I recently paired up with a good friend Nathan to help my viewers find condos for rent/sale in Jomtien. Please Contact Nathan @ +66985073714 or pattayajomtienrealestate.com/?ref=MargaritasInParadise
Until the paper tiger crisis it was 24-25 baht to the dollar. Then in 1997 it went way up to over 50 baht to the dollar. It has been fluctuating since. Actually street food has dramatically increased. 25 years ago a bowl of noodle soup was 10 baht. Now that same bowl is 50 baht.
Great information. In 1987 in Udon Thani, I had a live in girlfriend/maid. Cost $100 a month paid in USD. She literally took care of everything including my food. Those were the days but probably 10 years to late. 😂😂😂
The question isn't whether Thailand is expensive or not. The question is if Thailand is equally expensive compared to other countries relative to 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10+ years ago compared to today. The costs are relative. Thailand is still a bargain.
I feel the same way though sometimes it's hard to explain that to people with limited budgets compared to other with unlimited budgets. People with unlimited budgets, tend to pay more because they look at everything as a bargain which drives prices higher for people with limited budgets.
Tom given that hotels haven’t gone up in prices in the past 18 years tells me that it’s not a good investment to buy a condo.better to invest that money in your own country and rent.
I couldn't agree more. This is a renters market. If some decides to buy here, The buyer needs to understand, The purchase can not be looked at as an investment. The property value will likely go down over the next 20 years.
Good inflation comparison. Wherever I am at, I look at where locals eat and US fast foods are out of the question. I look at a restaurant, if the customers are almost all locals, that's where I want to eat.
My first trip to Thailand was in the year 2000. Back then, in the aftermath o the Asia financial crisis, the exchange rate was about 38 baht to the dollar. Today, it's around 34. So, no much change over 24 years. Prices? It depends. Yes, there have been increases, but from my perspective, nothing to worry about. Pad Thai from a street vendor is now about 50 baht. It used to be half that. But still, 50 baht is less than $2, so it's still a good deal. I think it's the Thai people who are affected the most. not the typical expats. I can go into the typical convenience store and spend 300 baht on miscellaneous stuff and not think about it. And yet, that's almost as much as the person behind the counter makes in an entire day.
All Great points. Prices in general are still affordable for general nutrition. My budget is worth 10% less this month versus last month though I will survive.
Hello I’ve came across your I appreciate all your content. Thank you for sharing. Do you recommend any discords or any sites that I might can go to ?I plan on retiring in the next 3 to 6 months there 😊and thought it’d be nice to learn a little bit more from the locals.
Thai baht has gotten stronger the last weeks, but also in general the last 10-15-20 years compared to most valutas. That is quite noticable for most people. 1 Norwegian kroner was 6 baht 20+ years ago, only 3 now. Yes, there has been inflation in Thailand as well, so compared to the early 2000s, it has become more expensive to live in Thailand for most people. But also have in mind that western salaries, income and pensions have gone noticably up during this time too, so that has compensated much of the rise in expenses. You can still get condos to rent, Thai food, gasolin and such for a very reasonable price today, and the baht bus in Pattaya is still 10 baht, since the late 90s.. Probably going up to 20 baht soon, we will see. All in all, yes, it is a little more expensive to live in Thailand now, at least nightlife has gone noticably up, but apart from that, no big changes for farangs I think, since pensions and income have rosen as well (except for Brit state pension?). Thailand is still quite cheap, all considered 🤗🤗
I used to get between 5.50 and 6 baht for one Swedish krona in the early 2000s, now I get 3 bath for one Swedish krona, but the salary increases here mean that the difference is not that big, the only Swedes who notice a significant price increase are the pensioners with low or medium pension
The street noise in this area is minimal. I have a friend that has a studio on the 29th floor that became available today. He told me yesterday he'll take 17,000 baht a month on a 1 year lease. I think the Condo is #2902 maps.app.goo.gl/QzkcfZk9RpSiRofeA
If your in the area, I might suggest stopping in and talking to Leo at his bar. Normally he arrives around 6pm most nights. maps.app.goo.gl/cgGvL53sHxqDmgR38 Leo has the inside scoops with many owners looking to sell in Park Beach Condominium. Anyway, worth a try. Good Luck
The cost of living is honestly going to higher especially with the large amount of tourists wanting to live there. I give it about 5 years for places like Bangkok to get really expensive that possibly retirees will switch to other countries and many tourists it always happens. The best time is to travel is during the slow season less tourists less nonsense and cheaper prices.
