Retiring in Thailand

Hello,

Laugh if you must it's my opinion and thoughts , You sound angry and racist if this is the case I feel sorry for you.
There is Good and Bad in every race it's your choice what feelings you express and path you walk.
We are all human regardless of Race , Color Creed or Religion.

Best Regards

Why THAILAND?
Advantages:
(1) Sea: an extremely long coastline, spread between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, boasting a huge number of beautiful beaches, idyllic tropical islands, and marine parks with a  profusion of coral reefs and colourful fish. Snorkelling or scuba is a "must".
(2) Countryside: significant deforestation, but still many national parks with preserved jungle, and upland ("mountains", but not very high) spectacular vistas and waterfalls. A few of the national parks have wild Asian elephants in abundance, which are quite easy to spot.
(3) Architecture: you will see so many beautiful temples, and a handful of royal palaces, which are breath-takingly beautiful, many with an interesting history, and most wonderfully-well preserved. Take your time, over many months and years, to gradually take in this profusion of beauty, as it's possible to get "templed-out" in a single trip.
(4) People, Religion and Culture: although you'll soak up some of the culture in the major cities and towns, and their temples, you'll see the "real Thailand" in the smaller towns and villages. On the whole, people in the larger towns and cities are still very kind, patient and considerate with foreigners,  but, in some of the heavily-touristed areas, you'll find some locals a bit weary of "farangs", and some bag-snatching and pick-pocketing. In the rural areas, there's more of a laid-back, serene feel to the people.
(5) Cost of Living.  Although Thailand has become more expensive, relative to its neighbours, you'll still find it a lot less expensive to live here that in Western Europe, Australasia, USA and Canada. There ARE tourist traps, where you'll get ripped-off, comparatively-speaking, but a supermarket spend, or a visit to a bar or a small Thai-owned restaurant will be quite cheap. I'd find it a challenge to live in the UK on my retirement monthly income, but I'm comfortably-off in Thailand, despite being a Brit, and having recently experienced an exchange rate fluctuation which has stolen about 15 percent of my (exchanged into)  Thai Baht income.
It helps a lot if you cook your own food.
(6) Weather: warm to hot, in most places. Noticeable regional differences: the south, including the Gulf of Thailand, is pretty-much always very warm and humid.
(7) Driving: get outside  the main cities and towns, and you'll enjoy a freedom to take in the sights at your own pace, independent of tourist routes. If you're a Brit, you'll benefit from RHD and driving on the same "side" of the road!

Disadvantages:
(1) Sea: there needs to be a wholesale re-education of the people about plastic (specially plastic bags), and the damage it can do to the environment. You'll normally  not notice garbage as much as you would in, say, India, but the seas and beaches around Thailand have a few places where there's definitely room for improvement. However, you'll see this anywhere around Southeast Asia.
(2) The Rainy Season:  inevitable for  a tropical country, and the timing is somewhat regional: the height of the rainy season in the Gulf, e.g.  Koh Samui, within recent years, has been November to mid-January (end-January in 2016), while northeast Thailand (Isaan) has been dry during this time, with most of its rain coming between July and end-October. Expect persistent thunderstorms, and some flooding, with some power outages.
(3) Availability of foreign "luxuries": don't expect to come to Thailand and be able to buy everything in the supermarkets which you could before, back in your own country. Also, with some imported goods from outside ASEAN countries, like European wine, there is significant import duty.
(4) Crazy drivers: the car driving ("practical") test is within the confines of a driving centre, and limited to a few manoeuvres. In a manual car, there's no test of the appropriate use of gears. In rural areas, don't expect many drivers, specially on motorbikes, to have ever passed attest, or to have any insurance. You will, generally, have to drive with an extra 25 percent of anticipation of stupidity of third parties than you would have done in your own country. Thailand has  the second-highest road accident rate in the world.
(5) Expat Health Insurance:  some would say it's  a "must", but you'll have  to  weigh up the risks, and come to your own decisions. If you're entitled to free health care in your own country, you can consider whether, for a routine operation, it's worth flying back:  It can be extortionately expensive.
Many older retirees find it impossible to get insured. So, instead, they hold onto  a "hedge" ,  in cash or quickly-realisable investments, in Thailand or abroad, which can be used for medical emergencies. Take a LOT of time to think this over.  Take advice, but not from the insurance companies or their brokers!
(6)  Corruption: "walls have ears"... I'd prefer not to comment here...best you surf the web!

