Thai Baht disaster

[Tassie]

I have read that Thai exports dropped by a massive 5.9% in 2018 and continue to fall in 2019.  Tourists are now avoiding holidays in Thailand and choosing other cheaper destinations.   
Thai immigration is forever creating new rules for permanent expats so if they keep it up expats will vote with their feet.  Many will leave for the Phillipines where the US dollar is today trading at  58.24 pesos and the British Pound is trading at 61.79 pesos.
Indices Difference   Info
Consumer Prices in Philippines are 25.44% lower than in Thailand
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Philippines are 31.17% lower than in Thailand
Rent Prices in Philippines are 49.21% lower than in Thailand
Restaurant Prices in Philippines are 15.61% lower than in Thailand
Groceries Prices in Philippines are 33.33% lower than in Thailand
Local Purchasing Power in Philippines is 31.79% lower than in Thailand
Regards

[Smithy]

I believe that Cambodia has taken the Top Prize for the 4th year in a row in the Cost of Living Category of the Annual Global Retirement Index scoring full marks of 100 out of 100 this year . 

https://internationalliving.com/countries/cambodia/

But as our House is brought and paid for, I cant see any financial incentive for me to move there as any money saved would be taken up in rent .That is unless the baht drops to under 30B to the GBP !!!
For anyone thinking of moving to SE Asia to Retire than Cambodia is worth a first port of call.
Known as the 'Kingdom of Wonder', Cambodia is a place where retirees can upgrade their lifestyle to one of luxury on a modest budget.
Long term Visa's are easier to come by than Thailand and the low costs let expats in Cambodia live richly on a poor man's budget. 

[Tassie]

Indices Difference   Info
Consumer Prices in Philippines are 22.27% lower than in Cambodia
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Philippines are 26.67% lower than in Cambodia
Rent Prices in Philippines are 41.93% lower than in Cambodia
Restaurant Prices in Philippines are 18.87% lower than in Cambodia
Groceries Prices in Philippines are 24.16% lower than in Cambodia
Local Purchasing Power in Philippines is 127.68% higher than in Cambodia
Regards

[Smithy]

Indices Difference   Info
Consumer Prices in Philippines are 22.27% lower than in Cambodia
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Philippines are 26.67% lower than in Cambodia
Rent Prices in Philippines are 41.93% lower than in Cambodia
Restaurant Prices in Philippines are 18.87% lower than in Cambodia
Groceries Prices in Philippines are 24.16% lower than in Cambodia
Local Purchasing Power in Philippines is 127.68% higher than in Cambodia
Regards

It's not always case that the cheapest is the best ,other consideration have to be taken into account like 

http://www.retire-on-650-month.com/retirement-in-Cambodia-compared-to-Philippines-and-Thailand.php

[Tassie]

The article you presented was written some years ago.  The Phillippines has a very  good medical system compared to backward Cambodia.  English is the primary language taught in schools in the Phillippines so translators are not required. A greater choice of western food is available in most shopping malls.  Western food in supermarkets in Cambodia is very limited.
There is no comparison to the Phillippines in terms of beautiful islands and beaches. (Over 7,000 Phillippine Islands) (74 Cambodian Islands)
Living in the Philippines as a Retired Expat
Perks for expats include a government agency dedicated to retired expats, and the surrounding culture is welcoming to foreigners. Other incentives for 60+ expats include:

Duty-free import of $7,000 worth of household goods
Exemption from airport travel taxes
Your retiree visa does not expire, and you can leave and return to the country without having to reapply for residency
Regards

[Smithy]

Sounds OK Tassie but I have never been to the Philippines but I'm sure your right in all that you say. 

What about Vietnam

Anyway I wouldn't worry to much as I have an Ex-Bank-manager friend that assured me the Baht will be back up to 50B to the GBP soon 

[Tassie]

Smithy, the Phillippines are absolutely stunning.  Like eveywhere, some places are better than others.  Due dilligence and investigation, to pick the right place, is essential.
Indices Difference   Info
Consumer Prices in Philippines are 2.27% lower than in Vietnam
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Philippines are 10.16% lower than in Vietnam
Rent Prices in Philippines are 34.64% lower than in Vietnam
Restaurant Prices in Philippines are 5.31% higher than in Vietnam
Groceries Prices in Philippines are 9.39% lower than in Vietnam
Local Purchasing Power in Philippines is 9.95% lower than in Vietnam
English is not widely spoken in Viet Nam


Regards

[Tassie]

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Regards

[Smithy]

When are you packing your bags and moving Tassie   

I remember when I lived in Koh Samui for 3 years, if you look at You Tubes it looks like paradise on earth, In fact its not that great but there are still a few hidden places on Samui that are nice.
Anyway I brought my lottery ticket today, so tomorrow I could be looking at moving away from the Village to somewhere with the sea lapping at my feet 

[Tassie]

Smithy, I have already spent big in Thailand and will probably expire here but I will definately go back to the Phillippines for holidays.
Regards

[Smithy]

Smithy, I have already spent big in Thailand and will probably expire here but I will definately go back to the Phillippines for holidays.
Regards

To be honest I wish you had never brought this subject up!!

I've been talking with the Wife over the last few days about the falling Baht and whether or not to move to Vietnam, Philippines , Malaysia or Cambodia !!!ll   All this has done is cause argument's , bad feeling's , disagreement's and tear's

The problem is ...... 'I want to move to Cambodia'.....  and she wants ' to come with me ' 

[Tassie]

Smithy, I love your reply, I?m still laughing.
Depending upon ones age and health, I would give Cambodia a clear and resounding miss.
If I could sell my assets my wife said she would be happy to move to an island recreational fishing life in the Philippine?s.
I have a gut feeling and I might be completely wrong but I think that the Thai Immigration and the Thai Government really doesn't want us expats here unless one is a multi-millionaire.
El Nido and Coran are more than double the price of Puerto Princesa.


Regards

[Tassie]

What an idyllic and simple no hassle life and they all speak English, no translators needed

Regards

[mahdam]

What an idyllic and simple no hassle life and they all speak English, no translators needed

Regards

I had almost 2 weeks on Palawan a couple of years back. A truly beautiful laid back Island for sure.
With friendly people all over, with the exception of El Nido, a place that has been a victim of it's own success
And only want's to grab your tourist $$ 
The Bay walk in Puerto Princessa is every bit as good, if not better than the video shows, and I feasted there many times.

[Smithy]