Is Thailand a good place to retire in 2023?
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- Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
- Old people love watching thailand retirement content. We'll go over if Thailand is still a good place to retire in 2023.
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I’am a 70 years old guy who runs 5K, plays Badminton, Swims, go hiking, the gym, been in the Jomtien area for well over 3 years, it’s the best place as a base to visit all the other countries not just S.E Asia but India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Greece, Spain, Turkey etc etc, live my life the way I want to in the time I’ve got left 😊
I hope to move to Jomtien in 90 days. I'm in my early sixties, cyclist, gym, no alcohol, never smoked
I always thought Jomtien was a great spot in Thailand, maybe the best. Enjoy your retirement roygoad2870.
@@bijanbayne3259 SMART not to drink ! 💪 People have NO IDEA how bad it is for your body... Alcohol industry OWNS (and is killing) the world !
Glad to hear that you have a good time here.
I retired at 55 now in KL Malaysia on the MM2H and just renewed it again, I love it but you have to be able to afford it.
Looking for where to begin putting in some funds that will aid me after retirement. Saving up isn't giving anything in return.
Who is yours? If you do have, I'd like to know(retiring soon and I need to get my sh*t together )
I started out with LUCY ROSE CARTER,great advisor. I got very lucky to have found her especially after my marriage crisis & consider her a good friend now.
I know this lady. Lucy is a genius in the market. I once watched her on BBC finance when she discussed her take on Real Estate Management and FX
Making investments especially for a mast number of people involves a whole lot of risk and she recognises that and best believe this is the main reason for her long term success
How can I join in? I will be happy growing my money while giving a few of it away to charity, giving back is as good as receiving.
The thought of retirement makes me cry. My apologies to everyone who have retired and filing social security during this time after putting in all those years of work just to lose everything to a problem you weren't to blame for.it's especially difficult for people who are retired.
Even if you’re not skilled, it is still possible to hire one. I was a project manager and my personal portfolio of approximately $850k of my retirement pension took a big hit in April due to the crash. I quickly got in touch with a financial-planner that devised a defensive strategy to protect and profit from my portfolio this red season. I’ve made over $250k since then.
@@hasede-lg9hj I urgently require guidance to rescue my portfolio from the significant dips and develop improved strategies. What is the best way for me to get in touch with this advisor?"
I urgently require guidance to rescue my portfolio from the significant dips and develop improved strategies. What is the best way for me to get in touch with this advisor?"
Vivian Carol Gioia is my adviser and she is highly qualified and experienced in the financial market. She has extensive knowledge of portfolio diversity and is considered an expert in the field. I recommend researching her credentials further. She has many years of experience and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the financial market.
Thanks a lot for this recommendation. I just looked her website up, and I have sent her an email. I hope she gets back to me soon.
I’m 71 years old and I love living in Thailand. You can achieve anything in this wonderful country if you apply some simple principles. Respect, many farang look down on Thais, big mistake, I’ve found the Thai people respectful towards me and I gladly return it in spades. We are all human after all. The flexibility about where to live is amazing
Only spoiled Euro & Russian people act this way
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Be respectful, and genuinely open. A smile costs nothing, and often has fantastic residuals.
It’s disgusting that they look down on Thai people in Thailand. Big arrogant bigots who think they own other people’s land.
U r one of the rare westerners who can think and have self awareness with great respect for other cultures and respect for the people
I moved to Pattaya a couple months ago getting the Elite visa and turned out I filed just before the rules changed. I live a few blocks inland where it's almost a normal city, I can still walk to the beach or the night life areas. I am still running my software company based in the USA and keep busy. I love it here and almost never interact with the other expats or tourists, I am getting to know the local Thai people.
What software company you running?
I just retried, computer engineer, sysadmin, DBA. Thai wife and I live in Calif but looking to move to pattaya.
I founded the company in Delaware, we do web/app dev and marketing. Before you move to Thailand make sure to get out of CA by moving to another state 100% or CA will try to tax you for at least another 10 years, even if you are in Thailand. @@StevenSacto
Wish you great success for your stay in Thailand/Pattaya and your software business
Pattaya has done a great job on cleaning up their act. Now it's a great place to live.
What changes are you referring too?
Anyone looking to settle down in Thailand should check out several areas throughout the country. If you live in the northern provinces like Chiang Mai, you'll likely want to live elsewhere during the "burning season" to escape from the dangerous PM 2.5 levels. If you live in Phuket, you'll likely want to escape to somewhere else during the rainy season. Personally, I'm looking at Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Krabi provinces. These provinces appeal to me because they're close to the ocean, have good weather, and also have good air quality year round.
