News Forum - Killing off retirement opportunities in Thailand – OPINION

[Stardust]

On 11/2/2021 at 9:27 PM, Dancbmac said:

OK I get your G. Clooney gig now.  I wasn’t sure of your meaning as he certainly would be able to get the ladies on just his looks, but in the States he can be extremely politically offensive on certain issues to some, so could have two meanings.  I get your opposite analogy of the 60+ old balding beer belly foreigner believing “I love you no S*&%” as long as the ATM is kicking out the baht.  Not just here, but in other countries like here, as I had a few years overseas in the military and seen it before.  

Not offended, just realized it is a tougher crowd here and to watch out what I reply too in the future. It has been a while since I had my chops busted as a boot camp.  I get it that my comment was off topic from the OP.  My sarcastic brain kicked in and was laughing inside when I saw the ATM comment that I lost focus and stupidly made a comment on it.  

I don’t have the movie star looks as George C.  Just average farang with a head full of hair and no beer belly yet.  You are correct that professional women do not usually go near foreigners!  We had a mutual Thai friend that introduced us a couple years back when I was recovering from knee surgery or we probably would have never crossed paths.

But you have to put into your reflection also the economic situation and income situation in Thailand.

[AussieBob]

9 minutes ago, LoongFred said:

Healthcare in general is very good here. My perspective comes from >40 years in healthcare in the US. Sure some doctors/dentists are better in both places,  but overall the quality and services are first rate.

Yes - if you stick to the main cities - not so good in the rural provinces though - except for the dentists.

I hear USA is same as Aust - they have some extremely good world's best hospitals and facilities, but because of the private and government divide, they have a lot of not so good places.    

 

[LoongFred]

2 minutes ago, AussieBob said:

Yes - if you stick to the main cities - not so good in the rural provinces though - except for the dentists.

I hear USA is same as Aust - they have some extremely good world's best hospitals and facilities, but because of the private and government divide, they have a lot of not so good places.    

I'm amazed at the range of specialist available at the provincial hospitals. Medical school students receive a lot of government support throughout their studies  and aren't burdened with massive loan debts when they finish. They are required to work for some time in government hospitals and they can also get support for specialist training. Many continue working at government hospitals. 

Sure some specialized care may be referred to regional hospitals, but this is also the case in the US. 

 

[Stardust]

19 hours ago, LoongFred said:

What you mean is they don't value your presence.  When many only complain and complain, they probably have heard enough. I'm not promilitary government and would prefer another way, but they have had minimal affect on my life, so it's not my place to complain. 

I look at my country,USA, and have more to complain about with failing policies and attempts to up taxes.

Posters like you really doesnt understand the difference between to come to holiday here or working, living in Thailand or have a Thaifamily with children. People sure get annoyed about people who come for holiday here like you and are that ignorant to explain them about life in Thailand or thinking they know it better what is a actually the situation. Not understand these people want a future for their kuds and a better future for Thailand and they live Thailand. Thailand went to sufferings the last years you guys have no knowledge about from sitting in Australia or elswhere in front of your computer and think to know it or know it better. Sure the people are really annoyed and fed up with this selfish posters they think everything in the view only about their holiday in Thailand. It is ok but then start to realize that here are living over 70 million people that are not in holiday in Thailand. Some comments only show that they no knowledge about Thailand and no knowledge about the people who living in Thailand (all Thais and foreigners). The people in Thailand want to solve the problems and cannot ignore it because it is their future and life and to call it complaining to talk about is just b...s..it .And wondering that such ignorance not very welcomed is another thing. It is astouning that many cannot reflect the difference between holidays and to care for a family and children, living here is not the same otherwise they could understand the points about the people in Thailand. They even not realize that the young generation is fighting for their future and that Thailand is not lost and no understanding of the circumstances.

