since my arrival in Bangkok in August Good luck, I hope all goes smoothly 😊
@ 😁 I’m just leaving Maha Sarakham immigration stamped until January 2026 😁 I came for 90 day check in and to apply because for my retirement visa as I’ve still 44 days on my 3 month visa so a very pleasant surprise that it got issued today 😁
@ my 90 day report was straight forward because I stay with my Thai girlfriend and we just confirmed that we are still at the same address, Maha Sarakham immigration are fabulous and they fill in any paperwork 😊 I arrived on 30th August so today is day 88, I always prefer to go a little earlier but I believe there is leeway either side. I believe you can also do it online but I prefer to go to the office as it’s easy for me and they know me and my other half quite well now My next date to notify them of my address is February 22nd, they clipped a note for me on my passport 😁
Thank you, Darren, for another chill video ! I think you're gonna be our Hairy Biker in Thailand. Don't be surprised if you get a call from Si King ! All the best, amigo !
I’m really worried about you Darren, it’s very different going on holiday for 3 weeks with money in your pocket. At 55 you are too young to retire. You have to work 35 years to get a full British Pension which you probably have but that’s a total of around $1500 Canadian which won’t get you very far unless you have huge savings. I am a Londoner that has lived in Canada for 50 years and still feel homesick, miss certain British foods, miss watching certain t.v. Programs, miss country pubs, miss the countryside, miss my family. I go home every year. And you know Darren, the grass isn’t always greener, pollution, heat, in Thailand, and you are the foreigner. And loneliness, you will miss your family, I know you don’t see them all the time but you know they are there. I wish you well, I really do but I don’t want you to give up everything, maybe put your furniture in storage and say you will go for a year and then make up your mind, if I could go back on my life I would never have left the U.K. I know it’s not all rosy but here I am sitting in my family room not able to go out because of all the snow. Just don’t make any quick decisions, give it six months or a year but don’t get rid of everything because it’s hard to get everything back. However, I do hope it goes o.k.
Why wouldn’t you get a non O visa before you go and get 90 days. 1000 pounds is an outrageous price for an agent. First you can do it all yourself. It cost me 1900 bt plus about another 3000 bt for a multiple entry stamp. You can get a residence letter for your bank account from immigration yourself if you have a lease then just go to Bangkok Bank. It’s not that hard. Also you need to season your 800k bt in the bank for 2 months before applying for your retirement visa, so if you don’t have that all set up before you go then the 30 days plus an extension isn’t going to give you enough time.
You cant work on a Thai tourist visa, or a Retirement visa, but you will be running your TH-cam channel, which is monetised. Is that not classified as 'work' in Thailand?
Don’t pay £1000, Darren, Paul is spot on, you can get it for circa half that price. I’ll be watching closely the forthcoming vids, and, as others who joyously live here, we can and will steer you accordingly. I came out here in my 60s and I now run two business, I’ve built a home and manage a football club, the opportunities are abundant if you choose to grab them. Age is NOT an issue in Thailand. Another great vid, Darren, lousy waiter though. 😡😂🇹🇭♥️
I own apartments in Pattaya that I rent to expats who live there long term, it’s a great place for them to live as it’s cheaper than Bangkok for a like for like size apartment and cost of living is probably 70% of Bangkok. It has everything not just the nightlife as you mentioned great restaurants and malls if that’s your thing. The airport in Rayong also has flights to the north and south and closer and an alternative to Bangkok airports. I live in Bangkok s it’s been a home with my Thai wife for years when I worked there but think Pattaya is a great alternative.
It’s easy mate …… forget all the small stuff including girls Strip life back to suit case and start fresh Get diary ….. gym , walk 10000 steps per day … eat only two meals per day max get decent sleep and do that for 8 weeks , then slowly bleed into the community, if few bad days always reset buy taking yourself back to those 8 weeks …… Then build a better life then you ever had , don’t make it fantasy , make it reality, You said you watched videos there all a headache us locals can’t stand the fools E beggars ….. Don’t film girls … Put the TH-cam channel second don’t make it the priority it will take your life over I’ve had a few chats with Chad from cb media channel and he struggles with the attention he has 750k subscribers Be careful what you wish for Just keep your life simple and health number 1 priority and try and see the world and live to 100 from here It’s not a speed race you don’t need to bar 6 nights aweek They drop dead or jump …. Most just drop dead, my partner realestate happens weekly…… Play the long game appreciate the life you have and want to keep Stay away from bar type farang ….. Death by thousand cuts hanging around those fools
@ hence why very few like it , they all come for a change yet 48 hours in they are pissed and kneeling in front of bar girls … then it’s well I’ll just have a few months off …. So that 1 night leads to a blur over 6 months ….. They never start the new life They only dig a bigger hole , The one comment I get daily How old are you mark .. 55 son … wow you look good , thanks mate don’t drink 10 hours sleep and no bar , can’t do it … they can’t get a better life they simply can’t do it , discipline is naught their whole life
Get a good condo around 30 sqmeters 10,000 bhatt in Bangkok just outside or in pattaya loads around .visa is 34 k in Bangkok roughly u get bank account included and insurance for accident.u will have to go to immigration for photo only they take u. as someone on here said older properties are bigger 40 plus meters .single guy can live very reasonable out here as u know .
