Return to the UK 14 years away.

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
  • ]Return to the UK 14 years away.
    Having left the UK for 14 years I return for a visit in the UK Summer, it's not what I was expecting, cold cloudy and miserable in the peak of summer in July.
    My channel is called Retired and Living the dream, it is called this for a very good reason, I am living the dream, living in a tropical paradise called Thailand. Living in Thailand has huge benefits to one's well being. Affordable and great living standards, I don't worry about the Credit crunch as my income is enough to live on here in Thailand. Life in Thailand could improve your lifespan in terms of that feel good factor. Follow my channel and see how this can be done.
    [LINKS ]
    Email lesliepearson58@yahoo.com
    Legal Thai/English translations done Readytofly.visaservice@gmail.com
    Buy me a coffee ko-fi.com/raltd
    Buy a Retired and Living the Dream Mug ( Thailand only ) $7
    ko-fi.com/s/e6...
    Is Retiring to Thailand a good Idea $3 ko-fi.com/s/2f...
    Retired and Living the Dream e-book only $3
    ko-fi.com/s/e4...
    Keto Slow cooker
    ko-fi.com/s/14...
    Keto cook book using the Air Fryer
    ko-fi.com/s/23...
    Online Dating e-book 5 easy steps my best seller by far, it will save you far more than the $3 cost to buy. ko-fi.com/s/29...
    Retirement, create a retirement you don't need a vacation from, then this e-book is for you, valuable simple guide for a great retirement. $3
    ko-fi.com/s/a9...
    Ketogenic Lifestyle not a Diet, I lost over 20 Kilo on the Keto Diet, I have done several video's showing the results. Start with this e-book and see how easy Keto is.
    ko-fi.com/s/0c...
    Don't Screw up your Retirement. $3 ko-fi.com/s/29...
    Pacific cross insurance retiredandlivingthedream@th.pacificcrosshealth.com
    [ABOUT ]
    Channel Information.
    🌴 Welcome to "Living the Dream in Thailand" 🇹🇭
    Are you dreaming of a fulfilling life in Thailand? With over 12 years of Thailand living under my belt, I'm your trusted guide:
    🏡 Navigating Life in Thailand: Gain essential tips, avoid pitfalls, and experience contentment.
    🌟 Retiring in Paradise: Explore early retirement and living the dream in Thailand. I retired at 50 and never looked back!
    🔍 Best UA-cam Resource: Discover everything about retiring and living the dream in Thailand.
    🤝 Personalized Assistance:
    Thailand is diverse, and I understand your journey is unique. Need help with visas, finding condos or houses, or general relocation advice? I've got answers and connections in Rayong for your housing needs.
    ✈️ Ready to Make the Move?
    Learn the ropes on obtaining visas without costly agents.
    📧 Reach Out:
    Questions? Contact me at lesliepearson58@yahoo.com for personalized assistance or info.
    [About the Video]

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,3 тис.

  • @buddyhell7100
    @buddyhell7100 Місяць тому +224

    I left 34 years ago. Each time i go back i realise why i left. It isnt England anymore

    • @user-si5sk2hm2n
      @user-si5sk2hm2n Місяць тому +8

      Is a Abud dabi

    • @miamitten1123
      @miamitten1123 Місяць тому +6

      Anymore!? So it was wast 33yrs ago either!? 😂

    • @exelmans8855
      @exelmans8855 Місяць тому +11

      Stop talking trash. The UK is a sad place that’s it. Always have been.

    • @alexnelson9512
      @alexnelson9512 Місяць тому +6

      @@exelmans8855
      *_Yes, but not for the rich and privileged, or the upper classes._*

    • @HugeStirz
      @HugeStirz Місяць тому +7

      @@exelmans8855 nope. pre 1955 it was among the best places in the world

  • @Gaz12345
    @Gaz12345 Місяць тому +98

    Before my beautiful mum passed away in March age 82 she used to say she's glad she had the life she did and how good it was when she was young, most people were nice, they didn't have a lot but they were content, nowadays people have everything but aren't satisfied, she also said she feels sorry for the youngsters below 40 who are going to really suffer in this country and that she's happy she won't see the trouble that's ahead.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +16

      Your mum is correct, we grew up poor and never complained one time we just got on with it.

    • @valeriedavidson2785
      @valeriedavidson2785 Місяць тому +5

      @@Gaz12345 I am 86 and agree with your Mum We had the best years.. Successive governments are trying to spoil this country and like your Mum I think it was better in the 50's but I love this country and would not live anywhere else.

    • @RM360CR
      @RM360CR Місяць тому

      IF the eu goes extreme right the rest of the world will follow but in thailand it will be the local population vs who come from the rich nations and make everything expensive and they can decide to tax you more so leave....

    • @geertstroy
      @geertstroy Місяць тому

      You CANNOT live anywhere else fyi.

    • @valeriedavidson2785
      @valeriedavidson2785 Місяць тому

      @@geertstroy I do not want to.

  • @waughontheworld6530
    @waughontheworld6530 Місяць тому +76

    I saw this 💩coming 25 years ago, moved to Spain 19 years ago after a 6 year plan to move, came back to work for the summer when really hot in Spain, made enough to live in Spain for the rest of the year in 3/4 months, now retired and better off than I have been for 15 years

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Nice one thanks for sharing. Best wishes.

    • @TheLegitHardTruth
      @TheLegitHardTruth Місяць тому +1

      👏👏👏
      Yep, same. I don't understand why most of the population are only just finding this out?!

    • @batcollins3714
      @batcollins3714 Місяць тому +1

      But, but, but, sovvrinty innit?

    • @mattc9875
      @mattc9875 Місяць тому +4

      How is Spain any different…

    • @alexnelson9512
      @alexnelson9512 Місяць тому +1

      _What did you work at? What is your trade?_

  • @deancowley8045
    @deancowley8045 Місяць тому +149

    I left the UK 37 years ago to live in Asia - regularly visit the UK but no plans to ever live there again.

    • @scottgeen3062
      @scottgeen3062 Місяць тому +3

      @@deancowley8045 good on you clever man hopeing to retire in Thailand 7years time in bang saray with 8million baht and pension hope that will be enough from Scott new Zealand

    • @dd2451
      @dd2451 Місяць тому +2

      @@scottgeen3062 Thais will make quick work of that lol.

    • @Suttisan78
      @Suttisan78 Місяць тому +2

      @@scottgeen3062 Just transfer the money from your bank to a thai bank when you need it. Turning up with 8 million baht isn't a very good idea. You can buy a nice condo for 3-4 million anyway. Good luck to you anyway, cheers.

    • @scottgeen3062
      @scottgeen3062 Місяць тому +1

      @@Suttisan78 thank you for your advice but hope to rent in bang saray in South one day stay safe thank you from Scott new Zealand

    • @robert3987
      @robert3987 Місяць тому +2

      An excellent video. I'm on the age pension in Australia where things are getting quite tough for retired people who don't own their home. In major cities rents are through the proverbial roof and rental properties are very hard to find, especially under the previous government's, which have opened the doors wide for immigrants and refugees, very similar to what's happening in Britain.

  • @keithhumphries3707
    @keithhumphries3707 Місяць тому +79

    Everything is so expensive nowadays.
    I went 10 pin bowling last week (2 games) with my partner and her nieces - £60. Then I got us 4 cokes totalling £15.
    £75 for an hours entertainment!

  • @MrElliottjc
    @MrElliottjc Місяць тому +136

    As a relatively young and single 55-year-old I could stay and contribute to the UK economy, but what would be the point given that much of what I would earn would be taken up by increased costs. The stress of earning a living here, the poor weather and lack of freedom (increased regulations on small businesses specifically) are additional push factors. The other point that's not mentioned much is the huge difference between the West and the East in terms of the respect that older people are given. I don't like saying it, but I just can't see a bright future for anyone in this country.

    • @Thai.Farang
      @Thai.Farang Місяць тому

      The UK is a failed state. It's broken from top to bottom.

    • @buy.to.let.britain
      @buy.to.let.britain Місяць тому

      i made 4,500 a month in london and now make 1,500 a month in spain, yes i am still poor. but life is 100% happier.

    • @lc5176
      @lc5176 Місяць тому

      Aahhh... the grass is always greener on the other side. The East isn't as rosy as you make it seem. Their ageing demographics and china's failing economy are far worse than the west and have an awful working culture and low salaries. The East may be great for a 50 something year old *male* (women's rights are awful there) who is bringing over lots of western cash, but not for anyone else, except maybe digital nomads. The West maybe on a long and slow decline, but the East is falling off a cliff. There's a reason every young chinese and vietnamese wants to migrate to Canada or Australia, despite those countries having awful cost of living crises, even worse than the UK.

