Thailand Expats - And if not Phuket where else in Thailand ???

cotambear · #36 03-07-2008, 03:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo78

i second the recommendation for Krabi. The countryside, coastline and islands are absolutely stunning. Ao Nang, which is the main resort area, is developing fast but still has a long way to go before catching up with Phuket. Krabi Town is still a sleepy provincial town but now has a Tesco Lotus (including Major Cineplex cinema) and there is Big C about to open any time soon. Best of all its only 2 hours from Phuket

The last 4 years I have managed to make phuket for 1-3 months stays. I dont want to pretend I`m an old hand but it has got a lot more intense in every way. I would sort of like a scaled down version of phuket if that were possible - some beach, some bar girls, some amenities, more thai prices, more smile and sanuk.

Does that exist? Krabi sounds ok but the bar scene is only 6 bars? And its full of 20 year old sculpted bodied rock climbers and their groupies?
And me with my gut and wrong side of 40?

Is there a mini phuket out there? Any suggestions?

marc26 · #37 03-07-2008, 04:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotambear

The last 4 years I have managed to make phuket for 1-3 months stays. I dont want to pretend I`m an old hand but it has got a lot more intense in every way. I would sort of like a scaled down version of phuket if that were possible - some beach, some bar girls, some amenities, more thai prices, more smile and sanuk.

Does that exist? Krabi sounds ok but the bar scene is only 6 bars? And its full of 20 year old sculpted bodied rock climbers and their groupies?
And me with my gut and wrong side of 40?

Is there a mini phuket out there? Any suggestions?

maybe you will enjoy Hua Hin
beach is not as nice but good enough and the atmosphere is super relaxed

plenty of beer bars and i saw plenty of cute bg's last month when i was there
the disco in the hilton is fun and there are a couple thai discos as well

nelsonone · #38 03-07-2008, 06:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotambear

Is there a mini phuket out there? Any suggestions?

closest I've found is Jomtien Beach just south of pattaya....beach is not too far off Patong Beach quality (the further out you go the better the beach quality gets.....never gets to the standard of the more secluded Phuket beaches but some good spots on that coast just the same)......and it has a nice laid back feel and a decent bar scene all of its own....if that too slow for you pattaya with its infamous nightlife is a 10bht/20 minute bhtbus ride away

cotambear · #39 04-07-2008, 04:45

Cheers lads

Food for thought.

Dodger · #40 04-07-2008, 07:27

Seem to be describing K***la to me, with the added benefit of Patong still being just down the road for a few nights out??

P.S - please note I have starred out any offending words for the more delicate amongst us.

Lightemup · #41 04-07-2008, 11:22

LOL get over it, Bernie

Denver · #42 04-07-2008, 12:18

Bangkok for me, stayed a while before and apart from not having a beach I enjoyed it there, thank you.

hagler · #43 05-07-2008, 09:33

If you want to think outside of the box then look at some of the bordering countries with cheap flights to Phuket and BKK. In one in particular its' 1 hr flight and you are in the action in Phuket and you get a 10 year retirement visa with a tiny bond, can own 2 properties freehold, import you car tax free and pay no income tax. Oh yeah the medical system is good, standard of living is better than LOS, good expat community with expat females too ( you gotta admit that the lack of expat females in LOS does detract from the place a little if you are going to live there full time). The real estate is good, prices are better than LOS and the international schools are far superior to those in LOS. English is widely spoken and there is a major international airport that is one of the major hubs for the region.

snorter · #44 05-07-2008, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagler

...( you gotta admit that the lack of expat females in LOS does detract from the place a little if you are going to live there full time)..

I always thought of that as one of the added benefits

.....

the wizard · #45 06-07-2008, 06:17

how is Khao Lak ?, since the Tsunami I haven't heard much....but it's suppose
to be a nice spot...not far from here, Pkt.....BB

the wizard · #46 06-07-2008, 06:27

Is that a country that starts with M and ends with A ? 10 year retirement

LivinLOS · #47 06-07-2008, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagler

you gotta admit that the lack of expat females in LOS does detract from the place a little if you are going to live there full time

Cant say it bothered me especially...

But yeah the MMSH program really rolls out the red carpet compared to here !!

Denver · #48 06-07-2008, 07:27

I've a feeling I may give Vietnam another go at some point as well. I enjoyed it over there.

Still lots of holidaying SWF's here if that's what floats your boat!

the wizard · #49 06-07-2008, 08:02

What is MMSH program ???

LivinLOS · #50 06-07-2008, 08:10

Malaysia My Second Home..

In very broad strokes I think its.. Bring 50k USD into Malaysia, you get a 10 year renewable visa, you can own 2 homes outright (and use the initial 50k to purchase ??), you can import one car tax free, they have a one stop immigration system to help you do all these things.

Basically they make it super super easy to go and live there, they make it clear they want you to do so.. Whereas Thailand basically puts hurdles in front of you each step of the way and makes it seem they clearly dont want you.

