Where are living right now?

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by A90

You guessed right I'm currently in my sophmore year here in Boston. What I am curious about though is would I be able to do anything else besides teach English overe there? I'm an Asian Studies major, with a concentration in S.East/East Asian History, with my end goal being to teach in university one day. Or should I look into going somewhere else such as Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong etc. Thanks for the info.

A90,

Of the countries you mention, Thailand is probably the most difficult to remain in and work. I'm not sure why but they really don't want anyone that's not Thai working in Thailand.

The only ones they seem to give a break to are seniors [hence my questions to you] so long as we bring LOTS of money we can retire. We can't legally work, can't own land [there are ways - but with risk] and we are always guests. Which is another way of saying they can request our departure if/when the mood strikes.

If you're not fluent in Thai I think it would be very difficult to do well in Thailand. It's like illegal Mexicans coming to America. Unless they learn the language they'll always be second class citizens with little future and eking out an existence isn't easy, always wondering when someone will discover you're in Kingdom illegally. Unlike the USA, the Thais DO care about their borders and they do take action when they find someone that's there illegally. The good news is it's cheaper to live in Thailand than the USA and the natives are friendlier. And prettier!

Serendipity2

[A90]

Originally Posted by Serendipity2

A90,

Of the countries you mention, Thailand is probably the most difficult to remain in and work. I'm not sure why but they really don't want anyone that's not Thai working in Thailand.

The only ones they seem to give a break to are seniors [hence my questions to you] so long as we bring LOTS of money we can retire. We can't legally work, can't own land [there are ways - but with risk] and we are always guests. Which is another way of saying they can request our departure if/when the mood strikes.

If you're not fluent in Thai I think it would be very difficult to do well in Thailand. It's like illegal Mexicans coming to America. Unless they learn the language they'll always be second class citizens with little future and eking out an existence isn't easy, always wondering when someone will discover you're in Kingdom illegally. Unlike the USA, the Thais DO care about their borders and they do take action when they find someone that's there illegally. The good news is it's cheaper to live in Thailand than the USA and the natives are friendlier. And prettier!

Serendipity2

After reading your last two posts I have very mixed feelings I have to say. I am happy on one hand because I was hoping that Thailand was this nationalistic and proud of their nation. However, it is a double edge sword and while I figured it would be difficult I had no idea it would be that difficult. So basically, if I want to stay in Thailand my best bet is to marry a Thai in order to obtain citizenship.

While I still cannot wait to see this country I think I'll move Thailand a bit down on my list of countries to potentially immigrate to.

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by A90

After reading your last two posts I have very mixed feelings I have to say. I am happy on one hand because I was hoping that Thailand was this nationalistic and proud of their nation. However, it is a double edge sword and while I figured it would be difficult I had no idea it would be that difficult. So basically, if I want to stay in Thailand my best bet is to marry a Thai in order to obtain citizenship.

While I still cannot wait to see this country I think I'll move Thailand a bit down on my list of countries to potentially immigrate to.

A90,

Marrying a Thai national will not give you citizenship but it will make staying in Thailand much easier. As I understand you still can't work though - except on the sly. Maybe if she has a rich dad he can hire you but I doubt it. Also, if you marry you can buy and own property but your rights are very limited in that area. Best to either rent or buy a condominium but even with a condo you have to make sure that you're withing the allowed ratio - most units have to be owned by Thais. Are you having fun yet?

Having said that, there are many expats that work in Thailand sub rosa. There are many that buy and own homes on land via companies and other strategies but always keep in mind that any time the Thai government decides to send you packing - you're gone.

I would do a lot of reading of posts on this forum - most are expats living in Thailand and a good share are married. They are a far better source of information but much of this has been posted and discussed so it should give you some direction. Hey, come and study for a year and see how you like it. If you like it perhaps you'll find a way to 'blend' into the country but do be wary and learn from the experiences of others - it's cheaper.

Serendipity2

[AlanPF]

Originally Posted by KhwaamLap

OK, thought I would try a poll thread as we don't have an active one and I have not tried before.

We are getting a good few members/visiters here now, so I thought we could see how we are distributed; for meet ups and to help each other with local knowledge etc.

I only have 10 max options, so will generalise some places. Feel free to post more specific areas.

Cheers.

Overseas, Bahrain, at the moment but will probably move to Chaiyaphum early 2010

[Dumbo]

KhwaamLap.
I live in New Zealand and will coming to live in Thailand early next year. Is there a golf course in Surin or Buriram?

[Serendipity2]

Originally Posted by A90

After reading your last two posts I have very mixed feelings I have to say. I am happy on one hand because I was hoping that Thailand was this nationalistic and proud of their nation. However, it is a double edge sword and while I figured it would be difficult I had no idea it would be that difficult. So basically, if I want to stay in Thailand my best bet is to marry a Thai in order to obtain citizenship.

While I still cannot wait to see this country I think I'll move Thailand a bit down on my list of countries to potentially immigrate to.

A90,

I don't want to discourage your hope to live in Thailand. There is a wealth of information on this forum by many who are retired here, married to Thais and probably every other combination so take what I posted with a grain of salt and read, read and read some more. I urge you to visit Thailand as well - so that you get a 'feel' for the place or places. The two biggest gathering places [I think] for expats are Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Chiang Mai is less hectic, a bit cheaper and where most expats retire. Bangkok is more frenetic, a bit more expensive and where most expats who are here on work visas live and work. There are many other great places but I'm not that familiar such as Isaan [a region] Kom Samui, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Rai to name just a few. Each area has it's own pluses and minuses and all are different. Anyway, my apologies if I dampened your enthusiasm. I hope you will pay Thailand a visit - you'll be glad you did. If you like it - as many here do - then you figure a way to stay here.

[blue eyes]

We are in the US for now.But cannot wait to get back to our home in Issan.As a little talk in this thread said,it is hard to work in Thailand,and make money legaly.