Moving on ... ?

[buksida]

This really is a question for those guys and gals that have come over here and started businesses, got jobs, or generally made a living whilst staying in Thailand for a prolonged period of time.

If and when the political situation changed to an extent that it became economically unviable to stay here through, for example, ridiculous visa regulations, obscene taxes for foreigners or the rest of the general anti-foreign polices implemented by the government, where would you go?

Would you return to your country of origin and consider your stint in Thailand "good while it lasted" or continue in Asia, sourcing a new country, city, job and way of life?

I don't envisage many replies to this post which is why I've placed it in the "Foo" section ... its kinda hypothetical so feel free to have a go, it'll get read.
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Luctor et Emergo

[hogus]

Well, Buksida,

in the moment I'm just happy, that I didn't invest one Baht into TH in the last years.
When I came here 12 years ago, the conditions were more liberal and there was the realistically chance, that TH would go his way as one of the "Tiger-countries" successfully.
I was very surprised to see, that TH came down more and more in the last years...economically, politically and also as a tourist-country.
Existing laws got/get new interpretations, visa rules are aggravated up to absurdity, the private Thai-households are in debt as never before, deception, corruption and moral decay of the Thai society increase more and more.
Thailand is about to gamble away his integrity completely.
Unfortunately, the officials and also big parts of the population see their country in a different light, than the rest of the world.
The main-reason could be the alarmingly low educational level.

However, for more than 2 years I took a look around to other countries in SEA to find out about possible alternatives to TH.
I haven't any idea to move right now, but I want to be prepared, if the disaster in TH is going on.
For sure, I won't return to my country of origin.
There are many countries in Asia, which offers very interesting, but also better ways to stay, life, invest or even work for foreigners than TH in the moment.
Provided that someone disposes as a foreigner of some money, a good education, adaptability and healthy human mind, there is no need to make his self dependent from TH.

But that’s just my view!

[Jaime]

Sorry to intrude on a thread that is obviously meant for bona fide ex-pats but from a different, 'outside-looking-in' perspective this was a good question by Buksida and excellent response by Hogus which both sum up many of the reasons why I would be reluctant to move my family to Thailand permanently at the present time.
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"The man who never made a mistake never did bugger all" - Old Welsh proverb

"Why limit yourself to the death of a crummy celery stalk when you can eat a giraffe?" - PWEETA

[lomuamart]

If the situation got so bad here that I felt it would be better to move on, I wouldn't choose to return to the UK. I just can't see it working out. I'd be virtually unemployable and after so long here, I don't think I could adapt to that way of life again.
Looking at alternatives, Malaysia would be high on my list. I've got a friend who lived on Java for a nember of years until falling foul of visa laws and relocated to Langkawi. From what he's told ne, it sounds good there. Cheaper, all round than Thailand, great beaches, friendly people, good food, no hassle with visas etc etc. I'm certainly going to go and visit him at some point.
The Philippines sounds similar. India, particularly Goa and Kerala, would enter into the equation too. I've been to both and have family in India.
Having said all that, I don't want to leave here, but it might just become a necessity in the future.
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"I spent a lot of my money on booze, birds and fast cars - the rest I just squandered". George Best.

[Bamboo Grove]

The problem for me would be is that I have young children who require education. If there was plenty of money available, this wouldn't be a problem as there are international schools in many other places. So the first choice would unfortunately be back to the land of snow and ice. However, if the money wasn't a problem, I'd consider Vietnam. Been there a couple of times and like it more every time I go there. China might be an option as well as I've lived there before.
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知彼知己, 胜乃不殆; 知天知地, 胜乃可全
www.bamboogrove.fi

[hogus]

I'm totally agree, Lo,

Malaysia should be very high on the list of possible alternatives to TH.
It seems that the visa-regulations aren't so worst as in TH, people are friendly and better educated, it's even possible to become really an owner of house & land (i.e. not less than 150,000 RM= about 1.5 mio Baht as investment), and the officials seems not too suffer so much under reality loss than our Thai-friends.

Philippines...hmmmm...it's very similar to TH...restrictive Visa-regulations, no chance to own anything without risky deals, crime-rate is very high, but people are also better educated.

About India I haven't any experiences yet.

I'll visit Cambodia soon, because I heard it's like TH 20 years ago.
I'll try to find out about the actual conditions for foreigners to live there, or even to work.
Hope I can post some details in some weeks.

…and “Yes”, if someone is in a relationship & have even kids it will make all more complicated.

[NicFrenchy]

I've been living in Thailand for a year now, I know it's not long compared to you guys but I can say this :

Once my work here is done and I have to move on (could be anytime between 2 to 5 years from now) I think it will be a very difficult and Painful move.

Living in Thailand is Great and I love the way people live here, always happy, up for a laugh, eating habits, cost of living, technology...... the only thing I will certainly not miss is Thai people's efficiency and sense of responsibilities in the workplace.

All in all, I love Thailand and hope to stay here as long as I can

[prcscct]

I think Malaysia would be my choice as well. If with a Thai spouse, it's an ASEAN country and perhaps not too difficult to get her a proper long term visa or residency if you purchase property. It's also close to home for her and for us if/when we get the craving, or the need for her to do a visa run. Think about that, a Thai doing a visa run?

I've lived in Singapore, Hong Kong and Northern China, but that was in the late 80's in the north (Tianjin) and that was no fun. Now is different but I'm not sure I would like to root in that country. I've visited the Philippines many times on holiday but today, the pristine beaches that used to be on the outer islands are mostly all big resorts now (look whats happened to Boracay)...shades of LOS.

It is helpful for all long term Thai expats to get out of here at least for 2-3 weeks a year to recharge batteries, shake the cobwebs out and return with gusto and a new sense of purpose and expectations. I know, these "recharges" wear off after awhile but who knows, maybe someday things will actually change here for the better, meaning expat "better". Pete