@Alma **************

Where I stayed not luxurious resort , older resort with dated facilities, ok but definitely not high end , area not perfect I would not stay here again , long way from beach and needed to hire motor bike to get around to go restaurants and shopping etc. options for food very limited and very expensive in my opinion compared to Thailand which the question asked about , condition of the roads everywhere I have been on are poorly maintained with pot holes everywhere like a 3 Rd world country . The roads in Phuket have been recently been resurfaced in most main areas of Phuket and currently being done to a high standard , better than Australia. I stay in Rawai ,Phuket, Thailand and know what I am talking about , I can not see myself coming back to the Philippines for many reasons , one being the poor roads , cost of food and accommodation , variation of exchange rates of up to 30 % from money changers etc.

I spend a lot of my time in Phuket which some say is expensive but trust me, Cebu and Moalboal where I am currently is far more expensive than Phuket in all aspects also the roads and environment are 3 Rd world and not much worth seeing in these areas , whole area is slum like full of beggars , I feel sorry for the people living here and can not understand how they can afford to live . Phuket and Thailand much better in all aspects along with Vietnam where I have recently visited . Apparently the Provinces and islands in the Philippines are more affordable, too easy to stick to Thailand ,that ticks all the boxes .

@Colin ********

I can understand why you never want to go back England or anywhere in northern hemisphere, however Australia is different great country with 4 seasons , weather great apart from winter , still affordable if you own your own home , stable politics , no war etc.

If you intend living permanently overseas ok , but the longer you stay away the more you miss the home country. My intentions were the same as you but after 4 years in Thailand and having a son , I could see the benefits of living back in Australia for some of the time particularly for my son's benifit , and also my health having major surgery quadruple heart bypass and bowl surgery in recent years . I was self funded coming to Thailand and still am to a point only getting a part pension . Also your betting on a trouble free relationship , good luck , many sad story of guys who thought the same including me . Be very carefully about supporting family , all you will be is ATM . Living in Isan was not good outcome for all my mates who did same . Drank too much , everyone helping themselves to your food and possessions. Never lend anything you will never get it back . A few tips for you , but go ahead live your life and hope you are one of the exceptions .

@Colin ********

talk to Centre link they can explain , also make sure you have Australian passport with several years before it expires as most countries need at least 6 months validity for entry , better to get renewed for 10 years if you do not want to come back . Had several mates who lived in Thailand for many years over pension age that had problems getting pension and had to wait for qualifying period before they got it . Do your research with the authorities Centrelink before you make any longterm decisions , many like me that have lived in Thailand , choose to return to Australia for many reasons mainly medicial but for me education for my young son . Never say never it's a long time .

@Stuart ********

yes great spot everyone's favourite, many great YouTube videos .

I come from Adelaide to and spend in Thailand Phuket have done for 20 years , June to September I spend in Phuket October to mid Dec in Australia in from Mid December till February I spend in Phuket March to May in Australia this schedule you get the best weather in both countries , I hate winters in Oz too time to avoid in Thailand March to May very hot and humid unbearable. If on pension you need to stay 6 months plus a little in Australia before your pension may be effected , check with Centrelink. Both countries are great and doing is perfect for me . Now have 60 day entry exemption on entry to Thailand effective /24 so this makes longer stays in Thailand less complicated , doing a visa run do and then to suit your stay . Good luck , I think the best long term stays are in Kamala beach Phuket , Ao Nang Krabi , and Hua Hin a few hours from Bangkok . Plenty of good videos on you tube on these localities and others to educate yourself where to base yourself . Avoid Patong , I stay Rawai , Phuket but better options now .

Just get a 60 day visa before cost $60 A same as 1900 baht extension in total cost , no problems plus you can get extension before 60 days if you need extra time .

No business , best to make enough money in home country before you come Thailand . Most businesses go broke that are started up for a variety of reasons short high season and long low season . Internet is best option and no staff , YouTubers make beer money !

@Henrik ****

better to do it all at once , get what's required then do the application , you have no experience in management obviously ! Hahaha