After 7 years in Thailand plus 6 in China, this is what I believe: 1) Don't buy property in Thailand. 2) Keep a home country address, bank account, money/investments. 3) Don't get married. 4) Travel and explore to find a place you LOVE, not just like. 5) Try to learn the language - I know it's tough. 6) "Love people, Use things" - not the other way around. Best wishes, from Bangkok.
@davidreason2783 Your first point "1) Don't buy property in Thailand" are you serious? As a foreign individual You can not own ANY land in Thailand! Period! The only "property" You can buy is an apartment in a multistory building. But do buy a motorbike or a car if you plan to live there long time (unless You are in Bangkok). There are some ways for owning land by registering a Company witn a Thai co-owner for example, but in that case is it really You that is a land owner? Or if You are stupid enough (many expats are) to buy the land in Your Thai girlfriend's name, she will let You live on her (Yours?) property (that you paid for) only as long as You provide her (and probably her whole extended family) a good life!
I agree with most. Still have property back home. But, own car.. truck .. half dozen scooters. Condo.. soon 2 condo. But , I'm 65 and single. Started a charity in Buriram 12 years ago. Drive back and forth with bicycles food and toys. Still training muay thai.. Can meet lots of good folks doing that. The point is , I'm older ..retired and no doubt will croak soon. It's my plan to give away the million baht required in the bank. And the Condos. Couple of the kids I've known since babies. Give them a condo with a nice bank account. Been in Thailand since 93. It's been very good to me. Had some of the best times of my life
I met my Thai wife in 2016 online. Met in 2017, married in 2018 in California. Just had our 5 year anniversary and I'm so in love. She's the best person ever. We get a long so well and there's 23 years difference. If you find the right one, they are the best in the world.
Oh yes true love. It has nothing to do with green card. For some reason the fallin live with older Westen men , get green card and get property when he goes bye bye 😂😂
@@user-wm2tw And? Green card is not a reason. Just enter from the southern boarder, you'll get more. But if I get 20 years of love and care. She deserves whatever I can give her. No difference than an American.
So true. I have family and friends, and enjoy their company, but for years I thought there was something wrong with me because I enjoy my own company and being in solitude. It wasn't until I read a book called "Introvert Advantage" when in in College that set me straight. Apparently, it's perfectly mormal to enjoy solitude, alrthough we live in a very extrovert and group-centered society.
@@johncarlson6472 It was the same for me. I was told that if I wasn't in a relationship, and living with someone, that there is something wrong me. I enjoy the peace and quiet of my sanctuary.
I am 66 and in Thailand right now for a month. I get bore after about 3 weeks even I am traveling all over. And always find a gym in which ever Thailand city I am in. Retirement gets boring. Want it get back to the U.S. and check on my properties always something to do. Just sitting around gets old real quick. I don't drink so don't waste time in the bars. People are usually happier when they have goals.
I totally agree,I’m older than you lol.....still manage my properties,keeps me mentally and physically occupied,Thailand is great for a month at a time .....
Can you buy and sell properties In Thailand? Can you get a job as a retiree? I am contemplating retiring in Thailand. But I would need to do something to occupy my time and make a few bucks.
This movie involving a foreigner getting a girlfriend, marrying her, starting a business, buying a condo and divorcing seems to be very popular among westerners (although the condo is usually lost). It definitely pays to watch RU-vid videos before travelling to avoid becoming the main character of said movie... 😂
Lived in Bkk for 4 years and my biggest regret was not exploring more. I pretty much went to work, went home, and hung out in the same spots week after week. Wish I just just woke up early on the weekends and taken long walks, bike rides, etc and stumbled upon all the little things hiding within all the sois. Wish I had taken more weekend trips and done more staycations at different hotels around the city. I feel like I missed out on a lot of experiences.
