Expats Leaving Thailand In 2024.. What Are Their Reasons?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- #Thailand #Thailandvlog #uk
THANKS FOR BEING HERE!
👉 SUBSCRIBE: / @thenakedguruthailand
👉 MAIN CHANNEL: / @lifeinruralthailand
👉 OUR FULL STORY IN UNDER 20 MINS: • Left The UK For Thaila...
👉 OUR COTTAGE BUILD: tinyurl.com/bd...
👉 COSTS OF LIVING IN THAILAND 2024: • Thailand Is No Longer ...
👉 PATREON: / lifeinbamboo
Unlike the theatrical polished content of our main channel, this channel will more livestreams, free talking, diary vlogs, adult themes, discussions on current affairs and topics of interest. It is a place to share, have a dialogue with subscribers and bring others into the mix, which enhances my quality of life as a rural hermit in Thailand!
'The Naked Guru" Is just a fun metaphor for being open and honest.
Thanks for joining!
Look forward to hearing your views and opinions below 👇🇹🇭
WHY EXPAT & NOT IMMIGRANT: ruclips.net/video/UEpcvcFVCD0/видео.html
👉 SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.com/@thenakedguruthailand
👉 MAIN CHANNEL: www.youtube.com/@LifeInRuralThailand
👉 OUR FULL STORY IN UNDER 20 MINS: ruclips.net/video/6ctdGJqBaUg/видео.html
👉 OUR COTTAGE BUILD: tinyurl.com/bdd8uh3a
👉 COSTS OF LIVING IN THAILAND 2024: ruclips.net/video/wWhns2J1Lxw/видео.htmlsi=5MQb89Nykwfsjaml
👉 PATREON: www.patreon.com/lifeinbamboo
Dual citizen....mom from England and Dad US...born in US. Love your channel, your eloquence and your honesty. Unfortunately a certain OUTRAGEOUS grifter....fellow you tuber who hates working in Australia, so much that when his Thai wife wanted to divorce her lazy non working grifter husband....she suddenly died ....no autopsy, no toxicology report and 3 hours after her death, with a GOFUNDME already set up in Australia, while he is living in Thailand....he posted an odd video on his wifes sudden death.
He showed so much grief about losing his MONEYMAKER (his words) and he took over her youtube channel and pimped out his newly born twins for simpathy. He failed to tell his audience that his wife was older than him and had 3 other children....he constantly lies and as it turned out he had another girlfriend (or ladyboy friend) from the time his wife suddenly died. In Australia there would have been a toxicology report and an autopsy and this person would have been under suspicion. His phone and his computer would have been seized for forensic analysis....especially google searches. I believe he poisoned his wife.
Bottom line....I think this guy got away with murder...and what better place to do it in than a 3rd world country.
The tax situation is just typically Thai.Announcements are made then the powers at be think about it.IF THAILAND honours it's no double tax agreement with the many countries it has signed up with them few true retirees have nothing to worry about.BUT WILL THAILAND honour it's agreements.Thats the real question.
Costs of living here have gone through the roof. I have been here forty years. I would have a hard time leaving. But, my kids kids have all gone to work in the USA because they can't earn a decent wage here.
Living in TH is like living in another planet 😮
It's just as you said, the uncertainty and instability are the major cons here, not even the taxation. A foreigner can't own the land (= a house), and you'll have 90 days declaration hang around your neck for the rest of your life, not to mention the yearly renewals that can be denied. Another factor that you mentioned - the mass migration from the western countries has just begun. And who knows what Thai government will decide, to protect the country against the invasion. They may tighten the regulations further. You're lucky to be a guy, have a family and settle down. No freaking way in hell this is possible for a woman.
I retired from a 37-year career in 2011 and moved to Thailand that same year. I always knew I was going to retire somewhere outside the US, but I didn't know where. Mostly it was because I'd lived in the US my entire life, and never had the experience of living anywhere else, retirement (and two pensions) afforded me the opportunity that I had no intention of passing up. I ended up in Thailand, and now, 13 years later, I feel like I'm too established in Thailand to want to pick up and relocate anywhere else. I figure I will live here until the family takes me to that last Temple BBQ and I end up in a jar in the temple wall. Like you, I realize I am not Thai, and will never be Thai. I'm a minority living in someone else's country, and there are certain compromises required to accomplish that. I easily meet all the requirements for my visa and have enough practice doing it myself that it's an hour or so exercise once a year. My 90-day checks are an excuse to go into my favorite coffee shop for a latte and cake. I could do the 90-day online but then I wouldn't have the excuse to go into town. The tax uncertainty is just that, monumental uncertainty--and anyone who claims to know what is going to happen is telling stories, either for clicks or some other reason. My plan is to ignore it until there is some certainty. I spent my life living in the future when I was in the US. Here, living in Thailand for over a decade, I'll let tomorrow's issues wait for tomorrow, and take pleasure in living today. I think that's one of the better gifts I've gotten from living in Thailand--I'm better living in and appreciating the moment than I ever way before. The Thai government could always deny my yearly request to stay another year. But unless that happens, I don't plan on going anywhere other than here.
Thanks for sharing 👍🙏
Love it!
!00%!!!
Remember tomorrow never comes!
a great summation for many of us who reside in Thailand. The one day at at time view of life is what many strive to obtain
Nothing makes you more welcome in a country, than learning the language and getting good at it, as you appear to have done.
That is fine, but learning a new language after age 50 is very very difficult. But you might not need to. If you already speak a little Slavic dialect. Southeast Asia is not your best choice and this is one of the main reasons why.
@@kashak5941 That´s me. I speak Czech and am planning on making a holiday home in Montenegro, and learning the language.
...this is key to anyone living anywhere abroad.
After spending two decades here, I can confidently say that the positives of living in this place far outweigh any negatives. Listing them all would be a lengthy task, but one standout reason is the warmth of the people. Having previously resided in Germany for 15 years, I've noticed a striking difference: in Thailand, around 95% of the people you encounter wear a smile, whereas in Germany, it's a rarity. That alone speaks volumes about the charm of this beautiful country.
when you give/spend money and (over)pay, everybody smiles, even i Germany.
is the smile genuine tho?
@@jonathanjonathan7386 In most cases, yes. I reside in a small village near a small town, where genuine friendliness is the norm among locals. However, like anywhere else, we have our share of individuals who may not always reflect that sincerity. Thais, like people elsewhere, have their own struggles. Yet, I find that maintaining a smile and humility, especially when making eye contact, fosters a positive atmosphere. This principle holds true across different cultures and countries.
I agree with u 100% about the Germans not smilling
yes big difference between Germans and Thais
German's need several biers to loosen up.
I have lived in China for 10 yrs & left permanently in 1994. I have lived in Thai, Singapore & Taiwan & HK. I got sick of the Expat life, even though it was fantastic & I had a fantastic life. I am from NZ but live in the UK. My life here in the UK is fantastic too. I have lived in at least 7 countries. Planning on retiring in SE UK & Sth Spain. Home is where the heart is. Humans are generally nice & wonderful everywhere. Quite opposite to what you read on the news. My only advice for anyone who chooses the fulltime expat life is Learn the Language & when you start bitching all the time about the country you have adopted then its time to leave. Been here in the UK for 26yrs now & still loving it. Perhaps I am lucky, but I have a great diverse group of friends & even with my Kiwi accent I have never felt like an expat. Home is where the heart is.
Learn…adults..nope. Avoid talking
wow great to hear...but what was so wrong with your birthplace New Zealand?? youve lived everywhere except there it seems? :)
@@regnorse well I am 61, & yr question made me question. I lived in NZ a total of 20yrs. Haven't been back in 10. What was so bad about NZ? It's Someone Elses Country & now it's very very expensive, even when money isn't the problem the divide between rich & poor is everywhere, so it doesn't matter where you go. But yeh, NZ is a beautiful country.....but you can't eat beauty. Great dope, beautiful sunsets & bored with the lifestyle. I want to retire playing & recording music (Jazz,Funk,Punk) in Brighton, painting pictures of Seagulls & spending winter in a Cannnabis Club in Seville learning Spanish. At 60 I feel like 40 & feel like I still have a lot to give. So giving is the way to stay positive wherever you go & you will have a fantastic time everywhere. But yeh, No.1 rule, Learn the Language to sing with the music.
