Re-Adjusting to the USA

[AntRobertson]

Of course I'll still take every opportunity to diss twatland and expose the lies the tourism industry perpetuates.

Of course you will. Bitter and vindictive people are like that because they generally can't let go.

[sabang]

I think someone should start a 'Bitter n Twisted and leaving Thailand' thread. It could go on for years, thousands of posts and multiple bitter drinkers.

[kmart]

Good luck to the OP on his move back to the US. It's usually a good idea to take time out from Thailand and spend a bit of time in your home country or culture to find a bit of perspective, and live the pros and cons before making a decision.
Being anywhere all the time can tend to piss me off.

[terry57]

Maybe Australia could be a nice compromise.

No its not a compromise as its as expensive as fuk, fantastic country but really out of control price wise.

Normal family guys doing it hard Supporting there lot.

Anyone who suggests its cheaper to live here than in Thailand is a dead set wanker and I don't believe for a second that the US is any different.

Maybe on a few things but overall when its all weighed up there's no way.

Anyway this thread is quite meaningless as it all depends whether one has kids or not and must pay for an International School. That's hugely Expensive in any country.

At the end of the day if punters want to bolt back home good on them.

Free world innit. Let the guys who enjoy being in Thailand live in peace EH.

[beazalbob69]

Good luck OP I just left the US a couple of months ago for something different and you just returned for something different. There is probably some famous quote I could post about the color of grass or something but cant remember it right now so again good luck!

I have an honest question for the OP or anyone else for that matter. Why is an education important? Whats wrong with just being a simple farmer? Stupid people will do stupid things regardless of their education. I have met people in Thailand that know so much more about life than many of the supposedly educated people I have known in the US it makes me question the whole education system. If your children express a desire for a better education than that is a different story but just assuming that people need an education just because that was the way you were raised in the west is kind of strange to me.

[Davis Knowlton]

I cannot wait

Sentiments shared by many, no doubt.

Amen.

[liveinlos]

can i ask what school did you send your kids to in Thailand?

Prem International in Chiang Mai

[liveinlos]

I think the happiest guys in Thailand are those who burned all bridges when they left home. There's really no reason to be unhappy, or so they say. Things are easy to accept when you have no options.

Logical if you buy farang food it'll cost more in LoS. And electronics are cheaper back home, cars too. And the option to buy good used goods is a reality. In the Third World used usually means trashed.

But when it comes time to pay rent, Thailand wins every time. A lovely home in BKK costs about what a deposit would be on a home in California.

This discussion could go on and on. IMHO it boils down to ones position in life and somehow you will find a way to justify it to make it look like what you left was pathetic and where you are now is golden. Its how we are as humans I suspect. I have done it as have others

If what LivininLOS has done is the right thing for him and his family then great. Best of luck.

I re-read his list with one of my colleagues over lunch and while I am in no way defending Thailand or reacting to his assessment there are so many things not considered that slapped me when I moved back here. When I was in TL my monthly living costs were $900 -$1000(typical) to $1200 (if I traveled), worst case $1500. Now mind you I do not have children. Since being back here(California) my living costs range between $2800 to $3500. This not traveling, not living it up, having to work full time and covering all the people who have endless hands in my pocket. The money just seems to bleed away. I would like to hear back on his 6 month POV after he has settled into to his rent(mortgage), utilities costs, car payments, auto insurance, cell phone bills, medical insurance, cable, internet, babysitting if the wife works, then income taxes etc. My GF and I just recently when on a trip for 4 days to Las Vegas to play a bit and go to Hoover dam etc. That trip including airfare cost a bit over $2000. Add that to the living costs and one month it was over $5,000 (150,000 baht).

Anyway just some thoughts.

California has housing 391% above the US National Average. Comparing California is the absolute worst case. There are many places in middle America and others where a 3,000,000 baht house will completely blow away a Thai house of that cost.

