Thread: Retiring In Bangkok

Those beer garden days, 25thb Tesco food court and a rumble across the street in the garden

Originally Posted by hallelujah

I lived on Sukhumvit 77 for a year or two.

On Nut BTS nearby.

Far away enough from the madding crowds...but not too far.

Loved it.

Me too. Used to get a songtaew down 77 to my condo. Was a struggle during rainy season though.

Originally Posted by Stumpy

Honestly Thailazer, It will really depend on budget and what conveniences you are looking for. I have lived in PinkLao, Bang Na, Pathum Wan and Pathun Thani. Each had its own upside/downside. I think of the 4, I preferred PinkLao with Pathum Wan a close 2nd.

If you are going to move here light, then I recommend staying at condo's on short term leases. Check the areas out you may like. If not what you want, pack up the suitcases and go.

Pinklao are is pretty good. I live out that way, and hardly if ever go into Bangkok. A few very decent hospitals nearby, Siriraj (although a bit of a madhouse, the treatment is top notch). If you have a bit more brass then the private sub hospital in Siriraj (Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital) is great. Way less stressful and great treatment. Also out that was is Thonburi 2 hospital, also good treatment.

If you must go into Bangkok, then the skytrain is a good option.

^^I lived on Soi 50 Prakanong in '89.

My first stint in bkk.

That whole On Nut shopping complex area was taken up by a roadside car tent with a swamp behind it.

Originally Posted by armstrong

Me too. Used to get a songtaew down 77 to my condo. Was a struggle during rainy season though.

Lumpini Ville or were you further down?

Originally Posted by hallelujah

Lumpini Ville or were you further down?

Quite far down. A Space I think it was called.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

I lived in Sukhumvit Soi 11 and Soi 19. Both were perfect for me at the time. Feck living further out and needing to brave the traffic.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to drive in BKK traffic. It was bad enough in CM.

Originally Posted by thailazer

I can't imagine anyone wanting to drive in BKK traffic. It was bad enough in CM.

We used to live near Harrow (and AO) for the last 4-5 years in Bkk. We would drive down to Big C Saphan Kwai, park, then get the skytrain from near it into and out of the city. The kid loved the skytrain at that age anyway.

Driving back up along Viphawadee between 5-7pm would pretty much take 3 hours to drive 5km. Fok dat shiz.

Presumably the elevated railway is up and running now (I haven't been keeping track (ba ding) of it) which must help an unbelievable amount.

CM traffic is a breeze in comparison, but the red lights stay red for even longer than in Bkk.

Never mind BKK. How's about Pattaya?

Pattaya, Thailand

If you love the beach, Pattaya may be your ideal international destination. The resort town is located two hours southeast of Bangkok and offers no shortage of beaches and beach activities, including windsurfing, water skiing and snorkeling. Thrill seekers will also find plenty to do, with bungee jumping, skydiving and go-karting all easily accessible. Or if you prefer a more laidback activity, there are also plenty of golf resorts in the area.
Housing is very affordable — you can rent a two-bedroom condo just minutes from the beach for around $500, Forbes reported. Food is also more affordable, so expect savings of about 40% compared to what you spend in the U.S.
Getting around is also cheap — there’s no need for cars, and if you use a mix of rideshare services and public transportation, you can expect to spend around $115 per month on transportation. That’s a significant savings from the $913 per month that the average American household spends on transportation.
Forbes estimates that you could cover your basic living expenses in Pattaya for around $1,400 per month.

Sounds excellent! They just need to add a remark about the cerulean blue seas and coastal zephyrs.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

Sounds excellent! They just need to add a remark about the cerulean blue seas and coastal zephyrs.

And Transgenders fighting, robberies, assaults, Indians complaining they got ripped off, balcony jumpers, traffic, polluted beaches, scams etc
The list is long in a shithole tourist location.

And Russian mafia

Originally Posted by thailazer

Bangkok has great medical facilities like Bumrangrad Hospital. Been there a few times and always impressed. Lots to do in the city and one could easily fly off to many places of interest.

If one were to retire in Thailand as a single person, where would you live though to be away from the hustle but still get to Sukhumvit quickly?

Sorry to labour the point but you haven't really given us any pointers from the old fells.

Whoops, wrong thread. Though this was the moobing off a goat picture thread.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

And Russian mafia

And SA.

I'm not sure that Bangkok offers much for a retiree to be honest.

At least Hua Hin has cleaner air, beaches, western amenities and a solid retirement community.

Originally Posted by tomcat

...maybe not for you as a retiree, but for those who haven't given up on living in a vibrant environment and for whom the beaches, 7-11 beer runs and trannie shows represent a slow and boring death, it is the place to be...no offense to those who live in Roi Et...

Fair enough TC. I'm not retired but what do you do all day?

Surely there's only so many expensive mall restaurants you can visit?

Originally Posted by armstrong

I'm not sure that Bangkok offers much for a retiree to be honest.

Actually IMHO it can. I was retired my first time and lived in Pinklao. I quite enjoyed it. There is a lot one can do if they have the motivation. I did a lot of nightlife stuff, met up with westerner and Thai friends. Then if one wants, they catch a quick flight to an island or grab a train down south. It really depends on the individual and their resource availability. The options become endless if one wants.

Bangkok is a good central location for those that desire a big metro area.

Originally Posted by armstrong

I'm not retired but what do you do all day?

...little that would interest you, but I manage to keep busy as my retirement is only from the classroom, not from life...

Originally Posted by tomcat

...little that would interest you, but I manage to keep busy as my retirement is only from the classroom, not from life...

Funtari....like Willy

I lived in Bangkok for a short stint and stayed near Sala Daeng BTS. It was nice to be near Lumpini park and close to Silom and everything else.
There are a lot of articles on the web about retiring in Thailand and prices for things/rents, etc.. if interested, thailazer.