Nice to find your channel - congrats on your move to Thailand. I also recently arrived about a week ago to start my retirement and reside in BKK. I started to plan my retirement here about 15 years ago when I bought a large 3-bedroom condo w/ a separate kitchen away from the city center near Chatuchak - now there is a BTS station just outside my condo complex - I own the condo outright and don't have a rental payment and could even rent the unit and move to CM or Pattaya if I wish in the future. While living in the city center has its advantages, I find living outside the area is more peaceful with less hustle & bustle. Also, I'm glad I have a sizable residence with room to grow and for storage - as opposed to many retirees moving into a city center unit that cost little but is incredibly small. My cell phone & internet is now set up - WOW 500+ Mpbs vs 85 Mpbs. My immigration visa is underway with submission of my application completed. It is critical to have a routine - I joined a fitness center and will be learning to play the drums (I have an e-drum set and will take lessons) which I hope will help with my physical and mental health, and hopefully with friendships. Looking forward to comparing notes as we each begin this chapter - happy to subscribe today. Cheers.
Great stuff mate. Welcome to my home, Chiang Mai, since April 2006. I hope you and your channel will love this city as much as I do and thus have great success. Regarding sim cards, for the last 8 or so years I have bought all my internet sim's from Lazada or Shopee. Great deals available for 6/12 months contracts. I'm also from Sydney, but left Oz in 98.....Die hard Western Suburbs Magpies supporter....lol
There is another youtuber @52weeks52 who is also from Auz and lives in Chiang Mai. He went for the Retirement visa and applied in Australia; there are more requirements than a tourist visa. Then you arrive in Thailand with a retirement visa and can get the bank account without any issues. I believe it also means you don't need to show the 800K THB straight away and only need to do that in the second year on wards of the retirement visa. He did some videos on this so maybe you can look them up?
Just thought I'd add that with Wise you can also transfer directly from your Australian bank to your Thai bank, no need to go through a Wise account. When sending money select "Debit card" and enter your details. The money comes directly from your bank and is there in seconds.
good on you for making the move im here in pattaya now for i month holiday but next january im moving to jomtien for 6 months and back in australia for 6 months every year for next few years .then plan to sell my unit and stay in hui hin . the cost of living in australia will make me retire earlier before i just go backwards pete.
Nice job young man… me and my wife spent November in Chiang Mai and we plan to relocate to Thailand in 2 years so we will be watching intently to ease our learning curve. Currently, we’re in Saipan and looking forward to our next trip over and may spend some time in the south since we’re both divers. I wish you well and maybe cross paths someday! Lee
Congrats on your retirement and your move. Don't apologize for your uploading, it's a process and at least, you got your editing done well. I'll be following along, since I want to move to Thailand as well, although I'm just 41 at this point. Cheers buddy. Chris from the Netherlands.
Yes, taking one's time and researching is important. Also important is not falling prey to a *confirmation bias*, where someone looks for information to confirm his prior beliefs on a topic. Example: A guy hears "Stairway to Heaven" when losing his virginity years ago then proceeds to forever argue it's the best song ever written about anything, anywhere and by anyone -- all because of a pleasant (!) personal memory.
Very informative Pete. For us Aussies, and in one of your next videos, can you explain the processes/rules/regulations for accessing your superannuation once you’ve emigrated to Thailand. Cheers
@@colinshurey976 Great, just be aware the pollution is not good right now and its the hottest time of the year...All my family is back on sunny QLD..Cheers mate
@@DiscoveringThailand i saw that Pete I will be there for 3 or 4 days then going south to Hau Hin for a couple of weeks My long term plan is to spend june to january in Chang Mai then feb to may in Hau Hin during burning season
I first went to Chiang Mai in the mid 1990s and lived there a while. It was surrounded by jungle and rice paddies. No freeways. Very few tourists. No burning season. No smog. It was a village full of antique markets and old antique shops, shops selling exquisite handwoven cloth and tapestries, gold and porcelains, jewellery and carved teak etc. The town was full of original teak houses set in large jungly gardens. There weren’t that many hotels - and the Thai government had not yet killed off the local boarding house industry. I went back there last year and was shocked by the destruction of the place. I guess it’s all progress, but it’s a reminder never to return to places you once loved.
I agree, I travelled in many countries long ago that I would be afraid to go back to now... it is progress, but not always for the best, unfortunately.
Hey Peter .. relax and enjoy.. I sued to work in Thailand .. moved back to Australia 2019 with Thai wife… helpful advice yea you can arrange retirement visa prior to leaving does .. just need to prove cash in Oz not in a Thai bank… enjoy your journey .. I’ll helpfully be there in 3 years full time
Yes, I even moved early because I knew if I stayed any longer with the increasing cost of living that I would not be able to save any more money, so I just went! 👍
Chiang Mai is a great place to live. I am from Sydney Australia too. I am from the Blue Mountains. I came to Thailand in November 2021 and never returned lol. Lived in Bangkok for a year and then moved to Chiang Mai.
@@DiscoveringThailand Thankyou. I generally think coming from Sydney our quality of life is alot better here in Thailand overall and just feel more happy and peaceful, and no not looking through rose colored glasses or anything, it's just the reality between how I was living in Sydney doing the hamster wheel and freedom here.
Your timing is not great what with burning season. Congrats on retiring hope your Aussie pension transfers too - subscribed liked and will happily follow as I’m looking forward to your new experiences.
It might be a blessing to experience Chiang Mai's worst time of the year when he first arrives. This leaves him the option to reconsider his choice of city before becoming "dug in".