Whenever they plan to fix the Burning Season the north would be desirable but until then ….. I always thought HH would be chill didn’t go to Krabi though
Nohing wrong witg Phuket rainny season, why would you escape it !!
When it came to the North and Isan. The only places that weren't affected much by the burning season would be the area near the national park and green region. Phetchabun and Chaiyaphum the area near the Nam Nao national park are great. Phetchabun specifically have gated communities and town homes popping up like crazy.
If you want somewhere nearer to Bangkok. Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima are a great choice too, not recommend the capital city of these provinces though, the Air Quality will still haunts you. Choosing the area near the Khao Yai national park would be wise. I checked the AQI quite often and places near national parks are almost always stable.
I find Pak Chong quite alluring. It's tucked in between two major green region, so the AQ wouldn't be horrid and the future Highspeed Rail will have a station in this town as well. It would be a great place to retire. Just an hour away from Bangkok via the HSR.
@@mixalis6168 doesn’t it have major floods during rainy season
any region with good weather, no burning season and good American Internation school?
A Chinese Thai born 71 years ago and now officially retired 11 years now, I agree that what kind of life you want to lead in retirement in Thailand is all possible if you are financially secure. I know a retired westerner at my housing village who bikes for 20 minutes in the morning and then sits down to have 2 bottles of Chang beer at the local shop even though officially you can only buy beer/liquor at 11 am-2 pm and 5pm to midnight. Thai local shop and drinkers don't care. This is Thailand. Even if you live on a meagre US pension monthly at around $1000/month, you can retire here in Thailand in much better comfort than in the US as rent is cheap, food is cheap and medical care is cheap even for foreigners if you visit the govt hospitals. No need for appointment. But you may need to wait 2-4 hours before your queue is up. All Thai doctors understand English if you speak slowly and clearly. If you don't speak well, just write it out in English and you're fine. Thai medical schools use English texts.
Nice approach, thank you
I visited Thailand three times and I usually have good experiences.
Calling older people "Old People" is not nice Forrest. 🤣🤣 You might think you are still young but time flies and before you know it you will be an old man yourself.
I lived in California more than 30 years and I know it's not the same place anymore. Anyone retiring or want to live in another country, it's definitely not an easy decision. So many factors to consider before selling everything and packing your things.
I think the days of living comfortably for less than $1500/Month in Thailand is gone especially in a city like Bangkok. Also for many people, you can't earn same money if you live in another country. For now I am going to work hard, earn most money that I can and spend some of that money in a place like Thailand for fun and leisure.
I will think about permanent retirement and location later in life.
Recently moved to Bangkok 10 months ago. Your video clips prepared me for the move. I got here on a Thursday and was settled into my condo Tuesday. I am completely integrated into the Thai financial system thanks to the information provided about banking and investing. That being said it makes we laugh when you at times insult old people like me as nothing is free without some injury lol. The information you provided was invaluable and I thank you
Are there any like groups you can recommend for Americans to interact with other Americans over there who are retired I'm heading there at the end of March to stay probably about 60 days and I really want to get an idea on the pros and cons of living there and talk to somebody face-to-face if I do decide to retire there
The gem of advice in this is "What you make of the experience". Appreciate your straight forward, no BS perspectives Forrest. Great stuff. Love to hear more about your experiences as an Asian American in Thailand.
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Thank you forest lee for sharing. Your videos will always be much appreciated!! I like that you threw in the healthcare , as it affects alot of older men.
68 here retired living in Hippie town Pai in Maehongson , actually met you in a coffee shop . I love my life here as I’m on my mountain bike 5-6 days a week around the beautiful valley surrounded by rice fields , wonderful coffee shops and generally nice folks and the many tourists that come from all over the World as well as Thai tourists . Been coming for 21 years and although it’s changed like anywhere else in the World , it’s still beautiful as are the people . Like the new camera Forest Lee ! Keep it . I’m 68 going on 35 lol . I feel great , 68 is just a number . Plus I get to go down to visit my 89 year old mother who has just moved to Chiang Mai from Washington DC area !! The food choices in Chiang Mai are wonderful . Take care Enjoy your videos Would we go back to the US ? NEVER !
After watching 90% of it.. loved it. Good heads up in the 90 check in rule. Your endings are always awesome, giving out a good light hearted vibe. Keep on posting
This is a perfectly time video.