Don't beat yourself up, thats the norm. My first trip was in 2002, I went with my attorney on his 9th trip. We did BKK and Pattaya. While he schooled me like no other on what to expect and how to act, which set the tone for many successful trips, I came home depressed like you. Went back alone 3 months later and stayed a month. Traveled all over. Wow. I learned something after my 2nd trip and that is I loved Bangkok. Everynight in bangkok is an adventure. Every time I would travel there, I'd stay in BKK 4 days, first two days, then after traveling around, the last 2 days. Sometimes, I will fly back to BKK and do an overnight between island...lol The big question is when are you going back?
@@GreenyTravels I lived in downtown Huntington beach for just under 20 years 2 blocks from the beach. I started my thailand trips while I lived there. If I saw people walking down the street at 10pm, I'd be a little on edge because you just don't know what to expect. In Bangkok, I stay at the Conrad hotel which is near the US embassy, and NANA. Its not uncomon for me to be up late at night, and I've walked out of the hotell and walked to Sukunvitt more than once at 3 am, with not one care in the world. No fear at all. Thailand is an alternate reality. Its amazing
I left Thailand 2 years ago and I’m considering returning permanently. The original plan was to work in the USA until I turn 50 then return to Thailand with a retirement visa. Well I’m 45 years old now and being stateside has been some of the most loneliest 2 years I have ever lived. Gained 50lbs and no longer healthy as in the past. Definitely time to go.
once you experienced life there you might physically leave the country but thailand will be always in your heart ... i left ten years ago and but she never left me ...
Dont go to Thailand because u r LONELY in the USA ...U gonna get screwed - The girls in Thailand are friendly towards Farangs because of the MONEY in their wallets - When that moneys gone ....... u will be LONELY again - N trust me ..They know how to get that money out of your wallet quick time !!!!
I visit Thailand over a hundred times in the last 43 years. Like the people a lot but I know how difficult to be a part of them. Will not buy a condo because of their build quality underneath the Italian marble and German kitchen. There are so many restrictions and on going changes of rules gives me a headache. As much as I love the land and friendly smiles. I get bored after 3 weeks. Seen some positive and negative changes through out the years. But unfortunately!!! I really hope you will have a wonderful, troubleless, healthy stay in Thailand. Like your videos a lot
I've been living in Thailand, for 4 years now. Married to a thai lady, government officer. So health insurance is not needed. We have 2 houses, one in Bangkok and a second in Southern thailand. I am 58 yrs old, but thailand is getting to me now. I need to get away for a few months, get some of my own English life back. An English pub, fish and chips, understanding all the bullshit being spoken around me. Yes Thailand is a nice country, more smiling faces than England will ever have. After saying that! I seriously need to get away for a recharge. So my flight back to the England is booked for next month.
Understand your sentiments. You'll definitely notice many changes especially after 4 years away. I've been in Thailand just over a month so only just starting my journey. Good luck with your trip.
@@billybob7522 Thank you for your reply. Yes after four years in Thailand, a break is what I need. Come back fully recharged in March. I'm going to work whilst I am back in England also. My wife is fully supportive in this. She understands, I need my own culture for a time. Yes I can believe I am in for a surprise or two on my return. Good luck, on your Thailand adventures.
You should never get caught up in a relationship in Thailand if you are retired. You retire to enjoy your life if you need a woman just catch and release and then move on
I just love your honesty, it’s amazing how quickly time flies so we should all be preparing for retirement. Having 1 great apartment is enough you can rent anywhere else you fancy,remaining friends with your ex wife is commendable, having a health goal is good too✌🏿🥰
Thanks for the update and good luck with your endeavors in Thailand. As far as the traffic goes, I can't do anything but confirm it. This summer, I visited Thailand after a 10 year hiatus. Well let me tell you, the first taxi ride from the airport to my resort I witnessed more near accidents than I had in Europe over the past 10 years, and that's including my almost daily commute to work with my car over the highway and into the big city center.
