Living in Thailand

[E-Dork]

Sorry I haven't got anything good to add to this thread, but just wanted to say.... Pete - That's probably one of the best posts I've read for a long time! *








*Unfortunately due to an early stage of Alzhiemers (sp?) kicking in that 'long time' may only be a matter of days..

[fach3003]

brill post pete

i see daft stuff everyday
there was a full band playing in the back
of the pick up the other day
going along the motoway from Hua Hin to Cha am........
Drum kit , bass , electric guitar...the singer was singing
and dancing on the drop down tail gate....
Huge speakers were strapped on to the roof...
must be ok as they were only doing 70kmh....

2 minutes later a pick up pass me with two
hammocks in the back with people asleep in them...

45 mins here puts a smile on your face

ive got the 3 year thing to pass through!!!!

regards to all!!!

[shunpike]

Nice post Pete, cheers mate!

[kalbow]

This was all in 45 minutes. A slice of life the likes of which you'll see nowhere else, and reminds me of some of the reasons I came here, and am still here. Pete

Totally agree Pete - who needs TV eh?

A few months ago Mrs Kalbow and I went for a coffee near where we live in Khao Tao. Mrs K suggests we wander down to the fishing village, that is, to where the fishermen and families hang out. We wandered into their little community and just sat around they carried on talking, happy for us just to sit amongst them drinking our coffee. Mrs K. gets into a conversation with them as if she's know them all her life - well actually one of the ladies does her nails. All in very chilled-out and how life should be!

[richard]

Great post Pete

I'm a people watcher too. Love to go down to the market in HH at 5 am and have coffee, tea and Thai donuts and just watch the Thai world go by. It beats the sh1t out of going to market village and clocking the posers and poncers

[armycw4ret]

I am coming. My ex has done me a favor. I have been to Thailand two times in the last two months. Coming again this week for ten days to lock in a place to live and back after my official retirement date of 31 Aug. Would have worked until 70 and probably died at my desk. Can take half of what I give to my ex and bring the other half and live pretty well with some great people. Should have happened 10 years ago but??? I want to swim, walk, golf, maybe surf, play some bar pool, have a few drinks, not drive anywhere and made to feel like a deviant for having a drink too many. Knock on wood, still here at 62 and some good years to come in Thailand. Cannot wait.

[m_right]

Congratulations armycw4ret. Welcome to freedom.

[johnnyk]

Great post Pete

I'm a people watcher too. Love to go down to the market in HH at 5 am and have coffee, tea and Thai donuts and just watch the Thai world go by. It beats the sh1t out of going to market village and clocking the posers and poncers

On your way home, no doubt....

[TypicallyTropical]

I want to swim, walk, golf, maybe surf, play some bar pool, have a few drinks, not drive anywhere and made to feel like a deviant for having a drink too many.

Didn't you leave something out of that list?

[elem]

Being back in EU for another few months, your posts make me realise how much I miss those 'people-and-life-going-by' moments in Thailand....and just waking up early to the mix of sounds...birds and dogs, fishing-boats, monks from the temple, vans w screaming announcements, loud music and contruction-noise all at the same time
And not having to wear socks or boots and be close the sea every day...that's what makes it for me!

[Luc]

Great post Pete.
I'm living in Europe (Belgium) and I am sick of paying for all parasites.
When I see how easy life in Thailand can be, I must be stupid not moving over there.
I had my own business for more than 20 years, last year I sold it.
No money for me from the goverment, I payed my taxes and stuff for more than 20 years, i'm excluded because I had my own business for more than 15 years. (so now I don't need money !!!!)
Many people are here, without any contribution to the Belgian economy, and they get money every month.
The money I payed and worked for !!!
I'm sick of it and i plan moving out to Thailand.
Good idea or not ?

[GLCQuantum]

I'm sick of it and i plan moving out to Thailand.
Good idea or not ?

YES!!... But don't think about your next sentence again...

When I see how easy life in Thailand can be, I must be stupid not moving over there.

or you may be in for quite a shock.

[hhfarang]

or you may be in for quite a shock.

Yes,

[Spitfire]

Absolutely, it is by no means Shangri la, but the pros still outweigh the cons and beats the hell out of living in the politically correct world of Europe, even if it (life in Thailand) is not quite the deal it used to be.

Hopefully, in a few years the exchange rate will, hopefully, get better/be more favourable for us as the high baht is probably more to do with the European currencies doing badly as opposed to the baht outperforming everything, think they (European currencies) have been devalued on purpose.

We'll see, and will hand over to more financially astute fellows on the forum regarding that one.

However, you still need, these days now anyhow, to have your act together on a few fronts to stay long term here, more so than in the past, especially visas etc. Didn't used to be like that but now is.

[PeteC]

Follow this thread Luc as it develops: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=18543

You won't have a pension as you say, but you should be able to live well off the proceeds of your business sale, plus some astute investing. If you were sharp enough to run a successful business for that long, I would think no worries in the money management department.

A lot depends upon how you feel when the newness and excitement of Thailand, and Hua Hin, wears off. Then you can make a good decision if the country is right for you, and if Hua Hin is right for you. As said in the above referenced thread and in many others, give yourself at least 3 months before you commit to anything, meaning before disposing of assets back in Belgium, and before buying any type of residence in Thailand. Personally I would probably push that to half a year. Get out of Hua Hin and look at other places, both seaside and rural mountain up-country. If you enjoy the excitement and conveniences of city life I know many who would live nowhere else here other than Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

You'll know if it's right for you or not if given some time. Just be patient and plan well. Pete