  • @rumblefish3290
    @rumblefish3290 Місяць тому +53

    I moved from Glasgow to Norway in 2011 .
    Returned in 2019 for a short visit.
    Couldn't wait to return back to Norway .

  • @johnwarne8941
    @johnwarne8941 Місяць тому +37

    Left the UK 8 years ago to live in Bulgaria 🇧🇬 and not a single moment have I regretted my decision.. On the medical side I saw a cardiologist who charged £23 for an hours consultation and last year I unfortunately fell and broke my left hip.. I was on the operating table the following day and the cost was £4000 which was covered by my medical insurance policy that costs me £72 per year..
    I can also speak to my local GP directly and get an appointment the same day.. Live back in the UK ? I don’t think so 🤣🤣

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      Thanks for watching and sharing your story. Best wishes.

    • @dimitarmargaritov
      @dimitarmargaritov Місяць тому +2

      I find it funny such situations exist because at one point the UK was a popular place for Bulgarians to go to study and work. I even studied there, but didnt stay to work afterwards.

    • @al6377
      @al6377 28 днів тому +2

      Thanks for sharing your experience. Same for me, moved from the UK to Italy, health care is excellent here, get to see my GP on the same day I call (I see my Gp, not a nurse)… suffering from hypertension and the cardiologists here are great. All covered by national health system that I pay for through my taxes. Not thinking of moving back to the UK

    • @SycAamore
      @SycAamore 4 дні тому

      Hmm, Bulgaria? The cost of living there is now probably higher than in the UK. The health system is dire, similar to the UK. Winters can be brutal and last till late April. And you are still in a 3rd World Country. No thanks, there are better choices..

    • @ProcyonAlpha
      @ProcyonAlpha 22 години тому +2

      I'm an NHS nurse, my ear drum is ruptured completely, dizzy spells everyday. 6 months and still waiting for surgery, but still expected to work and treat patients. Fuck this country

  • @nokchilton1562
    @nokchilton1562 Місяць тому +43

    You will cherish life more in Thailand after enduring life for 3 months in the UK! Not for long Les…

  • @retronaut6396
    @retronaut6396 Місяць тому +74

    It's awful to see how much the UK has declined in the 14 years you've been away. Highest cost of living and taxes in my lifetime. Lowest state pension in the developed world. Empty supermarket shelves. Eyewatering energy bills. Earlier this year I ended up in hospital while on holiday in Vietnam. The CT scan found a kidney stone. Back in the UK, they told me I needed an updated scan before treatment. So far I've been waiting 5 months for it. I looked into going private and found it would cost £500-£700. The same scan in Vietnam was £25 and I got it the same day. It's almost cheaper to fly to Asia for treatment!

    • @petersmith6520
      @petersmith6520 Місяць тому +6

      For relatively small things yes. But look at Steady Eddy and could you afford to stay in hospital for months and have brain surgery in Thailand, Vietnam or anywhere else in the world?

    • @Thai.Farang
      @Thai.Farang Місяць тому +2

      Take out health insurance then

    • @david-reason
      @david-reason Місяць тому +2

      WOW! The NHS could send you to Thailand for treatment, on time, on budget plus a free beach holiday and SAVE MONEY! I had my heart attack in Thailand saving the NHS £ thousands whilst paying voluntary, NI contributions.
      Will I survive?

    • @Woozerspat
      @Woozerspat Місяць тому

      It"s a shame that you don't have EU health care anymore, because you know, the unelected bureaucrats in Brussels...

    • @DanV18821
      @DanV18821 Місяць тому

      Brexit worked well then

  • @BaconSandwich72
    @BaconSandwich72 Місяць тому +64

    Left in 2001 for Australia and travel back to see family. I can honestly say the place has gone down the tubes in my estimation. Weather aside, there's just a "feeling" that I can't put my finger on, but it feels like despair. Australia is by no means perfect, but it's leaps and bounds over the London and south east I left. My uncle (also left about 20 years ago) summed it up well. He said "When you're away, you miss the idea of England. When you go back you realise that idea has dissappered"

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +2

      Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Can they bring England back to how it was in the good old days.

    • @valeriedavidson2785
      @valeriedavidson2785 Місяць тому +3

      Nonsense. There is nowhere like England but it makes a huge difference which part of England. Not up north.

    • @tip0019
      @tip0019 Місяць тому +3

      @@RetiredandLivingthedream Early 80-ish I visited the UK (from The Netherlands) and it was extremely run down at the time, especially the cities like London and Birmingham. So recovery is possible but it takes big changes. Like every country you are mostly dependent on world wide changes. But the UK took some particular bad decisions last 15 years not helping the case.

    • @kevindarkstar
      @kevindarkstar Місяць тому +3

      Sadly you're right on the feeling in Britain 😢

    • @MrMarcy76
      @MrMarcy76 Місяць тому +1

      It depends on where you live in the U.K. I think.

  • @Thorscauldron
    @Thorscauldron Місяць тому +12

    When I were a young fella back in 1982 and went and saw Blade Runner little did I know I were looking at the real future. It is! It's bloody dystopia now!

  • @johntheaccountant5594
    @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому +47

    I actually have given thought to buying a van and a mattress and joining a 24/7 gym for the shower and wireless facilities.

    • @buy.to.let.britain
      @buy.to.let.britain Місяць тому

      you would die of boredom.

    • @Mr_Smith_369
      @Mr_Smith_369 Місяць тому

      House nextdoor is for sale... £5,000

    • @johntheaccountant5594
      @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому

      @@Mr_Smith_369 What house next door where for £5,000?

    • @Mr_Smith_369
      @Mr_Smith_369 Місяць тому

      @@johntheaccountant5594 You wont believe me, come see for yourself...not far from Lida in a quiet village. 50 sq meter brick house on 0.25 hectare
      Edit. With 3 phase electricity

    • @SwaghettiYoloneses
      @SwaghettiYoloneses Місяць тому +3

      I actually know lads who do this and borrow WiFi parked in the workplace.
      They ended up being lorry drivers doing long distance and used gyms and service stations as their way of cleaning and maintenance.
      They did have large sums of money saving up to leave the UK.

  • @trevorbeevers9546
    @trevorbeevers9546 Місяць тому +23

    Worth mentioning that state pension is frozen at the time you leave the uk to live in Thailand. Only country in Asia that pension increases are paid is Philippines as they have reciprocal agreement with UK. Been away 24 years and still able to live the life.

    • @david-reason
      @david-reason Місяць тому +3

      and Japan - but it's expensive to live there.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for the info, I have done a few video's on this and there is a Legal workaround for this.

    • @mikesalt8248
      @mikesalt8248 29 днів тому

      @@RetiredandLivingthedream Be very careful on that one Les I watched your Vid, ring DWP Newcastle Les get it from the horses mouth I have , whilst your here !

  • @alexandros4703
    @alexandros4703 Місяць тому +30

    Nice to see you, Les. I would concur with everything you say. Your experience and wisdom are exceptionally valuable.

  • @simonfrancisluttrell5818
    @simonfrancisluttrell5818 Місяць тому +132

    I left the UK 22 years ago to live in Thailand/Laos/Myanmar. I returned for a few months last year for some NHS treatment (which was given free and without question and with no waiting time etc!). I stayed in Blackpool. God! I was tempted to top myself, looking at the weather, rental costs, homeless people, druggies, cost of food etc etc. Happily back in Thailand now :) Oh, when I was in Blackpool, a bridge on my teeth fell out (it had lasted 20 years from the German dentist in Pattaya). It just needed gluing back in - 5 minutes of work. The dentist in Blackpool charged me 80 quid!

    • @clivebaxter6354
      @clivebaxter6354 Місяць тому +10

      Even Blackpools better than Leicester these days!

    • @scottgeen3062
      @scottgeen3062 Місяць тому +5

      ​@@clivebaxter6354better in Thailand living from Scott new Zealand

    • @shaun7638
      @shaun7638 Місяць тому +124

      Slating the uk but returning for NHS heathcare free of charge having left 22 years ago,its not all bad then is it...

    • @bdunnigan73
      @bdunnigan73 Місяць тому

      @@shaun7638 The Uk's a cesspit and you did it to yourselves...

