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  1. #126
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    Serious question - if a guy went to Thailand how much capital would he need to regard himself as being content for life ?

    Yes, the more money the better, it would be good to have millions of pounds but most will never have that amount. So, at what level do things begin to look good ?

    In order to narrow down the options, consider the above questions as they relate to a man who is

    (i) in his mid sixties,

    (ii) has a pension of about 50,000 baht per month,

    (iii) will not hit the booze or spend money on hookers.

  2. #127
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    ^ 200k minimum??

  3. #128
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    i think when you move to pattaya, chances you will need (be able to receive) care (medical) for many years are rather low... so you should be fine to spend your pension...

  4. #129
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    Quote Originally Posted by can123 View Post
    Serious question - if a guy went to Thailand how much capital would he need to regard himself as being content for life ?

    Yes, the more money the better, it would be good to have millions of pounds but most will never have that amount. So, at what level do things begin to look good ?

    In order to narrow down the options, consider the above questions as they relate to a man who is

    (i) in his mid sixties,

    (ii) has a pension of about 50,000 baht per month,

    (iii) will not hit the booze or spend money on hookers.
    At least a million baht a year I reckon.

  5. #130
    I don't know barbaro's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by can123 View Post
    Serious question - if a guy went to Thailand how much capital would he need to regard himself as being content for life ?

    Yes, the more money the better, it would be good to have millions of pounds but most will never have that amount. So, at what level do things begin to look good ?

    In order to narrow down the options, consider the above questions as they relate to a man who is

    (i) in his mid sixties,

    (ii) has a pension of about 50,000 baht per month,

    (iii) will not hit the booze or spend money on hookers.
    iii) is a bit sad. No booze, no hookers?

    That said, it should save you money.

    I think you one could get by on less than 1 mill Baht per year.

    Hobbies? Cost of these? personal tastes? Living accommodation?

  6. #131
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    Assuming one's accommodation is already sorted then 50,000 per month would be quite adequate for anyone in their 60s who is at peace with themselves.

    Family commitments are a feature but in the end one can always say no if the piece of string does not stretch.

    I would have thought at least £30,000 - £50,000 in savings would be a reasonable buffer for most eventualities but one must keep a weather eye on changing visa regimes. In truth, no one should really contemplate long term retirement in Thailand until they can meet the monthly minimum income requirement which currently stands at 65,000.

    Medical insurance requires pragmatism. Full cover for the ageing is expensive and most would baulk at the demands on the pocket of between £3,000 - £5,000 per annum. I certainly wouldn't bother but common sense dictates a policy covering accidents and the cost of repatriation in extremis would be advisable.

    Death stalks us everywhere but living one's life preparing for it is no more attractive or sensible in Thailand than it would be anywhere else.

  7. #132
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    Quote Originally Posted by can123
    Serious question - if a guy went to Thailand how much capital would he need to regard himself as being content for life ?
    Quote Originally Posted by Aberlour
    ^ 200k minimum??
    People have had a lot more and ended up with nothing - Thai scams, wife sticking you in a shed in the garden, horror stories. You are always at risk here...

    Quote Originally Posted by can123
    In order to narrow down the options, consider the above questions as they relate to a man who is
    (i) in his mid sixties,
    (ii) has a pension of about 50,000 baht per month,
    (iii) will not hit the booze or spend money on hookers.
    Health insurance would be the number 1 concern - how much is good quality health insurance?

    Where would he wanna live? Chiang Mai is nice... I've seen really nice houses their for 4 million or rent for 35,000 per month; obviously can be very much cheaper - what kinda abode deos this chap want?

    It's not expensive to live, 50,000 per month is fine.

    Thus, if you have your accom sorted, and you have medical insurance, then you don't need much other money - maybe a car if he wants to get around...
    Cycling should be banned!!!

  8. #133
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    I work for a travel company in Vientiane, I don't earn a lot but in all honesty it's about the perfect amount for a comfortable living here.

    I've only been here for six months but so far so good! I started a thread before I moved and most of the advice was not to do it but I did anyway and am glad I did, I am only 25 so in much the same situation as yourself.

    I would of course finish your degree first and then go for it! It's best just to turn up and look when you get here, in all honesty I don't know if I was just lucky but I found the job quite fast.

