Returning to LOS, A New Perspective

[liveinlos]

After 10+ straight years living in Thailand, I moved back to the USA approximately 9 months ago. I have just returned to Thailand for 2 weeks.

What I observed is that it seems the traffic has gotten way out of control, at an all time worst. Even in the suburbs of Bangkok (1 + hour out) like in Rangsit on 305 towards Nakhon Nayok, the traffic is nasty bumper to bumper.

Coming back from Koh Chang, on Highway 7 by Suvarnabhumi Airport, the traffic was 9 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic before venturing down into 4 lanes of even worse traffic.

Leaving at 3:00 AM to head to Koh Chang, the drive to the Ferry was less than 4.5 hours from my house in Thailand. The same return drive with traffic was almost 9 hours.

Koh Chang by the way is over-run with Russians, Russian signs and everyone catering to the Russians. If not for the beach, it would just be another Thai shit hole of 10,000 of the same types of businesses fighting for 1 customer each.

Forget the snorkeling, all areas around the 5 islands surrounding Koh Chang, the coral is completely dead and black, gray. Like looking at a bunch of old construction rocks with no color or fish.

In my local area, small businesses and shanty houses have sprung up anywhere there is a free piece of unused land along the Klongs (canals).

This has caused a glutton of businesses to be fighting for the same miniscule pool of actual paying customers.

Costs of almost everything have risen. In the local market at the temple near my house, 500 vendors sell clothes now and only about 20 selling food.

I did try Avis (USA) rent a car from Don Muang. All went smoothly, just the same as in the USA. Rented a Toyota Altis will unlimited mileage and free insurance on my Avis USA membership. Drove to Koh Chang and other areas, returned the car with no issues.

I can tell you the USA is no picnic either with sky high taxes, Obamacare insurance bankrupting most middle class Americans.

I miss the simplicity of Thai life, getting out and away into the rural area where things are quite peaceful and normal. However, the cost is eventually rising to the point where a western type salary is required to have a normal standard of living to include a home, car, tuition for kids, insurance etc.

In a way it is sad to see how Thailand is over building and self-destruction itself into never ending traffic jams and rising costs. But that is to be expected as each and every Thai is hell-bent to own a car and do their own thing.

Not sure how often I will visit as there are so many other places around the world that offer a world class vacation without all the baggage.

Thailand is what it is, we can only hope the Thai people don't run the entire country completely into the ground

[nigelandjan]

Glad you mentioned about costs in the USA same in the UK, , here is still a he'll of a lot cheaper.

I've only been coming here about 8 years but haven't really noticed that much change.

I still love the freedom I haven't got in the UK and everyday I seem to have a bloody good laugh, at something or some situation,,, the whole set ups just crazy to me, but that's just me

[beerlaodrinker]

Wow, great to here it from your perspective livinlos, I guess Thailand has changed un alter ably for a lot of us, just gotta go with the flow I guess, adapt, damn shame really, these days I choose to live in Laos probably because the folk remind me of The Thais I met 25 or so years ago, kinda like being in a time warp, Laos is changing rapidly to, I've got the best of both worlds though because I can always jump in the lote and drive over to issan, I gave up on Thai beach resorts long ago, shame koh Chang is becomoming a Russian ghetto like everywhere else, last time I went was about 3years ago, we drove from Vientiane, didn't notice to many russkies but it was low season .

[Albert Shagnastier]

After 10+ straight years living in Thailand, I moved back to the USA approximately 9 months ago. I have just returned to Thailand for 2 weeks.

What I observed is that it seems the traffic has gotten way out of control, at an all time worst. Even in the suburbs of Bangkok (1 + hour out) like in Rangsit on 305 towards Nakhon Nayok, the traffic is nasty bumper to bumper.

Coming back from Koh Chang, on Highway 7 by Suvarnabhumi Airport, the traffic was 9 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic before venturing down into 4 lanes of even worse traffic.

Leaving at 3:00 AM to head to Koh Chang, the drive to the Ferry was less than 4.5 hours from my house in Thailand. The same return drive with traffic was almost 9 hours.

Koh Chang by the way is over-run with Russians, Russian signs and everyone catering to the Russians. If not for the beach, it would just be another Thai shit hole of 10,000 of the same types of businesses fighting for 1 customer each.

Forget the snorkeling, all areas around the 5 islands surrounding Koh Chang, the coral is completely dead and black, gray. Like looking at a bunch of old construction rocks with no color or fish.

In my local area, small businesses and shanty houses have sprung up anywhere there is a free piece of unused land along the Klongs (canals).