    • @clivebaxter6354
      @clivebaxter6354 Місяць тому +36

      @@shaun7638 why not? he pays tax and paid NI all his working life

  • @tonymonument4658
    @tonymonument4658 Місяць тому +35

    I’m 6 weeks from moving permanently from Uk to Philippines, thankfully for now it’s tax free and also for now state pension is not effected if we live in the Philippines (compared to Thailand) however my state pension is 12 years out so who know by then!
    I own a condo in Mactan so no rent that said £1500 a month and I live very well indeed probably equivalent to someone living on 5k or more in Uk!!! There are many considerations moving abroad including NHS but in my opinion the benefits of living abroad greatly outweigh staying in Uk !

    • @rammay9383
      @rammay9383 Місяць тому +1

      see you there

    • @tonymonument4658
      @tonymonument4658 Місяць тому

      @@rammay9383 Hi David are you in Cebu ?

    • @rammay9383
      @rammay9383 Місяць тому

      @@tonymonument4658 no I will be in eastern Samar

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      I heard that there was a lack of vets there and dogs are dying in the streets.

    • @tonymonument4658
      @tonymonument4658 Місяць тому +1

      @@Lat265 The whole of the Philippines is not without its problems and I’d agree there is an abundance of street dogs basically left to their own devices, and inevitably dogs die so it looks like neglect however in reality the street dogs are quite healthy through natural selection as only the fittest survive to go on to have more puppies!

  • @barrydwyer2039
    @barrydwyer2039 Місяць тому +20

    Les,
    you are talking common sense and if many people could they would move to SE asia.
    I wished I had moved when I was young enough to really enjoy what was on offer, but having lived a life of either Spain or Cyprus (not denigrating) just never went further abroad.
    Until I discovered Thailand in 2004 on a trip to Oz at the age of 46.
    I'm a Londoner for over 57 years and although Irish, now 66 the change has been expotentional to the point I really don't recognise it anymore.
    Without family ties I would leave in a heartbeat forever because of the way life is now for ordinary peoples of the UK.

  • @ozzy6668
    @ozzy6668 Місяць тому +143

    Call the cops Les. Someone is flying the Union Jack in their garden!

  • @furleysbrain
    @furleysbrain 23 дні тому +7

    I’m actually considering moving back after 10 years. England still has a lot to offer, especially in the countryside. I love it

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  22 дні тому +1

      The UK has a lot to offer for sure, Living in the Countryside was a dream of mine but realistically unaffordable for me in my position. Had I of worked instead of being Retired and worked for 14 years then that dream would of happened but I chose to see the World whilst young and in Healthy condition. The things I did I'd struggle at the age of 64 now.
      Thanks for sharing your comment.

    • @littleones-yeahh
      @littleones-yeahh 8 днів тому +1

      you'll regret it lol

    • @viajandosemlimites5678
      @viajandosemlimites5678 4 дні тому +2

      @@RetiredandLivingthedream Thailand people don't even get to see the world. At least your country gave you the opportunity to choose between a comfortable life in the countryside or a life of infinite travel. But when fewer people contribute to your country (because they leave or simply don't work) and more people ask for benefits, your future generations won't get the same opportunity.

    • @ProcyonAlpha
      @ProcyonAlpha 22 години тому

      Lol enjoy your 360k mortgage

    • @peterreid9769
      @peterreid9769 18 годин тому

      @@ProcyonAlpha And the rest.

  • @brucesnyder690
    @brucesnyder690 Місяць тому +25

    Retired expat living in Thailand six years.
    Everything has been great. Haven't missed the US for a moment.
    Never going back except to visit family.

    • @Ned88Man
      @Ned88Man Місяць тому +8

      As an American living in Thailand as well, there are pros and cons about both places. Unfortunately, a lot of people like to blame their home countries for their problems, while the issue is often themselves and nothing to do with their native land.

    • @brucesnyder690
      @brucesnyder690 Місяць тому +3

      @@Ned88Man right on. Stay in the matrix and enjoy yourself

    • @batcollins3714
      @batcollins3714 Місяць тому +1

      Are an expat? Is it the same as an immigrant?

    • @mattc9875
      @mattc9875 Місяць тому

      @@batcollins3714not really. Americans move abroad when they already have their high $ paying jobs or are retired. None of them leave the US w/nothing but their luggage to start fresh from scratch. We Europeans continue to immigrate though, especially from Italy, Spain, France, Poland and other countries and start from scratch, oftentimes in the US.

    • @ashasandhiasingaram3900
      @ashasandhiasingaram3900 Місяць тому

      ​@@batcollins3714 Yes, it is.

  • @shain6946
    @shain6946 Місяць тому +75

    I can’t stand how everything closes at 5PM and even 3PM on Sunday! Apart from the pub nothing to do in the evening and you need a second mortgage to go out to a restaurant! I left the UK 20 years ago and don’t regret it.

    • @richardb6844
      @richardb6844 Місяць тому

      start a bible study group...nuf said.......

    • @clovermark39
      @clovermark39 Місяць тому +1

      Most EU countries do the same or close even earlier.

    • @tip0019
      @tip0019 Місяць тому +3

      @@clovermark39 Not here in the Netherlands, maybe south Europe, dunno. When I visited the UK like 30 years ago I was more surprised that pubs closed 11 pm, extremely early for the continent 🍺

    • @davidgavin7280
      @davidgavin7280 Місяць тому +3

      Absolute bollox. Everything is open except large shops

    • @stevo728822
      @stevo728822 Місяць тому +2

      Supermarkets are open until 10pm. Stop talking nonsense.

  • @johntheaccountant5594
    @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому +15

    One has to consider being resident or non resident on paper when leaving the UK whether you are receiving the basic state pension or not.
    I would say that the majority of people are better off being resident on paper in the UK when living in SE Asia.

    • @user-ql9vu3zg3n
      @user-ql9vu3zg3n Місяць тому +1

      On Paper! The world has gone digital. As of 1st Jan next year the UK will have a digital border which won’t stop the dinghies or those coming in on visas then disappearing but they will know every time us Brits enter and leave. The DWP can check the UK bank accounts of anybody receiving benefits including the state pension & recruited 2,500 more fraud investigators to take the number to 6,000. 141 of the worlds 195 Countries have signed up to CRS (Common Reporting Standard) & the only ASEAN Country that hasn’t is Laos. The CRS means Countries will automatically share information on your financial transactions that includes bank account balances, deposits and source of deposits, investments, insurances etc. Thailand started sharing info on high value accounts last year and this year are expanding that to include low value accounts. DWP & HMRC are joined at the hip. The more digital the world becomes and the more they push the global tax agenda the harder it is to hide.

  • @redprince1000
    @redprince1000 Місяць тому +8

    I fully understand this position as the UK house price situation is dire.However i live in N Ireland and am mortgage free.Yes cost of living is apparent everywhere but despite me being aware of the UK's very serious long term problems i would not wish to leave.I would miss it too much.We need a change of culture from top to bottom and to leave the ECHR before we can start to rebuild.Eventually people will wake up and demand it - for too long they have been asleep.

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      How old are you, you look youngish in the photograph? How did you manage to pay off your mortgage so fast?

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for sharing your view of this, change is needed for sure but it has taken a long time to get here so it's not a quick fix. Thanks for watching.

    • @redprince1000
      @redprince1000 Місяць тому +1

      @@Lat265 I paid it off in my 40's ...late 40's but i should mention i saved for a long time and married late.Lived a modest life and invested heavily.Also where i live is much cheaper relative to other parts of the UK.

  • @liszaf3976
    @liszaf3976 Місяць тому +11

    We live in Greece where summers are 30 degrees and the heat now kills me! We just spent our first winter in the UK in over 25 years as all our children have careers there and it was fantastic. Im from London but we stayed in the Midlands, walked mikes every day, visited beautiful parks and slept better than I have in years! Pertrol and supermarkets cheaper in the UK too, so still some positives 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇷🇬🇷

    • @petraschwingeler9688
      @petraschwingeler9688 Місяць тому

      In Germany summers are often even more than 30 degrees.

