Deciding on an Island...

[RoatanGurl]

Yes, this visa could be an interesting situation. My husband is a retired pro athlete for his country. He has coached university teams before and has his certifications. This might be a viable option as well? I will have a look at the link regarding working. I was hoping I could start a small business to stay occupied and of course make a few pennies while I'm at it.

I have looked into Cambodia as well as malaysia, but not nearly as much as I have with Thailand, because I had been there before I leaned more in that direction. I will check out requirements for living there.

Does anyone know how crime is like in Cambodia & Malaysia?

What do all of you do? are you retirees, or married to a native of the island?
than

[SunandFun]

Cambodia is OK safety wise, but there are areas to avoid. Malaysia is overall very safe, but owning property is an issue there. Good Luck.

[hhfarang]

What do all of you do? are you retirees, or married to a native of the island?

There are a lot of retirees in Hua Hin and there are a lot married to the "natives". Some do work as teachers or in the real estate business, but working here is not easy as some find out. I have a neighbor that has been here for years, bored to tears, trying to figure out a legal way to make a living.

And again: Hua Hin is not on an island, it is on the mainland...

[Noz]

Malaysia is overall very safe, but owning property is an issue there.

What are the issues? I don't have first-hand knowledge but I do know that Malaysia operates a scheme called "Malaysia My Second Home", where you can get a 10 year renewable multiple entry visa when you buy a property via the programme. You have to deposit funds into the scheme first then draw on them for the purchase. Foreigners can own freehold.

Would seem light years ahead of Thailand in that respect. What am I missing?