I moved to Pattaya 20 years ago when I was 50. How much you spend changes a lot as you age. At 50, I spent more on nubile women than I did on food, rent, insurance ... COMBINED. Now, I spend my money on people who help keep my life easy: a full-time housekeeper, massage lady, girlfriend, party hardies. Whatever your budget, here are two points: #1) You can't live cheaper in any western country for less than in Thailand and you will have a better quality of life. #2) Come with the budget you can, and then make it work. Thailand has 77 million people, most of whom live on less than US$15 per day. You can too if you have to. But you won't like it. But you might like it better than where you are now.
I agree 100%. You’re a definite voice of experience. Would you consider doing an Interview? If interested please me an email at margaritasinparadise@gmail.com I sure your insight of 20 yrs would be insightful to other viewers.
I've visited Pattaya many times and if you just want to live a chill lifestyle without spending on booze and women every day like myself, its very doable. I enjoyed just having a coffee every day there and hanging out at one of the malls like Royal Garden or Terminal 21 and eating out. Very simple minimal, stress free, lifestyle.
@Resmith18SR Also well said, companionship is available but you have to control your habits. You have to take care of yourself and try not to over indulge.
Living in Survival Mode in the U.S. now requires at least 3 grand a month or more income. If you're a low income senior on Social Security with no other income, you almost have to leave the U.S. like I did and live in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam or Mexico and South America.
@@georgebrooks3873 Right George, let me know where in the U.S. you can rent a decent apartment for less than $1500 a month? A place that's not totally isolated with no public transportation and that has a low crime rate and a high quality of life.
That's exactly what I'm going to do and travel and find a place where I can live reasonable😂😂😂 don't need to stress of the United States anymore High Cost of Living is for the birds😂😂 especially when you've been there and done it and as you get gray hair on your head you know what you need to do
@@Resmith18SRI pay $720 a month in North Lewisburg, Ohio. It’s a small village about 25 minutes from the Northwestern Columbus suburbs. Columbus has metro area population of about 2 million. There’s no crime that I know of where I live. I don’t lock my doors when I leave. Columbus is a hidden gem. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the in the country. I don’t need public transportation, I have a car and little to no traffic until I get into closer to Columbus. My monthly nut is around $1800 a month and I live well.🤷🏻♂️
@@Resmith18SRNorth Lewisburg,, Ohio. $720 a month. Nice place. 25 minute drive to the Northwest suburbs of Columbus. I have a car and public transportation is not needed. Columbus is a hidden gem and is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA. 2 million people in the metro area. As far as I know my neighborhood has been crime free forever. I don’t even lock my door when I leave. I sold my house and am temporarily staying in this apartment until I move to Thailand in December. My entire monthly spending is usually around 1800 a month.
100k baht a month will allow you to live a great life! Golf, girls, vehicle, eat out, everything is solid I purchased a condo as well and calculated it as prepaying rent for 15 years.
@@oceanearth2243 I bought my condo in View Talay 9 years ago it has now almost paid for itself in rent I would have paid ,plus I can sell it for almost what I paid .thanks for reply all best .
Awesome video very informative thank you very much, sir!!! I’m 58 1/2 years old just retired August 1 my first pension check should be deposited on Wednesday. They’re paying the retro back to the beginning of August and then Septembers check should come at the same time as August. Trying to close up my house slowly, but surely not in a big rush. I sold $1800 worth of stuff so far and I’ve just scratched the service unloading the stuff out of my house. It should start going a lot real soon. I’m doing a lot of stuff to charity that has a secondhand store. I just sold a whole bunch of hunting equipment. I’m getting after it slowly, but surely. I’m going to check out a few different places in Southeast Asia before I decide to settle in anywhere. But with this kind of information clears things up thanks for the great detail!!!!
You're welcome. Sounds like you have a plan. Definitely do your research on the right places your considering. Visit all of them and ask every question. Good luck.
I've been here a total of 3 months now and these numbers do add up and make sense. The best thing you can do is to find a happy balance between these 2 lifestyles and hover there as long as you can. I got to meet you at the pride parade in June Tom and it has been one of the highlights of my trip so far. At only 46 I have a few more years before permanent retirement is upon me but have discovered a nice way to semi retire living part time in Thailand while spending some time working in the USA. I think 5 to 7 more years and I'll be ready to hang up my work shoes for good.
Nice. I do that with Ausjailia. I'm very lucky my experience allows me to work in my old company as a casual when I'm here. The only issue is I live with my mother when here and now I have a stable partner and struggling being away from her. But the Ausjailian government have become very commie and are raping property investors so I am living on less money in Thailand now. But having only 1 girl is cheaper than having the herom of 5 or 6 girls like I use too so it's not quite desperate times yet. I turn 55 in February 2026. I think I'll sell my property then and buy alot of gold and start buying and selling Bitcoin on calculated losses and gains for increasing my wealth. Fortunately there's always enough fluctuations that if you have a full Bitcoin, you could make decent profits selling and buying .1 Bitcoin at a time on a regular basis. The only negative is that greedy tax ¢unt ripping in
@ChangNoi-p8q You humble me with the compliments but I do thank you. I respect your decision to better establish yourself prior to retiring full time. Keep your focus. Life is good.
163,000 Baht hits my Bangkok bank each month, 120k accumulates as I only use 40k or so a month. 16k rent at The Rivera Jomtien, (4 nice pools) 3k Utilities, 7k yearly visa so 600 month. Health Ins 4,500 (im 53). food shopping Big C or lotus weekly 2,500. Restaurant/entertainment 3,000 as I do not go out often other than walking 10k steps a day, working out in the condo gym, or swimming. spend some extra on shoes, clothes 2,500. Bought a new Lazyboy style recliner 7k. Office Chair 5k, so over a year that's another 1k per month. Cook breakfast with Italian sausages eggs tomatoes veggies for breakfast, lunch is watermelon, smoothie or other fruits, dinner is Pork chop, chicken, or fish and that's everyday! Total is 33k to 40k a month. I use to track every receipt on a spreadsheet but stopped after a few months because no need. So if you add in things like bars, girls, golf or scuba diving then your budget will need to accommodate those things.
Obviously you have been very fortunate and could live anyway you want. Even more impressive, is that have a strict budget that allows you to flourish in your own environment. You make it sound easy and are an example for many to follow. Thank you for sharing your budget.
We stayed at the Copa last February for 6 weeks..Now considering 60 days heading down February 3rd..We are swaying towards the Riviera Jomtien..Wondering if the 7/11 is close by and coffee shops
I'm sure the Riviera is a good choice. I've never been on the property though and have no idea what's around that area. Maybe check Google Reviews for a closer look? Good luck
Insurance companies are notorious at denying claims because of preexisting conditions. They can get very creative. I plan on self insuring. Paying cash in Thailand is still probably less than your co-pay under Medicare in the USA. I realize not everyone can manage this, but it is an option for some people.
@@graguitar6493you just need some liquidity to pay the hospital. I have some money with. trusted relative who also has power of attorney in case I’m incapacitated and unable to make my own decisions. I gave her $20k to immediately pay the hospital some money. Also my credit card info. I told her to try to pay with credit cards first. It adds another layer of protection against fraud. Just make sure you have this type of persons emergency contact info on your person at all times.
@georgebrooks3873 There's no doubt it's doable for the right persons. Ideally they already have several million baht in the bank for instance. The people who think they will start out with nothing and add ฿5,000 or $150 a month to an emergency fund are only fooling themselves.
It's a tough choice. Really Pattaya is a renters market. You could really save money by renting and accumulating interest/dividends on your money in some scenarios.
Thailand is my dream but I can’t honestly find a way to make it work unless I homeschooled the 9 year old daughter. Those IB international schools really throw a wrench into the system at 24k usd a year. I might be able to make it work at 70k usd a year but it wouldn’t let me get ahead…I think I’ll have to push this dream out to 55 years old. Still have another 9 years to go before I’ll be financially ready for the switch…until then I’ll just have to be satisfied with the twice a year visits…on a side note, I watched my mom and step father spend almost every dang dime they made as soon as they made it while I was growing up. Never a thought in the world about old age or their children. When their SSI checks finally kicked in they got a measly 3200 usd a month. They were the same age and married about 39 years. My step father collected two SSI checks and died from a heart attack while packing up the house(their plan was to move to South America). Can you believe that ?!? SSI sent my mother an email saying she needed to refund his second check because he didn’t live long enough to earn it. Now my mom is living in a camper hooked up to a friends water hose and snagging power from an extension cord connected to a friend’s house paying 400usd a month for utilities directly to her friend on a 1700usd SSI check. Moral of the story…plan ahead and plan for plan A, B, and C. Retirement only works with decades of planning. My mother is in survival mode right now but you should have seen her throughout her 30s and 50’s….her and her husband couldn’t spend their money fast enough. Be it a new vehicle, a boat, a diamond ring….whatever…they would buy it if they wanted to and usually buy it on credit. Those days end up haunting you when you’re older.
