Retire In Thailand

I have a job opportunity (teaching MCAT Biology 6 hours a week) in Thailand in which they will pay my air fare and housing and I can earn 150,000 in Thai money for the year. However, this is only a few thousand in U.S. dollars. I’m wondering if this is enough for me to get by on foodwise and have enough to party a little bit.

P.S. The job is a plan B if I don’t get in to med school on my first go around.

How to retire in Thailand

I am a american, retired and tired of living in mexico and now need a new destination. Did you like the move, do you enjoy living in thailand, etc etc …….i am asking because I am retired and am planing to go to Thailand and use thailand as a home base to travel around thailand and countries surrounding Thailand…. any ideas and suggestions etc are welcome

Retire in Thailand

HI, Today I just thought some of you guys and girls might be keen to know what its like living and working online in Thailand..So here goes..Although today I am actually in Laos.

If you click on this link you will see where I live and where I am now. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/thailand/

You can see Thailand. Look at the top and I live in Udon Thani, But at the moment I am in Ventienne in Laos.. I come here every 2 mths to get a 60 day visa so I like to treat it as a Vacation sort of speak.

I go to the Thai embassy in Ventienne, I drop my passport in say Thursday for example and pick it up Friday lunch with my new visa in. This next 3 mths Visa,s are free which is great!! They usually cost about 30 usd and I have asked for 2 so thats good..

Let me tell you about Ventienne so you have a better picture of what its like.

Its pretty modern but as with any Asian cities, although I dont think it,s a city its more like a large town say like Boulder or a town with about 100,000 people in.It has some very nie old buildings and some very new looking buildings, There is people who are rich and people who are poor.. When your poor in Asia you are very poor, I mean you are living on a handful of rice or something similar, There is no govt handout so if your broke, Your going to stay broke. But people in Asia dont seem unhappy or miserable, Buddha Religion in Asia is very strong. If people are starving they can go to the local Buddha temple and get a meal, It does take some getting used to at first, Some people get upset at seeing some of the poverty here but its not in your face like India or other countries similar to that.

I am writing this email from a Internet cafe which is a bit like a starbucks, There are alot of other “westerners” as I call people from other parts of the world.. Not Asian. Mostly all are here doing some world tour or just crusing round Asia for 3-6 mths, Many young people with back packs is popular travelling on a budget.

There are lots of “Tuk Tuks,” which is like a 3 wheeler motorcycle that has a built up seating area in the back for customers and the front half is like a motorcyle.. They look weird at first but make good sense cos of the price of cars etc.. Google Tuk Tuk and you will get a pic of what they look like.

Their is a big river that is on the edge of town called the Mekong, Thats a big Asian river that borders Thailand and Loas and Cambodia here in Laos its about 700mtrs wide and sometimes it does flood with terrible results. I have seen it in the past 8 mths go from a very wide and fast flowing river to now..it is virtually bone dry.. People try and swim across to get into Thailand (Just like you guys for Mexico into the US).

Ventienne is ok for a visit, I could not live here, Its a PDR.. (Peoples democratic republic) Communist is the order of the day here, Although its not in your face here you just know its here, if you know what I mean.

The people are not as friendly as Thailand, I like to greet people as I walk past people, Just saying hello or good day.. The response is not the same here as in Udon Thani my home town.

So like I say, I am here for 1 day and thats enough for me., There are lots of people working here from the rest of the world, Its just a personal thing for me.

The food is very good, Its got a European flair to it. The French have an influence here with the food and of course the lovely french bread is everywhere.,. I love that stuff!!!

So today in a few hrs from now I will be heading back to Thailand, Udon Thani as you can see on the map is only 50kms from Laos, So thats one of the reasons why I live there and of course for the golf!!

I have a great apartment in Udon Thani and live with my girlfriend “Tik” Her real name is Maruwee Timtok but Asains for some reason I do not know have nicknames.. So Tik it is.. She is actually meeting my parents for the first time in 3 days, There on their way back from New Zealand back to Europe, They live on a Yacht in Turkey in the Mediterranean, Anyway she is excited about that as you can imagine. I have been going with Tik now for 7 mths, I love her very much and I tell her everyday too. She works in a Furniture store in town in the office and thats where I met her.. I was a customer and I was buying a corner sofa and some of the sales staff were talking in a group and Tik was there and we just got talking, Her first words to me were: “You have lovely blue eyes”, I was hooked!!! and we went out for a meal that nite, In Thailand when you take a girl out for the first date, They bring a friend aswell, I guess for a 2nd oponion and safety too course. She taught her self English out of a dictionary, she litterally just picked it up and started teaching herself English.. That was one thing that has always stuck in my mind and impressed me no end.. Cos that tells me she is a person who wants to get ahead in life.