Cheers, Tom. There is no comparison when you look at the western inflation. Many people in England are fed up with prices, and the woke, political agenda affecting everything in our lives. So many are thinking about leaving. I know I cannot wait to go when circumstances allow. Spurs lost today, Tom. We had all the match stats at the end, but didn't score! Thanks again!
If the price of gas is 41 baht per liter, it works out to $4.67 per gallon. At 35 baht per liter, it's $4.08 per gallon. At 30 baht per liter it is $3.44 per gallon. As of September 9, 2024, the average price of gas in the United States was $3.27 per gallon for regular gasoline. The average price of diesel was $3.65 per gallon. For context the average price of gas in July 2008 was $4.11 per gallon.
Good information. Fuel prices have always been high compare to world prices in general. Though for some reason I'm able to travel so much further between refueling.
I live in chiang mai. The baht bus fare went from 20 to 30 a few years ago. Bolt is a better option and most people use scooters. See you in 3 weeks 😊😊
Thailand didn’t get hit with inflation the way the states has. Yes the baht has strengthened by 10% just in two months. Now it’s more expensive but overall, prices have not changed in a decade
As long as inflation in Thailand stays at he same rate as the rest of the world in general the country remains a great value compared to western countries.
Thai food is cooked with cheap oil which isnt even changed every day. You are talking trans fats. Also include a lot of sugar and salt. Lastly 40% of produce in Thailand exceeds WHO max guidelines for pesticides, hat according to Thai govt. Air quality last season rated unhealthy due to the pollution. These are some of my hesitations.
That's really analyzing your circumstance. Good information for the health minded people. The air pollution in Northern Thailand broke records this year. Fortunately, it's only here for 4 months a year. I suspect, you could potentially cook your own food and control the ingredients. Anyway, Good luck.
@@MargaritasinParadise well...as I know you find all kind of foods in Pattaya. Nobody can tell me that you have no alternative. You easily can eat all organic there and all southern european, most healthy. Is that cheap? Well...not more expensive than here but in a very mild sweet warm environment. If this gentlemen likes healthy food, he has my full understanding. He will, if he wants find perfect food and I m spoiled about that, believe me. I would never eat street food, no way...
In the US I Pay $60-$80 per night. For a really dirty room!!! I’ve travelled for a living for 35 years. Maids in the US get away with not doing a good job. I’ve stayed in border towns and Mexico and had cleaner rooms in the United States!!! A lot of it has to do with construction workers tracking in all the dirt and debris from job sites especially your oil refineries the carpets are toxic near refineries!!! The maximum I’ll pay for a room is $120 but it better be nice!!! and that’s only for one night if I’m staying multiple nights, I’ll stay in a place for $40 and then carpet the room with their bath towels! I get to Thailand. I’m going to try to safer six months to a year. I’m going to stay in the cheapest place. I can find for the the first month and see if I can stomach it. I sleep with white noise. I should be asleep through just about anything. I’m looking to bankroll some of my pension money for a year or two staying in cheap places.
Paid more for my all-you-can-eat premium Korean bbq buffets than my Baht 515.6 double single bed room with bathroom and verandah near 3rd road 😏 Walk to central Pattaya, Tree Town night market and Soi Buakhao…Incredible!! Have your cake and eat it! ❤
May I ask... I'll be coming over occasionally for a month at a time. Would it be possible to rent the sort of property you mentioned? It looks perfect! 🙏
I would say yes, Here's the contact info for Park Beach. maps.app.goo.gl/QzkcfZk9RpSiRofeA When you’re ready to put a deposit down, contact them to arrange a schedule and property.