For an early retiree wanting $3,000 per month in passive income adjusted for inflation before tax, you need approximately $1.2 million investment portfolio invested in a global or S&P 500 ETF / index fund. This is based on a 3% withdrawal rate.
Great video. I live in Australia. I like to go to Thailand twice per year. Blokes living there have said Pattaya is not a great place to retire to because there's too much temptation. But to live there at a good level, reasonable accommodation, a girlfriend or regular company, travel, insurance, a motorbike. The figure was around $3,000 US. 100,000 bht per month. I can't see the point in living in Pattaya if you're going to be a cheap Charlie. I'm hoping to live 6 months of the year overseas in places like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. Pattaya is awesome, but there's plenty of cheaper places to retire to if you don't want to party.
Wow, what a game, huh Tom? My Ravens were about to go for the win with the two point conversion but out of bounds by a tie? Next time, see you in the playoffs! #GoRavens
I love good football. Of course it's even better when the team you’re for wins. Blowout games suck, I love Lamar sense of drive & chance; I wish Mahomes still had this. No he's a commodity that has to be protected. Lamar will have his day.
If you want to live legally in Thailand you must have either 800k baht left in the bank or transfer 67000 baht monthly into a Thai bank. Then there is the living expenses and let’s not forget the now enforced Thai tax law for transfers into the country. So many more items to list. Good luck all!
Good information about Retirement visa requirements but they're so many more options. As far as the new tax law goes, nothings being enforced yet. The new regulation took effect 1 Jan 2024 but won't see implementation until late 2025. Even that's under review. Here's some recent news which corroborates the original intent of the law. ruclips.net/video/uIcwKvWyM78/видео.html Here's a good article as well from Siam-Legal www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/thailand-new-tax-on-foreign-income-an-overview/ Thanks again for your input.
Have you interviewed Warren ? It would be interesting to hear how he's enjoying life . Obviously more is better. You need to keep in mind that some people will be miserable on any budget . 🤣🤣🤣
I have talked to him about it. His reply, is someday. & You're right, You can't make everyone happy. I know to many miserable people here as well. I just don't get that.
Hi Tom. Your videos like this one are really informative and helpful. At least it can give someone a blueprint or game plan to try and go by. Thank you and I look forward to your next one. And also Im looking at a Kansas City/Buffalo AFC championship matchup at the end of this season coming up.......
Wars and global warming are both leading to food shortages now and in the future, which in turn are leading to rising prices and rising inflation, including in energy. I advise anyone going to Thailand to get their own solar panels to become somewhat independent of what is known as energy inflation. You should expect prices to rise significantly and factor this into your long-term calculations. I also think that doing without parasitic women should keep costs down. Some will be surprised at how much good planning and self-discipline can make a difference. On the other hand, people don't usually come to Thailand to celebrate savings records. It's better to save up beforehand. Get highly paid, qualified jobs instead and don't spend decades in low-paying jobs. But also enjoy the time until you retire. Time itself is a hard currency, next to happiness and freedom perhaps the hardest.
Your estimate of expenses is a little under US$3000.00 which is doable for a run of the mill lifestyle. Another expat suggested in the ball park of US$2800.00 a month expenses which does not include a luxurious lifestyle. Ideally, one should have a combined monthly income of minimum US$5000.00 (social security plus pension) out of which US$3000.00 a month will be spent on basic needs. The rest can be saved for health emergencies or traveling to other Asian countries. Also, you mentioned entertainment. Would you mind explaining what it entails.
$5K you can live anyway you want in Thailand. My formulas was going after the maximum amounts, I suspect many people would spend much less in the Comfortable level. Entertainment would include going out to the movies, bars, nightclubs minus normal food cost. Maybe android box or a Netflix membership. Anything you do to entertain yourself. Could include golfing, scuba diving, and many other things you do for hobbies. Even monies that you might spend on companionship or dating. I think this list can only be limited by your imagination. I hope this helps.
Nice representation Tom. I think I can live very well in Thailand. Living comfort is a must so I need a condo with a large pool and a gym. Of course, my place would have good internet and a good box. I would also get a good phone plan. I don't go to Asia to eat at McDonalds. I am perfectly happy with delicious Thai street food. I would rent and I would use public transport, but I need a place where I can walk to eat. I don't drink much and would go out maybe 3 times a week for entertainment. I have steady money coming in from interest and pension ($3500) a month. On the side, I have over 1/4 mil that just grows. I just need to find a place that's near to everything but also quiet. I don't mind the high floors in high rises. I'm sure, if you have the time, you could steer me in the right direction. As for insurance, I would go to States for major stuff, as I have Medicare and just pay out of pocket for simple stuff and meds in Thailand. So, $ 3500.00 a month should be enough to live comfortably in Thailand? As for the presentation, maybe you could use dollars instead of baht. Most Americans would find that more relatable.
@dessaint5341 I think we are positioned pretty closely and think somewhat alike. There's no doubt you will flourish in Thailand. When you start looking for accommodations in Thailand, definitely reach-out; if I'm available I would be glad to help. As far as the Baht vs Dollar in presentation, I know you're right as the dollar is more relatable. I personally like to use both. Yesterday, I put about 20 hours into editing that video and was 6 hours behind on publishing. I could nit-pick my video to death I'm sure but in all honesty it came down to me trying to get the product out. Anyway, as always I do appreciate any and all critical feedback. Thanks again.
@@MargaritasinParadiseMedicare is not accepted in Thailand, correct ?l have Medicare now ,but I planned on canceling it and getting something else that would be accepted in Thailand. Do you have to have insurance in order to get a retirement visa ?
Cheers, Tom. Invaluable information was provided in this video. 👍Which football team do I support? I support Tottenham Hotspur aka Spurs! You know, the game that is played with the feet! 😂😂😉
Thanks so much. I love Premiere League though I don't have a favorite team yet. Maybe Man City or Liverpool mainly because of how popular they are here. Someday, I have to figure out my own identity. 😄😂😄
@@MargaritasinParadise Support Spurs, Tom! We play exciting football. You will join us long-suffering fans experiencing the odd high, but then let down the following week! 😂 It's much better than picking the clubs funded by oligarchs who are odds-on to win most of the time! Tottenham may drive you to drink, which could be good or bad! 🍸#Margaritas
It's funny you mention this; I was just discussing this with another friend. Anyway, I don't have a video on this topic but will look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi Tom, 1. Is it true their is no annual property taxes on condos that you buy in Thailand? 2. On average how much are monthly COA fees around Pattaya for a 93sqm+ 2bdr-3bdr + 2bath condo? 3. Same sizes but how much does it cost ballpark for really good condo insurance annually? In the U.S I would NEVER buy a condo again because of COA commies and COA dues and assessments are 3x-5x around country especially in Florida. Thanks
1. There are annual property taxes in Thailand. My condo is 48sqm and my property tax was ฿338 or $10 for the year. 2. HOA fees are approx ฿30 a sqm My HoA fees last year ฿17,000 or $500 3. I initially had homeowner insurance which cost ฿12,000 a year $350.
Hey Tom- Live your videos and I’m budgeting in between the two levels when I move in early 2025. I’ll be there in October, might try to find you to see how you like Wongamat, one of the two places In considering (Pratumnak?). Anyway, love the NFL, but I’m from Baltimore so GO RAVENS!
@@MargaritasinParadise: So you agree that I can make Pattaya work on $2000 USD per month? Would you say Wongamat will give me better value for condo than Pratumnak? Thanks for replying but sorry, Ravens get revenge Thursday, haha! 🏈
Technically both places are on a hill but Phratumnak is steeper. Overall both locations work well. I like Wongamat but I suggest you check out both areas. Many people do like Phratumnak. As far as budget goes, ฿2,000 is what I normally spend, so yes, very doable.