Sorry I am dragging on a bit about Tik but she has impressed me a few times.. And heck…why not you want to know right?

For you who do not know, I am British and proud of it, I am very keen on the royal family and all thats English. But the UK is not the best place to live at the moment, The pound is week and the country is going thru some hard times..

Thats one reason I work online from home in Udon Thani, if I didnt do what I do I would be in UK working a 9-5, I think that would kill me to be homest. I am fortunate enough to be able to either live in Thailand or New Zealand, My aim is in December this year I want to go back to NZ and buy a motor home and start having 6 mths in NZ and 6 mths in Thailand.. For Tik it,s not easy for a young single Thai girl to get out the country. She is 34 with no children so I am going to have to work out a way to get her to NZ.. I do not want to go on my own. I knr ouow I would miss her too much.

Udon Thani is a great place to live. Its got alot of nite life and a great nite market that,s open of course everyday, The food is great and pretty cheap.. Its under cover outside and has some big tv screens everywhere, Ay weekend its very busy with people watching European soccer.. The Asians love soccer and good on them..

Manchester United is the mosy popular team out here, I go sometimes at weekend and watch a game.. There is never any trouble in town. Its very peaceful and one thing I have noticed is they do not hoot there horns. The driving in really bad and they do not give way much, They think nothing of cutting in front of you.. But never ever hoot your horn or definelty never scream and shout at Thai,s .. Its very impolote to raise your voice to a Thai or show aggresion, That is one of the worst things you can do in Thailand, I will tell you this.. It has changed my persona living here for 18 mths, I am a very mellow person who never shouts or gets angry anymore,

If you embarass a Thai here.. You could be in big trouble.. Its all about losing face you see.. If a Thai loses face thats the worse thing that can happen to them and you can get major repercussions from it too. I was told that the first week I was in Thailand and I am well aware of it..

Let me give you an example this is really weird but its true: If you are driving in town and your lost, If you ask a Thai for directions and they do not know.. A thai will not say, “sorry I do not know” They will send you in any direction but never say I do not know!! werid but true!!

Anyway…Hope I didnt bore you with my ramblings.. I might do this again soon!!!

You take care!

http://mrktngtools.blogspot.com/

Russell Birtwistle

Ph 813 579 3835

Skype: RussellBirtwistle

Retirement in Thailand

There are numerous community sites and varoius portals aimed at or related to Thailand.  Many have similar functions and attract a huge number of people, however as a resident of Thailand and someone who has used these community sites / portals in the past I am always disappointed at how rapidly they lose the original focus and all too often fall prey to the lure of advertising money or to abuse by members looking for sex.

Even Facebook, now world famous of course, has so many widgets and gizmos that it has recently released another app called  “Great Apps”, which actually filters out all the ‘crap’ that is currently in Facebook and identifies useful applications for businesses!

These sites, there are many examples aimed at or related to Thailand, become either a annoying display of flashing, immensley irritating advertisements, their owners cashing in on the lure of advertising money (just look at sanook.com and panthip.com); or alternatively and perhaps more disappointingly degenerate into notorious sex sites used by the singles of the region to find dates for those lonely mid week nights or as a convenient platform used by legions of cyber sex addicts often from other countries looking for that piece of Asian erotica in the form of a live peep show via a webcam.

I am not preaching that there is anything ‘wrong’ in this – each to their own – I think the owners of these portals however should beware of excessive advertising and segregate this material / these groups accordingly so regular users can find people and information they are looking for, not get hassled by perverts or desparados and share information without fear of reprisals.

Indeed, I went on one such portal yesterday and was messaged within 5 minutes by a ‘girl’ who turned out to be a guy from Pakistan who hassled me for 10 more minutes to get naked on my web cam!  Not what I wanted, in the end I killed the window and will not return.

Thailand Web Zone was started to try and create a ‘clean’ platform for people looking to visit Thailand to make friends / contacts / even business partners in the country, provide valuable information on all manner of topics, written by those in the know: residents and locals.  It also allows people to create Thailand related social groups and events, blogs, forums and so on, as well as providing the standard functions such as uploading photos and images.

Finally, we have implemented a few extra features not yet included on other Thailand community sites such as video recording, streaming whiteboards, video chat and music.  Powerful group category and privacy management allows each group of people and individuals to do what they want when they want without intruding on the privacy of other people.  Couple this with a sensible advertisement policy and we hope this will provide a unique and interesting community platform for people with an interest in Thailand.

