Retiring in Bangkok

[Firday]

i tried to retire in chiang mai/northern part also but fail due to personal reason :

language barrier

the food too salty 

transportation issue

i like the vast land and peaceful ambient

enjoy the down to earth local people

 

i m not into gym, clubing and movie personality - so i m just not for BKK or pattaya.

 

Batam was my next destination but until i encounter some issue with the immigration officer. The local is nice but slow in reaction, culture issue for me - i encounter a few very lazy type but they treat me like "king" which i feel abit spolit by them. When i back to singapore, my friend comments my behaviour very rude as if i m the bossy type.

 

The chinese are way so different from us - still look like malay to me. Much more "cunning" in a good way. I must say a great contrast to me - overall the nice people with simple upbringing.

 

i still think singapore is best for me - convience and safe but fucking expensive living cost. 

Daily meal still can find $3 mee

Coffee at 50cent for certain hour

Breakfast set $2.50

Movie $5 but hardly watch unless blockbuster or many scenary or else netfix

 

JB is my favourite except the crime rate sibei hiong - kena rob twice in JB shopping mall and KL sentral with pen knife. My leg go jelly - i worry he scar my handsome face bcz i need for socialising. The police station say - mostly they chop off with parang since i m not watching apple watch or rolex watch.

 

Actually the petty thief from indonesian and drug addict malay - he were polite to ask for cash before any harm to me - due to ever rob experience, i throw $50 note and run away while he pick up. I swear i will never dare to stay in jb - my back yard pails gas tank also pick up by indian thief -  my neighbour saw it.

 

My next strategy is to stay put in singapore for 6 month and travel to asia but now coronovirus make me to reschedule and re plan about retirement plan.

 

 

 

[lonelyglobe]

Not sure about your experience in JB but I have stay there for a year and the feeling is as good as living in SG with slightly lower cost of saving,  for those who really want to save more,  u have to eat at those local coffee shop but many sporean can't due to hygiene issues... Bangkok is getting expensive and with strong Thai baht,  may need to look for other alternatives, otherwise Phuket may not be a bad choice. 

[bishandude]

anyone living in BKK, PM me.  good to have new chatmates/friends

[Guest Thomas Didymuz Toh]

Also interested in retiring in Bkk!

is it advisable to rent or buy in Bangkok? 

any cheaper property in Bangkok with good transport connection? And near gay friendly area?

 

[inbody123]

On 3/7/2020 at 12:04 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Not sure about your experience in JB but I have stay there for a year and the feeling is as good as living in SG with slightly lower cost of saving,  for those who really want to save more,  u have to eat at those local coffee shop but many sporean can't due to hygiene issues... Bangkok is getting expensive and with strong Thai baht,  may need to look for other alternatives, otherwise Phuket may not be a bad choice. 

Phuket is a bad choice unless you like sea and sun. Phuket is more expensive than Bangkok for food, transport and rent.

 

Never been rob in Thailand or Malaysia, but my heart been stolen a few times the last 2 years in Bangkok.

 

Thais are temperamental , one minute hot one minute cold 🥶

 

Bangkok is quiet lately as there are minimal tourists.  
 

MOH Thailand has been reporting single digits Covid19 infections since early May and we are still subjected to night curfew. 

Gyms, massages, cinemas, pubs, saunas, clubs and schools are still closed.

 

Baht is strong 💪 but has been weakened lately,  Jan 2020 SGD  buys 21.9Baht.

 

Last week when I remitted SGD it was transacted at 22.5Baht.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2020 by inbody123

[passinthenight]

Thanks for the update inbody123.

 

 I enjoyed your summary of the average Thai and their temperate attitude. 

Thailand has done well in containing the virus compared to so-called 1st world Countries.

[lonelyglobe]

On 5/15/2020 at 11:09 AM, inbody123 said:

Phuket is a bad choice unless you like sea and sun. Phuket is more expensive than Bangkok for food, transport and rent.

 

Never been rob in Thailand or Malaysia, but my heart been stolen a few times the last 2 years in Bangkok.

Phuket feel like a more relaxing place for retirement but yes, the transport is a big problem not like bkk when u can easily hop on the BTS,  metro or get a taxi. Also bkk if u need a quick getaway, u can easily travel to other countries by bus or train but not in Phuket.

 

Food wise if u do your own cooking then is not so bad and rental have to move out of the more touristic area but transport could be a problem again. 