Now compare California (US most expensive housing state) with the most expensive housing in Bangkok. I think you will see when comparing apples to apples, the US still comes out on top

[liveinlos]

I pay more for my apartment here than I get for my house in Ealing, London.

bloody hell; what do you have in Ealing? must be a terrible place

good apartments here can be had for the same price as a room in a shared house in London, or less

I'm always amazed that being a good consumer is such a big factor in these threads - is the price of electronic gadgetry and clothes you don't need really such a determinate factor in some people's quality of life? That seems very sad.

well, that is what their lives seem to be controlled by; it is difficult to escape the consumer rat race just by moving countries, it is well implanted

there is one member here who is thinking of bringing half his consumer goods with him because they are cheaper at home, even though they will not match the local power supply - total madness

save some money and get lots of problems. Can't let go of all those goodies, half of which will never get used, they are just toys he needed to buy

I prefer to live in countries where I feel welcome

I agree, and Thailand is one of those

I have never been spat at in the street, shouldered to one side or shouted at by strangers. In general, I get smiles and good feelings

It you think you are welcome in Thailand, you are fooling yourself. Many foreigners including you get a false sense of security that they are different than the other 100,000 foreigners in Thailand. Any foreigner can be a victim in Thailand simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you were truly as welcome as you think, the VISA regulations would not be as hard as they are. Thai's want your money, not you. Sad fact.

[liveinlos]

I hope the OP has employer-provided health insurance.

Otherwise, my total living expenses might be enough to buy a policy for his family and set some money aside for co-pays and deductibles.

But having insurance doesn't alway protect against bankrupting medical expenses.

I work for a large company that has all the benefits, medical, dental, 401k, bonus

[liveinlos]

^

That's a fair comment mate but I think my comment was quite balanced.

Lots of guys do isolate themselves from there home country then find out Thailand ain't the paradise they thought it was.

There then stuck here and there life is shit.

I recon its a matter of making ones self happy where ever one lives and leave ones options open.

Thailand is great, it's Thai people who ruin it.
Good for you, OP I'm heading back to US hopefully by end of the year and I cannot wait. You're right it is cheaper, and the quality of humanity is far above this feudal monkeydom

You are 100% correct. Thailand is great. I found the rural people in Isaan most friendly. However, city people and any in the tourists areas are just downright horrible.

[liveinlos]

Good luck OP I just left the US a couple of months ago for something different and you just returned for something different. There is probably some famous quote I could post about the color of grass or something but cant remember it right now so again good luck!

I have an honest question for the OP or anyone else for that matter. Why is an education important? Whats wrong with just being a simple farmer? Stupid people will do stupid things regardless of their education. I have met people in Thailand that know so much more about life than many of the supposedly educated people I have known in the US it makes me question the whole education system. If your children express a desire for a better education than that is a different story but just assuming that people need an education just because that was the way you were raised in the west is kind of strange to me.

I want to give my kids the chance and the choice to be what THEY want to be in their own lives. I do not want to force them into farming or something so low income they will never be able to afford a house or car which is how 90% of the Thai Uni graduates end up

[terry57]

Many foreigners including you get a false sense of security that they are different than the other 100,000 foreigners in Thailand. Any foreigner can be a victim in Thailand simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mate I respect you for giving your kids the opportunity to a decent education in the US, its very Important that the children get the best opportunity and a very valid reason to remove them from Thailand.

On your other statement concerning about becoming a victim of crime in Thailand versus The USA You must be taking the piss EH.

America has near on the largest population of nutters on the face of the earth as every screaming nut case can get a gun and go on a killing spree.

Jeez, nearly happens every other month now.

Don't worry, violence in my town is entrenched as well and going out for some squirt on a Saturday night is a dangerous proposition. Seems to be everywhere these days.

I feel so much safer in Thailand. Never had a problem regards my safety and I've traveled many thousands of KLM to many far out provinces over many years.

Anyway all the best with your future.

Cheers

[Davis Knowlton]

Of course I'll still take every opportunity to diss twatland and expose the lies the tourism industry perpetuates.

Of course you will. Bitter and vindictive people are like that because they generally can't let go.

My guess would be that she has lived in Thailand for about a year. Like most of her ilk, at the end of a year, she is an authority, and knows far more than those of us who have been living and working happily in Asia for 30+ years. American women are like that - their total authority on virtually any subject is rivaled only by their total ignorance of the subject matter. She will now flee home, badmouth Asia to all of her friends, and, if they are like her and listen to her, perhaps they will do the world a favor and stay at home.

[peterb17]

As a relative newbie- living here for a year and a half ( but visiting for 25 years +) this has been an interesting thread.
Few thoughts- never burn your boats at home, don't think a condo here is an investment- you need to be able to just walk away.
Enjoy the region and travel- been to South Korea so far this year.
Don't think Thailand is a dirt cheap place to live- its not.
Be prepared for a lack of culture- you can hardly discuss the latest exhibition at the Tate Modern with the locals.
Learn Thai
Love the food and learn how to cook!
But compared to the giant filthy ghetto that London has become its great - feel totally safe here and have felt welcome- invited to weddings etc.