Plenty good areas around Pattaya if thats where you want to be and there's an airport 😯 Jomtien, Pratumnak, Bang Saray is amazing further down the coast, Naklua, Wongamat, Na Jomtien and many others outside of the madness of Central Pattaya. Just do it, go for it and dont let the online basement dwellers stop you! 👍🥳
There are NO retirement visa's those referred to as such are extensions of the right to stay on visa's such as non immigrant O visa, with retirement as the reason. An extension does not change the visa type, visa's cannot be changed.
Alan from Aussie be careful as they are not as great as you think .holiday okay, they are there to take your hard earned cash that’s what it’s all about cash go to Malaysia by train it would suit your lifestyle better do it and you will realistically be better off try Kinabalu the lifestyle is basic but you would manage better for your age
You get 60 days on entry, you then need 90 day visa before you can apply for the 1 year retirement visa. For the 90 day visa you need to show proof of residence on a form signed by the owner and 800,000 in a Thai bank for a full 2 months
Use an agent and you never have to show 800k, never ever. Agents get special treatment, because they pay for the special treatment, welcome to Thailand pay for the privilege. Make sure the Agent choose the bank the immigration like, i was given Bangkok bank near immigration office Jomtien opposite Rum Po market.
@ 😁 thanks for this, i didn’t realise, i have a friend who lives in Pattaya and i think this maybe why he uses an agent, I’ve never asked because I’ve always done it myself, the agent can be a big advantage for some then 🙏
Maybe it's just my experience, but poor service seems to be endemic in the UK, even in places like the Ned. Much better service at all levels in Philippines. Problem is you can get used to that, and so when you get shoddy service and facilities in UK it grates even more...
Still not getting your Notifications DJ,ive done the usual unsubscribe on/off.But obviously i check in everyday until that sorts itself out.Really enjoying this charting of basically 'Your Life' from here onwards.Good information and questions that need to be considered wherever anyone may go.
I’ve never had any desire to go to Thailand (I live in the southern US where it’s hot as hell. We fantasize about going somewhere cooler, not warmer 😂) But I’m going to keep watching to see your adventure
It took me 5 years of living here permanently many moons ago to fully accept the decision i made, you can go to moon but your inner problems will still go with you. if you have any.
I think Jomtien is the place. Close to Pattaya geographically but quite different. Plenty of foreigner conveniences and the immigration office. Plus you can get large condos for a fraction of UK prices.
I used farang thai visa for retirement visa think was 39kbaht for everything thing opened my bank account driving licence multiple entry health insurance pacific cross jomtien is a nice place upto you as the always say good luck
@@Jennifer-cz2if Totally agree with you. At one point it came across as them being best buddies and a joy to watch I can only assume that DJ became jealous of MMs massive increase in annoyed him, and he's still very bitter unlike MM who's continued to grow. With replies like DJ gives will result in people unsubscribing which I did
Wrong way Darren. Get yourself to the Thai Embassy in Queensgate, SW7.You can get a multiple entry visa for £150 quid. You have to leave every 60days but this is just a short hop bus drive over the border and back. Lots of 'Visa run' companies do this, you'll see them everywhere in Pattaya and other places. 7 hr round trip every 60 days will save you a few grand wile you find your feet. If you leave again just before the 6 month Visa expires, you'll get 60 days extra, so effectively it's 8 months visa. Dont jump in feet first. Lots of expat businesses there, and Thai, make their money from newbies. I was one of them ! All the best
Hi Darren, You're so right you can't Buy Time... I've been in Thailand approximately a month Les at Retired and living the Dream has saved me so much time and given me great advice on accommodation and different areas also transport if you value your time give him a look you guys seem very similar in your outlook maybe even a collab 👍
Mot Sevices in Pattaya, She does visas and can open you your bank account. Visa 15 k bank account I think 6 or 7 k. She looks after the lot. She's on Facebook. Can speak great English and her husband is also English.
