Why Do Expats Remain - Why Do They Come Back?

[brianks]

I can't agree with the previous post more. As a US citizen, going back to the US for health reasons is a nonstarter. Totally impossible to get the same level of health care available here back in the US. The cost would bankrupt me in the US whereas I can pick and choose the level and cost of health care I can receive here. Even where I live down south, I am finding more high-quality health services continually popping up in the larger cities around me.

[Gregjam]

Seems to be a common vein here. As with others I remain because I like it in Thailand. As a seafarer I escape for a few months at a time then return to family in Hua Hin. Yes it can be a pain particularly as my work means it is difficult to maintain a non-imm O as I am away when the extension is due but that is not a huge challenge. Over more than thirty years I have adapted to and accept that what makes Thailand my preference is a combination of the good and bad. Saying that I still retain strong links to the UK and should medical needs require it I hope to be able to get on a plane and go back. Worth noting that most Thais are not aware of our status. They see Thais getting British nationality relatively easily but have no idea how difficult it is to even get a resident visa particularly in my line of work. So the plan is to remain in this lovely country with all its foibles until I either die, am kicked out or have to run to the NHS system.

[REEM]

I met a Thai Chinese girl I met in the late eighties whilst working for a couple of years in Thailand. We returned to the UK, she got a student visa to study there and we soon married. Shortly after she obtained UK citizenship followed by her UK passport. It was so easy back then, and we lived in the UK for about 12 years before selling up and returning to Thailand. We took advantage of the very weak Baht and the strong Pound at that time and bought a Hua Hin condo where we lived. I had a retirement visa and life was good.

But it is not easy for a foreigner to assimilate or integrate into Thai society or culture, we are always the outsider, especially so with the authorities.
I studied Thai for years and can speak it to a pretty good standard but it made little difference, and although it was frequently praised, it often raised suspicion.

And even after over a decade in Thailand, apart from my wifes family, with whom I was accepted from day one, the number of Thais I can count as close trusted friends can be counted on one hand with a finger or two to spare.

But even having said all that I do love the country. The ease with which most daily tasks can be completed (apart from bureaucracy and dealing with the authorities) is a big plus when compared to the UK. The health system, the customer service, the 24 hour availability of most things and the mostly reasonable cost of living and the outgoing street life often chaotic nature of the place made it a very attractive place to live compared to the depressing dysfunctional multicultural in all the wrong ways shithole the UK has now become. The Thai weather is also brutal. It is too hot and too humid and I find wall to wall sunshine boring. I much prefer the rainy season with clouds and proper rain. I also found it hard to fill my days in Thailand, I dont drink and so bar socialising is not a big attraction, I like the outdoors but for me the weather in Thailand precludes that for most of the year.

Even so, by 2017 we wanted a change and we returned to the UK, I had inherited a property in the North when my mother died and although initially we were going to sell it, we decided to live there for a while. A while turned into a longer while and it soon became a home for us. We adapted well to the change and the slower pace of life there, but we did miss Thailand.

Now we spend about five months of the year in Thailand, on two trips, and the rest of the time in the UK, and we find it the perfect balance. I avoid any dealings with immigration or any of the other authorities etc. I have health care in the UK and health insurance for when we travel, and the weather is better for outdoor pursuits, apart from November to March that is!

BUT. The UK is changing rapidly, and not for the better. Years of bad government during and after covid and now the new Labour administration are fast turning the UK into a country we both barely recognise, costs and taxation are becoming horrendous, the crime rate is soaring, with the police and the courts doing little to help, and the increasingly divisive and loud nature of the race, colour, mental health, net zero and LGBT and trans debate dominate just about everything these days. One dare not speak ones mind in case it is overheard by someone with an opposing view and offence is given. Both myself and my wife are not afraid to speak our minds on any subject, but these days it is better to not say anything at all, whatever side of the fence you are on.

We feel that the UK is on a downward spiral both economically and culturally and we are seriously thinking of selling up here in the UK and returning to Thailand.

[Martinoo]

I think the difficulty with finding Thai friends is, that it is often an unequal friendship; money, cars, housing and even Thai can feel overwhelmed.... or any other feeling...
I worked here for close to 3 dedaces; Thai drink and dining buddies, yeah, plenty, but social buddies, nope.

I find there is no comparible history, schooling, religion, culture, politics, all are different, so what can you talk about?
The family is easy.... they are all workmen with a different everything from me, but I like most of them, we have major fun when we meet. They all come from Ayutthaya to spend a few days per year... sea, sun, sand, beach and booze...
January we held Tamboon, 63 people, young to old, all direct family, from one grandma and grandpa... After the 3-4 days they asked if we could do it every year....ahahahha, we'll see... And they all gave my wife something, money, drinks or they made the food for the group.... and that is what I appreciate. It is just the idea they think about it....but you always have a few freeloaders....so what...

[Dannie Boy]

I met a Thai Chinese girl I met in the late eighties whilst working for a couple of years in Thailand. We returned to the UK, she got a student visa to study there and we soon married. Shortly after she obtained UK citizenship followed by her UK passport. It was so easy back then, and we lived in the UK for about 12 years before selling up and returning to Thailand. We took advantage of the very weak Baht and the strong Pound at that time and bought a Hua Hin condo where we lived. I had a retirement visa and life was good.