@@scoobysnax9787 Oh man, I'm 35 and that gave me a brighter outlook on being in the older years! Keep it rockin! :)
Well said Scooby!
Cambodia is like Thailand 20 years ago , as long you have your visa nobody ask you anything, you can open a bank account with a 6 months visa and rent contract , drop in it 50k in cash nobody ask you anything , people are super friendly , cost of living super low .. great place to rest
Facts
I used to love Cambodia... nowadays I feel like being in China, especially when going to places like Sihanoukville
@@manulp9778 a few years ago when leaving Cambodia to cross over into Thailand I noticed I could hear the immigration officer's voice but could not see his face. I'm not sure what to make of that. But when I crossed over to Thailand the face of the Thai immigration officer was very much visible. Cambodia is strange. If you have enough money you can pay not to have license plates on your vehicle. I have seen vehicles like that. Does that mean someone can commit a robbery at night and the police won't have any idea whose vehicle it was?
but if i relocate, how do i prioritize phnom penh over vientiene, or prioritize vientiene over phnom penh ? and if i'm looking for wife away from philippines, thailand paradigm, is it easier for white man to pick wife in vientiene or phnom penh ?
Laos , can get a years visa 500 usd.
If I didn't have a family and a business here, I would be in Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam in a heartbeat. There are many reasons for this. Honestly, one of the biggest drawbacks of Thailand is the quality of expats that this place seems to attract. It's a lower bracket than I seem to have met in other southeast Asian countries, more lowbrow in Thailand compared to these other places...I am not sure exactly why this is, but I have a feeling that it being a known haven for the sex trade is one of them.....I found that those other places offer a more cultured type of expat, a little more educated and well read. Here, it just seems to be old guys that want to drink all day and pontificate. Also, as for Colombia, things have done a 180 from a few years ago, it is much safer and much more friendly toward visitors and expats. Finally, I think that for people to leave places like the US, Uk or wherever to come to Thailand because it is "more free" is very misguided"....Thailand is NOT a free country, sure you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet and drive drunk, but in terms of civil liberties and such, It is not really some place that I would categorize as "free"
I agree, and in this respect i was more highlighting the reasons why people have told me they would move, such as being free, but not saying that this is a true reason.
This is a great post and I can not like it enough. This is also my experience visiting over the last 25 years (married to Thai wife as well).
you always produce thoughtful material Ryan @@thenakedguru
I totally agree with you, I'm in the U.S. and I wouldn't want any of those guys as my neighbor.
It’s a welcome pleasure when I meet another expat that doesn’t have alcohol and bar life at the top of the agenda. There are many in that category, but I agree with you about the increasing number of “low brow” expats. Of course, they were here all along. Not to be a snob, I am very uncomfortable being around them. I have flown Bangkok to K.L several times in the last 12 months, and the difference in the type of expat is obvious. But again, my biggest reasons for leaving are pollution, economy, and road safety.
🐧 I feel the same way: I have been closely connected to Thailand since childhood, but I will be giving up my life there in 2024. The financial racism against non-Thais and the economic and social structure that has grown in a radically wrong direction, including police and mafia crime, have made the country unattractive as a place to live! What remains is the end of my supplementary pension for an entire family there, including the considerable emotional suffering caused by my departure, as well as a brutal loss of culture and education for the children in this family. Thailand has made the mistake against 'expats', to "cutting off the hands that feed the country". And there is no next generation of expats which would compensate the given lack. This in result means... Oh My Buddha!, Good Night Thailand!
Australia has thousands of homeless people and now the Labor government have started a 500, 000 migrant intake.
NZ and Oz golden years are over. Sinking ships sadly due to woke govt.
@@mikimoto99 100%
another one?? albo has to go
@@mikimoto99 not even woke just greed
Aussie gov is garbage
This is an interesting topic. I moved to Cambodia in 2019 for work and I’m now working in Malaysia. I feel very privileged to be able to live in other countries and I don’t want to take it for granted. I understand why countries change things and overall they need to prioritize their people. Hopefully, others will remember this when moving abroad.
This seems like a popular topic on RUclips these days and I have seen a few guys discussing it. Thailand has always been a revolving door with people coming and going. One's perspective on this often depends on time in country. As you know I have lived here for many decades so I am pretty blasé when it comes to people leaving. For every person who leaves there seems to be two or three people planning, dreaming or waiting in the wings.
I'm glad to see you always have a hat on , I was born in the skin cancer capital of the world, some of my family needed major surgeries, and I see so many expat videos, with sunburn with no idea how much damage they are doing to their skin.
... we almost doubled the FCKW conentration in ozon layer in the 90ies ... highe UV-rates ... skin cancer often diagnost too late - unfortunately
This is an issue that NO youtubers are talking about. You see Brits who retired in Spain who are 55 and look like 80 with burnt saggy wrinkly skin. I am blonde and burn easy. I stay out of the sun a lot. This is the reality after the holiday bit has worn off. Putting sun lotion on every day gets very boring
If you eat seed oils and grains your skin will burn in the sun. And yes cause damage. If you eat naturally, lots of meat, eggs, saturated animal fat, then you will be fine. And you wont burn nearly as easily. The sun is good for you
Education on removing skin spots with topical application of a supplemental. @nothingchangesuntilyouchange
Been visiting for over 20 years. Retired 3 years ago in the middle of Covid lockdowns. 2 years ago made 3 exploratory trips to Thailand.
Just over 1 year ago I made the move. Rented a place for 1 year. Completed a year in Thailand, but not going to stay.
Moving to Kuala Lumpur.
1. Pollution is far less than Thailand.
2. Very affordable, often more affordable than Thailand.
3. Road safety is higher in Malaysia compared to Thailand (maybe less drunken driving as well).
No regrets on living in Thailand, and will always enjoy life there, but the 3 reasons I listed above were enough for me to make my decision. Other issues had some influence on my decision, such as being able to have an intellectual exchange of ideas with the people I meet in Malaysia. Not so much of this in Thailand. Also, Bahasa Melayu is quite simple. Of course, English is almost universally spoken in K.L., and from what I understand, English is spoken almost everywhere else in other parts of Malaysia.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
I've heard many good things about life in KL. I live in Phuket. Penang would be where I would go.
Thanks Brian, I still need to check out Penang (and Georgetown), but my choice of K.L. may still be more practical as I return to my country every month. Travel is arduous enough so must consider total travel time.
@@Adair9800 isnt it super strict there?
@@regnorse Perhaps some aspects of life are strict, or more strict than elsewhere. Don’t have much feel yet for how strict they really are, and what are they strict about. I have only been traveling there and still haven’t moved to K.L. Consider that Thailand has les majeste laws that are possibly some of the strictest in SE Asia. Or anti graffiti laws in Singapore…how many lashes of the cane did they give that teenager? Death penalty for smuggling drugs, I admit that’s very strict (or is that Indonesia law, I forget). Maybe if you are Muslim, many things are strict. But, certainly don’t see many Muslim women wearing a hijab. Only thing they won’t yield on is Israeli citizens entering the country.
What bugs me is the 400k/800k THB in the bank, and yet all my neighbors are poor, live in shacks and earn a couple hundred baht a day cutting sugar cane! I can live in rural Thailand very comfortably for £100 a week; why do I need so much money in a Thai bank getting 1% interest? This is living; not being a tourist on holiday spending lots of money.
Many have nothing in the Bank and pay bribes to get their extensions
Well you don't actually need to deposit said amounts. I fund my retirement extension by importing 65+K Baht each month.
😂
Some cant do that either@@naturewatchth
Just use an agent.
The same thing is happening in Spain, especially Barcelona. Locals have had enough of tourists.
Oh really ? Do they have enough of the money their bringing with them too, and are happy to go work in factories instead ? Interesting...
i have seen tourists in Thailand who think they are better than the locals . People from western countries - usa , australia , england . We are certainly more wealthy BUT - that does not make us better people . My suggestion before moving to Thailand ? - Lose your ego .
Spanish have hated blacks forever. Lmao
@@rossie273 Russians are a big problem also. Last year my Thai girlfriend made a mistake of getting a job in a Russian restaurant, owner was in a wheelchair. A Russian woman in their Russian group slapped her across the face and told her to speak Russian, knowing my Thai girlfriend could not speak it. They were all speaking Russian in front of her when she worked hard there. She's a lot happier working with other Thai people. Russian bullies!!