That was a great video. Very informative. Just wondering, are there any great pizzerias that you've visited ? It would be hard to cope in Thailand without a good pizza once in a while. GO PATRIOTS !!!
There's lots of real good pizza's in the metro area. Some include New York, Slice, Dom's, Marco's, Lil Brother's, and Frankie's Inn. Someday, I will do a video on these. I keep hearing Outlaw pizza is good but I haven't tried them yet.
@@MargaritasinParadiseWe need several videos on each type of cuisine. One video each on local Pattaya italian restauraunts and Korean, Japanese sushi, Indian, Mexican, American/steakhouses, and ice cream/bakery shops. Yes, you can be the Thailand Dave Portnoy of pizza. 😅
Go Cowboys Cost of living. of course things are higher than 10 years ago in Thailand and everywhere. Now can you limit that by not acting like a tourist . Unfortunately most people are only visiting Thailand for 2weeks to 1 month. the things you would typically do in Pattaya are definitely more expensive than 2-10 years ago. But when you’re on vacation most people aren’t penny pinching. If you are going to Pattaya for vacation and your penny pinching you might just as well stayed home until you could afford to go to Thailand.
This is a valid point. I do get people asking that they want to holiday in Thailand on minimum budgets of $2K month for a couple; of course I don't even recommend that for retirees. Anyway, thanks for bring up these points.
Good advice. What about health insurance for expats? What are the best insurance companies? I'm sure rates are based on age and preexisting conditions.
@@Bax60 PC is very popular in Asia because the are accepted at many top hospitals and they have good coverage. I can’t say they are the cheapest because I don’t know all of the options. But they definitely price on age and medical conditions and if you smoke or drink
@Walk-retirement-travel Medicare is about $180 a month for me right now .l would be happy if I could get close to $200 a month over there at 64 no existing medical conditions.Besides rent ,i am budgeting insurance as the next highest on the list of monthly expenses.
I've actually been working on health insurance video for some time. I use Macallan Brokers for many of my insurance needs. maps.app.goo.gl/za3XCvQLEsSSfAJr8
I think theirs a lot of inflation in the bars/tourist industry. As a non drinker that splits my time California/Pattaya half the year inflation has had no impact on me. With the strong dollar I'm actually spending less now in dollars than pre COVID. 2008 I paid $740 SFO-BKK, I bought the same flight Wednesday, same airline for $896, 16 years later. That new Wholesale supermarket over by Big C on Sukemvit had live imported Alaska crabs and I think lobsters. Not cheap but available.
I use both Google Flights and Sky scanner to find the best flight deals within my timeframes. www.skyscanner.co.th/?previousCultureSource=GEO_LOCATION&redirectedFrom=www.skyscanner.net I have a friend that just flew yesterday from BKK to Atlanta for $500. (Japan Airlines) Now that's economy at it's finest and about the same prices I was flying at 20 years ago. Anyway good luck.
We do. In Jan-May is the worst. This year in Northern Thailand they broke world records for the worst air quality in the world. Fortunately it's not all year long but it does exist. Right now the AQI is 11 in Pattaya compared to West Yellowstone Montana which is 26 AQI.
You can't say that Thailand is expensive, nor can you say that it's free. You always have to put it in relation to what you have, where you come from and the other options you have, and measured against that, I think Thailand is cheap. I just looked up today how much a one-room apartment in Pattaya would cost, and it came to around €40,000.
No, actually anyone can purchase the unit. Foreigners can only own 49% of the building. Units are normally designated under a quota system but definitely can be re-designated. Thai nationals for instance could buy the entire building.
The condo's that I know are Pet friendly include the Riviera projects like Riviera Wong Amat and Ocean Drive, The Reflection Condo, Siam Oriental Condo, and the Dusit Grand Condo. There's possibly more though there are many that are not pet friendly. Another thing to consider, is though the property may allow pets the owner may not. Definitely check on this prior to signing a lease. A good friend recently ran into this situation where the landlord didn't allow children or pets. Good luck.