 

So u find back your heart ha.... That's the problem,  is not easy to find local friend without some kind of benefits as they tend to stick very much to their own community except those who are very internationally exposed, then might got a chance. 

[inbody123]

On 5/16/2020 at 3:39 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Phuket feel like a more relaxing place for retirement but yes, the transport is a big problem not like bkk when u can easily hop on the BTS,  metro or get a taxi. Also bkk if u need a quick getaway, u can easily travel to other countries by bus or train but not in Phuket.

 

Food wise if u do your own cooking then is not so bad and rental have to move out of the more touristic area but transport could be a problem again. 

 

 

 

Phuket has mafia’s which control the island taxis, even for short distance it will cost you an arm and a leg.

GRAB do exists in Phuket, they have a booking fees, I cannot remember the exact amount, maybe a few SG$.

 

The scams eg jet ski scams are notoriously famous for the wrong reasons in Phuket.

 

Even Thais themselves are worry about the Standard of Living in Phuket.

 

Chiangmai is a good place to retire in my humble opinion, however the last few years there is really bad pollution during 

the months of Feb to May.
 

I was in Chiangmai for 2 weeks in December 2019, the weather was fantastic, temperatures range from 11C to 26C during my 2 weeks stay.

 

Most things are cheaper than Bangkok eg a movie session will cost 1/2 the price in Bangkok 

and we do not have to wait for Wednesday.

 

There is no BTS or MRT in Chiangmai and the main mode of public transport is RED trucks.

It is cheap to hail one especially if you can communicate in Thai.

 

Food in food court  is around 20% cheaper than Bangkok.

 

The gay scene is not huge in Chiangmai but the local Chiangmai guys are real eye candies as they seem to have fairer skin.

 

This week marks my 2nd year living in Bangkok.

 

I just renewed my apartment lease at Phrakanong Last week and have been given a 5% discount although I asked for 10%.

 

My Studio rent, Utilities, Water, Internet, Mobile Phone, now comes to a total of Around B10,000 ( SGD450) 

For SGD$450 you cannot even RENT a common room in SINGAPORE 🇸🇬 

 

 

 

 

 

[lonelyglobe]

True,  $450 u can only get a utility room or sharing a common room with someone else. 

 

chiangmai weather is cooling maybe because of the surrounding mountain and less traffic congestion. For those who love trekking, that will be a perfect place. 

[Guest Gast]

On 5/18/2020 at 2:08 PM, inbody123 said:

The gay scene is not huge in Chiangmai but the local Chiangmai guys are real eye candies as they seem to have fairer skin.

 

This week marks my 2nd year living in Bangkok.

 

I just renewed my apartment lease at Phrakanong Last week and have been given a 5% discount although I asked for 10%.

 

My Studio rent, Utilities, Water, Internet, Mobile Phone, now comes to a total of Around B10,000 ( SGD450) 

For SGD$450 you cannot even RENT a common room in SINGAPORE 🇸🇬 

 

Congratulations on completion of your second year in BKK. Not sure how Covid has impacted your daily life - hope that it is not to any great negative extent.

 

You talk about how cheap and good Chiangmai is but puzzlingly, you then chose to stay in BKK? I suppose you have started setting roots in BKK so it will not be easy to start up again in another city.

 

Hmm.. Phra Kanong is a bit out in the suburbs - no issue with your moving around? I suppose once settled, your local area is where you do your day to day business and you don't have to travel much. I don't know if it is just cos of the virus but on Airbnb, for monthly stays, there are places that are cheaper than SGD450 and they appear to be more central.  Having said that, there are places near Onnut (handy to Tesco, Big C and a local market) that offer less of a discount - those places still cost around SGD700. If you don't mind, how much does electricity cost please, assuming that one runs the air-conditioner for 12 hrs a day, laundry once a week and the cooking of a meal a day?

 

Thanks.

[Guest Thomas Didymuz Toh]

How much would I need a month if I plan to retire in Thailand?

which part in Thailand is good? 
prefer an area with no traffic jam.

 

how much will a boy expect to be paid a month to stay with me? 
Anyone got arrange boy to stay with you during retirement? 😜

 

Lao Niang planning for future

 

[Guest Boy arranger]

1 hour ago, Guest Thomas Didymuz Toh said:

How much would I need a month if I plan to retire in Thailand?

which part in Thailand is good? 
prefer an area with no traffic jam.