This has caused a glutton of businesses to be fighting for the same miniscule pool of actual paying customers.

Costs of almost everything have risen. In the local market at the temple near my house, 500 vendors sell clothes now and only about 20 selling food.

I did try Avis (USA) rent a car from Don Muang. All went smoothly, just the same as in the USA. Rented a Toyota Altis will unlimited mileage and free insurance on my Avis USA membership. Drove to Koh Chang and other areas, returned the car with no issues.

I can tell you the USA is no picnic either with sky high taxes, Obamacare insurance bankrupting most middle class Americans.

I miss the simplicity of Thai life, getting out and away into the rural area where things are quite peaceful and normal. However, the cost is eventually rising to the point where a western type salary is required to have a normal standard of living to include a home, car, tuition for kids, insurance etc.

In a way it is sad to see how Thailand is over building and self-destruction itself into never ending traffic jams and rising costs. But that is to be expected as each and every Thai is hell-bent to own a car and do their own thing.

Not sure how often I will visit as there are so many other places around the world that offer a world class vacation without all the baggage.

Thailand is what it is, we can only hope the Thai people don't run the entire country completely into the ground

Don't let the door smack you on your way out.

This country pisses on your country - never a colony see

[Bower]

After my recent visit it Koh Chang I agree there were quite a few Russians there but what's the problem ? They seemed as well behaved as anyone there, just a bunch of mainly families having a good time.
I really liked the place.
As for the Thais selling clothes instead of food, what's wrong with them adapting to what's best for them ? Good luck to them I say.
The locals that I dealt with were as pleasant as in any tourist resort in the world I have been to.

[rickschoppers]

Having spent 10 months in the US, it will be interesting to see how much has changed around Udon when I arrive next week. I do not believe it will have changed all that much since I left. There were already a lot more cars on the road than when I first came in 2006 and more foreigners as well. I am sure it has changed a bit, but not so much that is will be totally different.

I think the beach resorts have changed the most (see the other thread on how Pattaya has changed) since they have been heavily advertised in the west and China, as well as Russia. There were no Russians in Thailand until the country eased its travel restrictions. Now there are plenty along the water and I have not feelings about that either way since I left Samui awhile back.

For me, things will not have changed that much in the village and I will be insulated from all the craziness that comes along with extreme change.

[Latindancer]

we can only hope the Thai people don't run the entire country completely into the ground

Human nature being what it is, the place will be like India in a few years.

[rickschoppers]

^
It will never be like India, who are you trying to BS?

[kingwilly]

That's latin prancer for you, full of

[Boon Mee]

^
It will never be like India, who are you trying to BS?

Got that right...

[liveinlos]

For anyone that has or currently lives in Isaan or the rural areas of Thailand and Laos, those are probably the only areas I would expect to remain half way normal although the want of money is still there.

I can still understand living in Thailand in a rural area, which to me, seems to have the friendliest Thai people and easier to get accepted and get along.

I don't have any problem with Russians, it just seems the numbers are out of proportion with the rest of the tourists. The resort I stayed at in Koh Chang, had a nice cute blond Russian on staff, so it is obvious they are catering to Russians more than anyone else.

I have a month to work in Taipei, so there is another adventure to explore but from what I have seen so far, not much going on here.

[FloridaBorn]

Glad you mentioned about costs in the USA same in the UK, , here is still a he'll of a lot cheaper.

I've only been coming here about 8 years but haven't really noticed that much change.

I still love the freedom I haven't got in the UK and everyday I seem to have a bloody good laugh, at something or some situation,,, the whole set ups just crazy to me, but that's just me

Nonsense, most important and high dollar items are much cheaper with far better choices and quality back here in the states, relative to where you live of course.. Some freedoms are certainly curtailed here as well but then again if you need the police or paramedics they'll actually show up quickly and DO something when they get there..

[rickschoppers]

^
I have to disagree with you on the money thing. Overall Thailand is way cheaper than the US. What do you think you are buying in the States right now? Most everything is made in China. Where does Thailand get most of their items, dah?

Services such as the police and fire departments have also suffered in the US due to cutbacks. Try calling 911 and see how long it takes for a response. To compare the US to Thailand is ridiculous when you look at the amount of taxes that are paid in the two countries.

Never try to compare the US to Thailand, or you will lose every time.

[the dogcatcher]

Whores are cheaper... and they swallow.

[FloridaBorn]

^
I have to disagree with you on the money thing. Overall Thailand is way cheaper than the US. What do you think you are buying in the States right now? Most everything is made in China. Where does Thailand get most of their items, dah?