    • @margaretmacneill3133
      @margaretmacneill3133 9 днів тому +1

      We are trying Tenerife for the past year! Not for us, too hot, bad air quality, language issues, sound of suitcase wheels all day and night, barking dogs, dry and no greenery. And we are not even from the UK, have lived in Rhodesia, S Africa, Belgium, USA, Belgium, Zimbabwe, now Tenerife. So cant say we havent tried other options 🫣🫣😂😂

    • @petraschwingeler9688
      @petraschwingeler9688 9 днів тому

      ​@@margaretmacneill3133North East coast of the USA is great or the east coast of Canada

  • @andyhorsfall9394
    @andyhorsfall9394 Місяць тому +19

    Interesting perspective les, i live on isle of man and normally listen to you from there (cost of living is ridiculous there) but I'm over in England to visit relatives and haven't been here for a while. The thing i find most changed is the state of the roads where i used to live, shocking surface and potholes seemingly everywhere. Keep up the good work/content thanks. 👍

    • @Mir-wx5ui
      @Mir-wx5ui Місяць тому +1

      Don't forget the littering everywhere, even in cemetaries, shoking!

  • @eddy_creative
    @eddy_creative 23 дні тому +6

    There's a lot to discuss about the UK in its current state, however what I hate to see is people going "ITS GONE TO THE DOGS! LEAVE". Well, what do you think will happen if we all do that? The country fails. Not everybody can leave. I live in Thailand and while I do like it, there are pros and cons. I love the freedom here, kids riding motorbikes at 10 years old with no helmets, i fucking love that so much, street food aunties, the politness / lack of violence in malls and on buses like UK. Man.... i am a patriot and LOVE England...... but i do believe the government has forced us to fight against eachother, the common man, to the point where its just a lot of frustrated people fighting eachother for no reason sometimes.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  22 дні тому

      Thanks for sharing, it is true the amount of people leaving is high and they are replaced from outsiders who would love to change the UK into their country they left. This will happen in the next 30 years.

  • @clivebaxter6354
    @clivebaxter6354 Місяць тому +20

    The only things I miss are pubs and chip shops. 6PM going out for a walk- 32 degrees!

    • @thaitraveller9756
      @thaitraveller9756 Місяць тому +2

      @@clivebaxter6354 you won't be doing that when its 40deg

    • @thaitraveller9756
      @thaitraveller9756 Місяць тому +2

      Back in uk for a month in April lovely walks with dogs in Derbyshire dales t shirt weather as well
      UA-cam micks thai travels Derbyshire great 45 deg when I left Thailand it was roasting couldn't walk anywhere

    • @WilsonWilson33
      @WilsonWilson33 Місяць тому +1

      I'm doing at least 2.5 walks/runs every morning and evening. the heat makes it a real challenge but I'm on target for 1,250 miles for the year. I miss UK food generally. I really don't like Thai food but I knew that before I moved here.

    • @ubiquitousdiabolus
      @ubiquitousdiabolus Місяць тому +1

      They have those in Bangkok

    • @thaitraveller9756
      @thaitraveller9756 Місяць тому

      @@ubiquitousdiabolus never seen there

  • @avancalledrupert5130
    @avancalledrupert5130 Місяць тому +43

    Im currently in the process of selling everything and moving to America. Carpenter here makes 40k . Cant buy a house in the country on that money. Could buy land but they wont let you build on it. In America Carpenter makes 120k land can be brought for 10k and you can build whatever you want on it.
    No brainer if you have links to get in.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +10

      Wow go for it best wishes on your future plans. Skills will always reward you in the end. 🙏

    • @MeadowDay
      @MeadowDay Місяць тому +8

      We love the British, all are welcome in the USA 👍

    • @LordBillington42
      @LordBillington42 Місяць тому +9

      I'm 37, emigrated to the US two years ago. I had been a pub manager (big pubs, 1.5 million plus turnover) and worked in local government finance, struggled to ever make more than 25k. I'm already making more than triple what I did in the UK, so is my wife. We immediately got on the property ladder, 5℅ down, 3.6℅ 30 year locked interest rate. Apartment in central Chicago for roughly 200k GBP.
      I was diagnosed with skin cancer and had surgery two weeks after diagnosis. I'm paying off student loans in the UK, we're saving, we're investing, we're putting money into retirement. It's just a completely different world.

    • @newfoundland3238
      @newfoundland3238 Місяць тому +1

      You make make a lot of money in Connecticut.expensive in Connecticut.Everything is expensive so you have to make good money,electric,groceries,HEALTHCARE!Look into foreclosures fixxer upper HOMEPATH government owned properties.Rents start at 1400. dollars a month,good luck!

    • @mattc9875
      @mattc9875 Місяць тому +3

      @@LordBillington42same here, moved to the US from Milan (after a brief experience in London). There’s issues here as well but can’t compare job opportunities and the like

  • @wontbelongnow5567
    @wontbelongnow5567 Місяць тому +83

    Yes the 6th richest country in the world but the wealth is owned by 20% of people most are OK and then there's millions struggling.

    • @steveaustin1984
      @steveaustin1984 Місяць тому

      Right. The bottom 50% of the population own less than 5% of wealth. The top 10% control 57% of the wealth, with the top 1% controlling 23%.

    • @billdoodson4232
      @billdoodson4232 Місяць тому +10

      You have to compare wealth of a nation by GDPP not GDP. Yes with 65,000,000 people, the UK is the 6th richest country in the world in GDP terms. But in GDPP (GDP per PERSON) we lie around the 30th in the world, so not so rich at all. We are far less wealthy than many of our ex colonies, such as Singapore. For the simple reason, we have basically pursued the wrong policies since WWII. Only during Thatchers times did we make any real inroads into trying to grow. What's going to happen now is anyone's guess, but mine is that it's not going to be good.

    • @ewanhill677
      @ewanhill677 Місяць тому +13

      It’s not a rich country, it’s a poor country with a small minority of rich people.

    • @steveaustin1984
      @steveaustin1984 Місяць тому +2

      @@ewanhill677 “Rich” is relative…there are 197 countries.

    • @ewanhill677
      @ewanhill677 Місяць тому

      @@steveaustin1984 Obviously.

  • @UKnotSafeUnderStarmer
    @UKnotSafeUnderStarmer Місяць тому +11

    Try living in Scotland, the weather is always terrible and miserable. I lived abroad in Europe for 30 odd years, the good weather started from March to October. I moved to Scotland in March 2020, worsted move I've ever did. Even Europe was cheaper, council tax, all insurances even the car fuel and electricity and gas.. The UK is ridiculously expensive.

  • @robbiesheppard3280
    @robbiesheppard3280 Місяць тому +11

    Better not come to Melbourne Australia for most of the year we are like the UK, actually English weather would suit me fine.

  • @user-pb3jj3pz7g
    @user-pb3jj3pz7g Місяць тому +8

    Well said mate ,True account of reality, I moved to NZ during the 80's & came back in the 90's , i tried really hard to adapt back to UK life, but decided to move to Brazil in 2006, never regretted it since & on a state pension single allowance of £700 , I can survive ok here, the uk would be impossible 🤔

  • @user-gq2jo1kb4q
    @user-gq2jo1kb4q Місяць тому +5

    I left the UK 20 years ago. I go back occasionally to visit family but that's it. Where I live the healthcare is good, the weather is good and the cost of living is cheaper than the UK, but like everywhere else it has gone up. I have no plans to return. It hasn't been a bed of roses during the past 20 years but I have no regrets. I think people leave the UK thinking all their problems dissappear, they don't, but the benefits definitely outweigh my old lifestyle. Good luck to anyone making a move!

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for watching and taking time to comment, Thailand is my New home and has been for 12 years.

  • @CraigWinstanley1
    @CraigWinstanley1 Місяць тому +10

    Excellent video - thanks Les for sharing. Sad to see what has happened to Britain. SE Asia is a fabulous place to live.

  • @michaelwright1278
    @michaelwright1278 Місяць тому +21

    Once you leave the uk its very hard to return after many years , i live in philippines married 2kids having sun shine heat is very good for your mental health getting out its also good . if i go to uk its like going back in time expect for the prices then its no fun . a beer here in the bar is about £1 pound

    • @ScoreGuru123
      @ScoreGuru123 Місяць тому +4

      Happy days, I retire in 2 - 3 years, can't wait

    • @michaelwright1278
      @michaelwright1278 Місяць тому

      @@ScoreGuru123 2 to 3 years is not long gives u time to save study where u want to go to .