 

how much will a boy expect to be paid a month to stay with me? 
Anyone got arrange boy to stay with you during retirement? 😜

 

Lao Niang planning for future

 

This kind of fake porcelain that need extra care when handling as so it doesn't break, may cost 10k baht per day. But never mind la. Lao niang got so many fake biz such as home fake cookie baking, anyhow garb car biz, go Jack- off biz, hdb foreign worker dormitory biz and most importantly huge sum to withdraw from cpf, sue can afford de la

[Guest Gast]

On 5/19/2020 at 5:08 PM, Guest Gast said:

Congratulations on completion of your second year in BKK. Not sure how Covid has impacted your daily life - hope that it is not to any great negative extent.

 

You talk about how cheap and good Chiangmai is but puzzlingly, you then chose to stay in BKK? I suppose you have started setting roots in BKK so it will not be easy to start up again in another city.

 

Hmm.. Phra Kanong is a bit out in the suburbs - no issue with your moving around? I suppose once settled, your local area is where you do your day to day business and you don't have to travel much. I don't know if it is just cos of the virus but on Airbnb, for monthly stays, there are places that are cheaper than SGD450 and they appear to be more central.  Having said that, there are places near Onnut (handy to Tesco, Big C and a local market) that offer less of a discount - those places still cost around SGD700. If you don't mind, how much does electricity cost please, assuming that one runs the air-conditioner for 12 hrs a day, laundry once a week and the cooking of a meal a day?

 

Thanks.

Found this on the net https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Bangkok but costs seem to be high?

 

Comments appreciated, BW'ers currently living in Bkk. Many thanks.

[Max2020]

Dear all

 

I just found this topic and read it with much interest. I also plan to retire in Bkk in 5 yrs time and have been visiting quarterly for the past 2 yrs. Almost bought a resale condo in Krung thonburi but backed off last minute due to a problem with the translation of the documents. 

 

Appreciate all your valuable input here. It definitely gives me more confidence knowing that there are many plu singaporean friends here who also have the same plan. 

 

Will pm some of u guys.

 

Cheers

 

Edited August 24, 2020 by Max2020

[randomuse]

On 5/18/2020 at 10:08 AM, inbody123 said:

 

Phuket has mafia’s which control the island taxis, even for short distance it will cost you an arm and a leg.

GRAB do exists in Phuket, they have a booking fees, I cannot remember the exact amount, maybe a few SG$.

 

The scams eg jet ski scams are notoriously famous for the wrong reasons in Phuket.

 

Even Thais themselves are worry about the Standard of Living in Phuket.

 

Chiangmai is a good place to retire in my humble opinion, however the last few years there is really bad pollution during 

the months of Feb to May.
 

I was in Chiangmai for 2 weeks in December 2019, the weather was fantastic, temperatures range from 11C to 26C during my 2 weeks stay.

 

Most things are cheaper than Bangkok eg a movie session will cost 1/2 the price in Bangkok 

and we do not have to wait for Wednesday.

 

There is no BTS or MRT in Chiangmai and the main mode of public transport is RED trucks.

It is cheap to hail one especially if you can communicate in Thai.

 

Food in food court  is around 20% cheaper than Bangkok.

 

The gay scene is not huge in Chiangmai but the local Chiangmai guys are real eye candies as they seem to have fairer skin.

 

This week marks my 2nd year living in Bangkok.

 

I just renewed my apartment lease at Phrakanong Last week and have been given a 5% discount although I asked for 10%.

 

My Studio rent, Utilities, Water, Internet, Mobile Phone, now comes to a total of Around B10,000 ( SGD450) 

For SGD$450 you cannot even RENT a common room in SINGAPORE 🇸🇬 

 

 

 

Hey, are you retired there or working there? Curious to know how it can really work.

Edited October 7, 2020 by randomuse
accidentally put message into the quote

[totoro69]

hi everyone - thanks for sharing your life experiences living in Thailand.

 

this may not be an appropriate question based on the thread title (haha) but i like to give it a shot. have anyone tried visiting or living in Hat Yai? care to comment on that if you have any?

 

my initial intention like some of you here is to retire in BKK. however i came to know about Hat Yai a few years ago. i visited this place for the past 3 years... at least 3 times each year, staying there for about 5 days each visit.