Why Pattaya? Or is that a silly question?. Would just advise you need structure when you live in Thailand. It is all to easy to slip into drinking daily etc and u will literally dig yourself an early grave. So many have done it
You're knocking it out the Park, Darren. Your videos are getting a lot of attention, views and comments so you must be doing something right. I hope it works out for you; its up to you.. Something was missing in you, Darren, and i believe you have a good chance to find it in your new destination. If not, there is nothing lost in coming back to London, you will have had a very valuable, life-changing experience. Something was missing in you, Darren and I think you may just have found it in your new destination. Keep making waves, i think youre nearly there.
you can actually see the happiness back! love to see you do youtube full time in thailand...one request before you leave you have to go back to city spice for a farewell meal,heres to the next chapter xx
Mate don’t be paying £1000 for your visa … plenty of places can help you for half that price for you first visa and then a quarter of that to renew it … plus you get 60 days on entry and then 30 day extension at Jomtien immigration so 90 day in total once you get your 30 day extension go see the agent to organize your visa I use Maneerat on soi 13/2 (Soi Post Office) been with them for 5 years never a problem they can also sort a bank account for you usually Bangkok Bank anyways good look on the move fella
Good advice
Plus get a WISE card for currency transfers
should be 20-25k baht DJ
Only the clueless, lazy or unqualified for visa's and extensions use agents. Perfectly easy to do it yourself
A 2nd from me for Manareet on 13/2
You’ve done some very good research. I’ve been here since 2017 and absolutely love it. With your common sense and attitude, you’ll love it too. All the best.
Left uk last year October for Thailand. Best decision of my life. Just me, my bike and a little suitcase of vests and shorts. The cost of living has made uk an unviable option. And you get f all for it
Esp if you live up north it isn't unviable, among other parts of UK!
Do you have a job out there or????
Many factors to consider, and he did say he would go there for a year then decide about what to do next!
Believe me, he wont be going back to that 3rd world shit hole
Looking forward to following your adventure DJ. Take care and God bless. Steve
Was back home in Ireland for a week and just catching up on your videos.
Absolutely delighted your making this move.
It will do ya the world of good.
Your a good guy now go there and be happy cos ya deserve every bit of it.
Keep up with the videos ❤
🙏🏼😉👍🏼
I agree with some of the other posts. Get your Non O in London, open a bank account when you arrive in country and a letter of residence from your apartment owner, then apply for the retirement visa yourself. It is a pain in the butt but you'll have all the time in the world, plus it's a learning process. It will cost you 1,900 THB for the retirement visa. Why shell out 50k to 70k for someone to do it for you? The process is relatively easy and will introduce you to Thai bureaucracy, a surreal expirence which ine has to experience. The money you'll save will pay your rent for 4 or 5 months. Good luck whatever you decide.
Hi, D.J. mai pen rai, rai normally pronounced Li. Is the Thai for no worries no problem etc. Good luck with your move mate, also ladys say sawatdeKAA Men say sawatdeeKAP also kupKap men say lady say kupkaa for thank you. Remember men say kap lady says kaa. Sorry to bleat on at you😢😢
Hi Dj. Me again also phed prounounced pet. Dont ask me why, I havent got a clue means spicy so if you want it very spicy say pet MAK MAK. Little bit spicy (if you feel a little bit "delicate"after a few to many of those chocy/banana shake things😊) means pet nid noy. Nid noy being the the Thai for a litte bit.
@@Potterthepattayaperv
Yes. Pronunciation confusion of D and T, R and L, G and K, V and W. Been here 20 years and I'm still confused.
Good man Darren. Good luck with everything.
Loving the videos. Like yer candour and attitude. Interested to see how you manage your purpose as you navigate pattaya and retirement ....wish u the best
Daren my word of advice get an older building make sure the electricity is 5 baht per unit not 10 baht and the older buildings are 44 42 square meters the newer building are match boxes
Wishing you all the very best for your future life in Thailand, and hoping you will keep us up- to-date with everything ( please)❤
100%
HI Darren,Another great video its amazing how much the city has changed with still lots of the old buildings but you can see new buildings appearing,
Well you have certainly done all the homework required so what date do you actually fligh out each day is getting closer now.
Again thank you for sharing.
Darren, fist thank you so much for your great videos, I am a 67 year old Scottish lady living in Cannes south of France now for 48 years . But thinking also to move to Thailand.
Just wanted to ask you if you have watched « Retired and living the dream » on you tube
His name is Les from England. Been living in Thailand for 12 years.
Looks a great man and honest.
I think before spending all that money I know you can contact Les on a one to one for 1 hour or even 3 hours for the same price 10 pounds who knows perfectly the in’s and outs of everything in Thailand.
But before watch his you tube channel first and see what you think. And his live videos as well.
He seems a great Guy just like you.
Thank you again for your fantastic videos.
God bless you and your family.
Patricia
Is Les the guy with the brain tumour?
@@PH-hw5nx dear Patricia. I worked in Cannes for 30+ years organising trade shows for TV, Music and Property. You know who we were🥰 Beautiful place but Covid brought us down. Our events brought €360 million a year to Cannes through our clients.
Almost all of us were laid off in 2020. Age, illness and salary have stopped me getting another job. I wish you well🙏🏽😘😎
Mike
That guy is from Middlesbrough , yeah seems ok . Lives in Rayong , hour or so from Pattaya . . . . 😊
What an incredible pub.