I hear Brazil offer another system where 50k USD means you get long stay, property ownership, and in a few years full citizenship. I have a contact who lived in S America before who has a high opinion of the northern Atlantic coast there. Must say never done any central or S American traveling but it is definitely on my radar.

hagler · #51 06-07-2008, 16:47

yep Malaysia is good. As LOS says in broad terms you need to put down 75K but after 1 year you can use 50K of that for real estate. The rest stays in bond earning interest for the duration of the visa. Multi-entry renewable 10 year visa for both you and your spouse as well as all children under 18 years.

I paid the higher amount and got it because I am under 50 years of age. I only did it to be able to buy a couple of properties at this stage but later down the track when I retire it will become my base in SEA as I can shift the boat to Langkawi and cruise from there as well as.

Be warned though there is hardly any mongering there and it is going to turn into a very secular Muslim state over the coming years and become even more hardline. There is no way that you should live there and carry on like you do in LOS. But that suits me down to the ground as I dont like to sh*t in the nest I live in and I dont go hard 365 days a year anyway. I would rather have short sharp bursts of depravity and then go back to a routine existence. Sounds weird I know but it works for me.

As for the white female company thing it is not for fornication, god forbid. It is just for the conversation and intellectual companionship and the other things that middle aged women as friends can provide. There are some decent women out there in the world guys who are worth spending time with.

stiffyStiff · #52 16-07-2008, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Malaysia My Second Home..

In very broad strokes I think its.. Bring 50k USD into Malaysia, you get a 10 year renewable visa, you can own 2 homes outright (and use the initial 50k to purchase ??), you can import one car tax free, they have a one stop immigration system to help you do all these things.

Basically they make it super super easy to go and live there, they make it clear they want you to do so.. Whereas Thailand basically puts hurdles in front of you each step of the way and makes it seem they clearly dont want you.

To have an alternative is always good. Malaysia sounds like it. An affordable option.

Is there any possiblity to take my GF legally

with me?
Don´t want to marry again.

rufus123 · #53 20-07-2008, 14:16

Try Vientiane.

stiffyStiff · #54 20-07-2008, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufus123

Try Vientiane.

that is interesting, Rufus123. Less developed country charme, yet close to the Friendship bridge. Can you elaborate a bit further with some concrete details ?

stiffyStiff · #55 20-07-2008, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by hagler

yep Malaysia is good.
Be warned though there is hardly any mongering there and it is going to turn into a very secular Muslim state over the coming years and become even more hardline.

Very very valid, particularly when you want to live with a sexy young unveiled woman in sin, I guess.

Simbo · #56 20-07-2008, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunglek

You could try Nakhorn Ratchasima plenty to do around the city and province, not many expats there, good shopping, hospitals, cinemas, night life is mainly thai with a small mix of expat bars check out KoratFarang.com - Index for more info.

Bearing the number of girls who answer the question 'where u come fam' with Korat its obviousy a target rich environment as well 55555555555555555

Denver · #57 21-07-2008, 02:37

Where's the best place in Thailand to be left alone by the ladies!

Anyone saying Soi Croc vill be shot ya!

snakebite911 · #58 21-07-2008, 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

Where's the best place in Thailand to be left alone by the ladies!

Anyone saying Soi Croc vill be shot ya!

Soi Paradise?

Denver · #59 21-07-2008, 02:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakebite911

Soi Paradise?

You alzo vill be shot!

snakebite911 · #60 21-07-2008, 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

You alzo vill be shot!

Didn't mention the place you didn't want mentioned?

Please don't shoot.

Denver · #61 21-07-2008, 03:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakebite911

Didn't mention the place you didn't want mentioned?

Please don't shoot.

Nema Problema, the 'safety' catch is on.....................I think!!!

snakebite911 · #62 21-07-2008, 03:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denver

Nema Problema, the 'safety' catch is on.....................I think!!!

And you call yourself a professional?

Simbo · #63 21-07-2008, 23:17

Rail link into Laos opens next month. Unfortunately the french haven't paid up for the last 30 klicks into Vientienne yet.

rufus123 · #64 22-07-2008, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiffyStiff

that is interesting, Rufus123. Less developed country charme, yet close to the Friendship bridge. Can you elaborate a bit further with some concrete details ?

The rail link does not function yet and won't till next year. At present its freight only. Next year I believe you will be able to from Vinetiane to Krungthep by train.
Vientiane is a quiet place and the falang restaurants are excellent - much better than anything in Phuket. Liquor is cheaper as well, particularly wine.
We are not far from udon and Nong Khai for shopping, but most items can be purchased here. Cars are expensive - 26kUS for a 2wd Vigo

There is a small bar scene, with plenty of katoeys for Denver and others so inclined. Life is easy here with little stress.

stiffyStiff · #65 31-07-2008, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by rufus123

Vientiane is a quiet place and the falang restaurants are excellent - much better than anything in Phuket. Liquor is cheaper as well, particularly wine.
We are not far from udon and Nong Khai for shopping, but most items can be purchased here. Cars are expensive - 26kUS for a 2wd Vigo

Any chance to "import" my Thai Lady as well and live in Lao on a retirment visa?
Can you add a few words about housing? Can I rent, or buy?