 

just like most of my leisure trips, i do not go touristy places, and i love street food. for religious reason, i do visit a few local temples to offer my prayers and do merits. i am slowly growing to like this place for a few reasons - the folks are rather pleasant, the food is acceptable to my liking and most importantly it is about 1.5 hour away from Singapore (via flight).

 

hope to read more from people in this thread. heehee

[Jason Leong]

On 2/27/2020 at 5:49 PM, Firday said:

i tried to retire in chiang mai/northern part also but fail due to personal reason :

language barrier

the food too salty 

transportation issue

i like the vast land and peaceful ambient

enjoy the down to earth local people

 

i m not into gym, clubing and movie personality - so i m just not for BKK or pattaya.

 

Batam was my next destination but until i encounter some issue with the immigration officer. The local is nice but slow in reaction, culture issue for me - i encounter a few very lazy type but they treat me like "king" which i feel abit spolit by them. When i back to singapore, my friend comments my behaviour very rude as if i m the bossy type.

 

The chinese are way so different from us - still look like malay to me. Much more "cunning" in a good way. I must say a great contrast to me - overall the nice people with simple upbringing.

 

i still think singapore is best for me - convience and safe but fucking expensive living cost. 

Daily meal still can find $3 mee

Coffee at 50cent for certain hour

Breakfast set $2.50

Movie $5 but hardly watch unless blockbuster or many scenary or else netfix

 

JB is my favourite except the crime rate sibei hiong - kena rob twice in JB shopping mall and KL sentral with pen knife. My leg go jelly - i worry he scar my handsome face bcz i need for socialising. The police station say - mostly they chop off with parang since i m not watching apple watch or rolex watch.

 

Actually the petty thief from indonesian and drug addict malay - he were polite to ask for cash before any harm to me - due to ever rob experience, i throw $50 note and run away while he pick up. I swear i will never dare to stay in jb - my back yard pails gas tank also pick up by indian thief -  my neighbour saw it.

 

My next strategy is to stay put in singapore for 6 month and travel to asia but now coronovirus make me to reschedule and re plan about retirement plan.

 

 

 

Will suggest you go east Malaysia like Sibu or Miri Sarawak, for peace and calm place for retirement 

[Firday]

On 10/20/2020 at 9:11 AM, Jason Leong said:

Will suggest you go east Malaysia like Sibu or Miri Sarawak, for peace and calm place for retirement 

thank you for the suggestion, semi retire in jb almost 13 years - kena rob twice and house break by indian and indonesian several times. 

Now covid disaster - what i did few ago to relocate was the best decison ever make for me although i miss the food, coffee and friends there.

 

[Jason Leong]

On 10/22/2020 at 1:15 PM, Firday said:

thank you for the suggestion, semi retire in jb almost 13 years - kena rob twice and house break by indian and indonesian several times. 

Now covid disaster - what i did few ago to relocate was the best decison ever make for me although i miss the food, coffee and friends there.

 

Beside safety issue, Malaysia is a good place for retire. 
 

haha me too miss the Hokkien noodle, massage and etc things in Malaysia 

[passinthenight]

For those of us that was thinking of retiring in Bangkok.

The nightlife might be much quieter in the future.

The owner of The Telephone pub/bar is nearly broke.

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2064135/round-2-hits-just-as-hard

 

 

 

[Ultrapuppy]

I was reading this thread and find it very interesting and lots of good information.

 

I would like to ask if anyone knows if one decides to retire in BKK, other than buying condo, language etc. How do you handle your current SG insurance? And do you buy new insurance in Thailand?

 

Thank you

[inbody123]

It has been a while since I last posted here and this might be a long post.

 

Time flies ... I have survive Bangkok for 33 months.

 

Some questions I saw on this Forum and let me try to enlighten everyone.

 

1) How much to retire in Bangkok ?

Each of us are different, for me I can survive comfortably on S$1500 to $1800 per month and this include rent, utilities, transportation, food, mobile phone plan, internet, gym ( Fitness First), a part time cleaner once a fortnight, 1 -  2 massages per month, health insurances and unlimited movies.

 

My rented studio is 35sqm at Phrakanong, or approximately 380sq ft , located in between Ekkamai and Onnut .... 4 BTS stops to Terminal 21 at Asoke.

I do not club nor pub thus I spend  $0 on alcohol.

 

In Bangkok, if you are a movie fanatic - which I am - you can buy a Major Cinema - M Pass card ( Baht 400 per month or S$17/- ) which allows you to watch any movie, any sessions , any day of the week unlimited for a month.