Best of luck mate.
I did the same 20 years ago.
One thing I'd say to anyone wanting to do this who needs to work, rather than retire with sufficient funds already in place, is find a way to earn money online/remotely.
If you get that set up first, then the world really is your oyster.
I live here in Nong Khai Thailand Darren and all you researched is “technically” correct, BUT, as any expat will tell you, things are not what they appear in the real world. I suggest you have a mentor or sit with a group of British guys for a beer and learn about how Thailand really works. Good luck on your adventure.
@@MrAlanPhilpott 100% correct, after visiting only 1 time for a short holiday, is very different to living there, good advice 👍
I Also Live in Nong Khai too M8.....Been Here Permanentely for 9 Years, But In ALL Since 1996.....( 29 Years )
Your retirement visa is 2000 baht, under 60 quid, health insurance is more complex but you should budget around 3000 quid per year for a decent coverage. Health insurance will rise every year and will be your biggest expense.
Your bang on about Pattaya Darren, we’ve been going to Thailand for 19 years, fell in love with it like you did. We only went to Pattaya for the first time in 2022 because of what everybody said about it and we loved it, it’s all there if you want it but if you want a quiet time you can. I’m 59 still working my wife retired after covid, got sick of being abused in a supermarket 😂. So we can only go for a couple of months max. What a place , good luck mate we will be following every minute of it 👍
Quite a few people i know have relocsted from the uk to Thailand and they love it
You go for it Darren
I know a few people that have relocated then moved back!
Plus he isn't recloatuing there for life-for now going there for a year!
You have done your research and certainly look to be well prepared. Good luck and stay relaxed.
Thank you, I will
Good on you DJ i will feel sad 😢yet happy 😊 for you ,give it a blast mate and enjoy it ,you deserve 😊
Looking forward to more great videos from beautiful Thailand 🙏
Another fantastic video Darren, thank you and please keep sharing your process of moving.
Go for it DJ and we all wish you every success with your new venture.
Darren john just watched the first vlog. Got suggested. I'm in east Yorkshire, like london Got a thai wife.got a house in Thailand. Been going to Thailand since 2004,I'm 64 now
Not sure if i retire to Thailand yet. Will watch your vids , good watching. Excellent
Nice one, thankyou
@@brianlutkin2085 I am in the same situation having a Thai wife and unsure about living in Thailand. Honestly we could move tomorrow but I just don't feel like moving. I have spent that much time in Thailand, it just feels like going somewhere local
Darren, I’ve been watching and enjoying your video postings for the past three years. I’m from Bethnal Green and was so interested in your visits in and around the East End of London (places I knew and those I didn’t) and then of course your reviews all over London. I’ll be honest and say that I wouldn’t be interested in your Thailand postings but I wish you all the best success on the new chapter of your life and thank you for all the entertainment you have provided me for the past three years. Having watched you and listened to you recently I could see that you were becoming less happy and dare I say it…..quite lonely as well. Your recent illness didn’t help but having lost your job recently as well, the uncertainty surrounding your flat and your son moving to the US, I think you have made the right decision to get out of London and the UK. All the best matey and I shall keep an eye out just in case you do return to London and make more vlogs…safe trip! 🤝👋👋
If you need any help or advice when you get here, let me know. I’ve been here for 3 years now and had to do a lot of settling in and laying the foundations for a permanent stay
🙏🏼🙂👍🏼
Oh wow! We are so looking forward to your Thailand vlogs! 🥳
Defo a no brainier due to the stupid high living costs in the UK (especially London)! xx
Darren as an expat living in Thailand May I suggest that if you’re renting a condo you look at the Pratanmak area there are plenty of condos for rent with all the facilities and it’s about 10 minutes by taxi into Pattaya if you’re looking at houses try East Pattaya and again so many rental properties available. Visas I would suggest you speak with Cambodian Visa Shop in Soi Buakhow and they will look after all your visa requirements. Good luck.
Appreciate it, thank you. I like the look of Pratamnak
The hardest part of this move DJ is the selling of the bikes not many will understand but i know how hard that is it has to be done i wish you happiness and health in this move and can't wait for more videos from you
Stay chilled Darren like everyone else has said I would really miss you on you tube if you disappeared . When I get to visit London again (its been 6 year's) your videos are the only ones I will watch to research where to go 😊
That's really kind of you Natalie, thank you
You’ve got to go with your heart so good for you. And you never know, maybe TH-cam will send me notifications like they used to because I’m getting nothing now 😡😡
It’s annoying going onto TH-cam and having to scroll down in case you’ve posted something.
Me too @k.
Apologies for that
The beauty of thailand is that its bang in the middle of everywhere , laos, cambodia, vietnam , india , china , to name a few . this is a endless source of content for the channel.
now the only way to make it sustainable is to live as a thai would live , ie eat where the thais eat , drink where they drink ect but im sure you know that already .
