There is always the option of a care home in Thailand. Apparently there are some lovely ones specifically designed for ex-pats. Obviously it will cost, but a good care home costs a lot no matter where you are. Best thing you can do, is to stay as healthy and active and independent for as long as possible. Obviously things can still happen, but a healthy lifestyle will carry you through many things. Theres nothing we can do about aging, but theres a hellava lot we can do about how we age.
you are correct in what you say, I'm nearly 62, retiring in 2 years with redundancy money of almost half a million euros, but already i have scaled back my alcohol intake as i am single and have no family to look after me , i have no intention of drinking myself to an early grave
@@shanef8728 good to hear!! Being older can be a lot of fun if all the bases are covered. I'm 73, gave up drinking alcohol 25 years ago. One of the best things ive ever done. Plus i lift weights 4 times a week, walk, cycle and do yoga. I'm on no medication and Have no pain. I have an amazing life but I know it wouldnt be nearly so good if I wasnt this healthy in mind body spirit. Didnt start the fitness regime until I was in my early 50's. Its never too late!!
@@shanef8728 Forgot to say lots of lean protien and fruit and veggies. Thaialand is great for eating well. Bit too much sugar in Thai food but they will leave it out if you ask.
I had a medical emergency were I almost died and was on my back for a few months. You find out a whole lot about the family you have, who you can count on and who you can't. You find out you are loved, or you find out you aren't. A lot of Expats become Expats because they have been through the Standard Western Divorce, their family has been wrecked and they assume they are on their own. But everyone assumes and you don't know what's going to happen until you are completely vulnerable and all you can do is watch. Every plan we make is to keep us from that day when we are completely vulnerable. But we are all going to be there. On that day all you have left is God and Family, you'll find out how both feel about you.
@@soiraider2201 Back handed comment aside. If you have responsible children with careers and pots to piss in, the current housing market makes keeping your property in the family a good idea. This generation coming up is priced out of all housing. My daughter is going to take over the mortgage and all the bills. Now I will be able to travel on my pension free and clear. If things don't work out or my heath suffers, I can just go home. Still with no bills when I get there. My daughter gets affordable rent, with an option to inherit.
Lucky i got my mum and dad still and a big sister that would move mountains for me as i would for her. After serving 5 years and 4 months in jail on a conspiracy case i fortunately found out out exactly who loves me and who doesnt. My 60yr old pal crashed my bike here after borrowing it from me. He broke his pelvis and wss busted up in a government hospital. The Thai guy accepted liability and was insured but my pal had no health insurance and no family or real friends that would help him. I ended up stumping up 300k baht as a downpayment to get him into a decent hospital and waited 3 months for my dosh back. I couldnt leave my pal there, there was a soi dog walking through the hospital lol. Luckily i too have a thai missus and a loving family so these dramas just wouldnt fall like this for me. Many expats here have nobody.
This video was a very rude awakening for me. 64 and getting older in Thailand with no definitive family support. Financially I’m well off but your point about a family network was very sobering and true.
@darrylknight2675 I get u , I'm the same. I'm not going to get married and have a kid just, so I think all will be OK, when really they couldn't give a shit anyway . 🤣
America in the house Retired social services worker here.... In America we have the highest rate of senior homelessness. The average senior can't afford their medical part B. Also if you get sick and need care, you have to give up your house and any money you have left to get help.... And generally American children will not take care of you.. Great video, I agree, family and community means much more in Thailand.
Yeah, it's depressing thinking about how little support we have for seniors (the ones who made America the super power it is). With regards to the house- you don't have to give up your primary residence if you use Medicaid (and it doesn't count as an asset for your qualification) unless there is no expectation that you will ever move back. You won't qualify for Medicaid unless you have nearly zero assets, though (again, excluding your home). For the case where you are going to spend the rest of your life in a nursing home, you're right. You lose the home (unless a spouse lives in it) and assets down to some low level (think it was $3000 around 15 years ago). In America, I don't think parents want their kids to take care of you. There certainly is no expectation to do so, in general. I think that's unfortunate, but what do I know.
