That is a question I'm often asked. Although there are at least a dozen excellent reasons, I never seem to be able to remember them all at once - especially when I'm trying to justify my desire to move to Thailand. I've decided to start this thread as a personal Aide Memoire, but of course I'd be delighted to hear reasons from everybody else.
The majority of my reasons normally relate to things that happen in everyday life - I simply think, that wouldn't be a problem when I move to Thailand. So as the days go on, I'm simply going to add the bad things that make me want to move sooner rather than later.
It'll be a bit of a rant on my part, but at least I'll have an easily accessible record.
NHS - My wife was taken to hospital recently in a lot of pain. They identified the problem as Gaul Stones. The doctors confirmed that she would to have her Gaul Bladder removed. Although she spent 5 days in hospital while they moderated the pain, they said that because she was not admitted on a Sunday evening, they could not do the operation during this visit.
They said they would take her back in to hospital for a further scan in 4 weeks, and the operation should be soon after that...........that was 9 weeks ago - still waiting.
I've just checked my latest wage slip - 232 pounds and 79 pence paid in National Insurance last month. What level of health care would we get in Thailand for 16,295 Baht per month, every month?
Dental Care - I'm one of the lucky people in the UK to be treated by a NHS Dentist (rare as rocking horse s!*t). I went for my 6 monthly check up this morning. I was greeted by a poster detailing the new improved dental charges.
I used to go for my check up and pay about 8 pounds for my check up. Fillings used to vary in cost starting from about 8 pounds.
The new costs - everybody has to pay a basic 15.50 for a check up - they'll now throw in a clean for your money.
The second cost was 42.40 - this included everything you get for 15.50 plus a filling.
I was sat in the chair for my 10 minute appointment. I had my checkup - as long as it takes to say 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1; 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 twice. She then said that she was going to do a filling - without any anesthetic, she started drilling away. OK, the job was done with not too much pain. 10 minutes was up. If I wanted a clean & polish I would have to go again for a further 15.50. What about 'included everything you get for 15.50 plus a filling'? No chance.
Proposed Road Use Charges - The government, desperate to fund their many conflicts around the world, are looking to squeeze more money out of the population - as usual, they are looking to hit the motorist. This morning's breakfast news was talking in terms of charging 1 pound per mile for the busiest roads at peak times. Of course, this is just government spin - we'll all be so grateful when they only charge 75 pence per mile.
The above are just today's rants - I intend adding more as the weeks go on. It will readily remind me why I am so keen to leave this country.
Funnily enough, I read something on here the other day (think it was lomuamart - not sure though) advising somebody to beware of the inflation in Thailand - some prices were rising very quickly, and I think petrol was given as an example - don't worry guys, Thai inflation has an awful long way to go to hit UK levels. If Thai petrol hits 60 Baht per litre, maybe I'll have to reconsider.
Why do I want to leave the UK?
Why do I want to leave the UK?
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I was asked that by good friends in the UK who had never visited Thailand 8 years ago. "Why, why why?". Well, some of the most serious doubters were the first of my friends to come over and visit me. I suppose that they needed the comfort zone of someone they knew here. BTW, some have been back on two or three occasions already. They love the place.
But back to your post, BB.
I know why I left England, although I still can't believe I did it at 40 yrs old.
Disatisfaction with my job - and I had a good one in publishing. The hours driving every day from Kennington to Creepy Crawley. Cost cutting measures that affected me and my staff. The blatent disregard for my feelings - and I was trying to fight hard for my department. General time-wasting and disillusenment (sic).
Plus there was an old girlfriend who I was trying to visit at every opportunity when work allowed. And she was refused a visit visa to the UK on three occasions, the last turn-down having been investigated by my MP.
Well, if she can't come to visit my country, I'll go there. It was as simple as that for me.
That relationship has now ended and I'm happily married -most of the time.
Why did I leave England? There are loads of reasons, some of which I'm only just really starting to understand myself after 5 visits back to "home"
There's a lot more I could say, but that will do for now.
But back to your post, BB.
I know why I left England, although I still can't believe I did it at 40 yrs old.
Disatisfaction with my job - and I had a good one in publishing. The hours driving every day from Kennington to Creepy Crawley. Cost cutting measures that affected me and my staff. The blatent disregard for my feelings - and I was trying to fight hard for my department. General time-wasting and disillusenment (sic).
Plus there was an old girlfriend who I was trying to visit at every opportunity when work allowed. And she was refused a visit visa to the UK on three occasions, the last turn-down having been investigated by my MP.