Will also follow your journey,be interesting to find out if those new tax laws affect your money transfers,try and ignore the negative comments,good luck 👍
I like you videos and thanks again. am about two years out from moving there permanently. What would you have down different if you had two years to prepare? Is there a way to ship any household goods there? I have instruments, sound systems, and TVs that are wonderful? what would you do? Kent
I would sell everything, you can buy everything you need and want here, I have seen many music stores here also. Freight is extremely expensive, and it not worth it. I prepared and planned this for the last 5 years and decided to start fresh. Only thing I left back in Australia was photo albums and a few personal items. Condos when rented come fully furnished including cutlery, towles, bedding and all appliances, you just move in with your clothes and go shopping to fill the fridge :)
@@DiscoveringThailand@GlobeTripper67 Great, thanks, I do have some special guitars and some iconic original concert posters with a lot of money. Maybe I will change up in the next few years I will sell most of my stuff. Working on the plan and thanks for all the advice! Kent
interesting reading about the burning season - if your semi retired and a part time traveller but want to enjoy CM - could one simply avoid burning season ? is it just a short term event ? and then the air is ok ?
Hi Pete. What would help is if you could put a link to items you talk about, for example the wise app. I believe putting links creates potential sources of income to bloggers through affiliate marketing. Best of luck and hope to see future videos 🙂
Thanks for that idea. TH-cam won't let me add links till I verify myself which I just did and it now takes 24hrs. Then I will add the WISE link in..Cheers
Hope you do well , from sydney as well. You can also get 30 day on arrival at bangkok ,and convert to non O retirement. Through agent. I think jomtien is better than chang mai , you will have bad air polution up there in not goid for lungs..
I liked Chiang Mai a lot. During burning season you can always go down south for a few months holiday or elsewhere in SE Asia. Did you factor in that you will be paying tax on foreign income brought into Thailand?
Yes many options next burning season, I have no foreign income as I am retired. Money bought in was already tax when I earned it working in Australia 🇦🇺 😀
@@DiscoveringThailand If you are no longer a resident of Australia for tax purposes you are now a resident of Thailand for tax purposes. Money brought into Thailand from Australia is regarded as foreign income by the Thai government. You may need to have documented proof that you have already paid tax on it.
a one way ticket from OZ to Thailand usually costs you around the same if not a bit more for a return ..... same as flying Perth to Brisbane its more to fly one way , Have a Look
@@DiscoveringThailand right at this time Thai Air return from {Perth is $1,000) and Singapore Air with a 1 hour stop in Singapore is $670 return , I'm in the process of selling the house and retiring to Bang Saray about 30 minutes south of Pattaya , enjoy your retirement , hope all goes well .. BEWARE OF CON MEN ... they are on every corner over there
I just arrived in Chaing Mai from London. I am confused as to why people rave about it ! I love temples and food is good 😊 I just joined gym - I am 60 and retired. But what else is there to do ? I was surprised how bad pollution is ! I expected North Thailand to be cleaner. Any ideas or clubs that I can join ? Regards John
North Thailand is always worse for these burning season months than anywhere else, you can do anything here like anywhere else in Thailand except go to the beach. Check Facebook for Chiang Mai groups, there are a lot. Cheers and enjoy.
I have just discovered your channel and I have already subscribed. Good job. Did you retire to Chiang Mai alone or did you already have friends out there? I am planning to go out there for a few months to see if I would like to retire there and if I do like it, then I would arrange to go out there later permanently. In regards to a bank account, am I allowed to open an account and then leave the country and come back after a few months? how did you manage to keep the account active because I know that if you have an account that has no activity, the bank can freeze the account or does transferring money into the account every few weeks count as a activity?
I am alone here, and don't know anyone yet ! As for the bank account, I opened it a couple years ago, I come to Thailand each year and I transfer money( every few months) into it occasionally. Its VISA and can use in any country. I also visited before deciding to live here. :)
a lot of places have same keys in Thailand , I went to a good hotel in Soi Honey in Pattaya , went and got a chick for S/T and off we went ... I was a little pissed but still good ... had a key card for the door , went in the room and there was suitcase next to the bed !! so we fucked off then realised it was the wrong hotel , mine was about 10 buildings away ... ended up all good ...... these 2 hotels are owned by the same as the AQUA HOTEL in the same soi so be careful
@@DiscoveringThailand , cleaners usually have a master key like back home but one would never really know , best way is to try a few doors on different floors
Welcome to CM.. a really great city ... I hope you enjoy your time exploring your new home. For cash exchange.. there are 2x at the iron bridge on the city side and VK near Zoe in yellow.. good rates for cash.
Did you cash in your super ,or you waiting till your 60......im stephen from qld and 54,will be doing the same in 2026...not sure where my base will be yet...could just move around until i settle somewhere....SE asia looking good !
@@DiscoveringThailand ,just asking,as i thought if you leave Aus,you can cash in......but if you wait to 60 you dont get taxed on it if your retired....HUA HIN is probably my choice for Thailand...
Word of advice- do not ‘cash in’ your superannuation, just roll it into pension phase at 60 and then all earnings and income are tax free. You arrange a monthly or quarterly sum to be transferred to your bank account and leave the balance invested earning dividends and market growth. If unsure speak to an advisor!
@tonyf7997 The lump sum is also tax-free, and you can make your own investments . All options are an individual choice, and as you say, get professional advice.
I look forward to riding around the surrounding country side, Its not as crazy as Pattaya ( I don't drink ) and I feel its a bit more welcoming as everyone smiles and is happy to chat. I think I will get through the smokey times, Will find out I guess :)
@@DiscoveringThailand I wouldn't read too much into all the smiles. It seems to be part of a cultural strategy to do "good deeds" so as to rack up karmic points for a better afterlife. Several masters-degree candidates have written and published their theses about this issue. Search Google for "merit-making". These articles explain the existence of the "bar girl" culture, why girls are supposedly born with lower karmic standing and why girls cannot become Monks. No disrespect intended here.
@@DiscoveringThailand Just so you know, ALL foreign retirees will likely eventually be required to maintain Thai healthcare insurance -- regardless of which "O" visa they have. Might be hard to get insurance at 70. Also, that 800K requirement hasn't changed in decades and is therefore due for a "bump up".