    • @user-hs7cc2ie6s
      @user-hs7cc2ie6s Місяць тому +2

      Hey Les, I'm watching your vlog from the comfort of my crib in Bangkok. I retired here 15 months ago 'cause living in the UK was draining my pockets.
      I'm debating whether or not to visit my hometown of Oxford in a few weeks 🤔. I'm having second thoughts now 🤔.
      Cheers to you and your sister,
      AJ

    • @justinhinchliffe2355
      @justinhinchliffe2355 Місяць тому

      The UK has fallen!
      It may be the 6th richest country but its 24th per capita due to polarisation. Lots of isolated cultural areas due to lack of assimilation and intergration. No hope for native young due to lack of investment/ooportunities, cash grabs over-inflated prices, mass migration reducing house prices and availability.
      Look at the ftse 100 comparably on an international stage.
      To add, the politicians are mainly bought (look at attendence of latest covid enquiries in the house of commons).
      ...
      We are f***ed.

    • @simonmilton5201
      @simonmilton5201 Місяць тому

      @@user-hs7cc2ie6s Stay put,the UK is worse now Pal

  • @johntheaccountant5594
    @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому +50

    As far as I know, Les would be entitled to Universal Credit (then Pension Credit) and Housing Benefit.
    It would be hard but he would just have to arrive as homeless and penniless and state that he was separated/divorced.
    Obviously the easiest way would be to blacken himself up and arrive in Dover on a dingy with no status or ID.

    • @shaun7638
      @shaun7638 Місяць тому +10

      Agreed we seem to welcome the wrong type here...

    • @ferney2936
      @ferney2936 Місяць тому +6

      He's stated that he's drawing a good pension from his years in the Fire brigade

    • @apegrasshoplizard
      @apegrasshoplizard Місяць тому

      He'd have to wait 90 days to apply or show proof he has the intention to settle/stay.

    • @3D_Printing
      @3D_Printing Місяць тому +1

      Just pop out for a day then go back

    • @mikesalt8248
      @mikesalt8248 29 днів тому

      @@ferney2936 Well he wouldn't be in Thailand if he was scint, I have looked into moving there and its no snack getting in!

  • @Poacherman
    @Poacherman 14 днів тому +6

    Sorry to sound negative, but I've lived abroad and there were Brits everywhere who couldn't speak a word of the language, were completely socially/culturally isolated and they missed both their country and their family. It's not just about money!

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  13 днів тому +1

      I hear what you say, I can't speak Thai and have struggled with this as it is hard, my wife speaks good English now so we can have a full conversation, I have a good social lifestyle with other couples from all over the World. Life is what you make it. Thanks for watching.

    • @jemma_19988
      @jemma_19988 5 днів тому

      That is my impression also with many Aussies and Kiwis who go live in Thailand, Bali, Japan and Philippines They are welcome as tourist with dollars but if you go and live there prejudice rears it's head and ultimately you can feel very lonely and isolated

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  5 днів тому +1

      @@jemma_19988 Hi thanks for your comment, having lived there for 12 years now never felt that, always welcomed and above all feel safe everywhere I’ve gone.

  • @wesleywyndam-pryce4081
    @wesleywyndam-pryce4081 Місяць тому +25

    Yep facts you have to think about everything in uk from a loaf of bread to a cup of tea coffee and worry all day about putting heating on for less than an hour that's the modern uk

  • @happylife4734
    @happylife4734 Місяць тому +9

    Pension in Australia has been means tested for a long time by both Conservative and Labor, I know a lot of people who paid into the system for 30, 40 years and are not entitled to get the pension.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +2

      I think the UK will go this route also.

    • @Corolla97ww
      @Corolla97ww Місяць тому

      That's a bit unfair

    • @lc5176
      @lc5176 Місяць тому

      @@Corolla97ww the current system was designed in an era where we had a young population, with few retirees per working age adult. It's flipped since. It may not sound fair, but the current system is totally unsustainable long term. People say they "paid in" as if, that is supposed to be their future pension, but it's not how it works. When you "pay in", you are paying for the current pensioners' pensions. But today, we have far fewer workers per pensioner, so the only way to keep up with the triple lock, is austerity elsewhere, or increase taxes on workers, which will further reduce the incentive to work and/or stay in the country.

    • @nigelliam153
      @nigelliam153 Місяць тому

      @@lc5176Bob Hawke introduced a 2% tax in 1983 which was supposed to cover your pension when you retire, so much for that.
      Biggest rip off in Australia is international corporations paying virtually no tax

  • @user-kh3nz9lb2k
    @user-kh3nz9lb2k Місяць тому +4

    I left Redcar 24 years ago, the writing was on the wall for me then, apart from missing family, Countryside, fishing and shooting, I dont miss anything. Thanks for posting your walk into town, I recognized every road and landmark you passed :)

  • @jonylawson73
    @jonylawson73 Місяць тому +6

    I left the UK 21 years ago ..was back last month in Durham city and Newcastle and I absolutely Loved it ...LOVED IT ..NZ where I live ( Auckland ) is now fairly awful ..
    I go home regularly and absolutely love going home ..Durham city hasn't changed at all and Newcastle looks as ever absolutely fantastic
    Humans are all the same ..the grass is always greener .everyone you talk to in NZ despairs how expensive it is ..average house price 1 million ..average wage 72 K
    The zoo? Ha try having a day out in NZ ..it's extortionate..most expensive cheese and meat in the developed world etc etc so anyone over 40 all moan about the same thing !
    I only "left the UK" as I got my partner pregnant in NZ ..so 20 years later I'm still there and NZ has gone downhill massively ..massively ...I just bought a house in Auckland for more than half a million ..a one bedroomed cottage ...I would be way better off back in the UK ..anyway just my two penneth ..I feel lucky that I still love my home.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      Durham and Newcastle are great places to visit. Only an hour or so from Redcar.

    • @jonylawson73
      @jonylawson73 Місяць тому

      My first ever train journey with my grandad when I was 4! Darlington to redcar ​@@RetiredandLivingthedream

    • @PitchBlackTales
      @PitchBlackTales 3 дні тому +2

      I feel your pain mate. I moved to NZ about 10 yrs ago, and moved back to the UK 2 years ago. NZ was great at the start, but my God have things declined. People in UK have no idea. They think I am lying when I tell them about NZ. I could never buy a house in NZ as the prices were going up faster than I could save! Food shopping was insanely expensive. Limited jobs, even with loads of Kiwis leaving for Aus.
      I moved back to UK (North of England, Lancashire), and get paid more for the same job I did in NZ (tech jobs pays way more in UK), and I rent out a 4 bedroom detached house with garage and huge garden for £795 a month (Cleveleys), short walk from beach. Im saving a lot now to buy a house in the future. Food is a fraction of the price in supermarkets. Honestly, Brits have no idea how good they have it. They think they are the only country in the world struggling.
      Winter can get depressing sometimes, but hey its literally £18 to Portugal for the weekend!

  • @johntheaccountant5594
    @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому +22

    I did tell you that I expect the State Pension to be means tested in the future a few months ago.
    I also believe that the state pension will be clawed back from your estate when you die as care home costs presently are.

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому +1

      Good, I voted Labour! You're obviously a Tory!

    • @johntheaccountant5594
      @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому

      @@Lat265 It means that you have probably no assets to be taken and therefore have a communist attitude that everything that others own should be shared with you?

    • @normanpearson8753
      @normanpearson8753 Місяць тому

      It is now , isn't it?

    • @johntheaccountant5594
      @johntheaccountant5594 Місяць тому

      @@normanpearson8753 No! The basic state pension is currently about £960 per month if you have 35 qualifying years. You are means tested if you need more monies for rent or for living (Pension Credit).

  • @chrisguygeezer
    @chrisguygeezer 16 днів тому +4

    21 degrees C , that's comfortable. Thailand right now is a very uncomfortable 33 degrees C, with 84% humidity. Thailand, no ta

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  15 днів тому +1

      Having lived there for many years you adapt to that, I prefer that than the cold of today Height of summer and 18 give me the Thai heat any day. I agree Thailand heat is not for everyone.

    • @littleones-yeahh
      @littleones-yeahh 8 днів тому

      stay in england and get taxraped because of a few degrees centigrade

  • @davidwelty9763
    @davidwelty9763 Місяць тому +5

    Family is the most important thing , you did the right thing. Hoping that the Mrs. gets everything straightened out quickly so you can get back to the sun.

  • @Paul-eb4jp
    @Paul-eb4jp 23 дні тому +2

    I live in Spain because of the weather, there's nothing else.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  23 дні тому

      Hi the Weather can make a whole load of difference in your well being Sun and Blue skys. Ahhhh

    • @Paul-eb4jp
      @Paul-eb4jp 23 дні тому

      @RetiredandLivingthedream So true but I love England and the people.