[LoongFred]

6 minutes ago, Stardust said:

Posters like you really doesnt understand the difference between to come to holiday here or working, living in Thailand or have a Thaifamily with children. People sure get annoyed about people who come for holiday here like you and are that ignorant to explain them about life in Thailand or thinking they know it better what is a actually the situation. Not understand these people want a future for their kuds and a better future for Thailand and they live Thailand. Thailand went to sufferings the last years you guys have no knowledge about from sitting in Australia or elswhere in front of your computer and think to know it or know it better. Sure the people are really annoyed and fed up with this selfish posters they think everything in the view only about their holiday in Thailand. It is ok but then start to realize that here are living over 70 million people that are not in holiday in Thailand. Some comments only show that they no knowledge about Thailand and no knowledge about the people who living in Thailand (all Thais and foreigners). The people in Thailand want to solve the problems and cannot ignore it because it is their future and life and to call it complaining to talk about is just b...s..it .And wondering that such ignorance not very welcomed is another thing. It is astouning that many cannot reflect the difference between holidays and to care for a family and children, living here is not the same otherwise they could understand the points about the people in Thailand. They even not realize that the young generation is fighting for their future and that Thailand is not lost and no understanding of the circumstances.

I resent your comment that I don't know and have only been here a short time. I have been here much longer than you and probably understand more. I can read and speak Thai and generally don't watch western media.  I am very attuned to those around me and have frequent conversations with my nieces and nephews who are all bright and successful. 

That said I don't feel that the government has impacted the life of most people here in any significant manner. Sure there is a lot of paperwork and sometimes closures, but I understand why. I wish the government would do more for our farmers, but educational assistance is easy to get and most young people in my village are away at school, improving themselves. Once they graduate jobs are available to those who apply themselves. 

Farmers have it rough and prices are down, but here farming is really not full time because most people have other jobs in addition. 

That being said I long for a democratic government to return. 

[Stardust]

10 minutes ago, LoongFred said:

I resent your comment that I don't know and have only been here a short time. I have been here much longer than you and probably understand more. I can read and speak Thai and generally don't watch western media.  I am very attuned to those around me and have frequent conversations with my nieces and nephews who are all bright and successful. 

That said I don't feel that the government has impacted the life of most people here in any significant manner. Sure there is a lot of paperwork and sometimes closures, but I understand why. I wish the government would do more for our farmers, but educational assistance is easy to get and most young people in my village are away at school, improving themselves. Once they graduate jobs are available to those who apply themselves. 

Farmers have it rough and prices are down, but here farming is really not full time because most people have other jobs in addition. 

That being said I long for a democratic government to return. 

Ok can I agree with that but how you think you live longer than me in Thailand (south east asia) . How long you lived in Thailand? By the way all family members born and raised in Thailand.

[Stardust]

Just now, Stardust said:

Ok can I agree with that but how you think you live longer than me in Thailand (south east asia) . How long you lived in Thailand? By the way all family members born and raised in Thailand.

Oh and I forgot Thai as a native languange. 

[Stardust]

25 minutes ago, LoongFred said:

I resent your comment that I don't know and have only been here a short time. I have been here much longer than you and probably understand more. I can read and speak Thai and generally don't watch western media.  I am very attuned to those around me and have frequent conversations with my nieces and nephews who are all bright and successful. 

That said I don't feel that the government has impacted the life of most people here in any significant manner. Sure there is a lot of paperwork and sometimes closures, but I understand why. I wish the government would do more for our farmers, but educational assistance is easy to get and most young people in my village are away at school, improving themselves. Once they graduate jobs are available to those who apply themselves. 

Farmers have it rough and prices are down, but here farming is really not full time because most people have other jobs in addition. 

That being said I long for a democratic government to return. 