What is happening in Spain? I don't understand.
Don't sugar coat it let's get to the hard truth therei have given it to you and others straight.
I don't want Thailand over run with tourists but it is to many Russians Indians Chinese when this happens the demographics change and the feel of the country changes thats what I don't like so many years ago I moved on from Thailand there is life outthere and better places to visit definitely.
Problem with most people there very narrow in there thinking and approach in life
the problem is the greed of thai society they can never get enough of your money,govt is a well you know what i mean they put patpong to shame.theyll keep pilling tourists in till it pops.theres no control on people coming in,i knew several from uk with records why are they living in thailand they shouldnt be able to enter,parts of the country are infested with this low life.local cops are basically the same.no thanks im enough.cambodia maybe .phils and nam good for a visit,latam,ummm interesting,south europe,now thats interesting.its a big world,personaly i feel the thais dont mix well with non thais,look at the deal with burmese cambs and laos they treat them awfully.anyway its a personal choice, im out .i get tired of stupid too thats real bad in thailand
8 years retired in Chiang Mai. I absolutely love it here and have no intention of leaving. Yes the smoking season sucks, but you learn to deal with it (move to the islands or simply modify your activities for that period). The pluses of living a contented life here in Thailand outweigh BY FAR the negatives (imho mostly minor negatives). I will be in the jar next to the guy above who mentioned his ultimate resting place.
I agree overall 👍🙏
I'm thinking of moving to Chiang Mai. How do the locals feel about foreigners?
i'm glad to hear you're happy there . Chiang Mai is my favourite city - many fond memories . Cheers from far north Queensland , Australia .
Living since 20 years in Chiang Mai and love it here! Yes, the haze sucks, but i found solutions every years. If you come to Maerim, see you in the Sala Café.😀🙏
@@Ajax-wo3gt I've been living and working in Chiang Mai for 2 years now. Never had any issues with locals. I think it is more relaxed here in the north, less tourist heavy.
The prospect of a 35% tax, coupled with ambiguous regulations and unpredictable visa renewal procedures in Thailand, is less concerning for backpackers or retirees. Yet, for those with substantial wealth exceeding tens of millions, the combined burden of federal and state taxes in the United States, which already amounts to 53%, becomes onerous. An additional Thai tax, which seems contingent upon providing three decades of tax returns, pushes the fiscal pressure to an untenable level. Although other Asian nations seem to offer more congenial and stable fiscal environments, even with the existence of a Thai-US tax treaty, the necessity for legal counsel in Thailand is inescapable. Presently, my plan involves dividing my time, spending 179 days annually between Thailand and Vietnam, to mitigate tax liabilities. I appreciate your vlogs and extend my best wishes to you and your family. 🙏🏻
Thank you my friend 🙏
35% is only on income over $135,000US
I too will be limiting my stay in Thailand to 179 days or less. If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin. Now I'm looking for another SE Asian country for retirees and no tax implications.
@@jk-zm2fs Most western countries, including the US, have tax treaties with Thailand that prevent double taxation
Im caming to Thailand on May 13th. But hearing all the taxes and things going on. Im having second thoughts. Im married to a thai lady in Rayon.
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
After 6 years in Bangkok moving to Europe now. I wish I had an opportunity to do it at least 4 years ago. Thailand is nice place to visit, maybe stay for few months, but not for living.
Thailand is a great place to live, the food is amazing and cheap, fuel prices are cheap, electricity, gas ,water cheap ASF. Opening a business in Thailand is very easy, tax is very easy to handle. I have been in hospital in Laos and it was awful, meanwhile Thailands hospitals are amazing. I have friends from Cambodia and Vietnam who have decided to return to Thailand after a many years.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Opening a business in Thailand is easy? Never ever, a bureaucratic nightmare!
In the end, they all come back or wish they never left. Problem is, what you built has been lost. either way, coming back or going.
Lao seems VERY popular at the moment. Vientiane is blowing up very quickly, but inflation is over 120%.
but if i relocate, how do i prioritize phnom penh over vientiene, or prioritize vientiene over phnom penh ? and if i'm looking for wife away from philippines, thailand paradigm, is it easier for white man to pick wife in vientiene or phnom penh ?
I live in Jomtein on the darkside,I don't interact with alot of westerners near my village. That said when going into town for shopping im seeing an alarming numbers of westerners, Russians mostly that appear to be settling in. I can tell you im not enthusiastic about this trend. I want to be Immersed in the Thai community. The best of the westerners don't have the delightful vibe of the locals.
Totally agree!
Jomtien and The Darkside are two different areas.
@@testicool013 I don't totally regret my decision, nice having the beach,shopping and western food option. However there are far more westerners appearing daily.
@@testicool013yeah that was after 9\11. Only three percent of Americans knew were Thailand was if that
Living in a suburb of Pattaya in the second most heavily Foreign populated Province of Thailand, does not sound like you are emersed in a Thai Life style. If you want that you need to move away from these tourist hubs.
It seems Thailand has welcomed Russians above anyone else.
Right. We had planned for years to buy a house on Phuket when we permanently settled down. Not now.
Agreed, and the question is why so lenient with them.
@@wellnesswithjon Krabi is a nice place to consider
All I'll say is it hasn't gone unnoticed by the Thais. There government ignores it but Thai people are aware that there country and land is being sold from underneath them. Sooner or later something will pop off I am sure.
From TEXAS. My partner and I spent three weeks in Thailand in January-February. Exactly what we witnessed and were told by many unhappy merchants. The "wealthy" always have the means to escape the draft.
I am Asian, retired in Thailand feel like going home,
forget horrible memories in America.
Your farrang Thai is good 😅 Lived in Thai several years in my 20-30's. Now, 6 years ago I left because of financial reasons.Want to go back for holiday but EU inflation/taxes/stealing has gone rogue to an extent where making the same as 5 years ago, when I was able to put aside €1k/month, now there's nothing left to save...Renders me impossible to travel...It's horrible!
We cancelled our plans of moving to Thailand mainly due to the tax situation. My wife of 12 years is from Thailand and she loves the quiet rural area where we live in the states. We might reconsider at a later time when there is more clarity on the new tax code.
เกษียรตอนแก่โรงพยาบาลสำคัญต่อการใช้ชีวิตมากการจะหาโรงพยาบาลดีๆบริการดีๆในไทยนั้นหาง่ายมาก..ส่วนมากประเทศเพื่อนบ้านคนที่มีเงินจะมารักษาที่ไทยเพราะเหตุผลหลายประการเรายินดีต้อนรับถ้ามาแล้วทำถูกกฎระเบียบประเทศไทยการให้เกียรติซึ่งกันและกันก็สำคัญเช่นกันครับ
ดีใจและภูมิใจที่เมืองไทยมีการรักษาพยาบาลดีแต่ต้องมีเงินนะคะ คนจนส่วนใหญ่ยังลำบาก
จริงๆ
Good hospitals are not the main reason to go to Thailand after we retire in 15 years. Being only a tourist and pay 25% taxes are not what I‘m going to do. I stay in Switzerland - my Thai wife can go. I‘ve seen it all Thailand. The beaches in Costa Rica or Mauritius are even better.
I pay 381 per month in Australia for affordable healthcare. I love private healthcare here you pay as you need it. I’ve spent lot of time in public healthcare as well family waits are long it’s not sparking 🎉 but it get done what’s needed health care .
If you choose to live in Thailand, I would highly recommend taking at least 3 months traveling the country and get a feel for the different provences. There's so much variation and only you will know what suits your requirements
I think the movie "the beach" was the first thing to ruin phi phi island, the last quiet places need to be kept secret and not splashed all over social media.
I used to love Chiang Mai when I moved here 20 years ago but it more or less sucks now. Horrible traffic everywhere and basic laws are never enforced. Nice areas that become developed turn in to ugly congested messes which are impossible to get in and out of. It's a total pain in the ass, worse than America in the state I'm from. I would move tomorrow if not for my wife but I'm making plans nonetheless. The country is almost going backwards if you ask me but that's just my opinion on the lifestyle which I enjoy in Thailand.
