Thread: Retiring to Thailalnd

Having been to Thailand numerous time, now that I have recently retired, I've decided to relocate to LOS where I can live on my retirement for much less than I can in the U.S. I will probably settle in Ubon Ratchathani, although I'm also considering Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai.
This is my first experience as an expat, so if anyone who has been through this has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Hi Phinik,

Welcome mate and all the best. There are a few posters on here (myself included) who have a connection with Ubon so feel free to ask questions if you like.

Welcome Phinik,
You might want to try a few places out first before
deciding on one permanent location unless of course you already
have ties to Ubon.

^^^^
What he said ......exactly and you won't go wrong.

Rent before buying, good advice. Take your time- there is little to be gained in a hurry in Thailand.
Also good advice- cultivate the fine art of chilling out, or 'mai pen rai'.
Stress out about everything, and you'll just be another harassed farang.
Plenty of them in LOS- but they're only banging their heads against a brick wall.
Stuff up's happen, people are often unreliable but heck- the sun still rises.
You won't change Thailand, but Thailand might just change you.

Welcome Phinik, my advice is before you move out to the countryside is rent a room in one of the nice residential hotels Bangkok for a while and take classes learning Thai, either at the Nisa language school or the Union Language school. Knowing some Thai is important for your independence and freedom to travel.
Bangkok is becoming an increasingly pleasant place to live especially outside of the hectic tourist spots. My favorite it the Rompo because they have a great swimming pool and great food nearby.
There's a JetMag Thai in Bangkok just for Americans. If you are former military you can receive APO/FPO mail there without the usual customs hassles.
Get a car or a bike and take side trips all around the country; north, south, east, west. Visit the islands off Ranong.
Take your time getting to know the folks you associate with, it takes about 3 years to really begin figuring things out here, don't be in any hurry to hook up with any women, keep yourself as baggage free as possible.
I've been living here nearly 9 years now. It's got it's up and downs, but mostly up I reckon. Most of it is about your own attitude.

Originally Posted by phinik

Having been to Thailand numerous time, now that I have recently retired, I've decided to relocate to LOS where I can live on my retirement for much less than I can in the U.S. I will probably settle in Ubon Ratchathani, although I'm also considering Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai.
This is my first experience as an expat, so if anyone who has been through this has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Come to Chiang Mai, you will love it --- Everyone does.

But do not come to Thailand solely for the reason that you can live more cheaply. You should come because, first, you love Asia. Otherwise, you may crash and burn in the long run.

And DO LEARN the language if you come to retire!

And don't hide in a farang enclave, when the real pleasure of being here is living among the great people of Thailand.

Welcome .

Please be aware that depending on your lifestyle Thailand is not as cheap as it is made out to be!

Many things are more expensive here!

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

Welcome Phinik, my advice is before you move out to the countryside is rent a room in one of the nice residential hotels Bangkok for a while and take classes learning Thai, either at the Nisa language school or the Union Language school. Knowing some Thai is important for your independence and freedom to travel.
Bangkok is becoming an increasingly pleasant place to live especially outside of the hectic tourist spots. My favorite it the Rompo because they have a great swimming pool and great food nearby.
There's a JetMag Thai in Bangkok just for Americans. If you are former military you can receive APO/FPO mail there without the usual customs hassles.
Get a car or a bike and take side trips all around the country; north, south, east, west. Visit the islands off Ranong.
Take your time getting to know the folks you associate with, it takes about 3 years to really begin figuring things out here, don't be in any hurry to hook up with any women, keep yourself as baggage free as possible.
I've been living here nearly 9 years now. It's got it's up and downs, but mostly up I reckon. Most of it is about your own attitude.

Very good advice, both for Thailand as well as most Asian countries I think. It really does take at least 3 years before you know which way is up. It helps a lot if you have already spent significant time in other Asian countries. And I have found that living here now is very similar to living for many years in the last Asian country which I now think of as "home".

Again, very good advice and I will now think of you as the Duke of Earl, in case I see you again around here.

My advice would be - don't do it!

If you must then tiptoe in, taking great care; the posters above offer good advice.

Retire?

How cliche'.

Originally Posted by phinik

Having been to Thailand numerous time, now that I have recently retired, I've decided to relocate to LOS where I can live on my retirement for much less than I can in the U.S. I will probably settle in Ubon Ratchathani, although I'm also considering Kanchanaburi and Chiang Mai.
This is my first experience as an expat, so if anyone who has been through this has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

There is some very good advice above; especially about renting and considering your options on whether you will like the country on a permanent basis.

I have been to Kanchanaburi many times, it is a vibrant little town and Inexpensive long-term accommodation is easy to find. I have often thought of moving there permanently as there is plenty to do and it would get me away from the sometime hassles of living in Bangkok - which can be easily accessed by rail or a 150 baht bus ride. It is also a great place for chilling out and having a quiet life.

Another great place to consider is Ayutthaya - another tourist venue which also allows easy access to Bangkok and many other cities.

If one day you will be looking for a Thai lady friend then both these locations could be a good starting point as knowledge of English by the local population is essential to many of the businesses. So it is very easy to strike up conversations that may take you on pleasurable adventures.

I found in Ubon Ratchathani that once out of the city and into the province it is a little behind the times and communication is an issue. I once lived in Rattanaburi (Surin) and travelled frequently to Ubon. I have been in Thailand for some time now and first came here in 1974. I have also lived in Udon Thani, Nong Khai and Nakhon Sawan.

I know very little about Chiang Mai as I have only visited as a tourist, but I am sure there are many forum members who can help you there.

My best advice would be to first visit as many places as possible to find your comfort zone then and look for the ladyfriend (if that is on the agenda) in that area. Ensure your priorities are fulfilled first before the add-ons.

Good luck.

Welcome phinic good advice from all above posts, good luck, Kanchaburi very nice area.
There are many places, go for it.