Several of my own friends have this same experience. I think the initial interest in Chiang Mai is it's somewhat cooler than Thailand's southern parts.
Greetings from America, awesome, i love thailand too, gonna follow your new life and adventure there. your new TH-cam friend here # 470 +👆🔔 thanks for adding me to your circle of support.
A friend got a bank card here and asked where he could use it - they said anywhere - but meant anywhere in Thailand - he went out of the country and was nearly thrown in Immigration prison because he had no money. Please be careful with your advice.
Most bankcards are VISA and can be used anywhere, VISA is accepted world wide. I don't understand why your friend was asked proof of funds leaving Thailand? Usually its on entry you may be asked and even then you need to show a minimum amount cash.
@@DiscoveringThailand He was not asked proof of funds leaving Thailand - ??? Not sure why you think that??? The point was that he could not use his bank card outside of Thailand - as he assumed he could... I also did not say it was a Visa card...
This banking issue aside, many folks have described Thai immigration and other laws as being absurd, capricious and draconian. One is the intrusive routine of being asked for a *passport* whenever buying anything or signing a rental agreement. Several TH-cam videos show farangs' experience with buying a motorbike, wherein they are forced to produce a passport -- but not a driver's license or insurance. Not a care in the world about road safety and recourse after an accident, but they gotta' keep tabs on all the foreigners. Another is the one-sided attitude towards *soi dogs* left to rot in the street, bark incessantly and threaten whomever. Anyone forced to fend off being bitten risks being quickly surrounded by a dozen neighbors shrieking in outrage and demanding money from the "evil dog-kicker". One friend was forced to enlighten an aggressive dog with a steel-toed combat boot to the mouth -- saved only by his wife coincidentally recording at the time of the attack. Try finding a vet who will "put down" a hopelessly-injured pooch. Nope, every life is supposedly too precious for that.
Perhaps Chiang Mai is just a starting point for him. Like you said, lots of smoke from the nearby crop-burning. He might not even settle in Thailand, either. Lots of other countries nearby for the adventurous type.
@@DiscoveringThailand You are very fortunate to be footloose and fancy-free. You've got a whole world of opportunities ahead of you in SE Asia. Try not to get too attached to anyone in Thailand too soon.
Yes, do it yourself. Not hard to do. I recently renewed my extension of stay (Retirement) and it only cost 1900฿ plus a morning at Chiang Mai Immigration.
Yes, I will in the future. I just needed it done 1st time. Btw there were like a 1000 people crowded at immigration, I would have been lost without an agent... took me 10 minutes with him to get in and out.
@@DiscoveringThailand Yes Chiang Mai is a real bummer for the numbers, I’m lucky as I’m in a rural town.Immigration is just 5 minutes away and in 6 years I have never seen more than a dozen people there
When you finally arrive in Thailand for your retirement . What the hell do you do all day besides swirling warm cheap Charlie Chang beer all day considering the language barrier and the strict visa requirements like reporting every 90 days and showing you have 800,000 baht in the bank that you can never use .
Well, lets see, I don't drink, Language is no barrier here in Chiang Mai, Reporting can be done online and its only once every 3 months. A visa agent can help with the 800k requirement. All day I explore the area, enjoy the food and super friendly people, lay by the pool and make videos. I also have a hobby that I will mention in a future video. Cheers.
That's all very good for you . Many other farangs have said the same as you actually exact same as you have said . Most farangs usually hit a wall after about five years in Thailand .
Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed CM for two years. I was hoping they would regulate the burning of crops. Problem is CM is in a vallley which the smog settles and this problem is coming from many other unconrollable provinces. If there was no smog, I would retire in CM. Looking for other options. @@DiscoveringThailand
You have made your first mistake in choosing CM. We all make mistakes in our Thailand journey, but it's all about dealing with them quickly and adjusting your course.
The small mind that observes the world in generalisations. Sometimes it's small sometimes it s fear. I am surprised ypu didn't say a white man, over 50 going to thailand. The fact he has the drive, intelligence and commitment to choose a life different to yours is a good thing. Good on you mate. The world's ypur oyster.
As a retired American living in Thailand for the last four years and traveling to Thailand for two months every year for 20 years I can tell you that you have a lot to learn. I went to your starting videos of when you arrived in Thailand and you stated that you went to vacation here for four years before you moved here to retire. That does not make you an expert on Thailand by any stretch of the imagination. There are many things to learn about living in Thailand. I really hope that you don't drag people down a rat hole with your inexperience.
I don't claim to be an expert. Why do i need experience? im just sharing my experiences as I start my retirement journey here. I don't understand what this rat hole is that I could drag people down?
@@DiscoveringThailand You don't claim to be an expert but you represent yourself as one on your TH-cam videos. Why do you need experience was your next question well that would have to do with your preaching to people that are maybe going to spend their entire life savings on coming to Thailand to retire and they're listening to you as a complete newbie. I didn't hear any disclaimers in the video portions that I've seen that you have produced. And your last statement I don't understand what this radhole is that I could drag people down I'm sure you don't understand that's my whole point there are complicated things that people have to deal with in Thailand one of them being just the visas alone you went to a visa agent . bravo
@@bill426worker5 don't like it don't watch, seems a simple thing..none of the TH-camrs are experts and none should be seen as the single source of truth, do your own research, we all have different budgets, different locations of where we want to live, hell I have no interest in living in Chiang Mai at all, but this came up on my list as I have an interest in people that move to Thailand, For what is worth, I have lived here 13 years and I am sure you have much to learn, you have only been living here 4 years, but I am not going to tell you that,
@@bill426worker5 One thing tourists need to understand is that in urban society like Bangkok and major tourist spots, they need to understand that local Thais will work and live honestly. Currently, Thailand has a population of people who have infiltrated from many countries to work, trade and compete with Thais in tourist areas and commit illegal acts such as begging, stealing and other crimes from neighboring countries around Thailand. They look like Thais and can speak Thai. Many groups come to cause damage and blame Thais. Tourists cannot tell the difference. Thais know this well. There are millions of Burmese people who immigrate to work and millions more from Cambodia, Laos and from Southeast Asia and those who come disguised as tourists. If you love Thais and love Thailand, please be our eyes and ears and avoid bad people.
