cluster

At this stage the thought is quality of care, and most likely to be nearer to my kids & probably grand kids by then. This is of course major crystal ball gazing!

MM thanks for that insight. Another item to add to the checklist, and certainly worth further investigation if my current BUPA health insurance here, to see if it provides any level of cover in Thailand. Thanks Cluster

Thanks Jacko these figures give me a good idea.... interesting my health insurance in Australia is with BUPA... better check my policy, perhaps I already have some cover?

Health insurance is a very good question Jacko. Short answer is no, nothing that I could transfer to Thailand. My health in general is ok, a few kilo's overweight, but a non smoker that's about it. To be honest falling ill, or a heart attack when in LOS (either on holiday or in retirement) is something that is of great concern. I am reliably informed that health services in Thailand are adequate, however I have no idea what health insurance costs in Thailand, and if there is a higher rate for farangs? I do assume at this point that health insurance in Thailand would be cheaper than it is here

Hi Papillion In the first post I mention CPI.... so yes I realise there will be price increases & I have factored them into my calculations. At this stage, albeit a long way out I am budgeting for say 10 years of retirement in LOS, & then return to Australia to kick the bucket.... However I am not so sure any of us can really "plan" the exact date we will shuffle of so to speak. Civil Wars & the like are a concern yes. I am watching with interest to see how this current situation plays out & the impact on ex pats etc. Cheers Cluster

Yes you will have to excuse us Aussies & Kiwis for speaking English!

Some more good points here to consider. Interesting summary from MM re live-in & laundry/power costs vs getting laundry done & more bf's etc. I agree you don't retire, move to LOS to clean the condo, and do laundry... food for thought and interesting discussion. Body Corporate fees are another area I've not considered.... anyone care to offer a standard cost on this.... understand there is likely huge variances. Flights home etc I have factored in & will continue to build a very significant "bank" of frequent flyer miles.

^ haha ZARIS - somehow it does not surprise me (that Sydney is at the top) at all. Even the little old backwater that is Adelaide is up there! As the OP who provided the link said, its not 100% accurate..... but its a damn good tool to have handy. Its into the fav's for me now! Cluster

^ agree Spike.... No plans for live ins, but we all know plans & pattaya don't match at times. I think Gabor is onto a good thing, and while I don't always agree with his posts, I do appreciate his input on this one. Kids, School Uniforms, extended families, are many of the reasons I want to change my lifestyle. Like Jacko's garden issues - been there, done that - not gonna do it again! Cluster PS - thanks for the link VP178!

Thanks for the replies here guys..... so my rough calculations were reasonably close actually. I am currently working on a living expenses plan of 65,000 to 70,000 baht per month....not including condo rental, as I would eventually buy..... which I think is comfortable. Cheers to MM, Gabor, Jacko & Losgrad for your input. My condo plans are in line with what MM has stated - 100sqm, 2BR, 2 BA No Garden plans for me Jacko - been there done that - that's what I want to get away from. Pool yes but that is the facilities problem.... right? - Hadn't considered insurance, but than

Hi Guys I would appreciate any replies on the cost of living - in retirement in Pattaya, Naklua or Jomtien. I have done some research on Condo's etc and can see what I am up for to either rent or buy. But what about things like Electricity, Water, Cable TV, Wifi etc. I know how much food, beer, golf & girl company costs. I guess like thousands of guys I am harboring the "retirement in paradise dream", and while I have a way to go until I achieve the ultimate goal, and no doubt costs will rise, I am trying to figure out a realistic budget. So assuming a standard amou

Qantas - here in Australia has recently announced that frequent flyer points (miles) will be linked to $$ value of fare purchased rather than amount of miles flown.... sign of the times I guess!

May I add a very important category. Best Trip Report.

I stayed at the Baan Chewang Beach Resort in July this year - I think it fits your criteria.....http://www.baanchawengbeachresort.com/ Central to everything in Chewang, close to airport and hotel does airport pick up etc...

I was in Koh Samui earlier this year, but went via Bangkok. Speaking to some other Aussies they had flown in from Phuket direct to Koh Samui.... can't help you with the airline (maybe Bangkok Airways) but someone is servicing the route..... hope that helps.

Dare I say it - the only free pussy in Pattaya!

My Australian Dinners Card is meant to give me access to airport lounges, but I have never bothered to use it. Not sure if there is an extra fee on entry.

Used the BTS extensively in June this year. Dead easy & without doubt quickest, cheapest way to get around BKK.

An amazing racing career - 25 straight wins & captured a nation..... Phar Lap, Makybe Diva, Black Caviar - Australian Sporting Hall of Famers. Will be interesting to see what her progeny sell for at the yearling sales..

Thanks Bibmick This is a quality response! Thinking about Singapore now, perhaps more opportunity & better pay available? Cheers Cluster

I tend to agree with you Jacko, so living & working in LOS is still a dream at this stage. I am making my 3rd trip to LOS later in the year & will attempt to do some "research" while I am there..... If I don't get otherwise distracted - hahaha Cheer Cluster

Thanks for the Link Jacko - a good read. I would say at mid 40's I fall into the old expat rather than new expat category though! Yes there may be commissions as you say. Most jobs listed did not display a salary. Do you have any idea of the average "white collar" wage..... on 15,000THB a month it would seem impossible to maintain any type of lifestyle. Cheers Cluster

Hey guys Been doing a bit of day dreaming lately, including some big picture thoughts! I am in my mid 40's and starting to think about the last half of my life, which is bloody scary! Would like to change things up & considering all the options, including a complete change of lifestyle. Rather than move to LOS and run a bar, I am thinking about staying closer to my skill set of sales/admin etc. Had a quick search on the net and came across jobsforfarangs.com several listings that are interesting, which leads me to a few questions. Has anyone had any experience with

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