That's a good point. I remember when Costa Rica was very affordable but since so many Americans moved there, everything has doubled. I found an island that I am keeping to myself. Very few tourists but many amenities and a very chill life pace. It's like going back in time. When there is an excessive demand for a product, no matter what it is, the price will always go up.
@@dessaint5341 Because Americans have so little vacation time, which is of course not their fault, they spend as much in 2 weeks as Europeans do in 4 weeks of vacation. This also applies, and especially, to Koreans and Japanese
Hi there love your content and has been very informative. I will be arriving on Feb 2 looking to get a retirement visa and a place to live. I booked 13 nights at the Travelodge in Central Pattaya to get my feet on the ground and check out the scene here it would be great to meet up. Maybe you could show me around Andrew.
I have been coming to Pattaya since 2011 and now I live here. Some things that I want are pretty much the same price when I first came here. You can catch the bus from Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok to Pattaya for 143 baht, but in 2011 it was 123 baht. Most of the places that I eat at, the prices have barely gone up or not change at all since 2011. No one can control how another man spends his money. A man in vacation mode comes to fully enjoy himself and he may be willing to spend in two weeks what an expat spends in 3 months of living in Pattaya.
Good point, Jörgen. Many mention how the prices have increased, but very few mention the fact that our wages have gone up even more.. Another point is the decrease of the Scandinavian kroner compared to baht.. Both you and I remember when the krone was worth around double of what it is today.. USD hasn't had that same change 😊
Dont worry about those who put you down for promoting Pattaya and Thailand Tom.You and people like you are not the driving force thats causing people to flock there .What you do is just helping people who are considering it. And theres nothing wrong with that. I was looking at some photos of Pattaya during the Vietnam war era ..change happens ,thats just the way it is .Thailand needs tourists, and expat retirees to support thier economic growth .
@margaritas, yeah buddy I ran to the same predicament. I was originally going to scale up from my PCX to a 350, But now I have both. I like having the PCX just to tool around Jomtien, but once you get on the highway, you know how crazy people are, at least with the Harley. It makes a lot of noise and the Thais really like them, so ya get a lot of thumbs up, the vrod is actually kind of slim so I’m able to still split lanes and park, but it is heavy and I have to back it into spaces. I’m 60 so I get it with the lifting but I swim daily and stay in shape. Ya might wanna check out a Sportster at Route 66, great guys over there but they are much more expensive than US prices.
Price may not have gone up that much. But the exchange rate was 42thb : $1usd 24 years ago, now it's more like 34thb:$1usd. So your money doesn't go as far as it used to. 😮
Technically, You're absolutely right! The thing to note even then that wasn't the norm. Prior mid 1997, the average rate was 25thb-$1, between the end of 1997-2006 the exchange rate fluctuated a lot between 53-29thb-$1, by the end of 2006 to present it's been averaging around 32thb-$1. Most people that I know who have been here that long have thrived. I personally believe if 5 baht to $1 effects anyone's budget then they most likely they can’t afford to live in Thailand. Thanks for your input. I love the statistics.
Hahaha, It's funny you say that. I assume you know I did live there (Thung Fon). Prices are comparably the same with the exception of village/farm life. 😃🎅🎅😃
Pretty impressive, I've thought about getting a bigger bike. My main concern is I want to be able pick it up. Sometimes parking spots are so tight for instance that I need to pickup the back of my bike and move it over a little. Also, when I load my motorbike in the back of my pickup truck, I have to move the entire bike sideways sort of so I can shut the tailgate. Those bigger bikes combined with me aging puts me at a disadvantage. I can only imagine trying to pickup your bike.
I'm ready to switch from heavy horsepower and showing off to straight up utility ,dependability and practicality now. It's really just about getting from point a to point b as comfortably and efficiently as possible on a scooter the way I'm seeing it now .l can make that switch in mindset .l have kind of been a gearhead my entire life...but seasons change and sacrifices need to be made
What’s your obsession with Wine Connection Tom? You always go there. Is it really so good? - If a lot of people want to meet up, why not meet a few at the same time? You could have a few dates set aside and whoever wants to come has to split the bill between them (including your food and drink).
Yes, Wine connection is really good. It's a quiet place with large spaces, a large variety of food, and great prices. I also have several other places that I suggest including Pattaya Beer Garden, Harry's, The Nest, and Jasmine Cafe. All of the places are popular. I appreciate your suggestions. I don't want to sound like I'm anyone special and I find it deeply humbling, even a honor that someone many may want to share a coffee or lunch with me. I have combined my schedule in the past though with several YT viewers. I always check with them as well to ensure they are comfortable with the idea. But it always normally works. This week for example, I'm very busy and will meet up with 5 different viewers in the next 3 days. Some weeks though I only see 1-2 viewers. I personally love meeting everyone. I've been so fortunate to not only meet complete strangers, but now to be able to call them a friend. Eventually, I will try a group gathering for the viewers that are in town. Personally I think my channel is too small for this right now but I would definitely be open to this in the future. Lastly, you know as well as I do that the social thing doesn't work with everyone. Sometimes, it's best to just say good luck and press on. Thanks for your input. Tom
@ - You shouldn’t feel humbled that people want to meet you. Your videos are testimony that you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with anyone moving from USA/UK or similar to Thailand!