I’m just about to be 36 and I’m financially independent. Been quietly living with a couple of dogs in a cabin in the woods for a couple years. But I’m starting to think of retiring to Thailand once my dogs pass on.
No interest in the party towns as I quit drinking after leaving the Marine Corps.
I’ve been looking at the Northern Thailand areas and I am seriously eyeing a year long “test period” by applying for the 1 year ED Visa and taking a 12mo accredited Thai language/reading/writing course.
Hello. How did you become financially independent?
Same, I'm going at the end of March and I already have another buddy of mine who wants me to get more information as well because we're both thinking about retiring over there as well.
Thanks again for a great and informative video.. you hit the mark with this video!
Keep doing the good work.
Thank you for your work. Heading over soon and am watching all your vids for the great info!
Planning on retiring to Thailand within the next 12 months. I believe you provide excellent guidance. I’ve been a sub for a while and watching your offerings is very much like having a conversation with a friend who understands the nuances of situations that are important to understand at a functional level. Thank you.
Really enjoyed the useful information and your positive outlook !
Thank you Forrest for another great video about Thailand. I am also interesting in retiring in Thailand as well and I am glade that your doing what you enjoy in life and looking forward to see more video from you.
Camera quality looks great and I like your sense of humor. Thanks for making this video. I have always dreamed of visiting Thailand.
Hey Forrest, I really enjoy watching your videos (I just subscribed today)! It's very insightful and I truly appreciate your no BS assessments about Thailand! From a fellow Veteran, thank you for your videos and for your service!
thanks for your video. good insight. Love your honest talk.
variety of food wasn’t ever a topic of my conversations until i spent a week touring the southern utah national parks. every meal was hamburger or steak. by the end of the trip, i could not wait to leave utah. now i listen when you talk about food choices. thanks!
I love how I always get the bottom line answers from you... keep it coming my friend
Thanks for another great video. I like your brief, honest and straightforward insights. You are so right that "it's paid to be nice in Thailand, on the other hand in US, you are more often to be taken advantage of if you are nice". I am Thai who left Thailand years ago. Although it is familiar, I always got shocked every time when I visit Thailand, because Thais are being so nice to me. 😂😂😂
@@bruceneutral3387 Thanks for info. Although I left Thailand for US long time ago, I do know pain and suffering of Thai people. I always follow what is going on with friends and relatives in Thailand. I am well aware of everything you said. I was raised and grew up in Thailand. Considering the suffering Thai people have to endure, they are resilient and able to maintain the positive sides of life. In spite of pain and suffering, a lot of Thais manage to live their lives with dignity and kindness to others. I am proud of my Thai people 💕
Thailand is my favorite country. The lifestyle in Bangkok for those who can affort it is just amazing. Thanks for this upload.
I am an actual American retiree living here in Thailand. I am 67 years old. I’ve lived 6 years in central Bangkok and now have moved to a new house in the Isaan countryside (8 hrs from BKK). Yes, Thailand can be a good place to retire.
Point #1 - Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean retirement but it usually does. It means you are over 50 and you have a number of options to lived in Thailand indefinitely with no border runs and no manipulating the tourist visa system. You have tropical islands, somewhat cooler mountain regions, and the farming countryside. You have Bangkok, smaller cities, and rural areas. It is a smallish tropical country so don’t expect the geographic diversity of say, the US. The temperature is very hot, or hot, or somewhat hot (3 seasons). You beat the heat by avoiding it in the afternoons. The evenings are wonderful. It gets some impressive rain downpours but no cyclones. It has great roads, transportation, and internet coverage (that is, good infrastructure).
Point #2, Health - the health care here is excellent and very accessible. There are some world class hospitals in major cities. It is inexpensive from an American point of view. If you are from Europe then you are going to miss your national health care system.
Point #3, Food - Bangkok is a great food city and I’m saying that as someone from the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are a foodie then you will find plenty of that. Food can be both inexpensive and delicious but we are talking about Thai food. You just have to like Thai food. Some of it is spicy. Some is not spicy. Western food has western prices (or more).
Point #4, People - the people here are fantastic. One thing very true here is that it is a very non-confrontational society and “losing face” is a real important thing. For the most part that leads to a very publicly polite society. It is also a bit of a minefield for westerners. Read about it and take it seriously. Also, one thing that becomes immediately clear is that this is a very relaxed society. Great for retirees that can actually dial it down and relax but probably exasperating for type A personalities.