Thanks for sharing
I still like popping over to Chiang Mai for a few days but I guess I can see where you are coming from. Maybe I have just been lucky but where I live 50 km from Chiang Rai the drive to town has gotten easier with a new road and there are so many more options now than when we moved here. For me life is good.
Do you think your "old country" hasn't changed? Think carefully. Take a trip. go in the winter.
My brother moved to Thailand in 2010. He made a small fortune during the pre 2008 bubble. He married a thai girl (a nurse, not a bar girl) and has 2 beautiful kids now in Thailand. He told me about a year ago that Thailand is having problems with certain people (they own a lot of gas stations in the US, if you know you know), and that has brought a lot of negative attention on all foreigners. Basically, he said the Thai people still love folks from the US, Brits, Aussie's, europeans ect, but are experiencing a real hatred for others. Mainly because of how they treat Thai's. Like Thailand is just a place to come try to screw and abuse who they can and leave. That and the tax situation has him seriously considering leaving, which will be very difficult for his wife and kids.
Until the tax laws are fully understood it's hard to comment but the UK pension which gets frozen is pitiful enough already without being taxed as you'd find it hard to get by anyhow lol.
Quite right Mick
Sawasdee krab. Great Video.Thanks. Im retired and life in Thailand since 2006, with a 4year break in Ecuador+Colombia, after the 2014 Coup. I came back bc of Love i could not shake off. Now im thinking leaving again but this time for good. The air,heat,visas and maybe the taxes as well r the reasons. There r other clear tax free retirement places around the world, like Ecuador(the problems r only along the coast where i don't like it anyway).Cuenca is great.Spanish i can read and learn easy.English no problem to get around.Visas easy and only every 2years.No Pension income taxes.Colombia,also Spanish easy and with English u can get around well. Retirement Visa every 3years only,income taxes only with about $9200 and above a month.Panama,Spanish+English no problem.Retirement Visa only one time and done for the rest of your life.Many discounts for Retired Expat.No income tax.Chile,one time a year Visa renewal,no 90 day Immigration like im on parole.No Pension income Tax. Philppines, sadly no bc im not gone deposit a huge sum of my money on a Gov. Bank account, same with Malaysia.Cambodia i visited but not for me,same with Indonesia,Vietnam has no clear way to retire,no visa for it,Laos no way for me. Im from Europe and i want to be able to read the stuff when i go outside,talk have more order and more people who follow the laws,more basic universal human rights like freedom of speech,no more Coups(i experienced 3 Coups in Thailand,enough), CLEAN AIR and no Pension income Taxes and no more of the "special Fam. with blue bloods". I know that no place and no person is perfect, im the least, but the negatives got too much here.The good here is not enough anymore. As soon as i sell my Condo, im gone and never want to look back.I learned a loot here but i need more peace, cleanliness,milder temps and stability. Take care. Khop khun mak krab🙏
Ryan, you are so right about the UK down the drain i'm afraid. My wife and i will be moving to Udon Thani or potentially Loas in the next year or two where i met her.
Vang Vieng has a cooler climate than Thailand and is cheaper to live. Keep up your great vlogs.
Thanks Eddy - appreciate it 🙏
I live in u.k Ryan in your town of bolton lived here all my life. I am heartbroken by what as happened to our town. It is an absolute disgrace. You are right it's like a 3rd world country. You would be shocked if you came home. We,ve had a government in power for 14yrs who have destroyed this country with austerity. To late now to turn back. Very sad. 10 hrs wait at hospital, no doctors, no dentist, not enough school places
Yes i feel like i the North we see the impact of our government f-ups alot more obviously, im sorry things have gone that way in my home and yours too
It's true about the UK being destroyed. It's not just this government though, it's been governments for the last 30 years or more. Hard to believe it isn't deliberate.
sadly , i live in the land of ' stupid ' (australia ) . I love Thailand and would dearly like to retire there BUT - the likes of the visa laws and uncertainty regarding tax laws are hurdles which i will not jump over . I am no criminal and refuse to be treated as one . I have already been robbed via tax here in australia . Cost of living here is rising . Where to go that i decent person can retire in peace ??
Australia is not the land of stupid, you sound like you are projecting mate.
Increasingly folks are saying Cambodia. Much better than Thailand in so many aspects. And yes, Australia is stupid, and (contrary to my expectations) has got stupider. But angry hostile stupider. Wilfully idiotically totalitarian. Fully embraced the very war crimes + communist + nazi tactics which their ANZACs fought against, and who made the nation the great place it was while those returned servicemen were alive.
Correct in everything you have said
I have a few reasons to not permanently retire in Thailand 1. air quality for 3 months in Thailand is bad
2. Medical insurance. I have great close to free medical coverage for life. moving to Thailand I can’t take advantage of that easily
3 the completely ridiculous Visa situation compared to other areas.
I agree some nationalities are being given better visa situations which I definitely can’t understand why.
So I will only be a 90-day visitor once a year and go to Vietnam for 90 then back to my country for 6 months. Still love Thailand but the visa thing is very easy to fix but for some reason Thailand can’t or won’t get it right.
Your views are spot on about the UK, I am English.
My plan is to move abroad permanently ASAP.
I have been coming to Thailand for 37 years and I often stay 5-7 months at the time. I could never move here for "ever" as things are just not interesting enough for me here. I guess the main reason for me coming are many friends (Thai) and the winters in Scandinavia!
Retired here for last 10 years, if you want to Tax my very small U.K. pension, I might have to leave Thailand. My pension is already taxed. Please leave my pension alone, otherwise I will have to reluctantly go!
Nobody is going to want to be in Thailand when the big event comes. Get inland, find altitude, away from population centers, and you’re not going to want to be seen as an outsider in a foreign culture either. Good luck everyone. Not much time now. 10-15 years maximum.
Thank you very kindly for the information that you provided in the video. I search for the more "salty" videos because we see far too many "sweet" videos. While it's nice to dream, we live in a, sometimes, harsh reality.
My wife and I are looking to leave the U.S. in roughly three years, and we are targeting Malaysia as our primary target, visiting it next year. However we had Thailand as a secondary.
Now I might add a couple more locations. Thanks again, and I hope that you and yours live well and deal with the coming change in stride.
Welcome 🙏
Lived all over Asia and visited Thailand often. I feel to many westerners are moving to Thailand. The ones that do move there while yes many retirees theres tons of young people who are just trying to dodge work and its cringe they go Thailand and act like its a flex.
you hit the nail on the head...i started coming to asia 45 years ago...and it is insane what i see today...all tbe regects and bottom feeders and bums on dads money
Costs have gone way up in the USA and Australia too. High inflation is happening almost everywhere
Reasons to choose the Philippines: many speak English, it's cheaper, SRRV (visa), UK State Pension indexed every year, no tax on foreign earnings. Reasons to pick Malaysia: many speak English, it's cheaper, S-MM2H visa (Sabah and Sarawak), foreigners can own land in own name, no tax on foreign earnings. Go where you are treated best.
I appreciate your candid assessment of the western world and South East Asian. Do you offer consultations?
Do not worry about the new tax laws. Things here are still quite good. Come and stay here for some time, and see how it feels. After nearly 2 decades here, I still really love it.
If higher taxes can get the government to get the wild street dog problem under control, I am all for it! And as long as you show respect and don't cause trouble, then your money spent in the Thai community you live will always be welcome.
Excellent points and I agree completely as I have been traveling to Thailand since 92 long time ago. Taxes are a killer the amount of expats etc I’m out for 6 plus months
Re: Tax - this is just RUclipsrs using clickbait and the "viewers" are considering the Ytubers as "experts".
At least you said it, you are not an expert.
1. There is NO tax law. NOT a proposed law... Nothing
2. It was a low-level office that produced a small document.
3. The document was aimed at THAILAND citizens who are "hiding" income overseas.
4. Years ago, the USA, the UK, and many other countries cracked down on their citizens avoiding taxes.
This is why I always state I don’t know shit about shit, but I talk about stuff
You are completely and utterly wrong. What you call a "low level office that produced a small document" is in fact order No. 61/2566, signed by the Director General of the Thai Revenue Department, giving instructions on a new interpretation of Section 41, Paragraph 2, of the Thai Revenue Code. Not RUclipsrs and not clickbait.