@@MargaritasinParadise If they don't like Harry's Scandinavian food try Diana Dragon on the other side of the soi, good food at acceptable prices. They have been in the same location for at least 30 years so they must be doing something right.
"Zippity do da, zippity day,. My-0-My what a beautiful day. Everything's heading my way". There you go again zipping over to see one of your harems (meeting with George is just a cover). Meantime back in the midwest freezing temps, blackout blizzard conditions causing pile ups on the Interstate, and people having to be rescued from their cars to keep from freezing to death. Meantime, you are zipping around free as a songbird while getting a tan, breathing fresh sea air, and getting healthy vitamin D from the sun. Enjoy it while yee may. I heard that President Trump heard about your expat life and he hates being shown-up with a better "love" life and especially by someone from the "peasant" class.
Haha, you are right. I am lucky to be here in this weather. Thanks for the laugh. Btw, yesterday morning it was so cold when I woke up and stepped out my balcony. I immediately had to go back inside and put on a shirt. The temp was down to 74 degrees and I thought I was going to freeze to death.
That's a good point. I remember when Costa Rica was very affordable but since so many Americans moved there, everything has doubled.
I found an island that I am keeping to myself. Very few tourists but many amenities and a very chill life pace. It's like going back in time.
When there is an excessive demand for a product, no matter what it is, the price will always go up.
I'm glad you've found your own little paradise!
@@dessaint5341 Because Americans have so little vacation time, which is of course not their fault, they spend as much in 2 weeks as Europeans do in 4 weeks of vacation. This also applies, and especially, to Koreans and Japanese
Good work Tom loved this vlog keep the good work up 😊😊😊
Thank you, I appreciate that, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😊🙏
aight bro thanks for the tour
You're welcome, have fun!
Hi there love your content and has been very informative. I will be arriving on Feb 2 looking to get a retirement visa and a place to live. I booked 13 nights at the Travelodge in Central Pattaya to get my feet on the ground and check out the scene here it would be great to meet up. Maybe you could show me around Andrew.
Andrew, Send me a message at margaritasinparadise@gmail.com when you arrive and we'll figure out a meet up. Tom
Thanks for the info
Be well
Thanks, you too!
I have been coming to Pattaya since 2011 and now I live here. Some things that I want are pretty much the same price when I first came here. You can catch the bus from Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok to Pattaya for 143 baht, but in 2011 it was 123 baht. Most of the places that I eat at, the prices have barely gone up or not change at all since 2011. No one can control how another man spends his money. A man in vacation mode comes to fully enjoy himself and he may be willing to spend in two weeks what an expat spends in 3 months of living in Pattaya.
It is amazing how much some things have remained unchanged.
The beer in the Beer-Bars costs almost the same as it did 20 years ago and our income has increased.
Good point, Jörgen. Many mention how the prices have increased, but very few mention the fact that our wages have gone up even more..
Another point is the decrease of the Scandinavian kroner compared to baht.. Both you and I remember when the krone was worth around double of what it is today.. USD hasn't had that same change 😊
This is another great point.
My condo maintenance same after twenty years
That's amazing, I think my building is the same way.
You're looking good, Tom. I can see you lost a few pounds.
Thank you, I still have a lot further to go. 😛🏈🎅
Yep, Tom is "wasting away" before our very eyes.
Haha, I feel bad for you guys, it's going to take awhile. 😂😂😂
Good one Tom.
Thank you so much
Dont worry about those who put you down for promoting Pattaya and Thailand Tom.You and people like you are not the driving force thats causing people to flock there .What you do is just helping people who are considering it. And theres nothing wrong with that. I was looking at some photos of Pattaya during the Vietnam war era ..change happens ,thats just the way it is .Thailand needs tourists, and expat retirees to support thier economic growth .
I agree , Thanks
Taxi Airport Bangkok - Pattaya 2024 in July: 1000 Baht. "Mr Dang". Very kind drivers normally. Indeed. Toll included.
Great price
@margaritas, yeah buddy I ran to the same predicament. I was originally going to scale up from my PCX to a 350, But now I have both. I like having the PCX just to tool around Jomtien, but once you get on the highway, you know how crazy people are, at least with the Harley. It makes a lot of noise and the Thais really like them, so ya get a lot of thumbs up, the vrod is actually kind of slim so I’m able to still split lanes and park, but it is heavy and I have to back it into spaces. I’m 60 so I get it with the lifting but I swim daily and stay in shape. Ya might wanna check out a Sportster at Route 66, great guys over there but they are much more expensive than US prices.
I know many guys that have done the same thing and have 2-3 bikes, all for different conditions.