The expats are a mixed bunch and you should be able to find and make friends easily. One thing I love about the expat community is that they leave their politics behind. I have met people, from all over the world, people I would never have met before and we all seem to get along. There are much more interesting things to do and talk about than whatever is happening back in our home countries. There are big expat communities in the cities but there are plenty in the countryside as well.
Con #1, visas - If you are reasonably well off financially, both in income and savings, then you can easily manage to get through the visa process and do it meeting the official requirements. That is you don’t need an agent. You don’t need to manipulate the system. There are some good Facebook groups to help you out. The hard reality of visas is that most retirees have to extend their visas yearly. With significantly more money you can get 5, 10, 15, or 20 year visas. Personally, I will say (just my opinion), that you want a $2,500-$3,000 minimum monthly income to live well without having to think much about money. You also want $$ in savings and probably health insurance. Having said that your dollars go further here no matter you income level. Bangkok is most expensive. Everywhere else is less expensive. Everyone seems to make it work.
Visa rules can change here but that is true in any country. The more annoying fact is that the rules can also vary from immigration office to immigration office throughout the country so that is something to learn about wherever you settle down. If you are well off financially then rule changes are not going to affect you much.
Con #2, 90 day reports - 90 day reports are black & white. They haven’t changed. You need one form, your previous 90-day report receipt, and your passport and it is free. You can do it by mail or online (most of the time). The worst case is if you have to go to an immigration office in person. If so, then any time there is just waiting in line. Once you see an immigration officer it takes 2 minutes to complete the process.
Con #3, language - Yes they speak Thai and it has a different alphabet and it isn’t all that easy to learn. It’s going to be easier for you in the city than the country but anyone comfortable with international travel is going to do just fine. One bonus, I’ve always found doctors here, and much of the hospital staff, to be able to speak English well enough. Google translate has it’s limitations but it can serve as a useful tool in a language situation.
What about the Philippines? English is spoken widely. Expats rave about how nice the people are. You can stay 3 years on a tourist visa before doing a border run. It is also a Catholic country. Apparently it has not-so-good local food and so-so infrastructure. There are some special deals for US military retirees.
Consider Thailand as a retirement destination but visit for a couple of months first.
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Thailand has the Philippines beat by miles! every point that is important to me and most retirees can be met easily in Thailand. The people aren’t that nice in the Philippines as well.
Can you clarify why you say visa rule changes aren’t an issue if you are financially well off and what would be considered well off?
@@OShackHennessy First of all I am talking about retirees who stay here long term for years at a time. I’m not talking about the more frequent changes to tourist visas or visa exempt rules. It is easy to stay here long term if you can meet the standard visa financial requirements yourself, that is you don’t need to borrow money through an agent. You can afford an normal insurance policy if your visa requires insurance. You can pay the upfront fee for a visa. You have the yearly income required for a visa. If money is not an issue then the only thing you have to worry about at Immigration are minor changes of the document requirements or the time you have to wait in line once per year. They give you plenty of time to go in for a visa extension so go early and get it over with. If you really want to use an agent then pay the higher fees for an unquestionably reliable agent that will help you meet the legal requirements using your own money.
Well off could be that you can deposit 800,000 baht in a bank, leave it there all year and not miss the money. It could mean you have a passive income of $80,000 UDS/year for a 10 year pensioner LTR visa. It could be that you can afford to pay the upfront fees for a Thai Privilege visa. It could be that you can afford 80,000-100,000 baht/yr for a comprehensive insurance policy.
@@martypoll appreciate the answer thank you. That was very well laid out. I’ve heard references to needing to be financially stable but never really got any specifics on it but it may be a bit of an open ended topic.
Love your work. Keep your videos coming.
I love this video. Thank you for posting. I agree with a lot of your thoughts on the culture battle between west and east. I am also from california so I can definitely appreciate a lot of your comments. Cheers!
I enjoy your content and straight forward hard hitting realism. Thank you
Enjoy your vids, you keep it real!
LOVED this video ❗
Go to where the weather is the best. Why suffer in Thailand 6 months a year. Forrest got himself in a echo chamber and imagined in the dark recesses of his mind how terrible America is. I’ve been traveling this whole summer in California coastal towns. Clean, thriving, polite people. Some of the best places and weather in the world. No need to cut your nose off to spite your face because of your political views. IMO, Thailand a few months a year. Europe a couple months a year, Sicily is my preference. America, fall and spring. It makes Visa and health care issues much easier.