I met my wife many years ago and we became very good friends and she decided to go to Thailand to visit her family in Nakhon Sawan for a few weeks, she contacted me whilst there and asked if I could pick her up at the airport the following week and I did so. On the journey back to her city she asked me if I missed her whilst she was in Thailand and I said yes I did and she replied that she had missed me very much, five months later we married and we are in our eighth year of marriage and we could not be happier, I am a young seventy seven and she is a gorgeous forty seven years young. Love has no age barriers ❤️
@@stone-rock I don’t normally take any notice of stupid insulting comments! However just to make you realise how foolish you are, my wife owns a restaurant In Edinburgh and our last valuation was to sell at £800k also she owns two houses worth £1.2m plus two farms in Thailand. All my assets are in a family trust that goes to my two children. 💥💥
@@slamatc67 we are hopefully going to Nakhon Sawan sometime in new year so it would be good to meet for a beer if you would like, it’s also possible that we will from next year stay there for six months each year 👍
Keep your base here in Jomtien. Bangkok got noisy for me after a week, and spending a month each time there was too long and always looked forward t getting back to the ocean. My son goes to university in Chaing Mai. It was okay to visit CM, but the "Mountian" is mostly coverd by the clouds, and once you visit all the Temples, then your down to 1 big mall, and the same local restaurant's, bars.. as far as getting in shape, I go to the gym every morning, and walk in the condo parking garage for 5,000 steps in the morning, flat surface, in the shade.. plus swimming almost every day.. lost 25 lbs in the past year. Riviera condo.
Not getting married? We can all fall in love and take the plunge and see it fall apart. Trust in the wrong person is always a regret for me personally.
Yup, never marriage again for me. Freedom and protection of my finances are important to me. I have PTSD with a woman touching my credit card!@@genestone4951
Took a early retirement. Spent it in beteeen the USA, Thailand, and the Dominocan Republic. Been to several countries but everything always point back to Thailand. Just love the vibe❤ Next year ill be there to stay but will work, volunteer etc...i need more than just beaches and margeritas. As a ret social worker, and educator need to give back .. Great video, thank you ❤
Enjoyed that and thanks for being so candid. I try to never look back with regrets. As long as we can look ourselves in the mirror and say we did what seemed right at the time then that’s good enough for me. Analyse things too much and it will eat you out. Coming back to Thailand next week (28th). Can’t wait!. Cheers again
Both have to be happy... people don't realize... being married is the most difficult thing you will every do.... regrets.... never help... but the review of your " regrets " so history does not repeat... is important.... I made a promise to myself "never be on my death bed... wishing I had done something different, but happy I did what I did." Ted
You can always keep your place in Jomtien as a base, then just rent month to month in different areas of Thailand to enjoy each place then move to the next if you get bored or want to change things up
@GreenyTravels correct fantasy and illusion , I knew that right in my second visit in the sin city, overall 27 times already....come enjoy go back home to London and Switch off 😀 till next visit be well and stay safe grenny
I'm with you on the relationship issues. The pandemic created many relationships that weren't meant to last. When the world opened up again people showed us who they really were and that's not necessarily bad, it's just reality. I went through much of the same things you describe. We grew apart after the pandemic. I still miss her, but she made it clear that we would never be together again, so I have to live with that. It will take some time to get over her and move on with my life, but it is what it is. I look forward to the future, you can't change the past. Great video.
You have been an inspiration to me Greeney, just getting back from Australia and New Zealand. Need to catch up on your videos. I plan to travel there next.
Dang... Greeny... A Detroit Police Pension must be pretty generous? Early Retirement. Kids, 2 ex-wives, Travel 100% of time. Nice.... Were you a Financial Genius with investments? (Learning Thai after 60 is HARD)
You have the best of all worlds there...I lived in Bangkok for five years...and the only regret I have was leaving Thailand...in 2010...Every day I try to resist the feeling of regret...I loved my life there...I was teaching at ISB north of the city in Nonthaburi...in Nichada Thani...I loved most things about living there...I'm not a heat-humidity person, cannot really be in full sunlight for very long, but that wasn't a real problem there...Everywhere there is AC...Easy to get around...I didn't need a car...The food was absolutely delicious...Tuk tuks inside the gates of Nichada was just fine to get to the grocery store or Panipas (Great hair place...) and I loved the massages...It was a wonderful life style....WHY did I go back to the States???