Visas:
If you're over 50,  and you have sufficient income (check  the Thai embassy websites for requirements, including police certificates and medical certification), you're entitled to a "Non-resident  O-A Long-Stay Visa", which is renewable yearly, and you'll have to prove  your address in Thailand every 90 days. I've found this very  convenient, and I pay an extra amount to allow for multiple-entry. Your visa will be issued as valid for ENTRY within a year from date of issue, and that means the LAST date within that year you entered Thailand within this period. Thai embassies will have more details on their website.

Tips:
(1) Communication: keep in touch with your buddies  at home and  around the world. I wasn't much-enamoured with "social websites" until I  retired abroad, but I  now find it's great to use Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to communicate, as well as good-old e-mail.  Calling by phone was one of my initial fears, as far as expense was concerned, but Skype calls are very economical.
So, having a data /internet connection is a worthwhile priority. Many hotels and city restaurants have wifi,  but it's worth getting yourself a Thai mobile /cell phone /SIM data connection, as soon as you arrive. If you have a Thai national who you  know /trust, ask  them if they will allow you to use their name for a  contract with one of the many nationwide companies. I have used AIS and DTAC since I have been here. AIS has a good  reputation.
(2) TV and  home internet: yes, we all came to Thailand thinking we'd never watch TV again, but it's a nice home comfort when you're settled in.  A couple of "Expat TV" providers of internet TV, streaming from the UK and other foreign countries, were recently put out of business. It's still legal to use a VPN  to anonymously access internet TV from your own country, but don't be surprised, specially with special measures to detect terrorist internet activity , if these soon become unfeasible. Netflix is now available in Thailand, but I haven't checked it to  determine how wide  the choice of films and programmes are here.
Home internet is provided by a number of companies, at a  reasonable price, but it might not be available if  you are out "in the sticks". Expect the standard internet speed to be low, and ask for a speed which will suit
(3) Bank Accounts: get a bank account as soon as you arrive. Most of the larger banks will  set you up with a  simple ATM account, fairly easily.  ATMs are widespread, but watch out for fees when you access your money through an ATM which is not provided by your own bank, AND where its outside of  the area of Thailand in which our account is registered (one or two Thai banks are now offering no regional fees).
(4)  Foreign Exchange bank transfers: if you receive pension income in your native country's currency,  make sure you have a plan of action about exchanging some or all of it into Thai Baht, and transferring it into your Thai bank account, with efficiency, and with the minimum of bank exchange rate ""spread" and transaction fees. I have found the UK commercial banks particularly lacking in competitiveness when dealing in amounts less than wholesale  market amounts, so I use a Foreign Exchange company who specialises in the smaller, "retail" amounts, and charges no money transfer fees.  Haggle with your FX company to try to get the minimum spread outside the mid-exchange rate you'll see on Bloomberg, XE and other internet sites.
When doing your exchange rate deal from Thailand, be  particularly aware of local time differences and national bank holidays in Thailand and your own country. Expect to  arrange your deal with a specified "value" or settlement date (taking holidays and weekends into  account) for the Thai Baht (THB), but expect Thai banks to hold up the actual arrival onto  your THB account for an extra day.
Budget for exchange rates to fluctuate (if you're a  Brit, allow 20 percent...in an ADVERSE direction!).
(5) DO spend  a bit of money on a reputable Thai language school, if you plan to spend months or years in Thailand. You do NOT, initially, have to learn the Thai alphabet. I say this, having been one of the LAZY ones, who survived in a  tourist enclave (Koh Samui) for 18 months, but you're missing something important, if  you can't communicate, just a bit, with the locals, in their own language.  After nearly 3 years, what I have achieved is pathetic, but I'm less shy now about the mistakes I make.

There are going to be so many things I  haven't mentioned here, but I'm assuming that the expat.com reader wants to read a relatively quick opinion...and not a BOOK!

