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.
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.
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
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
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.
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 😊
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
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.
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.
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 ❤
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
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.
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 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
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! 🤝👋👋
Hi Darren don’t listen to any of this negativity just follow your heart and you can’t go wrong wishing you all the success and happiness, you will find out there
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 !
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.
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 👍
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
Alright Darren, i know it was a bit of a treat but that was absolutely shite service in the Ned. I prefer the proper London boozers like the ship aground in Bermondsey. That Ned was soulless
Hi DJ.. I assume you've heard of Mark weins? ... he lives out there somewhere . Maybe in the near future,get intouch with him and do a day together trying new foods, be great content and give you some knowledge of the local area to create more content...again,good luck mate,I'll be following you with you're content over there ❤ much love mate...
No I think you will need to take out some kind of health insurance before you get there fella, even if you get 6 months and then review it when it needs to be renewed what is then the next option. It might hit home when after you've sold your bikes or and when you exit your apartment.... I wish you well and it will be a nice journey you go on.
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
Hello Darren, from what you have just said it seems that you had already made your mind about the move, before you had your holiday of a lifetime. Yet I got the impression it stemed from the 3week break. Just a small niggle. Cheers Allan&Family
A lot of us are just concerned, not like he has thought this through properly Jessy-going on a holiday somewhere is completely different than living there. However, he did say he would go there for a year and then have a think about what to do next.
Have you booked your flight yet & will it be a one way ticket as I think you will need a flight booked out of Thailand (throw away ticket) to satisfy immigration at the airport.
I went to Phuket first...in 97 98, everything was like free, 90 Baht to the pound and cheap cheap cheap. No rip offs yet except the jewellery shops. Great food and the girl friend experience. I tried Pattaya later, a bit more food choices and the rest was the same. I went every year in my guest house in soiYamato, the girls made the best green curry, and that was so good and plenty, I did not go out after. Full stomach, bed!!!! After COVID, no more Sa Apartments, cooks gone, there were also great 300g fillet steak at My Way Dutch restaurant, about 300 Baht with all the veg, fries and salade, gone as well. I skipped Pattaya, but I'll try again. On the whole, night life has become mercenary and silly price, I am 70 next year, do I care??? Prostate looming, so use it before you loose it...and be careful out there.
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
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
That pub looks good, the more typical London pubs I hate them. I'm more a country pub guy, nice summer day out in the beer garden or open fire in the winter.
..... .your just ahead of me on my journey to live in Thailand. Pattaya is not an option for me......too many distractions, and I've seen so many sad mem drinking themselves to death there, in the bars every afternoon. I'm choosing Chiang Mai (for most of the year), to be my base, with the rest being spent in either the south islands, Da Nang, or Malaysia. Hope it all works out for you, and if we are both in Chiang Mai......a beer would be good. All the best.
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
£700 equivalent should get you a Non OA retirement visa plus a Thai bank account from a good agent in Jomtien /Pattaya. It's wise to get a local Thai bank account ASAP as it saves on the ATM fees which accumulate rapidly. Best wishes for the future.
You can get a bank a/c for B5000 through an agent .The retirement visa is easy to do yourself for B1,900 .Why in heavens name are you talking about £700 ?
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?
Just try to keep your wits about you once you’re over there, don’t befriend any bar girls and don’t fritter your money away on milkshakes and you’ll be grand! Thailand looks a beautiful place but it does have a sordid and seedy side to it, personally it would not be for me and I’d far rather move somewhere like Australia or New Zealand but that’s just me.
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.
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.
Great video. Very informative. But sorry that bar looked completely soulless. An old bank I guess? 10 days doesn't seem long enough to find somewhere. Found 'it' in Thailand or her lol
hello darren you dont need to keep going back to bangkok to get enternal flights theres an airport just outside of pattaya called U TAPAO airport where you can fly to all the islands and internally its about a 35 min drive from jomtien
I will be back in four weeks. I stay in Sriracha, 30 minutes north of Pattaya. Please be careful of the people you meet in Pattaya, some are good but many are not.
@@pauljennings8432 Agree but it's a different vibe in Patts. Can be easily taken in with the distractions and smiles. Especially after being in London.
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.
A lot of us are just concerned, not like he has thought this through properly Gillian-going on a holiday somewhere is completely different than living there. However, he did say he would go there for a year and then have a think about what to do next.
@@mikekaraoke Total agree well said. Its easy as others do (not accusing DJ) but look a pint is £2 3 course meal £8 how much would you pay for that in London or UK. Seems like some oh look aren't I clever I only paid x for food accommodation etc.