This journey will change you for ever as it did me , for the better i might add , and im looking forward to watching it from the beginning .
Following you're journey old pal
Wow what a ride ❤
I take my hat off to you Sir. This is a bold move , I moved to Poland 9 years ago with my Polish wife and I can tell you going to a country on holiday for a few weeks is one thing living in the country is quite another. But I would imagine there is a British community living in Thailand so news friends and an adventure for sure. Wishing you good luck.
I'll enjoy watching your journey to retirement in Thailand.My younger brother has lived there for nearly 20 years and works there as well now.I'll watch with interest,plan for my retirement and escape the rat race in the UK.
You have 1 life Go live it and be happy!. Best of luck with your new adventure in Thailand 🇹🇭.
I live in jomtien I don't go to the tourists area no need, I have me pick up motorbike which I use to travel around Thailand, dont think to much, you can do everything here, health, visas, condos etc, its very easy to do.
Hi darren . Im gonna miss you as im always on the look out for you when i visit canterbury, or sometimes margate. Take care mate, and i really hope that all goes well for you , you deserve it. Its an adventure that you need to take on . Im sure it will work out good. All the best. Steve( just down the A2 from you.)Regards top man . Steve.
What you should have done is apply for a non o visa online in the uk which cost me £60 and lasts 90 days, that gives you plenty of time to sort out a retirement visa
Darren is going there for a year, then deciding what to do!
please explain, what is a "non o visa" ? do you mean online visa, uk residents currently get 60 days which can be extended to 90 presumably in Thailand
Because im retiring in Thailand i need an non o visa which can be extended one year with retirement visa
You can come in on 60 days was 30d when I arrived. After a week agent converted to 12m plus 3m for first O retirement visa 👊👍..
If your gonna go the 800k in the bank then do the visa yourself its quite simple 1900B, You will be prob have to get the bank account done by agent about 5 - 6K, Make sure you have a Wise card before you leave and serveral UK bank accounts in case one gets blocked or shut down best to use a VPN when accessing UK bank accounts to avoid suspicion.
Only mugs use agents, anyone can open a bank account without those parasites
Wish you all the best DJ. You only live once mate 👍
Thanks ✌️
Darren you can get in on a visa waiver scheme for 60 days, you can extend that for an extra 30 days with a border run and then get another 60 + 30 days. However you're better off on a retirement visa and I would suggest using an agent to do that so you dont need the 20k in the bank. An agent will charge you between 15 and 20k baht for that service and they will do everything including getting round the 800k bht bank requirements. Best agent in town is in soi post office 13/2 off 2nd road, called Maneerat. They charge 14k bht a year to do it. If yiu want any advice I'd be happy to help, been here a very long time and know all the tricks.
As of the 21st ish of December Laos are going digital with their visa and it will take 14-15 days to process! Which is insane, especially with the bad press they're receiving due to the methanol poisonings.
Hey mate, you are making the right decision. I go to Thailand at least 3 times a year for work. Awesome country. Im in Australia. If you need help with anything when you get there, message me. I know heaps of Australian and British expats who live there who can give you great advice. There's nothing like local knowledge . And if you ever want to visit Australia, i have an air bnb on the beach that you are more than welcome to for free. Get this, it was 37c and 85% humidity in my home town the last few days. It was brutal, but i love it. You will acclimatise to the weather in Thailand to the point of a 26c day that will feel slightly chilly. I shit you not. Rant over, cheers mate. Have a top week. 👍🇦🇺🌴
But he is moving out there for a year Jay, not going there 3 times a year!
Totally different!
@mikekaraoke and your point is?
@@jayr4857 And my point is, seriously???
Correct, ive been coming here for 20yrs, live here ow, I'm a shadow of my former self .😂
As some have already mentioned here, don't be paying £1000 for a Retirement Visa.
Use you initial 60 days, then extend it be another 30 days (2000B). That gives you 3 months to arrange everything before that. Use a visa agent, who can also open a Bangkok Bank account for you. Open a Wise account online. Then you can transfer money (via Wise) from your UK bank account to your new Bangkok Bank account.
Hi Darren thanks for showing us around London one more time I worked there for years and yes it’s a very special place but go to Thailand and start your new life and I for one will carry on watching you and your exploits as they unfold
You must be renting in London . If your monthly outgoings are £3600 per month .
Don't book a condo online and wait until you arrive in Thailand.
Have a great time
I live in rural Thailand 🇹🇭 and i love it, i take occasional trips to Bangkok, Pattaya etc etc and treat these locations as a holiday within a holiday 😂
You will love Thailand 🇹🇭 but take note from those that became ATM machines for some girls but don’t tar them all with the same brush and listen to the stories of the best to avoid.
Common sense will see you enjoy.