The only rule is that you cannot watch a movie TWICE.

I guess it is to prevent your friends from using your card. 
Oh and you can only buy the normal seats and NO IMAX too.

 

Anything imported are expensive eg cheese, butter, wine, Twining Teas.

 

Starbucks is more expensive in Bangkok compare to Singapore.

But there are many other cafes ... I am not a fan of Starbucks anyway.

 

 

2) Do I work ?

 

Unfortunately my Visa do not allow me to work in Thailand but at my age it will be impossible to get work unless I’m highly specialised.

 

3) Health Insurance 

 

I would recommend that you buy one.

 

I bought a local Thai Insurance which for me age bracket I pay about S$400 premium per YEAR.
 

The maximun cap for hospitalisation is Baht 200,000 only and Baht 600 per doctors visits up to 30 times a year for this policy.

 

I have some friends who buys “Branded Insurance” eg BUPA, Pacific Cross. The annual premium can be upwards of a few thousand SGD.

 

4) Relationship / Friendships 

 

You really need to learn the Thai language. 

It should be the first thing you should organise if you plan to retire in Thailand.

It is indeed hard to make buddies with Thais, there is always a culture and language barrier but some Thais do speak excellent English.

 

Am I successful in making good close Thai Friends? 
 

The answer is NO ....... 

 

Relationships ..... currently I am in one with a Thai but there are communication problems as his English is not fluent and my Thai is not there yet ...... It has been 6 months and we are still together though.

Do I support him financially?  
No, I do not have the capability to anyway.

 

But when we go out for movies and food I have to pick up the tab as his income is only minimal and like most Thais they have to send $ home to their parent in the village.

 

We do not live together and only meet up on weekends which I am happy with since I spend most of my time in the gym.

Will I  stay on in Bangkok ?
 

Definitely YES ...

Edited February 26, 2021 by inbody123

[GKS]

Thank you for all contributors in this page

 

I am looking for a retirement place too. 

 

I am thinking of so many places. 

 

Now, Kuching, KL or Penang seems an ideal places. 

 

 

[lonelyglobe]

On 2/27/2021 at 1:06 AM, inbody123 said:

It has been a while since I last posted here and this might be a long post.

 

Time flies ... I have survive Bangkok for 33 months.

 

Some questions I saw on this Forum and let me try to enlighten everyone.

 

1) How much to retire in Bangkok ?

Each of us are different, for me I can survive comfortably on S$1500 to $1800 per month and this include rent, utilities, transportation, food, mobile phone plan, internet, gym ( Fitness First), a part time cleaner once a fortnight, 1 -  2 massages per month, health insurances and unlimited movies.

 

My rented studio is 35sqm at Phrakanong, or approximately 380sq ft , located in between Ekkamai and Onnut .... 4 BTS stops to Terminal 21 at Asoke.

I do not club nor pub thus I spend  $0 on alcohol.

 

In Bangkok, if you are a movie fanatic - which I am - you can buy a Major Cinema - M Pass card ( Baht 400 per month or S$17/- ) which allows you to watch any movie, any sessions , any day of the week unlimited for a month.

The only rule is that you cannot watch a movie TWICE.

I guess it is to prevent your friends from using your card. 
Oh and you can only buy the normal seats and NO IMAX too.

 

Anything imported are expensive eg cheese, butter, wine, Twining Teas.

 

Starbucks is more expensive in Bangkok compare to Singapore.

But there are many other cafes ... I am not a fan of Starbucks anyway.

 

 

2) Do I work ?

 

Unfortunately my Visa do not allow me to work in Thailand but at my age it will be impossible to get work unless I’m highly specialised.

 

3) Health Insurance 

 

I would recommend that you buy one.

 

I bought a local Thai Insurance which for me age bracket I pay about S$400 premium per YEAR.
 

The maximun cap for hospitalisation is Baht 200,000 only and Baht 600 per doctors visits up to 30 times a year for this policy.

 

I have some friends who buys “Branded Insurance” eg BUPA, Pacific Cross. The annual premium can be upwards of a few thousand SGD.

 

4) Relationship / Friendships 

 

You really need to learn the Thai language. 

It should be the first thing you should organise if you plan to retire in Thailand.

It is indeed hard to make buddies with Thais, there is always a culture and language barrier but some Thais do speak excellent English.

 

Am I successful in making good close Thai Friends? 
 

The answer is NO ....... 

