All about Thailand, especially Chiang Mai. Hi, I'm Randy - and I'm often joined by my girlfriend, Joy (a Chiang Mai local) - and we love to share information about Chiang Mai, and Thailand in general. I divide my time between San Diego, California and Chiang Mai.
I'm a retired attorney. Well. . . that's not quite accurate. I'm actually semi-retired - but hey, "Semi-Retired Global Life" is not as good a channel name as "Retired Global Life,. Right? I'm lucky to be a bit of a digital nomad as I can work from Thailand as well as California. So in my mind, I'm retired. (BTW, I'm a "nice" attorney. For 36 years I've limited my practice to adoption, so I'm proud of the work I do: trying to be a positive force in the world and not negative.)
We want to be your #1 source of information about Chiang Mai. That means restaurants, coffee shops & special places you might not know, as well as how to have a great life here, whether you are moving here, retiring, or just coming for a trip.
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Great video…. Im on board!!
You can stay 180 days per year.... With one only extension in the five years. So, all up, in a 5 year period you can stay 5 x 180 Days and 1 x 180 Day extension... 1080 days all up.
Yeah cuz young folks with spendable income on weed vacations doesn't bring any money.
Randy, what type of visa do you hold? Thanks.
Really appreciate your info. It's true about visa extension being a pain in my toes. I really hope they soon start giving 60 day visas.
Thanks! Yes, so silly the gov announces it then does not do it on time. I can understand the delay on the DTV as that takes more planning, and in the video I even said I had doubts they'd start on time despite the official gov announcement. They have since said it will be another month or two now. It's like their gov branches do not communicate at all. But you'd think changing a stamp from 30 to 60 after announcing it to the world, and maybe people even changing their arrival date to get it, would not be so hard to do.
Blah, blah, blah. You came to Thailand for a subservient woman.
Great video. I'm so glad to see videos addressing this enormously underestimated problem. Of course, I and many others don't trust governments and big business to do the right thing. They are too insensitive and greedy for that. Instead I voted with my feet. I'm moving out of Chiang Mai as soon as my lease is up. I already have met many other expats doing the same or have already done the same. We are never coming back. And if the problem spreads to where we are moving to we will live Thailand for someplace that respects clean air. Clean Air is a right of the people and a government that doesn't protect that right is useless.
Thanks, Michael. Yes, the issue is huge and the government, and neighboring governments must address it. The mentality of the people here is to just survive and put up with things, rather than go to the courts and protests and the like as one would see in the west. I still love Chiang Mai but try to be gone for Feb/March/April.
Going to retire in a few months just getting everything lined up. Looking at Chang Mai or Siam Rep, so I've been looking at a lot of these types of videos. Recently found your videos, your health care video was great! And in general I'm finding your videos to be the most informative. Thank you, really appreciate your effort.
Thanks for the very nice compliment. Personally, I love Chiang Mai and the north, but leaving every Feb/March/April due to the smokey season can be a burden for some.
Information was great, nice format and editing.
Hey, a triple compliment! Big thanks and I hope you visit us again.
I'm amazed at how many people think they can start a new life in Thailand on a yearly renewable visa. They may marry, buy property even start a family on a 1 year visa with all the other associated BS, tm 47's, tm 30's etc. Even after 10 yrs one can still be on a yearly visa. That's not starting a new life. It's fantasy land. I don't believe any self respecting person would subject themselves to this nonsense.
Ah that is life in a foreign country. There are pricey options, 5-20 years like the Elite, or the 5-10 LTR, but many, many people just keep on going with the good ol' non-O. I don't think residency is assured about anywhere but your home country. Excluding the countries that let you basically buy citizenship, and that's a lot more than an Elite visa.
I'm here in Thailand now and am needing to go next week to get a visa extension. Does this new extension negate the need to do that now? Can I just get a new stamp without having to pay anything? Thanks!
Well sadly they have not even started doing the DTV despite their announcement, so we have to wait. And when it comes it is 180 then another 180 days, paying for each one.