Best when you arrive in Pattaya to visit the immigration office in Jomtien and explain what you want to do because it isn’t as straightforward as many think.
You can use an agent but I don’t know the cost of this.
I opened a Thai bank account with Bangkok bank in back in 2016 whilst on holiday, it was easy then.
I also got my first Thai visa from the Embassy in London who accepted I had enough money to get my visa but there was a lot of hassle getting a medical, police report etc and I had to travel back to London from Scotland 🏴 to complete it however it is another option available to you and you would arrive here with your retirement visa
Every thing is easy after that if you stay within the Thai financial rules. I fell foul of these because of changes made in 2019 and it then becomes a bit of a hassle to renew it 😅😢
I got my 90 day visa easily enough and I go on Monday to apply for my retirement visa again and also do my 90 day check in at immigration since my arrival in Bangkok in August
Good luck, I hope all goes smoothly 😊
Just been stamped in for a year here in korat,, love this country
@ 😁 I’m just leaving Maha Sarakham immigration stamped until January 2026 😁 I came for 90 day check in and to apply because for my retirement visa as I’ve still 44 days on my 3 month visa so a very pleasant surprise that it got issued today 😁
Wow thats a result,, havnt done a 90 day report yet, is it straight forward, or do you need to copy anything.?
@ my 90 day report was straight forward because I stay with my Thai girlfriend and we just confirmed that we are still at the same address, Maha Sarakham immigration are fabulous and they fill in any paperwork 😊
I arrived on 30th August so today is day 88, I always prefer to go a little earlier but I believe there is leeway either side. I believe you can also do it online but I prefer to go to the office as it’s easy for me and they know me and my other half quite well now
My next date to notify them of my address is February 22nd, they clipped a note for me on my passport 😁
Hey up Darren this was quite a sweet video sharing your plans hope it all goes well for you "and not forgetting daisy"
Thank you, Darren, for another chill video ! I think you're gonna be our Hairy Biker in Thailand. Don't be surprised if you get a call from Si King ! All the best, amigo !
That would be cool!
@@DarrenJohn hairy biker?? With that failed hair transplant ???😂😂
Look forward to your move xx
Thanks DJ, I wish you well on your new journey.
I’m really worried about you Darren, it’s very different going on holiday for 3 weeks with money in your pocket. At 55 you are too young to retire. You have to work 35 years to get a full British Pension which you probably have but that’s a total of around $1500 Canadian which won’t get you very far unless you have huge savings. I am a Londoner that has lived in Canada for 50 years and still feel homesick, miss certain British foods, miss watching certain t.v. Programs, miss country pubs, miss the countryside, miss my family. I go home every year. And you know Darren, the grass isn’t always greener, pollution, heat, in Thailand, and you are the foreigner. And loneliness, you will miss your family, I know you don’t see them all the time but you know they are there. I wish you well, I really do but I don’t want you to give up everything, maybe put your furniture in storage and say you will go for a year and then make up your mind, if I could go back on my life I would never have left the U.K. I know it’s not all rosy but here I am sitting in my family room not able to go out because of all the snow. Just don’t make any quick decisions, give it six months or a year but don’t get rid of everything because it’s hard to get everything back. However, I do hope it goes o.k.
Good post.
He's 55 no way, 65 yes,if he's 55 he looks way older
Yes, he is 55, he said that in his “life changing decision”.
@dianalangdon2273 Wow,he looks 10 years older, but I can see from his face colour he must have health issues .
Thank you for all the information darren very much appreciated
Why wouldn’t you get a non O visa before you go and get 90 days. 1000 pounds is an outrageous price for an agent. First you can do it all yourself. It cost me 1900 bt plus about another 3000 bt for a multiple entry stamp. You can get a residence letter for your bank account from immigration yourself if you have a lease then just go to Bangkok Bank. It’s not that hard. Also you need to season your 800k bt in the bank for 2 months before applying for your retirement visa, so if you don’t have that all set up before you go then the 30 days plus an extension isn’t going to give you enough time.
Great video, I might make a video vlog of when I leave to go to China to get my lady and we go to Thailand, and thats it 😂 enjoy my brother.
You cant work on a Thai tourist visa, or a Retirement visa, but you will be running your TH-cam channel, which is monetised. Is that not classified as 'work' in Thailand?
Fair play to you Darran...Follow ur dreams..👌
Go for it DJ.....looking forward to your vlogs!
Don’t pay £1000, Darren, Paul is spot on, you can get it for circa half that price. I’ll be watching closely the forthcoming vids, and, as others who joyously live here, we can and will steer you accordingly. I came out here in my 60s and I now run two business, I’ve built a home and manage a football club, the opportunities are abundant if you choose to grab them. Age is NOT an issue in Thailand. Another great vid, Darren, lousy waiter though. 😡😂🇹🇭♥️
I own apartments in Pattaya that I rent to expats who live there long term, it’s a great place for them to live as it’s cheaper than Bangkok for a like for like size apartment and cost of living is probably 70% of Bangkok. It has everything not just the nightlife as you mentioned great restaurants and malls if that’s your thing. The airport in Rayong also has flights to the north and south and closer and an alternative to Bangkok airports. I live in Bangkok s it’s been a home with my Thai wife for years when I worked there but think Pattaya is a great alternative.