Well, if she can't come to visit my country, I'll go there. It was as simple as that for me.
That relationship has now ended and I'm happily married -most of the time.
Why did I leave England? There are loads of reasons, some of which I'm only just really starting to understand myself after 5 visits back to "home"
There's a lot more I could say, but that will do for now.
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Wanderlust
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Big Boy,
Good thread, although I am a little surprised you get asked 'why' all the time - my experience was that people generally said 'you lucky sod' until I reminded them that they too could do it if they wanted, but as lomu has pointed out most people need the security of what they already know. My reasons when I left in 1998 (I was 37) were manifold - job dissatisfaction (pay, prospects and conditions), repeated failures in relationships and diminishing opportunities to meet anyone, general worries about the direction the country was going particularly the attitude I increasingly saw from teenagers (but also the general lack of respect from everybody for anybody), the miserable weather, the gridlock that occurred when there was the odd nice weather, the cost of living and rip offs such as insurance, and last but not least, my own wanderlust, which had not been sated on a previous long trip. However I didn't leave with the intention of settling anywhere - my plan was to travel all over the place, starting in Thailand and SE Asia but then going where the fancy took me and finances allowed. But I met and fell in love with a Thai girl....(another story for a different thread I think!)
Good thread, although I am a little surprised you get asked 'why' all the time - my experience was that people generally said 'you lucky sod' until I reminded them that they too could do it if they wanted, but as lomu has pointed out most people need the security of what they already know. My reasons when I left in 1998 (I was 37) were manifold - job dissatisfaction (pay, prospects and conditions), repeated failures in relationships and diminishing opportunities to meet anyone, general worries about the direction the country was going particularly the attitude I increasingly saw from teenagers (but also the general lack of respect from everybody for anybody), the miserable weather, the gridlock that occurred when there was the odd nice weather, the cost of living and rip offs such as insurance, and last but not least, my own wanderlust, which had not been sated on a previous long trip. However I didn't leave with the intention of settling anywhere - my plan was to travel all over the place, starting in Thailand and SE Asia but then going where the fancy took me and finances allowed. But I met and fell in love with a Thai girl....(another story for a different thread I think!)
One of the main reasons I left England was because it had become a different country from the one in which I was born. Uncontrolled immigration after the second world war and excessive abuse of the welfare state helped to create an economy that required high taxation. Successive governments have failed to tackle the problem of integrating immigrants into English society to a point where some areas are dominated by non-English communities and some schools teach English as a SECOND language. I firmly believe that living in another country demands respect for that country's laws and culture. If one finds that impossible, you should leave or be kicked out.
For those ex-pats who complain about immigration laws in Thailand, just consider the possibility that England would be a different society today if the same rules and regulations had been applied to potential immigrants to the UK.
I do not consider myself a racist, though some may disagree, but do believe it is an individuals duty to conform to the laws and culture of their adopted home.
For those ex-pats who complain about immigration laws in Thailand, just consider the possibility that England would be a different society today if the same rules and regulations had been applied to potential immigrants to the UK.
I do not consider myself a racist, though some may disagree, but do believe it is an individuals duty to conform to the laws and culture of their adopted home.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
I have not left my country yet, to live in Thailand. But what attracts me to the place, and what will eventually propel me to retire there - is the complete lack of stress I feel at the moment I step out of the airport and into the stifling heat. i don't think we, who are living in fully developed countries, realize just how much daily stress we are under - and from how many subltle directions it comes from - rules, rules, rules, forms, forms, forms, registrations, and applications, ristrictions and conditions - and so on and so forth. It all builds up to a breaking point for some of us. Don't get me wrong , I love my country, Canada, and I fully understand that the reason why I can enjoy and appreciate a place like Thailand is BECAUSE I've had the good fortune to have been born and raised in a 1'st world environment. My two cents worth....PM me if you want change back. 
Maverick
I made it back to the UK two weeks ago, for a total of 42 hours (from Luxembourg) and I can say on a positive note that the trains shocked me by running on time, and that the pubs open later. Also my mothers Sunday dinner was as good as ever despite her telling me she can’t cook anymore due to her venerable age.
Huahinian Bravo 
Great post
Thank god i thought i was a lonely voice i was thinking of starting a thread in the same vein.