Thai ladies are traditionally money first, then her family and friends then you, if you are cool with that then go forward. Bar girl are really not an option as the age difference causes many issues as the relationship moves forward.
Teaching English is a descent wage on top of SS or other retirement funds and it is also a social situation if you are teaching in a community possibly not just in a grade school.
Yes, teaching is a great way to be part of a real community. Wages very small in public schools, decent in private. Best wishes.
NOT change anythink have only cosmetic fool, only help little digital nomad can stay longest and working, and tourist can stay month more, not help real life any, expats thats not help, TAX no help, land owners need help, expats house owners need help, retiree peoples need help. lot have worst and need change normal human law.
There are many visas to choose from but not as many for those under 50. This is just one more option, ideal for some, not right for permanent residents.
อยากสอบถามคุณว่า คุณเกษียณที่ประเทศไทย แล้วใช้ประกันสุขภาพของบริษัทอะไรค่ะ ถ้าเจ็บป่วยค่าใช้จ่ายบริษัทประกันสุขภาพใช้บริษัทไหนค่ะ ถามเผื่อให้สามีค่ะเป็นต่างชาติเหมือนคุณ
all insurance firm who has thai immigration accepts/admitted. list have thai visa inform web site.
There are many good and bad insurers. The best advice is go with a solid Thai company, not an offshore company based elsewhere. A solid licensed agent in your town will find out which is best for your husband. Watch pre-existing conditions and deductibles. The main thing is in-patient coverage. Paying out of pocket for out-patient is typically small so often not worth paying more for insurance.
Is the 60 day visa given as visa on arrival? Once we get a 60 day visa is it extendable without leaving Thailand? Thanks.
I hear not all immigration points are stamping 60. Some still 30. They should get their act together soon I expect. Visa waiver is different from visa on arrival. Depends on the country you are in. 93 get visa waiver. You do nothing and get the entry stamp. Visa on arrival you arrive and request a visa. Small difference. Many say the new 60 days can be extended 30 as is currently in effect with a trip to the immigration office, but I have not seen official confirmation. I assume it will continue.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thanks for the information.
thanks for the news. just ignore the "nabobs of negativism" -- they aren't worth your time.
Thanks, Sean. Appreciate it and thanks for watching. I'll have to look up "nabobs"...
@@RetiredGlobalLife I think this goes back to the Nixon era. Part of a blame the messenger snark against people who were not being supportive of that administration.
@@seanwashburn3658 Very kind of you. I hope you visit us again. Take care.
A reason to leave is the obsession they have with money, it's like you'll never see elsewhere. And then there's the Xenophobia and famous Thai smirks.
I see little obsession with money at all, except scraping to have enough, which is sad but reality for many. Maybe depends on who you hang around with. The people I know work hard and don't complain. Just work.
Good information for people who are noobs to Thailand. BTW:your voice and looks remind me of Clint Eastwood :)
Haha, very nice of you. I don't see it but many have made the same comment, not the voice though. First time I've heard that one. I assume we are talking Clint in his prime right? Haha. Take care.
Is the health care in your country really worse ?
Do you mean my birth country, the USA? We have both great and terrible health care. The problem it is so, so costly, and not accessible to all. Thailand has very affordable health care, from fancy clinics to government facilities.
@@RetiredGlobalLife i was last month in a private one in Nongkhai,they rip me off only with the medicine who gave for used at home,afther i look on google about the price,i can found them on the lazada site too,,its a big shame how they tread fralangs,any way I from Holland,a lot better organize then here in Thailand.
Excellent Insurance info. Thank you. What visa are you using, living in both locations? I plan something similar starting next October.
Everyone's situation is so different. A non-O is the most common way to go. But if you come and go every 3 months, you could actually just get the visa waiver and extend (assuming the new initial 60 days to finally start I hope any day) assuming you are from one of the 93 countries that can do that, which I assume you are. As long as someone is not just doing border runs, there is little problem with someone coming for a few months, leaving for a few, then repeat. You can do the 6 month reentry visa, but there is the annoying requirement to leave/re-enter every 60 days. A silly requirement. If you have $ go for the LTR, but it is not easy to qualify for. Elite is great but very, very costly. So most just go for the non-O. If you are going to study Thai even part time, an ED visa is also a great option. It just has a max number of years you can do it.