@@OzDelphi I stand by my remarks.
-1. There is NO "new" law
-2. There is NO law affecting expat foreigners' taxation.
-- Reading is a basic tenet of understanding legal proceedings.
+++ Those who have been following Thailand for a while have seen Dozens (plural) of "proposals".
@@traveler7249 I never said there was a new law. Section 41, paragraph 2, of the Revenue Code has not changed, but Order 161/2566 and 162/2566, signed by the Director General of the Revenue Department, which is now referenced in the Thai version of the Revenue Code, clarifies the meaning of this paragraph. This affects anyone who is, or will be, a tax resident, whether Thai or foreigner. If you would like a "reading is a basic tenet of understanding legal proceedings" exercise, I will be more than happy to quote all the relevant sections of the aforementioned Order and sections of the Revenue Code, in Thai, and you can explain in English or Thai where I am mistaken.
There certainly is a Thai tax law that will now start affecting all foreigners. Anyone who is in Thailand 180 days or more in a calendar year must file a Thai personal income tax return, if they get monies from any source worldwide amounting to 300,000 baht or more in one year.
I think you are correct in everything you have spoken about.
It's a good discussion, thanks. I've got a bit over a decade living in Thailand, now I Hu Hin 8 years. I too think there's going to be an increase I people coming from the western countries, many people in the US are having a hard time with the cost of living there. And there's many different reasons that people come here as well, but affordability I believe is number one. And wholly agree that raising the bar as to what type of people can qualify for a long term retirement visa is a good thing, and wonder why the USA and UK allow foreigners to buy and own realestate, especially when it's by Russians and Chinese, who have been political adversaries for decades. The few people I see leaving mostly going to Cambo, Vietnam, and Phillipines, but I still see Thailand as the safest, more stable economy and government. If I wasn't married to my wife I would consider Spain, but never going back to the US, and it's a case of forgetting how good we have it here, until you do go somewhere else and end up regretting it.
To all those that are thinking or have bought homes oe condos in Thailand, you are a fool!
The government policies in Thailand change every 3 days it seems
I pay no rent, no bills, Thai wife. Life is guud. My friends thought buying a home was crazy. now they are downgrading their accomodations. April Fool!
1. To expensive (to strong Thai bath, find it cheaper eaven many places in Europe, fex. Tenerife) yes you can liv cheaper in thailand, but one thai dish a day is perfect to me the other must be western food or South-American food.
2. Tax/corruption on alcohol is insane price fex. related to Thai income is insane a Thai have to work 1.5 hours to afford 1 beer(prices of vine and beer is cheaper anywhere in the world with some few acceptances.) (you then could compare how much you would pay for baying in your country for a beer in my country working 1.5 hour would bee 30USD)INSANITY.
3. Tax when transferring money to Thailand is unknown as you say is not know how this plays out, but this might be a total stop sign, because this is necessary to by any place for living.
4. Thailand has lost some of it soul, but there are places to go where is was more in the old days.
5. Taxes on farang goods in general but especially food.
6. To many Russians taken over central places, yes and they are not good, they are full of bad behaviour-This is strange because they are not like that in Russian. Also they are and also have been extreme racists. - Shit people straight out!! Unfortunately this is not better in Vietnam from what I have heard.
All that said there is a lot of positives for Thailand, but for me I think future is Philippines, Vietnam, or Cambodia, because my wife is Thai so in that area can visit Thailand occasionally easy, however if she will get work in Thailand it might be that place. But is some 10 years for now and anything can change.
Pardon my French.
Young English expat in my 20s working in tech. Been doing Thailand for a while. Visas are such a pain here and depending how strict tax/visa situation gets once it’s clarified I’m prepared that I may have to start going to Vietnam/cambodia/ Philippines for so much of the year even though I don’t want to.
One place I won’t be going back to is England. Fallen completely.
keep away from australia - we've gone mad
Right now your type are wanted, Thailand is now wanting thousands of 'Farangs' like you and will give you an easy entry/working visa, but because of a few visiting idiots like the two well off New Zealand guys, the Thai immigration has gone into over drive with their visa applications.
@@rossie273I'm American. We have watched the collapse of the entire western world over the last 15 years. Of course you could see this Orwellian demoralization happening back in the 80s. I remember in the early 90s when they started pushing politically correct speech. Out of nowhere, with no evidence to support the claim, we were suddenly being fed the fake idea that "diversity is our greatest strength". That has evolved in to "multiculturalism is necessary and enriches society", and "you're a bigoted xenophobe racist if you disagree". When I was in elementary school in the 80s it was "Proud to be an American". In middle school in the 90s it changed to "America should be ashamed". Now the message is just "America is evil and you must hate it or you're a racist bigot". The ADL globalist communist elites have been executing this planned destruction for decades. It's only finally become obvious to the masses. No great power has ever fallen so fast. That's what happens when every tier of government, business, media, academia, and tech become infiltrated by the collectivist mind virus.
@@rossie273 Well behind the insanity in the UK, but headed in the same direction. Housing affordability is terrible now too unless you can work rural
The worst aspect of living in the UK/Australia is the increasing number of Muslim immigrants.
No expat should *EVER* consider any country they relocate to as their permanent home. You have to anticipate an eventual shift in their willingness to tolerate foreigners. Loved today, hated tomorrow.
Always have a Plan B, a Plan C, etc
Bingo!
They will always tolerate foreigners, stop lying you clueless dork, smh. You still live in your grandma's basement.
@flexbillbert5802 same here I need to see it 😊for myself
I applaud Thailand's attitude that " Thailand is for Thais " . However , if i retired there ( which i'd like to do ) , i would like to be treated as something other than a criminal . I'm talking about the visa laws and having to report every 3mths . I would like to safely invest my money in the country by owing a condo or house ( not including the land ) , a car or 'bike without a black cloud of uncertainty over my head every 3mths . I live in the land of " stupid " ( australia ) - i don't want to move from one scenario to a similar one .
Just need to have plan $$$
I lived in Thailand for many years before the internet came along. Truly magical era.
" Father father does Lord of the rings bases on a true story?" The fathers answers:"Lord of the doesn't but TERMINATOR does" ...
You mean internet, or web? We've had internet since 1980 or so. (Usenet started 1979). Gopher was later, 1981. Email was earlier, 1970's.
1987 on Koh Samui.... 25 Baht per night for a bungalow.
same. internet killed asia for budget, wild adventures.
That's incredible. Can only imagine how different things were back then.
I agree with you man. I love living here and really value everything about it. I feel like it’s a privilege to live here and hope to be able to stay the rest of my life. Thanks for another great video and topic!
Cheers Tim 🙏👍🇹🇭
I ended up moving to Cartagena, Colombia from the US. Knowing Spanish goes a long way in getting to meet people and interact. Also met my wife here and that has been a blessing. It has helped a lot on the “how do I legally stay here” situation. I will say living in the US I was always anxious and stressed and moving to a coastal place like Cartagena. It helped me learn to relax and enjoy my time. It’s a big blessing and I’ve never been happier.
Loving the dream 😁
Cartagena old city... I went for 3 days and stayed 11 days...just beautiful
I was in Colombia a few years ago, Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin. Cartagena was my fave. While I definitely liked M over B, both felt like prisons, as most of the housing has electric fence and razor wire about it. Which makes the open outdoor spaces feel like unsafe prison yards. Cartagena, at least where I was in the Old City/Town/ Getsemani didn't feel like that at all. Supposedly Colombia is a LOT safer than it was, but unfortunately its left with the infrastructure/ architecture / memories of the drug war / terror years, in some places, at least.
congrats on your new life in the wonderful Colombia.....so envy of that!! cheers!!
Another thing is as soon as you think you have all the rules figured out they change them.
How many places are different?
@@brianphuket5951 every place
who follows the rules in Thailand?
@@valuetraveler2026 people that want to stay in Thailand
@@ras9875 to avoid visa runs ok. They never asked questions about border other than that
I've spoken with a few lawyers both in Thailand and back in The States. This is the basic rule: If the money brought into Thailand has been taxed at the source...it will not be taxed here. Am I wrong?
The real issue is how to prove that he’s been taxed. How far back do you need to do the paperwork on old taxes based off of that income? It seems almost impossible to prove anything as there’s no certainty of how old that savings is there’s no forensics on the money that we make basically
Sounds fair.