Thailand Web Zone, with a load of new cool features:

Chat: create your own chat rooms, video chat, skip from one chat room to another, 1 to 1 private video chat

Boards: let your creative talent flow freely, draw pictures online and share them with your friends

Music: upload your favourite tunes, search through music, download music for your own use.

Video: upload your videos, search and play video directly from the site, use for fun or for business communication.

Video recording: record your own webcam messages and upload them to your profile

Classifieds: add your classified ad, sell, buy, submit and find a job in Thailand.

Articles: find useful and relevant information written by those who know what they are talking about. Submit your own articles, share information, share your knowledge.

Forums: participate in various discussions, submit topics for discussion / debate, ask locals and residents questions before you arrive.

Thailand Web Zone can be used by those seeking a little more community site features, fun, romance or even by business people as a free business collaboration tool. Lots of free and paid membership privileges are available.

www.thailandwebzone.com

How to retire in Thailand

Buy your double floor Phuket Beach Condo, set right on the beach in Cape Panwa, the Southern part of Phuket.

Visite Website at: Phuket Condos

Located in the beautiful and privileged Cape Panwa, this exclusive Condo is right on the beach. Each unit has 282 square metres living space over two stories with 2-3 bedrooms (all en-suite). For those who need additional beds, there is a possibility to convert the chill-out room into a fourth sleeping accommodation.

Every room has spectacular 180 degrees sea view of the Andaman and its islands, and opens onto a wide patio on the living floor and, onto a gorgeous balcony on the sleeping floor.

With no roads to cross or busses to take, this exclusive Phuket Condo is actually on the beach. There is a individual eternity, 30 m, salt-water lap pool (not sea-water) enclosed by sun-beds and shade for those wishing to take things easy. All rooms have wireless internet access and satellite TV. The Condo has 2-3 double bedrooms, all en-suite. The master bedroom has a peculiarly lush bathroom with a large bath positioned for you to enjoy the sea panoramas. The outstanding stylish kitchen is outfitted with electrical appliances and superiority pans/pots and crockery/cutlery.

Each rooms can be outfitted at your preference; there is an airy and large living room fronting south and a dining area for 6 – 8 persons. In addition there is a chill-out room where you can use the internet, lean back on a couch and relax or, play on the latest X-box technology. Alternatively this room can be converted to a fourth bedroom if preferred.

You are just 15 minutes outside from Phuket Town and 35 minutes off from Patong Beach, so you won’t miss out on the night life nevertheless you can still absorb the local lifestyle.

Fully relax in your quiet surrounds, hearing the sound of waves breaking in front your Phuket Condo and feeling the cooling breezes from the sea. The panorama is simply magnificent; wide-screen sea, island and mountain panoramas can be enjoyed from every room.

Our 30 m salt-water swimming pool rests along the shore where charmed restaurants and beach bar are 2 minutes walk away. And if you picture a game of golf or a day at the health club, there are an abundance of options based near.

Boat owners have the possibility to anchor their boat right in front of the property.

Visite Website at: Phuket Condo Sale

About Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. At 540 square kilometres, it’s close to the same size as Singapore. Only an hour by plain from the capital Bangkok or Singapore, and with connections every day to all major Asian airports, Phuket is perfectlly based for a short break or a relaxing holiday.

Business hours are generally from 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays, plus 9 am to 12 am on Saturdays, exclude when hours may vary widely. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Currency exchange booths operate as retail outlets and are usually open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stores and shops also open from 10 or 11 am to 10 pm, daily.

Currency is the Thai Baht. Currently, (1999) roughly 37 baht to US$1 and ranging between 35 to 40 for most of 1998.

Phone and Fax Service. International direct dialing (IDD) is widely available. Press 001 + country code + area code (less any leading zero) + phone number.

There are also several Internet Cafes around the island and particularly in the more developed tourist locations.

Mail and Postal Services The post offices are normally open from 8 am to 4.30 pm. The Thai post service is normally trustworthy. Urgent or important items can be mailed by EMS services. This is faster and safer but more expensive. Private couriers like DHL, UPS or Fedex are also available in Phuket.

Cameras and Film Most popular brands and types of film are widely available in Thailand and in Phuket. Film processing is widely available and one-hour service is common.  Throw-away one-time cameras are widely available, too.

Electricity is 220 Volts AC at 50 cycles. Some different plugs and sockets are in use, but two pin flat (US type) or round (European type) are pretty universal.

Phuket villa rent

Retire in Thailand

Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”, you have an occasion to combine your treatment with an invigorating and refreshing visit. You can enjoy pleasurable weather, rich traditions, friendly people and history from many ages to create a fascinating and rewarding experience.