I live in Florida, but was born in Baltimore and raised in Pasadena, Maryland. Let's gang up on Tom on this Thursday's game!! LOL Just kidding, Tom. The Chiefs are still the team to beat. I love my Ravens, but don't like their chances when it comes to the Chiefs.
We headed off on a tangent but as a Ravens fan, I’d rather face KC in game 1 and perhaps catch them off guard than fade them in game 14 when they’re rolling on all cylinders! Besides, what did we do to the Niners in SF on national TV last season..?
Healthcare cost can be a major problem for a lot of people. I have a friend of mine that’s 83 years old and he told me he’s paying $4000 a year for his healthcare insurance in Thailand.
I own my own condo in Jomtien, my monthly expenses inc going to beach and going to very good restaurant going out playing pool most night is 70,000 B a month ,no way could I live on 30,000B a month =1000B a day
Obviously you have your budget figured out. Most people would struggle with a ฿30,000 a month budget but it's doable for the dedicated person. I'm surprised, you get by on only ฿70K ? You must be disciplined as well. Of course, my definition of eating well is probably different than yours. I easily spend ฿1-5K when I go out for example, I can't imagine doing it every night. I definitely appreciate your voice of experience. Thanks.
Depends on how much you drink, do you smoke weed, what kind and how much food you eat. How many ladies your hanging out with, do you cook for yourself, and how much you want to spend on rent . Me personally after going to Pattaya 5 times I could live on 1,000 to 1,200 a month.
Very helpful video. I have been looking at budgets and trying to be realistic. I'm not a bar guy and i don't really drink or smoke (I'm no fun at parties, lol). To ask a clarifying question, what is the typical expense for like car insurance and/or insurance on your motorbike, in your experience? I'd really want a bike, unless it was a too much of an inconvenience to NOT have one, but I think a decent car would be nice to be able to go on some road trip/sightseeing trips in the country.
I have a DMax pickup that cost ฿14,000 a year for top insurance, and ฿6,500 a year for registration. My NMax motorbike cost ฿5,000 a year for insurance and ฿1,500 for registration. I hope this helps
@@MargaritasinParadise That is awesome info, thanks! I'm with you on the notion of taking care of some things up front to reduce the monthly payouts...like buying a truck or a bike etc. Have a great week!
Do you think I could possibly get a beach area home, emphasis on a home rental, as opposed to an apartment or condo, on or as close to the beach, with a monthly income of $3400 USD a month? I do have previous health problems.(Cancer) i’m very worried about health costs, me being 68 years old. I just need to find a place as close to Paradise as possible, with the little time I have left. Any help would be graciously appreciated!
Homes on the beaches are going be limited. Probably more toward Na Jomtien & Bang Saray but I'm sure your budget will be more than suitable. Let me know if you need any help. Margaritasinparadise@gmail.com
In Australia most elderly people don’t have private health insurance over here because of the same situation it’s to expensive they just have ambulance cover so you can still get to a public hospital can you do that in Thailand mate ??
I had to check on actual prices of ambulances before I answered this question. I seems that the average non critical ambulance within 20 kms will cost approx 2,700 baht or $81 USD. Calling 1669 in Pattaya is the Ambulance from there it depends on which ambulance comes. Gov't hospital, private ambulance service, rescue services, private hospital. Many choices but they all will want to verify payment before they take you any where. I hope this helps. 😄
Doing your own visa is doable. You most likely could save $3---$500 doing it yourself. I know many people who have done it themselves. Generally speaking, after you do it yourself the 1st time it should be much easier the 2nd time onwards. Using an agent will most like save you a considerable amount of time. They do all the paperwork right the first time. Agents don't stand in lines. You will stand in lines and if your paperwork isn't right, you'll go to the end of the line. If time is not an issue, if you speak the Thai language, and/or $300-$500 is a big deal to you then definitely do it yourself. I hope this helps.
@@MargaritasinParadise - I speak practically zero Thai. The money wouldn’t be that big of a deal to me. I just like to try and do these things myself if I possibly can. It’s a matter of feeling independent for me. I’d get a sense of satisfaction out of achieving it. I once went to China without any guides or assistance some years ago and managed to book a sleeper train from Beijing to Shanghai at the ticket office in the central station. The lady behind the desk spoke zero English I spoke zero Chinese. It was hard work and involved a lot of pointing at maps and clocks…. Got it done though! I found a video by a guy who sounds Eastern European roughly explaining the process for O and OA type visas. It would be really ideal though to see some copies of the forms all correctly filled out for an O visa. Could any of your buddies who have managed it fill out a set of sample forms (using a fictitious name and passport numbers etc) that you could show on a video? It think it might help a lot of people be brave enough to have a go.
I’ll check around and see what they have available but I’m sure there’s other people that have done this as well on RUclips. Anyway, it sounds like the process is right up your alley. Have fun.
When you talk about living budget you are talking single guy. Does everyone who ends up living here want and choose to stay single for the rest of their days - I wouldn't think so. If get married and have kids, you got to add schooling etc. Plus contribution to mamma/papa/buffalo etc 😅😅
Hi. Thanks for all the info. Do you have a good agent that you can recommend for a one year condo rental ? And do all the agents have access to all the buildings or just their own listings?
I think the agents in general have access to most buildings. You can send Rich and Vee a message at info@happyliferealty.net and they would love to help you find the perfect accommodations.
My football team is the St.George Illawarra Dragons. They are one of the worst teams in the NRL competition but haven't always been though i think the days of them being good wont come again
ok, lots of guys watch Rugby here. I have a mate who brings me Rugby hats for AFL Rugby teams. Right now I have 3 Adelaide Crows, Hawthorn Hawks(?), & Geelong Cats. Of course, if you ever feel generous 😛 I would love a Dragons hat. I'm already scheduled for 28 Sep to watch the Championship at Hemingway's Pub here in Pattaya. Good Luck to the Dragons
@@MargaritasinParadise cheers mate. Unfortunately the dragons blew their chance for finals footy on the weekend but they went closer this year than in recent seasons
I would make a special budget for BOOM BOOM GIRLS for sure if I live there, I would cut cable, gym, movies, scooter, insurance just to keep a massive volume of money for the soupy massage girls 😂🤣
I know everyone will be different but without specifically saying this, I've included companionship/dating in my entertainment budget. In my younger days, I would have spent 10 times this amount. For whatever reason people like to spell out exactly what they do and who they do it with; anyway that information may be more appropriate on a platform such as Patreon or Discord. I hope this helps. 😀
Bro I have a question and it's similar to what you're explaining about now in this video but my question is I just retired I'm 55 years old and I am just got my SSA disability monthly payments permanent and I am around with the savings of over 100,000 would that be acceptable to living there and I'm looking forward acquiring a retirement Visa once I'm there so that's my question for you .. coming from United States California, also I would be acquiring a consultation with you and whatever the fees is to help me set up living there
My email is margaritasinparadise@gmail.com for more private messages. Otherwise my question would be How much is your estimated SSA payment? Having a minimum budget of $1000 is doable but $1500 is better and $2000 is easy. Does that make sense? Obviously more is better. Let me know if I can help you. Tom
So im going to be just fine on about a $2000 a month income ? Im 64 ,healthy, i dont drink anymore ,and im ok with living alone for the rest of my life ...l might start drinking again once i get there and get a load of the nightlife however ,and this is what will make my ideas of entertainment much more expensive
@@MargaritasinParadise l will have some cash to place in a thai savings account from the sale of my house cars ,and processions as a backup .Your videos ,especially this one is pure gold to me right now. Thanks ,keep them coming
@@BO-mb8rr Precisely .l know I can live a better lifestyle in Pattaya on $2k a month then I can in wichita ks ,that's for sure ..more is better, and Pattaya is a lot more for me ,just being able to live there instead of here ...
Gyms cost that much? I mean Planet Fitness is like $10 US a month with an additional $50-60 annual “fee”. So about $180 US per year. Seems way too high over there in Thailand.
It's because of the A/C bills and Thai's are not westernized gym people. Any decent 24/7 A/C running gym in Pattaya or Bangkok if you pay annually is going to be around $475-$600 USD/year.
