same same but different

[kuro]

Hi Fellas

This is great stuff. 260k is only about £5,500 that would not be a problem to pop in the bank and once these places get on the market I should have an income from them going into the bank each month. Do you guys know if there is a minimum amount of time you have to have that income going into the bank for the qualify like a year or something as I am currently living in one of the properties now but would put it on the rental market.

Nice advice about the trike, love the thing but not that much and the few extra pounds in the bank would probably top me up to the 800,000k in the bank. Probably better off getting something while I am over there. I know this might sound like I am labouring the point but seriously you just have to pop a one off 800,000k in a Thai bank and they open up the doors for you to stay ad infinitum, it sounds a bit easy. Does that money have to stay in the bank or can you draw from it while you are over there can it fall below 800,000k. Forgive the repitition but forewarned is forearmed. Can I open a thai bank account from the uk or do I have to do it over there. Are the banks genrally safe they don't crash or confenscate farang money or anything like that. If I decided it was not for me (coz you don't know till you suck it and see) can I get my money out easily and how are things affected but the changing political situation?

I have been to a couple of the night spots including Pattya and Patong. I must admit I found myself the most hansom man in the world with all the charm of James Bond while I was buying. But at 42 I am aware that 19 year old girls are only admiring the bulge of my wallet in my pocket. (though to be fair I have met a couple who really did not seem to want anything but that side of things can make you very cynical about motives) I do find though that if you talk to some of the people who run these places and it becomes obvious your not out for a night of whores they can be pretty honest about what they think about farang and I agree with the walking atm sentiment Thais have told me this themselves. I have never really encountered this in the more rural places though and have never been hassled for money sex tuk tuk massage suit or anything else (well I probably was hassled for a tuk tuk a couple of times I exagerated a bit there (- People just seemed to get about their daily business and never really noticed me. This was great in Thai only markets and I did not have to really haggle for stuff (I still probably paid over the knock compaired to the locals but hey it was still very cheap and we all win.)

Open question to all guys, what have you found the best spots to live in. I love the beach and to swim but not too sure if my limited income would support me in hot spots such as Phukett or similar or is there an undiscoverd jewel out there in the sea (been to sammet but that was v quiet like to get out every now and again). I like Chang mai too and was thinking that it might be a bit cheaper up there.

I am not expecting to live in luxury just get away from the stress of the uk for god knows how long, do things I would like to do in life for a change. Could any of you guys give me an idea of real living costs food, health insurance(which I assume is an absolut necessity) , bike insurance if you have one and any hidden costs you have found, Thai equivallet of council tax and general bills such as gas electric etc It would be good if after all these outlays I have enough left over for a pint or two at the end of the day as although buddisim sounds attractive I do not think I am monk material

cheers ya awl 1st time on one of these forums and what a cracking place for real information you guys have been great. Who knows may be catching up with some people by the end of the year

Kuro

[KhwaamLap]

Originally Posted by kuro

Hi Fellas

This is great stuff. 260k is only about £5,500 that would not be a problem to pop in the bank and once these places get on the market I should have an income from them going into the bank each month. Do you guys know if there is a minimum amount of time you have to have that income going into the bank for the qualify like a year or something as I am currently living in one of the properties now but would put it on the rental market.
I don't think there is a minumum time that you have had to have the job for as long as it looks like an income to the British Embassy - probably 3 months I'd guess.

Nice advice about the trike, love the thing but not that much and the few extra pounds in the bank would probably top me up to the 800,000k in the bank. Probably better off getting something while I am over there. I know this might sound like I am labouring the point but seriously you just have to pop a one off 800,000k in a Thai bank and they open up the doors for you to stay ad infinitum, it sounds a bit easy. Does that money have to stay in the bank or can you draw from it while you are over there can it fall below 800,000k. Forgive the repitition but forewarned is forearmed. Can I open a thai bank account from the uk or do I have to do it over there. Are the banks genrally safe they don't crash or confenscate farang money or anything like that. If I decided it was not for me (coz you don't know till you suck it and see) can I get my money out easily and how are things affected but the changing political situation?
I believe the money now has to be in Thailand in your name, it has changed recently - you will not get interest, but thats true almost everywhere now. You can draw on it, but it must be back up by your reporting - it must also be in the account for at least 3 months and must be imported from abroad. This is all my understanding, so double check everything anyone says here with the authorities.
Getting money out is as simple as a bank transfer - they do get a bit worried if its coming in and back out again (and is large amounts - over say $5k) as they think it may be money laundering - a friend of mine did this, put $10k in a new bank account in BKK and just a week later transfered it back - got put through the Spanish Inquisition - he did it for tax purposes.. Politics is unlikely to affect banking, but it may affect visa requirements - I would suggest at this time that the goverments will be warry of frightening any more tourists away, so probably safe for now. Expats the world over are at the whim of their respective governments, just look at those in Portugal right now that risk loosing their homes.

