@Brent ******

Philippines? I'm being put off by all the confusing rules / laws / changes / dependant on immigration mood today jargon.. I was going to commit my life to Thailand in 2026 after a 8 year plan.. last 3 years I've felt unsettled with the decision as you never know what they will surprise you with next ! Also, it's not cheap to live there in terms of LT visa requirements (which are a ball ache in themselves), double tax on assets, housing is going up.. I love Thailand but the country makes me feel unsettled as it rewards the absolute rich (privilege visas etc, those making big investments in Thai companies) but the middle class is left behind now, or striving to meet the requirements just to stay in "the land of smiles"! They want the super rich now and get rid of all the middle ones who have paid into their economy for 20+ years and got them where they are today. I feel greed has taken over.. but they also have a few nationalities abusing the system which we all suffer for.

@Todd ********

ah thank you for clarifying. I meant the requirement of having 11k visible in your bank and not tied up in assets so if two people that's 22k. However, I still think a good deal and flushes out the ones that come to Thailand with no finances and no way to afford living there which would affect the Thai economy and its people.

I guess when they can get 11k GBP per person for a DTV, or 50k+ for a retirement visa or best yet when people pay for elite (privilege).. why would they let us in for FREE days.. they will be pushing for the riches to stay and backpackers will be a thing of the past in Thailand other than your usual 1-4 weeks holiday in the kingdom. Shame really, it forces people to take longer term options before you have even tested the water properly.

Darn.. you forgot the elephant trousers 🤣🤣

Can you not sign up for muay Thai - you might even enjoy going for a different fitness hobby rather than for the sport itself? You will have to attend classes.. or cooking - I absolutely loved cooking classes in Thailand - if your're going to live there be nice to cook their cuisine and learn about their ingredients.. 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Galenus *****

what are you on this group for if people can't ask questions.. it's actually bloody confusing.. so much conflicting information.. what may be available to US may not be clear to UK and pose different rules. The UK is set on telling UK citizens if we don't abide by rules we will be locked up in Thai detention centers / imprisonment etc.. it's constantly scaremongering so we don't have the freedom to be free and travel and see how beautiful another country is.. hell.. people get sh*t for asking q's after researching.. what is the point in you here on this group or this group if you can't ask q's?? Miserable old unhappy gits - sick of it - draining 🙄!!