But it is not easy for a foreigner to assimilate or integrate into Thai society or culture, we are always the outsider, especially so with the authorities.
I studied Thai for years and can speak it to a pretty good standard but it made little difference, and although it was frequently praised, it often raised suspicion.

And even after over a decade in Thailand, apart from my wifes family, with whom I was accepted from day one, the number of Thais I can count as close trusted friends can be counted on one hand with a finger or two to spare.

But even having said all that I do love the country. The ease with which most daily tasks can be completed (apart from bureaucracy and dealing with the authorities) is a big plus when compared to the UK. The health system, the customer service, the 24 hour availability of most things and the mostly reasonable cost of living and the outgoing street life often chaotic nature of the place made it a very attractive place to live compared to the depressing dysfunctional multicultural in all the wrong ways shithole the UK has now become. The Thai weather is also brutal. It is too hot and too humid and I find wall to wall sunshine boring. I much prefer the rainy season with clouds and proper rain. I also found it hard to fill my days in Thailand, I dont drink and so bar socialising is not a big attraction, I like the outdoors but for me the weather in Thailand precludes that for most of the year.

Even so, by 2017 we wanted a change and we returned to the UK, I had inherited a property in the North when my mother died and although initially we were going to sell it, we decided to live there for a while. A while turned into a longer while and it soon became a home for us. We adapted well to the change and the slower pace of life there, but we did miss Thailand.

Now we spend about five months of the year in Thailand, on two trips, and the rest of the time in the UK, and we find it the perfect balance. I avoid any dealings with immigration or any of the other authorities etc. I have health care in the UK and health insurance for when we travel, and the weather is better for outdoor pursuits, apart from November to March that is!

BUT. The UK is changing rapidly, and not for the better. Years of bad government during and after covid and now the new Labour administration are fast turning the UK into a country we both barely recognise, costs and taxation are becoming horrendous, the crime rate is soaring, with the police and the courts doing little to help, and the increasingly divisive and loud nature of the race, colour, mental health, net zero and LGBT and trans debate dominate just about everything these days. One dare not speak ones mind in case it is overheard by someone with an opposing view and offence is given. Both myself and my wife are not afraid to speak our minds on any subject, but these days it is better to not say anything at all, whatever side of the fence you are on.

We feel that the UK is on a downward spiral both economically and culturally and we are seriously thinking of selling up here in the UK and returning to Thailand.

Your situation isn’t that different to mine, although my wife does not have the right to remain indefinitely in the UK or have a UK passport, so relies on a 10 year visa allowing up to 6 months stay, but we share our time between Thailand and the UK although approximately the opposite to you - 4/5 months UK and 7/8 months Thailand. Like you, we’ve noticed a change over the past few years in the Uk, living in the South East, the demographics are changing rapidly and the % of what appear to be non-Brits increasing year on year. How long we’ll continue doing this I’m not sure, maybe as the years go on we might reduce the time spent in the UK, assuming of course that Thailand remains stable - clearly something that can’t be taken for granted in the current situation!!

[Martinoo]

assuming of course that Thailand remains stable - clearly something that can’t be taken for granted in the current situation!!

Well during my time here Thailand has been through a few coups,Junta's, Bangkok Burning, Tsunami, Birdflue, Covid, probably forgot something.... And we all survived...not a scratch, never felt fear
So I see no real immediate danger......
[Mod Edit] Final comment removed as it breaks T&Cs

[Dannie Boy]

assuming of course that Thailand remains stable - clearly something that can’t be taken for granted in the current situation!!

Well during my time here Thailand has been through a few coups,Junta's, Bangkok Burning, Tsunami, Birdflue, Covid, probably forgot something.... And we all survived...not a scratch, never felt fear
So I see no real immediate danger...... comment removed by MOD..

I too have never felt fear from anything that’s happened in Thailand - my comment was simply putting into context Reem and my views about how the UK is changing and how it might affect our decision whether to stay or not - just comparing one with another.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[pharvey]

Well, as far as the UK, the demographic is certainly changing and current Labour are doing F' All to change things aside to make the issue(s) far, far worse. And they're not alone - Christ, watching the news this morning, hundreds upon hundreds of Illegal Immigrants setting off to UK shores with ZERO French Police presence (despite the UK paying them hundreds of £Millions to control) and a UK Charity running an "Outdoor Kitchen" to give them a fully belly before setting off!! The Labour Party, Charities and the numerous WOKE Muppets present care more for the Illegals than they do for our own citizens.....