But that would be expensive. Most people who retire in SEA are on meager pensions. Most not all. I also don't like the constant heat in SEA, so if I was in a comfortable financial situation the ideal would be to spend our winter in SEA and the rest back home in New Zealand.
It’s slightly more, paying for two places. But not much. I turn off all the stuff I don’t need, car insurance, cable tv, internet. No need to purchase expensive health insurance, I have free insurance at home. But yes it’s an expense. But I can afford it, I think it’s more enjoyable than being stuck in one place. Thailand is great, but it’s nice having base in home country.
I enjoy your video very much! Your honest opinion about living in Thailand! Thank you for the information!!!
You are awesome, dude. A lot of positive points mentioned.
I spent 7 months in Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great spot to be. Very relaxing the energy level is much lower than Pattaya.
Pattaya is also very good if you want the beach and more of a night life.
Nice video! Playing devils advocate here: I'm living in Pattaya (wongamat) for almost 2 years now (im not fat and under 50), might move to Phuket soon , but, pattaya has its perks and nobody is gonna force you to indulge into the debauchery… im still working online, go to the gym, go scoobadiving every other week etc.. and I enjoy hanging out with my buddys and drink and fool around. Although I sometimes wish there would be more people not so into drinking…but in the end it is what you make out of it, the place by itself is pretty cool and has everything and its near bkk and utp airport, my condo in the 29 floor with seaview and 3 pools, private beach etc.. I love it, but probably not forever. If you care what other people think, better not stay here 😉
The minute you called me a degenerate I subscribed!!
He's being sarcastic.
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Thank you for this video.
love the videos, Hoping to head over before the end of the year, eventually head up by Chiang Mai. Use it as a base to visit all of asia, love hiking, moutain biking, trek in nepal... Really interested in trying a couple meditation retreats.
Forrest you are the best!!!! Thailand should make you brand ambassador
Enjoying the new Sony camera - but not the shakes. You should probably get a small gimble for it. Glad to see you're investing in your UA-cam production with a nice camera and Rode mic! Interesting take on retiring in Thailand. You got a lot of things on point - but a couple are a bit skewed. Keep up the great content.
Cameras great! Vid was excellent as usual
Great advice
Camera quality in this video great...also, I agree with you on Hua Hin, sick of the traffic in Bangkok...
I have a question. I'm getting ready to retire in Thailand with a NON O-A visa. I've been given conflicting advice on renewing the visa every year. Can you renew every year by applying at an immigration office or do you have to leave the country to apply for a 2nd year (or 3rd of 4th)
The Sony Camera ( Which Model? )looks very Good. I notice that it focuses on your eyes, a great feature for your direct into the camera dialogs. Thumbs👍 up, IMO.
Yay for video
Love Your Very Informative Video's and Frank Attitude ........ I've lived and Worked Oversea's 2 times( Korea & Saudi Arabia) and enjoyed adapting to new ways to do and get things done.
You are really doing a good job in informing about thailand - don’t knock yourself off.! You give good honest advise.
One of the better channels and pretty accurate given a retiree from 45 yrs in los angeles and retired here 7 yrs. Only a couple content comments 1... visa requirements are the same nationwide and havent changed much, only the different offices have different rules. The 90 day check takes 5 mins in drive thru chiang mai. And in 7 years in country i have been to pattaya 2 times. Anyways...good info... most channels arent as good
May I ask in which gym you do your workouts, is this an affordable gym? My experience is that gyms in general are very expensive in Thailand, at least compared to Europe. I.e. An annual membership at Fitness First in BKK is well over 23.000 THB....
You are awesome. Keep making videos and keeping it real. New camera is better. Thanks!!
Great quality picture camera. What Sony camera are you using?...
I'm old guy ready to fly to Thai in couple months. Enjoying your vids
In general the hospitals in Thailand are just as expensive as they are overseas. Especially if you 'need' to go to the Tier 1 hospitals that are popular among expats. There is a medical tourism surcharge in Thailand that boosts the price for any foreigner.