Europeans are different rooted than Australiens.  I give you example of a German family from Bangkok. Their Grand Grandfather came in the early 1900 to Thailand because of trading and opened a trading and shipping company. Til today the family live in Thailand and born in Thailand. Grimm, Haefele etc etc this are all German companies and sure also from other european countries or why do you think there are names like Ital thai. Sure in the 2nd or 3rd generation you sometimes cannot see it because when they are mixed. To realize it you have to come also to europe to understand why you see there so many vietnamese, Lao and Thais or mixed but are the 2nd , 3rd or more generation there. It is another history some will be surprised why in Laos they can speak german and french but often not english. So better not guess about europeans in south east asia it is another story than Australians in south east asia! 

[Stonker]

9 hours ago, Marc26 said:

Most countries do allow Thais to share on an equal basis in their own national health care systems 

If they live in a country permanently or work temporarily, most countries allow Thais to access the exact same health care as their citizens 

The issue is in Thailand, most expats aren't, what most countries would call "landed immigrants"

My wife was eligible to get her "Care Card" in Canada the minute she had her work permit 

Even in the US, with no national health system, if they are working or married they would be eligible for the same exact employer sponsored insurance as any citizen 

Just as in "most countries", foreigners working here ARE "eligible for the same exact employer sponsored insurance as any citizen  ", in EXACTLY the same way - there's NO difference, except that in some countries such as the UK they have to pay a considerable surcharge every year for several years, in advance, whether they use the service or not.

The big issue isn't that "in Thailand, most expats aren't, what most countries would call "landed immigrants" " but that there's a vocal minority of 'entitled' expats who want something for nothing.

[Stonker]

11 hours ago, TukTuk said:

When ever I see comments like this, I have to ask?

What does your wife know about dental equipment to say it is better than the USA?

Did she make a list and compare the brands?

My guess would be that like any normal person @LoongFred's wife didn't "make a list and compare the brands" because she had a working brain cell and didn't need to.

So like any normal person she  thought the "equipment and care was better" because she'd been on the receiving end of both so she was in the perfect position to make a valid comparison.

[Stardust]

4 minutes ago, Stonker said:

Just as in "most countries", foreigners working here ARE "eligible for the same exact employer sponsored insurance as any citizen  ", in EXACTLY the same way - there's NO difference, except that in some countries such as the UK they have to pay a considerable surcharge every year for several years, in advance, whether they use the service or not.

The big issue isn't that "in Thailand, most expats aren't, what most countries would call "landed immigrants" " but that there's a vocal minority of 'entitled' expats who want something for nothing.

It is not true , i don't for the uk but if Thai is married with european she doesnt need a work permitt to work ir have a company . It is complete absurd to write it is the same for sure not the same in Europe for the uk I don't know. And for Thais who work in Europe they are automatically in all social insurances like the locals. To say it is the same in Thailand is an absolut absurd statement. But not come niw with the uk again because you said foreigners so you mean then including europeans, usa , asians etc.

[gummy]

4 hours ago, Stardust said:

Posters like you really doesnt understand the difference between to come to holiday here or working, living in Thailand or have a Thaifamily with children. People sure get annoyed about people who come for holiday here like you and are that ignorant to explain them about life in Thailand or thinking they know it better what is a actually the situation. Not understand these people want a future for their kuds and a better future for Thailand and they live Thailand. Thailand went to sufferings the last years you guys have no knowledge about from sitting in Australia or elswhere in front of your computer and think to know it or know it better. Sure the people are really annoyed and fed up with this selfish posters they think everything in the view only about their holiday in Thailand. It is ok but then start to realize that here are living over 70 million people that are not in holiday in Thailand. Some comments only show that they no knowledge about Thailand and no knowledge about the people who living in Thailand (all Thais and foreigners). The people in Thailand want to solve the problems and cannot ignore it because it is their future and life and to call it complaining to talk about is just b...s..it .And wondering that such ignorance not very welcomed is another thing. It is astouning that many cannot reflect the difference between holidays and to care for a family and children, living here is not the same otherwise they could understand the points about the people in Thailand. They even not realize that the young generation is fighting for their future and that Thailand is not lost and no understanding of the circumstances.