@@747jono Exactly, and even cheaper when you go somewhere like a Wetherspoons! I don't mind London, but prefer eating out in Kent/Essex! Whereabouts you from?
@@747jono last time I went to Lancashire, went to Blackpool a few years ago 😃 As for Manchester now been there for like 6 + half years! I'm in Kent been to any parts???? I wass born in London but raised in Kent right between Dartford/Bexley. Off to sleep soon, so will reply when I wake up 😴💤
Be careful Darren, you are talking some big numbers there. You can apply for a non-immigrant O visa from the thai embassy in London or Hull and have it in your passport when you go. That can then be updated to a Retirement visa in Thailand at far less cost. Please listen to people already living in Thailand and you will get off to a good start.
800 000 thai baht in the bank don’t pay £1000 that’s to much Darren it’s about 30 000 £700 and the next time you pay cheaper but you can do it yourself I know a bloke who does your be fine Darren good luck on your new journey
The plan you describe seems very vague tbh. No detail at all so I hope that all the loose ends are tied up both in Thailand and in the UK. For example, what’s the tax situation in both countries? How will you manage financially?
I really don’t think he can go full time on TH-cam, that is a huge risk and I don’t think I could move to a new country without having a proper job lined up and just hoping my TH-cam channel provides enough income to live on. Hopefully he’s thought of all these ins and outs.
Just remember Thailand is not like the UK but hotter, its a different culture with different customs and they do things differently than what uyou might think, traffic does not stop at zebra crossings and when traffic flashes their headlights they are not letting you out they are coming through so common sense and watch out and of course prepare to be adaptable.
Just taking your point about making new content when you're settled over there and travelling/filming on motorbike, do check out Countryhousegent. He usually does narrowboat vlogs on canals, but latest adventure is travelling the highlands and isles of Scotland - 25 episodes so far and it's all him on his bike with cameras set at different angles and clever editing to fit them all together. Pick any one of the episodes, definitely worth a look.
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
Hi Darren. A few words. I have lived in Thailand for 32 years. Marriage to a Thai national for 29 years a 26 year old Daughter. Worked for an International company for 25 years. Resigned from the company 3 years ago. I changed my Non- Immigrant B visa, to a Non- Immigrant O Marriage Visa, so now legally I can’t work and I don’t as you need a work permit. How will you continue to upload TH-cam videos and make money when you are residing in Thailand, as you don’t have a work permit. I hope your £1000 + with the company who has organized this for you, have answered this question. Good luck mate. Cheers.
Hi Darren when you get over if you can come up to korat can tell everything you need to know about visa money ect the best place to stay out of pataya is jomtiem nice part of pataya good cheap apartment please get intouch talk soon
He has been warned by several commenters on these videos. I hope he doesn’t get over there and meet someone then she rinses him for all he’s got, it happened to my uncle and my husband’s grandad.
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.
Age and age related illnesses are facts of life. The older you get the more care you will require. Have a long hard think of what you will do if a sudden and serious illness flares up.
Laughable you try and suggest Pattaya is the same night life as London 😂😂😂, can’t pull the wool over our eyes who have been and know what happens 😂😂😂😂.
Hi bud. Im sure your research is sound but I would avoid going down the retirement visa route. 18k into a Thai bank as security is harsh. Keep bouncing on visa runs until you are stable and happy there. I have heard that pensions are locked at point of retirement too so you wont get increments once you draw on it with retirement status. Health insurance 100% agree. Be careful with TH-cam if it brings income. It can be classified as work and if your visa is wrong a world of issues are round the corner. I wont be far behind you so planning my own destiny. All the best.
As far as your TH-cam, this is a great move. Seems so many are looking for content and good firsthand information on moving overseas these days. I’ve not seriously entertained the idea because I’m a single woman. I can see where many would be attracted to it. It’s costing me a fortune to live, and I’m debt free. You are never free of property taxes, maintenance, insurance (including your vehicle). Medica care here is abysmal! I have excellent insurance, but can’t get an appointment for 6 months. told to go to walk in clinic, they said go to ER they full. Well I don’t want to go to the ER! Im so sick of how hard it is to just live anymore! Sorry for the rant, but I look forward to you sharing your journey. Hi knows, you might pave the way for me feeling more comfortable entertaining the idea of going to another country to live.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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 😊
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.