You are correct but you need to bring evidence to your local authorities
@@annieterminetschuppon7232 I don't think that includes US social security.
It depends on the agreement between your country and Thailand....
Former long term Thai resident, married to a Thai national, had a little girl with her. Settled on the family farm which I own 49% of. My wife owned 25%, grandmother owned 20% and the 3 aunties owned 2% each. Never got any problems from that but I’m a lifetime “Friend of the Thai People”. Lost my wife and kid to an accident and went off the rails. Really did a number on myself. The family were and are very good to me. I’m just a few operations away from returning to what I consider home.
You mentioned a few other countries. Lao isn’t too bad but there is a lot of organised crime that flashing cash can get you targeted. Steer clear unless you are very streetwise and can extract yourself from bad situations. Colombia has several honey trap operations in effect. If you want to die tied to a chair, covered in petrol with a car tyre round your neck, then good luck. Me - I’m happy in Korat, early morning walks, afternoons at the lake teaching the local kids (and some adults) to swim.
Just wanted to say that I'm sorry to hear about your wife and daughter.
I wish I had something helpful to say.
@@000-z8n Thanks for your sympathies, not looking for that but it’s nice to know you care. While I lived in Khorat there were a few foreigners who came and went. They tended to complain about everything, as though being able to live in a tropical paradise wasn’t good enough. I guess if they don’t like it, they should go home! I suppose if they have not figured out how to be grateful for life’s blessings by that age, a person is never going to be happy anywhere.
Sorry to hear all you've dealt with
@@slax4884 Challenges and hardship bring out the best in me. Sure I miss them with all my heart but I’m grateful for the years I had with them.
Sorry for your loss 🙏
My sentiments exactly I’m currently in Thailand but I have been travelling in Laos Cambodia and the Philippines and although Thailand is technically still in my opinion the best country for many aspects it’s losing its lustre for me. I spent more in two weeks in Thailand than it would’ve cost me for an entire month in Laos or Cambodia and I can feel the difference from three years ago and even more so from 10 years ago in how people the thais greet you and smile at you. don’t get me wrong they are still friendly but let’s say they seem to be more weary or cautious than before it’s not as freely given. I’m also thinking that I will base myself Lin an adjacent Country but still look forward to visiting often. If I was to choose Thailand it would definitely be in a more rural setting away from the tourist areas that are becoming plagued with the miss behaving ex-pats that you’re reading about lately. Thank you for your content you always try to look at all sides of things well thought out as always
Thanks for sharing 🙏👍
สมัยนี้พี่น้องไทยว่า....เบื่อฝรั่ง
I'm australian ( don't laugh ) and a friend of mine , years ago , said i should visit Thailand because the beer was cheap and the sex was cheap . When i asked about other "attractions " he replied , " Oh yeh , there's monkeys up in the mountains " . Years later , I now have a few friends in Thailand - farangs with Thai wives ( their own age ) and they live in the rural parts which i prefer . The sex scene ( which i witnessed one evening in Chiang Mai ) to me , is pathetic . . Not the young ladies but the old men . To each his own i guess .
I feel the same shift.
Its hard to describe
My first visit in Thailand 2004, i felt genuinely welcomed, even with practically no thb in my pockets.
It took till 2016 to return and obviously different.
2018 moved to Thailand and yes... It's slipping away. Hard to say exactly how.
Perhaps my own frustration is slowly building up from the so many fuckups?
My now standard distrust to Thai after being ripped of so many times? (Deposit is apparently different world for extra payment) The lies and the cheats?
Where the "Thai way" is to shrug, pay up,move on and forget it ever happened??
(As im well aware I'm not the only one who this is happening to)
If you bump your head often enough, you become careful.
Weary even.
And this will have its own counter effect.
In my 2 months playing tourist in the Philippines i have SAVED money, where in Thailand I'm scraping at the end of the month....
We will he happy to come on holidays...
We can afford it by not living in Thailand 😂😂
@@rossie273it’s not been the Aussies mainly in the news it’s been Swiss British mainly
I have left my native Germany in 1998, knowing this whole EU system will kill the whole lifestyle of the people. Now living in Australia since 1998 and thought it was paradise, I feel like leaving this place too. The cost of living is just too high.
Oz showed it is a communist country in the past 4 years, vax mandates, show your papers, stazi police, can only go 3 km from your house, mask mandates - living hell! I am only glad I went there in the 00's before it went to pot
Been married to my Thai wife for 17 years here in NZ. Can’t wait to move over there early next year when I retire to Nakhon Phanom. The COL in NZ is out of control both housing and food, crime is on the rise, high-density housing being built everywhere. Incidentally when I move to Thailand I become a non-resident for tax in NZ so I don’t give a toss if Thailand wants me to pay some tax. But it’s the same old story if you don’t like it in Thailand nobody is forcing you to stay.
Bingo
New ruling. Once you leave NZ you loose your right to a state pension. Maybe you have plenty of savings to live off. Hopefully?
Amen Brother, many people fail to realize that Thailand didn't ask anyone to come here and settle, retire or live. If one gets fed up and wants to go back home, Thailand would not fall apart. it would just mean another wannabe expat has a shot at that place to rent.
I think you still get state pension in NZ as long as you come back for 6 months of the year.
However I do agree NZ so bloody expensive now and crime everywhere,
don't know what happened to the once beautiful NZ, can't wait to retire to bugger off to Thailand
@@mickyt.4007 What a load of balderdash.
I originally had plans to retire in Thailand. But, I met a Cambodian lady and the Love thing kicked in. I've built a house here for her and i've retired now and have a early retirement visa. The tax thing in Thailand scares me, and the retirement visas in Thailand are really troublesome with reporting and depositing of 800k in bank etc.. Here in Cambodia at 55 you can get a retirement visa at 55 with only $270 + $20 visa fee yearly. No other requirements when you use an agent. I find the Cambodian people here to be very friendly and accepting of foreigners.
I might someday have a life of traveling between Cambodia and Thailand and the PI for 3-5 months in each country in the future. It is very affordable here, but depends on your expenditure.. I'm thinking $1000 USD a month as a base here, rental of 1 room place is $100 a month down on the Cambodian South coast. No taxes on global income.
Thank you for sharing 👍🙏
Sound good 👍
Actually there is a tax in global income, it's a residence based taxation. But Cambodia doesn't have a system to inforce it and it's still to early in the stage of developing for them to come after every when. When the country really develops and it's able to tax foriengers it will.
@@mattivirta worth it without having to report to immigration every 3 mo, no deposit 800k in bank, no background investigation or paperwork.. Probably will change in the future though.
I hope to have a vacation home in Thailand when I'm ready to retire. I'm 38. I speak Thai fluently and I can read it. I lived in the Isaan for a year and miss it all the time.
I hope it becomes easier to retire there in the next 10 years. I took my wife and her parents in 2017. They had a wonderful time and I can't wait for my next visit, this next time I'll take my 4 kids as well.
I've been living in Thailand, on and off, since 2023. During that time I've also lived in The Philippines (5 years) and Mexico (1.5 years) Living abroad can be enjoyable but also hard work. The different culture, language and Visa issues add to the complexities. Simply moving abroad will not make one happy and in my experience, people that were mostly happy in their home countries will also be relatively happy abroad.
Hmmm, people become different when they come here, maybe less flexible and expecting all the brown people will cater to them. Things are changing same as everywhere, but still far better than where I come from, Hawaii. Your mileage will vary.
not necessarily
What civil liberties are being taken from Canadians? I live here for six months of the year, and I don't know what you're talking about. Police state? Controlled bank accounts? Huh? Are you talking about masking during the pandemic? If so, Asia is hardly the place to escape that. And yes, you can't overthrow the government between elections, but that's how democracies work.
nationalpost.com/opinion/jamie-sarkonak-liberals-had-no-place-freezing-funds-of-freedom-convoy-protesters
I must also say that the air quality now a days in Thailand is so bad that any expat with reduced immune system or other underlying diseases, should actually move out! It is dangerous just to breath here now!
In Thailand now. Pattaya. Going to spend a month here. A month in the Philippines, a month in Vietnam and some time in Cambodia. She which place I like best before making a longterm decision where to setup home base.