A great piece, I think all of us should thank for such a great commentary.

Excellent post by Digbystrong. Great advice for anybody retiring here.

Great Read , Thanks !! 

I have a Bank account in the U.S. That covers fees and ATM fees World wide which makes nice for banking with a bank I know.

One question any suggestions or info you can supply for good exchange rates ?  I'm always shopping


Best Regards

Regret can't advise regarding foreign exchange specialist companies from the US, but there are a number like Currencies Direct which may be international. From the UK, I use FairFX.

Because Thai banks don't issue the average retiree (individual, not business) a credit card without full cash cover deposit as collateral, I have a back-up.
This is a credit card from my own country, with ZERO foreign transaction fees. Be careful, many fees are around 3 percent of purchase amounts.
This guarantees a near-market exchange rate to convert back into your native currency.
I use it for online transactions, specially flights and hotels, which occasionally insist on credit cards (rather than debit /ATM cards).

In my retirement, I don't want to borrow money, in any form... so I pay off the credit card immediately before doing my next month's FX transaction, transferring less money into Thai Baht, for that month.
This method, however, does mean you have to manage your money quite carefully

Oh dear..
Anything I've said was certainly without any intention to sound racist, and all of my friends would certainly tell you that this is indeed NOT the case.

Please tell me what you found offensive, and I will withdraw my comments, and replace them with something which will not cause offence.

use transferwise on this link  https://transferwise.com/u/deanr25   
its the best as they give you the exact exchange rates in real time dont take a cut ... only a small fee ... knocks spots off all other companys... was set up by the founders of skype so really a great company

Thank You, I'll look it up as your link seems not to have taken on your message.

Best Regards

Thanks, deanred3, will follow up on this. Initial scratch at the surface, before signing up, looks very promising.

Don't fret about it digbystrong. There are some on here who are just a little too quick to judge others.

I have been living in Thailand since Jan 2014 and have found it one great pleasure.There are ups and downs but most downs were created by my own attitude of perfectionism  and wanting everything done "Miway"
The Thais in the village where I live even though poor and ignorant of the ways of a Western Foreigner have gone out of their way to make my life as easy as possible.
I have enjoyed every day here and the medical experiences I have had here have been reasonably well.
For a major cancer operation I flew back home and had the op in a private hospital in South Africa. For all the subsequent tests I have been going to the local Thai private Drs and found them extremely helpful and professional.
If I had one wish in life it would be to have the Thais realise what they are creating with the plastic waste revolution  in Thailand.
I very rarely drink and I have not missed alcohol at all.
I have a few bottles of wine which I bring back from SA on my trips.Dont inform customs
The great plus of Thailand for me is the NO Crime where I live as investigating crime was my career for 50 years.It is wonderful to be able to leave my bicycle on the stoop and not be concerned of theft,neither to have to worry to lock all the doors and windows at night and live in a prison.
I have just arrived back from SA a week ago and couldnt wait to get back to Thailand
Immigration have always been a great pleasure to visit at Prachin Buri and it has never taken me longer than 10 minutes to do my 90 day report except one day when the immigration officer sat down and spoke to me re his sister who he alleges owns a Hotel in Sandton  Johannesburg. I think he means a guest House which she inherited from her SA husband.That took about 25 minutes
Anybody not liking Thailand should just realise they are guests here even if they consider themselves as big spenders of money.
Just enjoy the country or go home,It is a free life  and "up to you" how you spend it as you only have one chance

Wherever it is in Thailand you live, I would keep it a secret.  If I left half a broken down kettle outside my door it would be nicked in no time...

Sadly (theft in one way or another) is what Thailand has turned into over the last 3.5 years as the poor have got even more poor.

Stay away from bangkok the capital of corruption and you may have a chance. The small villages are much safer and the locals there are ok but you still cannot trust them 100% where money or valuables are concerned.

Those with a bit of power IE Village Headman, police, and so on are nearly all corrupt as the day is long so try to avoid them. Lawyers if you need one are very much the same and lie like no tomorrow. They will steel from you in front of your eyes and when you tackle them about it, the old Thai smile and Wai appears and the words Not A Problem. But there is anyone who uses that comment avoid as they are a liar and at it.