Most people seek medical treatments in Thailand for two main reasons:

COST – The cost for medical treatment has a higher price in Western countries than in Asian countries for the same medical treatments. We are using the same technology and procedures, but at a lower cost. If one considers the cost of travel and living overseas, it often breaks even and is sometimes more affordable to have your medical treatment overseas. As an added bonus, you get a free spectacular holiday!

TIME – You can avoid having to wait for treatment when you need and want something urgent done. In most Western countries, the waiting period for your scheduled surgery can be a burden on your peace of mind. Here in Thailand, there is no waiting. You book the time when you fancy for your treatment and that is when it will be. No hassle in waiting and completely worry free! There is no anxious waiting time. You make the booking, you arrive and you get the attention that you ought to have.

HELPING YOU SAVE

Medical agency in Thailand are here to help you save, time, energy and money. Thailand is the best destination for your medical treatment in terms of quality, service and cost-saving procedures. Orchid Heart’s foundation is on helping you choose the best medical facilities for your treatment, at the right prices. We are aware of budget constrictions.

For that reason, seeking medical treatment overseas might be the best plan for you. You can go on a medical holiday!

Treatment and relaxation go hand in hand. You can recuperate better when you have peace of mind.

Thailand is the destination of choice for these reasons. It is affordable and better suited than any other destination in the world.

Thailand is renowned as one of the best countries to come and visit. We have a reputation as being “the land of smiles”.

Things are easy going, “sabai, sabai” and the lifestyle is fun and accommodating. “The journey is the reward.” (Tao saying) Take a journey to Thailand for your medical needs and be rewarded with a holiday.

Popular Procedure in Thailand such as :

Face Lift, Sex Change and Tummy Tuck etc.

Retire in Thailand

After I arrived in Chiang Mai and lived here for several months I never even considered driving here and never had any thoughts of buying a motor vehicle. Why? Because the traffic seemed just too busy with vendors with carts, bicycles, motorbikes weaving in and out, drivers of cars and trucks not adhering to the rules of the road and with dogs laying out in the streets reluctant to move. And this is from a person who has driven a car since he was 18 years of age.

My means of transportation when I first arrived was the tuk tuk (or touk touk) which is three wheeled motorcycle with a small bench seat at back covered by a canopy. Either that or a red taxi which is pick up truck with two bench seats placed in back and also a canopy. It was red taxi or tuk tuk at first and then on the back of my girlfriends motorbike. It may look at bit odd but it isn’t uncommon here. A lady weighing 40 kilos driving the honda motorbike powered by a 100 cc engine with a big farang “foreigner” sitting on the back of the motorbike.

But then the time came where we needed to rent a car. We wanted to go to Myanmar and this gave me a chance to get my retirement visa stamped close to the one year period of it’s issue date. As the drive would commence at about 4 a.m. in the morning and be primarily highway driving I agreed to rent a car. The car was remted from North Wheels. As usual in my meticulous ways I checked every rental place I could here in Chiang Mai. Prices were close and North Wheels won it. They had the largest fleet, the best insurance, free pick up, and 24 hr. service in case of trouble. Some of their competitors had marginally lower prices but I think it is because there cars are older.

Well it took a little getting used to. First of all where I am from the steering wheel is on the left side of the car and not the right side and the shifter on my right hand side and not on my left as is common here. Also I have to drive on the left side of the road. But off we went and we made it there and returned in once piece. It was about a 4 1/2 drive there and same coming back. Not that much traffic but what you will find is that for half the trip there is nowhere to pass. You will witness reckless drivers passing on turns and up and down hills where they shouldn’t because they cannot see far enough ahead. The trip is up and some hilly terrain- very hilly.

Will you need to rent a car?

The climate here in Chiang Mai is either warm or hot during the day and warm or cool at night. I arrived on November 23 and during the first 3 months I did not see a drop of rain. It was sunny every day, warm during the day and pleasantly cool in the evenings and at night. If you were sleeping with the window open you would require a blanket.

My girlfriend told me that the time would come where we would get rain every day. Hmmm. She must be exaggerating I thought to myself. Perhaps rain every 2 or 3 days but not “every” day.

Well I was proven wrong. Starting in May we got rain every day. At times a quick shower during what seemed like the same time each day and ocassionaly a continuous rainfall. It was at this time that I realized that we should buy a motor vehicle. The drive on the motorbike at the time to here beauty salon was just too far and with rainfall it took even longer. The other consideration was that when we went shopping for groceries we were buying for 4 of us. Her mother, her daughter, her and me. A fair bit of groceries to carry by a big farang on a motorbike. So I went to look at cars or should I say trucks. Motorbikes outnumber cars here about 3-4 to 1 and trucks outnumber cars here by about 7-8 to 1 reason being is that they are taxed less than cars and therefore more affordable.