  • @margaretratcliffe5465
    @margaretratcliffe5465 Місяць тому +7

    I like Redcar, have a lot of affection for the place. I emigrated to usa from Leeds.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      I went to Leeds Bus stn to change bus to go to Nottingham and I was the minority. Thanks for watching.

  • @scottgeen3062
    @scottgeen3062 Місяць тому +13

    The world has change les take care les from Scott new Zealand

  • @nickbrown6457
    @nickbrown6457 Місяць тому +4

    £600 to rent a 2 bed house seems good value to me. Down in Bristol you'd pay 2 or 3 times that, if you can get one at all. That's why there are now hundreds of people living in vans and caravans on the streets of Bristol. Prioritising newcomers over the indigenous doesn't help.

  • @chuckmaddison2924
    @chuckmaddison2924 2 дні тому +1

    My family left UK May 1970 . We went back for a vacation in 1979 for 8 weeks. In that time it had changed a lot. I will not live there again. I prefer the semi rural life here in Western Australia.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  День тому

      Looking outside the box is a good think, I looked and found a better place. Thanks for your comment.

  • @northernbloke
    @northernbloke 23 дні тому +3

    On a cheerier note, beautiful sunshine in the north of england today

  • @jeswmuke
    @jeswmuke Місяць тому +8

    The contrast is well narrated. The West is certainly not for retirement. So depressing. But there is a way out. SEA in general

  • @benzas
    @benzas 22 дні тому +3

    As a non british eastern european, I could say UK is country of people who love to complain. There is living lots of foreigners here, ask them how they not find this country expensive. It's allways depends on your salary, your rent price and food you buying, car driving. If you know that dentist here in UK asking for higher price, go to another country and you get same or even better quality for 5 times lower amount of money. Bad weather? Tell to scandinavian people about that :D every day I come to work with smile and positive attitude and found not happy british people smoking cigarettes and complaining about everything. Life is good here, trust me. Good roads, high salaries, lots of opportunities to open business, cheap cars, cheap houses. Just don't be lazy and you could make living here perfect 👌

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  22 дні тому

      Best wishes for your future. I do not complain in the Country I live in now. Go where your happy and if your happy here then well done.

    • @SycAamore
      @SycAamore 4 дні тому

      The UK is a very poor value for your money. Plus you get this depressing weather as a bonus. No complaints here. Just facts.

  • @stevenmorris2293
    @stevenmorris2293 22 дні тому +3

    I left England 35 years ago. Sometimes feel guilty for leaving family, especially my mum, but sounds like maybe I was lucky..
    I live in San Diego, California. Very expensive, but I’m fortunate to have a good job.
    Coming back twice a year now to see my mum. I don’t really see the negatives being I’m only there for two weeks at a time.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  22 дні тому

      Thanks for taking time to comment, it depends on the location nice area's are always going to be nice but I'm a News watcher and see it happening all over the Country. Sad to see.🙏

  • @tonycurran58
    @tonycurran58 Місяць тому +4

    You very well summed things up. How things have gone downhill in UK. I moved to USA 40 years ago. When I do retire, Thailand is for sure a place to consider. Enjoy your trip, I have subscribed, cheers.

  • @user-gp9vk8he5g
    @user-gp9vk8he5g Місяць тому +8

    Left the UK with my family in1990 after nearly 30 years in The RAF . The best decision we made, we have thrived only been back once will never return. I n Australia, paradise.🇦🇺

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      Thanks for sharing your comment. very much appreciated.

    • @mikesalt8248
      @mikesalt8248 29 днів тому +1

      Your obviously well shod lots of pension enjoyed all the ozzie property booms not a fair comparison 43 years in ozzie happy to be back in uk , we are all different cobber, but I am not a material person ,spent 15 years inHM forces 🤨

  • @davidcoleman2796
    @davidcoleman2796 Місяць тому +16

    Steady Eddy ( Thailand vlogger ) left for good in Jan . He got really sick in May and had to return to the UK . ( brain cancer but he is getting better ) he hopes to recover and return to Thailand. Let's hope so .

    • @WilsonWilson33
      @WilsonWilson33 Місяць тому +4

      I've got to admit, I thought it was a mistake for him to use the NHS. he was well insured. It appears to be paying off for him though. Seeing him move his right arm again was a great moment.

    • @chrysalis4126
      @chrysalis4126 Місяць тому +3

      @@WilsonWilson33 Our NHS cancer treatment is excellent. I am under the Christie and it is one of the top ten cancer hospitals in the world.

    • @WilsonWilson33
      @WilsonWilson33 Місяць тому +2

      @@chrysalis4126 I am sure NHS treatment is top notch for serious issues. It's the less life threatening areas where the NHS is a bit of a disaster.
      Good luck to you anyway, I hope you're back to full power again soon.

    • @davidcoleman2796
      @davidcoleman2796 Місяць тому +1

      @@WilsonWilson33 your right . I'm so glad he is getting better

    • @davidcoleman2796
      @davidcoleman2796 Місяць тому

      @@chrysalis4126 that is great . Best of luck.

  • @lannagifts7865
    @lannagifts7865 Місяць тому +10

    3 months. You should get a medal. I find myself complaining about the cost of something going up but your video reminds me how cheap things actually are here. We have guests complaining about the cost of a Grab taxi to get to central Chiangmai. 300 baht (£6) unbelievable, you need a credit card to use a cab in the UK. Wild horses wouldn’t carry me back.

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      Of course, you will be back to use the NHS.

    • @lannagifts7865
      @lannagifts7865 Місяць тому +2

      @@Lat265 I should as I have paid for it over my lifetime but the hospitals here in Thailand are good and I also paid social here for over 20 years so I don’t have to pay here unless it’s serious. But I can see a doctor immediately, a specialist in the afternoon and operated on the next day.
      NHS England isn’t what it used to be.

  • @AndyfromDoncaster
    @AndyfromDoncaster Місяць тому +8

    Great film Les. Enjoyed watching. Good luck in your hometown.

  • @Rosebud100
    @Rosebud100 День тому +1

    If the weather is not what bothers you so much, look to moving to some of the Scottish islands and the Scottish government may pay you 50,000 pounds to do so - especially if you are young. There are almost a million English people living in Scotland because it’s generally still a bit cheaper than in England and there are many beautiful places up here. I’m from the South of England but I have been living up here for years.

  • @TravellingMan20
    @TravellingMan20 Місяць тому +5

    An interesting walk and talk Les. I’m sure the Uk has changed a lot while you’ve been living in Thailand, many places are now unrecognisable now. Everything is expensive, the health system is struggling, and law and order is weak. I’m planning to return to return to Asia, where I already spend a lot of time. I won’t sell my house, but I will rent it out to supplement my not very good pension. I miss the blue skies, cheaper living and friendly people.

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      Law and order can be weak in Thailand and levels of corruption there are high!

  • @johnp-h8896
    @johnp-h8896 День тому +1

    Left 🇬🇧 over 20 years ago, we lived in croydon although I was raised in the fens. Croydon was a dump back then, but Peterborough where I used to have the occasional weekend bender wasn’t. I went back to Lincolnshire to say goodbye to my dad last year. I also got a tour of Peterborough from my relatives. I was so shocked at seeing my old drinking haunts, now betting shops, Turkish barber shops, Pakistani shops, Polish shops, drug deals being openly done on the streets, discarded needles, condoms, mountains of rubbish, stolen and illegally parked cars. Absolutely shocking, I have no problem with immigrants as I am one, but the disrespect of the environment in the Millfield area of the city astounded me and please don’t blame the authorities, all this mess is of the residents making.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  18 годин тому

      Decline of our Country started before the current situation, the UK is attracting the wrong sort of people takers and not givers. Still they take my tax and spend it as they wish. 😀

  • @andreasilver7140
    @andreasilver7140 Місяць тому +13

    I'm coming back to the UK this year after 23 years living in Tenerife. A one bed there now costs on average 1000€ a month. Average wage 1400€. Tell me about unaffordable!!!
    I bought so doesn't apply to me, but so many cannot find anywhere to live. Yes cost of living is cheaper. Swings and roundabouts. I'm coming back because I miss my family and friends. You can't replace them.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +2

      Thanks for taking time to share your view, best wishes with your future plans.

    • @margaretmacneill3133
      @margaretmacneill3133 9 днів тому

      We came to Tenerife a year ago Costa Silencio. Luckily my daughter bought a 1 Bed apart and renovated, but honestly Tenerife is not to our liking.

    • @andreasilver7140
      @andreasilver7140 9 днів тому

      @@margaretmacneill3133 Tenerife is not for everyone. But an extremely popular place.