I just turned 60 in July and I retired from the AF in 2007. I was at Luke Shaw Eglin Hurlburt Field Nellis Ft Drum Camp Howze Korea Camp Red Cloud Korea Yongsan Korea Vilseck army garrison German I will have to catch up with you next time I’m in Thailand
When you look at the inflation outlook, you should keep one thing in mind: we have global warming and that will cause food shortages in the future, and that is exactly what could cause food prices to rise significantly. Anyone who denies that is failing to understand the system between supply and demand. I am only saying this so that people can prepare for it.
I'm not sure what you’re asking. I just googled this www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=THB&to=USD You can put in your dates and receive any rates you need. Good Luck
@@noklekpui depends on what food you eat and where. A grouper fish in a normal restaraunt is 300-400 baht. A kilogram of shrimp is 300 baht and up. Not everyone wants to eat the cheapest street food. Eating well can mean many things, what one person considers eating well is just getting a belly full and not really eating the best quality food with the best preparation. Also not everyone wants to eat off an old steel table sitting on a metal stool or chair. Thai food comes in varying levels and prices, just like every country. So if you are eating fresh seafood or more expensive food 800 baht is a good budget
@oldthaiexpat There are lots of places that serve good quality freshly cooked Thai dishes for less than 100 baht like the Thai restaurant on beach road beside central avenue mall,sailor bar,terminal 21 food court. The Foodcourt in Big C extra also has inexpensive freshly cooked food. Fresh fruit costs between 20 to 25 baht. Yes it is true that unhealthy western style food is very expensive in restaurants owned by foreigners
Great perspectives, I live a comfortable lifestyle and sometimes splurge on my meals but other times find myself using only 200-300 baht a day. I love food and in general am a picky eater.
@@noklekpui cheap food. Try eating fresh seafood at 100 baht. The food court at big C is cheap Thai fast food. Like I said try eating real food like fresh fish from the sea, fresh shrimp, or crabs. You can't do it for 200 baht a day. You only wind up eating cheap pork and chicken. But if that is all your budget allows good luck. I'll stick to better Thai owned restaurants that serve well prepared Thai food, not something fried in cheap oil.
![“อ.เบียร์ คนตื่นธรรม” มาตามคำเรียกร้อง แหกศาสตร์ฮวงจุ้ย เตือนสติอย่างมงาย | แฉ 7 พ.ย. 67 [1/3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5fc4S3xBNfc/mqdefault.jpg)
I recently paired up with a good friend Nathan to help my viewers find condos for rent/sale in Jomtien. Please Contact Nathan @ +66985073714 or pattayajomtienrealestate.com/?ref=MargaritasInParadise
The # is that what app ?
Let's not forget, that in 10years and 20 years from now, people will be saying how good we had it. Forget the past, enjoy today.
Hahaha, good point.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Until the paper tiger crisis it was 24-25 baht to the dollar. Then in 1997 it went way up to over 50 baht to the dollar. It has been fluctuating since. Actually street food has dramatically increased. 25 years ago a bowl of noodle soup was 10 baht. Now that same bowl is 50 baht.
Great information. In 1987 in Udon Thani, I had a live in girlfriend/maid. Cost $100 a month paid in USD. She literally took care of everything including my food. Those were the days but probably 10 years to late. 😂😂😂
@@MargaritasinParadise
I'm always a day late and Thai live in girl for $100/month short. 😢
hahaha
The question isn't whether Thailand is expensive or not. The question is if Thailand is equally expensive compared to other countries relative to 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10+ years ago compared to today. The costs are relative. Thailand is still a bargain.
I feel the same way though sometimes it's hard to explain that to people with limited budgets compared to other with unlimited budgets. People with unlimited budgets, tend to pay more because they look at everything as a bargain which drives prices higher for people with limited budgets.
Tom given that hotels haven’t gone up in prices in the past 18 years tells me that it’s not a good investment to buy a condo.better to invest that money in your own country and rent.
I couldn't agree more. This is a renters market. If some decides to buy here, The buyer needs to understand, The purchase can not be looked at as an investment. The property value will likely go down over the next 20 years.
Great job as always Tom
Thank you! Cheers!