Just curious why put such upfront effort, energy and costs into 1 year visa, educational visa etc,?? Why not use the 30 day free visa, plus 30 day extension gives you 60 day's to see, feel, smell the different areas of Thailand, then exit, do likewise in neighbouring countries, that way then you know where it feels best for you, not forcing Chang Mai, as a city, nor Thailand as a country to hang your hat. Your not gonna know, if ur not going to put ur boots on the ground in other cities and neighbouring countries Just my 2 cents
Over the last 15 years I have been to Thailand and traveled throughout extensively, Also traveled, Canbodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao, Burma and all through Indonesia. My choice based on my experiences is Thailand. I love this country and its people.
Few corrections here ... You said, worked hard and saved hard!! Hard work, don't pay, it never has, it never will ... Perhaps working smart, not hard is the correct way Save hard, will never get you you over the hump, ever, as inflation will leave you in the dust, simple as that .. If continuous hard savings isn't swiftly turned into good wise investment's like low cost index funds, and over time, let the market work for you, not you working for your money
Nice to find your channel - congrats on your move to Thailand. I also recently arrived about a week ago to start my retirement and reside in BKK. I started to plan my retirement here about 15 years ago when I bought a large 3-bedroom condo w/ a separate kitchen away from the city center near Chatuchak - now there is a BTS station just outside my condo complex - I own the condo outright and don't have a rental payment and could even rent the unit and move to CM or Pattaya if I wish in the future. While living in the city center has its advantages, I find living outside the area is more peaceful with less hustle & bustle. Also, I'm glad I have a sizable residence with room to grow and for storage - as opposed to many retirees moving into a city center unit that cost little but is incredibly small. My cell phone & internet is now set up - WOW 500+ Mpbs vs 85 Mpbs. My immigration visa is underway with submission of my application completed. It is critical to have a routine - I joined a fitness center and will be learning to play the drums (I have an e-drum set and will take lessons) which I hope will help with my physical and mental health, and hopefully with friendships. Looking forward to comparing notes as we each begin this chapter - happy to subscribe today. Cheers.
Looks like you have made a plan and its working out for you, congrats and welcome !
Chiang Mai is a great place - cheap with cool people - Enjoy your retirement
So far it's been great 👍
Great stuff mate.
Welcome to my home, Chiang Mai, since April 2006.
I hope you and your channel will love this city as much as I do and thus have great success.
Regarding sim cards, for the last 8 or so years I have bought all my internet sim's from Lazada or Shopee. Great deals available for 6/12 months contracts.
I'm also from Sydney, but left Oz in 98.....Die hard Western Suburbs Magpies supporter....lol
Thanks mate, Loving it here already.
I’m 6 months to a year behind you. Similar age and coming from Sydney. Will follow your journey. Good luck.
Thank you! You too!
me and wife are in the process of selling everything and moving to bangkok. Best of luck. iill follow you
Great news, I hope my videos help , Welcome aboard!
There is another youtuber @52weeks52 who is also from Auz and lives in Chiang Mai. He went for the Retirement visa and applied in Australia; there are more requirements than a tourist visa. Then you arrive in Thailand with a retirement visa and can get the bank account without any issues. I believe it also means you don't need to show the 800K THB straight away and only need to do that in the second year on wards of the retirement visa. He did some videos on this so maybe you can look them up?
Just thought I'd add that with Wise you can also transfer directly from your Australian bank to your Thai bank, no need to go through a Wise account. When sending money select "Debit card" and enter your details. The money comes directly from your bank and is there in seconds.
But rates are not comparable !
@@mixalis6168 yes you pay a little more in fees but you're paying for the convenience and speed of transfer 🙂. Not for everyone but I use this method.
good on you for making the move im here in pattaya now for i month holiday but next january im moving to jomtien for 6 months and back in australia for 6 months every year for next few years .then plan to sell my unit and stay in hui hin . the cost of living in australia will make me retire earlier before i just go backwards pete.
Good on you, mate 👍
Nice job young man… me and my wife spent November in Chiang Mai and we plan to relocate to Thailand in 2 years so we will be watching intently to ease our learning curve.
Currently, we’re in Saipan and looking forward to our next trip over and may spend some time in the south since we’re both divers.
I wish you well and maybe cross paths someday! Lee
Congrats on your retirement and your move. Don't apologize for your uploading, it's a process and at least, you got your editing done well.
I'll be following along, since I want to move to Thailand as well, although I'm just 41 at this point.
Cheers buddy.
Chris from the Netherlands.
Unlike most, you have done research & not rushed into the move.
Yes, taking one's time and researching is important. Also important is not falling prey to a *confirmation bias*, where someone looks for information to confirm his prior beliefs on a topic. Example: A guy hears "Stairway to Heaven" when losing his virginity years ago then proceeds to forever argue it's the best song ever written about anything, anywhere and by anyone -- all because of a pleasant (!) personal memory.
Good luck with the new lifestyle. I hope it all works out well for you.
Thank you!
Very informative Pete. For us Aussies, and in one of your next videos, can you explain the processes/rules/regulations for accessing your superannuation once you’ve emigrated to Thailand. Cheers
Will do
G'day Pete
I will be in Chang Mai next week
I to am coming over from Qld to suss it out to retire to later in the yr
@@colinshurey976 Great, just be aware the pollution is not good right now and its the hottest time of the year...All my family is back on sunny QLD..Cheers mate
@@DiscoveringThailand i saw that Pete
I will be there for 3 or 4 days then going south to Hau Hin for a couple of weeks
My long term plan is to spend june to january in Chang Mai then feb to may in Hau Hin during burning season
@@colinshurey976 that's a good plan 👌
Hi - Greg here - enjoying the channel and looking forward to your vlogs. Cheers.