Guys never marry a bar girl as they are there for one reason to get your money and in most cases have had more pricks than a second hand dartboard There are many beautiful Thai ladies treat them with respect and it will pay off, I know I have one myself but not from the bars, she is a Doctor so knows the healthcare system well.

Thai roads are the worst in the world as you cannot count Libya as its at war. Between 35 and 45 die every day on the roads and the government (Military) does nothing. Compare that to the UK with roughly the same population at 1758 a year.

Thailand is also the suicide capital of the world more expats and tourists die there that even Spain which has millions of expats and a lot more tourists. When a Farang dies in Thai its always suicide says the local police, a decision made before they arrive at the scene. They even say suicide when victims are found with there hands tied behind their backs hanging and stabling themselves 7 times and jumping out of windows of tower blocks.

Even Thais themselves say avoid Koh Tao, Samui, Pucket and Pattaya if you are a single person traveling as there is a good chance you will meet with problems. If your a female as with Koh Tao, rape and murder on the death island happens far to often and then covered up.

Mid to Northern Thailand is far better with nicer people who themselves are treated like s>>> by the BK and south ignorants Hiso so called elites who in a civilized country would be in jail.

Racial abuse is inbuilt in thais one price for locals 10x for farangs, Always send the wife to buy anything as its a lot cheaper. I saw an artical on a website by BK/Pat police who said they where looking at the dark skinned (Nigeria people) My good every thai copper was as dark as the people they where on about yet too stupid to realize. Colour should not matter but it does even with their own in thailand.

Healtcare with the new law you need insurance to be an expat but come 65 you will not get it locally and without it you will have to leave so I hope you have your back up plans.

Thailand a beautiful country run by thugs, thieves and corrupt liars sad to say. Never upset a thai as loosing face is a big problem to a thai and the rules on what you can say often get put against you under the draconian Thai Computer Crimes Act, even when you are 100% correct they still get a conviction against you, just another way thais try to get your money. Watch what you say on facebook or social media as again it could be a lot of trouble for you.

At some point in the not to distant future civil war will break out that due to the way the current idiot military leader and his boys are persecuting the likes of the previous prime minster and her followers.

Not a place to retire too right now or in the near future unless you are sex mad and stupid.

I lookforward to the day when Thais are free and life starts to happen in this place. Otherwise my 30 years there I will look back on as an experience not to try again. So happy not to have to wake up every day fearing a knock on the door.

Vietnam and Cambodia are much better these days and improving all the time and you do not get visa hassles there.

Those stuck there I fear for you guys and wish you well, it could be a wonderful place but not as its been run of late.
Keep Well.

Hello,

Your Village or Location is not needed to keep secret it's how good your Niefhbors are

Aside from your commentary I would like to say something.

During the Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in November 2015 I met a guy from Tennessee. He and I became good friends. Later on he and I planned a couple of side trips just for the fun of it, and having a traveling companion. About mid February he had an accident with his motor bike and had a problem with his ankle. He ended up going to a side street doctor for pain killers. I think it was February 21 (those who want to can check a calendar). On Sunday I was able to reach him on the phone. We were scheduled for a trip the next morning for Pai. During the conversation he told me that his side street doctor gave him morphine. I told him that he should go to a hospital and get himself under a doctors supervision. The next day I showed up at the bus tour company and he never showed. Five days later I received an email from his son informing me that his father had passed away. I'm sure anyone can understand how saddening such news is.

Later I found out that it was announced to the press that the initial police report indicated that he died of a heart attack. What they didn't include in that report was that there was empty alcohol bottles in the room along with evidence of pot use. Besides that the morphine that he was using had to come in packets. The packets, empty of full, would have been in the room. Three months later the official coroners report stated that he had died of a heart attack. I know the doctor that he went to. I also know that that doctors issues ID cards with the clinics and doctors name on it. The police completely disregarded the evidence, perhaps because they didn't want a black mark on tourism. I was very angry with that kind of cover up. The son appreciated that I was able to provide him with the truth of the death of his father. Yes there are things about Thailand that really suck.