@@russwright your spot on brother. As a retired social worker for longterm facility care you cant have much..... Me?, hell id rather hire one or two live in care takers in thailand, eat healthy food and just wheel me out to the beach everyday until God takes me home.
SERIOUS WARNING If you are getting old but as yet don't have much in the way of health problems, you may be thinking that health care in Thailand is not expensive, you have a reasonable amount of money saved up, and in any case you have good health insurance so you are safe. You WILL find that when your health problems mount up as you get really old, like 80+, health care cost will mount exponentially, and all of your life savings will drain away very quickly. This happens to many people in Thailand not just expats. Private hospitals are commercial operations and they will think nothing of extracting all your money for tests, treatments and procedures some of which you do not need and may even be harmful. Good luck buying health insurance when you are old and sick. Read the small print in your policy document carefully. It will say somewhere that renewal isn't guaranteed. So you will use a government hospital, they are far cheaper, and free for most Thais. Visit one, look at the grim conditions, and ask yourself if you will find it tolerable.
Very good point and information. Though it would still be something that applies to at us here in Australia and our public health system would be in a worse state than the Thai one.
Oh ya well Said….modern Humans of late….tend to avoid the Truth…the unpleasant…the Grim and Sad reality of suffering at the End….i studied Buddhism…for years and Taoism…etc…prepare not just financially…but mentally and spiritually….our Boomer Generation was so busy dreaming of luxury Retirement …they missed the Train Home.
Really interesting vlog, about getting old... if fact anywhere.... I arrived in Thailand about the same age 46, and a a time to rebuild my life, yes it was a bit like a second childhood in one instance and I had the help of a lovely Thai lady, there were no plans to marry, we just agreed to help each other. She recently divorced a Singapore man for domestic violence and I had moved on from a very unhappy marriage ... we had no long term plans but just to get our feet back on the ground. It took time she helped me settle and learn about Thailand its do's and don't and how to get along, I help her financially. Like your wife she wanted a child and I did not, and we did not have one, so we both knew it was a relationship of convenience , I was well looked after by her family it was as you say a great support network. However we parted 10 years ago as friends she moved on to marry another guy and had that child and was happy, I moved on to a different place and met someone who became my wife with a mutual requirement of looking after each other for our future. I'm now just 60 and the support network of a Thai family is important we all bring something to the party on helping each other, I've seen her great grandmother pass away and her grandmother, and I have been involved in all the arrangements, when I have been ill as we all get sick at some point they have been there for me. The key thing is not to rely on the state to provide for you, as you will be let down badly.... my state pension will give nothing more than lip service, so both a private person and some overseas income is essential.... I'd say its better to grow old out here as the quality of life is higher, medical health care is easier to obtain and no long waiting lists, you can see a Dr at a local clinic same day and pharmacies are everywhere.... the fact that its warm all year round makes a difference and its so nice to wake up to sunshine most days.
Great points. 👍🏻😊 I moved here from the USA a little over a year ago to retire after 50. Very lucky to have on my mom’s side of the family a brother, sister, aunts, and uncles… home and car in Bangkok. My parents and most of my friends are in the USA… but I stay engaged daily with everyone. Sawasdee khrup. 🙏🏻 (Sawasdeeka comes from the ancient Indo-European languages which is same as swastika [before the Nazis misappropriated it], which means good health). So every time a Thai person says hello or good bye… and they may not even know the roots of this greeting… but they are wishing you good health, echoing from the most ancient times. 🙏🏻
The old guy in Ireland had a valid point about the sudden death. I don't fancy the potential onset of dementia, saw what it did to my dad and us who had to cope with it on a daily basis 😢 Is that a reason for the popularity of the hilton High diving club 🤔. (Pattaya)
Spot on. I'm 77 and have a great Thai wife, whose family have been tremendously helpful over the past 33 years. Apart from them, I made great efforts to mix with Thai people and make friends with them, and believe me, you don't need to speak fluent Thai to do this. Thais are the only people who can truly help you as a foreigner and it's imperative to have one or two you can turn to.
This is my experience. My thai wife and I have been together for 8 years. I respect and cherish her family, and they all treat me very well without exception. The best move I ever made.
