It’ll have a massive knock on effect too as folk’s spending power takes a hit. Kinda shows how fragile the whole consumer based economy is anyway, but the consequences affect almost every sector eventually as people feel the pinch.
Very fragile here away from the Bangkok hoy paloy, most normal Thais have already sold their gold and cannot pay for finance on cars and other possessions.
Am I right in thinking, you get your state pension out there now? Can't remember how old you are, but when I looked at my contributions, I'm more than well paid up, and if you've got no debts, the pension forecast ain't bad, my thinking is it must be worth even more out there?
Ending a debt based economy will be painful, but probably for the best in the long run. Folk won’t see it that way though as they are used to suckling on the teat of the buy now pay later culture.
I’m 67 mate and yes I draw the UK pension here. The other vocational and private pension gets paid in my bank at home. I unloaded Thai Ginger restaurant as I was only treading water. I now run a catering company in Mrs Ginge’s name from my new home (massive kitchen) plus an Indian spice postal delivery. I keeps me more than occupied but it’ll be a while until she learns the recipes then I’ll only oversee and do the books.
So did you own the restaurant as in the property, or were you renting/leasing it? Just being nosy mate, ignore me if it's personal
It’s too far gone. People here have lived with interest rates of virtually zero for over a decade, most working age people’s entire lives are based on borrowing cheap money, and the consumer lead economy completely relies on it. There seems to be an assumption amongst our current political establishment that we will ride out whatever comes, irrespective of what it is. It’s a false premise.
Indeed. I’ve always lived my life with the principle that you can only have what you can afford. If you want something save up for it. And if you can’t afford it then don’t buy it. Other than my mortgage, I don’t have any debts. Appreciate that this is the exception rather than the norm though and the consumer based economy is based on debt.
No, had a 3 year lease with an option to buy but Knocked it out after a year as the Thais are reluctant to come if they know a Ferang (derogatory name for westerners) is involved in the business. Almost impossible to get over the systematic racism here. They’re taught it in school irrespective of what you do for the community. So 95% western market so I don’t have to deal with it.
I'd never heard of that term 'Ferang.' I just went and looked it up, interesting topic with lots of reading required to understand it's meaning and uses. Saw this convo on it, during my quick browse, will have another more in depth read later ... https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/689513-felangferang/ Good Luck with your new adventure by the way
Do you get free medical care over there as an expat, or do you have to pay as you go, or have insurance cover? I’ve always been intrigued as to what kind of income is needed to sustain a half sensible quality of life in that part of the world, compared to these shores.
You're thinking same lines as me, although I wouldn't go to live there though. Think I just find it interesting.
I did initially but as I got over 65 the premiums were outrageous here and in the UK. If I get seriously sick I pay as a go, last heart attack was 350,000 baht.
Yeah I agree, it’ll be damage limitation and more outsourcing that we’ve ever seen before. Adapt or perish.
DWP is doubling the number of work coaches to deal with the estimated 3 million newly unemployed once furlough schemes end and business can’t reopen as they haven’t got any customers or can’t afford to run with 1/3rd of their normal customer capacity. but according to @Hoddle is a god all those on furlough are lazy bastards and the virus is just a flu that people need to get over
get your pension paid into your normal uk bank account and the use online banking to transfer it abroad, or just set up a regular transfer to the abroad account - that’s the way to do it mate
Good forum, Thai Visa, I post regularly. I find the word pejorative along with Boxidar (Isaan for the same). I don’t say Thai, Thai, I call them by their names. Immigration is the worst as you get called Alien or Foreigner despite them knowing your name. Also paying 200% more for sightseeing attractions whereas Thais either pay 50 baht or go free despite holding a pink I’d card. Twunts <angry>