I don't get bored in Thailand or most anywhere else. My issue is a restless nature that makes it very difficult to commit to one person or place or project for very long as I get easily distracted by all the other interesting things that I get wind of. Ive been trying to get my book into manuscript form for 3 years...just can't seem to concentrate long enough in one place! But Im having a good life...
Good vid Greeny. Getting into a new routine takes 2 weeks. Those two weeks will be painful but could change you. 9am, gym and then 1-3pm, one on one Thai language class. Study 9pm and hit the sack.
Yes, that's the hard part! Being a father and also a husband we focus on someone else always and we like it. Now if you can wrap your head around focusing on yourself you'll find happiness. I'm like this, never focus on myself but will try next year when I retire. You deserve it bro! @@GreenyTravels
@GreenyTravels I'm 55, been in the same shape as you appear. I just moved here 4 months. Walk as much as you can to places, eat clean, try to get into 30 minute runs on the treadmill. Weight training 5 times a week. Don't spend more than an hour in the gym and give up comfort food until your happy in the mirror. 6 months your new man.
Great Video! I've been in Southeast Asia for 8 months, four of which have been in Thailand and you're video is spot on. I share some of the same regrets, and the "I Wish I Knew" list grows every day. Best of luck to you and your channel and thanks for making this video.
How long did it take you to feel comfortable enough to drive in Thailand? You're an American and drove your whole life on the other side of the road. I'm Canadian and the thought of driving on the opposite side of the road terrifies me, especially on a motorcycle
I have been in Bangkok almost 3 years, I still dont feel comfortable driving. I dont drive a lot. I do have a scooter and access to a car. I am constantly telling myself drive on the left. haha
I’m Aussie and I visited California some years ago and I rented a car straight out of LAX, drove around LA down to San Diego back up PCH to San Francisco. It takes maybe a day or two to adjust.
Well, I live now fulltime in Thailand for about 17 years and I love it. Together with my family it's a great place to stay. Point is only that many people choose the wrong place to stay. I never made that mistake. Do your homework otherwise just stay away instead of complaining.
You were just a few months ahead of me moving to Thailand and i was a loyal viewer of your channel and then i stopped watching yourself and others and got on with my own life. You seemed to have it all together, marriage, condo, nail salon. I'm a bit shocked to hear you're single again. I was supposed to be having a ceremony in December after being together 5 years but my mother just put a stop to that buying a new house in need of renovation (a 2 month project for me). Maybe i can hold off a bit longer 😂
Learn the language with private 1on1 classes (ideally 2 per weeek). its so much more efficient than videos. You can ask questions, your teacher can immediately correct mistakes, give tipps and help with your tone. And it‘s never too late, especially when you are retired and you can practice every day. It‘s also very good for your brain and memory.
Hi Greeny, I wanted to share a great trip from BKK to Ranong on Nok Air because we have beautiful, free hot springs in a canyon where the air is 5F cooler and a sandy bottom river. Inexpensive hotels are plentiful. Cheers!❤
@@GreenyTravels Nok Air from Don Muang to Ranong is 1 hour 15 minutes and it’s cheap online…From our airport is a town taxi for 200 Baht to your hotel..Cheers. Hey my mom grew up 1 block from the beach at Rogers Park!
Would never move to Thailand because of the language. Have tried 2 one to one courses. Both tutors treated me like a 10 year old, rote learning. Their English skills were poor as well. My last Thai partner couldn't speak English but once I found Google Translate, no point trying to learn the language.
Great show Greeny! Very good content. I had to have shoulder surgery through the VA so I'll b down a bit. Be there as soon as I can travel. Go Lions 5-1 now. Take care and as alway's stay cool,kind and generous!