In another thread i said exactely what you said i wish the UK did the same in the 50/60s so i welcome it. I would be a hypocrite not to
I left for many reasons one big part was that as with you the uk had changed so much i no longer felt part of it (mainly due to immigration)
The problem is this place is now changing too rapidly and i am too old to even think of moving elswhere in Thailand I am sincerely hoping the changes coming here will teach the falangs that are left here to respect Thai laws and culture and drop the attitude the thais need us, they dont
I also hope those left and to arrive drop this 3rd world 1st world drivel and start respecting the fact that the Thais are not stupid
end of rant and thanks huahinian Bravo
Steve G i went back to the UK 4 years ago for a total of 15 uk hours 14 hours 59 minutes to long for me and never again if i can avoid it
BKK to LHR arrived 0630 LHR to BKK departed 2130
I also met a thai girl in germany (she was a stripper and it was cheaper to marry her than pay nightclub rates) but it was the smells of good old bkk as we went from Don Muang original airport to wongwianyai in my first tuk tuk ride that convinced me to come back forever
Great postThank god i thought i was a lonely voice i was thinking of starting a thread in the same vein.
In another thread i said exactely what you said i wish the UK did the same in the 50/60s so i welcome it. I would be a hypocrite not to
I left for many reasons one big part was that as with you the uk had changed so much i no longer felt part of it (mainly due to immigration)
The problem is this place is now changing too rapidly and i am too old to even think of moving elswhere in Thailand I am sincerely hoping the changes coming here will teach the falangs that are left here to respect Thai laws and culture and drop the attitude the thais need us, they dont
I also hope those left and to arrive drop this 3rd world 1st world drivel and start respecting the fact that the Thais are not stupid
end of rant and thanks huahinian
BravoSteve G i went back to the UK 4 years ago for a total of 15 uk hours 14 hours 59 minutes to long for me and never again if i can avoid it
BKK to LHR arrived 0630 LHR to BKK departed 2130
I also met a thai girl in germany (she was a stripper and it was cheaper to marry her than pay nightclub rates) but it was the smells of good old bkk as we went from Don Muang original airport to wongwianyai in my first tuk tuk ride that convinced me to come back forever
A Greatfull Guest of Thailand
Some excellent responses, thanks to all of you.
I said I was going to add to this thread regularly, so here are 2 more reasons:
Pensions - I have been a Civil Servant most of my working life. As a Civil Servant I have always been working towards a retirement age of 60. Because the government is running out of cash, they are now saying that if I don't get out before I'm 58, I've got to stay until until I'm 65. I've paid my dues every month for over 34 years now without complaint - I'm disgusted that they can move the goalposts now that I am nearing what was the end of my working life.
Yes, I accept that as a Civil Servant I'm a lot better off than a lot of others who have completely lost their pensions - its all part of the take your money and run culture that those in control are being allowed to get away with in this country. It all adds to my unease.
Council Tax - This seems to be an excuse to print money. I currently pay 118 pounds per month (yes a lot less than some), which is the equivalent of approximately 8260 Baht. This amount increases well over the rate of inflation every year. What do I get for it - a list of ever diminishing services. The service that is diminishing at the moment is waste collection. Our waste used to be collected every week, and within reason, there was no real limit on the amount you could dispose of. Under the guise of recycling, waste collection has reduced to every other week, and only one bin when they do collect - the week they don't collect waste, they do things such as collect garden waste - very useful for those living in blocks of flats; and we certainly don't do much gardening during the winter months. In the meantime, the waste bins are becoming overrun with maggots, and ultimately flies. I have to load rubbish in to my own car twice a month, and do a run to the local tip myself.
Just think what services I could get in Thailand for 8000 Baht per month. They often call Thailand 3rd World, but their waste collection is no worse than that in the UK, and at a much lesser cost.
I said I was going to add to this thread regularly, so here are 2 more reasons:
Pensions - I have been a Civil Servant most of my working life. As a Civil Servant I have always been working towards a retirement age of 60. Because the government is running out of cash, they are now saying that if I don't get out before I'm 58, I've got to stay until until I'm 65. I've paid my dues every month for over 34 years now without complaint - I'm disgusted that they can move the goalposts now that I am nearing what was the end of my working life.
Yes, I accept that as a Civil Servant I'm a lot better off than a lot of others who have completely lost their pensions - its all part of the take your money and run culture that those in control are being allowed to get away with in this country. It all adds to my unease.