HA! I love being in Pattaya and sitting on my ass, doing nothing. I love being RETIRED versus when I was constantly under stress working 50 - 60 hour weeks in good ole 'merica. Am I getting fat? No, completely being done with working and moving to Thailand allowed the stress to drop very low. In America, I was constantly stress eating cuz working sucks and I didn't want to be there. In my retirement in Thailand, I make sure to eat correctly and every morning, the only job that I make myself do daily is wake up early (before the sun comes out) and go jog/walk, and lift some weights. 2 hours of that, then the rest of the day is mine to do whatever the hell I want, which doesn't include drinking and sometimes includes doing absolutely nothing (I freakin love it!). I couldn't have made a better decision. Remains to be seen if I keep the same great decision making when it comes to the women! 😆So far, so good! I know the game.
Great channel Man 🏆🤝👏
I wanted to say, first you remind me so much of a good friend ex co worker of mine. Not the way you look, although you both look a lot a like, but your general demeanor. You seem self aware. Its a good quality to have. Thanks for the videos.
Thank you 🙏 very much. I'm Thai, living in the US. My American husband and I decide to move to Thailand in the end of October 2
026. Look forward to it ❤
I enjoyed your take on Udon/Korat - pretty funny! I'm in my mid-20s, moved to Khon Kaen to escape the crowds. After COVID burnout, I'm loving the slower pace here with a local Thai feel. 😊
The beauty of Thailand is very unique, coupled with the wonderful Korean pop music, you will never come back! ! !
I figure the 90 day check ins will let me know if I’ve been staying in one place too long. Will be moving to Isaan part time in a year or so (does that mean I’ve given up on people?) Hopefully they do not make the marriage visa any more complicated or expensive than it already is. I do want to spend some more time traveling around Thailand as well as the rest of SE Asia, but since my wife has family in Isaan, that’s where we will eventually end up.
Thank u for b❤ring honest. We have family in Ubon but still looking to retire there. I know they keep changing things so we will see what’s gonna happen.😊
I hope it is. I'm planning to move to Jomtien before high season. I've visited Hua Hin (my backup choice), Bangkok, Pattaya and Jomtien twice this year for a month each stay. I''m headed back there in seven days
Forrest, apologies if u covered it in another video but being only 37 what type of Visa do u have that allows u to stay in country? I’m not yet eligible for retirement visa and do not want to go the elite route. Any advice would be appreciated dude.
nothing really long term , im 34 moving out in feb next year, im looking at education visa . i just hope renewing visa will not be a hassle . if it does then its not just ment to be for us at that age and will look for other south east Asia countries with easier visa rules
Watched on 75" OLED. Picture & sound looks excellent. Great content. That F'ing red ant on your right shoulder at 8:40
I came to see if anyone else saw it too. 😆😆 Maybe it’s a 75” tv thing. 🐜
I'm a Canadian living in Thailand. I'm a 56 year old retired white guy. The reason I say that is because one of my buddies back in Vancouver, born in Hong Kong but has lived in Canada for a few decades, when he came and visited my wife and I in Pratumnak last December he turned me on to your channel. He said he liked seeing an Asian Man UA-camr who looked like him. I get it. I like your videos a lot. By the way, in my opinion, Pattaya has many different areas like Pratumnak that are amazing to call home. But perhaps being married to a lovely Thai Woman has something to my own experience.
This is the first video I've watched from you. I do like looking at the background, so I like your new camera. I lived 2 years, each, in Bangkok, the Philippines and Okinawa Japan as a kid. (1960-1970s) I have also lived in 12 different states. I've learned, that for me, the food scene is the most important. I drove from Richmond, VA back to DC, every 2 weeks, for 3 orders of Thai food. When I went to an interview in Greensboro, NC; I looked up 3 Thai places in town, and tried them all before I took the job. Austin, TX I looked for a Greek and a Jamaican place. Currently, I am in a smallish town in Arkansas. Both the Greek and Thai places closed on me. :(
Great video
The video quality looks very good
Forest I’m a 62 yo retired Abn RGR living in Bkk. I always enjoy your videos and humor! Your fuckin funny! And your absolutely correct about hospitals!
Enjoyed your insight on a difficult topic. Well done, from a fellow Californian. (The BayArea). 🙏🏼
Going to check out Thailand this year,got the tourist 60 visa,probably will extend it to 90 days. Chiang Mai looks like my kind of pace im looking for.
Nice. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber here.👏👏God bless 😇
Forrest you are right on all counts, its especially important to have what I would call "be well "Capitalized". No matter where you are, or what you do it will involve Money. If you do not realize that it greases the wheels of commerce you will become one of the "lost".
Very well said! 🙏🏼
Enjoying your Vlog!😊
You are right, the English speaking countries in South East Asia are The Philippine, Singapore and Malaysia.