Good inflation comparison. Wherever I am at, I look at where locals eat and US fast foods are out of the question. I look at a restaurant, if the customers are almost all locals, that's where I want to eat.
Well said!
Thanx Big-T !
You're welcome brother.
I can remember when the Aussie dollar was 35 baht. Lots more manufacturing and development in Thailand these days.
I'm missing the good old days of 2 months ago...hahaha
My first trip to Thailand was in the year 2000. Back then, in the aftermath o the Asia financial crisis, the exchange rate was about 38 baht to the dollar. Today, it's around 34. So, no much change over 24 years. Prices? It depends. Yes, there have been increases, but from my perspective, nothing to worry about. Pad Thai from a street vendor is now about 50 baht. It used to be half that. But still, 50 baht is less than $2, so it's still a good deal.
I think it's the Thai people who are affected the most. not the typical expats. I can go into the typical convenience store and spend 300 baht on miscellaneous stuff and not think about it. And yet, that's almost as much as the person behind the counter makes in an entire day.
All Great points. Prices in general are still affordable for general nutrition. My budget is worth 10% less this month versus last month though I will survive.
Hello I’ve came across your
I appreciate all your content. Thank you for sharing. Do you recommend any discords or any sites that I might can go to ?I plan on retiring in the next 3 to 6 months there 😊and thought it’d be nice to learn a little bit more from the locals.
I do recommend this Discord group discord.gg/TRxA7Z4a
Welcome & Good luck
Thai baht has gotten stronger the last weeks, but also in general the last 10-15-20 years compared to most valutas. That is quite noticable for most people. 1 Norwegian kroner was 6 baht 20+ years ago, only 3 now. Yes, there has been inflation in Thailand as well, so compared to the early 2000s, it has become more expensive to live in Thailand for most people. But also have in mind that western salaries, income and pensions have gone noticably up during this time too, so that has compensated much of the rise in expenses. You can still get condos to rent, Thai food, gasolin and such for a very reasonable price today, and the baht bus in Pattaya is still 10 baht, since the late 90s.. Probably going up to 20 baht soon, we will see. All in all, yes, it is a little more expensive to live in Thailand now, at least nightlife has gone noticably up, but apart from that, no big changes for farangs I think, since pensions and income have rosen as well (except for Brit state pension?). Thailand is still quite cheap, all considered 🤗🤗
@sarlina, I have to agree, I love looking at this from the Thai perspective and appreciate your input so much. Thanks
I used to get between 5.50 and 6 baht for one Swedish krona in the early 2000s, now I get 3 bath for one Swedish krona, but the salary increases here mean that the difference is not that big, the only Swedes who notice a significant price increase are the pensioners with low or medium pension
@@jorgenmansson4269 Exactly, and that was my point too. Thanks for your comment, Jörgen 🙏😊
The bath has appreciated significantly against the dollar, approximately 10% in 3 months.
yes, hurts a bit, hopefully it rebounds
Park Beach I am definitely interested in and I want high, the higher the better. Facing the ocean, the street noise would not be much.
The street noise in this area is minimal. I have a friend that has a studio on the 29th floor that became available today. He told me yesterday he'll take 17,000 baht a month on a 1 year lease. I think the Condo is #2902
maps.app.goo.gl/QzkcfZk9RpSiRofeA
I've been looking at park beach condo adverts. Beachfront 75000 baht /m2
If your in the area, I might suggest stopping in and talking to Leo at his bar. Normally he arrives around 6pm most nights. maps.app.goo.gl/cgGvL53sHxqDmgR38
Leo has the inside scoops with many owners looking to sell in Park Beach Condominium. Anyway, worth a try. Good Luck
The cost of living is honestly going to higher especially with the large amount of tourists wanting to live there. I give it about 5 years for places like Bangkok to get really expensive that possibly retirees will switch to other countries and many tourists it always happens. The best time is to travel is during the slow season less tourists less nonsense and cheaper prices.
Interesting perspective, there's no doubt that low season the best time to be in Thailand.
