@Graham *****

ha ha ha ..I don't supose I am alone

@Keith ******

you are obviously not familiar with the agent system.....its only in the bank for a matter of seconds just a paper entry bank take a cut to provide validation..no agent actually lends the money for any length of time

@Keith ******

ha ha ha they have been saying that since I came in 1998, in those days I was running a travel company with 50 odd staff all on visa exemption..god those were the days! if so I can use the other methods but working away I get my main income into UK bank, this time I didn't have full amount in my Bangkok bank so i just gave my agent a call and all sorted ...needs .must etc

@Keith ******

yes of course! but it suits me and is simply a cost of living here if you don't keep the money in a Thai bank

@Keith ******

yes I totally understand I have a 3 month and 12 month visa at moment and yes my agent arranged it for me as coming back here after being away working abroad it was the best option for me

@John *********

I think we all.knew what he meant

@Jeremy *******

agree probably a sensible option at least for the first year

@John ********

If I work it's overseas in UK so the retirement visa which i ve had for 10 years since I closed my Bangkok company suits me fine just get a reentry permit and come and go as you please As original poster says PKK is a fine place but is very quiet April till November

@Mary *******

oh I know Mong Lai although must admit I rarely go north of the town yes content here in the jungle although I can go weeks without seeing a farang but house land 5 dogs does keep us busy I am trying to loose last few years expat food and beer weight so walking on beach and around aquarium daily doing 15k ish in steps im off to UK early next year so I know i need to get work done as indian food, fish chips and beer there will take it's toll .. all the best

@Mary *******

I live 15km south of PKK in Wathon area very quiet we own our own house and been there 13 years ,I have been doing 6 months on off work for last few years ,prior to moving here that i was in BKK for 12 years so 25 years in thailand all in now retired full time it's quiet very quiet As Much as i like area i feel for me it will be beneficial to split 6 months winter here with family and summer in UK possible doing contract work for sanity......maybe not ready for retirement yet and miss real beer too much ..but each to their own