I have been to a couple of the night spots including Pattya and Patong. I must admit I found myself the most hansom man in the world with all the charm of James Bond while I was buying. But at 42 I am aware that 19 year old girls are only admiring the bulge of my wallet in my pocket. (though to be fair I have met a couple who really did not seem to want anything but that side of things can make you very cynical about motives) I do find though that if you talk to some of the people who run these places and it becomes obvious your not out for a night of whores they can be pretty honest about what they think about farang and I agree with the walking atm sentiment Thais have told me this themselves. I have never really encountered this in the more rural places though and have never been hassled for money sex tuk tuk massage suit or anything else (well I probably was hassled for a tuk tuk a couple of times I exagerated a bit there (- People just seemed to get about their daily business and never really noticed me. This was great in Thai only markets and I did not have to really haggle for stuff (I still probably paid over the knock compaired to the locals but hey it was still very cheap and we all win.)
Any red light area is going to attract scum - in any country. Some of the more out of the way areas can be 'interesting' too. When visiting my grandmother-in-law in a small Lumpang village, the kids always stop and point and follow me. They rarely get farang visitors and the kids have never seen one that wasn't on TV. When you live in Thailand, you will not be so happy paying more than the locals for basic stuff like rice - especially if you are on Thai wages (which you will not) - a good way around it is to get your maid to buy for you (or Thai wife if you have one), they will get local prices. Some maids will not care less thoug and will pay the farang price, so choose one well (word of mouth) and a little bonus if they can shop under budget - like keeping the difference - would help no end

Open question to all guys, what have you found the best spots to live in. I love the beach and to swim but not too sure if my limited income would support me in hot spots such as Phukett or similar or is there an undiscoverd jewel out there in the sea (been to sammet but that was v quiet like to get out every now and again). I like Chang mai too and was thinking that it might be a bit cheaper up there.
It is cheaper in CM than Patters/BKK/Phuket/the islands, but no beaches - this is fine for me as I find Thai beaches too hot anyway and am not the kind of person who likes to sit a spit-roast in the sun. BKK has beaches too that are overlooked. There are places like Hua Hin, but the prices were getting higher there too - no idea if this is still so - The King goes on his Hols there.

I am not expecting to live in luxury just get away from the stress of the uk for god knows how long, do things I would like to do in life for a change. Could any of you guys give me an idea of real living costs food, health insurance(which I assume is an absolut necessity) , bike insurance if you have one and any hidden costs you have found, Thai equivallet of council tax and general bills such as gas electric etc It would be good if after all these outlays I have enough left over for a pint or two at the end of the day as although buddisim sounds attractive I do not think I am monk material
This is one of the most common questions and one of the hardest to answer. You can live really cheap if you eat like a Thai and live like a Thai and live where its cheap (the sticks). If you only eat western food, drink guiness and want a 4+ bed house with garden, pool and western bath/kitchen etc then it going to cost you. Many farang live in the kingdom on less than 20k baht/month - some spend 100+k/month.

cheers ya awl 1st time on one of these forums and what a cracking place for real information you guys have been great. Who knows may be catching up with some people by the end of the year

Kuro

Good luck Kuro.

[King Silk]

IMO 60000bht is the minimum amount one needs to live reasonably comfortably here in Pattaya.

But of course that can be far too little if you spend a lot of time in Walking Street!

Or in expensive Restaurants........I paid 250bht for what was actually a half glass of indifferent Red Wine yesterday, in the Bar of a posh restaurant. Won't go there again!

[frogblogger]

Imported wine costs a fortune especially in restaurants. The Thai red is not too expensive, and just about drinkable. Wonder what's in it though.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by King Silk

IMO 60000bht is the minimum amount one needs to live reasonably comfortably here in Pattaya.

But of course that can be far too little if you spend a lot of time in Walking Street!

Or in expensive Restaurants........I paid 250bht for what was actually a half glass of indifferent Red Wine yesterday, in the Bar of a posh restaurant. Won't go there again!

Silk,

Yours is an unfair budget. Weren't you the one who told us you awaken every morning to, not one but TWO ladies? From the immortal words of Rudyard Kipling, "You're a better man than I, Gunga Din". You sure must have some stamina!

Serendipity2

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by frogblogger

Imported wine costs a fortune especially in restaurants. The Thai red is not too expensive, and just about drinkable. Wonder what's in it though.

frogblogger,

The Thai red wine could be from plums!? I found a lovely white wine in Vietnam - dirt cheap [under $1 at the airport] and while I prefer red because of the benefits - ie makes the blood platelets not stick together] I could really get use to that wine. I wish I could remember it's name but I seem to remember it was from plums or fruit other than grapes.

Serendipity2

[frogblogger]

Well the Thai red is definitely from grapes, but I worry about what else might be added, say to increase alcohol content... tastes ok though! I've tried allegedly Chinese wine in Laos, made from everything but grapes... sickly sweet, undrinkable stuff!

Pattaya can be expensive. Someone I know collects 'pins' (hmm, that's French... badges?) and asked if I could get some from the Hard Rock Cafe. Two beers made a big dent in my budget for the day!

[KhwaamLap]

Theres a nice red Thai wine - something or other 'Valley' (can't member the name). I bought two crates of the stuff a couple of years back at a charity do - I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised. Lasted about a month

[King Silk]

Originally Posted by KhwaamLap

Theres a nice red Thai wine - something or other 'Valley' (can't member the name). I bought two crates of the stuff a couple of years back at a charity do - I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised. Lasted about a month

Don't really want to encourage you 'winoes' but anyway I drink a Thai Red call Blue Ribbon. Costs just 115bht a bottle and it's almost as good as a decent French Table Wine if you open it an hour prior to drinking, or very cold with some Soda Water.
Sacrilegious ? Yeah. Well that's me innit?

[KhwaamLap]

Originally Posted by KhwaamLap

Theres a nice red Thai wine - something or other 'Valley' (can't member the name). I bought two crates of the stuff a couple of years back at a charity do - I had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised. Lasted about a month

Found an empty wine box of the stuff (chok full of videos - no, not that sort, kids flicks - oh, that sounds even worse - Disney films, phew!). It was called Monsoon Valley Wines marked For Export Only - I wonder if, like Germany Thailand kleeps its good stuff and exports the crap (i.e. Liebfraumilch) or - an I guess its this one - it does the opposite???