Excellent
Thanks
Cheers, Tom. There is no comparison when you look at the western inflation. Many people in England are fed up with prices, and the woke, political agenda affecting everything in our lives. So many are thinking about leaving. I know I cannot wait to go when circumstances allow. Spurs lost today, Tom. We had all the match stats at the end, but didn't score! Thanks again!
Thanks so much
If the price of gas is 41 baht per liter, it works out to $4.67 per gallon. At 35 baht per liter, it's $4.08 per gallon. At 30 baht per liter it is $3.44 per gallon. As of September 9, 2024, the average price of gas in the United States was $3.27 per gallon for regular gasoline. The average price of diesel was $3.65 per gallon. For context the average price of gas in July 2008 was $4.11 per gallon.
Good information. Fuel prices have always been high compare to world prices in general. Though for some reason I'm able to travel so much further between refueling.
27 baht 1liter in MN, USA
😀
I live in chiang mai. The baht bus fare went from 20 to 30 a few years ago. Bolt is a better option and most people use scooters. See you in 3 weeks 😊😊
Thanks for the info & sharing. Nice
Go Chiefs 💪✊🇺🇸🇹🇭
Well Yeah!
Thailand didn’t get hit with inflation the way the states has. Yes the baht has strengthened by 10% just in two months. Now it’s more expensive but overall, prices have not changed in a decade
Exactly
As long as inflation in Thailand stays at he same rate as the rest of the world in general the country remains a great value compared to western countries.
and that's a great point. Thanks
Thai food is cooked with cheap oil which isnt even changed every day. You are talking trans fats. Also include a lot of sugar and salt. Lastly 40% of produce in Thailand exceeds WHO max guidelines for pesticides, hat according to Thai govt. Air quality last season rated unhealthy due to the pollution. These are some of my hesitations.
That's really analyzing your circumstance. Good information for the health minded people. The air pollution in Northern Thailand broke records this year. Fortunately, it's only here for 4 months a year. I suspect, you could potentially cook your own food and control the ingredients. Anyway, Good luck.
@@MargaritasinParadise well...as I know you find all kind of foods in Pattaya.
Nobody can tell me that you have no alternative. You easily can eat all organic there and all southern european, most healthy.
Is that cheap? Well...not more expensive than here but in a very mild sweet warm environment.
If this gentlemen likes healthy food, he has my full understanding.
He will, if he wants find perfect food and I m spoiled about that, believe me. I would never eat street food, no way...
😃🐽
Go Chiefs! Also, 49ers. Alabama and Texas for college.
Well Yeah
In the US I Pay $60-$80 per night.
For a really dirty room!!!
I’ve travelled for a living for 35 years.
Maids in the US get away with not doing a good job.
I’ve stayed in border towns and Mexico and had cleaner rooms in the United States!!!
A lot of it has to do with construction workers tracking in all the dirt and debris from job sites especially your oil refineries the carpets are toxic near refineries!!!
The maximum I’ll pay for a room is $120 but it better be nice!!! and that’s only for one night if I’m staying multiple nights, I’ll stay in a place for $40 and then carpet the room with their bath towels!
I get to Thailand. I’m going to try to safer six months to a year. I’m going to stay in the cheapest place. I can find for the the first month and see if I can stomach it. I sleep with white noise. I should be asleep through just about anything. I’m looking to bankroll some of my pension money for a year or two staying in cheap places.
Sounds like a good plan, it's always good to have emergency cash.
What is the name of the older building on the water behind you?
Park Beach Condominium
maps.app.goo.gl/QzkcfZk9RpSiRofeA
I was there in 1999. Thai baht was 42 to the dollar
I'm late again. 😂😂😂
The recent strengthening of the baht has made Thailand more expensive
I have to agree, I feel like $1000 USD is worth $900 USD now. . Hopefully we see better times. 😃
Paid more for my all-you-can-eat premium Korean bbq buffets than my Baht 515.6 double single bed room with bathroom and verandah near 3rd road 😏 Walk to central Pattaya, Tree Town night market and Soi Buakhao…Incredible!! Have your cake and eat it! ❤
Exactly, great example, Thanks
May I ask... I'll be coming over occasionally for a month at a time. Would it be possible to rent the sort of property you mentioned? It looks perfect! 🙏
I would say yes, Here's the contact info for Park Beach. maps.app.goo.gl/QzkcfZk9RpSiRofeA
When you’re ready to put a deposit down, contact them to arrange a schedule and property.
