Phuket

SAM · #1 18-07-2003, 03:01

Can someone explain to me what it like to live in Thailand? I know about the glamours on the surface but what about the things you'll need to do on the regular basis?

Like:

banking
pay bills
retirement plan
doctor visit
school for falang kids
dentist
auto insurance
health insurance
grocery shopping
contact family oversea
etc...

what do you go if you get arrested for some silly thing? where do you go for help? etc...

I'm sure not everyone spend all of their time at the bars and beaches everyday.

Bobby · #2 18-07-2003, 12:39

Hi,
I'm also preparing my retirement....

Just give a look at the attached zipped pdf file.
Regards,
Bobby

22 days to wait...

Schmeen · #3 18-07-2003, 14:24

Wow

I could be typing for hours

People often think that cos you live here you know everything about everything, not true, I know about the things that affect me

banking..great...easy system, officially require a work permit of some type of retirement visa, I know that it's a work permit if you are on a Non Immig B visa, but then again, married can open joint account. I have accounts in Phuket, Bangkok and in Phuket with my wife. First time I tried to open a BKK account, didn't have my work permit, so I couldn't, despite already having accounts with that bank in Phuket.

bills..wife does all that, UBC, electricity payable at any 7/11...in fact all bills maybe I think.

retirement??....too young for that

doctor visit - Be sure to open the door or you may bump your nose. Go in, tell him whats wrong and he'll give you pills, lots of pills, usually about 6 different ones, each a different size and colour. I usually decline some of them.

school - Phuket has two excellent international schools. Not cheap. Dulwich College and International School.

dentist - I usually go in bangkok. cheap and excellent - no complaints.

auto insurance - get it!!!

health insurance - up to you.

grocery shopping - required only if you are bored of the great restaurants. Wife or maids job.Tesco Lotus, Big C.....just brilliant...and soon to come...Central Plaza...Multiplex cinema!!!

contact family - pick up phone push buttons, cost depends where you live.

Arrested - Why on earth would you want to do that. Wouldn't know, but if it was in Kathu, I'd be just fine!!

bars and beaches - up to you. bring a good book or two as well.

Enjoy.

Nicke · #4 18-07-2003, 16:36

You can pay most bills at post office also these days.

I still pay the old way, that is:

internet, UBC & others: Bangkok Bank
Mobile phone: Telewiz
phone: TOT
international calls (both mobile & normal phone): CAT (Post office)

Many foreigners use Bupa Bluecross health insurance, but I would prefer one from Sweden, Bupa has too many restrictions and clausuls.

Dentist in patong charge 600 baht for each teeth when you have problem, for thais, 500 baht.

If you are into computer books or english books, a bookstore at Big C has a good selection.

I use email for keep in touch with my family, or call my dad to let him call me back, it's a lot cheaper to call to Thailand from Sweden than call Sweden from here.

LOL, Scheem is abosolutely true about the doctor pills, it's funny.
I often try to avoid some of them.

I can also recommend you to get familiar with the system instead of paying a lawyer office or similar for all help, most things is easy to do yourself.

SAM · #5 18-07-2003, 22:59

Thanks, everyone. It makes me feel better about Thailand. I just wanted to be sure there are ways out and helped if one should get sick or in trouble forever reasons.

I had been in Thailand twice in the last two years. I've been wondering to myself if I was to live there how can I take care of myself there. Their laws and standards aren't the same standard here.

With the inputs you guys gave me, it clears up my mind. Thank!

Oh you know what? I wouldn't drive in Thailand. I'm too scare. They're crazy drivers. :-)

You got Thai wife/girlfriend to guide you through the daily living in Thailand at first? That's one thing I don't have yet.

Hobbsy · #6 19-07-2003, 00:19

hehe.

They are poor drivers and i was dead scared when i 1st came here. But you get used to it quickly - just learn that they do NOT look anywhere other than the direction they are going! And that they are going in EVERY direction possible!

As for Law/Police etc my best advice is to Stay out of trouble, dont do anything stupid and keep your head down and your mouth shut. More with other ex-pats than the Thais.

blixten · #7 19-07-2003, 03:42

Hallo bobby

You forget the important thing of all

the boom boom cost...

Blixten