Quote Originally Posted by snakeeyes
Personally, I still enjoy living here, and still think Thailand has a lot to offer its tourists and expats, so here’s looking forward to seeing what the future hold for Thailand.
Personally, I don't see what all LOS has to effer tourists and expats in the North these days. Clarification: the most visible 'tourists' in CM are the backpackers so to the detriment of the high-end sector, excepting the Chinese group tours who, frankly, don't appear all that visible. And, yes, this is an expat haven but that sector seems to be drying up considerably compared to a couple of years ago. And where's the longevity (pardon the pun) in catering to retirees on a fixed income with a fixed number of miles left on the odometer?

Quote Originally Posted by sabang
You. I've seen the rent on my villa drop from 65K+ per month, to a 'lucky to get' 45K now- actually I rent it out on Air BnB these days. Expats (of the professional variety) have been leaving in droves over the last decade. Bar owners, hotel operators etc- suffering, probably even worse than myself as a Villa owner (east Pattaya). It's been an awful decade for Thailand, that has seen it reduced from one of the most promising economies in Asean, to probably the least promising..
You have my heartfelt sympathy.

Quote Originally Posted by NZdick1983
*Terry, would you ever buy a gaff in Thailand? not necessarily a house (as that can't be in your name) but a condo (in your name)..
I saw a few condos in CM returning 9.6% PA.
Lordsakes, what does 9.6% PA come out to in USD, AUS or EUR? So you basically lock yourself up in this country since your ROI is relatively worthless in every other currency around the world.

Quote Originally Posted by Fluke
I would be surprised if the local condo market could sustain all these new properties
So true. I live on the ninth floor of a 15 story 20 year old condo bldg and I'd be amazed if more than 5 flats are occupied on my floor.

Quote Originally Posted by terry57
Thailand is simply a place to enjoy but never to be taken seriously.
heh. Yeah, definitely not the place for a safe haven investment.