Malaysia has a lower gun ownership & crime rate Vs Thailand.
Thailand has the highest number of road accidents caused by drug and alcohol use compared to other South East Asian countries.
The Air pollution index in KL is better than Bangkok.
Malaysia was the country that had the most tourists visiting Thailand in 2023.😂
We love Thailand!❤
Hi Forrest I think the new camera makes a better picture. Which one is it, please?
Malaysia for sure. Thailand is great but they clearly don't want us there because even if you buy the Elite Visa as I was planning to you've STILL got the 90 days reporting thing for life.
Philippines definitely not, infrastructure is awful, accomodation is very poor for the money compared to Vietnam, Bali, Thailand or Malaysia and the food is absolutely grim. Plus hospital s are nothing like the quality you'd find in Thailand or Malaysia
So not the Philippines, I'm torn between Bali and Malaysia with Thailand also in the mix
Have you ever been to Malaysia? It is completely incomparable to Thailand. They are worlds apart in the way things are done.
@@kw3147 Yes of course. Many times and I lived briefly in KL with work when I was seconded to our office there. ( I have been based in HK for nearly 30 years). As for Thailand I love it and have been probably close to 100 times since my first visit in 1989.
So I feel I know both pretty well. I'm not going to start considering retirement in a place I've never even visited so a bit of an odd question.
And I think in a lot of expat categories there's actually not a lot between them. Local & international food in both places are great and good value, markets & supermarkets great selection of Western and local at good prices. Medical & dental private hospitals excellent. Both have good international schools if you have school age kids still. Both have good infrastructure although Malaysia's is better I think.
KL to me is a bit more modern and cleaner / less chaotic than Bangkok.
I'd be looking at Penang v Hua Hin/ Chiang Mai most likely personally.
You should look at the requirements for the new 10 year LTR visa. No 90 day reports, no banking requirements, 50,000 baht for 10 years.
@@martypoll I did. What source are you using ? I'm looking at Thai gov own website and their are tons of banking requirements
The eligible groups mentioned have different requirements for the LTR visa application.
For High-income Foreign Individuals and Foreign Retirees:
Must present a health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Thailand no less than USD 50,000. The remaining coverage period shall not be less than 10 months on the date of the application, OR provide evidence of savings of at least USD 100,000 held in a Thai or overseas bank account for no less than 12 months before the date of application.
High earners must have proof of personal income of at least USD 80,000 annually during the period of 2 years prior to the application date
Must have at least 1 million USD in assets
Must have an investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment or Thai property
@@martypoll Also this is from April 2023 so again - can you let me know where you're getting this from
The 90-day reporting is mandatory for anyone who holds a long-term visa, such as a non-immigrant visa, retirement visa, marriage visa, or work permit.17 Apr 2023
Forrest, I love Pattaya! I've been visiting for close to 20 years, maybe I can change your mind. See you boys at Jomtien, I've got less than 60 days left in San Francisco!
I’m a Chiang Mai Stan from way back. Run 100 km a week cycle 200 kms. Much happier and younger population both local and expat.
Hi Forest, as an ex-California I can see the "hard edge" and pessimistic character traits that have now been "chilled/mellowed" out in Thailand. GOOD PEOPLE can change things and make life good ! Kudos for making the "get out of Dodge" move 3 years ago to a "new frontier". Not following the crowd in the US rat race is commendable. Wishing you continued success ( and hardships too ) ha ha !
Are there any Facebook groups or anything that you guys are using to link up with other veterans living in Thailand because I'm going over there in March and I'm seriously considering about relocating over there but I want to be able to link up and talk with other American veterans over there
I like what you said about 'Thailand is a place where it pays to be nice.' Thanks for the honest review.
sorry, can i ask you what type of thai visa do you hold? i am just looking at different options. thank you.
From what I've seen most people under the age of 50 get a non-immigrant Visa which is a yearly Visa but you can only stay up to 90 days before you have to leave the country and then return and leave again in 90 days, people with those visas will go and travel somewhere for a few days and visit say Vietnam or Japan and then come back after a few days and then stay another 90 days and then do the same thing...