And that guy who wants to bring over primitive 110V appliances - cheapskate or what!

At the moment have no desire to return to the UK- give a few years maybe different- we shall see?

[Kurgen]

Frontal labotomy , removal of taste buds and an elasticated waistband should ready you.

PS, didn't bother reading past the headline.

[sranchito]

Good luck OP I just left the US a couple of months ago for something different and you just returned for something different. There is probably some famous quote I could post about the color of grass or something but cant remember it right now so again good luck!

I have an honest question for the OP or anyone else for that matter. Why is an education important? Whats wrong with just being a simple farmer? Stupid people will do stupid things regardless of their education. I have met people in Thailand that know so much more about life than many of the supposedly educated people I have known in the US it makes me question the whole education system. If your children express a desire for a better education than that is a different story but just assuming that people need an education just because that was the way you were raised in the west is kind of strange to me.

Being a farmer doesn't mean you are stupid. Ever hear of an Ag degree? As in Texas A&M? Also, some of the smartest people I know don't have formal educations. And, these people I am referring to make a minimum 6-figure income and beyond.

The level of ones education is not indicative of ones intelligence.

[tentoesup]

Gun ownership rights, good to be able to own a gun if you want one

Apart from this piece of inanity, well done and good luck to you and your kids. Hopefully their school wont make international news one day.

Marmite, You're better than that, I know you are!

[sabang]

It you think you are welcome in Thailand, you are fooling yourself.

I feel welcome in my locality, and that is what matters to me. Fuk Thailand, the US, Australia, etc- they are just countries, by someones invented definition. I live with people, not flags.

Any foreigner can be a victim in Thailand simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Unlike, say, anywhere else in the world.

[beazalbob69]

Good luck OP I just left the US a couple of months ago for something different and you just returned for something different. There is probably some famous quote I could post about the color of grass or something but cant remember it right now so again good luck!

I have an honest question for the OP or anyone else for that matter. Why is an education important? Whats wrong with just being a simple farmer? Stupid people will do stupid things regardless of their education. I have met people in Thailand that know so much more about life than many of the supposedly educated people I have known in the US it makes me question the whole education system. If your children express a desire for a better education than that is a different story but just assuming that people need an education just because that was the way you were raised in the west is kind of strange to me.

Being a farmer doesn't mean you are stupid. Ever hear of an Ag degree? As in Texas A&M? Also, some of the smartest people I know don't have formal educations. And, these people I am referring to make a minimum 6-figure income and beyond.

The level of ones education is not indicative of ones intelligence.

Thats actually the point i was trying and failing to make. Thank you for clearing it up.
To add i only have a high school education and i have done better for myself than many college grads that i have known. We are in agreement.

[sabang]

Why is an education important?

It is a little sad that we have become so institutionalised within our culture that we only acquaint education with degrees. I respect the educated, but I admire the self educated. I would rarely if ever dissuade someone from pursuing 'an education' if they have they have the ability and opportunity to do so. Apart from giving one a hitch towards life's easier roads, it also helps you learn how to think individually, which can be a major attribute in later years.

[Camel Toe]

To me education and marriage both can be something you get done, not for yourself but for someone else .. like your folks.

The best part of university is the brain activity. I can't see how spending four-five years mixing with students and professors could hurt you. What's important to me is to be able to communicate well with people of all social levels and education. Without education, self-taught or formal, you'd be missing one tier. Speak correctly when the encounter calls for it, speak street on the street, talk shit to a woman, recite poetry to women, have depth. People will judge you by what you say and how well you say it. Being attractive to people makes life easier.

[BobR]

Good luck to you in Illinois, you made a good decision, this is not a great place to raise a child, and having a wife defeats one of the only remaining reasons to be here (comment intended in a nice way).
Good timing too; the Dollar hit a 16 year low against the Baht today so the prices are only going to get worse.

[zippy]

Well, never lived in Thailand, and my longest time spent there was 3 months, but that 3 months was long enough, I dont think I would enjoy Thailand full time. Certain things there are cheaper than here at home ( Vancouver BC ) rent, beer is about half price compared to here, food if you dont eat alot of western food. Of course bar girls are still a bargain, though gogo girls seem to be getting pretty pricey, close to what you would pay a pro here. I will continue to do what Thailand wants me to do anyways, come there for a month or two holiday, spend my cash and leave. I could never picture retiring in Thailand, as it seems the visa hurdles are just a pain in the ass.

[Camel Toe]

The up-coming revolution and subsequent coups is enough to keep me away from any planning.