Why Do Expats Remain - Why Do They Come Back?

[brianks]

I can't agree with the previous post more. As a US citizen, going back to the US for health reasons is a nonstarter. Totally impossible to get the same level of health care available here back in the US. The cost would bankrupt me in the US whereas I can pick and choose the level and cost of health care I can receive here. Even where I live down south, I am finding more high-quality health services continually popping up in the larger cities around me.

[Gregjam]

Seems to be a common vein here. As with others I remain because I like it in Thailand. As a seafarer I escape for a few months at a time then return to family in Hua Hin. Yes it can be a pain particularly as my work means it is difficult to maintain a non-imm O as I am away when the extension is due but that is not a huge challenge. Over more than thirty years I have adapted to and accept that what makes Thailand my preference is a combination of the good and bad. Saying that I still retain strong links to the UK and should medical needs require it I hope to be able to get on a plane and go back. Worth noting that most Thais are not aware of our status. They see Thais getting British nationality relatively easily but have no idea how difficult it is to even get a resident visa particularly in my line of work. So the plan is to remain in this lovely country with all its foibles until I either die, am kicked out or have to run to the NHS system.