I like your videos and my ideas align with you a lot eventhough I'm 61and Covid slowed me down to closer to my age.(didn't get covid, but it made me lazy due to a much lighter work schedule) I'm always hyper sensitive to people who talk negatively about California as you might have found out if you've seen many of my other comments and trust me, I am very cognesant of Californias negatives. That said, You are from the Bay area, and I'm from OC. Totally different experiences. Even LA is night and day from OC. My kids mom and I switched up our visitation when my son whos my youngest was in HS. Both he and my daughter love LA now, and I just don't get it. ITs almost impossible to find parking. Thats never been and to this day never is an issue and I lived 2 blocks from the beach for 20 years. In BKK? On a day to day basis, its much harder to move around than Southern california. Do I think Southern California is better than BKK? Yes, but with a price. lol I love BKK but the reality is price is the main draw and the amount of "thai food" choices. (this coming from an american that is planing on retiring in the next year or so in Thailand)
On the regulations issue... While I love that Thailand has a lot of benifits from a lack of regulations, whenever someone acts like regulations are bad. I usually show them a picture of Huntington beach pre-regulations. Looks like a scene from an industrial planet on the movie Dune. www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/images/huntington-beach-historical-oil-deckers-lg.jpg Regulations aren't always bad.
Another example of regulations is car emmissions control. In the 70s it was common that kids, (me) couldn't go outside during school during "smog alerts" Now the air is better with 2 times the cars.
There are positives and negatives anywhere you go. Our home is in Chiangmai... Have you been there when they are burning? Wow.
Even BKK had a huge switch from 2 stroke engines to 4 stroke engines on the motorbikes to clean the air up.
You do you on your video content. I just like to point out the reality of one way sceptisism in relation to "california".
All that more than a mouthfull, and I still believe Thailands an incredible choice to retire to. Most of the reason is $ saved.
Keep up the good work,
In your experience, what's the typically accepted age gap between foreigners and the locals?
Great attitude!
I've decided Bangkok is the place I want to retire to in 2 years. It ticks all the boxes for me. Thai is my favorite food and with all the choices there (including at malls and night markets) I'll be in food Heaven. You'd never have to eat at the same place twice if you didn't want to. Plus I like to hike & explore and Bangkok is so huge it would take a long time to explore it all. Anyway, it all depends on what the Visa rules are when I'm ready. Can I spend all year there or do I still want to stay in Canada for half the year? Or do Thailand for 3 months and some other SE Asian countries another 3 months? To be determined. I'm excited for the future though.
It’s so funny bc just last weekend my niece referred to anyone over 35 as old. Anyway I do appreciate your tips. I would love to move to Thailand im from NY but I won’t leave w/o my son and he has some special needs I’m not sure about getting in Thailand.
I was just about to say, love the quality
Hey Forest, which gum do you go to there and how much is it monthly?
Which Sony camera do you have.? It is good! You asked if your camera took ok pics.
I want to retire in Thailand because i read and speak the language , would you welling to help me out bro? I will be here be here in October 6 , 2023. I will be 59 in December 2023 please respond, thank
It's getting to be that same way here in Australia, too. The nicer you are, the crueler people treat you. The more you give, the more people take. The more abuse you're willing to endure, the more abuse people expect you to be willing to receive. So many western countries are going down the toilet due to apathy, narcissism and "blissful" ignorance. People have stopped caring about people in many western countries! Now they only care about money and shiny objects. Cars, houses, status, etc. People simply don't give a shit. It doesn't seem to be as bad in Asian countries. At least, not yet.
They haven't developed yet and experienced the good times then it goes downhill 😅
Traveled Thailand for six months at 21 y/o. I'm Canadian and 30 y/o. Nowhere near able to retire yet but the thought of this will definitely be on my radar.
I think $3000.00 USD per month would be plenty for most people. Pretty much do whatever off that I think. Not a flashy life but certainly wouldn't be struggling.
Only thing I'd be concerned about would be healthcare if I was old old or if something bad were to go down. I have heard really good things from people who actually had to use the services there though. I'd definitely have to do more research into it. I'm confident in the care its the costs associated I'd need to look into.
I’m getting out of the army in a year as non retiree myself. I know I would rather be in Thailand than the US right now. Inflation is eating my pockets right now. Gun violence is at rise and the woke society is heavily creepin in on the youth. Don’t wanna be a part of it no mo.
Make sure you apply for your VA disability.
Good vid
I saw some old video where Forest was leaving the Army. This is the first time I heard you were Infantry Mos. All the way 11 Bravo!!
On the subject of your new camera, it’s great but you need to figure out if there an image stabilization option for when you’re walking/moving around. Or, if you’ve already exhausted the IS options on the camera itself, look into a gimbal. You’re getting quite a bit of camera shake when you walk right now.