You cannot fully appreciate life until you come to terms with your own inevitable death. So start living mates. Clock is ticking for real. Getting married to Thai woman and having a child as an insurance policy against old age and death seems shaky at best. Sudden death makes the most since. Was this vlogger hinting at suicide when the time comes where you become a burden on others - when you are shi#@ing in a diaper and losing your mental acuity?
I don’t be,I eve in having kids to look after you in older age I don’t want to be a burden and nor do I want to get in the way of my child’s dream Deeply opposed to this thinking
My experience over 17 years of living in Thailand is, peoples' attitude to the old is much the same as in the West, which is INCONVENIENT!!!! If you are no longer able to physically function for yourself and your wife has access to your cash/assets, there are wives who will forsake their duty in a heartbeat. If you think about it, kind women are cherished by all men. The moment you see behaviour that concerns you, move on.
You are kidding yourself. You will never be an equal Member of a thai family. If you think they are going to earn money to spend on you, then you are delusional. Yes if you have a good wife she'll look After You, But don't ever let the chequebook run dry. Many a Farang have made the mistake of not maintaining control the checkbook. If this happens we are of no futher use to her or the family.
Just as an aside, there are some excellent senior living facilities in Thailand that cost much less than Western facilities. Easy to afford on a pension. There's one in Chiang Mai that's beautiful. Nurses, buffets, massages, golf carts.
The real problem when retiring to Thailand is not finding someone to look after you when you are incapacitated-there are plenty of reasonably affordable home help or even visiting nurse companies. The real problem is the cost of surgery. A hip replacement costs well over 500,000 baht and I dread to think what cardiac surgery would cost at a good hospital-probably over one million baht. In the UK it is free and in the USA 80% is covered by Medicare. On the downside, any sort of home care or nursing is exorbitant over time-it is estimated that it will cost over $100,000 over the last two years of one’s life. So it is really swings and roundabouts. It may be better to take a chance that if one retires to Thailand one will meet a sudden death from a heart attack-one will have lived life to the full-but what happens if one gets cancer? The treatment for that is even more expensive than heart surgery, I believe, so unless you have considerable savings you will end up having to return to the US or UK.
@@smoozerish If you are over 70 with preexisting conditions, health insurance is both exorbitantly expensive and useless. I looked into this is some detail and decided that relocating to Thailand was just too risky. I intend to limit my stays to two months and hope that if a problem develops I can get back to the US to take advantage of Medicare.
@@malin5468 If you are spending 2 months in Thailand a year, then you already have taken on the risk of running into medical issues while in Thailand. Some issues won't wait for you to return to the US where you are covered by Medicare so you may have to get emergency care in TH. How is that any different to living in TH full time? Trying to understand the logic. With the money saved by living in TH, you can have annual world class health care checkups. Maybe cost of drugs is too high and you can't get it paid by Medicare and shipped to TH?
If you come here for your retirement and plan to stay, have sufficiant funds or income to cover it. Don't run out of money. A loving family with you is even better. Moved here from US age 55. Age 74 now. Decent health wise. After many visits back to US past 20 years, pretty sure i've made my last
What an excellent video. You could make a series out of this. It would be popular? Look at age care facilities, & costs. No other Vlogger has done it yet. Just a suggestion. Thanks. Regards Tony
Life is funny Dave. You get these young fellas calling you a dirty old man for hanging out with women their age🙄 That was me back in 1991 sitting on Chawaeng beach with my farrang girlfriend criticising those old perverts ( which was in fact, my future self) LOL😁
That's exactly true. I get hundreds of comments stating that I am a "Pervert" or "A Dirty Old Man", what these guys don't realise is that they will be exactly the same in the future, if they are lucky to live long enough.
The best way of not getting such comments of being an old pervert is behaving with a good moral compass. Prowling the streets of Bangkok looking for young pretty girls to interview might not be the most wholesome thing to do as a 60 year old guy …
A very practical and important video Dave. It's a subject that we generally don't want to face, but we must as time passes by. More so when living and getting older in Thailand.