Could you send me some details Alan - darrenjohnOTC@gmail.com
It’s easy mate …… forget all the small stuff including girls
Strip life back to suit case and start fresh
Get diary ….. gym , walk 10000 steps per day … eat only two meals per day max get decent sleep and do that for 8 weeks , then slowly bleed into the community, if few bad days always reset buy taking yourself back to those 8 weeks ……
Then build a better life then you ever had , don’t make it fantasy , make it reality,
You said you watched videos there all a headache us locals can’t stand the fools
E beggars …..
Don’t film girls …
Put the TH-cam channel second don’t make it the priority it will take your life over
I’ve had a few chats with Chad from cb media channel and he struggles with the attention he has 750k subscribers
Be careful what you wish for
Just keep your life simple and health number 1 priority and try and see the world and live to 100 from here
It’s not a speed race you don’t need to bar 6 nights aweek
They drop dead or jump …. Most just drop dead, my partner realestate happens weekly……
Play the long game appreciate the life you have and want to keep
Stay away from bar type farang …..
Death by thousand cuts hanging around those fools
Solid advice, even just the health and longevity stuff will go a long way. 👌👏
@ hence why very few like it , they all come for a change yet 48 hours in they are pissed and kneeling in front of bar girls … then it’s well I’ll just have a few months off …. So that 1 night leads to a blur over 6 months …..
They never start the new life
They only dig a bigger hole ,
The one comment I get daily
How old are you mark .. 55 son … wow you look good , thanks mate don’t drink 10 hours sleep and no bar , can’t do it … they can’t get a better life they simply can’t do it , discipline is naught their whole life
Perhaps that chap behind the bar was new lol. But like you say dont sweat the small stuff. 😊
My thoughts exactly
Good luck to you. . Have a blast sir.
Get a good condo around 30 sqmeters 10,000 bhatt in Bangkok just outside or in pattaya loads around .visa is 34 k in Bangkok roughly u get bank account included and insurance for accident.u will have to go to immigration for photo only they take u. as someone on here said older properties are bigger 40 plus meters .single guy can live very reasonable out here as u know .
Plenty good areas around Pattaya if thats where you want to be and there's an airport 😯
Jomtien, Pratumnak, Bang Saray is amazing further down the coast, Naklua, Wongamat, Na Jomtien and many others outside of the madness of Central Pattaya.
Just do it, go for it and dont let the online basement dwellers stop you! 👍🥳
I say good luck to you Darren! He who dares
Rodney, he who dares 👍
Hi Darren have you thought off looking in jomtien, near pattaya
There are NO retirement visa's those referred to as such are extensions of the right to stay on visa's such as non immigrant O visa, with retirement as the reason. An extension does not change the visa type, visa's cannot be changed.
You can enter Thailand visa free and get a Pattaya agent to sort out your visa much cheaper.
You’re being smart about the planning for this important move!
Best of luck n the move I will follow you in Thailand love your channel Andy Dublin
Alan from Aussie be careful as they are not as great as you think .holiday okay, they are there to take your hard earned cash that’s what it’s all about cash go to Malaysia by train it would suit your lifestyle better do it and you will realistically be better off try Kinabalu the lifestyle is basic but you would manage better for your age
DJ don’t listen to the sceptics, dream and fly if it doesn’t work out there are plenty of other Countries out there Malaysia might appeal? Good luck 👍
You get 60 days on entry, you then need 90 day visa before you can apply for the 1 year retirement visa.
For the 90 day visa you need to show proof of residence on a form signed by the owner and 800,000 in a Thai bank for a full 2 months
Use an agent and you never have to show 800k, never ever. Agents get special treatment, because they pay for the special treatment, welcome to Thailand pay for the privilege. Make sure the Agent choose the bank the immigration like, i was given Bangkok bank near immigration office Jomtien opposite Rum Po market.
@ 😁 thanks for this, i didn’t realise, i have a friend who lives in Pattaya and i think this maybe why he uses an agent, I’ve never asked because I’ve always done it myself, the agent can be a big advantage for some then 🙏
Welsh wyn in smileland gives some good advice, he moved over there about 2 years ago.
Maybe it's just my experience, but poor service seems to be endemic in the UK, even in places like the Ned. Much better service at all levels in Philippines. Problem is you can get used to that, and so when you get shoddy service and facilities in UK it grates even more...