 

Relationships ..... currently I am in one with a Thai but there are communication problems as his English is not fluent and my Thai is not there yet ...... It has been 6 months and we are still together though.

Do I support him financially?  
No, I do not have the capability to anyway.

 

But when we go out for movies and food I have to pick up the tab as his income is only minimal and like most Thais they have to send $ home to their parent in the village.

 

We do not live together and only meet up on weekends which I am happy with since I spend most of my time in the gym.

Will I  stay on in Bangkok ?
 

Definitely YES ...

Thanks for your detail updates as usual 😄

 

$17 can only watch 1 weekend movie in SG ha.....  

 

Good new for u is baht have weaken recently, is like 1 SGD = 23.5 baht

 

Yeap,  time really flies and u have survive 3 years in bkk, take care and all the best during this pandemic times. 

[Guest Silom]

On 2/27/2021 at 1:06 AM, inbody123 said:

It has been a while since I last posted here and this might be a long post.

 

Time flies ... I have survive Bangkok for 33 months.

 

Some questions I saw on this Forum and let me try to enlighten everyone.

 

1) How much to retire in Bangkok ?

Each of us are different, for me I can survive comfortably on S$1500 to $1800 per month and this include rent, utilities, transportation, food, mobile phone plan, internet, gym ( Fitness First), a part time cleaner once a fortnight, 1 -  2 massages per month, health insurances and unlimited movies.

 

My rented studio is 35sqm at Phrakanong, or approximately 380sq ft , located in between

 

Ekkamai and Onnut .... 4 BTS stops to Terminal 21 at Asoke.

I do not club nor pub thus I spend  $0 on alcohol.

 

In Bangkok, if you are a movie fanatic - which I am - you can buy a Major Cinema - M Pass card ( Baht 400 per month or S$17/- ) which allows you to watch any movie, any sessions , any day of the week unlimited for a month.

The only rule is that you cannot watch a movie TWICE.

I guess it is to prevent your friends from using your card. 
Oh and you can only buy the normal seats and NO IMAX too.

 

Anything imported are expensive eg cheese, butter, wine, Twining Teas.

 

Starbucks is more expensive in Bangkok compare to Singapore.

But there are many other cafes ... I am not a fan of Starbucks anyway.

 

 

2) Do I work ?

 

Unfortunately my Visa do not allow me to work in Thailand but at my age it will be impossible to get work unless I’m highly specialised.

 

3) Health Insurance 

 

I would recommend that you buy one.

 

I bought a local Thai Insurance which for me age bracket I pay about S$400 premium per YEAR.
 

The maximun cap for hospitalisation is Baht 200,000 only and Baht 600 per doctors visits up to 30 times a year for this policy.

 

I have some friends who buys “Branded Insurance” eg BUPA, Pacific Cross. The annual premium can be upwards of a few thousand SGD.

 

4) Relationship / Friendships 

 

You really need to learn the Thai language. 

It should be the first thing you should organise if you plan to retire in Thailand.

It is indeed hard to make buddies with Thais, there is always a culture and language barrier but some Thais do speak excellent English.

 

Am I successful in making good close Thai Friends? 
 

The answer is NO ....... 

 

Relationships ..... currently I am in one with a Thai but there are communication problems as his English is not fluent and my Thai is not there yet ...... It has been 6 months and we are still together though.

Do I support him financially?  
No, I do not have the capability to anyway.

 

But when we go out for movies and food I have to pick up the tab as his income is only minimal and like most Thais they have to send $ home to their parent in the village.

 

We do not live together and only meet up on weekends which I am happy with since I spend most of my time in the gym.

Will I  stay on in Bangkok ?
 

Definitely YES ...

are you on a holiday , social pass ? How long can one stay on a social trip ?

or is there an extended stay visa you can apply for ?

 

How and where do you meet guys ? Online or at other venues ( not bars ) ?
 

how often do you go home ? 
thks 

[lonelyglobe]

On 6/1/2021 at 10:21 AM, lonelyglobe said:

Good new for u is baht have weaken recently, is like 1 SGD = 23.5 baht

Rate getting better now,  change @ 24.77.

[lonelyglobe]

Today's rate is even better @ 25.3, good news for all sporean who retire there or planning for retirement there 😀

Edited June 25, 2022 by lonelyglobe

[millennium]

On 2/27/2021 at 1:06 AM, inbody123 said:

It has been a while since I last posted here and this might be a long post.