    I would probably say you would be better off going to Lao than Thailand because as far as I am aware it is much easier to live and work here as a foreigner. When you find a job your employer will process the paperwork for a work visa which lasts a year at a time, you can also enter and exit as often as you like and you don't have to report to immigration etc...

  9. #134
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bettyboo View Post

    It's not expensive to live, 50,000 per month is fine.
    Jeez, really? 50,000 Baht is about 1000 pounds or 1500 USD, right? I couldn't even come close to running this place on $1500 monthly. About four times that works. Granted, I have kids, private schools, tutors, orthodontists, household staff of four or thereabouts, couple of cars, couple of bikes, but still....$1500 a month. And, I own the houses, cars, bikes, etc outright. That doesn't seem like money to live on....maybe to exist, but who wants a one room walk-up and 7/11 noodles every day. All of these never-ending "how much can I live on" threads that pop up like mushrooms after a rain seem to me to get really low-ball answers.

  10. #135
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    ^ Of course you are right DK but only to a point.

    If someone has the chance to retire 10 years earlier than he other wise would have done, and has lots of cheap inexpensive hobbies such as walking, running, photography, swimming, mountain biking, fishing etc etc, then who could say somebody's misguided to give themselves an extra 10 years of freedom, to do with all the things they just didn't get time for back in the Western rat race.

    We're a long time dead. People should never underestimate the value of time. 20 years of freedom living with a bit of money is far more appealing than 10 years with a bit more, for a lot of people.


    My favourite part of the Stevenson's essay "An apology for Idlers"

    Idleness so called, which does not consist in doing nothing, but in doing a great deal not recognised in the dogmatic formularies of the ruling class, has as good a right to state its position as industry itself. It is admitted that the presence of people who refuse to enter in the great handicap race for sixpenny pieces, is at once an insult and a disenchantment for those who do.

  11. #136
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    Quote Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton View Post
    household staff of four or thereabouts,
    Really roughing it there DK. No understairs butlers assistant?

    Shocking.


    But seriously, its kind of one of those how long is a piece of string questions. depends on your comfort level.

  12. #137
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    ^^I hear ya. But, I retired at 51. One thing the USG does fairly well is pensions, and family health care packages which are included. I never gave my pension package a thought until I was within a year or so of retirement - which is when my twins were born and money started to become more important to me than it had been previously. My pension would give me a barly adequate life in the US (by my standards), but is quite good here. My point was more that the posters who are always lowballing cost of living to newbies aren't doing them any favors. Living reasonably comfortably will turn out to be little cheaper in Asia than in the countries they are fleeing.

  13. #138
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    Indeed Davis, but the thread seems to be focused on an estimate for a retiree in their 60s living alone and not for someone with the impedimenta associated with a burgeoning family incapable of functioning without domestic staff.

    Speaking for myself, I could live quite happily in my beach idyll replete with grounds, free form pool and security on an income of 65,000 per month. After many years practice I seem to be able to look after myself quite well now but one's wife certainly is a boon when it comes to those domestic chores. Apart from jaunts round about, one's expenses are quite modest and there are just so many times one feels the need to dine out in style. Apart from electricity, broadband, cable TV and maintenance charges, expenditure here in Thailand resolves to food, eating out well albeit modestly and a few rounds of drinks at sundown before dining, with or without friends and acquaintances.

    Being able to take one's pleasures easily in Thailand as an old duffer is really why we're here.

    P.S. What is it about septics and their preoccupation with dentistry? They can be fat as hell, thick as a telephone book and as ignorant as a pygmy Amazon dweller born under a bush but as long as they have nice teeth everything is hunky dory.
    Last edited by Seekingasylum; 02-09-2013 at 06:50 PM.

  14. #139
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    Quote Originally Posted by nidhogg View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton View Post
    household staff of four or thereabouts,
    Really roughing it there DK. No understairs butlers assistant?
    Not sure; will have one of the maids take a peek under the stairs later.

  15. #140
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    Quote Originally Posted by thegent View Post
    Indeed Davis, but the thread seems to be focused on an estimate for a retiree in their 60s living alone and not for someone with the impedimenta associated with a burgeoning family incapable of functioning without domestic staff.

    Speaking for myself, I could live quite happily in my beach idyll replete with grounds, free form pool and security on an income of 65,000 per month. After many years practice I seem to be able to look after myself quite well now but one's wife certainly is a boon when it comes to those domestic chores. Apart from jaunts round about, one's expenses are quite modest and there are just so many times one feels the need to dine out in style. Apart from electricity, broadband, cable TV and maintenance charges, expenditure here in Thailand resolves to food, eating out well albeit modestly and a few rounds of drinks at sundown before dining, with or without friends and acquaintances.