Council Tax - This seems to be an excuse to print money. I currently pay 118 pounds per month (yes a lot less than some), which is the equivalent of approximately 8260 Baht. This amount increases well over the rate of inflation every year. What do I get for it - a list of ever diminishing services. The service that is diminishing at the moment is waste collection. Our waste used to be collected every week, and within reason, there was no real limit on the amount you could dispose of. Under the guise of recycling, waste collection has reduced to every other week, and only one bin when they do collect - the week they don't collect waste, they do things such as collect garden waste - very useful for those living in blocks of flats; and we certainly don't do much gardening during the winter months. In the meantime, the waste bins are becoming overrun with maggots, and ultimately flies. I have to load rubbish in to my own car twice a month, and do a run to the local tip myself.
Just think what services I could get in Thailand for 8000 Baht per month. They often call Thailand 3rd World, but their waste collection is no worse than that in the UK, and at a much lesser cost.
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Good luck to you BB, but you are fortunate in this respect; most people in the private sector are now in a dire situation as regards to pensions. Several colleagues of mine are now in the situation where they will have to basically work until they drop.BB wrote;
I accept that as a Civil Servant I'm a lot better off than a lot of others who have completely lost their pensions
I came out to see friend nearly 5 years ago and fell in love with the place
Eventually retired here and despite the Thai problems they are nothing compared to the western world
Been back a few times and I was disgusted by the deterioration
Took the'wife' over and she could not believe it. High costs, food not so good and she couldn't understand the yob culture. When back up in good old Yorkshire, she quipped to me 'Are we in England or Parkistan'
Hope they about turn as I still have 2 daughters and relatives over there working their socks off to maintain a good standard of living
Good thread
Cheers
Eventually retired here and despite the Thai problems they are nothing compared to the western world
Been back a few times and I was disgusted by the deterioration
Took the'wife' over and she could not believe it. High costs, food not so good and she couldn't understand the yob culture. When back up in good old Yorkshire, she quipped to me 'Are we in England or Parkistan'
Hope they about turn as I still have 2 daughters and relatives over there working their socks off to maintain a good standard of living
Good thread
Cheers
RICHARD OF LOXLEY
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
It’s none of my business what people say and think of me. I am what I am and do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. It makes life so much easier.
I know the questions I am about to ask may seem inflammatory, but I can assure you I am not insinuating anyone is wrong to think in a certain way as regards movement of populations. Having read a few of the posts above I am intrigued to know peoples opinions of the following:
If its not OK for others to go live in your country why do you think it's OK for you to go live in someone else's country?
Would the world be a better place if everyone stayed put in their own country of birth?
Do you think there might come a time when Thai people regard Ferangs in the same way a lot of British regard Asian immigrants?
Do Asians / Immigrants to Britain really make it a more expensive country to live in? (If so why?)
If you leave your country because it has too many foreigners, why would you want to live in a place where you are surrounded by 'foreigners'?
These questions are not directed at anyone in particular, I'm just intrigued as to why people think in a certain way regarding immigration.
If its not OK for others to go live in your country why do you think it's OK for you to go live in someone else's country?
Would the world be a better place if everyone stayed put in their own country of birth?
Do you think there might come a time when Thai people regard Ferangs in the same way a lot of British regard Asian immigrants?
Do Asians / Immigrants to Britain really make it a more expensive country to live in? (If so why?)
If you leave your country because it has too many foreigners, why would you want to live in a place where you are surrounded by 'foreigners'?
These questions are not directed at anyone in particular, I'm just intrigued as to why people think in a certain way regarding immigration.
I whole heartedly agree with the above post from jockey.
While I would admit that there are probably more reasons for being in Thailand than there are Farangs, I think that most people who have been here for more than a few months dwell more on the reasons for 'being here' rather than 'not being in the UK (or elsewhere outside the LOS)'.
Frustration with anything official can, in my experience. be doubled or tripled compaired with the UK, and not just because of the language. There is a totally different culture regarding critisism, in the UK we are brought up to question - here the opposite happens.
I wish good fortune to all who take the plunge and come out here for keeps, but come here for what it can offer you (and you offer in return), not to escape from somewhere else.
While I would admit that there are probably more reasons for being in Thailand than there are Farangs, I think that most people who have been here for more than a few months dwell more on the reasons for 'being here' rather than 'not being in the UK (or elsewhere outside the LOS)'.
Frustration with anything official can, in my experience. be doubled or tripled compaired with the UK, and not just because of the language. There is a totally different culture regarding critisism, in the UK we are brought up to question - here the opposite happens.
I wish good fortune to all who take the plunge and come out here for keeps, but come here for what it can offer you (and you offer in return), not to escape from somewhere else.
Your a long time dead!