 

Time flies ... I have survive Bangkok for 33 months.

 

Some questions I saw on this Forum and let me try to enlighten everyone.

 

1) How much to retire in Bangkok ?

Each of us are different, for me I can survive comfortably on S$1500 to $1800 per month and this include rent, utilities, transportation, food, mobile phone plan, internet, gym ( Fitness First), a part time cleaner once a fortnight, 1 -  2 massages per month, health insurances and unlimited movies.

 

My rented studio is 35sqm at Phrakanong, or approximately 380sq ft , located in between Ekkamai and Onnut .... 4 BTS stops to Terminal 21 at Asoke.

I do not club nor pub thus I spend  $0 on alcohol.

 

In Bangkok, if you are a movie fanatic - which I am - you can buy a Major Cinema - M Pass card ( Baht 400 per month or S$17/- ) which allows you to watch any movie, any sessions , any day of the week unlimited for a month.

The only rule is that you cannot watch a movie TWICE.

I guess it is to prevent your friends from using your card. 
Oh and you can only buy the normal seats and NO IMAX too.

 

Anything imported are expensive eg cheese, butter, wine, Twining Teas.

 

Starbucks is more expensive in Bangkok compare to Singapore.

But there are many other cafes ... I am not a fan of Starbucks anyway.

 

 

2) Do I work ?

 

Unfortunately my Visa do not allow me to work in Thailand but at my age it will be impossible to get work unless I’m highly specialised.

 

3) Health Insurance 

 

I would recommend that you buy one.

 

I bought a local Thai Insurance which for me age bracket I pay about S$400 premium per YEAR.
 

The maximun cap for hospitalisation is Baht 200,000 only and Baht 600 per doctors visits up to 30 times a year for this policy.

 

I have some friends who buys “Branded Insurance” eg BUPA, Pacific Cross. The annual premium can be upwards of a few thousand SGD.

 

4) Relationship / Friendships 

 

You really need to learn the Thai language. 

It should be the first thing you should organise if you plan to retire in Thailand.

It is indeed hard to make buddies with Thais, there is always a culture and language barrier but some Thais do speak excellent English.

 

Am I successful in making good close Thai Friends? 
 

The answer is NO ....... 

 

Relationships ..... currently I am in one with a Thai but there are communication problems as his English is not fluent and my Thai is not there yet ...... It has been 6 months and we are still together though.

Do I support him financially?  
No, I do not have the capability to anyway.

 

But when we go out for movies and food I have to pick up the tab as his income is only minimal and like most Thais they have to send $ home to their parent in the village.

 

We do not live together and only meet up on weekends which I am happy with since I spend most of my time in the gym.

Will I  stay on in Bangkok ?
 

Definitely YES ...

Sorry if this has been asked before.

I didn't read the whole thread, but what visa are you on??

[lonelyglobe]

On 7/7/2022 at 12:17 AM, millennium said:

Sorry if this has been asked before.

I didn't read the whole thread, but what visa are you on??

You can just google thailand retirement visa and will get all the answer 😀

 

On 6/1/2022 at 5:36 PM, lonelyglobe said:

Rate getting better now,  change @ 24.77.

Less than 2 months, exchange @ 26.1, for every 1000 SGD changed, can get extra 1330 baht 😁

Deposit of 800,000 baht became cheaper too, about 30k instead of 32 to 33k. 

 

Edited July 23, 2022 by lonelyglobe

[lonelyglobe]

Rate @ 26.45, the highest in recent years, the last time we saw a better rate than this was in 1997 during the asian financial crisis. 

[lonelyglobe]

Fastforward to oct 2023, rates @ 26.55.

[StockBottom]

Has anyone successfully applied for the retirement "O-A" visa from the Thai embassy in SG?

[lonelyglobe]

Today's exchange rate @ 26.8

[lonelyglobe]

Keep rising,  change @ 27.01

[fbttop]

Quote

On 2/27/2021 at 1:06 AM, inbody123 said:

It has been a while since I last posted here and this might be a long post.

 

Time flies ... I have survive Bangkok for 33 months.

 

Some questions I saw on this Forum and let me try to enlighten everyone.

 

1) How much to retire in Bangkok ?

Each of us are different, for me I can survive comfortably on S$1500 to $1800 per month and this include rent, utilities, transportation, food, mobile phone plan, internet, gym ( Fitness First), a part time cleaner once a fortnight, 1 -  2 massages per month, health insurances and unlimited movies.