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
Quite a few people i know have relocsted from the uk to Thailand and they love it
You go for it Darren
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.
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.
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 ❤
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
Fair play to you Darran...Follow ur dreams..👌
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
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.
Another fantastic video Darren, thank you and please keep sharing your process of moving.
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
Hey up Darren this was quite a sweet video sharing your plans hope it all goes well for you "and not forgetting daisy"
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! 🤝👋👋
Thanks DJ, I wish you well on your new journey.
You’re being smart about the planning for this important move!
Go for it DJ and we all wish you every success with your new venture.
Hi Darren don’t listen to any of this negativity just follow your heart and you can’t go wrong wishing you all the success and happiness, you will find out there
Wishing you all the very best for your future life in Thailand, and hoping you will keep us up- to-date with everything ( please)❤
You will be arriving in high season, rates will be higher, maybe 6 months is better. Did you try Jomtien (south Pattaya)? Good luck.
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 !
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.
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 👍
Thank you for all the information darren very much appreciated
Can't wait for the Thai food vlogs and the hopefully southeast Asian food vlogs .. Cambodia/ Vietnam and who knows 🎉
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!
The Land of Smiles
Exists on your hard earned cash
Holiday and residing are two different thing's
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
Alright Darren, i know it was a bit of a treat but that was absolutely shite service in the Ned. I prefer the proper London boozers like the ship aground in Bermondsey. That Ned was soulless
Hi DJ..
I assume you've heard of Mark weins? ... he lives out there somewhere . Maybe in the near future,get intouch with him and do a day together trying new foods, be great content and give you some knowledge of the local area to create more content...again,good luck mate,I'll be following you with you're content over there ❤ much love mate...
No I think you will need to take out some kind of health insurance before you get there fella, even if you get 6 months and then review it when it needs to be renewed what is then the next option. It might hit home when after you've sold your bikes or and when you exit your apartment.... I wish you well and it will be a nice journey you go on.
People say the same about Dubai being pretentious but they have never been. Travel broadens the mind. Go for it
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
Hello Darren, from what you have just said it seems that you had already made your mind about the move, before you had your holiday of a lifetime. Yet I got the impression it stemed from the 3week break. Just a small niggle. Cheers Allan&Family
Go for it DJ.....looking forward to your vlogs!
Brilliant! Any negative comments they must be jelous? Why would someone be bothered about someone having a better life? F this place at the minute x
A lot of us are just concerned, not like he has thought this through properly Jessy-going on a holiday somewhere is completely different than living there.
However, he did say he would go there for a year and then have a think about what to do next.
@@mikekaraoke, you know more than us, just thought he was going to retire/start new life
@@mikekaraokeHe has thought it through. Did you no watch?
@@JohnSmith-uy9dx Oh I have watched all his videos since the very start thanks!
And he said he will go there for a year!
@@carolsmith6012 I watch all his videos, on both of his channels!
When you say more than us, surly you don't mean rest of his subs??
Have you booked your flight yet & will it be a one way ticket as I think you will need a flight booked out of Thailand (throw away ticket) to satisfy immigration at the airport.
Of all the places in the whole wide world you choose Pattaya.. I'm saying nothing:).
Says it all don’t it?
I went to Phuket first...in 97 98, everything was like free, 90 Baht to the pound and cheap cheap cheap. No rip offs yet except the jewellery shops. Great food and the girl friend experience. I tried Pattaya later, a bit more food choices and the rest was the same. I went every year in my guest house in soiYamato, the girls made the best green curry, and that was so good and plenty, I did not go out after. Full stomach, bed!!!! After COVID, no more Sa Apartments, cooks gone, there were also great 300g fillet steak at My Way Dutch restaurant, about 300 Baht with all the veg, fries and salade, gone as well. I skipped Pattaya, but I'll try again. On the whole, night life has become mercenary and silly price, I am 70 next year, do I care??? Prostate looming, so use it before you loose it...and be careful out there.
@Jennifer-cz2if Yea, probably running away from people like you
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
Only been to Thailand once, Phuket, a place called Nai Harn, fantastic beach, enough bars and restaurants, woukd definitely go again.
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 👍
I gave up on that drinks server way before you did ! He's got ONE job to do ! You definitely must have absorbed some Thailand chill !
Good luck to you. . Have a blast sir.
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
That's right Sean.
Oh Man. I hope in Thailand you can afford a producer and cameraman. Come on guys. Let's help this man.
😘😎
He’s gonna need it if he’s going full time on TH-cam.