Services such as the police and fire departments have also suffered in the US due to cutbacks. Try calling 911 and see how long it takes for a response. To compare the US to Thailand is ridiculous when you look at the amount of taxes that are paid in the two countries.

Never try to compare the US to Thailand, or you will lose every time.

You can disagree all you want but you can't deny me my personal experiences having recently lived in both places no matter what.

The only things more expensive here is insurances, houses and medical care but cost is relative to quality, you get what you pay for, a house there the quality of a base house here and it's going to cost you the same or more and still not be as well constructed. Food, no way it's cheaper unless you live the Thai experience, and gas forget about it not even close, you're so far off base it's pathetic, the only way is you must be talking about Ca and then YOU can't compare with Thailand but here in Florida there is NOTHING Thailand offers in comparison except maybe cheap, better quality female companionship for the cost IF you're into that sort of thing. Dog Catcher beat me to that one...


It's cleaner, cheaper, endless family things to do, higher quality of living and the weather is immeasurably better, not to mention with a family, school is free and better quality and Thailand can't come close to comparing with that.

[FloridaBorn]

Whores are cheaper... and they swallow.

Yep, no argument on that point. Not just cheaper but enticing, the crack hoes here I wouldn't do with someone else's ............. They're just nauseating.. no appeal what-so-ever.

[rickschoppers]

^
I have to disagree with you on the money thing. Overall Thailand is way cheaper than the US. What do you think you are buying in the States right now? Most everything is made in China. Where does Thailand get most of their items, dah?

Services such as the police and fire departments have also suffered in the US due to cutbacks. Try calling 911 and see how long it takes for a response. To compare the US to Thailand is ridiculous when you look at the amount of taxes that are paid in the two countries.

Never try to compare the US to Thailand, or you will lose every time.

You can disagree all you want but you can't deny me my personal experiences having recently lived in both places no matter what.

The only things more expensive here is insurances, houses and medical care but cost is relative to quality, you get what you pay for, a house there the quality of a base house here and it's going to cost you the same or more and still not be as well constructed. Food, no way it's cheaper unless you live the Thai experience, and gas forget about it not even close, you're so far off base it's pathetic, the only way is you must be talking about Ca and then YOU can't compare with Thailand but here in Florida there is NOTHING Thailand offers in comparison except maybe cheap, better quality female companionship for the cost IF you're into that sort of thing. Dog Catcher beat me to that one...


It's cleaner, cheaper, endless family things to do, higher quality of living and the weather is immeasurably better, not to mention with a family, school is free and better quality and Thailand can't come close to comparing with that.

I guess you just don't get it do you? There is no way it is cheaper to live, even in Florida, than in Thailand. You must have been living in Pattaya or Phuket and going out every night. I would have to work hard to spend the same in one night in Thailand that I would spend in the States. How much are drinks? How much is a Hamburger and a Coke? How much is eating out in a good restaurant? How much is a hotel room, even Motel 6? I could go on and on and not even touch on the cost of electric, water, trash collection, etc.

Come on FloridaBorn, you are blowing smoke here, or are you just smoking something?

[charleyboy]

There were no Russians in Thailand until the country eased its travel restrictions.

I remember being at U Tapao (sp) airport about 13 years ago and all the signs inside were in Thai and Russian!

[FloridaBorn]

^^I guess you just don't get it do you? I did the math before coming home and it is entirely cheaper if you know how to do basic math, Oh wait! I guess that's your problem? The basic math that is..

JFYI I lived in Bangkok and stayed home with my family every night.. There is NO WAY it is cheaper to live in Thailand and have any quality of life, especially when income levels are factored in..

Do the math, with 2 school aged children on even a lower tier International school and go from there, gas there is over 5.50 per gallon where here it is only 3.25 and has been as low recently as 3.04 and that's just one example but a large one considering it's a consumable, price of cars and quality of package is not even in the same league with here, that's a huge savings on the cost of a long term purchase..

BTW If you're not in Florida like I am you know squat and I only left Thailand a year ago so it's certain it hasn't dropped to the levels it was when I went over in 2003, the cost of living there has climbed steadily since then.. Dollar value versus baht, when I went over it was 44 to the dollar now it's around low thirties where it's been some years now.

Drinks? Try getting a free refill back there? Go to Hot Pot Buffet and drop $1200baht for family of 4, more expensive then a buffet here by at least 10 bucks. If you go to a regular restaurant the price of a meal is more in some cases but one meal will easily feed 2 people most times because of the portion size, especially if they're children, if not, you're taking home left overs for another meal..

[Boon Mee]

There were no Russians in Thailand until the country eased its travel restrictions.