 

My rented studio is 35sqm at Phrakanong, or approximately 380sq ft , located in between Ekkamai and Onnut .... 4 BTS stops to Terminal 21 at Asoke.

I do not club nor pub thus I spend  $0 on alcohol.

 

In Bangkok, if you are a movie fanatic - which I am - you can buy a Major Cinema - M Pass card ( Baht 400 per month or S$17/- ) which allows you to watch any movie, any sessions , any day of the week unlimited for a month.

The only rule is that you cannot watch a movie TWICE.

I guess it is to prevent your friends from using your card. 
Oh and you can only buy the normal seats and NO IMAX too.

 

Anything imported are expensive eg cheese, butter, wine, Twining Teas.

 

Starbucks is more expensive in Bangkok compare to Singapore.

But there are many other cafes ... I am not a fan of Starbucks anyway.

 

 

2) Do I work ?

 

Unfortunately my Visa do not allow me to work in Thailand but at my age it will be impossible to get work unless I’m highly specialised.

 

3) Health Insurance 

 

I would recommend that you buy one.

 

I bought a local Thai Insurance which for me age bracket I pay about S$400 premium per YEAR.
 

The maximun cap for hospitalisation is Baht 200,000 only and Baht 600 per doctors visits up to 30 times a year for this policy.

 

I have some friends who buys “Branded Insurance” eg BUPA, Pacific Cross. The annual premium can be upwards of a few thousand SGD.

 

4) Relationship / Friendships 

 

You really need to learn the Thai language. 

It should be the first thing you should organise if you plan to retire in Thailand.

It is indeed hard to make buddies with Thais, there is always a culture and language barrier but some Thais do speak excellent English.

 

Am I successful in making good close Thai Friends? 
 

The answer is NO ....... 

 

Relationships ..... currently I am in one with a Thai but there are communication problems as his English is not fluent and my Thai is not there yet ...... It has been 6 months and we are still together though.

Do I support him financially?  
No, I do not have the capability to anyway.

 

But when we go out for movies and food I have to pick up the tab as his income is only minimal and like most Thais they have to send $ home to their parent in the village.

 

We do not live together and only meet up on weekends which I am happy with since I spend most of my time in the gym.

Will I  stay on in Bangkok ?
 

Definitely YES ...

Thanks for the sharing, I am considering BKK or JB (No language barrier)

Buying a studio condo is about $2mil B which is about 8000B per mth.

Its quite do-able and wonder if renting vs buy has a impact on retiring.

 

I read the different VISA and wonder if anyone can shed light more?

 

As for expenses.

$1800 and live thrifty seems very do-able. Thats cheaper than SG where I tried living on a $2500 while studying a full time course. Its quite tough. No massage or movies. 

 

As for Friendship

I meet with english speaking, Chinese thai.. also its a hot/cold situation.

Their culture is so rich, they are not keen in SG culture which is bleak either. 

and therefore not as easy to build deeper friendship IMO

 

 

As for Relationship

I think its not difficult to find a younger boy for an Open R/s as long you pay for the tab. Aka weekend bf

 

Conclusion, any country to live there, you need to learn the language. Thai is level 4, 1100Hrs. Give yourself 1.5 years, you can master speaking and some reading. Compared to Chinese, jap, Korea which is 2200Hrs.

 

 

 

 

[lonelyglobe]

On 4/19/2024 at 11:00 AM, fbttop said:

As for Friendship

I meet with english speaking, Chinese thai.. also its a hot/cold situation.

Their culture is so rich, they are not keen in SG culture which is bleak either. 

and therefore not as easy to build deeper friendship IMO

 

 

As for Relationship

I think its not difficult to find a younger boy for an Open R/s as long you pay for the tab. Aka weekend bf

 

Conclusion, any country to live there, you need to learn the language. Thai is level 4, 1100Hrs. Give yourself 1.5 years, you can master speaking and some reading. Compared to Chinese, jap, Korea which is 2200Hrs

Not easy to break into the Thai circle even if u can speak some Thai. Not to confuse between relationship and companionship.

Can use the skill future fund to study Thai language but if no one speak Thai to u after sometime,  u will just forget. Another alternative  is to get the 1 year visa to study Thai and at the same time see if the Thai lifestyle really suit u. 

[lonelyglobe]

Exchange @ 27.05, never see this rate before 🤣