    Being able to take one's pleasures easily in Thailand as an old duffer is really why we're here.
    As an old duffer retiree, I occasionally fanticize about an unencumbered life as a 60+ retiree in the Philippines. But then the twins get home from school, the wife gets home from wherever, and the bubble pops as reality once again rears its head. Life is good, but one still enjoys a lazy afternoon's dream.

  16. #141
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    Quote Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Bettyboo View Post

    It's not expensive to live, 50,000 per month is fine.
    Jeez, really? 50,000 Baht is about 1000 pounds or 1500 USD, right? I couldn't even come close to running this place on $1500 monthly. About four times that works. Granted, I have kids, private schools, tutors, orthodontists, household staff of four or thereabouts, couple of cars, couple of bikes, but still....$1500 a month. And, I own the houses, cars, bikes, etc outright. That doesn't seem like money to live on....maybe to exist, but who wants a one room walk-up and 7/11 noodles every day. All of these never-ending "how much can I live on" threads that pop up like mushrooms after a rain seem to me to get really low-ball answers.
    Think there is a big difference in the costs for retirees and those of us who are raising families, running businesses and building a life, same as any where in the world.

    I live on about 15,000 Baht a month, beer, smokes and a weekend away with the boys now an then.

    Wife and kids need that at least every week, car payments, insurance, fuel, 200 Baht a day just to take the kids to school and go to Tescos. Tyres 25,000 Baht earlier this year, electricity, washing machine broke last week, big Samsung top loader, if they can't fix it, there goes another 10,000 Baht on a new one. It never stops and in many ways it's no cheaper to live here than in the west, except we own the house, no local taxes or water rates.

    You can live cheap as a single man if you don't binge on birds and booze, rented room or small house, your money will go further than in the west. Jim

  17. #142
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    Quote Originally Posted by jamescollister View Post

    I live on about 15,000 Baht a month, beer, smokes and a weekend away with the boys now an then.

    Wife and kids need that at least every week,
    Yup. About my division as well. I think the kid mops up near 60% of my income. School, insurance, extra tuition, trips, transport to school every day, treats, you name it. Don't begrudge a penny, great kid, but that is the difference between those with family, and those without.

  18. #143
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    Quote Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton
    Living reasonably comfortably will turn out to be little cheaper in Asia than in the countries they are fleeing.
    By any reckoning, living in Thailand is bound to be cheaper than living in the UK. I have to pay over 3000 US dollars for the privilege of living in a house which I paid for twenty years ago. No council tax in Thailand and utility bills are much cheaper.


    Quote Originally Posted by jamescollister
    Think there is a big difference in the costs for retirees and those of us who are raising families, running businesses and building a life, same as any where in the world.
    Yes, and this is the most important point.

    I'd like to thank those who have contributed to this thread.

  19. #144
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    Quote Originally Posted by can123 View Post

    By any reckoning, living in Thailand is bound to be cheaper than living in the UK. I have to pay over 3000 US dollars for the privilege of living in a house which I paid for twenty years ago.
    ouch, Bt.260 per day.

  20. #145
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    Quote Originally Posted by can123
    By any reckoning, living in Thailand is bound to be cheaper than living in the UK. I have to pay over 3000 US dollars for the privilege of living in a house which I paid for twenty years ago. No council tax in Thailand and utility bills are much cheaper.
    Every time I try to compare the UK and Thailand it always comes down to the cost of housing (including the aforementioned Council Tax). If you don't have the luxury of owning your own home then you really are spending a lot.

    I rent a 3 bedroomed house in a village. In Thailand (Udon) it's 6,500 baht a month, in North Bedfordshire in the UK it'll be about 40,000 baht a month.

    The price of food and clothing seems pretty similar (I'm talking human food, not Isaan shit), cars are generally more expensive here unless you buy a pickup or a supermini (second hand cars are a joke best avoided) and the costs of fuel is about 50% of the UK.

    And to finish, a pint of Old Speckled Hen can be had for 160 baht in town (190 baht non-happy hour). I saw it for sale at 375 baht in one pub in the UK! Disaster!

  21. #146
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    It would be my intention to buy a house and a new car out of my existing capital. This would be done with a view to security for my wife and to avoid wasting money on rent.