Is it difficult to get parts for your Harley over there at all ? What kind of tarriffs do they have on those ?
Everything Harley is stupid expensive, bikes can be over double the price but check out route 66 on Sukhumvit Jomtien they can fabricate
Price may not have gone up that much. But the exchange rate was 42thb : $1usd 24 years ago, now it's more like 34thb:$1usd. So your money doesn't go as far as it used to. 😮
Technically, You're absolutely right! The thing to note even then that wasn't the norm. Prior mid 1997, the average rate was 25thb-$1, between the end of 1997-2006 the exchange rate fluctuated a lot between 53-29thb-$1, by the end of 2006 to present it's been averaging around 32thb-$1. Most people that I know who have been here that long have thrived. I personally believe if 5 baht to $1 effects anyone's budget then they most likely they can’t afford to live in Thailand. Thanks for your input. I love the statistics.
😊😊
Thanks, so much 🎅😛❄🎅
Tom the one way not to pay tourist prices is move to Udon Whoop Whoop
Hahaha, It's funny you say that. I assume you know I did live there (Thung Fon). Prices are comparably the same with the exception of village/farm life. 😃🎅🎅😃
Only female friendship gone through the roof
Companionship is always costly. 😃🎅😛😍
The new BMW 400 is 12k there’s also a 750 scooter, I prefer my 1250 Harley V Rod😅
Pretty impressive, I've thought about getting a bigger bike. My main concern is I want to be able pick it up. Sometimes parking spots are so tight for instance that I need to pickup the back of my bike and move it over a little. Also, when I load my motorbike in the back of my pickup truck, I have to move the entire bike sideways sort of so I can shut the tailgate. Those bigger bikes combined with me aging puts me at a disadvantage. I can only imagine trying to pickup your bike.
What definitely wouldn't work over there is a trike
That's something you don't see often but they do exist even in the scooter versions.
In February there is a motorcycle rally here in Pattaya. Lot's of interesting motorbikes attend. www.pattayabikeweek.com/
I'm ready to switch from heavy horsepower and showing off to straight up utility ,dependability and practicality now. It's really just about getting from point a to point b as comfortably and efficiently as possible on a scooter the way I'm seeing it now .l can make that switch in mindset .l have kind of been a gearhead my entire life...but seasons change and sacrifices need to be made
What’s your obsession with Wine Connection Tom? You always go there. Is it really so good? - If a lot of people want to meet up, why not meet a few at the same time? You could have a few dates set aside and whoever wants to come has to split the bill between them (including your food and drink).
Yes, Wine connection is really good. It's a quiet place with large spaces, a large variety of food, and great prices. I also have several other places that I suggest including Pattaya Beer Garden, Harry's, The Nest, and Jasmine Cafe. All of the places are popular.
I appreciate your suggestions. I don't want to sound like I'm anyone special and I find it deeply humbling, even a honor that someone many may want to share a coffee or lunch with me.
I have combined my schedule in the past though with several YT viewers. I always check with them as well to ensure they are comfortable with the idea. But it always normally works. This week for example, I'm very busy and will meet up with 5 different viewers in the next 3 days.
Some weeks though I only see 1-2 viewers. I personally love meeting everyone. I've been so fortunate to not only meet complete strangers, but now to be able to call them a friend.
Eventually, I will try a group gathering for the viewers that are in town. Personally I think my channel is too small for this right now but I would definitely be open to this in the future.
Lastly, you know as well as I do that the social thing doesn't work with everyone. Sometimes, it's best to just say good luck and press on.
Thanks for your input. Tom
@ - You shouldn’t feel humbled that people want to meet you. Your videos are testimony that you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with anyone moving from USA/UK or similar to Thailand!
I do appreciate the kind comment. Thanks
@@MargaritasinParadise If they don't like Harry's Scandinavian food try Diana Dragon on the other side of the soi, good food at acceptable prices. They have been in the same location for at least 30 years so they must be doing something right.
I made a note and will check it out sometime. Thanks
"Zippity do da, zippity day,. My-0-My what a beautiful day. Everything's heading my way". There you go again zipping over to see one of your harems (meeting with George is just a cover). Meantime back in the midwest freezing temps, blackout blizzard conditions causing pile ups on the Interstate, and people having to be rescued from their cars to keep from freezing to death. Meantime, you are zipping around free as a songbird while getting a tan, breathing fresh sea air, and getting healthy vitamin D from the sun. Enjoy it while yee may. I heard that President Trump heard about your expat life and he hates being shown-up with a better "love" life and especially by someone from the "peasant" class.
You maybe need to consider laying off that dope man .At least put that pipe down and let it cool off for a while bro.
Haha, you are right. I am lucky to be here in this weather. Thanks for the laugh. Btw, yesterday morning it was so cold when I woke up and stepped out my balcony. I immediately had to go back inside and put on a shirt. The temp was down to 74 degrees and I thought I was going to freeze to death.