I would like to start a topic on short-term retirement in one of our neighbouring countries. And, as I plan to spend most of my retirement time in Thailand, I would love to see more SilverHairs considering Thailand as one of the locations. Do note I am not encouraging you to migrate. Singapore is our home. I hope others who are familiar with neigbouring countries and who are familiar with the country and wish to take the lead to do likewise, a new Post on that country.
Thailand is a great tourist place, but this post would not dwell on shopping, holidays and eating. Your travel agent can take care of that. Of course, in discussing short term retirement, we can cover medical, residence, retirement visa, acceptance by the community, friends, costs and enjoying the country.
Of course, some of us are critical of the country for various reasons. In this case, Thailand is not for you. If you are positive, join this forum, and I believe we can exchange good information.
Terence Seah
The discussion on retirement in Thailand has now taken the form of “Short term living in Thailand”. The thai embassy allows Singaporeans to apply for short term stay in thailand for up to 2 mths on a standard tourist visa application. You can also request for a 3 mth tourist visa, which can only be applied in Singapore.
Personally, I have decided to stop running around when I reach 65. And I intend to spend short 3 mths periods of time in Thailand. I am now planning to start my dream earlier. Having lived in Thailand since 1999, I like the country, the space, the food, the music, and the ease of moving around. Some fluency in the thai language helps, but many Singaporeans pick up the language in no time.
I was recently suprised to know that Stella Sheng was borned in Thailand, and she speaks Thai thai.
Some members have keeness to live in Thailand for short periods of time. I think we can form a group, and you are invited to join the group. So, here goes.
If you have plans or have thought of living in Chiangmai, Chiangrai or Northern Thailand, please whatsapp me at +65 94894360 if you would like to join a small planning group. Singles, couples are invited. I have also a plan to travel North Thailand during the last two weeks of this July. More details later.
This group is NOT for those considering other locations. Other members with interests in other cities or locations, please form your small group discussion. And, please start a new Post.
Terence Seah
Hi DavidM #80,
Chiangmai has a large expatriate community; obviously the western societies are more visible, the asian communities gell well into the city and countryside.
End of the year, Chiangmai is an excellent place to travel, cool, no rain after November, good affordable food and housing. Look around, the hotels are reasonable. If you live there 2-3 months, you can rent a house.
Come jon the SHC gatherings, meet others and you will get a treasure of information.
Terence Seah
Was googling for information about living in Chiang Mai and came across this web group, hey (sigh), i am qualified to be a member.
Anyway, am organising a trip end-year for a group of colleagues to Chiang Mai and one of the objective is to seek out the possibilities of living/retiring in Chiang Mai, so this thread was really interesting.
I noticed the Filipino have an expat community in Chiang Mai which help their fellow Filipino who intend to retire there so I was wondering if anyone know of a Singaporean expat community in Chiang Mai? It would be nice to have a familiar voice to show us the various options – type of properties is our foremost concern. My email is davidksmok@gmail.com
My gratitude for allowing me to make this post.
David
Hi Terence,
Actually i supported your idea of this retirement resort
a great deal.
But if I have to go Thailand novw, I would be lost for lack
of activities besides travelling. Then again, if we are
constantly on the move, we won’t be able to stay put to
live out the retirement living.
james
Hi Kenneth,
I do agree that there should be compelling reasons for wanting to spend 3 months of one’s retirement overseas, where it is. I guess for many, Singapore is still the best place to spend the one’s retirement.
I suspect that the trend has changed. Many would already have decided that working till 62 is the better option. For those below 62, 3 months is not an option because of the need to stay in some form of employment. Which leaves a small group who can spare this 3 months in Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand or China.
Hi James, the numbers dont seem to provide a critical mass to attract any venture into this area of 3 months retirement overseas. What we have seen so far are one to two weeks tourist type of holidays. But, I am keen to know what you mean by kick-start and putting into practicality and reality. Do you mean a group testing out this idea?