    The council tax is cruel. More so in my town where most of the lazy bastards do not pay it. It may be hard for expats to believe that Isaan could be no worse than the town I live in. I'm lucky to own a nice house on the outskirts and one could say that I am living in the countryside. I venture into town only to buy petrol, go to TESCO and, occasionally, the bank.

    I love drinking and was taught how to drink responsibly by my father. He allowed me totally free access to alcohol when I was a child, believing, rightly, that this would ensure I would never abuse alcohol. In my early twenties I wouldn't dream of drinking less than eight pints of beer every day. As I have aged this has changed dramatically. I still like beer but I am now faced with the prospect of going to a pub which attracts druggies and lunatics. The old days have gone and there is no scope for social drinking here any more. I reckon I have had four pints of beer outside my home in the last three years. Last time I had many pints of beer was when I spent a few days in Prague. I drink every few days at home, normally restrict myself to a bottle of Chang or a large malt whiskey. I used to like wine but have gone off it.

    The boredom of Isaan is unlikely to change me. My life revolves around books, computers, dogs and watching sport on TV. I could possible start fishing again when I moved to Thailand. Certainly, I would want a break in one of the major cities every few weeks. I like Chiang Mai, Nong Khai and, insanely, Bangkok. I wouldn't want to become a recluse.

    I think we'll be fine. Much thought and in depth conversation with my wife and daughter have helped me change my mind. I had intended living in what was my mother in law's house, now my wife's house by transfer. I have decided that I will now buy a property a few hundred miles away. The mother in law can live with us if she wants, but the rest of the family are only welcome as occasional guests. If we need to see them, we willl visit them

  22. #147
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    ^ Good and interesting post mate. For me personally, the "cost" of drinking is just getting too high. "Cost" is in inverted commas because it is not the money, it is the feeling like shite for the net 2 days from a binge. Used to be a glass of water, a couple of paracetamol and I was as right as rain. Now, a "session" leave me the worse for wear for 2 days. Just aint worth it.

    I live maybe 30K outside bangkok. Its there if I need it, but funnily enough, I really don;t seem to need it so much. can't remember my last night in town. A regular trip in to villa and foodland, and back to the burbs. I work, so pretty active on the mental front (I think!).

    For relatives, the closest (missus sister) is a good 20K away, and the parents much further. Works well. The missus can touch base with the rellies when she needs it (and she does sometimes) but far enough away that I am not climbing the walls.

  23. #148
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    Quote Originally Posted by nidhogg View Post
    ^ Good and interesting post mate. For me personally, the "cost" of drinking is just getting too high. "Cost" is in inverted commas because it is not the money, it is the feeling like shite for the net 2 days from a binge. Used to be a glass of water, a couple of paracetamol and I was as right as rain. Now, a "session" leave me the worse for wear for 2 days. Just aint worth it.
    Tell me about it,
    I think that's called getting old, and it sucks.

  24. #149
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    Marmite is comparing apples with pears.

    Renting a decent two bedroom condo anywhere in desirable parts of Bangkok, Pattaya or Hua Hin will cost between 30,000 and 45,000 bt per month. Older but still acceptable gaffs can be found in the region of 26,000 - 28,000 but these tend to get snapped up quickly. Anything less and there'll be a problem somewhere along the line or the area will be quite a ways from the Skytrain etc.

    Outside of London a 2 bedroom flat practically anywhere in the UK will cost in the region of £600 - £800 depending upon perceived superior location and quality of development.

    When the exchange rate hit 45 bt to the £ there was really no difference in cost.

    Living in the boonies is cheap as chips but then, renting a house in any deprived city in the dreadful North of England is the same and can be had for peanuts.

    The UK is disadvantaged by local taxes, on average £1,500 per year per household, VAT ( sales tax ) at a criminal 20%, punitive transport costs, larcenous petrol costs of £7 a gallon, and restaurant/cinema/theatre costs which bear no relation to the average earnings compelling folk to remain at home.

    But of course, good food, wine and decent beer is much cheaper in the UK so that is a compensation and the countryside too.

  25. #150
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    Quote Originally Posted by thegent
    Living in the boonies is cheap as chips but then, renting a house in any deprived city in the dreadful North of England is the same and can be had for peanuts.
    Your comments about the North of England say more about yourself than they do about that part of the country.

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