Would love to hear an update
They're all culturally very different, all feel amazing to be there.
@@myendlesslove5120 will do for sure on this channel.
I plan on moving to Thailand for retirement in September of this year. I am not worried about the new tax law, from my understanding, pensions won’t be taxed and even if it is it won’t deter me from moving to Thailand.
Best of luck with your move!
Thailand was always the retirement plan but since going to Bulgaria sunny beach I have changed my mind and we probably going to retire there and the three months when it’s freezing December January February we going to stay in Thailand then back to Bulgaria
Uk 🇬🇧 here just for reference
Try Varna (Bulgaria), the city by the sea. Eastern Europeans know Bulgaria the best and choose Varna over Sunny Beach & Golden Sands, where the western europeans go.
And Varna is only 30 mins from the more expensive & comercialised Golden Sands.
cool idea
Been looking into Bulgaria as well. Looks like a really beautiful place to live cheaply as an expat.
Perfect, cooler months to visit Thailand too. Best wishes with your plans.
What will you do with your house in Bulgaria for 3 months each year?
Phuket is not the same. Many of the people I talk with say they are leaving for 2 reasons. The traffic….and the cause of the traffic. Which everyone in the comments will know.
@@testicool013 Clearly you have not lived in Phuket...it's VERY DIFFERENT now. It's like it is not even Thailand anymore.
@@Zen36977 >IT's good if you're retired or don't have to work, the eastern side of the island is mild in traffic, it's easy to live here with all the western comforts in great weather, yes, hot and times and wet the other times, I don't recommend it for those who cannot roll with a little traffic jam during the rush hours. it's probably the only place in the world like that. Try Bali, it's more fun in traffic.
@@Zen36977 putinket
...what gets me is how poorly the foreigners we are talking about in Phuket treat the local Thais...of course all farang are blamed.
I wondered if you would get round to this topic. Seems most of the local blogs are giving it a whirl. At least you have dealt with it in a tasteful way.
Personally been here 12 years married to a Thai, live on my UK pensions. We have our own house in a beautiful non foreign tourist part of Thailand and live comfortably. Worst case I might have to pay a few Baht tax if the existing treaties don't cover my already taxed[UK] pensions. Given the benefits I receive by being married to a retired Thai teacher I won't be moaning or leaving.
Great place nice people, pity about some of the less desirable falang who can't behave here.
well said
If your worldwide income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, and that's when the complications begin.
At first, I was angry and wanted to give up with the recent visa changes. But after thinking about it, it's going to keep Thailand Thai. I did a 180, and completely support it. What's happening in the west with the manufactured immigration crisis is not going to happen here with strict immigration laws.
The trash will take itself out in a sense. Or, at least it can't linger.
Hi, I moved here over 7 years ago and whatever happened here there was no way I was living another day in the UK. The country is unrecognisable from the one I was born and bred in and I felt like a foreigner in my own country. I went to Chiang Mai but now live in Chiang Rai. After 40+ years living in London, I had lived enough city life for many lifetimes. If you are prepared to embrace the culture and lifestyle here it is great, not perfect, but a relaxed lifestyle. Never had any problems with the bureaucracy here, I just accept it's different. I have a house I bought with my now wife and I will curl up my toes eventually in Thailand. I actually applauded the country for putting its own citizens first. As you said, it's a criminal shame that the West doesn't follow suit.
I think the issue is the ever changing rules so people don't where they stand, rather than the 'second class citizen' thing.
@@chrispekel5709 A well known vlogger who has been here for around 20 years once said "There are no rules in Thailand, merely suggestions" Nothing has happened whilst I have been here that has been life changing. Go with the flow.
It would be more accurate to say your now wife has a house that you bought for her. But as you said, I applaud the Thais for ensuring their country isn't bought out from under them by foreigners, Iike ours has been
The problem in the west is the government's do not look after the people who have worked and paid taxes all their life. There more than happy to give it to some blow in who hasn't contributed contributed
@@realsatoshihashimoto Split hairs if you wish
The $20,000 does not bother me , I can always take that out and leave , but to be taxed on my small pension is BS
Yes I treat it as a back up savings 👍
Pay your tax in Thailand. You have much more than the usual Thai. Smile and pay your tax- don't be a parasite
it wont affect your pension. vloggers and the like are going to be hit hard
@@regnorse most of us pay tax through company structure based in Thailand already 👍
If your income is more than about 300,000 baht per year, you'll have to file a Thailand personal income tax return, ad that's when the complications begin.
I absolutely agree with you on so many points. I have been in Thailand for almost 3 years and am still adjusting and learning many new things. I also support the way Thais look after Thais first, I think its one of the most intelligent things the Thai government and culture support. I am a guest in this amazing country. I don't like riff raff of sny kind or culture near my family dynamic. Of course there is always the fear of the unknown. This place has a history of military coups. The tax thing is a wait and see thing and when it happens it happens, deal with it then. I love it here, pros and cons included. That is everywhere you go. I have a home, a beautiful farm and sweetheart and will do all I can to abide by the rules and support Thai culture and her family. Thais live in the present. They don't seem to be too concerned about things happening in the future, nor do they dwell on the past. If they do, you dont see or hear it from them at all, its all about today and living your best life. This gift is hard to find in many other countries including my country of origin. I'll be staying, sometimes I'll stub my toe or have to bite my lip but in the end I don't think it gets much better and I have seen alot of this world. Thailand is amazing, love it and respect it and it will give you all you need and more. Cheers mate. 🙏
I'm an Englishman who has lived in Thailand for 28 years, working for various corporates in Bangkok, working in Thailand and supporting offices around APAC. 2 years ago I left on good terms from my latest company of 20+ years with a good severance package. Since then, as I'm no longer tied going between air-conditioned home, to ac'd car, to ac'd office, the air pollution and the increasingly hot months of the year have stopped me from enjoying what was meant to be motorbike riding and traveling around Thailand. The pollution especially has gotten worse with no fix in sight despite constant assurances from the various governments that have been in power. Will I return to England? Not sure as yet, but I'm certainly taking more and longer trips back there than before
Great comment. If you have plenty of money and can afford it, 2 or 3 trips to Thailand per year is more than enough.
People slag off England but if you can afford to live in a nice area it's one of the best places in the world.
Jacob Rothschild could have lived in BuriRam or even maybe stretched his budget to Phuket - I wonder why he didn't?
England in the summer is the best place on earth, before the kid came along I would work the summer and travel the far east for the winter.
Cracking life.
Hope to get back to it when the daughter sorts herself out 🎉
@@anthonydixon6985 If money is not an issue, I could live in quite a few places happily. The UK would still not be high on the list though because of the weather, and easy access to amenities (unless you live in London). Also, just because I may be okay, it's not nice to see everything else falling apart.
@@anthonydixon6985 I have just moved back to UK from Australia after 43 years there. I like it the food is great ! the weather is cool too , cost of living better than Australia , no bugs ! Still a great country in my opinion and I am a pensioner with nothing.but good to be home😉
@@martinpip8212 England has fallen to immigrants that have a totally different culture than the English...It's days are numbered.
Been going to Philippines for 11 years and its like my 2nd home been to Thailand and Vietnam and Cambodia loved them all. But i met a girl in Philippines that won my heart and two beautiful girls later we plan to retire there from the UK. Great Britain is sliding into the abyss and i am scared what it will become. So yes i am out.
You are okay paying farang prices and being treated like a 2nd class citizen. Wow just wow.
What do you think if I say it is a geo-political thing? Thailand get closer to Russia and the Phillippines is becoming a US state with six military bases. If many US expats are moving this way maybe it is a reason. You are British so you might have more freedom to select where you stay. Vietnam is kind of funny: the US killed millions of people yet they are very friendly to US people today! That might be a sign of quality that attract people! When you talk about western countries being a police state never forget that Thailand is not a western democracy and a very stern kingdom.
Good points
It's a foreign country, so you show up, do your thing whatever that is, then head to some other destination. I think getting stuck in a foreign country (which I've done) is boring after a while. So I always end up at our home overlooking a fresh water lake in CA. No homeless in our area, just happy, polite people and great food, golf course.
