Expat Community > Thailand

ECC
Joined 2012
Posts: 9

Newbie Questions...

11 years ago

Hello Folks. I still live in the States but I've been looking to "retire" elsewhere for a very long time. I'm a disabled Vet on a fixed income and quite frankly, I cannot continue to live in the US. I had been leaning towards Belize but after reading up on Thailand, I'm fairly certain that this is where I want to be. [B]I would greatly appreciate any and all helpful advice I can get![/B] I love the mountains (I live in the Rocky Mountains right now) but I've always dreamed about retiring on (or near) a tropical beach. I'm going to list quite a few questions down below and like I said, I'd greatly appreciate all the helpful advice I can get.

I'm over 50% service connected and I get all of my health care and medications through the VA. Is it possible, and legal, to have my VA medications shipped into Thailand?

Health insurance would be the next question. In the States, I'm 100% covered through the VA. I also have Medicare available to me through my SS disability. Is it possible to get medical care in Thailand using either of these systems...or am I out of luck once I leave the States?

I would love to be able to live a nice lifestyle on about $1200/mo...is this realistic??? From what I've read, it sounds like this should be easy...is that really true? Before you answer, I like modern conveniences and a decent home...air conditioning would be nice. I would like to have high speed internet...and the basics.

I've read conflicting information on whether or not westerners are discriminated against...could someone clear this up for me?

Are Thai women receptive to American men (as in long term, committed relationships/marriage)? Are they loyal and devoted to their partners? I'm recently divorced and at 41 years old, I don't see myself staying single...especially with the beautiful women in Thailand.

What are some of the cheaper areas of the country to live in (beach areas)? I'd like to be in a safe area with other expats but not necessarily a high tourist area. I'm seeking some place kind of quiet but not completely dead, as I am still young and want to enjoy life.

I won't move without my dogs, so I definitely have to figure out a way to bring them with me. I'm also curious about bringing other things...can you import things like ATV's, vehicles, etc?

This question is VERY important to me. I've been told that firearm ownership is legal in Thailand. Is this true? I am an avid shooter. I owned a gun store until recently. I am used to carrying a firearm on me 24/7. Is this going to be possible in Thailand???

What kind of things am I missing here...what are some serious concerns with living in Thailand? I've read that Denuge Fever is a problem. Is it something that you have to be really worried about? What about other diseases and dangers?

[B]Oh...another somewhat important question[/B]...I've read that the Thai's are pretty formal in their dress...and they expect you to dress the same. In warmer climates, I'm a shorts, sandals, and T-shirt kind of guy. I read somewhere that shorts are frowned upon. Is this true? I'm very casual in my dress. I usually wear jeans and a decent shirt for every day type of situations. I'm not sure I want to move somewhere that I have to be seriously concerned about my attire. I dress decently...just casual. I also like wearing shorts. Will this pose a problem for me?

Any other input I can get from you guys/gals would be GREATLY appreciated! I've never been there...but I'm kind of thinking about just coming over there and just staying. Ideally, if I have to make a trip there first, I would like to be permanently moved over there by the end of next summer.

I have a steep learning curve in front of me...but I'm OK with that. Thank you very much for any help you can give me!!! :)

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