I have noticed that expats who drink a lot and the bar is their primary focus for social activities age very badly and have range pf physical issues even well before they are considered mid life or older. Also, if you have money as an expat you can pay for all the assistance you want in Thailand and to a high level of comfort as you age. If you are in thailand as an expat without a good income as you age then you should not really be there and are only asking for trouble.
Aussie, 72 here, at 59 you are just a whipper-snapper, many friends same age as me and others 80+ all married to Thai's and yes growing old can be a challenge particularly with possible future insurance demands from Immigration Very happy marriage for last 17 years but again the wife is also getting old (55) as well. Keep hospital insurance up to date but of course as we get really old that coverage too gets hard to source. The key thing is to enjoy your days as much as you can.
I have seen some sad situations with old people in the UK. Even with the social state it isn't a bed of roses. Loneliness, family abandoning you for their own lives, cold winters, having to sell you house to pay for you going into an old peoples home, ill treatment in old peoples homes, etc. In Thailand some young people go to the cities and turn their backs on family back home; I have seen this so even Thailand is changing. Regarding being a foreigner living your senior years in Thailand: you will need money so make sure you plan for it. Personally if I got to a point where I am passed it in Thailand I would be happy to call it a day and be wheeled off to the nearest Buddhist temple for my cremation!
Nice to know you have family to fall back on. Actually, you might have to face the music on your own when the time comes, you can never be 100% sure. Your video could have been more informative if you got out of the pool and did some research for the audience,like; -Are there any senior care facilities? -How much would they cost? I visited Malaysia for retirement. That was the first thing I looked into. FYI: You can have first class senior care in Malaysia for about 2-2.5kUSD/month.
Don’t you remember a couple of years ago? The Thai family had the old British man strapped to a chair in the back of a pickup truck. The truck stopped in front of the police station. The Thais got out of the truck and lifted the British man in the chair and set him down on the ground in front of the police station. Then, the Thai family took off. The British man was senile. The Thai family probably felt they had drained the British man’s bank account all they could. He was of no further use to them, so they got rid of him. The British Embassy was contacted. The Embassy was trying to make arrangements for the British man to go back to England. This is the reality of the love Thais have for foreigners.
I seriously considered moving to Thailand and spending the rest of my life there. Unfortunately there are certain realities that one has to face. The first one is that I think that I discovered Thailand too late in my life. I am now 65 and I have to consider the medical status of rhis 'tent' that I live in. Lots of videos on youtube of retirees which encourage one to do so regardless. However due to a few chronic conditions, and considering my age I don't think that living in Thailand permanently is a very wise thing to do. Also additionally considering that I have a very good supprt structure from my family here at home in South Africa and with my children in England. Finances could also be a problem given the poor exchange rate I get for the South African Rand against the Baht. Thus, I decided to just visit Thailand at least once a year. And maybe try to extend a month visit to 3 months. Fortunately I am not a serious drinker so I can do such a holiday quite easy and less expensive. You were very fortunate to he able to move to Thailand in your fourties. Enjoy!
I'm quite surprised that you made no mention of the excellent, affordable options for assisted living and long-term care facilities there in Thailand. I have no close family left, and my plans (after living as long as possible independently in my own condo as an Expat) include transitioning into one of these fine facilities. It's true that the cultural difference of Thailand respecting and caring for their elders, rather than shuttling them off to one of the wildly overpriced -- and lacking in good personal care -- such as the facilities found in my home Country of the USA, is a factor in the superior care the Thailand facilities offer. That this loving, respectful care is found at such a bargain, is even more reason to consider them as an option, when the time comes. I'm familiar, through research and emailing back and forth, with the Baan Lalisa group of facilities there, but there are probably others I haven't researched. It's a big consideration for my own relocation there, which will be coming up very soon. Just curious why you didn't even mention this fine option, for those of us without families to care for us. . .or those of us who don't want to foist care of ourselves as elders upon family members, being that it's generally not so much a part of Western culture.