I have sympathy with the likes of Thailand and China who refuse to provide handouts to foreigners, I wish the UK did the same to a certain extent. Those (LEGAL) Immigrants to the UK who (like the LHG) have gone through the required process (various Visas (5 Year Plan in our case) Spouse, Proof of Funds, language skills etc. And in the LHG's case, a record of National Insurance and Tax payments entitling her to treatment on the NHS. Should the NHS charge Immigrants not paying into the system? ABSOLUTELY!! Don't ask me my opinion of the Illegals or of the utterly clueless "Love-in", WOKE, BS Brigade (who likely don't pay their own tax)..... The NHS is dying due to Uncontrolled Immigration, "Health Tourism" and our own citizens simply taking the piss. Sorry, truly off my Soapbox now

I wonder, what is the feeling now in Thailand as a whole towards the "Farang"? I had the very occasional negative instance over the years I worked and visited Thailand and HH, but they were very much few and far between in comparison to my experiences in China and indeed the LHG's experiences here in the UK (though we live away from the cities).

There are clear perceptions Worldwide with regards to foreigners and I've experienced racism to an extent everywhere (including the UK) from the silly to the offensive - the latter I've never experienced in Thailand.

There are several members that have left Thailand but still continue here. For those in HH and Thailand living the life, fair play indeed!! For those suffering a tad, I truly wish you all the very best - for those looking elsewhere, I truly hope you find (or have found) what you are looking for!!

For me, I'm hoping we'll see a miracle in the UK come 4 years time......

[Lost]

Well, as far as the UK, the demographic is certainly changing and current Labour are doing F' All to change things aside to make the issue(s) far, far worse. And they're not alone - Christ, watching the news this morning, hundreds upon hundreds of Illegal Immigrants setting off to UK shores with ZERO French Police presence (despite the UK paying them hundreds of £Millions to control) and a UK Charity running an "Outdoor Kitchen" to give them a fully belly before setting off!! The Labour Party, Charities and the numerous WOKE Muppets present care more for the Illegals than they do for our own citizens..... :

Your rant is valid. Everyone sees it. Noones doing fuck all about it. Along with us normal folk recognising the complete deterioration of the UK both financially and culturally, the rich people are noticing it too.

"The United Kingdom faces the largest single-year exodus of wealth ever recorded, with Henley projecting 16,500 HNWIs (High net worth individual) acquiring residency status elsewhere. China is the report's second-biggest loser with 7,800 HNWIs projected to gain residency status elsewhere in 2025."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerow ... residents/

Ever recorded. In forever. The most amount of money leaving a country in a year since records began. But, but, but Trump...

[Lost]

To get back on topic, Thailand is a far better place to be than the UK. So we come back, I will be back there next year.

[Lost]

The U.S. seems to, potentially, be a nice place of residence too. Teacher's salaries are very high. There's a new found spirit in the country. Just the medical stuff scares me, seen the horrific prices of stuff.

[buksida]

I wonder, what is the feeling now in Thailand as a whole towards the "Farang"? I had the very occasional negative instance over the years I worked and visited Thailand and HH, but they were very much few and far between in comparison to my experiences in China and indeed the LHG's experiences here in the UK (though we live away from the cities).

Farangs are only tolerated in Thailand because they bring money in, but they are neither liked nor welcomed by officialdom - most of Asia is pretty racist under the surface. We are temporary tourists and allowed to stay for short periods at the whim of a government official. Things could change here at any time, which is why I don't want all of my 'kai' in the same basket and would feel better in my later years with some options or a 'safety net' in terms of somewhere else to go if/when things become untenable here. Thailand has made it quite clear over the years that it is only interested in millionaire high rollers and Chinese tourists, while the rest of Southeast Asia is opening up.

Thailand is a far better place to be than the UK. So we come back, I will be back there next year.

This I agree with, the UK has gone seriously downhill since Covid and I don't look forward to going back any longer, but there are also better places to live in than Thailand. I realize that the UK, Australia, and maybe the US, are going in the wrong direction, but Thailand ain't utopia (though the rose-tinted glasses crew will disagree )

The two countries seem like opposite ends of a magnet, and both too extreme in their approach to foreigners IMO. In the UK, foreigners are welcomed, can work, vote, own property outright, get free healthcare, and are sometimes showered with 'gifts' (benefits) if they integrate. Whereas in Thailand, you can live for decades, be fluent in the language, work and pay taxes, pay for property, vehicles, schooling, raise a family, and still be double-charged, locked out of services, and classed lower than a soi dog with about as many rights, because you are 'alien' (ต่างด้าว).

[HHTel]

It has become very difficult for a foreigner to move legally to the UK these days.
Many years ago when I married my then Thai wife, we were married in one day and she got a visa from the embassy after being interviewed. The cost at the time was peanuts. A one year visa initially then ILR after the first year. Citizenship after 4 years.

Now the marriage process in Thailand takes a few weeks. Then a 'spouse visa' will cost a quarter of a million baht including NHS surcharge, not counting the requirement for minimum salary, accommodation etc. And of course no guarantee that the visa will be approved and no refund!

[buksida]

You missed the point.
The UK visa process may be harder now, but once you are established there (after a couple of years), you have the same rights as UK citizens (same deal in Australia).

After decades of being established in Thailand, farangs still have virtually no rights, are classified as aliens, overcharged, and treated like tourists or criminals. Its a big difference.

[Big Boy]

I agree. Even now my wife shudders at some of the stupid hoops I have to jump through here in Thailand, when comparing to what she had to do in the UK during her 22 years living there.