Based on what you spent on your Europe trip, 50K bhat for 10 years is an absolute bargain, I’m only 6 months in Thailand & i love the whole cost of living and rental costs
I was in America and going to come here to retire when the Covid hit… so I just kept working… 2 years later they dropped the quarantine… so here I am … been here a little over a year… started in pattaya for 2 months.. met a good woman.. that worked at a hospital…then moved to pratumnak for 12 months..with my girlfriend…traffic in that area was to much for me… have a scooter for the city… and a big bike for touring… just moved to bang saray… way more my speed here…have everything here you would need here.. except the traffic and the noise….my girlfriend knows I’m never getting married… and I’m not buying a condo or house either..maybe if the right opportunity came along I w buy a restaurant.. but a doubt that will happen…remember greeny…I believe you have to sign up for Medicare 3 months before your 65th birthday or you could have problems.. that’s what I heard…. Good travels..
Hi Greeny, I'm retired and been coming to Thailand 3 to 4 times a year for 2 - 3 weeks at a time, staying once for 3 months, since 2007. I'm returning in late Nov and staying till the end of Dec. Though I may extend my stay for another 30 days . I never have done social media so I don't have a facebook address. But I'm from MI. Best Regards PS I married a Thai about 5 years ago after 1st meeting her in 2007. I'd like to get in touch with you.
A refreshingly honest chat Greeny. Life is what you make it I find. At the moment Jomtien is my home. I’ve met some great people whilst here and they are a part of the reason I’m still here.
Great video, Greeny. I love the Pratumnak area. I’m staying there for 3 weeks in Dec before going to Lao. My plan is 6 months in Jomtien, 6 months back in Vancouver. Maybe in a couple of years, when I’m 65. Shame about the wife; she was a sweetheart. I know what you mean about learning Thai. It’s hard. All languages are. I try hard, but obviously not hard enough. One day, maybe. It’s just so damn important if you’re spending chunks of time there. Good luck with the single life, Greeny. It’s not too bad.
Thanks, Greeny for video! I love Asia, lived for 5 years in Indonesia, couple months in Thailand (Pai, Samui), and I love the vibe of South East Asia. If that's not something inappropriate to ask, but I'm curious how much this condo cost, the one with big balcony you make videos recently from (where the bird flew to annoy you). Sounds like you feel really happy about that decision: how many sq.m. and how much let's say that kind of condo can cost in that area? Thanks!
everyone has their own life to live and enjoy how they want to but for me i live in the Philippines every year for 6 months and for me what works out for me is to explore each day and not a full-time girlfriend.
WELL SCRATCH AMERICAN WOMAN OFF YOUR LIST FOR MARRIAGE YOU DON'T EVEN GET A GOOD DEAL WITH AMERICAN WOMAN, AT LEAST OTHER WOMAN WILL PLAY THEY'RE PART🤷♂️🤷🏽🤷🏼♂️
Having regrets does not need to mean you chose poorly. Life is set up in such a way that a certain amount of regrets is built into the system so to speak. Some podcaster recently said "choose your regrets" since your going to have some no matter how well you live and choose... Seems to me Greeny is having a grand buffet life....
Americans seem to be into accumulating stuff - a car, motorcycle, condo, house, wife. I think the whole point to moving to Thailand is to leave that type of thinking behind in America. During my 14 years in LOS I had five different apartments in Bangkok. The last apartment I stayed in for 7 years. My first priority in Thailand was to learn Thai. You don't need to speak like a native, but numbers, greetings, bargaining words and a few folk expressions will open a lot of doors. The point is, don't lead a life of regrets related to cars, motorbikes and property because enjoying Thai culture has nothing to do with those things.
Spot on. We do like accumulating crap. I thought that ended when I sold most of my stuff and got a place in Thailand. Now it’s filled with more crap here
@@GreenyTravels Hahaha. When I lived in Bangkok my room was about 35sqm, but I still managed to buy 'crap' as you say. Pretty funny. I never bought a car or motorcycle and lived very well without expenses related to cars and motorbikes. I did own a bicycle that I rode regularly at Rot Fai Park.
Greeny, can you tell me the name of condo complex you bought into. I am currenty looking but just cannot find what i am looking for as most are just too small for the price. Jomtein is looking more attractive to me by the day.