To say honest something against the bloody king gives prison. Corruption is horrible
Ah, since I'm physically in Thailand so much, I'll limit my comment to saying, yes Article 112 states no negative comments about not only the king but the entire Royal Family I believe. Hard for westerners to absorb.
Love? Money would be a better choice of words...
Well it's a long video recorded a while back, so I'm not sure what you are referencing. But I hope you enjoyed the video. Take care.
Thanks Randy and NO I don't think you're a "rumor-monger" at all and you're right you're providing factual info posted on gov't sites are not rumors. I'm one of those people planning for my January 2025 arrival as a retired couple so knowing about these things ahead of time helps us in our planning. Please continue to provide useful updates for those of us who will NOT do ANY work at all in Thailand but rather relax, enjoy and spend our nest egg in Thailand. 😄
Thanks for the nice words and best wishes for your January visit.
Another US Scam ...
If you mean that we should get better benefits overseas, where medical care is sometimes 15% the price of the US, I agree.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Probably much more savings than 15%:with equal to better care. Issue is pre-existing conditions as even with Medicare Advantage Plans (and overseas coverage) one has to make certain pre-existing coverage exists.
@@stevemorrisanamericaninasia 100% correct. A big deal.
@@RetiredGlobalLifeI have found no Thai medical insurance that cover "any" substantive pre-existing conditions. Buyer beware. US Medicare Advantage Plans are the only option. Issue with Advantage Plans is that your healthcare is managed by an Insurance firm vs. Physician. Supplemental plans are much better but expensive. Must select Supplemental plan within first 6 months of Medicare as no physical required.
One of my favorite songs .
I can't remember which songs we put in this one but we spend a lot of time trying to find good music. Glad you liked it.
I appreciate the comments you made about women’s roles and how hard the traditional gendered roles are in the west for western women. I am Asian but from Canada and only 30 but I also noticed so many of my friends who had kids suffer because of the hard economy these days with high education fees and housing. I also know male friends who are married with kids who work and take on primary caregiving role for the baby and also have it hard. I have no kids (only way I can retire early!) so I see these things as an outsider.
Thanks for such an astute and thoughtful comment.
is she a ladyboy?
It’s not a proper question. If she read your comment, she may feel bad. If you are a woman, do you prefer people to ask you this question?
It’s not a proper question. If she read your comment, she may feel bad. If you are a woman, do you prefer people to ask you this question?
We still have the same doubt, the 500K needs to be in a Thailand bank? Because it is a big difference, I really don't want to have that money in Thailand.
We just have to wait and see. The gov has now announced they are pushing back the release of the DTV until they make some concurrent changes to the retirement visas, so may be months... I wish the gov branches would get their stories straight in their news releases. Frustrating.
@@RetiredGlobalLife And perhaps you should stop adding to the problem.
@@villagefarang Ah, Mr. Village Farang again. You know, I welcome all commenters and don't delete negative ones like many YTers do. You entitled to your critical voice, even on my channel, IMO. But is there a reason you keep coming back, and evidently even doing so just to read comments, to pile on your same complaint? You and I differ. I think people who do not keep up to date on Thai government news releases and Thai newspapers deserve to know what is being reported here in Thailand so they can use the info as they wish and look for more info over time. You evidently think nothing should be said until everything is final. But things are never final. They are always changing. If you want to go after someone regarding releasing information that is not "final," why not complain to the official Thai government new releases that get amended. Or the major media like Bangkok Post and literally hundreds of newspapers and news services around the world that repeat these Thai media stories? Would that not make more sense than focus your annoyance on some YTer reporting on what these sources are currently saying? And although you are always welcome here, even to hit me with stick over and over, why not make yourself happier and spend you time watching YTers you actually like. Best wishes.
Last Friday the uk government official website stated that Thailand would permit 60 days for all tourists upon entry. Then, yesterday (June 4th) they CHANGED IT BACK TO 30 days! 😡 www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/entry-requirements Why?
