@Ken ************

bingo! I’m wondering about this story as well.

What is the monthly cost in India?

@Dianne ****

good point about the real estate. People coming from the States jus assume property always goes up. As you said, not so in Thailand.

@Richard ********

I went to Old Town 🙂. However, Patong was definitely what left the worst taste. I would like to return once I have a scooter license and stay elsewhere

@Carol *******

I agree. I’ve been following this for years and still find it overwhelming. I can’t imagine just plopping oneself into Thailand and trying to figure it out.

@Richard *******

I’d like to know where in Phuket. It’s an honest question. I just went there and had a very unpleasant visit, except for the Jai Festival. That part was nice. I was staying in Patong. I felt like I was constantly clawed at and the expats were amongst the most unpleasant people I’ve ever encountered. The laundry even lost my shorts and refused to even make an effort to look for them…not at all a typical Thai experience. Was I just in the wrong section? Serious question, because I was shocked by the experience.

@Sharron ******

absolutely do NOT decide on an area, and certainly don’t buy, based upon what you see online. 🤦‍♀️. With that said, Pattaya and Bangkok are so completely different that the fact that those are your top two has me very concerned. I understand that you have trouble traveling, but you need to really try places out before you consider moving there and certainly before considering buying.

I’m doing exactly that now. I have to tell you that if you like Florida (I’m actually not a huge fan myself), the place I’ve found to be most similar is Hua Hin. They even call it “Heavenly Hua Hin” just like Floridians always refer to themselves as Paradise. At the very least, you should check it out. My verdict is still out. I like aspects of it.

Pattaya is known as the sex capital and is known for the dirty old men (westerners) who move there, so it’s not even on my list to visit. I’ve been to Patong. If it’s worse than that, no thanks. Again, visit before making decisions. Bangkok is amazing.

In terms of visas, you can get your visa in-country (if you can get insurance) then you don’t need to bring your money over. With your one-flight requirement, getting your retirement visa before leaving the States would be your safest bet.

@Julane ******

booking.com and I think agoda have the exact same problem as Airbnb. They both allow homeowners, not registered as hotels, to rent short-term rentals. The companies don’t take responsibility for the legal ramifications.

Regarding the signs, yes, they’re there. Have you ever heard of someone actually being booted? I stay in places with those signs all the time. I stay for longer, but there are many people staying for short-term. Nothing is done. The signs are an attempt at a deterrent.

Yes, some charge fees for electricity if usage goes beyond a certain amount due to the relatively high cost and the fact that otherwise guests might leave a/c running in an empty unit.

@Suzanne *****

really? That’s great to know!

@Don ********

I’d likely return to Phuket when I have my motor bike license, but I don’t think I’d live there.