Still not getting your Notifications DJ,ive done the usual unsubscribe on/off.But obviously i check in everyday until that sorts itself out.Really enjoying this charting of basically 'Your Life' from here onwards.Good information and questions that need to be considered wherever anyone may go.
Nice one 👍🏼🙏🏼🙂
One drink took 3 questions! 😆 All the best
?
Sorry, I meant ordering the drink in the Ned was hard work. 😄
I’ve never had any desire to go to Thailand (I live in the southern US where it’s hot as hell. We fantasize about going somewhere cooler, not warmer 😂) But I’m going to keep watching to see your adventure
Only been to Thailand once, Phuket, a place called Nai Harn, fantastic beach, enough bars and restaurants, woukd definitely go again.
The Land of Smiles
Exists on your hard earned cash
Holiday and residing are two different thing's
What are you doing about health insurance exactly?
Getting some
It took me 5 years of living here permanently many moons ago to fully accept the decision i made, you can go to moon but your inner problems will still go with you. if you have any.
I think Jomtien is the place. Close to Pattaya geographically but quite different. Plenty of foreigner conveniences and the immigration office. Plus you can get large condos for a fraction of UK prices.
I used farang thai visa for retirement visa think was 39kbaht for everything thing opened my bank account driving licence multiple entry health insurance pacific cross jomtien is a nice place upto you as the always say good luck
Ordering that drink at the Ned was chuffing hard work wasnt it, did you tip😅
So your going to become a Full Time youtube? Then it's classed as Work so you need to get an appropriate visa and pay taxes
I am aware of what I need
@DarrenJohn
Here he is with his ARROGANT and ABRUPT reply as per usual!
@@Jennifer-cz2if
Totally agree with you.
At one point it came across as them being best buddies and a joy to watch I can only assume that DJ became jealous of MMs massive increase in annoyed him, and he's still very bitter unlike MM who's continued to grow.
With replies like DJ gives will result in people unsubscribing which I did
Does seem a trifle harsh in that reply
Hope the grass is greener, Good luck& don't look back
He is going there for a year, then thinking what to do next!
So if he does come back he will be looking back!
When you're in Bangkok, try and meet up with Paul G Eats. He seems like a decent person, fellow TH-camr.
He works there.
Unfortunately Bangkok is only a place to arrive - I wont be stopping
Wrong way Darren. Get yourself to the Thai Embassy in Queensgate, SW7.You can get a multiple entry visa for £150 quid. You have to leave every 60days but this is just a short hop bus drive over the border and back. Lots of 'Visa run' companies do this, you'll see them everywhere in Pattaya and other places. 7 hr round trip every 60 days will save you a few grand wile you find your feet. If you leave again just before the 6 month Visa expires, you'll get 60 days extra, so effectively it's 8 months visa. Dont jump in feet first. Lots of expat businesses there, and Thai, make their money from newbies. I was one of them ! All the best
Hi Darren, You're so right you can't Buy Time... I've been in Thailand approximately a month Les at Retired and living the Dream has saved me so much time and given me great advice on accommodation and different areas also transport if you value your time give him a look you guys seem very similar in your outlook maybe even a collab 👍
Yeah true, but you can't buy wasting time either!
Question John, are you shipping your Motorbikes to Thailand or hiring one over there and are you gonna miss Tenerife also?
selling
Mot Sevices in Pattaya, She does visas and can open you your bank account. Visa 15 k bank account I think 6 or 7 k. She looks after the lot. She's on Facebook. Can speak great English and her husband is also English.
Why Pattaya? Or is that a silly question?. Would just advise you need structure when you live in Thailand. It is all to easy to slip into drinking daily etc and u will literally dig yourself an early grave. So many have done it
Please look at another guy who moved to Thailand, channel is Rocket travels. He was a window cleaner and moved from uk .
Said it was on his bucket list
You're knocking it out the Park, Darren. Your videos are getting a lot of attention, views and comments so you must be doing something right. I hope it works out for you; its up to you..
Something was missing in you, Darren, and i believe you have a good chance to find it in your new destination. If not, there is nothing lost in coming back to London, you will have had a very valuable, life-changing experience.
Something was missing in you, Darren and I think you may just have found it in your new destination. Keep making waves, i think youre nearly there.
👍🏼🙂🙏🏼
@@DarrenJohnEnjoy the journey 👍
Double m tours Pattaya done my retirement visa cheaper than 1k had brilliant service
People say the same about Dubai being pretentious but they have never been. Travel broadens the mind. Go for it
you can actually see the happiness back! love to see you do youtube full time in thailand...one request before you leave you have to go back to city spice for a farewell meal,heres to the next chapter xx
He has done it is over on DJ’s food channel
I know I follow both channels I'm on about a last farewell meal at his favourite Indian and on to the new chapter 😀
You will be arriving in high season, rates will be higher, maybe 6 months is better. Did you try Jomtien (south Pattaya)? Good luck.