@gerardbeck457 Gyms in general are not the norm in Thailand even though there are so many probably less than 5% of my friends have fitness memberships. Most equipment is imported and have massive cost, you can fine both AC type and open air fitness facilities that I assume may even cost less. I quoted a popular higher price facility but there are many cheaper facilities which could be a significant savings. No matter how you compare it though, places like Planet Fitness in the USA are probably better than here for value.
www-ntplc-co-th.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=th&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Here's the Google maps location of NTot maps.app.goo.gl/5VnoAoFfTsB3L54P7 The minimum speed is 400/400 for fibre with this company but is very doable. I hope this helps.
Don't agree with your survival mode I will give you the cost in udon thani, a nice room with Aircon a fridge and kettle 5000 baht a month Aircon 1000 baht a month, gym membership 800 baht per month street food chicken and noodles 50 baht eating a restaurant meal chicken panang and rice 130 baht beer 100 baht large Chang, drinking in the bars small beer 70 baht large beer 100 baht pool table free jady drink 150 baht bar fine long time 2000 baht, I have my own motorbike fuel 200 baht a week, full English 140 baht with cup of coffee, beers 711 4 large Chang's 280 baht water 12 baht cheese and ham toasted sandwich 30baht, large pizza 220 baht from restaurant you do the maths, can't do insurance because everyone is different, I have a bank account Thai driving license and retirement visa cost 40000 baht one off payment is that poor living,travel using local services very cheap, flying expensive, train to border of Laos 80 baht
Thanks for your perspective. I love Udon Thani and actually lived in the city for 8 years myself. Personally, I don't understand what you disagree with? Are you saying it cost more or less? My opinion is normally an inland city will cost less than say a tourist/retirement/coastal city like Pattaya. The video looked maximum figures for each topic such accommodations stated at ฿10,000 a month. Finding a place to rent for ฿3,000 baht would offer significant savings. Eating at ฿400 a day can be done easily but if you only spend ฿200 a day, then there's another significant savings. Also, eating chicken and rice 3 times a day may seem boring but I know one guy who actually does this and has food cost of approx ฿200 a day. Large Chang Cold Brew at 7/11 cost ฿55 and a sunset on the beach is free. Most of the other items you mention cost nearly the same as Pattaya. I did check on a large pizza from Pizza Company in Udon Thani came out to ฿369 which is also similar to Pattaya price. I don't understand the ฿40,000 for visa & driver's license? A retirement visa doing it yourself should be no more than ฿5,000 a year. A drivers license doing it yourself cost ฿300 per license for the given period of 2yrs/renewal 5yrs. Using an agent for a visa up to ฿15K based on extension prices and a license maybe ฿5K. Additionally, I didn't include extra travel. That in itself is very cheap but still and extra expense that someone on a Survival budget may not be able to initially afford. Anyway, I do appreciate your point of view and would love to hear more?
@@MargaritasinParadise thank you for your response I think for 1000 pound living in udon thani would give you a better life than UK the pizza price was from a Italian restaurant on the main strip where all the bars are the brick house do large suburb pizzas for 270 baht sit in restaurant I think the Italian is called da Sofia main bar street across from the brick house I paid an agent for bank account driving licence and retirement visa in Pattaya, my room was 10 minutes from the main bars and nightclubs
Nice, I couldn't think of the Brickhouse but I eat there almost daily when I'm in town; I also like that Italian resturant across the soi. I normally stay the Kavin Buri at the top of the street and try to make it to Udon for a week or so at least once a year.
@@MargaritasinParadise I've stayed in Kevin buri shame about the pool area needs work on the flooring I've stayed in all the hotels on sanpian road the best been ban buam with a nice pool it's across across from the old Inn I lived in udon for 2 years was going to retire but this is why I returned to the UK for me I could live a nice life on my money but I want to travel more and realised I should work another 2 years to make my retirement that little bit more comfortable I was lucky my job was still available
I moved to Pattaya 20 years ago when I was 50. How much you spend changes a lot as you age. At 50, I spent more on nubile women than I did on food, rent, insurance ... COMBINED. Now, I spend my money on people who help keep my life easy: a full-time housekeeper, massage lady, girlfriend, party hardies.
Whatever your budget, here are two points:
#1) You can't live cheaper in any western country for less than in Thailand and you will have a better quality of life.
#2) Come with the budget you can, and then make it work. Thailand has 77 million people, most of whom live on less than US$15 per day. You can too if you have to. But you won't like it. But you might like it better than where you are now.
I agree 100%. You’re a definite voice of experience. Would you consider doing an Interview? If interested please me an email at margaritasinparadise@gmail.com I sure your insight of 20 yrs would be insightful to other viewers.
Such a great point thanks.
Thanks
This!
😁
I've visited Pattaya many times and if you just want to live a chill lifestyle without spending on booze and women every day like myself, its very doable. I enjoyed just having a coffee every day there and hanging out at one of the malls like Royal Garden or Terminal 21 and eating out. Very simple minimal, stress free, lifestyle.
that's sounds good actually !
How can you live in Pattaya though and not at least have 3 short times a week?
@@graguitar6493 Been there many times and it's possible for me. It's always there if you want it but not the focus of my life.
Well said, Thanks for sharing.
@Resmith18SR Also well said, companionship is available but you have to control your habits. You have to take care of yourself and try not to over indulge.
Living in Survival Mode in the U.S. now requires at least 3 grand a month or more income. If you're a low income senior on Social Security with no other income, you almost have to leave the U.S. like I did and live in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam or Mexico and South America.
Depends where you live in the USA.
@@georgebrooks3873 Right George, let me know where in the U.S. you can rent a decent apartment for less than $1500 a month? A place that's not totally isolated with no public transportation and that has a low crime rate and a high quality of life.
That's exactly what I'm going to do and travel and find a place where I can live reasonable😂😂😂 don't need to stress of the United States anymore High Cost of Living is for the birds😂😂 especially when you've been there and done it and as you get gray hair on your head you know what you need to do
@@Resmith18SRI pay $720 a month in North Lewisburg, Ohio. It’s a small village about 25 minutes from the Northwestern Columbus suburbs. Columbus has metro area population of about 2 million. There’s no crime that I know of where I live. I don’t lock my doors when I leave. Columbus is a hidden gem. It is one of the fastest growing cities in the in the country. I don’t need public transportation, I have a car and little to no traffic until I get into closer to Columbus. My monthly nut is around $1800 a month and I live well.🤷🏻♂️
@@Resmith18SRNorth Lewisburg,, Ohio. $720 a month. Nice place. 25 minute drive to the Northwest suburbs of Columbus. I have a car and public transportation is not needed. Columbus is a hidden gem and is one of the fastest growing cities in the USA. 2 million people in the metro area. As far as I know my neighborhood has been crime free forever. I don’t even lock my door when I leave. I sold my house and am temporarily staying in this apartment until I move to Thailand in December. My entire monthly spending is usually around 1800 a month.
Appreciate Your Help and Mannerisms Keep Living the Dream..
Thank You so much
Great video and information..thank you
Glad it was helpful!
100k baht a month will allow you to live a great life!
Golf, girls, vehicle, eat out, everything is solid
I purchased a condo as well and calculated it as prepaying rent for 15 years.
I was living on approx 100k a month without the golf and having 1 long time and 2-3 short times a week
@oceanearth2243. Exactly, a solid plan, I have followed this same scenario.
@graguitar6493 At 100K, life becomes so much easier in Thailand.
100k the sweet spot.
@@oceanearth2243 I bought my condo in View Talay 9 years ago it has now almost paid for itself in rent I would have paid ,plus I can sell it for almost what I paid .thanks for reply all best .
Awesome video very informative thank you very much, sir!!!
I’m 58 1/2 years old just retired August 1 my first pension check should be deposited on Wednesday.
They’re paying the retro back to the beginning of August and then Septembers check should come at the same time as August.
Trying to close up my house slowly, but surely not in a big rush.
I sold $1800 worth of stuff so far and I’ve just scratched the service unloading the stuff out of my house.
It should start going a lot real soon. I’m doing a lot of stuff to charity that has a secondhand store.
I just sold a whole bunch of hunting equipment.
I’m getting after it slowly, but surely. I’m going to check out a few different places in Southeast Asia before I decide to settle in anywhere.
But with this kind of information clears things up thanks for the great detail!!!!
You're welcome. Sounds like you have a plan. Definitely do your research on the right places your considering. Visit all of them and ask every question. Good luck.
Pattaya is my home in Thailand. I was there 2 months ago. I will go back there over and over again in the future for sure.
Nice, I get it.😄😄😄
Never underestimate the importance of a budget...can have a direct impact on the quality of retirement life!