Hi Greeny, cool video 👍. With a number of things I am similar to you - you are just 3 years ahead of me 😉. Questions - and much thanks for your answers. 1. Around how much is your monthly budget all in all, for your lifestyle? 2. Condo price - around ?? 3. You mentioned issues with your ex: was it jeleausy, over money, compatibility or what kind? 4. was the Elite Visa never an option for you? Thanks and greetings from Switzerland, Steve
The food in Thailand is not as healthy as you might think. The materials like poor oil (not to mention deep oil) and vegetables are pasteurized with materials that are forbidden in EU or US... so unless you eat fresh from the trees... :)
Greeney, want to tell you appreciate what you do, the content and channel are great... your living your best life, you deserve it, sorry to hear about your day on previous videos..
So you have been there before and shortly after the pandemic. That time was by far the best time to buy a property at below market price. You have 2 good problems. What you do all day, all week?
Great recap - true Greeny style which we all love and respect. As for me, IF I ever make the move to Thailand, it would be for 6 months each in Thailand and the USA. Too much in the USA to leave full time but too much not too enjoy in Thailand ( and maybe avoid rainy season). I’m like you still looking for that right place or set of places to call Home in Thailand. Luckily it’s cheap enough to maintain a couple of places there.
Greeny, thanks for the update! I haven’t been watching for a while but once you started back with the Thailand content I had to catch up! I wish you the best in Thailand and for the remainder of 2023!
As has often been said, "wherever you go, there you are!. I enjoyed your video, but I think it is uniquely suited to a fellow like you and really many male bachelor expats. A guy with some means candidly struggling with certain elements of finding peace in retirement, which can be all the more distracting in a foreign country. I appreciate your honesty.
What these RU-vidrs rarely mention is the boredom.The mind numbing banality of small talk and chitchat at best. Even if theses RU-vidrs do speak Thai, they will always be a drag for Thai people to chat with. Edit: I don’t mean this negatively on this YT’ber or Thai people, just an observation.
Retirement sucks wherever you are if you don’t enjoy the “slow down’. Weaning out of the daily work routine needs adjustment. Paradise is where you choose it to be. Get involved in activities and enjoy life.
What about how they wipe with their hand? Thats my big turn off. Plus no food safety inspections? Why dont they re do the sewers so toilet paper can be used for the 30 million tourists? I wouldnt want someone preparing food that moments earlier was wiping excrement off their anus with their bare hand??? I would much rather live in a country where there is at least a barrier between your hand and all that bacteria thats binds to your skin, is this true???? Plus if they can't afford TP, they probably cant afford lots of soap or use gloves to prepare food
Driving in Thailand is absolutely shit! Death wish. I've been in Chaing Mai for 6+ years and have a 2 year old son riding in the back. Never been more stressed in my life than driving a car here
Retired here in Pattaya in 2015. I stayed here right through the pandemic. I have now been here eight years on an "O" visa. The OA visa should be avoided.
Nice video greeny thanks for all the information on your recap. I think the area that you’re at I’ve never been there, but being close to the airport with a ocean view. You can travel anywhere you want to go by Land,sea or air from where you’re at that’s a great location personally, I would have other places to go and go to cheap hotels, like The places Side Trip goes. His RU-vid channel shows ultra cheap places that are super nice and clean right across the street from beautiful resorts. That’s all you have to do is buy a drink at the resort to use the pool in a lot of cases. I wouldn’t worry about renting a place somewhere else I would just do the hotel room thing you can get hotel rooms for under $24 in very nice locations sometimes as low as seven or eight dollars. A Basecamp and then satellite places to stay and become a regular at cheaper hotels that’s my plan. Don’t know if I love it we’ll find out…. Even if you wanted to takeoff and go over to the Philippines for a couple weeks, you can catch a cheap airfare right from where you’re at go over and find a cheap place to stay in the Philippines for a couple weeks . You can’t be safe enough riding around in Southeast Asia on a scooter from the sounds of things. I would consider finding a couple drivers to drive you in your vehicle. Or some kind of took took vehicle once in a while. Keep your head on a swivel when you’re driving. Sure hear of a lot of expats getting in accidents.