Hello,

Though some of your statements do take place I think they are a little over zealous , Just my opinion.
There is corruption in the world everywhere , I love Thailand it's Culture and people.
It's all about common sense that you need to use have a Plan know the people and village or location you live in and you'll do alright.
Again yes I have a great Thai Wife and her Family and the area I live in the locals know me ,  What my wife pays for goods and services I pay the same.
Having in Patient Health Insurance at minimum however I've found a University/ Military Hospital with great Doctors and honestly paying for basic medical cost Examination , Urgent Care Visit and medications Very inexpensive by means of paying cash , Far cheaper than you would pay in the U.S. , UK or Australia for certain and I get the Government fee scale at this Hospital.

Again Common Sense have a Plan know your Neighbors.

Cheers
Best Regards

Over Zealous or telling the truth of how it really is? The later is where I stand. Having a doctor as a wife i got all the medical care I ever needed Free as does the rest of her family. Thankfully I did not need it.

I knew the villages and how they have suffered over the years and felt sick to see some having to eat frogs, rats, dogs and the likes of to survive while those in Bk live in the super league drive top of the rang mercs and porsches.

I saw a cop getting out of a brand new AMG top of the rage merc he was driving, how the hell does a cop who earns a lot less than I do afford such a car. I can but only just.

Intil the country rids itself of the rubbish that has controlled the country for seven decades nothing will change and the poor Thai will get a lot poorer unfortunately.

But was very happy to see a report from Germany about a certain individual who inherited a fortune when his father died being informed he will have to pay tax on his inheritance.

Over Zealous or telling the truth of how it really is? The later is where I stand. Having a doctor as a wife i got all the medical care I ever needed Free as does the rest of her family. Thankfully I did not need it.

I knew the villages and how they have suffered over the years and felt sick to see some having to eat frogs, rats, dogs and the likes of to survive while those in Bk live in the super league drive top of the rang mercs and porsches.

I saw a cop getting out of a brand new AMG top of the range merc he was driving, how the hell does a cop who earns a lot less than I do afford such a car. I can but only just.

Until the country rids itself of the rubbish that has controlled the country for seven decades nothing will change and the poor Thai will get a lot poorer unfortunately.

But i was very happy to see a report from Germany about a certain individual who inherited a fortune when his father died being informed he will have to pay tax on his inheritance as he was a resident of Munich at the time.

It may take years but in the end it catches up with you and $60 billion is a lot of money is it not all raped from the mouths of poor Thais.

All of what I write here is the truth, if you do not think so just google it.

Lovely Country but now a cesspit of corruption and lies due to the rubbish that runs it.

PS
Far cheaper than you would pay in the U.S. , UK or Australia

I can only talk for the UK and you do not have to pay there, even my Thai wife had an opp that was free and has total praise for the staff who did it and said they are the best in the world. But now she is one of them, another loss for Thailand.

If only I could never again have to reread the ridiculous inflammatory rants of neveragain.  Happy, well adjusted people who know how to live their lives, are not the stupid ones.  Calling people names and putting them down for not believing in ridiculous conspiracy theories and for being happy and successful is sick.  If you don't like Thailand, fine, but why do you want everyone else to be miserable too?

Sure there are many people who are ill-suited to live in a foreign land but many others thrive, prosper and adapt to their new surroundings.  I am happy you have returned home and wish you would simply get on with your life.

Hello,

Very well said !!!

I choose not to respond back to Neveragain , He's an angry person.'
Life is not what it is , It's what you make it !!! I appreciate the simple things of life and pray for those surrounding themselves with hate and anger it's a void I once fell into not a welcome place I can a test to that.
I said before there's corruption everywhere in the world , Be part of the solution not part of the problem and surround yourself with hate and anger unhealthy and counterproductive , When I lived in my Home and Birth Country The U.S.A. I was involved in Community Crime Watch giving back to my Community , Helping the fight against Crime and Corruption.
I help my Thai Community my village now I wish I could save the World but if there were more people giving help and being positive the World would be a better place.

Finally I also sense some of his anger as being Western Influence, This is Thailand it will      NEVER BE !!! 100% a Western Culture and letting go and expanding your knowledge of Eastern Culture is helpful , But the old saying is this is not for everyone.