I remember being at U Tapao (sp) airport about 13 years ago and all the signs inside were in Thai and Russian!

They still are and more & more signs in Cyrillic around Pattaya & Jomtien now too. Want a nice bowl of Borscht Soup do you?

[terry57]

The main issue's for expats are providing schooling for there children.

I you don't want to send them to Thai School the fee's are frightening.

Some of the guys I know that send there kids to Private school here are spending most of there money doing such.

Its madness really.

Concerning value for dollar, I can tell you hands down that Thailand is a shit load cheaper in all aspects than my home town in Australia.

No comparison what so ever.

I'm not a Septic but always thought costs there where on comparison with Australia.

[FloridaBorn]

The main issue's for expats are providing schooling for there children.

I you don't want to send them to Thai School the fee's are frightening.

Some of the guys I know that send there kids to Private school here are spending most of there money doing such.

Its madness really.

Concerning value for dollar, I can tell you hands down that Thailand is a shit load cheaper in all aspects than my home town in Australia.

No comparison what so ever.

I'm not a Septic but always thought costs there where on comparison with Australia.

Not lately Terry, your dollar trumps ours these days plus our growth has been stifled for years now.. You've had strong growth and with that sometimes comes inflation so just dollar value is not necessarily relative..

[terry57]

^

Mate I hate to let you in on a little secret but the arse has fallen out of the Australian dollar over the last 4 months.

Its actually falling steadily against the $US and is hovering around 90 cents AUD to 1 $US and is expected to go Lower.

The same place I rent here for $90 per week is $ 400 in Perth and don't get me started on Medical, food, transport and all the other stuff.

This is Perth I'm talking about, I don't know about you're home town as I don't live there.

But seriously mate for me Thailand price wise is a joke compared to Perth and I'm living in Bangkok.

For $ 1 US its around $1.10. AUD

4 months ago it was the other way round and the AUD was king, not any more though.

A taxi ride which I pay $70 for back home is $ 8 here.

[rickschoppers]

^^I guess you just don't get it do you? I did the math before coming home and it is entirely cheaper if you know how to do basic math, Oh wait! I guess that's your problem? The basic math that is..

JFYI I lived in Bangkok and stayed home with my family every night.. There is NO WAY it is cheaper to live in Thailand and have any quality of life, especially when income levels are factored in..

Do the math, with 2 school aged children on even a lower tier International school and go from there, gas there is over 5.50 per gallon where here it is only 3.25 and has been as low recently as 3.04 and that's just one example but a large one considering it's a consumable, price of cars and quality of package is not even in the same league with here, that's a huge savings on the cost of a long term purchase..

BTW If you're not in Florida like I am you know squat and I only left Thailand a year ago so it's certain it hasn't dropped to the levels it was when I went over in 2003, the cost of living there has climbed steadily since then.. Dollar value versus baht, when I went over it was 44 to the dollar now it's around low thirties where it's been some years now.

Drinks? Try getting a free refill back there? Go to Hot Pot Buffet and drop $1200baht for family of 4, more expensive then a buffet here by at least 10 bucks. If you go to a regular restaurant the price of a meal is more in some cases but one meal will easily feed 2 people most times because of the portion size, especially if they're children, if not, you're taking home left overs for another meal..

Your are without question, totally wrong. I have done the math, or I wouldn't be living in Thailand you moron. I collect SS and live a very comfortable life. Could I be doing that in the US? Fek no, not even in swampy Florida. I would be able to barely afford a flea bitten studio apartment eating dog food.

It is unfortunate you chose Bangkok to live with its higher cost of living, but that was your choice, not mine. You obviously do not know how to budget with your family or else you would still be in Thailand. Free refill, WTF. How much do you spend for the initial drink? Do the math yourself, but wait, you must have flunked math. Hell yes restaurants are more expensive in the US. Try eating a good meal for 60 baht.

You have no clue what the real Thailand is like which is why you had to leave and go back to the land of Obamacare.

[terry57]

Actually, I'll tell you how stupid it is where I come from.

A few months ago I contacted the local Caravan park to inquire as to the price of a powered site. You know the sort where you drive in, park in the dirt and plug a power lead into a socket.

The lady came back with $ 47.

I mean, fuk me EH. $ 47 bucks to park ones van for the night. ?????

$ 47 in Bangkok buys me a nice friggin room and usually with breakfast.

Fuel runs at $ 1.40 a litre in the city, head up North and you'll pay $ 2 a litre.

I sort of made a decision that day that they can bash the real world fairly up there arse.

Just my opinion though.