Awesome, thank you!
I first went to Chiang Mai in the mid 1990s and lived there a while. It was surrounded by jungle and rice paddies. No freeways. Very few tourists. No burning season. No smog. It was a village full of antique markets and old antique shops, shops selling exquisite handwoven cloth and tapestries, gold and porcelains, jewellery and carved teak etc. The town was full of original teak houses set in large jungly gardens. There weren’t that many hotels - and the Thai government had not yet killed off the local boarding house industry. I went back there last year and was shocked by the destruction of the place. I guess it’s all progress, but it’s a reminder never to return to places you once loved.
I agree, I travelled in many countries long ago that I would be afraid to go back to now... it is progress, but not always for the best, unfortunately.
You can get visa agencies to do that lot easier
Hey Peter .. relax and enjoy.. I sued to work in Thailand .. moved back to Australia 2019 with Thai wife… helpful advice yea you can arrange retirement visa prior to leaving does .. just need to prove cash in Oz not in a Thai bank… enjoy your journey .. I’ll helpfully be there in 3 years full time
I lived in CM for 8 years, played lots of golf. Lots of sports and social groups to join. Make some friends!
Thanks Pete! That was interesting. See you in the next one. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Good luck to you, stay safe and enjoy 😀
good luck,
Big move and life change .
Cheers Chris, GC
You're gonna miss the Shitney traffic mate. Sounds like you've done all the right things so far. More videos about your progress thanks. Good luck 🍻 🍻
Subscribed, great sound and visual. Nice camera. Good luck with with channel
Thanks for the sub!
Good luck with your move and I hope it works out successfully. I an from aus and it is getting so expensive to live here now
Yes, I even moved early because I knew if I stayed any longer with the increasing cost of living that I would not be able to save any more money, so I just went! 👍
All the best. Excellent videos thank you
Glad you like them!
Good on ya mate, I made the move in September last year. Best decision I have ever made.
Great 👍
I’m going to do exactly what you’re doing. be good to follow. Get some tips cheers mate 👌
Thanks 👍
Welcome to Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭 You'll love it here. 😊
This is the best retirement in Thailand I’ve ever watched.🎼🤘🏻
Edit: I’ve subscribed😎
Thank you, and welcome aboard 😀
Mate, I hope to be there in five years time🤘🏻
Good Luck Mate Happy days
That's cool, retiring in Thailang, keep safe thanks for sharing stay con
Thank you too
Chiang Mai is a great place to live. I am from Sydney Australia too. I am from the Blue Mountains. I came to Thailand in November 2021 and never returned lol. Lived in Bangkok for a year and then moved to Chiang Mai.
Glad it's working out for you 😀
@@DiscoveringThailand Yep and getting Married on Friday so very exciting
Congrats 👏 👏
@@DiscoveringThailand Thankyou. I generally think coming from Sydney our quality of life is alot better here in Thailand overall and just feel more happy and peaceful, and no not looking through rose colored glasses or anything, it's just the reality between how I was living in Sydney doing the hamster wheel and freedom here.
Your timing is not great what with burning season. Congrats on retiring hope your Aussie pension transfers too - subscribed liked and will happily follow as I’m looking forward to your new experiences.
It might be a blessing to experience Chiang Mai's worst time of the year when he first arrives. This leaves him the option to reconsider his choice of city before becoming "dug in".
"Enjoy the Fresh Air" ..
Great info, Could you do a budget vid also and are you gonna get a moto. Thanks.
Yes I will discuss my budget, and I am thinking about getting a motorbike 👍
Will also follow your journey,be interesting to find out if those new tax laws affect your money transfers,try and ignore the negative comments,good luck 👍
do a full video on WISE
Welcome to Thailand
Thank you 😊 🙏
I wish your audio is better than this. I hear some background noise. Welcome to Thailand. I am planning to do the same in 5 yrs.
Yes I was using my new camera Nikon Z30 and still learning the features... I planned this for 7 years :)
Yes, he needs a wireless mike, preferably with a furry wind-screen on it. He'll get to it, I'm sure.
@@DiscoveringThailand
Your audio was fine, I could hear you clearly.
May want to check out Hatyai for long term stay. Whole year you don't get air quality above PM2.5.
I'm living in Hat Yai at the moment and loving it. I came down here to escape the burning season in Chiang Mai.
@@EasternDreamer615 Hope you enjoy Hatyai and. maybe will sway your mindset to shift here.
I like you videos and thanks again. am about two years out from moving there permanently. What would you have down different if you had two years to prepare? Is there a way to ship any household goods there? I have instruments, sound systems, and TVs that are wonderful? what would you do? Kent
I would sell everything, you can buy everything you need and want here, I have seen many music stores here also. Freight is extremely expensive, and it not worth it. I prepared and planned this for the last 5 years and decided to start fresh. Only thing I left back in Australia was photo albums and a few personal items. Condos when rented come fully furnished including cutlery, towles, bedding and all appliances, you just move in with your clothes and go shopping to fill the fridge :)
@@DiscoveringThailand@GlobeTripper67 Great, thanks, I do have some special guitars and some iconic original concert posters with a lot of money. Maybe I will change up in the next few years I will sell most of my stuff. Working on the plan and thanks for all the advice! Kent
Get the bus to pai and settle there! It will be much nicer
interesting reading about the burning season - if your semi retired and a part time traveller but want to enjoy CM - could one simply avoid burning season ? is it just a short term event ? and then the air is ok ?
This burning season started a few weeks ago, got bad last week but is gone by the end of April.. So I am told.
Hi Pete. What would help is if you could put a link to items you talk about, for example the wise app. I believe putting links creates potential sources of income to bloggers through affiliate marketing. Best of luck and hope to see future videos 🙂
Thanks for that idea. TH-cam won't let me add links till I verify myself which I just did and it now takes 24hrs. Then I will add the WISE link in..Cheers
Great video, thanks
Glad you liked it!