Cheers
Best Regards
Safe Journey and Life for All

There's no perfect place to retire as One's Man meat is another man's poison.

Corruption is almost everywhere including crime. Europe, USA etc have it too. Besides some Europeans and Americans are racist towards Asians etc

Cost of living in Europe and USA are much higher than Thailand, therefore those who had limited pension finance moves here is known.

I can understand some sacrifice a lot by giving up their past lifestyle in drinks, food, entertainment etc

Everyone is different and has their own freedom of choice.

I'm not retired though I had lived in Thailand for 20 years now. I don't plan to retire but will sure be on semi retired. I learned a good lesson from a Singaporean lady who works in a 5 star in Shanghai, way back in 1995.

At that time, China starts to open her doors to Foreigners and investment. She had been working in China for 5 years when I met her.

Her words to me was, "I don't let China rule me but I rule China,  thus I don't loose my principles and roots."

It's very true and I had this verse engraved into my heart. I always try to do the best of both world so that I'm happy.

I live on the fringe of Bangkok to escape the noise and pollution. Besides I have 2 places and I shuttle between them accordingly to my work.

Thank GOD, I'm safe and didn't face nasty situations, but I do got cheated before. I take it as a game, I lost now but I will sure make back 10 folds or more later.

So if one retires here, it's all up to you to decide and what lifestyle you wish to have.

I have 1 life and sure love to have the best I can. As for food, I go all the way out for it even to the extend of pampering myself in fine dining.

I don't believe in buying properties here as it's liabilities instead of assets. I park my assets overseas where I am sure of getting returns or dispose off easily.

In closing, know your heart to what you need, want and being happy. For sure you need to give up certain things to gain other things.

Don't try to change Thais or Thailand but live on what is to your enjoyment. You will sure be more happy.

A tip, I will opt for Guilin or Hainan in China for retirement as cost of living is much cheaper and better than Thailand. Safety is much better, environment is great and weather is super during winter, spring and autumn. Summer is short period of time.

You find more Chinese there that speaks English more than Thais.

I am very interested in this. I looked through the site but would like to know more.

Has anyone got any contacts that have done this already and would be open to talking it through?

Many Regards

Matt

Hello,

I'm living in Thailand and married to a Thai Woman , Always willing to help where I can or supply info.

Best Regards

Villageidiot (Sorry I ment farang)

If only I could never again have to reread the ridiculous inflammatory rants of neveragain.  Happy, well adjusted people who know how to live their lives, are not the stupid ones.  Calling people names and putting them down for not believing in ridiculous conspiracy theories and for being happy and successful is sick.

Klingon63

I choose not to respond back to Neveragain , He's an angry person.'
Life is not what it is , It's what you make it !!!

Firstly guys no one ask you to reply its simply you have nothing else to do that makes you reply. But every time you reply you never provide evidence of what I am saying is untrue, as you know every word I write is true and a prime example of what is happening in Thailand today.

Conspiracy Theories

I wonder if you know what the words mean as its not only being talked about by expats, it's all over the Internet. Put the words Koh Tao into Google and see what you get. just encase you do not know how to do it here's the first of many about the death island.

Thailand's dark side: why you really shouldn't visit Koh Tao | The ...
Everything I have stated is 100% true, yet you say its ridiculous inflammatory rants so you are the ones in denial not me as every thing I have wrote can be checked.

All I want is to make sure anyone who is thinking of going there knows the facts as they are and not as a expat who has retired there and has made a big mistake and cannot afford to leave as would not have enough funds to survive back home wants them to believe.

Not once have you tried to counter the facts. This shows you are unable to as what I state is the truth. I have over 30 years experience in thai and for 26 years I was like you and got away with it almost, then the inevitable happened a local tried a scam me as he though he could rip me off of 10 million bath, he failed as I left by the back door. Look at the case now of Ian Rance who had £1.8 million ripped of him and his 3 children and here's the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34346620 

Day after day this goes on and you deny it. Do you own your own home, no is the answer, as you cannot under Thai law. Maybe the wife does, but god help you if she has a bad night or you get ill and the money finally runs out as like thousands of other expats who lost everything and got deported.