You're so right. How long have you been here? I'm sure you have some life experiences?
@@MargaritasinParadisegood information well done from New Zealand
Margaritas 🔥
Paradise 🔥🔥
Margaritas in Paradise 🔥🔥🔥
I like the idea
Thanks for the realistic picture of expenses.
Go Rams Go!
Yes! Go Rams go!
I always liked the Rams when they were in St Louis 😡 hahaha
Great content I enjoy also the best laugh on RUclips 😃
Hahaha, Thank you so much
I've been here a total of 3 months now and these numbers do add up and make sense. The best thing you can do is to find a happy balance between these 2 lifestyles and hover there as long as you can. I got to meet you at the pride parade in June Tom and it has been one of the highlights of my trip so far. At only 46 I have a few more years before permanent retirement is upon me but have discovered a nice way to semi retire living part time in Thailand while spending some time working in the USA. I think 5 to 7 more years and I'll be ready to hang up my work shoes for good.
Nice. I do that with Ausjailia. I'm very lucky my experience allows me to work in my old company as a casual when I'm here. The only issue is I live with my mother when here and now I have a stable partner and struggling being away from her. But the Ausjailian government have become very commie and are raping property investors so I am living on less money in Thailand now. But having only 1 girl is cheaper than having the herom of 5 or 6 girls like I use too so it's not quite desperate times yet. I turn 55 in February 2026. I think I'll sell my property then and buy alot of gold and start buying and selling Bitcoin on calculated losses and gains for increasing my wealth. Fortunately there's always enough fluctuations that if you have a full Bitcoin, you could make decent profits selling and buying .1 Bitcoin at a time on a regular basis. The only negative is that greedy tax ¢unt ripping in
@ChangNoi-p8q You humble me with the compliments but I do thank you. I respect your decision to better establish yourself prior to retiring full time. Keep your focus. Life is good.
@graguitar6493 good luck with your endeavors, sounds like you've already been through much.
Thanks for sharing that information. I will compare it with what I have in my estimations 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Tom,you did it again.another great video.😊😊😊
Thank You so much
Got it. Thank you. Be well.
Thanks, you too!
First time seeing your channel. I like the straightforward talk from you. Hope to make it there for good in 2025
I hope so too! Keep your focus. Life is good.
Great information, thank you!
You’re welcome
163,000 Baht hits my Bangkok bank each month, 120k accumulates as I only use 40k or so a month. 16k rent at The Rivera Jomtien, (4 nice pools) 3k Utilities, 7k yearly visa so 600 month. Health Ins 4,500 (im 53). food shopping Big C or lotus weekly 2,500. Restaurant/entertainment 3,000 as I do not go out often other than walking 10k steps a day, working out in the condo gym, or swimming. spend some extra on shoes, clothes 2,500. Bought a new Lazyboy style recliner 7k. Office Chair 5k, so over a year that's another 1k per month. Cook breakfast with Italian sausages eggs tomatoes veggies for breakfast, lunch is watermelon, smoothie or other fruits, dinner is Pork chop, chicken, or fish and that's everyday! Total is 33k to 40k a month. I use to track every receipt on a spreadsheet but stopped after a few months because no need. So if you add in things like bars, girls, golf or scuba diving then your budget will need to accommodate those things.
Obviously you have been very fortunate and could live anyway you want. Even more impressive, is that have a strict budget that allows you to flourish in your own environment. You make it sound easy and are an example for many to follow. Thank you for sharing your budget.
We stayed at the Copa last February for 6 weeks..Now considering 60 days heading down February 3rd..We are swaying towards the Riviera Jomtien..Wondering if the 7/11 is close by and coffee shops
I'm sure the Riviera is a good choice. I've never been on the property though and have no idea what's around that area. Maybe check Google Reviews for a closer look? Good luck
Insurance companies are notorious at denying claims because of preexisting conditions. They can get very creative. I plan on self insuring. Paying cash in Thailand is still probably less than your co-pay under Medicare in the USA. I realize not everyone can manage this, but it is an option for some people.
Self insuring meaning investing and setting that one investment aside for health? It's not a bad idea
@@graguitar6493I’m retired. I’ve got my life savings backing me up.
@@graguitar6493you just need some liquidity to pay the hospital. I have some money with. trusted relative who also has power of attorney in case I’m incapacitated and unable to make my own decisions. I gave her $20k to immediately pay the hospital some money. Also my credit card info. I told her to try to pay with credit cards first. It adds another layer of protection against fraud. Just make sure you have this type of persons emergency contact info on your person at all times.
@georgebrooks3873 There's no doubt it's doable for the right persons. Ideally they already have several million baht in the bank for instance. The people who think they will start out with nothing and add ฿5,000 or $150 a month to an emergency fund are only fooling themselves.
@@MargaritasinParadiseMy plan is to set aside a million baht for medical expenses.
My monthly budget is 150 000 TB which provides me with a great lifestyle!
Yes a good budget mine 100,000 a month
By the time I'm 70 yrs, I will be in the same boat. Though I have a great life, I'm looking for to your life. 😀😛😛
@nickjones8867 This is also my budget although I usually only use about ฿60K
@@MargaritasinParadise Yes the fact you never have to pay rent long term is a great saving.
It's a tough choice. Really Pattaya is a renters market. You could really save money by renting and accumulating interest/dividends on your money in some scenarios.
Good information thank you from Scott new Zealand
Thanks Scott
Good choice of Channels Tom 👍👍👍
Thanks so much
Thailand is my dream but I can’t honestly find a way to make it work unless I homeschooled the 9 year old daughter. Those IB international schools really throw a wrench into the system at 24k usd a year. I might be able to make it work at 70k usd a year but it wouldn’t let me get ahead…I think I’ll have to push this dream out to 55 years old. Still have another 9 years to go before I’ll be financially ready for the switch…until then I’ll just have to be satisfied with the twice a year visits…on a side note, I watched my mom and step father spend almost every dang dime they made as soon as they made it while I was growing up. Never a thought in the world about old age or their children. When their SSI checks finally kicked in they got a measly 3200 usd a month. They were the same age and married about 39 years. My step father collected two SSI checks and died from a heart attack while packing up the house(their plan was to move to South America). Can you believe that ?!? SSI sent my mother an email saying she needed to refund his second check because he didn’t live long enough to earn it. Now my mom is living in a camper hooked up to a friends water hose and snagging power from an extension cord connected to a friend’s house paying 400usd a month for utilities directly to her friend on a 1700usd SSI check. Moral of the story…plan ahead and plan for plan A, B, and C. Retirement only works with decades of planning. My mother is in survival mode right now but you should have seen her throughout her 30s and 50’s….her and her husband couldn’t spend their money fast enough. Be it a new vehicle, a boat, a diamond ring….whatever…they would buy it if they wanted to and usually buy it on credit. Those days end up haunting you when you’re older.
This is a great story of life. So many truths that many don't think about. Thanks for your input. I may use this info in the future as reference.
Thank you for the honest info.
It is still so much cheaper than living in Canada/Retirement
Exactly, Thanks
For an early retiree wanting $3,000 per month in passive income adjusted for inflation before tax, you need approximately $1.2 million investment portfolio invested in a global or S&P 500 ETF / index fund. This is based on a 3% withdrawal rate.
Yeah, that would be ideal. I'm guessing most people here don't have $100K😬😬😬
Great video. I live in Australia. I like to go to Thailand twice per year. Blokes living there have said Pattaya is not a great place to retire to because there's too much temptation. But to live there at a good level, reasonable accommodation, a girlfriend or regular company, travel, insurance, a motorbike. The figure was around $3,000 US. 100,000 bht per month. I can't see the point in living in Pattaya if you're going to be a cheap Charlie. I'm hoping to live 6 months of the year overseas in places like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. Pattaya is awesome, but there's plenty of cheaper places to retire to if you don't want to party.
Absolutely, that's a valid point.
Absolutely realistic.
Thank You so much
tenk margarita , sei molto simpatico
You’re welcome
Wow, what a game, huh Tom? My Ravens were about to go for the win with the two point conversion but out of bounds by a tie? Next time, see you in the playoffs! #GoRavens
I love good football. Of course it's even better when the team you’re for wins. Blowout games suck, I love Lamar sense of drive & chance; I wish Mahomes still had this. No he's a commodity that has to be protected. Lamar will have his day.