It is crazy, isn't it? Very frustrating. I hear some entry points are stamping 60 and most 30. Looks like will be 60 shortly just not as immediate as they said it would be. And the word is they have now decided to push back the DTV until some concurrent changes are made on retirement visas. So might be months. It is hard to report on this stuff when official Thai news releases keep changing.
Is it legal now? (June ) 2024
Still same law as before. Yes, Still no changes.
Why do youtubers keep saying it’s easy to get when they require you to have a bunch of cash in the bank? It’s for freelancers and digital nomads….. rich ones
Ah, it is all so relative I guess. Many visas have about ten requirements, so when the gov says a visa will only have a few (let's wait and see) then it is easy by comparison. Most every country, likely the one you live in, does not just let people from every country in. For example, most Thais can't get even a B1B2 visa for temporary stays in the US, my country. But we all want Thailand to just let everyone in without regulations. It is just how governments work to protect their citizens and economy to keep people from coming in and doing things like racking up a big hospital bill, then cutting out. There is always the visa waiver entry and extensions and border runs... but that's a pain over time.
@@RetiredGlobalLife well yeah but it’s still off limits to 95% of people, I don’t know anyone with £10,000 in the bank back home apart from one person who’s like 90 years old 😂 student visa is still the best and cheapest option it seems. You just need around £1000 to get going. If I had lots of money, I sure as hell wouldn’t be here working
I've visited Thailand including Chiangmai a number of times and am thinking about retiring there. I recently discovered your channel and find the level of detail you go in to and the specifics that you give are better than any other channel I've seen. Very very helpful to people who are seriously thinking about moving to Thailand. Many thanks to you and Joy for all the time and effort that you put into this.
Hey it is so nice to have our hard work noticed. I'm very glad it is helpful. And best wishes on enjoying Chiang Mai.
Any update as to when people can apply ? cant fidn anything online - great news hope can apply soon
Ah it is so frustrating. Same old thing. The gov says one thing in an official announcement, then does not follow up. I think both things they stated will happen, the 60 days and the DTV visa, but just might be days or weeks. I actually said in the vid I didn't think they would have the DTV ready, but I'm surprised about the 60 days. Seems that would just take a notice to the border officials to write 60 and not 30 days for the 93 countries.
A very informative video. Thank you! I am a 64 year old British guy living in Switzerland. Planning my first "look see" trip to Thailand this year.
Great for you. That should be fun to plan and do. I hope you check out many parts of Thailand, city, beach, mountains in the north. All so different.
So I'm 64 and live in the US and it's a mess. Ive been divorced since 2010 and live in a Rural area of Colorado. I'm extremely frustrated and when I go on dating sites it is also a mess. I'm falling in love with the idea of pulling up stakes and trying something different. Something will have to change. Thank you for the content it is grist for this mill.
Sorry things are not going your way. Think of checking out Thailand - or wherever - as a big adventure. Even if you go spend a few months and it is not for you... you hopefully had some great moments to add to your life collection.
The Thailand Public Relations posted that the 60 day visa exempt policy may go into effect towards the end of June or early July.
Is that an updated post on it? I have not followed the issue since posting the vid. I just know they are still stamping 30. I heard of one guy who asked why not 60 at immigration, and the guy then stamped 60, haha. You never know with Thai immigration.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Yes. Posted a couple of days after the initial news reports.
Heey, thanks for the video, do you kow for USA citizenns or European nationals, the immigratio ccheeccks your bank statement or just the passport will do??
For regular visa free entry there is not bank book or economic check for 93 country citizens. For the DTV visa, we don't know. There will be some asset verification.
@@RetiredGlobalLife But for USA citizens, all that is required is just a passport only? they dont ask for Ay bank statements or stuff right?
The worst thing about Thailand is the other foreigners who are almost invariably far left wing liberal progressive politically correct "woke" nutjobs. Everyone has the exact same opinions on almost every subject and everything from a left wing perspective. That, and the psychotic "foaming at the mouth" anti-Americanism of the other foreigners who act superior and "know it all" around all Americans.