Many thanks for that. Love your Chanel by the way 👍
Thank You
Chang Mai might be further away from the refinery, so the transporting of the fuel may be why the bot buses are more expensive????
Ok, That's a good point.
That was a great video. Very informative. Just wondering, are there any great pizzerias that you've visited ? It would be hard to cope in Thailand without a good pizza once in a while. GO PATRIOTS !!!
There's lots of real good pizza's in the metro area. Some include New York, Slice, Dom's, Marco's, Lil Brother's, and Frankie's Inn. Someday, I will do a video on these. I keep hearing Outlaw pizza is good but I haven't tried them yet.
@@MargaritasinParadise Thanks Tom. Love to see you in some of these restaurants eating some good food if they let you.
@@MargaritasinParadiseWe need several videos on each type of cuisine.
One video each on local Pattaya italian restauraunts and Korean, Japanese sushi, Indian, Mexican, American/steakhouses, and ice cream/bakery shops.
Yes, you can be the Thailand Dave Portnoy of pizza. 😅
I appreciate the ideas😃😃😃
Go Cowboys
Cost of living. of course things are higher than 10 years ago in Thailand and everywhere. Now can you limit that by not acting like a tourist . Unfortunately most people are only visiting Thailand for 2weeks to 1 month. the things you would typically do in Pattaya are definitely more expensive than 2-10 years ago. But when you’re on vacation most people aren’t penny pinching. If you are going to Pattaya for vacation and your penny pinching you might just as well stayed home until you could afford to go to Thailand.
This is a valid point. I do get people asking that they want to holiday in Thailand on minimum budgets of $2K month for a couple; of course I don't even recommend that for retirees. Anyway, thanks for bring up these points.
Good advice. What about health insurance for expats? What are the best insurance companies? I'm sure rates are based on age and preexisting conditions.
Great question. I see pacific cross popping up as one many seem to have
@@Bax60 PC is very popular in Asia because the are accepted at many top hospitals and they have good coverage. I can’t say they are the cheapest because I don’t know all of the options. But they definitely price on age and medical conditions and if you smoke or drink
@Walk-retirement-travel Medicare is about $180 a month for me right now .l would be happy if I could get close to $200 a month over there at 64 no existing medical conditions.Besides rent ,i am budgeting insurance as the next highest on the list of monthly expenses.
I've actually been working on health insurance video for some time. I use Macallan Brokers for many of my insurance needs.
maps.app.goo.gl/za3XCvQLEsSSfAJr8
I think theirs a lot of inflation in the bars/tourist industry. As a non drinker that splits my time California/Pattaya half the year inflation has had no impact on me. With the strong dollar I'm actually spending less now in dollars than pre COVID. 2008 I paid $740 SFO-BKK, I bought the same flight Wednesday, same airline for $896, 16 years later.
That new Wholesale supermarket over by Big C on Sukemvit had live imported Alaska crabs and I think lobsters. Not cheap but available.
Great information & thanks for sharing. Flights and companionship were on my notes but the video was getting long. Thanks for bringing the topics up.
my round trip from Colorado is 30-40% more expensive than pre-COVID. No idea how you got a cheaper flight!
@@HairyPixels I fly back and forth 4X a year, this is average.
I use both Google Flights and Sky scanner to find the best flight deals within my timeframes.
www.skyscanner.co.th/?previousCultureSource=GEO_LOCATION&redirectedFrom=www.skyscanner.net
I have a friend that just flew yesterday from BKK to Atlanta for $500. (Japan Airlines) Now that's economy at it's finest and about the same prices I was flying at 20 years ago. Anyway good luck.
Do you have pollution issues in pattaya?