Brian; Listen up! I first came to Thailand in late '68. I was stationed at Utapao...when Pattaya had one road and one hotel! If you want to try it, I can tell you how to learn Thai quick and easy! Seriously! Here's what I did... 1) I got myself a steno pad and used that. 2) I would write down words (mostly nouns in the beginning) on the left side. 3) I would ask anyone that I was familiar with the thai word for what I wrote down. For example: On the left I wrote "house". What's the Thai word for house? That Thai person would say "baan." I wrote it in English how it sounded to me; not how it should be or anything like that. I did that for any word I could think of. Sometimes I would go down to the local market and ask the vendors what the name of the fruit was etc. For example "mango" thai is "mamuung" ma-mu-ung. I did work on it everyday. I had hundreds of words. Then I decided to make phrases for example..."Where do you live" "Khun you teenigh? or Where is your house? Baan khun tee-nigh? Soon I was putting words together and making phrases. Today, you could drop me in the middle of the jungle and I can communicate enough to get back home. Every chance I had I would try my skills and get laughed at and criticised. After awhile I did pretty good and haven't forgotten anything. I'm 82 and memory should be a problem but not with this method. I'm told I look about 52-60? Comes in handy for ones stamina. The object is that you want to communicate effectively. You don't want to write a book or anything else. SO many of these courses teach you the proper language and formal language. You don't want to talk to a sales clerk or bar broad in formal language. That's why you write it in English how it sounds to you. I used to have a lot of fun in the markets. The mama-sans would make fun of me but I learned most there. They used to say I spoke Thai like a kack (Indian). That's OK they knew I spoke Thai and that is a super plus. There is a Thai price, a proce for a Falung who speaks Thai, a Falung price who doesn't etc. You do this at your own pace but after awhile it becomes fun and you'll automatically step it up! I've been married since 1971 to a Thai girl. She worked for the Air Force in the Computer room. We speak today half English and half Thai. So if this idea sounds interesting, you don't have to chastise yourself because you slack off! If you have questions about the language or anything Thai, let me know. I came over during the Pandemic myself but I chose to go to Phuket for 2 weeks. We were allowed to go anywhere and do anything as long as we didn't leave the island. That was much easier. I was at Phuket and Pattaya from mid July '21 until Thanksgiving. I got seriously ill with headaches and a screwed up head...lost memory etc. OK now after getting normal home cooking and Rx. By the way, you were the one who told me about Schwab credit card ATM account. Fees free anywhere in the world. etc I used that like crazy. My wife claims I spent about $50K. Don't think that is right however? Anyway, if you have any questions email me to ed@edboyd.com.
My biggest regret living here in Thailand was rooting a freelancer i got too know without a condom. After doing her a few times i saw her medical tests which was clean but she had mycoplasma. I got it and it was like having gonnerrhea. Took me 3 years to get rid of it and had to dry fast for 7 days. Thats 7 days no food or water. Was not easy. But im fine now and giving up mongering and got a nice girlfriend now and also left Pattaya. Lifes not as fun but im happier
Great insight into life in Thailand Greeny I’m moving to Thailand soon and like you can’t decide between Bangkok and Pattaya /Jontiem thank you for sharing your experience.
Wow, you lived an entire life in three years. I lived there for 12 years and will be going back soon. I like Koh Samui better than Phuket and the north is beautiful Chiang Rai is my favorite.
Cool to see other americans viewpoints. I met my wife on trip # 30. Been traveling to thailand since 2002. 15 trips pre 2008. Then started traveling there again in 2015 and went 15 more...lol Met my wife in 2018 and she came to the usa in dec and we haven't been back mostly because of covid and immigration. WE always laugh because when I met her, she was a home owner and I didn't own a home. I'm her mail order husband. I am 61 and still working and own a home in Orange county Ca., We are basically procrastinating but we have a year or so more before we retire in thailand. We can rent our house out here for $3800 and live in the house in Chaingmai for cheap. I am like you, I need the ocean living close to it my whole life. WE will probably bounce around a lot. Especially during the burning season. I'll keep watching.