Nice video. I just wondered why you just left with small bag. Have you put some stuff in storage back in Oz or have you ditched literally everything?
I sold everything, starting fresh.
@@DiscoveringThailand best way to do it. Sell that shit and get on with it
Hope you do well , from sydney as well. You can also get 30 day on arrival at bangkok ,and convert to non O retirement. Through agent. I think jomtien is better than chang mai , you will have bad air polution up there in not goid for lungs..
Jomitien like pattaya is for the sex tourists, also why use a agent can do things yourself easily
Good luck 👏👍
I liked Chiang Mai a lot. During burning season you can always go down south for a few months holiday or elsewhere in SE Asia. Did you factor in that you will be paying tax on foreign income brought into Thailand?
Yes many options next burning season, I have no foreign income as I am retired. Money bought in was already tax when I earned it working in Australia 🇦🇺 😀
@@DiscoveringThailand If you are no longer a resident of Australia for tax purposes you are now a resident of Thailand for tax purposes. Money brought into Thailand from Australia is regarded as foreign income by the Thai government. You may need to have documented proof that you have already paid tax on it.
@Sunyata7755 if ever asked, I can provide 😀 👍
Do you really need to get your tourist visa from the Embassy in your home country. Can't you get your tourist visa when you arrive? What's the dif?
a one way ticket from OZ to Thailand usually costs you around the same if not a bit more for a return ..... same as flying Perth to Brisbane its more to fly one way , Have a Look
My one way from Sydney to Bangkok was $800 Direct daytime flight. 4-500 less than a return ticket. ( Thai Airways )
@@DiscoveringThailand right at this time Thai Air return from {Perth is $1,000) and Singapore Air with a 1 hour stop in Singapore is $670 return , I'm in the process of selling the house and retiring to Bang Saray about 30 minutes south of Pattaya , enjoy your retirement , hope all goes well .. BEWARE OF CON MEN ... they are on every corner over there
@@geofferyrobertson6608 All the best to you and your move.
@@DiscoveringThailand hopefully be there by xmas
@@geofferyrobertson6608sex tourist on the way
I just arrived in Chaing Mai from London.
I am confused as to why people rave about it !
I love temples and food is good 😊
I just joined gym - I am 60 and retired.
But what else is there to do ?
I was surprised how bad pollution is !
I expected North Thailand to be cleaner.
Any ideas or clubs that I can join ?
Regards
John
North Thailand is always worse for these burning season months than anywhere else, you can do anything here like anywhere else in Thailand except go to the beach. Check Facebook for Chiang Mai groups, there are a lot. Cheers and enjoy.
Actually rated worst in world now for this PM2.5
I’ve opted for Issan. Money goes so much further and Thai culture is still vibrant.
I have just discovered your channel and I have already subscribed. Good job. Did you retire to Chiang Mai alone or did you already have friends out there?
I am planning to go out there for a few months to see if I would like to retire there and if I do like it, then I would arrange to go out there later permanently. In regards to a bank account, am I allowed to open an account and then leave the country and come back after a few months? how did you manage to keep the account active because I know that if you have an account that has no activity, the bank can freeze the account or does transferring money into the account every few weeks count as a activity?
I am alone here, and don't know anyone yet ! As for the bank account, I opened it a couple years ago, I come to Thailand each year and I transfer money( every few months) into it occasionally. Its VISA and can use in any country. I also visited before deciding to live here. :)
Checking into Chiang Mai hotel in the old part of the city got robbed in hotel room while sleeping found out all rooms has the same key's 🗝️
I discovered that also when the cleaner was using one key to access all the rooms !
a lot of places have same keys in Thailand , I went to a good hotel in Soi Honey in Pattaya , went and got a chick for S/T and off we went ... I was a little pissed but still good ... had a key card for the door , went in the room and there was suitcase next to the bed !! so we fucked off then realised it was the wrong hotel , mine was about 10 buildings away ... ended up all good ...... these 2 hotels are owned by the same as the AQUA HOTEL in the same soi so be careful
@@DiscoveringThailand , cleaners usually have a master key like back home but one would never really know , best way is to try a few doors on different floors
@@geofferyrobertson6608are you for real? 😂 This is so funny
Welcome to CM.. a really great city ... I hope you enjoy your time exploring your new home. For cash exchange.. there are 2x at the iron bridge on the city side and VK near Zoe in yellow.. good rates for cash.
Thank you! 😃
Did you cash in your super ,or you waiting till your 60......im stephen from qld and 54,will be doing the same in 2026...not sure where my base will be yet...could just move around until i settle somewhere....SE asia looking good !
I can't cash super till 60. Good idea to try a few places 1st.
@@DiscoveringThailand ,just asking,as i thought if you leave Aus,you can cash in......but if you wait to 60 you dont get taxed on it if your retired....HUA HIN is probably my choice for Thailand...
If I could access my superannuation today, I probably would. Hua Hin is real nice 👌
Word of advice- do not ‘cash in’ your superannuation, just roll it into pension phase at 60 and then all earnings and income are tax free.
You arrange a monthly or quarterly sum to be transferred to your bank account and leave the balance invested earning dividends and market growth.
If unsure speak to an advisor!
@tonyf7997 The lump sum is also tax-free, and you can make your own investments . All options are an individual choice, and as you say, get professional advice.
What was the main reason you chose Chiang Mai? I know they have a horrible burn season so just wondering.
I look forward to riding around the surrounding country side, Its not as crazy as Pattaya ( I don't drink ) and I feel its a bit more welcoming as everyone smiles and is happy to chat. I think I will get through the smokey times, Will find out I guess :)
Good onya for having to have the courage to make a video (and posting it) about moving to CM, good luck, mate ! I have subscribed !