Kenneth, Feztus, James, the feedback on this forum on this topic should still be kept alive. As for Thailand, if no one joins me, I guess I will keep my retirement adventures alive with other Singaporeans and Malaysians who are already settled here.
Terence Seah
Hi Kenneth, Terence, Feztus, et alibi,
I think many good points were raised in this discussion
thread. Only thing I find lacking is to have someone to
put it into practicality and reality.
For those who haven’t been posted to these neighbouring
countries for a substantial period of time, it would be
difficult to get things going around by himself/herself
initially.
I have a very fruitful discussion with Feztus, Charles &
Hou Chong last Friday on this, and have the following to
suggest:
We badly need an initiator to kick-start the implementation,
say, for a city like Chiangmai or Bangkok, advise:
1) Availability and choices of apt, estimated cost of food,
transport and misc expenses (exclude shopping).
2) Places in the cities and vicinity to visit
3) Activities we can take part like the local (maybe some
ongoing promotions)
4) Work (voluntary or paid) we can perform, and list of
organizations/companies to contact.
The ideal situation would be the EO can be there during
these 3 months; if not, at least during the initial stage
to help the newbies with the ‘settling down’.
For those already ‘retired’ from their jobs, besides cost
savings, it would be a good change of environment.
For those still employed, there would be more compelling
reasons for him/her to sacrifice their paycheck (not every
one will agree) and ‘retire’ oversea with gainful activities
to do.
Now that we have most of the brainstormed ideas, let’s make
the ‘dream’ comes true.
james
Hi Terence
Looks like this post will die a natural death….
There’s just no convincing Singaporeans to take a three-month retirement in Thailand or any other country for that matter.
I have been talking to many friends besides SHC members and they all conclude that they would prefer to stay in Singapore… and take a short break now and then to some other place/country.
I think that someone who wants to uproot and stay for three months or more must have a compelling reason to do that:
I met an ex-Singaporean in Koh Samui who had lived and worked in the UK for over 30 years, became a citizen there and now was considering retirement in Thailand. He is single, with a small pension in UK pounds which when converted to Thai Baht can be a princely amount. So, he has a compelling reason… besides the weather!
I have a list of things to consider before that foray into retiring overseas:
Country, physical characteristics, weather, population, infrastructure
Cost of living, healthcare, safety and political stability
Taxes, language, cultural and recreational opportunities
Accessibility (to Singapore), special retirement schemes (Silver-hair programmes like in Thailand and Malaysia), legal ownership of land and property rights
So there you are: A formidable array of considerations and decisions before you take the plunge!
Altho I have lived in Thailand for 20 years, it has never been easy to understand Thai thinking. The country is one of the most democratic countries in the world, and supports freedom of speech and right to rally. I believe that such activities will continue for many years to come, altho many will be peaceful. For foreigners, this is a concern and such rallies have affected its tourism. In most cases, the venue for these rallies are limited, and foreigners are advised to stay away.
Many other cities in Thailand are peaceful, while some work have to be done in the South.
So, if you like to enjoy Thailand, do take note and avoid places where rallies are ongoing.
Terence Seah
Hi James
#73
I am writing from Perth. If I do not make it to the meeting on Friday, pls gather whatever members wished to know and I will attempt to provide the answers at a later date.
Just to clarify, I can assist (to a limited extend) those who wished to find out about Perth for short term stay purposes but I do not want to touch or promote migration.
HC
Hi all,
The first meeting will kick off this Friday 26/6 at 7.30pm
at hans@Great Eastern. Those who are keen, pls raise your
hand. Feztus and Charles + another of his fren will be at
this meeting to dicuss on the Yunnan ‘Retirement Resort’
As I’ve not met many of you, I’ll sit in front of the
sales counter and wearing my name tag. Basically my interest
is in the following agenda:
1) Living conditions in Yunnan – which city/cities?
2) Cost of apartment, food and transport
3) Type of work availability and salary/allowance
4) NGO and welfare organizations
5) Health treatment – types and cost
6) Visa processing for more than 1 month stay
7) List of contacts/frens/members there
If there’s any more items that you would like to know, pls
list them here, even if you cannot come.