First of all I went to Nissan to look at their new trucks. The prices ranged from about 360,000 baht or $9,700 U.S. for a truck with one row of seating for 3 people. For seating front and rear for 5 people the price was approximately 460,000 baht or #12,200 U.S. Excellent prices if you are used to buying vehicles in North America. The price gets even better once you take into consideration that the price for the larger vehicle with seating for 5 ncludes first class insurance for one year, it includes a front bumber, rear bumber, includes the alumiunum castings on the side that you would step on to get in and out of the vehicle and a liner for the turck body and also an attachment where someone inside of the body of the truck could hold on to when they are standing up. All in all lots of extras and a great price.

I almost went ahead with that purchase. Now keep in mind that the most popular vehicles makes here are Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, then Nissan and then Ford way down the list. We decided to look at used vehicles probably because I thought either I or Wan who had yet to learn to drive and would be driving the vehicle may bang up the truck. At one of the dealerships they did an impeccable job of preparing the vehicles. They were cleaned inside and out and including the engine and engine compartment. The color was good as was the mileage which was only 17,000 km. at a price of 400,000 baht. We added the front and rear bumpers for about 4,000 baht and we were ready to cruise. /p>

The truck is mainly used to drive Mommie to school and for grocery shopping. On ocassion we make a trip to the hot springs or reservoir.

So what have I learned that I can pass on:

1/ If you come here on vacation you will probably not need a rented car unless you plan on seeing the sights out of town. If you come here to live long term you may want to buy a vehicle and probably a pick up because of the price. But chances are you will need it that often and you can get by on a motorbike and renting a car on ocassion. That is the case if you live here alone. Should you meet a lady then things change and you may want to buy a vehicle.

2/ Buy a used pick up as the driving will take getting used to and it may get banged up by you or by your girlfriend who may want to learn to drive it.

3/ Buy a popular make as it is easier getting service. So a Isuzu, Mitsubishi, or Toyota pick up or a Honda car. The driving is alot easier for you and the girlfriend or wife if you have an automatic. Hard to find but keep it in mind.

4/ Stay with a small engine as most of the driving will be city driving and you do not need the horsepower. Keep the money in your pocket as the oil Sheiks have enough of our money.

5/ I decided on getting auto insurance and it cost me about 19,000 baht or about $500 U.S. for a year. After one year the insurance contacted me and said if I wanted to renew the rate would be 30% less as I did not have any claims. What? Are they nuts? Don’t they know that in North America if you do not have any claims and have an impeccable driving record for SIX YEARS that the insurance companies will still increase your rates. So this is your call. If you do not feel that comfortable with the traffic then get the insurance and especially if the girlfriend or wife will also be a driver. After a year you can decide to renew or drop. There is a mandatory insurance here for motor vehicles. If I remember correctly it costs about 1-2,000 baht or $30-$55 U.S. and doesn’t cover much but it is mandatory. And should you decide to sell your vehicle and if you have insurance remaining you will not get a refund from the insurance company but rather the insurance is carried forward to the new owner. So that being the case you can ask more for vehicle.

6/ I have written an article about driving here in Chiang Mai. If you want to rent a car or thinking about buying a vehicle I suggest you read the article over.

7/ The driving here some getting used to. But once you do it is reasonably easy. You have to watch for vehicles running red lights VERY COMMON here. You have to watch for vehicles passing where they shouldn’t and expecting you to move out of your lane- VERY COMMON here. You have to watch for vendor, dogs, motorbikes, and more but I have faith in you. If I can do it anybody can do it.

8/ I am recommending North Wheels Rent A Car. Largest fleet, best insurance, newer vehicles and they know how to treat their customers. Recently I decided to recommend a few of the service providers in Chiang Mai. If you are a visitor you can spend half of your time checking out hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and the like. Best to spend it on having a good time and take my recommendations in good faith. My goal is to see that you have a good time here. Good enough to decide to return here in your retirement.

If you are interested in vacationing in, retiring to Thailand or Chiang Mai then you should visit a website designed to help people by providing interesting and essential information and also deals on accommodations and vacation packages.

Just visit:

http://www.retire-on-550-month.com

Retiring in Thailand

I want to live somewhere like thailand or china. What do i need to do? What are some good jobs? How do you retire there?

Retiring in Thailand