@@DiscoveringThailandhi pete you can join expat club in chang mai from Scott new Zealand
@@DiscoveringThailand I wouldn't read too much into all the smiles. It seems to be part of a cultural strategy to do "good deeds" so as to rack up karmic points for a better afterlife. Several masters-degree candidates have written and published their theses about this issue. Search Google for "merit-making". These articles explain the existence of the "bar girl" culture, why girls are supposedly born with lower karmic standing and why girls cannot become Monks. No disrespect intended here.
Why didn't you apply for your retirement visa in Sydney?
Extra requirements, health insurance only from expensive government approved ones was the main reason.
@@DiscoveringThailand Health insurance is for the NON OA, no health insurance required for the NON O.
@@DiscoveringThailand Just so you know, ALL foreign retirees will likely eventually be required to maintain Thai healthcare insurance -- regardless of which "O" visa they have. Might be hard to get insurance at 70. Also, that 800K requirement hasn't changed in decades and is therefore due for a "bump up".
@@vneedham For now. Nothing seems to remain the same in Thailand for long.
CM not my fave, tho have lots of mates up there.. Prefer down south for me.
I think heading down south for a vacation might be a future plan, but I can live here so far 😉
Can i ask is this going to be a permanent move?
Yes
I retired to Chiang Mai. Choked to death for 10 years during the burning season. I LEFT. What a shi8 polluted city.
Several of my own friends have this same experience. I think the initial interest in Chiang Mai is it's somewhat cooler than Thailand's southern parts.
Why stay & choke for 10years then? Surely a few years max would have made your mind up in staying or leaving.
Checking into Chiang Mai hotel in the old part of the city got robbed in hotel room while sleeping found out all rooms has the same key's 🗝️
@@thomasauslander3757can't fool you! Lol
Im glad you guys left🎉
Greetings from America, awesome, i love thailand too, gonna follow your new life and adventure there. your new TH-cam friend here # 470 +👆🔔
thanks for adding me to your circle of support.
Cheers and welcomes 🙏
Thanks Peter, I just found your Channel and I've subscribed. Looks like your all in mate. Good luck and I'll follow your journey with you. Bill 🦘🦘👍
A friend got a bank card here and asked where he could use it - they said anywhere - but meant anywhere in Thailand - he went out of the country and was nearly thrown in Immigration prison because he had no money. Please be careful with your advice.
Most bankcards are VISA and can be used anywhere, VISA is accepted world wide. I don't understand why your friend was asked proof of funds leaving Thailand? Usually its on entry you may be asked and even then you need to show a minimum amount cash.
@@DiscoveringThailand He was not asked proof of funds leaving Thailand - ??? Not sure why you think that??? The point was that he could not use his bank card outside of Thailand - as he assumed he could... I also did not say it was a Visa card...
@@2kkto2Bangkok Bank has a Debit card only valid internally..
Not Visa..
This banking issue aside, many folks have described Thai immigration and other laws as being absurd, capricious and draconian. One is the intrusive routine of being asked for a *passport* whenever buying anything or signing a rental agreement. Several TH-cam videos show farangs' experience with buying a motorbike, wherein they are forced to produce a passport -- but not a driver's license or insurance. Not a care in the world about road safety and recourse after an accident, but they gotta' keep tabs on all the foreigners. Another is the one-sided attitude towards *soi dogs* left to rot in the street, bark incessantly and threaten whomever. Anyone forced to fend off being bitten risks being quickly surrounded by a dozen neighbors shrieking in outrage and demanding money from the "evil dog-kicker". One friend was forced to enlighten an aggressive dog with a steel-toed combat boot to the mouth -- saved only by his wife coincidentally recording at the time of the attack. Try finding a vet who will "put down" a hopelessly-injured pooch. Nope, every life is supposedly too precious for that.
I went to use my Bangkok Bank (visa) debit card ín Hóme Pro they wouldn't take it but would take my Barclaycard.Whats that all about.
imagine trading fresh air for the worlds ashtray
I don't smoke ! That's a big plus ! Imagine being a smoker AND breathing this air... wow
Perhaps Chiang Mai is just a starting point for him. Like you said, lots of smoke from the nearby crop-burning. He might not even settle in Thailand, either. Lots of other countries nearby for the adventurous type.
Good job.. Australia is too expensive to live in.
Tell me about it
Do you have kids? Did you travel alone to settle in Thailand
My son is 20 and lives back in Australia. I traveled and live alone.
@@DiscoveringThailand great info, I am looking at doing the same in 4yrs. My plan is move to Hua Hin as I holiday there every year
@@DiscoveringThailand You are very fortunate to be footloose and fancy-free. You've got a whole world of opportunities ahead of you in SE Asia. Try not to get too attached to anyone in Thailand too soon.
Do yourself a favour and do your own visa. Don’t pay an agent.
Yes, do it yourself. Not hard to do. I recently renewed my extension of stay (Retirement) and it only cost 1900฿ plus a morning at Chiang Mai Immigration.
Yes, I will in the future. I just needed it done 1st time. Btw there were like a 1000 people crowded at immigration, I would have been lost without an agent... took me 10 minutes with him to get in and out.
@@DiscoveringThailand Yes Chiang Mai is a real bummer for the numbers, I’m lucky as I’m in a rural town.Immigration is just 5 minutes away and in 6 years I have never seen more than a dozen people there
When you finally arrive in Thailand for your retirement . What the hell do you do all day besides swirling warm cheap Charlie Chang beer all day considering the language barrier and the strict visa requirements like reporting every 90 days and showing you have 800,000 baht in the bank that you can never use .
Well, lets see, I don't drink, Language is no barrier here in Chiang Mai, Reporting can be done online and its only once every 3 months. A visa agent can help with the 800k requirement. All day I explore the area, enjoy the food and super friendly people, lay by the pool and make videos. I also have a hobby that I will mention in a future video. Cheers.
That's all very good for you . Many other farangs have said the same as you actually exact same as you have said . Most farangs usually hit a wall after about five years in Thailand .