For those who can offer alternative cities/country for this
thread, pls indicate and I’ll schedule a time slot in this
Friday’s meeting.
Kenneth for Chiangmai,
Hou Chong for Perth,
Edwin Ong for batam/Bintang/Karimun,
– are you able to shed some insights in this meeting?
james
Hi Charles,
I am very encouraged to see you bringing a group together to discuss 3 mth short-term retirement living. 3 was chosen from previous discussion on this forum to maximise regional visa allowance and also cost of initial airfares.
For the group, I hope the group tries to differiate retirement living vis one-time projects vs holiday travellers. Sure, you can coverother issues, but take the opportunity to discuss retirement living.
Go for manageable cost options, to cover more SilverHairs.
Please keep other members informed on this forum. They will be keen to be updated. I hope we will get an Indonesian or E Malaysian rep too.
I won’t be able to join you but plse have fun.
Terence Seah
Hi Hou Chong @70,
OK. If you can fix a date with Tian Soo, it will be ok for me. If I know him, it would be Thur evening. If not I will contact him this Fri for a meet on Wed or Thu. Chai Seh boi?Terence, are you in Sgp? Can you join us next week as you are also interested in the topic. If not give us some dates so we can try to accomodate.
Hi James @ 68,
Tentatively agreed on Fri, Jun 26. But where’s Feztus?
Till then, stay positive but HIV negative.
Hi Charles,
#67
I will be coming to Spr later in the week and meeting you and Tian Soo next week would be very nice indeed. We’ll contact each other towards the weekend then. Cheers.
HC
Hi James
I was in Yunan on a tour many years back and might be keen to go back again. Was told that the rice terrace there is the best in the world and would like to go there and take some photos but am restricted by my work schedule.
Would love to go attend the meeting on Friday but unfortuately I had some prior committment. If you folks are planning for a visit after the 8th or 9th of the month, then let me know ya?
Sockie
In that case, can we set the first meeting, at least for
the Yunnan trip, next friday 26/6 at 7.30pm at the
usual place at Hans@Great Eastern.
Pls suggest alternative date if can’t.
james
Hi Hou Chong @ 64,
Of course I remember you. I am still grateful for your info about the A’lia tax. Are you in Sgp? We should meet if you are. I will be in Macau till Thu, so can we meet next week?
I will call Tian Soo too.
Hi James @ 65,
If you want to know about Yunnan, the correct person is Feztus. I can’t speak Mandarin but will support your idea, if any, of a short term stay for SHC members. I can help make up the numbers. Let’s talk and see how large is the interest.We can meet sometime next week if possible.
Cheers
Fetzus,
CharlesC and JamesT have supported you in initiating “Yunnan as a place for 3-mths short-term retirement”. Fetzus, you have also painted a beautiful picture of Yunnan where one can rest, and enjoy the fresh air, food and place.
I encourage you to start a new Post “Yunnan a place for 3-mths short-term retirement”. I see many eager persons to talk with you.
Have a good start.
Terence Seah
Hi Feztus#62, Charles#63,
You made Yunnan sounds like a paradise to retire that I
want to invite you both for lunch and have a good talk
about it. Anyway, I’m particularly keen about the health
aspect as well as doing some short term work over there.
Can I correspond with you via my mail jtan04@singnet.com.sg
for more details?
james
Hi Charles Chua,
#60,
I would like to join you in the preliminary meeting when one is called. We spoke briefly about Aus Tax residency on SHC forum in Feb 09. Taking the opportunity of a meeting with you, I am happy to discuss about related topics in some details in confidence, if you should want to.
HC
Feztus is right about Yunnan. From there you can travel to many places, some of which are ‘must-see’ destinations. The ‘old towns’ of Dali and Lijiang, which I visited, are very beautiful. You feel you are transported back some few hundred years but with the advantage of modern piping, ready food, drinks and a comfortable lodging. I am still amazed at how the cost structures can be maintained in this 21st century. The streets are still cobbled but clean, the canals and bridges are still authentic and clean too.