It is the uncertainty of living here that makes it hard. There is the tax thing. But the big one is the visa issue. You never know if and when they will change it and how much this will cost us. To retire here you work your budget out on known factors but those factors could change dramatically yet you've committed your life here, many have married a Thai and invested money into a property through their wives. No one wants to then find out you have to leave because of visa changes. I could see a point in the not too distant future where they up the financial requirements to stop low income people coming in, instead only wanting higher income people. Retirees on pension could be priced out. Thats hard if you have a Thai wife, she can't just up and move to Cambodia.
Thanks for sharing!
First time seeing your channel. I’m from the UK and visited Thailand many times. I live in Costa Rica and totally agree on your thoughts regarding immigration in the UK and understand locals not wanting their country to change. I live and mix with locals only, same when I lived in Nicaragua. I feel living in an ex-pat community means missing out on experiencing the country but realize everyone is different and some prefer not to.
I want to retire in thailand at some point. I'm only 30 so it's not going to happen in the near future but hopefully some day. I am half thai so for me it's just the natural thing to do. I completely agree with your statement that the cost of living here in the west has become too expensive.
You can retire when you are 50. Take a tour a few times before that to see if you would like it.
Too many Russians is a big put off..
17 years in Cambodia 🇰🇭, before that 8 years Thailand.Visa was a problem, always visa runs.Cambodia over 55 years old.No problem.
300& and maby a picture.
Stay safe ❣️
Happy Easter 🐰
Thanks for sharing Linda 🙏🙏
Here in the Philippines. I think province life here and in Thai would be very similar, although I believe there is more mountain living in the Fills and so temps can be considerably cooler. Thailand beats the Fills hands down with infrastructure that's way ahead. Food is way better in Thailand ( Taste , quality , and variety ). The consensus is Thailand is somewhat less expensive than the Philippines. English and visas are easier in the Fills. Air quality is generally better , but can also be a problem in the cities. Thailand is more tidy and cleaner (less litter , better construction etc.) imo.
Correct on all points.Staying in the Philippines is easier, especially with a Filipino wife. less hassle, less amenities unless you're in the bigger cities, same for the services and utilities.
Agree with everything.
As someone who have lived in both countries:
Thailand is definitely cheaper in terms of rent, food, internet and hotels. Thailand is also much more developed and convenient.
Philippines's advantages are the infinite tourist visa, English is much more widely spoken, and local women really like foreign white man.
Thailand is cheaper than the Philippines? Thought it was the other way around. From your list it seems Thailand is better overall, assuming the list is correct.
@@roastnut The list is correct. However many choose the Philippines , because English is widely spoken , the visas easier , and imo a little more popular for "men seeking woman".
My God, why is it northerners always take so long to explain something you get bored in a few seconds
What went wrong? Russian refugee's. They will spoil it for all.
One thing that I predict is going to get worse and will be another reason that people leave (or don't go to Thailand) is: The Thai government looks like it's heading toward more crackdowns on farangs working without work permits and they may target all RUclipsrs making videos in Thailand. At the present, it seems nearly impossible to get a legitimate work permit that would allow being a dignital nomad or RUclipsr (even one not monetized) while in Thailand. After a bunch of bigger RUclips channels get hit that way, Thailand will look even less attractive. Same with online work. I'm not retired. I own a U.S. company which I always manage remote. It's not a Thail company so I can't grant myself a work permit (even though I can get a marriage visa with work authorization). So, if they start cracking down on digital nomads, that make Thailand not so good for me. I can't not work as my company would fail which is where the money comes from that allows me to be in Thailand. And, without a work permit, I can't work while located in Thailand.
I don't know what type of business you're in but could you start a branch or second business as a Thai company?
Hi.
I am a Malaysian and I just saw this channel by accident.
If I may say my 2 bit.
Thailand is getting more and more developed and successful.
Foreigners and tourists go to Thailand by the millions now.
The government wants to cut down the privileges given to the retirees farangs.
They want the rich Chinese that buys lots of condos in Bangkok to rent out.
A lot of farangs forgot that eventhough Thailand had benefited from the old arrangement….they had also benefited.
The retirees farangs are crowding out the good life that any ordinary Thai can enjoy.
Before the farangs came , a local Thai can be considered rich if he has USD500,000.
Now , he is middle class.
He feels outclassed in his own country.
The Thai government feels that they have to manage this issue.
The old arrangement will be phased out in time.
The farangs will be free to go elsewhere.
I just came back from Bangkok and I noticed that the average Thai are wealthier now and Chinese investments are flooding into Bangkok.
Russians investments are flooding into Pattaya as well.
Thailand is no longer as cheap as it was.,….but it is still a fun place.
I would say…..deal with new changes as the old poor Thailand is long gone.
The IconSiam is a sign of things to come.
Wow sounds alot like usa
What is "farangs"?
@@overbank56
White expats.
@@overbank56 foreigners, altough it could also mean specifically white foreigners
I think at least for me who is relatively young (38) with 2 little kids I would rather keep my options open. Lots of people I know with simmilar attitude. People are mostly concerned whether the recent changes and "bad foreginers" chase is just a blip or start of a bigger trend. I think the policy might backfire for Thai government as many foreginers will drastically cut their spending and /or spend less time in Thailand to avoid sunken cost fallacy and keep options open.
I think you may be right
hope so
America is a third world country with alot of money and resources.
In general people making the move to relocate or retire to Thailand they love the place, people and culture and they have the chance to live a better life both mentally, physically and financially.
But with changes Thailand just looks less attractive - i fundamentally disagree there is any positivity in being "a second rate citizen" - In Australia doesnt matter where u are from you have same rights as the next person.
Agree the West is changing, not for the better but imagine if you lived in Australia and you where treated differently by law because you were brown or black?
I know Thailand is thailand (my GF is thai and living in Sweden) but if it is becoming a less attractive place (some of that IS the farangs own fault) people looking for a better life will seek "a life" elsewhere as Thailand has way life (what ever it may be for them) if gone and if a better life maybe in Cambodia or Laos then people will go there.
I know i think about this as i clear our land in provincial edge near Bangkok - i remember Thailand of 15yrs ago (when i got married in Phuket) and the joys of living in Asia over 30yrs ..... Is Thailand too 'different' now?
I love the people and culture already so I won't not find our better life there but i do feel less welcome and less of a n ability to find that 'better'
But we shall see, wont we
I agree with a lot you say. But in the Philippines it’s much easier to stay as a tourist renewal of visa is easy up to three years then leave country for one day and then you can return.
thanks for the info
Mate, you're very well articulated and right on the point. Thank you
🙏👍🇹🇭
I suspect a person is probably poor in moving to Thailand in that life is more affordable for them in Thailand than in their home country,. By moving to Thailand that would mean (since they are already poor) that they continue to live poorly. There is no other reason why someone from a rich Western country would move to Thailand. Exceptions are people from countries that are more impoverished than Thailand, where going there is clearly a "step up" for them, providing them with (economic) opportunities. Meanwhile, for a Westerner, it is a clear step down. Now, if you talk about vacationing, that's a whole different story: Thailand is wonderful for vacations.
On a personal level, a person sacrifices a lot to move to a developing country like Thailand. Not only do they lose economic opportunity and privilege, and probably salary, they also lose fresh (unpolluted) air. They lose the ability to communicate, unless they speak Thai fluently. -- and even then, many Westerners will bastardise spoken Thai through incorrectly pronouncing the very unusual tones. That is to say nothing of trying to master the unique Thai script. Amenities and their availability, especially heakth standards and quality of health care, will be a different story in Thailand. Already a person has lost a great deal, forgetting for a moment about their own friends who do not move to Thailand. Consider the heat. For those coming from a temperature climate, Thailand is far from ideal, so you lose that too. In fact, on virtually every measure, you're going to lose by moving to Thailand, unless it is very temporary, or a vacation OR you are poor to begin with. There is a good reason why citizens of poor countries emigrate to go to rich countries --- and overwhelmingly no the other way around. Thus, if foreigners who live in Thailand are leaving, I am not surprised, and of those who are leaving, go to even poorer nations, that is also very telling.
Well put, my friend. Countries like Thailand and Philippines attract Western men who couldn't make it back home. Poor guys, men who couldn't land a woman. They need to come to SE Asia to feel like a big shot and score a woman from a poor country. It's awfully sad and pathetic when you think about it.