Sharks picture behind you 😂😂
Hmm not many shark attacks in Thailand...
Not gonna happen. Will be blocked by the local offices and border run groups. But we can dream.
Ah I think you will be wrong. Border run groups have no political power at all. We will see both these things, just evidently not as promptly as the gov originally stated.
Worked 10 years in Thailand (full expat) from 89 till 99. Married, 3 kids, French educated woman. When my company moved us back to France, I was happy. Professionally and personally. Worked in other "exotic" places like Caribbeans, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and finished with 8 years in HKG. Divorced, started a new life with an Indonesian in HKG. Now happily retired in Bali since 7 years. When I compare both places, Bali is much better, and the people are much nicer. Just my 5 cent after nearly 30 years experience in Asia (worked in South Korea, been to China, Japan, Cambodia) Yes, Thailand was good fun in those days for a well paid bachelor. But I wouldn't have retired there. Cheers.
Wow, you are living the life. Good for you, and living well it sounds like. Yes, Bali vs Thailand is a frequent comparison. Most say Bali is a bit more upscale if that is what you are after. Thanks for posting. Come again.
Thank you so much for such a fun video!
Thanks! We enjoyed our morning in the local temple making it.
Great content.....let me add for the average person health insurance is tied to thier employer. ..coming back to the USA without medical insurance for a major operation wont work unless you want to be one of the millions of america who have been bankrupt by the medical system. Better option is head to vietnam (danang has a great facilities), also Cuba has the best surgeons in the western hemisphere. You will have to pay out of pocket. Loved the 5 tips ...thank you
Thanks. Most people keep paying their Part B so they would still have their Medicare. Never heard of an American, or anyone for that matter, going to Cuba..... hmmmmm.
Will try, Will try... Like for the work and easy explanation!
Thanks. Nice to hear from you.
Your video has effected a self re-assessment, and adjustments made thereof, of my Thailand dating M.O....thanks, "Butterfly 8"
We are glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for the comment.
Thank you both!
This video is spot on, I lived in Ecuador for two years and saw a lot of expats come and go because they where not prepared for the culture shock. I saw and met a lot of US people that thought Ecuadorians should change the way they were, like learning how to speak English instead of them learning Spanish. Most where just to lazy to learn. I am coming to Thailand in December for 6 weeks to see if it is a good fit for me and I am a good fit for Thailand. Great job on the video. Kakoon
Thanks! I enjoyed my one trip to Quenca. Thailand is more for me though. I hope you like it.
@@RetiredGlobalLife I do not live in Ecuador anymore, I came back to the States to have a minor surgery before heading to Thailand
Canadians are the biggest whore mongers in the world. Is this guy Canadian?
Wow. He said he's from orange county He is a a cool guy. The best people on earth are from socal. Trust me .
So can this DTV visa be extended indefinitely? If yes, that means instead of getting a Non O or OA, a retiree can simply get the DYV. Combined with the new 60 days stay for the visa exemption case, is it safe to assume that I, a Canadian citizen, can arrive in Thailand without a visa, then apply for a DTV after entering Thailand? Thank you for sharing the exciting news!😅
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
Wow great information! Will i be able to reenter Thailand with a new DTV after the first year has ended? I would like to know.
No, you didn't watch all the video. I explain that I believe (final info still not released by the gov) is that you get one 180 day period and one extension. That's it for the five year period. To renew it over and over each year would all the other visas moot, so I believe any press you read saying you will be able to do that will be proved wrong.
@@RetiredGlobalLife So 360 days/5years basically? What other Visa would you recommend if i wanted to stay as long as possible and work as a digital nomad?
@@eriklarsson7933 My reading is yes a max of 180 days in 5 years. Wait for the details from the gov though. Who knows. They keep us guessing. There are too many visas to tell you the best for you. For most, the non-O but that is only for over 50 in age. LTR great if you have lots of money. Same with Elite visa. Otherwise it is a life of visa waiver and border runs etc.
@@RetiredGlobalLife Thanks for the information!