Hide away from the facts in your golden bubble if you must but do not lie to others with facts you dream up in your head as you have no right to wreck their lives with bullS--- about how nice it is in Thailand when the facts are its cheap substandard and very unsafe.

My wife is Thai but a professional who did the right thing and went on to get a master degree in Australia and became a successful doctor. Would she go back to Thai No is the answer. That is a question I ask all Thais here in the UK I meet and there are thousands, not one has said yes yet.

But I have stated many times I love the country and many of the people but those in the southern half are scum for what they do to their own not to mention expats and tourists.

August 25th is going to be a D day with YL wait and see.

By all means if I write lies in a post here have a go at me as I would deserve it, but I don't as you know. So stop lying to others and filling there heads full of crap as only simple selfish bad people do that.

Angry I am not but I will have my say and idiots who cannot accept the truth will not stop me. Perhaps you should read what's on our websites about the place.

Time for a nap or a beer. You've made your point, now it's time to move on.

Hello,

Your opinions are yours and yours alone. Apologies you have had such bad experiences with your time in Thailand , That does not mean others positive attitudes and experiences are wrong or a lie nor trying to ruin others.
Making statements as such as labeling one as a liar or ruining others  is not appreciated and I ask you to please take your negative behavior elsewhere , Thank You.

If I may quote what you said to me neveragain"

"Qoute "......Sorry my friend that is the difference between you and I. I am big enough to say no that is wrong and do something about it
Canada its a great country and nowhere near as corrupt as Thailand not in any way near the corruption you will find in any tiny thai village. If you are a true Canadian do not ever insult your country again by saying what you said. If you are in thailand you must be there for one of two reasons, 1, on the run or 2, cheap HIV sex."...."Un qoute"

  Well you are wrong nevergain to say I have HIV or am on the run. No truth or facts stated there my friend. You say you have the right to talk about corruption, but when I mention it in my own country you accuse me of insulting my home land.

Google ..."Evreybody Does It: crime by the public,...   and you will get your facts on Canadian corruption.

I love my country, but my point is that there is corruption every where you look so please try and lower your hatred for Thailand.

My wife and I love going to Thailand for the winter and visiting her relatives. My plans are to renovate her home and maybe retire there. I will always keep my home here in Canada because yes you make valid points about farangs rights in Thailand but a lot of older folks here in Canada rent and do not own property either.

Hi Matt,
I am Cliff, and  I live in Bangkok. -  ***

Hi Matt

What do you want to know more, retirement in Thailand or China that I post?

You can PM me and explain the places etc to you

NeverAgain, you have made your point. Perhaps it is time for you to purge Thailand out of your thoughts, and move on with your life.

I did not want to comment on Neveragain but for 30 years Thailand was good enough for him to make a living here and meet a wife. He should be grateful for what Thailand has given him a job a wife and I assume a good time except for the last 3.5 years
I think Thailand is grateful for him in leaving and it is easy to rant and rave from another country.What did he do to improve the situation here if it is so bad or was he just concerned to make money and how many times did he pay tea money to ease his way.I have never paid tea money and have not experienced any of the crime he mentions. I do not live in BKK and never will ,each one for his own
Why is Thailand growing at 3.5 percent this year but many European countries are not? Let him remain where he is and enjoy life there
I am enjoying life here and am not sex mad or stupid and can return to my home country anytime I wish. I may mention that I am streetwise and have not been ripped off here once by dishonest people. The village people are poor but honest in a village of 4000 residents
I would like to know what has Neveragain  seen or done to upset him about Thailand.
Hope he stays away from Thailand forever and stop his rants.
Has he any facts for his allegations which affected him?

Personally I think it is important for members to self regulate and speak up when they feel offended or think someone has gone too far.  I am encouraged by the manner in which people expressed their views here, without resorting to the same kinds of insults and inflammatory language used by neveragain.  The thought of engaging with someone so combative and offensive can be overwhelming but I am impressed with how well everyone is handling this.  Congratulations on your restraint and decorum in dealing with this situation.