We do. In Jan-May is the worst. This year in Northern Thailand they broke world records for the worst air quality in the world. Fortunately it's not all year long but it does exist. Right now the AQI is 11 in Pattaya compared to West Yellowstone Montana which is 26 AQI.
You can't say that Thailand is expensive, nor can you say that it's free. You always have to put it in relation to what you have, where you come from and the other options you have, and measured against that, I think Thailand is cheap. I just looked up today how much a one-room apartment in Pattaya would cost, and it came to around €40,000.
This a good perspective looking at a different angle of living in Thailand vs a Tourist. Thanks Brother.
a condo purchased by a foreigner, can only be resaled to another foreigner because of the" title"? Thank you
No, actually anyone can purchase the unit. Foreigners can only own 49% of the building. Units are normally designated under a quota system but definitely can be re-designated. Thai nationals for instance could buy the entire building.
Tom, are their condo,s for rent, pet friendly. No one ever talks about it. Thanks. George and Gretchen
The condo's that I know are Pet friendly include the Riviera projects like Riviera Wong Amat and Ocean Drive, The Reflection Condo, Siam Oriental Condo, and the Dusit Grand Condo. There's possibly more though there are many that are not pet friendly. Another thing to consider, is though the property may allow pets the owner may not. Definitely check on this prior to signing a lease. A good friend recently ran into this situation where the landlord didn't allow children or pets. Good luck.
20 Years ago 75B to £1
I'm always too late!
@@MargaritasinParadise I'm an observer. You don't have to talk a lot to see what people are actually up to.
I do this all the time.
I just turned 60 in July and I retired from the AF in 2007. I was at
Luke
Shaw
Eglin
Hurlburt Field
Nellis
Ft Drum
Camp Howze Korea
Camp Red Cloud Korea
Yongsan Korea
Vilseck army garrison German
I will have to catch up with you next time I’m in Thailand
Excellent Brother, let me know when your in town. Margaritasinparadise@gmail.com
When you look at the inflation outlook, you should keep one thing in mind: we have global warming and that will cause food shortages in the future, and that is exactly what could cause food prices to rise significantly. Anyone who denies that is failing to understand the system between supply and demand. I am only saying this so that people can prepare for it.
😀
Okay bullshit what was the conversion rate?🙃
I'm not sure what you’re asking. I just googled this
www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=THB&to=USD
You can put in your dates and receive any rates you need. Good Luck
800 baht a day on food is excessive, 300 a day for all meals is more than enough.
Many days I eat well for less than 200 baht
@@noklekpui depends on what food you eat and where. A grouper fish in a normal restaraunt is 300-400 baht. A kilogram of shrimp is 300 baht and up. Not everyone wants to eat the cheapest street food. Eating well can mean many things, what one person considers eating well is just getting a belly full and not really eating the best quality food with the best preparation. Also not everyone wants to eat off an old steel table sitting on a metal stool or chair. Thai food comes in varying levels and prices, just like every country. So if you are eating fresh seafood or more expensive food 800 baht is a good budget
@oldthaiexpat
There are lots of places that serve good quality freshly cooked Thai dishes for less than 100 baht like the Thai restaurant on beach road beside central avenue mall,sailor bar,terminal 21 food court.
The Foodcourt in Big C extra also has inexpensive freshly cooked food.
Fresh fruit costs between 20 to 25 baht.
Yes it is true that unhealthy western style food is very expensive in restaurants owned by foreigners
Great perspectives, I live a comfortable lifestyle and sometimes splurge on my meals but other times find myself using only 200-300 baht a day. I love food and in general am a picky eater.
@@noklekpui cheap food. Try eating fresh seafood at 100 baht. The food court at big C is cheap Thai fast food. Like I said try eating real food like fresh fish from the sea, fresh shrimp, or crabs. You can't do it for 200 baht a day. You only wind up eating cheap pork and chicken. But if that is all your budget allows good luck. I'll stick to better Thai owned restaurants that serve well prepared Thai food, not something fried in cheap oil.
@@oldthaiexpat a full pot of shrimp in Sailor bar costs 120 baht