@True *****

By "retired" I mean 50+

@True *****

But the OP is retired, so his situation is totally different to yours. I think he's seeking feedback from people in a similar situation? As to

@Jeremy *****

's comments, I'm happy that I'm non-judgemental!

@True *****

You appear to be judging others situations on your own personal position. I'm not Thai but I don't own a scooter (and never will to be honest). I live in Bangkok so public transport, taxis, Grab etc suit me fine. If I go out of Bangkok I hire a car. I'm retired so my kids are grown up, and many other expats are in the same situation. You're young, so you have a completely different set of standards. Retirees don't have the same obligations. My children have already been through school and university and are now working. They fend for themselves. Many other retirees are in the same position. They don't need much to live on, because they live a simple life. I bring in 100k each month, but I also use that to fund my airfares as I travel overseas three times a year, and travel extensively within Thailand. I also like to eat out and visit music venues at least three times a week. Not everyone wants that, and I respect that. My needs and wants are different to the next person. And I don't judge.

@True *****

But I see health insurance isn't on your budget, but you're still spending 15,000+ baht per year on doctor's appointments! Many rely (and get quite successful with) GoFundMe appeals when the going gets tough! Not everyone needs a car, motorcycle and a scooter. I live in Bangkok so I don't need any! It doesn't bother me what people "provide to the community". Whatever they do bring in, they spend here. Every baht matters

@True *****

Again it's all about perspective. Not everyone needs what you think they should. Thai people live happy lives on less than that, and some farangs want nothing more than to "live like a Thai". Your reasoning is very subjective.

@True *****

And that's how some people choose to live. And freedom of choice is a wonderful thing.

@Trav *********

Yep! Better off to invest in blackout curtains! They all look the same in the dark!

@Bill ********

I'm with you on that one! I always laugh when retirees head off to Isaan to see out their Golden Years. For me, it's the city, and the closer to great restaurants, expat pubs, live rock music (western, not Thai), and expat communities I am, the happier I am!

@Betty ********

Smart way to work out your own budget. You can pull figures out of the air all day long, but nothing beats historical data. Keeping a monthly record of expenditure over a year certainly shows where adjustments can be made (either plus or minus).

@Eric ******

Thailand is notorious for introducing visas without much thought, believing it's the answer to their economic woes! I have LTR with a passive income (mostly commercial rental properties) of around $150k per month. Do you honestly think I'm going to be bringing that money into Thailand? No chance. That money gets pumped into other investments overseas. I bring in 100k baht per month, which is more than enough for me. Of course I'm still going to live a decent lifestyle. You won't see me at the street stall queuing up for a 50 baht Krapow, and you'll never see me having an orgasm over a toasted sandwich from 7-11 (and yep, there's plenty that do!). I actually believe most expats could probably get a *reasonable* lifestyle on 65-70k per month