If you want to live legally in Thailand you must have either 800k baht left in the bank or transfer 67000 baht monthly into a Thai bank. Then there is the living expenses and let’s not forget the now enforced Thai tax law for transfers into the country. So many more items to list. Good luck all!
Good information about Retirement visa requirements but they're so many more options. As far as the new tax law goes, nothings being enforced yet. The new regulation took effect 1 Jan 2024 but won't see implementation until late 2025. Even that's under review. Here's some recent news which corroborates the original intent of the law. ruclips.net/video/uIcwKvWyM78/видео.html
Here's a good article as well from Siam-Legal www.siam-legal.com/thailand-law/thailand-new-tax-on-foreign-income-an-overview/
Thanks again for your input.
Have you interviewed Warren ?
It would be interesting to hear how he's enjoying life .
Obviously more is better. You need to keep in mind that some people will be miserable on any budget .
🤣🤣🤣
I have talked to him about it. His reply, is someday. & You're right, You can't make everyone happy. I know to many miserable people here as well. I just don't get that.
Big-T, my dawg !! Ravens/Chiefs this thursday, NFL opener, don't forget !
I'm looking forward to it. 🏈
Hi Tom. Your videos like this one are really informative and helpful. At least it can give someone a blueprint or game plan to try and go by. Thank you and I look forward to your next one. And also Im looking at a Kansas City/Buffalo AFC championship matchup at the end of this season coming up.......
Thanks so much, I agree on the matchup. I actually tried to snag Allen in Fantasy league but fell 1 short.
Being that I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia Pa I team is the Eagles and for baseball the Phillies
I pull for the Eagles when it doesn't affect the Chiefs 😛
Go Chiefs ✊Hellll Yeahh ✨☮️😄
I like your attitude, hahaha
👍👍pretty good estimate, maybe i can do it with 1500$ a month with own condo.
Absolutely, Very doable.
Wars and global warming are both leading to food shortages now and in the future, which in turn are leading to rising prices and rising inflation, including in energy. I advise anyone going to Thailand to get their own solar panels to become somewhat independent of what is known as energy inflation. You should expect prices to rise significantly and factor this into your long-term calculations. I also think that doing without parasitic women should keep costs down. Some will be surprised at how much good planning and self-discipline can make a difference. On the other hand, people don't usually come to Thailand to celebrate savings records. It's better to save up beforehand. Get highly paid, qualified jobs instead and don't spend decades in low-paying jobs. But also enjoy the time until you retire. Time itself is a hard currency, next to happiness and freedom perhaps the hardest.
That's something to think about.😀😀😀
In conclusion you need $2,000 dollars and up CLEAN, to live LARGE. 😎🤠
$2K is a great number, a discipled person should do very good with that money.
Your estimate of expenses is a little under US$3000.00 which is doable for a run of the mill lifestyle. Another expat suggested in the ball park of US$2800.00 a month expenses which does not include a luxurious lifestyle. Ideally, one should have a combined monthly income of minimum US$5000.00 (social security plus pension) out of which US$3000.00 a month will be spent on basic needs. The rest can be saved for health emergencies or traveling to other Asian countries. Also, you mentioned entertainment. Would you mind explaining what it entails.
$5K you can live anyway you want in Thailand. My formulas was going after the maximum amounts, I suspect many people would spend much less in the Comfortable level. Entertainment would include going out to the movies, bars, nightclubs minus normal food cost. Maybe android box or a Netflix membership. Anything you do to entertain yourself. Could include golfing, scuba diving, and many other things you do for hobbies. Even monies that you might spend on companionship or dating. I think this list can only be limited by your imagination. I hope this helps.
Nice representation Tom. I think I can live very well in Thailand. Living comfort is a must so I need a condo with a large pool and a gym. Of course, my place would have good internet and a good box. I would also get a good phone plan. I don't go to Asia to eat at McDonalds. I am perfectly happy with delicious Thai street food. I would rent and I would use public transport, but I need a place where I can walk to eat. I don't drink much and would go out maybe 3 times a week for entertainment. I have steady money coming in from interest and pension ($3500) a month. On the side, I have over 1/4 mil that just grows. I just need to find a place that's near to everything but also quiet. I don't mind the high floors in high rises. I'm sure, if you have the time, you could steer me in the right direction. As for insurance, I would go to States for major stuff, as I have Medicare and just pay out of pocket for simple stuff and meds in Thailand. So, $ 3500.00 a month should be enough to live comfortably in Thailand?
As for the presentation, maybe you could use dollars instead of baht. Most Americans would find that more relatable.
@@dessaint5341 There are many viewers also outside US so giving prices in Thai baht is more handy.
@dessaint5341 I think we are positioned pretty closely and think somewhat alike. There's no doubt you will flourish in Thailand. When you start looking for accommodations in Thailand, definitely reach-out; if I'm available I would be glad to help. As far as the Baht vs Dollar in presentation, I know you're right as the dollar is more relatable. I personally like to use both. Yesterday, I put about 20 hours into editing that video and was 6 hours behind on publishing. I could nit-pick my video to death I'm sure but in all honesty it came down to me trying to get the product out. Anyway, as always I do appreciate any and all critical feedback. Thanks again.
@@MargaritasinParadiseMedicare is not accepted in Thailand, correct ?l have Medicare now ,but I planned on canceling it and getting something else that would be accepted in Thailand. Do you have to have insurance in order to get a retirement visa ?
If you get your retirement visa in Thailand, There's no insurance requirement.
@@MargaritasinParadise Thanks Tom. Nice to know.
Cheers, Tom. Invaluable information was provided in this video. 👍Which football team do I support? I support Tottenham Hotspur aka Spurs! You know, the game that is played with the feet! 😂😂😉
Thanks so much. I love Premiere League though I don't have a favorite team yet. Maybe Man City or Liverpool mainly because of how popular they are here. Someday, I have to figure out my own identity. 😄😂😄
@@MargaritasinParadise Support Spurs, Tom! We play exciting football. You will join us long-suffering fans experiencing the odd high, but then let down the following week! 😂 It's much better than picking the clubs funded by oligarchs who are odds-on to win most of the time! Tottenham may drive you to drink, which could be good or bad! 🍸#Margaritas
Tempting, It's never just goin along with everyone else.😂😂😂
Wondering if you have a video about your experience applying for visas in Thailand to stay long term? Thanks
It's funny you mention this; I was just discussing this with another friend. Anyway, I don't have a video on this topic but will look into it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hey Tom, how much I your rent per month?
Great Video Buddy ✊
Not for Rent
Hi Tom,
1. Is it true their is no annual property taxes on condos that you buy in Thailand?
2. On average how much are monthly COA fees around Pattaya for a 93sqm+ 2bdr-3bdr + 2bath condo?
3. Same sizes but how much does it cost ballpark for really good condo insurance annually?
In the U.S I would NEVER buy a condo again because of COA commies and COA dues and assessments are 3x-5x around country especially in Florida.
Thanks
1. There are annual property taxes in Thailand. My condo is 48sqm and my property tax was ฿338 or $10 for the year.
2. HOA fees are approx ฿30 a sqm My HoA fees last year ฿17,000 or $500
3. I initially had homeowner insurance which cost ฿12,000 a year $350.
@@MargaritasinParadise
Thanks so much the exact info I needed.
$10 for the year in taxes! :0
@@MargaritasinParadise
Can you pay your COA fees in one lump sum once a year or do you have to pay monthly?
My building Bills in September but is Due by 31 January. You could pay it all at once, or break it down into payments during that period of time.
Very affordable taxes. I have a friend with 6 condos and pays $100 total a year.
Hey Tom- Live your videos and I’m budgeting in between the two levels when I move in early 2025. I’ll be there in October, might try to find you to see how you like Wongamat, one of the two places In considering (Pratumnak?). Anyway, love the NFL, but I’m from Baltimore so GO RAVENS!
Excellent, Sounds like you have a plan, 2025 will be here in no-time. See you on the field on Thursday. Go Chiefs.😛😛😛
@@MargaritasinParadise: So you agree that I can make Pattaya work on $2000 USD per month? Would you say Wongamat will give me better value for condo than Pratumnak? Thanks for replying but sorry, Ravens get revenge Thursday, haha! 🏈
Technically both places are on a hill but Phratumnak is steeper. Overall both locations work well. I like Wongamat but I suggest you check out both areas. Many people do like Phratumnak. As far as budget goes, ฿2,000 is what I normally spend, so yes, very doable.