  • @user-gb2dc3fm8v
    @user-gb2dc3fm8v 4 дні тому +1

    Such a nice humble genuine guy ❤

  • @asiatravels007
    @asiatravels007 Місяць тому +26

    Im from South Tyneside living in Thailand and Vietnam and love the channel Les but your completely wrong about 90 days only in Europe. 90 days only applies to the 27 EU countries not all 51 countries in Europe.
    I travelled non stop around Europe for 2 years easily and spent 90 days in EU countries then went to non EU Serbia, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro etc after each 90 days then back to the EU for another 90 for 2 years in total.
    All of these countries border the EU so its easy to jump in and out every 90 days without ever going back to the UK. 👍🥳

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +3

      Ok well I stand corrected, I may of misunderstood we talked about many things. Turkey was mentioned. Thanks for your info.

    • @david-reason
      @david-reason Місяць тому

      Very interesting 007. I have considered Van Live and Tiny House living, even living in a container. But have followed a more common life in BKK. We all need to understand "The Rules" or hurdles Govt's require.

    • @joeconway7244
      @joeconway7244 Місяць тому

      😮😅

    • @nickbrown6457
      @nickbrown6457 Місяць тому

      Yes, with a bit of forward planning it would be easily achievable. And you don't need to wait a whole 90 days to re-enter the EU, you can leave just for a week for example, and that resets the 90 days you've just spent inside the EU back to 83 days, so you can re-enter the EU again, for a week.

  • @blackline-qf6fl
    @blackline-qf6fl Місяць тому +3

    Thanks for sharing your insight..
    Here in NZ we are no better off, one budget egg cost $1nz or 45 pence UK
    And the over 65 years pension is $520nz per week, petrol is $2,50nz lt unleaded..

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      I liked NZ when I visited for 3 months both North and South Island. Lived in a van for the 3 months and loved it.

    • @normanpearson8753
      @normanpearson8753 Місяць тому

      Eggs are that price here , the large , free range.

  • @stuartnicklin4101
    @stuartnicklin4101 Місяць тому +3

    Yes Les days out with kids are expensive ,we make a big box of sarnies and call at a lidl or aldi for a box of icecreams it really helps .

  • @bouffon1
    @bouffon1 Місяць тому +2

    I was 52 years younger when I left the UK, so of course I have fond memories of the place. Looking at Google Street view, I see that many of the old buildings that I so appreciated as a kid have gone, I have no family left there, lost touch with friends. The weather? Politics? No thanks.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      There are some nice parts still, Redcar has coped well I think and is on the turn, Saltburn is still a nice place and Ill do a video soon on this.

  • @micktheleg1049
    @micktheleg1049 Місяць тому +5

    £800 for 6 fillings is surely at a private practice . On the NHS maximum treatment cost is £319

    • @Jaques2go
      @Jaques2go Місяць тому +2

      Can't get a NHS dentist where we live in the south east...cost me over £ 1000 for recent treatment

    • @jono501
      @jono501 Місяць тому

      Good luck getting a nearby NHS dentist

    • @micktheleg1049
      @micktheleg1049 Місяць тому

      @@jono501 Ive got one

  • @SycAamore
    @SycAamore 4 дні тому +1

    I'm thinking of moving to Spain and working remotely from there. Excellent private health system, sunshine all year long, nice food. Properties on the coast are a fraction of what they cost in the SE. Also, very cheap flights to the UK, in case I need to visit for my work. So it seems it's the best of both worlds😊

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  4 дні тому

      Have a look at what is required to live in Spain, 90 days in Europe then you have to leave. Brexit has caused a lot of problems with Free movement. Best wishes for your future plans. Thanks for taking time to comment.

    • @SycAamore
      @SycAamore 3 дні тому

      ​@@RetiredandLivingthedream I have an EU passport. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I was like the rest, with no chance to go live in Europe...It's horrible! But I guess most of them voted for Brexit, so they got what they wanted...

  • @Rossy_moin
    @Rossy_moin Місяць тому +5

    Left Scotland 19 years ago, love visiting the family and close mates but overall towns are depressing, most people you meet are complaining, weathers 💩 and you only live once so I say go for it and make a change (Scotlands gone downhill big time since I grew up there)

  • @tedthesailor172
    @tedthesailor172 Місяць тому +4

    I'm surprised it's so expensive up there in the "deprived" Northeast. Where I live (not quite so far north) a small detached cottage went on the market this year for "offers on £68,000". I was tempted to buy it just for laff. But - crikey - if you think renting in Redcar is robbery, try your luck in (even) south London. A really decent one-bedroom flat will stiff you 4 times what you pay in the north. And working-class wages are no higher down there...

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for taking time to comment, I agree rents are cheap in the North East compared with the South, I'd struggle more living down South.

  • @Mike-du1dc
    @Mike-du1dc Місяць тому +3

    All true Les you definitely get better bang for your buck in Thailand. We are considering moving back to our home there. We moved home to US a few years ago & although we visit every year we miss it terribly. The only thing being 68 now is the fear of having to self insure. Thanks for another great video that makes one think.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      That has gone through my mind and I am happy to see my days out in Thailand. I have had insurance for many years and will pay the insurance every year I can.

    • @Mike-du1dc
      @Mike-du1dc Місяць тому

      @@RetiredandLivingthedream I don't blame you Les Thailand is a nice spot to be.

  • @trevor5526
    @trevor5526 14 днів тому +2

    I moved to Thailand 15 years ago. Like you, I considered maybe moving back to be near my family in my latter years, but after working out the cost, I would be in the same boat as you, and like you say the services in Thailand, especially dental and health care are second to none for a fraction of the cost. I managed to buy a 3 bed house with a swimming pool over here in a very safe area. I eat very healthily, sit out on the terrace every night with a cold beer, and still save 3k a year. It's easier for me to pay for my daughter and grandson's flights to come here and stay at our house. England is done, mate.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  14 днів тому

      Thanks for taking time to comment, wow sounds like you have a great lifestyle. Ill be in a better standard of living once I get my State Pension. This is Holiday money enjoyment. That's something to look forward too.

  • @michael-lt2lf
    @michael-lt2lf Місяць тому +6

    Great vlog or whatever you call it. Very informative. Thanks for sharing

  • @mrchoon2010
    @mrchoon2010 Місяць тому +1

    37yo, 7 years in Vietnam. I come from a little town near Liverpool. Used to be a nice place. I miss what it used to be, but what it was is long gone now. I'm staying

  • @telchalone7115
    @telchalone7115 Місяць тому +4

    Yorks is a lot cheaper than S.England,I'm not 100% sure,but that 2 bed house near London would be £1000 minimum

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      I could not afford to live the Southern lifestyle it would be hard enough here.

    • @nickbrown6457
      @nickbrown6457 Місяць тому +1

      In Bristol a small 2 bed house would cost somewhere between £1300 and £1800 per month.

  • @MichaelCuthbertson-zl6in
    @MichaelCuthbertson-zl6in Місяць тому +2

    YOU ARE A VERY NICE MAN.
    AN EXCELLENT STORY.
    Best wishes from Australia, mate!

  • @humble_frog
    @humble_frog Місяць тому +3

    its funny everyones leaving but im about to move to central london from Australia to start a new programming job - really looking forward to it because ive lived in hot weather all my life

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +2

      Best wishes on your move.

    • @humble_frog
      @humble_frog Місяць тому +1

      @@RetiredandLivingthedream thanks mate love your channel

    • @jawlig
      @jawlig 9 днів тому

      If you're in that professional circle earning around double the national average or more, you won't feel the effects of these times. But life will only go smoothly if you stay in the career, it's called the rat race for a reason.

  • @user-ht9fr6eh9u
    @user-ht9fr6eh9u 5 днів тому +1

    as long as you seek things outside you will never be ok. Work internally, and you can find lasting peace anywhere. You are not your thoughts. Next time negative thoughts turn up recognise it disagree with it relax behind it and send it on its way, don't fight the mind with the mind or it will keep returning. Gradually you will develop a clear mind and the eternal You will be in charge and bliss awaits+

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  4 дні тому

      Already have a relaxed persona, a clear mind as I have found peace. Never hang around negative people as they will bring you down. Thanks for your comment.