@@GreenyTravels I love thailand, clearly but I live in the best place in the world weather wise. I inherited this house, and put about $200k into it. Got a few more things to do to it before its rentalble. If I wasn't such a slacker my first 20 adult years I'd for sure have made the move already. Still trying to put some things in place so we possibly won't have to rent out the house here, and we will just bounce back and forth. Best case scenario is living here july-november and in thailand plus other travel November-july. While I lived two blocks from Huntington beach for 20 years which didn't suck fyi, now that we have this house like we want it, I'm literally a 25 minute safe bicycle ride from the beach. I'm an hour motorcycle ride from the snow. On christmas last year it was 77f at my place, and I could have driven an hour and a half and gone snow boarding. Like I said, we love thailand but the politically driven myth that california, more specifically southern california is bad, is just a bunch of BS. Its expensive...yes, but its not bad. ITs funny, one of my customers has been giving me regular work in san diego which is a hour and a half drive. He puts us up in a hotel on the bay and we go out every night for dinner monday -thursday then drive back at noon. It reminds me of vacation, except I actually work during the day. (my wife gets a vacay) when we aren't in San Diego, we treasure hanging at home. My wife's Aunt put her through university and my wife worked in her resturant so Thai food is just food at my place. What area did you live at in the usa? We are planning a trip to thailand for the month of Febuary , maybe we can meet up for a beer!
@@GreenyTravels a couple more things if you are planing on meeting someone new. Look for someone thats in their 30s thats a teacher or someone that lives someplace other than a tourist area or both. If things work out they can quit their job. lol Or... stay single...
Learn the alphabet. Learn two words per day and use them when interacting with Thais. Don’t worry about sounding like an idiot. Every country thinks foreigners are stupid anyway. Watch the news in Thai (one person talking). Be patient, the learning curve is slow then very fast. Kudos for trying 👍
@@GreenyTravels Watch it without subtitles. You’re trying to recognize sounds and phrases, not translate. You learned English without translating. Learn Thai the same way. As Yogi Berra might have said “you can hear a lot just by listening “🤣🤣🤣
Moving to Thailand in the spring. Riviera By The Sea in Pattaya is where I have decided to rent for at least 6 months. I am 54 and have been single many years. Tinder got me through the pandemic. 😂
Grand Avenue sucks big time. Spent there some time. Yes, it is centrally located, but after a a month or so you get tired of those "fun places". "Same-same" every day. Still, you are overpaying for your condo. The quality is not that good at all. Plumbing is horrible. Leaks are everywhere. The AC units were stupidly placed that they blow hot air right into your face when you try to enjoy your balcony. The maintenance office don't fix shit. They just do not care. 😁
I accepted years ago that life truly is like a box of chocolates...none of us really know what will come our way, or where are travels will take us. I kind of like the idea that I can focus on my work and savings, while taking a trip to southeast Asia a couple times per year. Thailand has always been very good to me and for that I will always occasionally return, although not every year as there are simply too many countries I still have not yet experienced.
US expat here Philippines (I retired at 46) almost 18 years now. Three things I never did abroad ... get married, start a business, buy a condo/house. Stress/debt free is the way to go in any country. Rents are dirt cheap, bought a used car and scooter, date if I find someone who tickles my fancy, but NO live in's.
haha, me too. i came back to bkk July 2000. after 2 week qurantine, i stayed at bkk marriot marquis for $30 a night for the rest of the summer. lmao. but since all shops were shut, i had to out call massage ladies to the hotel all the time.
A other ex pat there is doing online language learning. he said it was very convenient and cheap, you video with a thai person, so they can correct you where needed.
When you come to Chiang Mai next let me buy you a beer or a cup of coffee, lunch or dinner.. Just retired myself and am only now starting to figure out just what I would like to do after having work be my main focus for so many years.. Hope to have a chat with you in person some time.. 🙏🙏 Bill G.