I live in Florida, but was born in Baltimore and raised in Pasadena, Maryland. Let's gang up on Tom on this Thursday's game!! LOL Just kidding, Tom. The Chiefs are still the team to beat. I love my Ravens, but don't like their chances when it comes to the Chiefs.
We headed off on a tangent but as a Ravens fan, I’d rather face KC in game 1 and perhaps catch them off guard than fade them in game 14 when they’re rolling on all cylinders! Besides, what did we do to the Niners in SF on national TV last season..?
as always get stuff, are you going to watch Thursday night your Chiefs open the football season
You know I am. It comes on at 0720 Friday morning here. My alarms are already set.
Im 66 and have all the health problems you mention. Healthcare costs are probably going to make the dream of living in Pattaya impossible for me. 😢
Healthcare cost can be a major problem for a lot of people. I have a friend of mine that’s 83 years old and he told me he’s paying $4000 a year for his healthcare insurance in Thailand.
I own my own condo in Jomtien, my monthly expenses inc going to beach and going to very good restaurant going out playing pool most night is 70,000 B a month ,no way could I live on 30,000B a month =1000B a day
Obviously you have your budget figured out. Most people would struggle with a ฿30,000 a month budget but it's doable for the dedicated person. I'm surprised, you get by on only ฿70K ? You must be disciplined as well. Of course, my definition of eating well is probably different than yours. I easily spend ฿1-5K when I go out for example, I can't imagine doing it every night. I definitely appreciate your voice of experience. Thanks.
For me 100k per month the sweet spot.
That money allows for real comfort.
Depends on how much you drink, do you smoke weed, what kind and how much food you eat. How many ladies your hanging out with, do you cook for yourself, and how much you want to spend on rent . Me personally after going to Pattaya 5 times I could live on 1,000 to 1,200 a month.
Obviously, this is voice of experience. Good on you, thanks for your input.
Very helpful video. I have been looking at budgets and trying to be realistic. I'm not a bar guy and i don't really drink or smoke (I'm no fun at parties, lol). To ask a clarifying question, what is the typical expense for like car insurance and/or insurance on your motorbike, in your experience?
I'd really want a bike, unless it was a too much of an inconvenience to NOT have one, but I think a decent car would be nice to be able to go on some road trip/sightseeing trips in the country.
I have a DMax pickup that cost ฿14,000 a year for top insurance, and ฿6,500 a year for registration.
My NMax motorbike cost ฿5,000 a year for insurance and ฿1,500 for registration. I hope this helps
@@MargaritasinParadise That is awesome info, thanks! I'm with you on the notion of taking care of some things up front to reduce the monthly payouts...like buying a truck or a bike etc. Have a great week!
Thanks so much
Do you think I could possibly get a beach area home, emphasis on a home rental, as opposed to an apartment or condo, on or as close to the beach, with a monthly income of $3400 USD a month? I do have previous health problems.(Cancer) i’m very worried about health costs, me being 68 years old. I just need to find a place as close to Paradise as possible, with the little time I have left. Any help would be graciously appreciated!
Homes on the beaches are going be limited. Probably more toward Na Jomtien & Bang Saray but I'm sure your budget will be more than suitable. Let me know if you need any help. Margaritasinparadise@gmail.com
Hey Tom,
What is SFEIHC?
Great video.
I don't know what this is.
Do they have Doritos over there?
@@georgebrooks3873 yup. Also flavors not available in the U.S.
@georgebrooks3873 Absolutely
@@Muskrat_squeezerDurian flavour? 😂😂😂
Maybe not in the Dorito's brand but I'm sure Durian flavored chips exist. 😀😀😀
Hi Tom...The Only Dent on My Budget will be When I invite You for Dinner for All Your Great Advices....NOT The Girls...:-)
Take Tom to a Buffett.😊😊😊The boy looks like he can eat a buffalo.😊😊😊
@xerxeso1 Hahaha, I look forward to that invite.
@enzopastore5811 Hahaha, you're right for the right food. I love those salad bars.
What time is a Sunday 1pm NFL game? Would it be Monday at midnight Thai time? Probably just watch a recording in that case!
They start Monday at 0000 here. Actually the Chiefs play on Friday at 0720. Good luck.. Go Chiefs
My favourite football team is Heart of Midlothian FC (Hearts) would I be able to see games in Thailand 😊
I not familiar with the team but I assume if they play on a national channel then they would televised here.
Yes, no worries.
They play real football in the Scottish premiership non of that shoulder pad and helmet rubbish lol
😵😵😵😛😄😀
What video editing software do you use?
I use CapCut now, before I used IMovie which is probably easier.
In Australia most elderly people don’t have private health insurance over here because of the same situation it’s to expensive they just have ambulance cover so you can still get to a public hospital can you do that in Thailand mate ??
I had to check on actual prices of ambulances before I answered this question. I seems that the average non critical ambulance within 20 kms will cost approx 2,700 baht or $81 USD. Calling 1669 in Pattaya is the Ambulance from there it depends on which ambulance comes. Gov't hospital, private ambulance service, rescue services, private hospital. Many choices but they all will want to verify payment before they take you any where. I hope this helps. 😄
@@MargaritasinParadise thanks for the info cobba 👍
I am working on my second million………… I gave up on my first million… lol
Hahaha
Tom is it possible to meet a Thai woman that has her own condo and move in with her and have her cooking your meals and washing your clothes?😊😊😊
@@enzopastore5811
Flip in reverse and the answer would be 💯% for sure. LoL
@enzopastore5811 I'm sure it's doable, just probably not the norm. Thailand is full of possibilities.
@MrSean03839 Exactly, that would be the norm. hahaha
keep täät short u no need the change
Thanks so much
Your voice sounds like andre the giant.
Thanks, someone told me that before. I suspect, I'm a tiny man compard to Andre.
"Anybody want a peanut?"😂
hahaha
You look like a green bay packers fan to me 😂
haha, I get that...spent to much time in Oshkosh. Still a true red Chiefs Fan.
@@MargaritasinParadise That was my next guess!
😀
Regarding visas Tom, why does no-one try to do it without an agent. They seem to charge a lot. What is so hard about it?
Doing your own visa is doable. You most likely could save $3---$500 doing it yourself. I know many people who have done it themselves. Generally speaking, after you do it yourself the 1st time it should be much easier the 2nd time onwards.
Using an agent will most like save you a considerable amount of time. They do all the paperwork right the first time. Agents don't stand in lines. You will stand in lines and if your paperwork isn't right, you'll go to the end of the line.
If time is not an issue, if you speak the Thai language, and/or $300-$500 is a big deal to you then definitely do it yourself. I hope this helps.
@@MargaritasinParadise - I speak practically zero Thai. The money wouldn’t be that big of a deal to me. I just like to try and do these things myself if I possibly can. It’s a matter of feeling independent for me. I’d get a sense of satisfaction out of achieving it.
I once went to China without any guides or assistance some years ago and managed to book a sleeper train from Beijing to Shanghai at the ticket office in the central station. The lady behind the desk spoke zero English I spoke zero Chinese. It was hard work and involved a lot of pointing at maps and clocks…. Got it done though!
I found a video by a guy who sounds Eastern European roughly explaining the process for O and OA type visas. It would be really ideal though to see some copies of the forms all correctly filled out for an O visa. Could any of your buddies who have managed it fill out a set of sample forms (using a fictitious name and passport numbers etc) that you could show on a video? It think it might help a lot of people be brave enough to have a go.
I’ll check around and see what they have available but I’m sure there’s other people that have done this as well on RUclips. Anyway, it sounds like the process is right up your alley. Have fun.
GO RAMS!!
Got to love those Rams. Frustrating but the love is still there. 😬
Stillers!
😀😀😛🙃😛
@@MargaritasinParadise I'm rooting for KC tonight.
@@shannonbilger5301 Me too, I had to wake up at 7am to watch the game
When you talk about living budget you are talking single guy. Does everyone who ends up living here want and choose to stay single for the rest of their days - I wouldn't think so. If get married and have kids, you got to add schooling etc. Plus contribution to mamma/papa/buffalo etc 😅😅
That's a good point. Most people eventually find someone. Of course then budgets change.
Hi. Thanks for all the info. Do you have a good agent that you can recommend for a one year condo rental ? And do all the agents have access to all the buildings or just their own listings?
I think the agents in general have access to most buildings. You can send Rich and Vee a message at info@happyliferealty.net and they would love to help you find the perfect accommodations.