I lived in Thailand for two years and traveled there on business, lived the high-life and in rural areas. I love the culture, new discoveries every day, in the beginning it does help to have a friendly guide. I am in consideration of retiring in Thailand.

Let me, simply consider the logistics and administration of retiring in Thailand. It's work and complicated to get a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (long stay) that needs to be done in your home county. It does include financials, health check, and a 'Clean' background check from your home country. There does seem to be alternatives to this approach by applying in country. Not sure how you navigate this visa or extension. You are unlikely to find definitive answers on ThaiVisa and seem to vary by province. You seem driven to use an agent. OK, we get this far, now, we need to check with an immigration office via various means depending on the province every 90 days for proof of residency. One year later and every year thereafter, you need to apply all over again for another one year extension with basically the same requirements at the discretion of a immigration officer. And, this seems to differ by province.

It's their country, they do as they please. Though you do seem to be in a precarious position most of the time. So, best to have a Plan B including for serious healthcare.  Australia, even Europe or Asia is close enough. The US, not so much, a very long and expensive flight back for a missed 90 day check-in or rejected one year extension. For most serious long-term health care conditions would require a trip back for Medicare or specialist care. Many of these considerations can be overcome with higher income retirees. They can afford agent or lawyer management of visas and business class trips back to the US, maybe to a second home.

On cost of living there are places in South America that are better or match Thailand. Some counties have more receptive retiree visa requirements and benefits. Plus, you are maybe around a six or less flight time back to the US for Medicare or for me VA Health care or to apply for another visa to somewhere else. Maybe I just want to go home.

Anyway, I would prefer a long-stay in Thailand though there are downsides that need to be considered depending on your income and country of origin.

Hello,

I found the 1 Year Retirement Visa is very easy to obtain between your Embassy in Bangkok and going to Immigration in Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand , They are very polite English friendly and proficient and the staff will assist in filling out there forms they require.

Of course the convience of going to Nakhon Ratchasima is because as mentioned different in each region , They have been rated one of the best in Thailand and of course my Wife is from this region
The only thing I would of changed when I got my first Retirement Visa would be to go to the U.S. Embassy first to complete proof of income form and have them notarize it , Then go to Immigration afterwards but first lesson learned

Best of Luck
Best Regards

It seems you were already in Thailand under some condition and applied for a one year extension to stay in Thailand. Some have initially used a 90-Day Non-Immigrant Thailand Visa, in some cases or in the past this could be used to explore retirement in Thailand. This does not appear to be the case for applications from the US. This requires that you apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-A” (long stay). Some think this is the best route, if outside Thailand, though you need the financials, health checkup and an clean FBI Identity History Summary with fingerprints which takes about 3 months. This can go back from your birth, like caught with marijuana 50 years ago.

Anyway, some claim while in country on a 30 day visa then apply for a 90 extension, get your financials from the US Embassy in Bangkok, the Chiang Mai Consulate might work then apply for a one year extension to stay. Beats me.

Hello,

Once you've obtained a 90 Day Visa it qualifies you to apply for a Retirement Visa , It dose not require any other checks. At least through U.S. Process.
Income verification Retirement Visa 400, 000 Baht in a Thai Bank Baht or 65,000 Baht monthly one or both combined qualifies.

Marriage Visa 800,000 Baht in Thai Bank and you can do the same combine Bank and or monthly income as well.

A 90 day visa is more than enough time to get this completed, One full day for Embassy Process and that was travel and staying overnight.
Depending on the que at Immigration can be 45 minutes or up to a couple of hours.

You have those two reversed.  Retirement is 800,000 and marriage is 400,000.

After many years of using the marriage option I recently switched to retirement at the request of the local immigration officials.  Far less paperwork and you get the visa on the day and don't have to send everything off to Bangkok for approval, returning for the final stamp in four weeks time.  I just got used to the marriage option over the years but I have to admit the retirement option is much quicker and easier.

Hello Villagefarrang,

I stand corrected had them reversed I used the monthly income portion which is attached to both the Retirement Visa or Marriage Visa minimum of 65,000 Baht , That's why I mixed them up . As I used my monthly Pension Income


Best Regards