Thaifan

We can only offer our heartfelt sympathy to our Philippino friends. Also if we can contribute to reliable Aid charities like the Red Cross or World Vision, then we are assisting in a small way. I do have a friend who flew from HK to PI to do relief work after Typhoon Ketsana so I hope he is safe from this new one.

Thanks for the advice!!I think I am going to bite the bullet and speak to Immigration. My worry is that I had no problem getting the original Retirement Visa and no worries getting it renewed, but since then I have invested in property here in Thailand to provide me with more income than I was getting in bank interest. So though I have the necessary cash in a bank account for renewal purposes, I don't have the cash (since converted to assets)which helped me apply in the first instance. I therefore worry that while I know I will enjoy the work, it might lead me to difficulties when I need to retire once more.

It is good to point out this!! Most people do do the right thing but it is important to give credit to the original source or we may get closed down!!

Japan is probably No 1 at the moment but Korea isn't far behind I would think. However we mustn't forget the new kids on the block. Tata Motors in India now own a big slice of what used to be the British car industry and China is just beginning to export cars. I have seen some of their 'budget' models and they are a long way from basic. You can buy a 4 door hatchback with power steering, Air-conditioning and electric windows for under $10,000Aud. I was impressed but haven't been brave enough to buy one yet until I know more about reliability though they do provide a 5 year warranty.

Hi Everyone, I am here in Thailand on a Retirement Visa but I have been offered a job. They say they will arrange my Work Permit. I am just worried that having given up my home in Australia to retire here, if I take this job and everything is conducted legally, what happens when I once again wish to retire? Will I be able to once again obtain a Retirement Visa? Will this have to be obtained outside Thailand? Will I have problems no longer having a home country other than Thailand even though I have both a UK Passport and Australian Passport? A lot of questions I know but maybe somebody has some advice to offer? I know I can ask at the Immigration Office but I am always concerned about drawing attention to myself with them. Any Tips, Anyone?

I fully agree with everything that has been said. I've never been interested in kids and find it sickening that there are so many who do get their kicks in this way. I do however prefer young rather than old and that is what makes Thailand such a great place to live because you can find a 30 year old who looks 18. This way you get the 'looks' you like but with the maturity that allows you to hold a decent conversation with them.

I watched a really interesting programme on Australia Network last week which compared the Health systems of UK, Germany, Japan, China and a few others and all were found to be far superior to America.

I still find it difficult to understand that in a country where public nudity is frowned upon that in some Go-Go Bars they actually have f**king shows, where absolutely nothing is left to the imagination.

Very good advice, both of you!! Just one more to add that may seem strange to western people. If you are given a gift it is considered impolite to open it immediately. Take it away with you and then open it. Always remember to smile as has been said and hard though it is when you get frustrated, raising your voice won't help.I have found it hard to get used to never using my feet (except for walking on), I am used to being lazy and will occasionally save bending down and move something aside with my foot, but even when done gently (I understand why kicking would be frowned upon) it is still wrong. I also get told off for wai-ing first, when as an older person I should respond, not lead.

I have to agree with all the other posts!! I love the friendliness of the people, the food, the cost of living, the weather (especially winter), the lifestyles, the shopping and also the Festivals. Nowhere in the World have I had as much fun as during Songkran and Loy Kratong. The students and general good behaviour also make it far better than the West.

Very true!! Looks as though a bit of the blood did extend to the other at one stage because at least they used a condom!!

We are getting additional wind and rain but it will have blown itself out before it passes through Northern Thailand.

Thanks WannaGo you have the general area right but BangSaen is actually a bit further North. Come down the Gulf of Thailand from Bangkok about half way down the bay before it widens out. Chon Buri City is the closest major city shown on the Google Map. Both the other responses of Pattaya and Jomtien are then a bit further south of me.Still a very good idea of yours and good luck with it.

I have a gay friend from Seattle who has retired to Rio. He loves it but has suffered violent robberies twice for the first time in his life!!

Good comments everybody!! I think Rio would be good and trust they could probably clean up their act, I also like the idea of Madrid but agree it is unlikely to be Europe two games running, Tokyo has done it before and did a great job but maybe too close to Beijing so I think Chicago has a very good chance and now Obama is adding his support by attending Copenhagen, this may well tip the balance. I can remember being newly arrived in Sydney when the announcement came of their success in winning the bid and then my pride at actually being involved as a volunteer, so I know the next few days will be a trying time for all contenders until the decision is finally announced.

Good idea WannaGo!! Just to make it tough for you though I was born in the UK have lived in Hong Kong, Athens (Glyfada), Sydney, Bangkok and now Bang Saen!

The grass is always greener on the other side!! We can all look back and regret certain changes but generally the future looks brighter especially for me since i decided to make Thailand my home!!!

Me too. I find it both informative and interesting!! Because there are no 'real' pics it is fun to try to picture the person making posts!!

I also love to visit Hua Hin and fully endorse everything said in this article. Visit Hua Hin and fall in love with it the same as everyone does!!

Yet another case of treating PAD members differently to UDD members. The court should have found him guilty in his absence and put him in jail for 8 years on his return. Then again he probably wouldn't have returned and we would all have been better off without his disruptive influence!!

I really worry that Pattaya is becoming a more dangerous place than Bangkok!! I agree that you are asking for trouble inviting strangers back to your room and the danger of drugs always adds to the risk of trouble. Though I have always felt safe in Thailand I am becoming more wary since I joined this site so thanks for the warnings!! Take care everybody and I know that thing between our legs often seems stronger than what our head tells us, please be mindful that there are dangers out there!!

Nyoen,The Military Junta are trying to protect their grip on power and see her as the biggest threat because she won the last election conducted in Burma. They have been in power for many years and have killed many opponents. I have Burmese friends who were lucky enough to flee to Australia and their families were executed when the Army took control (because they were employed by the Government that they deposed). It is tragic that Syu Ki has been under house arrest for so long and that this recent case has led to them trying to legitimise it's continuance. Unfortunately the Americans are so used to intervening and making a hash of things there is every possibility that the 'crazy American' who invaded her house wasn't acting alone. It is very unfair that she is still under house arrest and likely to remain so because the Junta controls the Court while he is back home in America. Let's hope that the people reject the Junta when Elections are held next year but this is unlikely because it will be rigged and Burmese people live in fear.

Thanks for the useful information. I bought my house jointly with my b/f and trust him so I happily live with him in this house. However when the GFC lowered the Interest rate available from the Bank I decided to invest in buying a Condo in my own name figuring the rental would generate greater income than interest from the Bank. Again I was very lucky getting a good price on a great unit (it had just been completed so I had no worries about them not finishing it)and then managed to rent it to friends on a 3 year lease. I hear of 'horror stories' but have been lucky and feel quite rich compared to my life in Australia!!!

Not quite as many tourists these days partly because of the GFC and a lot to do with the unstable political situation and a Government which wasn't democratically elected!! But still a great place to visit and also to live.

Pattaya also has a Floating Market now!! Some think it's better than the one mentioned by CrazyExpat. I have visited both and like them both. Damnoen Saduak is older and more traditional and you have to take a boat, The new one in Pattaya is new and less traditional and you can walk from shop to shop (stall to Stall) or take a boat.