I am certain that my money would get me better care in Thailand, as it would be in the US, Canada or even Europe. I’m sure that for 4-6k a month, the cost for a small place in an average retirement home in my country, I can easily find luxurious accommodations with all kinds of help. The statement, you can’t buy happiness and care in Thailand no matter how much money you have, I consider WRONG !! It probably depends more on the person itself, and what he or she’s looking for.
yeah, not sure why he didn't. Europeans send their parents to Thailand for better care than in their home countries...and for less. But maybe, what he means, is the loving warmt of a family surrounding you is far more prevalent in Thailand than it is elsewhere, and that kind of love and wholeness isn't something you get from assisted living. It's not all one big happy family in assisted living.
@@kamilien1 well, name 1 developed country where close family care is actually present. It’s a matter of affordability these days. Although there might be families that deeply care for the elderly, they simply can’t afford to have them around, and, as you’ve mentioned, therefore think the best is to send them off to Thailand for instance. And I still think, with the “right” amount of money, I would enjoy my golden years more in Thailand than in a developed country where I’m going to be a burden to my family no matter what.
Very good video at a time when you're still healthy but understand the aging process. At your age, to add to your planning for the twilight years ,other than your family, you should buy into a health insurance plan while the entry is reasonably priced. Why,because when major hospitalization is needed your family will be of limited use . They can't pay for a heart valve replacement for up to 2 million baht . Home care they can do. For those people who don't want to take on responsibilies, like fatherhood and family support, there are full care retirement homes in Thailand for about 60 thousand baht a month. You still need cover for major health emergencies. I tend to favour your situation because being part of a good Thai family is better than being lonely in a retirement home. But finding a good wife and a good family is a challenge.
Thailand is actually the best place to get treatment for that and test if the treatment actually works easily. Eternity clinic in Bangkok is one such place.
Always love Thailand, timeless and charming. The West's departure from a society being cohesive is growing. You can have independence in the West but it doesn't mean quality of life, just standard of living. Luke from Australia 🦘
Study the Comments to this video well, people. This applies globally. Thank you Brother for the guidance that most of us are aware of but many are not SERIOUSLY preparing for. Astute frugality and PLANNING MATTERS.
Yes , I feel much safer here in Thailand , with my university educated Thai wife , then in Australia , where my Australian children couldn't give a s---t about me.
Your comment hit home, mate. I was so close to my boys in their early years, but now... man, it really hurts. Giving myself permission to move to Thailand without guilt. Thanks. Good luck.
I actually have a meeting with an attorney on Thursday in Bangkok about getting an O visa. I figured in the West I would probably need to take a long walk into the forest with 2 days of food and a gun or be prosecuted into a government run retirement home. All of my assets would be confiscated and I would be pinched, prodded, fingered, and at the mercy of a African or Middle Eastern immigrant that hates me, and my nurse being nurse Ratched. There is also a country like Thailand that would most likely treat me with the extreme respect and dignity I deserve. I would think that Thailand would be an excellent place to retire, but the weather, food, and medical facilities might cut things short but the probabilities of going out on top are much higher.
I did a lot of thinking and I couldn't see myself staying in Thailand past ~80. With possible dementia and other ailments going home made the most sense. Factoring in the costs of repatriation and other variables I've decided that it just makes sense as a holiday destination.
You are a part of the family!? Wake up tomorrow and tell this family your money is totally finished. Pay nothing and follow that through for 1 month. Your so called family will not be smiling at the end. Your Thai family network is based on the fact that you know your financially comfortable for the long haul. This is not realistic advice for most. You are luring gullible men into disaster with this advice. Shame on you!!!
What you're discussing is mostly a problem for everyone everywhere. Very few countries have government services to adequately care for elderly. With populations ageing everywhere government budgets won't cope in future even in countries where they are at the moment. People are living too long. They need to make provisions for their old day while they can (assuming they choose to get old, which is the universal norm)
anyone who criticizes what you are doing is probably jealous and probably living in misery with their British wife where most seem to turn into your grandmother once they hit 50. its a fact that men with ambition to enjoy life and spread their wings need a women 20 years or so younger as their female British counterpart are looking and acting like old people by then. not being horrible, just being honest.
I don’t know if this is occurred to you, but as a viewer, it is interesting that not long ago you felt somewhat ostracized and left out of what was going on around you and the family. Yet,at the same time you feel very loved and supported by that same family. Interesting.
