We’re Considering Retiring in Thailand. Thoughts?

Self | 3/925 | Self

[ExpatCanuck]

I’m hoping to hear from some fellow freeper thoughts on retiring in Thailand. We’re looking at Chiang Mai as our target destination. We’ve been to Thailand before; 1989, 1992 and most recently in 2014 (so we know what it is like right now - big changes lol). I know there is a lot of info available on YouTube and other sites, but I want to check here with anyone who may have actually made the move and what their suggestions may be.

[CatHerd]

My advice: Watch out for the FU lizards. Don’t be squeamish about the big black scorpions in your bathroom (just keep a broom in there to smash them). The white ice cream might be coconut (yummy) or it might be durian (you know what it smells like), so check first which one it is.

I love SE Asia, lived and worked there for awhile. Hope you and your wife will enjoy your new home!

There is down side, though: giant flying cockroaches.

[martin_fierro]

I came here to say that.

And this.

[arthurus]

Chiang Mai is an expatriate’s theme park.

[A_perfect_lady]

I also came here to say that.

[arthurus]

Drink only bottled water and look to see if the cap on the bottle is original.

[Fai Mao]

Yeah, it is.

[llevrok]

Good maid service I hear

[ExpatCanuck]

Agreed that it is a personal thing. One either has no affinity for it, or they don’t.

[Theoria]

Malaysia another option for you. World class healthcare at a cheap price. Visa options aren't too expensive for ya. Islamic world, there is plus and minus in those fronts. Less hedonism, strippers and the rest of the stuff that people move to thailand for. Good street food. Malay isn’t a difficult language, plus you get the combo of Indo being almost the same.

[ExpatCanuck]

Why Fin? Have you had some terrible experiences there?

[Surrounded_too]

death wish?

[SpaceBar]

Good advice.

[frogjerk]

Thailand?

[Dr.Deth]

Sorry I was in the shower when the beeber went off, what’d I miss?

[posterchild]

What percent of the population do you estimate are expats? From where?

[AlaskaErik]

This should have a happy ending.

Just remember, that happy ending costs extra.

[Spacetrucker]

Yeah, I think I’ll just stay RIGHT HERE. Got my life-time dose of the region during my two WESTPAC deployments.

[Bonemaker]

Thighland for Vietnam vets.😎

[ThanhPhero]

Same in Việt Nam. I don't live there but pass 4-6 weeks there yearly now. The government discourages immigrants. There is an American community but they have to leave the country when their visa renewals run out even if it is just a bus trip to the Cambodian border where there is a government office that will issue a new visa in a few minutes.

Being able to speak the language while not a diplomat or businessman has got me over several rough spots easily- that and when I see that a uniform has taken an interest in me I walk straight to him and address him by rank and tell him what a wonderful country it is. I wind up drinking coffee with him and/or getting our picture taken together to show his friends and family. Do learn some of the language, at least the meet-and-greets and "sorry, sir, but that is all the Thai I know. I am studying." It will be appreciated that you are trying.

[crusty old prospector]

Better bring a carton of deodorant.