ballisticus

Heee, heeee. That is hilarious. I never heard that song in my life before being in Lucifer's. I downloaded it too. Kinda sick of it now, but reminds me of little Nut grinding me on the dance floor. She was a "Nut" all right.

Yes. I try to be understanding of youth tastes in urban culture. Since parents and others couldnt grasp my youthful preference for british and american metal either. But the big difference is that those bands were actually made up of musicians that could actually play an instrument with talent, some with great talent. Where is the talent in draping yourself in gold and making up stupid rhymes? Its hard to imagine what the oldies stations will be playing in 40 years. Will the current generation be playing "gangsta paradise" in their retirement home rec. rooms? A strange world we li

I am certain that $40K/yr. does buy a great life in Pattaya today. Its 10 years from now that concerns me. Just look at the changes in BKK over the last 10 years, and the country in general. 10 years is an eternity in an emerging economy. Even if costs stay flat, $40K/yr. will still be needed because you will want to travel. Personally, I cant imagine my entire reason for living is trolling the streets for the next shag, or playing golf every day for the rest of my days. That may be fine for some, but I need a little more variety. As far as the white collar bit, I think it is app

Yes. Life is a series of choices. It is possible to ratchet down in the last 10 years of working as to avoid burnout, not just decide to jump from the plane and bail one day. Thats what I have done. My job was 110% all day, everyday and it was slowly killing me. I was able to make some lateral moves, and now have half the stress and the same income. It can be done if you plan for it. And anyone on this board who is now married to a farang woman, and planning a life in Pattaya had better plan for something else. Because she just aint going to go with the plan (nor would you want her

Yes. Whenever planning something as potentially life-fucking as quitting a career early and moving to sin city, it is prudent to model based on worst-case scenarios. Personally, I think guys moving over there with less than $500K US liquid are crazy. My model is set at earning 4%, an exchange rate of 25, and cost of living doubling in Thailand over the next 10 years. To have BHT 100K/mo. income off the principal, I will need US $1.18 mil earning interest without touching the principal. Why leave the principal off the table? Because I might want/need to return to USA and God knows I wi

It sounds like a long time now, but 5 years will go by fast. An extra $1200/month is something you will miss later. Especially if some unforseen medical issue or otherwise becomes a reality. A boring unfufilling life in the states can be changed with some effort. Who knows, 5 years in Pattaya could get plenty boring too. Impossible? Ask a few vets who know. If I was you, I would stick it out. You can never have enough guaranteed income.

OK. Thanks for the replies. I guess the VT2 is worth a look when I am there. Looking for a minimum of a double room, preferably a 2 bed unit. What are maint. fees per sq.M at that complex?

I am looking at buying a condo in or around Pattaya while there next month. While internet browsing, I see a ton of units for sale in the View Talay complex. What is wrong with that place? What is market price for a newer upper floor 2 bedroom unit in a well managed building? BHT 40-45K/m2? Also, are there any must see projects I need to see while there and any good agents to recommend. Full service only. I want to try and get the whole deal done while in the region (3 weeks). I already have the cash in a US account ready for transfer if the right deal comes along. Thanks in advance

Good site. But I cant help but feel that by promoting the place like that, it will no longer be what you are promoting. I plan to retire somewhere in Thailand in the next 2 years, but only if "prices" are relatively stable. Excess foreign demand for goods and services will do little to keep costs where you state them to be. Better to make a site emphasizing the negatives. Talk about how there is no water half the time, and that the garbage can sit for days or even weeks before it is collected. Anybody want to take up the challenge for an anti-pattaya site? I want it to be cheaper to