Feeding time is over, save your energies for real people and put him on ignore

[Stonker]

42 minutes ago, Stardust said:

It is complete absurd to write it is the same for sure not the same in Europe for the uk I don't know. And for Thais who work in Europe they are automatically in all social insurances like the locals. To say it is the same in Thailand is an absolut absurd statement.

I never wrote that or made any such statement, absurd or otherwise.

I never even referred to "Europe" at all. 

Your reply, not unusually, has no connection with anything that I or the person you're railing against have written.

Edit: 

and far from being "an absurd statement", for Europeans who work in Thailand "they are automatically in all social insurances like the locals" so that is "the same".

[Stonker]

5 hours ago, LoongFred said:

I'm amazed at the range of specialist available at the provincial hospitals. Medical school students receive a lot of government support throughout their studies  and aren't burdened with massive loan debts when they finish. They are required to work for some time in government hospitals and they can also get support for specialist training. Many continue working at government hospitals. 

Sure some specialized care may be referred to regional hospitals, but this is also the case in the US. 

Very much my experience also, @LoongFred.

I popped into one clinic in Loei city at lunchtime for a blood test (he re-directed me to two shops down, to a clinic that only did blood tests) and he turned out to be a top neurosurgeon, highly qualified in the USA and Australia), who just ran a clinic at lunchtimes between his time at the main provincial  hospital.

Another time I went to a small clinic in a little nearby provincial town 25 kms outside the capital with a minor problem and she turned out, quite fortuitously, to be a top urologist, qualified in the UK, married to another specialist who she ran the clinic with after hours at the hospital, and friends with the neurosurgeon.

After ten minutes of checks and full explanations I went to pay the bill, only to be told by the cashier / receptionist that there was no charge as she only charged for medication, which the doctor had told me I didn't need as the problem would clear itself up in a week, which it did.

In the UK I'd probably still be waiting for an appointment!

[gummy]

4 minutes ago, Stonker said:

Very much my experience also, @LoongFred.

I popped into one clinic in Loei city at lunchtime for a blood test (he re-directed me to two shops down, to a clinic that only did blood tests) and he turned out to be a top neurosurgeon, highly qualified in the USA and Australia), who just ran a clinic at lunchtimes between his time at the main provincial  hospital.

Another time I went to a small clinic in a little nearby provincial town 25 kms outside the capital with a minor problem and she turned out, quite fortuitously, to be a top urologist, qualified in the UK, married to another specialist who she ran the clinic with after hours at the hospital, and friends with the neurosurgeon.

After ten minutes of checks and full explanations I went to pay the bill, only to be told by the cashier / receptionist that there was no charge as she only charged for medication, which the doctor had told me I didn't need as the problem would clear itself up in a week, which it did.

In the UK I'd probably still be waiting for an appointment!

Either that or you would by now by a guest speaker on that famous TV program "Tell Us Another One"  

[Stonker]

9 hours ago, Soidog said:

No one likes to admit they have made a miscalculation in life and that’s why people criticise their own country and talk up a developing country like Thailand. I just don’t know why they can’t be honest and tell it how it is. 
 

The only things Thailand is good for better than most European or most parts of the US are (in no particular order)

You can find a woman with looks and age that you wouldn’t stand a chance with back home   

Some things are cheaper but not better value

Its warmer but overall the weather is not better

You can booze and party late if that’s your thing. Great for a holiday but not the way to live long term

You can park more easily

Food is different but no better

People are friendlier, at least superficially

What an extraordinary view, that everyone else must have the same failings and same wants as you, and that because others have an open mind without your jingoism they can't "be honest and tell it how it is" unless they agree with you!

Why is it so hard to accept that not everyone's the same, and while no country's perfect some just prefer one to another?

That doesn't mean that everyone not agreeing with you has "made a miscalculation", just that their calculations are based on different wants and needs to yours.