Well done mate. I look forward to following your adventures in Thailand
@happybt, the past 24 years in Thailand have been an adventure .
@@DiscoveringThailandgood on you 👏 👌 that's what I want to do to ,,,,, finally I want to enjoy my life hopefully sooner then later 😊
Dont use a agent, you can easily do it yourself,
Too many tourists and pollution with 2.5 PM dust
When are there not to many tourists, and this is low season.. 🤔
Ignore the Pollution just like the Politicians. Its the worst air in the world and you act like "nothing to see here"@@DiscoveringThailand
@bipolarpunt5721 I can't change it, but after experiencing it my 1st year here, then i may head elsewhere like others do next year.
Cheers ✌️
Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed CM for two years. I was hoping they would regulate the burning of crops. Problem is CM is in a vallley which the smog settles and this problem is coming from many other unconrollable provinces. If there was no smog, I would retire in CM. Looking for other options. @@DiscoveringThailand
You have made your first mistake in choosing CM. We all make mistakes in our Thailand journey, but it's all about dealing with them quickly and adjusting your course.
What's the mistake doofus?
@@dougdavis8986 has the pollution made you an asshole or does that come naturally?
@offwiththeirheads4635 hi believe the a**hole is the one that thinks his opinion is the correct one. You know what they say about opinions doofus.
Chiang Mai is the best choice i hope they will not build buildings like Bangkok i have been there multiple of times and still missing Chiang Mai
Advise mate. Your intro is to long
I agree. 10 seconds, max. I hope he doesn't overuse post-production music, either.
@@sebastianhamilton5892says mr critical🤣
You have to pay rent to landlord who is your dad. That won't happen in Thai culture.😅
Enjoy the smoke
Hardly there for all the year, seems you're jealous as !!
@@mixalis6168 Nope in Japan now 🤣😆😂
Another divorced man?
umm yes, twice, point is?
The small mind that observes the world in generalisations. Sometimes it's small sometimes it s fear.
I am surprised ypu didn't say a white man, over 50 going to thailand.
The fact he has the drive, intelligence and commitment to choose a life different to yours is a good thing.
Good on you mate. The world's ypur oyster.
@@thriveasia1935 Well said, Thank you.
@@DiscoveringThailandit's not that hard is it,,
@@thriveasia1935One night in Bangkok & the world's your oyster🤣
As a retired American living in Thailand for the last four years and traveling to Thailand for two months every year for 20 years I can tell you that you have a lot to learn. I went to your starting videos of when you arrived in Thailand and you stated that you went to vacation here for four years before you moved here to retire. That does not make you an expert on Thailand by any stretch of the imagination. There are many things to learn about living in Thailand. I really hope that you don't drag people down a rat hole with your inexperience.
I don't claim to be an expert. Why do i need experience? im just sharing my experiences as I start my retirement journey here. I don't understand what this rat hole is that I could drag people down?
@@DiscoveringThailand You don't claim to be an expert but you represent yourself as one on your TH-cam videos. Why do you need experience was your next question well that would have to do with your preaching to people that are maybe going to spend their entire life savings on coming to Thailand to retire and they're listening to you as a complete newbie. I didn't hear any disclaimers in the video portions that I've seen that you have produced. And your last statement I don't understand what this radhole is that I could drag people down I'm sure you don't understand that's my whole point there are complicated things that people have to deal with in Thailand one of them being just the visas alone you went to a visa agent . bravo
@bill426worker5 I am happy to let your opinion and thoughts stay for all to judge. Thank you for sharing.
@@bill426worker5 don't like it don't watch, seems a simple thing..none of the TH-camrs are experts and none should be seen as the single source of truth, do your own research, we all have different budgets, different locations of where we want to live, hell I have no interest in living in Chiang Mai at all, but this came up on my list as I have an interest in people that move to Thailand, For what is worth, I have lived here 13 years and I am sure you have much to learn, you have only been living here 4 years, but I am not going to tell you that,
@@bill426worker5 One thing tourists need to understand is that in urban society like Bangkok and major tourist spots, they need to understand that local Thais will work and live honestly. Currently, Thailand has a population of people who have infiltrated from many countries to work, trade and compete with Thais in tourist areas and commit illegal acts such as begging, stealing and other crimes from neighboring countries around Thailand. They look like Thais and can speak Thai. Many groups come to cause damage and blame Thais. Tourists cannot tell the difference. Thais know this well. There are millions of Burmese people who immigrate to work and millions more from Cambodia, Laos and from Southeast Asia and those who come disguised as tourists. If you love Thais and love Thailand, please be our eyes and ears and avoid bad people.
Hope you brought your dust mask!😆The air is the worst in the world at times!
from clean Australian air to Chiang Mai shithole, congratulations
Just curious why put such upfront effort, energy and costs into 1 year visa, educational visa etc,??
Why not use the 30 day free visa, plus 30 day extension gives you 60 day's to see, feel, smell the different areas of Thailand, then exit, do likewise in neighbouring countries, that way then you know where it feels best for you, not forcing Chang Mai, as a city, nor Thailand as a country to hang your hat.
Your not gonna know, if ur not going to put ur boots on the ground in other cities and neighbouring countries
Just my 2 cents
You are so right. 100%.
Over the last 15 years I have been to Thailand and traveled throughout extensively, Also traveled, Canbodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao, Burma and all through Indonesia. My choice based on my experiences is Thailand. I love this country and its people.
Few corrections here ...
You said, worked hard and saved hard!!
Hard work, don't pay, it never has, it never will ...
Perhaps working smart, not hard is the correct way
Save hard, will never get you you over the hump, ever, as inflation will leave you in the dust, simple as that ..
If continuous hard savings isn't swiftly turned into good wise investment's like low cost index funds, and over time, let the market work for you, not you working for your money
You seem to know things about me that even I didn't know ... Your opinion has been noted. Cheers