Best of luck n the move I will follow you in Thailand love your channel Andy Dublin
That pub looks good, the more typical London pubs I hate them. I'm more a country pub guy, nice summer day out in the beer garden or open fire in the winter.
..... .your just ahead of me on my journey to live in Thailand.
Pattaya is not an option for me......too many distractions, and I've seen so many sad mem drinking themselves to death there, in the bars every afternoon.
I'm choosing Chiang Mai (for most of the year), to be my base, with the rest being spent in either the south islands, Da Nang, or Malaysia.
Hope it all works out for you, and if we are both in Chiang Mai......a beer would be good.
All the best.
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
£700 equivalent should get you a Non OA retirement visa plus a Thai bank account from a good agent in Jomtien /Pattaya.
It's wise to get a local Thai bank account ASAP as it saves on the ATM fees which accumulate rapidly.
Best wishes for the future.
You can get a bank a/c for B5000 through an agent .The retirement visa is easy to do yourself for B1,900 .Why in heavens name are you talking about £700 ?
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?
Just try to keep your wits about you once you’re over there, don’t befriend any bar girls and don’t fritter your money away on milkshakes and you’ll be grand! Thailand looks a beautiful place but it does have a sordid and seedy side to it, personally it would not be for me and I’d far rather move somewhere like Australia or New Zealand but that’s just me.
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.
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.
Great video. Very informative. But sorry that bar looked completely soulless. An old bank I guess? 10 days doesn't seem long enough to find somewhere.
Found 'it' in Thailand or her lol
Keep it up Darrin…nice goodbye videos….its about life
hello darren you dont need to keep going back to bangkok to get enternal flights theres an airport just outside of pattaya called U TAPAO airport where you can fly to all the islands and internally its about a 35 min drive from jomtien
I will be back in four weeks. I stay in Sriracha, 30 minutes north of Pattaya. Please be careful of the people you meet in Pattaya, some are good but many are not.
Yes but you could say that about anywhere?
@@pauljennings8432 Agree but it's a different vibe in Patts. Can be easily taken in with the distractions and smiles. Especially after being in London.
Just do it .........there's lots of me love you long time..stay clear xx best wishes x
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.
Ignore the negative comments DJ. Thanks for sharing your experience of the transition as you make the move. Excited to see what’s next💙
A lot of us are just concerned, not like he has thought this through properly Gillian-going on a holiday somewhere is completely different than living there.
However, he did say he would go there for a year and then have a think about what to do next.
@@mikekaraoke Total agree well said.
Its easy as others do (not accusing DJ) but look a pint is £2 3 course meal £8 how much would you pay for that in London or UK.
Seems like some oh look aren't I clever I only paid x for food accommodation etc.
@@747jono Exactly, and even cheaper when you go somewhere like a Wetherspoons!
I don't mind London, but prefer eating out in Kent/Essex!
Whereabouts you from?
@mikekaraoke Bolton Lancashire but born and raised in Sale Greater Manchester no
@@747jono last time I went to Lancashire, went to Blackpool a few years ago 😃
As for Manchester now been there for like 6 + half years!
I'm in Kent been to any parts????
I wass born in London but raised in Kent right between Dartford/Bexley.
Off to sleep soon, so will reply when I wake up 😴💤
Be careful Darren, you are talking some big numbers there. You can apply for a non-immigrant O visa from the thai embassy in London or Hull and have it in your passport when you go. That can then be updated to a Retirement visa in Thailand at far less cost. Please listen to people already living in Thailand and you will get off to a good start.
800 000 thai baht in the bank don’t pay £1000 that’s to much Darren it’s about 30 000 £700 and the next time you pay cheaper but you can do it yourself I know a bloke who does your be fine Darren good luck on your new journey
Enjoy thailand
I go every xmas and love it.
Try Koh samet
1 30 hour from pattaya , beautiful
Enjoy
The plan you describe seems very vague tbh. No detail at all so I hope that all the loose ends are tied up both in Thailand and in the UK. For example, what’s the tax situation in both countries? How will you manage financially?
I really don’t think he can go full time on TH-cam, that is a huge risk and I don’t think I could move to a new country without having a proper job lined up and just hoping my TH-cam channel provides enough income to live on. Hopefully he’s thought of all these ins and outs.
Just remember Thailand is not like the UK but hotter, its a different culture with different customs and they do things differently than what uyou might think, traffic does not stop at zebra crossings and when traffic flashes their headlights they are not letting you out they are coming through so common sense and watch out and of course prepare to be adaptable.