9 hours ago, Soidog said:

... turn his back on a country most Thais would give their right arm to be citizens of.

You seem to have only met a very narrow section of Thais whilst on your holidays and visits here.

While some Thais would love to live in Farangland - but often only as long as they 'd have the same sort of money there that farangs have here - many would no sooner leave their own country to live abroad than farangs would leave theirs, for just the same reasons.

When a lot of @AussieBob's friends left Thailand because of various changes, many apparently left wives / family / girlfriends behind. I doubt all his friends just dumped them for a newer model back home, and many probably just didn't want to leave.

The idea that "most Thais would give their right arms to be citizens" of Farangland has to be the most uninformed and blinkered comment I've ever read here, and there's some stiff competition.

[gummy]

5 minutes ago, Stonker said:

and there's some stiff competition.

You mean Ladyboys now right ?

[LoongFred]

1 hour ago, gummy said:

Either that or you would by now by a guest speaker on that famous TV program "Tell Us Another One"  

???

[Roslingin]

I am 75 yrs old on April 4 2022 , My Wife is Thai and has 2 children , Mother , and 3 brothers and a sister , all living in Thailand , I have costed out Insurance which is outrageous , I also will have to return to my own country every 5.5 months to be able to continue to collect my NZ Pension , But   in NZ the Govt have imposed very strick entry and require a Quarantine period of which there is an enormous waiting list . Before Covid Thailand was a place that i would be happy to live in , now questonable .

[Stevejm]

2 hours ago, Roslingin said:

I am 75 yrs old on April 4 2022 , My Wife is Thai and has 2 children , Mother , and 3 brothers and a sister , all living in Thailand , I have costed out Insurance which is outrageous , I also will have to return to my own country every 5.5 months to be able to continue to collect my NZ Pension , But   in NZ the Govt have imposed very strick entry and require a Quarantine period of which there is an enormous waiting list . Before Covid Thailand was a place that i would be happy to live in , now questonable .

Covid has really made a mess of the world in many ways for many people 

[Soidog]

16 minutes ago, Stevejm said:

Covid has really made a mess of the world in many ways for many people 

Don’t forget to say thank you to China for that

[Stevejm]

6 minutes ago, Soidog said:

Don’t forget to say thank you to China for that

 

6 minutes ago, Soidog said:

Don’t forget to say thank you to China for that

Based on what? the anti maskers and anti vaxxers who helped spread it deserve a mention 

[Soidog]

6 minutes ago, Stevejm said:

Based on what? the anti maskers and anti vaxxers who helped spread it deserve a mention 

Based on the fact it originated in China and they denied it’s existence until they had no choice, by which time it had already got out of Wuhan many times over. 
 

But yes, happy to roll a few credits for the nutters who won’t wear a mask and the anti-Vaxers, thought they came along a year after the pandemic started to be fair. So we should put them down as also starred!  

[Dancbmac]

On 11/4/2021 at 9:16 AM, Stardust said:

But you have to put into your reflection also the economic situation and income situation in Thailand.

Not sure what you meant exactly?  Prior to the current pandemic or now?  I am aware that the economic and income situation in Thailand is less than most western economies.  I see it everyday living here and the situation has increased since this pandemic started.  Many of my Thai friends and local folks I don’t personally know have lost their jobs & income all around the country.  

[longwood50]

As I have read the news very little is lost by the hospitals for unpaid medical bills.  I know this if retirees at normal retirement age look at Thailand and they say in a few years I won't be able to obtain insurance, they will eliminate Thailand as a retirement choice. 

Also those already living here whether rentals, or ownership of a condo/home will have to leave that property.  That will further depress the rental market and with more properties for sale depress the condo/home market even more. 

Personally, I don't see how this can be a problem When I go to a hospital they require both insurance and/or payment up front.  If I don't pay, I don't get service.  

Edited November 8, 2021 by longwood50