Thanks Dave you talk a lot of sense I'm 75 healthy still working 8 days a week in my business in Oz soon to retire to Thailand with my Thai partner you couldn't be more right Thai people really care about older family whereas in the West most only worry about if their in the will. by the by My grandfather was born in Kinsale
Asume the ideology's having a family suport --isn't --always working!! You mention money its ok but not much if you dont have a family to care & support your illness etc... Guess what there is always light. In West it can be dificult cause of cost of living compare to Phi -Thai but many things are much better here for older people, who can enjoy also mentally rejuvenate by these society's climax, This is a Huge Importance compare the West. You Miss mention Assistant Living in which both countries have. (1) if anyone end up there what the familys can do?????? Visits of encouragement??? You might get that from the excellent carring nurses. Assume there is plenty cases of familys fraud spenting all your penssion for their own benefits cause your emotional comitement became a blind folder to accept the reality of it!! Im much younger than many of you but I do encourge old people to enjoy life's adventures with out the fear of illness of Death.
There’s a RU-vidr, a woman 67 is starting a discussion for women to move to Thailand, and move into the same condo complex and covet/befriend each other, while we age. because really in the United States even if you’re wealthy, the care is not that great for the elderly. I think it’s a great idea. It’s less expensive at least, enough for people that are having issues trying to support themselves, If there’s a group of us we should be able to at least check on each other bring food and employ others that could help out the group. She’s gained almost 1000 subscribers within a month. I like it and I’m all for it. I’ll be meeting with her in about six months. I don’t want to be there full-time right now but I can for sure be there part time.
I know who you are talking about and what she is doing is incredibly courageous and I hope I can at least visit her in the near future and tell her that in person. You are brave too and I would hope to meet you as well.
Good vid bud. I first went to Thailand just before i was 33. That's when my life really started. At that age you think your gonna live to a 100 and invincible taking stupid risks. Ah if i anything goes wrong I'll cross that bridge when i get to it. Oh yeah. Well that bridge exists and it could be nearer than you think. Don't kid yourself. I'm just a bit younger than you and i think about all you said in this video often and i agree with you. Once your on the wrong side of 50 the chances of things going wrong increase and you really do think about your own mortality. Often. You don't wanna throw caution to the wind when your thinking about your mortality daily. Especially when you see your class mates have already gone or have terminal ilness. You go from I've got all the time in the world to shit i could be gone tomorrow. 🤔
The traditional thai way of taking care of parents is not happening in many families. I know many older thai ladies working here because their kids will not or cannot take care of them. 21st century has changed many traditional values in my observations ✌️💞🙏
Hello friend, I'm affraid I'll have to disagree with you, when you say "family" is a big thing in Thailand. There are virtually thousands of Thai parents who sell itheir Thai-children. No one does that in the western states!
thank you. i am a bigger geezer than you. my thai wife ‘(48 years) recently passed away just short of us returning to thailand to retire. still want to go to thailand. have health insurance and a very secure and adequate source of funds but you still need some human beings to look out for you. old yiddish saying man plans, god laughs
Lol growing up I knew my parents wouldn’t be there for me and I raised my kids to be independent so I made sure I saved enough to be able to take care of myself in old age. If my kids do not take care of me I will use their inheritance to make my last days as comfortable as possible. Paramount is taking care of yourself, I’m 0 carb and fasting during the winter, I ride mtn bike and mountain climb in the summer at 57 years young. My younger brother has already got heart disease, insulin resistance but he doesn’t seem to care, I’ve managed to avoid it through healthy lifestyle choices even though heart disease runs in the family. I’d rather be active and then sudden death take me than to be laid up for years dying slowly unable to do the things I love. My brother has lamented that he believes his active days are behind him but I do believe that’s his personal choice.
An honest appraisal of growing old. I say this as someone about the same age pondering what life would be like in Thailand. I have a Thai partner, but they have no family and we have no kids. In the US, we would have some structure - but if we elect the idiot orange dictator in 2024 life there will be unsustainable. There is indeed a lot to be said for sudden death.