  • @peterkelly5672
    @peterkelly5672 Місяць тому +10

    Edinburgh city centre £4.60 per hour parking 😢

    • @BuffaloBilly69
      @BuffaloBilly69 Місяць тому

      It’s £8 on George street I’m told

    • @3D_Printing
      @3D_Printing Місяць тому +1

      Cheap, compared with some places

    • @syddog44
      @syddog44 Місяць тому +1

      Brighton City centre multi story £11.00 per hour

  • @windsorpatb
    @windsorpatb 11 днів тому +2

    Born and bred in Marlow, Bucks/ Marlow Bottom(1950s). Immigrated to U.S. at 17(1967). 73 now. Very few visits to UK. Considering a trip this year to see old digs. Sadly, have been watching London problems with civil unrest, immigrants, and lack of assimilation. I am questioning this visit. Are there problems in areas away from London as well ? Thx.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  10 днів тому +2

      Yep problems all over the UK but have died down now but more trouble in store I think.

  • @SuperHfhgfh
    @SuperHfhgfh Місяць тому +7

    I totally understand you.
    I live in Slovenia 🇸🇮 for almost all my life.
    Yearly...last 5 years I travel to Thailand......for 2 months.
    If I don't have family here in my country.....never come back
    from Thailand ..

  • @ziggioliver8344
    @ziggioliver8344 Місяць тому +2

    Born & raised in Redcar. Left in the early 80’s. Now living in Texas, US and retired with US pension. Returned 4 years ago for a vacation, glad I made what was a hard decision at the time to relocate. I now have acreage & home, advance degree, and put my girls through college, with no debt!

    • @nicholasmarshall3191
      @nicholasmarshall3191 Місяць тому +1

      How much do you pay for medical insurance, and related expenses?

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      @@nicholasmarshall3191 Exactly lol.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Well done and thanks for taking time to comment.

    • @ziggioliver8344
      @ziggioliver8344 Місяць тому +1

      @@nicholasmarshall3191 medical for 65 + is around $150 a month with a $200 yearly deductible. There are many plans that you can choose, but that’s the basic plan. Texas doesn’t have a state tax unlike most states, there is the federal tax for earnings over $23k (approx) a year. Hope that helps.

    • @mattc9875
      @mattc9875 Місяць тому

      @@nicholasmarshall3191those age 65 and over who are us citizens and have worked at least 10 paying federal taxes qualify for Medicare, which is a gov funded insurance covering almost everything for very little expense (salaries are much higher and taxes lower)

  • @david-reason
    @david-reason Місяць тому +5

    Good Man Les! I left the UK when Gordon Brown was P.M. I think I was depressed with the weather at the height of my career. I moved to Kazakhstan, then China (6 years) now Thailand (8 years). I live in Bangkok, I'm just moving to a 7,000 Baht per month (£150) condo. I COULD NOT pay £800 per month in the UK - That's 37,328 Baht! I'm never returning to the UK, that's been clear for years. Redcar looks a nice area, I lived nearby in 1984, at Thirsk, another town with a racecourse. Life is a gamble!

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      I have been to Thirsk many times, my parents were born in Northallerton. Thanks for taking time to comment.

    • @jawlig
      @jawlig 9 днів тому

      How did you find a job in Kazakhstan? I always wonder how people manage to move to such obscure places haha

  • @neotropos
    @neotropos 10 днів тому +1

    Sorry for your loss

  • @neildutton8077
    @neildutton8077 Місяць тому +5

    You get a free hour parking on the high street Les. Long enough to get a few coffee refills at the Plimsoll Line.😁

    • @gordonhowes8771
      @gordonhowes8771 Місяць тому

      And a Lemon top also

    • @user-kh3nz9lb2k
      @user-kh3nz9lb2k Місяць тому

      @@gordonhowes8771 and 10 minutes kicking pick n mix around the floor in Woolies ;)

  • @romanoguttadauro6116
    @romanoguttadauro6116 Місяць тому +1

    Hello Mate, I left the UK in 1989 when I was 23 I've been back for funerals, weddings and a christening, my heart will always always in be England, but it's sad I like you will not be able to afford to go home to live there. I really appreciate your comments and your outside looking back in views and it only confirms what I already knew. I'm proud to be have been able to live my early life in a then great country and I will always appreciate going back home to visit but my head will always rest somewhere else. Cheers.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому

      I appreciate my time in the UK it was a great place to grow up and full of opportunities which enabled me to do the things I have done. The same opportunities are not the same now. Sad to see the demise of the UK.

  • @steverossgill3271
    @steverossgill3271 Місяць тому +3

    I will have to check out how you can buy a house in Thailand as a Farrang.. I rent a very big superior detached 5 bedroom house here for £220. It would be at least ten times that in a non London part of The UK.. no council tax either no heating bills water very cheap electric £25pm 🤔

  • @pauldewhurst9291
    @pauldewhurst9291 Місяць тому +2

    Hi Les i love your informative channel, and i have lived in Hua Hin, and Ban Phe Thailand,
    The only thing that has put me off moving there permanently is the high cost of health insurance, i am 70 years old and in good health

  • @stevo728822
    @stevo728822 Місяць тому +12

    I couldn't bear living in perpetual 30C and above. Far too hot for me. Cool British weather is far more to my liking. Wind, rain, sleet, snow, and bright sunny days...I love the variety.

    • @kevindarkstar
      @kevindarkstar Місяць тому +1

      Just be nice if we actually saw more of the old current bun 🌞

    • @gmc9451
      @gmc9451 Місяць тому +2

      I agree. 30 degrees, high humidity and mozzies sounds hideous. It makes me feel ill just thinking about it.

    • @kevindarkstar
      @kevindarkstar Місяць тому +1

      @@gmc9451 I get that the general living expenses is better, but the climate is too much

    • @Lat265
      @Lat265 Місяць тому

      I have heard that Vietnam is cheaper and the weather is genrally cooler.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  Місяць тому +1

      Thailand is not for everyone but I like it and enjoy living there.

  • @Rainyfeels
    @Rainyfeels 7 днів тому +1

    The means test is for the winter fuel allowance not the state pension.

    • @RetiredandLivingthedream
      @RetiredandLivingthedream  7 днів тому

      2 million people will miss out because they are over the threshold for the allowance. The State pension will be means tested one day it will come. They want you to work till you drop. Job done.

  • @martinpeacocke8968
    @martinpeacocke8968 Місяць тому +7

    All the best to your sister Les! I agree with your take on things back home versus Thailand.

  • @CodingAbroad
    @CodingAbroad День тому +2

    I escaped to Sicily. I’m sure writing this message will hasten my arrest upon returning to the uk (as per the recent Facebook arrests). If you are reading this please LEAVE NOW whilst you still can!

  • @adriang8369
    @adriang8369 Місяць тому +4

    For those already retired in Thailand and in receipt of the UK state pension, is there a way to ensure that the yearly inflationary increases are given (maybe keep a base in UK or visit periodically?). Otherwise it seems very discriminatory to have paid into the system only for the pension to remain flat and hence erode significantly over time in real terms.

    • @david-reason
      @david-reason Місяць тому +1

      SEE LES's PREVIOUS VIDEO on doing 180 days in The Philippines, to qualify for pension increases.

    • @adriang8369
      @adriang8369 Місяць тому

      @@david-reason will check it out 👍

  • @LCculater
    @LCculater 21 день тому +2

    Sad❤ love you man !

  • @mrfunnynames1742
    @mrfunnynames1742 Місяць тому +5

    Lez can you help me? Not with money or anything I just need a bit life advice . I feel like you are a father figure

  • @trevor5526
    @trevor5526 14 днів тому +1

    I did a study on cost increases since I moved to Thailand 15 years ago. It will show you why you would struggle to move back their now. My pension, which is index linked to CPI, has increased by 43%. The state pension has gone up 55% because of the tripple lock. Thailand's inflation is up around 35%. I will let you figure out how much real costs have gone up in the Uk. £2.50 for a beer when I left, £4.70 for a pack of cigarettes. £4.50 for fish and chips. We are being totally ripped off, mate.

  • @brianashmore1529
    @brianashmore1529 Місяць тому +15

    Im just back to Sheffield after 2 months in pattaya..depressed as f#&ck 😢

    • @david-reason
      @david-reason Місяць тому +4

      And I think Pattaya is depressing 555!

    • @exelmans8855
      @exelmans8855 Місяць тому

      @@david-reasonsurely a prostitute client.

  • @TraderBrando
    @TraderBrando Місяць тому +2

    Decide where you want to spend your future, if where you are suits you then enjoy 😊
    If not, pour everything you have into changing your country. Make it happen or regret it when the options are no longer there.