Darren what are you going to do with your furniture and possessions?
WTF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's gonna magic them all in to reasonable comments as opposed to patheticness
Good job Darren love 🇹🇭🙏 Kreab
I worked in EC4 , EC3, EC2 in the real City. I departed the UK for work in Asia, never to return in 1997. The UKs ship sailed in 1948.
Just taking your point about making new content when you're settled over there and travelling/filming on motorbike, do check out Countryhousegent. He usually does narrowboat vlogs on canals, but latest adventure is travelling the highlands and isles of Scotland - 25 episodes so far and it's all him on his bike with cameras set at different angles and clever editing to fit them all together. Pick any one of the episodes, definitely worth a look.
I pay 5000 baht a month 40m2 lovely room big gym and lovely pool you go for it mate 🙏
Are you in Nirun Condo Pattaya ;-)
I’m planning to go in 4 years time when I’m 63 . To travel around and then maybe settle
London is an amazing City. But it aint going anywhere DJ - its only ever a flight away.
Check out Coopers Thai Adventures and hook up with him for sound advice 👍
Cooper with the very annoying deep deep US accent .Cringe .
You can enter Thailand visa free and get a Pattaya agent to sort out your visa much cheaper.
Nice i was at the Ned this morning.
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
Hi Darren. A few words. I have lived in Thailand for 32 years. Marriage to a Thai national for 29 years a 26 year old Daughter.
Worked for an International company for 25 years.
Resigned from the company 3 years ago.
I changed my Non- Immigrant B visa, to a Non- Immigrant O Marriage Visa, so now legally I can’t work and I don’t as you need a work permit.
How will you continue to upload TH-cam videos and make money when you are residing in Thailand, as you don’t have a work permit.
I hope your £1000 + with the company who has organized this for you, have answered this question.
Good luck mate. Cheers.
When are you planning on the move ?
Just go mate.. enjoy Ur life you deserve it just do it mate. Zzz
??
You got 31,000 subscribers so you must have a very interesting channel
Hi Darren when you get over if you can come up to korat can tell everything you need to know about visa money ect the best place to stay out of pataya is jomtiem nice part of pataya good cheap apartment please get intouch talk soon
The Best Off Luck Yo You Darren 👍.
I'm guessing the cost of your coke, cognac and tip in Central London, is equivalent to a months rent in Thailand!
Your be back
Be careful e we it’s the women out there DJ make sure you don’t get rinsed
A lot of it happens
It happened to both my uncle and my husband’s grandad.
DJ will return to the UK.
As soon as a lady has separeted him from his money. 😢
Sadly many have gone down that route, I have already pre-warned him!
A case of "a notion of emotions surrounded by expenses"
That barman in Ned’s should be sacked, how would he cope with an order for 6 people. 👎
@@davidheller3998Yawn.
He has been warned by several commenters on these videos. I hope he doesn’t get over there and meet someone then she rinses him for all he’s got, it happened to my uncle and my husband’s grandad.
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.
Age and age related illnesses are facts of life. The older you get the more care you will require. Have a long hard think of what you will do if a sudden and serious illness flares up.
Laughable you try and suggest Pattaya is the same night life as London 😂😂😂, can’t pull the wool over our eyes who have been and know what happens 😂😂😂😂.
Good luck ❤
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
Hi bud. Im sure your research is sound but I would avoid going down the retirement visa route. 18k into a Thai bank as security is harsh. Keep bouncing on visa runs until you are stable and happy there. I have heard that pensions are locked at point of retirement too so you wont get increments once you draw on it with retirement status. Health insurance 100% agree. Be careful with TH-cam if it brings income. It can be classified as work and if your visa is wrong a world of issues are round the corner. I wont be far behind you so planning my own destiny. All the best.
As far as your TH-cam, this is a great move. Seems so many are looking for content and good firsthand information on moving overseas these days. I’ve not seriously entertained the idea because I’m a single woman. I can see where many would be attracted to it. It’s costing me a fortune to live, and I’m debt free. You are never free of property taxes, maintenance, insurance (including your vehicle). Medica care here is abysmal! I have excellent insurance, but can’t get an appointment for 6 months. told to go to walk in clinic, they said go to ER they full. Well I don’t want to go to the ER! Im so sick of how hard it is to just live anymore! Sorry for the rant, but I look forward to you sharing your journey. Hi knows, you might pave the way for me feeling more comfortable entertaining the idea of going to another country to live.