My football team is the St.George Illawarra Dragons. They are one of the worst teams in the NRL competition but haven't always been though i think the days of them being good wont come again
Excellent, Unfortunately I've never heard of them but I love the story. Go Dragons!
@@MargaritasinParadise rugby league mate. Not so popular in your part of the world. Grew up on it because of my dad. Cheers
ok, lots of guys watch Rugby here. I have a mate who brings me Rugby hats for AFL Rugby teams. Right now I have 3 Adelaide Crows, Hawthorn Hawks(?), & Geelong Cats. Of course, if you ever feel generous 😛 I would love a Dragons hat.
I'm already scheduled for 28 Sep to watch the Championship at Hemingway's Pub here in Pattaya.
Good Luck to the Dragons
@@MargaritasinParadise cheers mate. Unfortunately the dragons blew their chance for finals footy on the weekend but they went closer this year than in recent seasons
Hahaha, Oh well, there's next year.
Can you get good condo for 15 000baht a month like to live in bang saray from Scott new Zealand
Scott, I think a ฿15,000 budget is very doable
What about "Aerobics"/"Boom boom" girls or ladyboys expenses line item budget point?!
I would make a special budget for BOOM BOOM GIRLS for sure if I live there, I would cut cable, gym, movies, scooter, insurance just to keep a massive volume of money for the soupy massage girls 😂🤣
I know everyone will be different but without specifically saying this, I've included companionship/dating in my entertainment budget. In my younger days, I would have spent 10 times this amount. For whatever reason people like to spell out exactly what they do and who they do it with; anyway that information may be more appropriate on a platform such as Patreon or Discord. I hope this helps. 😀
Bro I have a question and it's similar to what you're explaining about now in this video but my question is I just retired I'm 55 years old and I am just got my SSA disability monthly payments permanent and I am around with the savings of over 100,000 would that be acceptable to living there and I'm looking forward acquiring a retirement Visa once I'm there so that's my question for you .. coming from United States California, also I would be acquiring a consultation with you and whatever the fees is to help me set up living there
My email is margaritasinparadise@gmail.com for more private messages. Otherwise my question would be How much is your estimated SSA payment? Having a minimum budget of $1000 is doable but $1500 is better and $2000 is easy. Does that make sense? Obviously more is better. Let me know if I can help you. Tom
3 beers a WEEK !! WTF ???? Can't do it man !! HA ha !!
Obviously, you would have to customize your budget for what is right with you. 😀🙃😀
So im going to be just fine on about a $2000 a month income ? Im 64 ,healthy, i dont drink anymore ,and im ok with living alone for the rest of my life ...l might start drinking again once i get there and get a load of the nightlife however ,and this is what will make my ideas of entertainment much more expensive
$2K is a good budget. I highly recommend at least $1,500 as a minimum
@@MargaritasinParadise l will have some cash to place in a thai savings account from the sale of my house cars ,and processions as a backup .Your videos ,especially this one is pure gold to me right now. Thanks ,keep them coming
$2,500-$3,000/month would be much better.
More is always better but if you only have $100, it's hard to buy $200 worth of beer. 😀😀😀
@@BO-mb8rr Precisely .l know I can live a better lifestyle in Pattaya on $2k a month then I can in wichita ks ,that's for sure ..more is better, and Pattaya is a lot more for me ,just being able to live there instead of here ...
Gyms cost that much? I mean Planet Fitness is like $10 US a month with an additional $50-60 annual “fee”. So about $180 US per year. Seems way too high over there in Thailand.
It's because of the A/C bills and Thai's are not westernized gym people.
Any decent 24/7 A/C running gym in Pattaya or Bangkok if you pay annually is going to be around $475-$600 USD/year.
@gerardbeck457 Gyms in general are not the norm in Thailand even though there are so many probably less than 5% of my friends have fitness memberships. Most equipment is imported and have massive cost, you can fine both AC type and open air fitness facilities that I assume may even cost less. I quoted a popular higher price facility but there are many cheaper facilities which could be a significant savings. No matter how you compare it though, places like Planet Fitness in the USA are probably better than here for value.
@BO-mb8rr Great information, thank you
I get about $6340 a month after taxes and before any dividends and interest. Is this enough?
Yes, you would be a god king in Thailand with that monthly income. 🎉🎉
@RJ-6615 yes
If i could pay 15000 baht to live in a building like you live in? ,i would sign up for that very quickly .
When your in this area, touch bases with me and I'll introduce you to my building manager.
@@MargaritasinParadise l sure will tom,thanks
300 Baht each month voor WiFi ? Where ? What company ? What speed ?
www-ntplc-co-th.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=th&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc
Here's the Google maps location of NTot maps.app.goo.gl/5VnoAoFfTsB3L54P7
The minimum speed is 400/400 for fibre with this company but is very doable. I hope this helps.
@@MargaritasinParadise 👍👊
GO CHIEFS!!!
WELL YEAH! GO CHIEFS
Thursday nite, 11:00 PM, DOWN TO THE LAST PLAY
.... CHIEFS WIN 27-20
@@jryecart8017 good game, I bet Likely wishes he had smaller feet.
Don't agree with your survival mode I will give you the cost in udon thani, a nice room with Aircon a fridge and kettle 5000 baht a month Aircon 1000 baht a month, gym membership 800 baht per month street food chicken and noodles 50 baht eating a restaurant meal chicken panang and rice 130 baht beer 100 baht large Chang, drinking in the bars small beer 70 baht large beer 100 baht pool table free jady drink 150 baht bar fine long time 2000 baht, I have my own motorbike fuel 200 baht a week, full English 140 baht with cup of coffee, beers 711 4 large Chang's 280 baht water 12 baht cheese and ham toasted sandwich 30baht, large pizza 220 baht from restaurant you do the maths, can't do insurance because everyone is different, I have a bank account Thai driving license and retirement visa cost 40000 baht one off payment is that poor living,travel using local services very cheap, flying expensive, train to border of Laos 80 baht
good stuff.
Thanks for your perspective. I love Udon Thani and actually lived in the city for 8 years myself. Personally, I don't understand what you disagree with? Are you saying it cost more or less?
My opinion is normally an inland city will cost less than say a tourist/retirement/coastal city like Pattaya. The video looked maximum figures for each topic such accommodations stated at ฿10,000 a month. Finding a place to rent for ฿3,000 baht would offer significant savings. Eating at ฿400 a day can be done easily but if you only spend ฿200 a day, then there's another significant savings. Also, eating chicken and rice 3 times a day may seem boring but I know one guy who actually does this and has food cost of approx ฿200 a day. Large Chang Cold Brew at 7/11 cost ฿55 and a sunset on the beach is free. Most of the other items you mention cost nearly the same as Pattaya. I did check on a large pizza from Pizza Company in Udon Thani came out to ฿369 which is also similar to Pattaya price. I don't understand the ฿40,000 for visa & driver's license? A retirement visa doing it yourself should be no more than ฿5,000 a year. A drivers license doing it yourself cost ฿300 per license for the given period of 2yrs/renewal 5yrs. Using an agent for a visa up to ฿15K based on extension prices and a license maybe ฿5K. Additionally, I didn't include extra travel. That in itself is very cheap but still and extra expense that someone on a Survival budget may not be able to initially afford. Anyway, I do appreciate your point of view and would love to hear more?
@@MargaritasinParadise thank you for your response I think for 1000 pound living in udon thani would give you a better life than UK the pizza price was from a Italian restaurant on the main strip where all the bars are the brick house do large suburb pizzas for 270 baht sit in restaurant I think the Italian is called da Sofia main bar street across from the brick house I paid an agent for bank account driving licence and retirement visa in Pattaya, my room was 10 minutes from the main bars and nightclubs
Nice, I couldn't think of the Brickhouse but I eat there almost daily when I'm in town; I also like that Italian resturant across the soi. I normally stay the Kavin Buri at the top of the street and try to make it to Udon for a week or so at least once a year.
@@MargaritasinParadise I've stayed in Kevin buri shame about the pool area needs work on the flooring I've stayed in all the hotels on sanpian road the best been ban buam with a nice pool it's across across from the old Inn I lived in udon for 2 years was going to retire but this is why I returned to the UK for me I could live a nice life on my money but I want to travel more and realised I should work another 2 years to make my retirement that little bit more comfortable I was lucky my job was still available