Well, at 66 and just back from a "due diligence" trip to Thailand (which was, predominantly positive), your video is timely. Though I haven't watched it yet in it's entirety. I've watched many of your other videos, and I appreciate and value the frank, unvarnished reality of your take on what life for an expat in Thailand entails. As Stevie sang "can you handle the seasons of your life". And now, without further delay, I return to my viewing enjoyment. Cheers! 😊
What are the Requirements for Long-Term Resident Visa? Must present a health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Thailand no less than USD 50,000. ... 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. More items...
Thanks for the pep talk. 60 y.o. American here, planning to move in 2 years to Hua Hin. Since, I will get Medicare at 65, I've already decided that once I go to Thailand, I will return to the US permanently for only two reasons, to put me in a nursing home or in the ground. Hopefully I have enough time to enjoy what Thailand has to offer.
Different in Australia 40+% on fat fat fat welfare payments.. mostly woman.. And another 40% public self servents..more government free money....that 18% slave class private sector workers have to support
Such a fantastic topic. I was actually considering a move to Thailand in the event I became significantly infirmed. My take was the wage disparity between the West and Thailand/Philippines would grant me a much more dignified existence. What would it cost for accommodations, food, and 7 days per week/8 hours per day of home support in Thailand vs the US? My guess is well over $100K vs $40K.
There are so many you tubers espousing the expatriate life in thailand. I’m 68 and alternate between Australia & thailand & india. Yours is the first that’s made sense to me in a practical kind of way. Thank you.
Excellent assessment. I planning to grow old in Bulgaria. Hope you have a long peaceful healthy life in beautiful Thailand. James J Walsh in Limerick city Ireland 🇮🇪
Mi Mi commented accurately…..about realities when you become infirm in Asia….if you were married from fairly young….mmmmm maybe the Lady will prop you up…but I have seen many old Men in various countries get taken for all…property …money…business….and dumped…why expect more out of Foreigners….than your western Children…?….we tend to live longer even as alcoholics than most uneducated Asian Men…so in reality….assisted living tradition…leans toward Grandma…I entertain No fantasy….a few of my friends had Strokes and Dementia…. and absolutely Mi Mi …the Ladies took a Hike. I probably would do the Same ….situation reversed….so I am resigned to Die ….suffer or not….Alone…and prepare Mentally.
60? Grow old? And you consider yourself old? I am 71 and I do not consider myself old yet. But let’s talk about growing older in Thailand rather than Thai family structures and money. But how it is? You are not really on the subject.
In just hate the idea of being dependent.I am a widow , retired in Thailand.I have Social Security which covers a modest apartment.My Son lives here, but I cannot move in with him. HIs wife doesn't like me,My best outcome is to not live too long. Im 78 now.
The govt doesn’t care about you here in the US, even the VA if your a veteran. You’ll still need a family member or friend to advocate for you. The only thing I’d say the US does well is hospice.
Thailand is not as cheap as you think, but if you have a passive income or state pension around 50,000 baht per month, you will live here comfortably, I would say that.
1 thing i noticed in Pattaya was a lot of old women 60's plus pushing food carts at 1am in the morning up and down the Soi's to make some money, this would never happen in Australia, until the government collapses under massive public debt, its coming. I have massive respect for Thai people and the hustle they have, in Australia all we do is bitch moan and whinge and the older one gets the worse the whinging becomes esp women.
Good video. Ive passed the 50ties and Ive been living in Bangkok for over 9 years with a lovibg Thai wife and our son soon to be 8. Ive got good income and will have a good company and state pension from my country of origin. However you need that Thai network.
“You’re part of the family”. How much are you having to pay the mother father uncle aunt bothers and sisters to be a part of their “family”…? No one mentions the truth…
It's not about the support when you fall ill it's the culture of group mentality too in Asia. What I find the richer the country are the more lonely you become... human nature we can say or human greed breaking cultures?
We will all face this. I prefer to die in my own, home country. While SE Asia is wonderful and exciting, it is not me or my culture. I do not necessarily tie my family by marriage, as it can end suddenly. In the end, Thai is Thai and Irish is Irish. Same for me as an American.