Even tho’ it was cold when we were there, I found it very refreshing and must asdmit I miss it now even more. You don’t have to worry about the cold, just pop into any shop and buy some long johns, a scarf, pullovers and a woollen hat. You will be amazed at the price. You can’t complain.
Apts are cheap. Transport is cheap and intra-city travel is cheap and easy to organise. You cannot have a better resource person than Feztus.
If you are tired of seeing ‘old’ things, just pop into a night train and you can wake up in Guangzhou, have dim sum, shop till you are bored, take another train to HK, meet other SHC members, eat till you can’t walk, ferry to Macau, dinner in Zhu Hai and find you way back to Kunming.
You will enjoy more if you can speak Mandarin.
Bon Voyage
Regarding Yunnan, China, I am just going to make mention some general info here and will hereafter either post a new thread or via emails.
By the way, there is a group from SHC going to yunnan from 9 to 16 July and it is open to well mannered travelers, last call!
Yunnan weather is 365 days spring. Much cooler than cameron or genting but landlocked, meaning no fresh seafood. There are lots of cultural shows as there are 25 ethnic minority groups here. Even greater biodiversities and ethnobothany agricultural opportunities.The cost of living is lowest compare to any of the eastern cities. Here we can cut, wash, dry, little massage and dye black for $10 sg dollars! Outside Kunming, I normally do it at $5!
My staff spend about $40 sg dollars a month on food when they cook at home! You can rent an apartment condo type for 200 sg dollars a month.
We have lots of part time work opportunities teaching english, training and consultation etc. to generate some income.
We also have at least 100 NGOs here and you can do ALL kinds of volunteer work here. We have a centre for training special and handicapped youth with income generating skills, computer schooling etc., here we provide food and lodging if you find your way here.
We also have an organic farm where you can do the same and enjoy the same privilege.
So if you want to spend a month or two doing real meaning activities, we have heaps here.
For the more indulging ones, and have the cash flow, you can travel round yunnan in two months. I can set it up. I will also arrange translators and assistants to carry your notebook! For massages, there are heaps of hotspring spa here, indoors and outdoors.
So let me know or email me if you have the slightest interest in Yunnan, whether tour trip, short term living of 2 months or so with volunteer work or without or retiring or even business plus retiring, even if you need to come here for health reason; a cheaper option to the expensive specialists in singapore, let me know. I am still on the drawing as far as planning is concern.
Hi Esther #57,
Looking forward to meeting.
Hi Lisa,
Hope to meet you too.
Cheers,
Hi James,
I can suggest a preliminary meeting of like-minded SHC members who are committed to stay a minimum of 2 weeks in any one place.
During the meet you can segregate those interested into Bkk, CMai, V’nam, A’lia, NZ, I’sia ans M’sia. Of course if the members number only 30, then just a show of hands to indicate the c’tries or cities they plan to experiment, say 2 grps interested in Thai and another in M’sia. Let these 2 groups decide on the city, say Bkk and Penang. Ask Terence or Kenneth how much would a fully furnished apt cost in these places and if they are available for short stays of 4-8 weeks. Members must know they will not be getting the best apts at the lowest rates but something reasonable, ie near a MRT/LRT, some shopping centres nearby for any eventualities. This is not difficult as V Khoo can easily assist as he knows the mkt. Budget only the apt as the members are free to wander around Bkk, say at will using taxis, LRTs or even the motorcycle ‘cabs’. The number of SHC members will determine the apt size, 2 or 3 br or a combination of these. Split up the groups to determine who will be the 1st party of 2 weeks, say, next grp and possibly the 3rd and last grp. That would be a total of 6 weeks.
Let each grp work out their program themselves. Suggestions would be readily available from the resource people like Ken, Terence and V Khoo for Thai. They can wander around Bkk for a week, (doesn’t have to be consecutive days in a week), go fishing, go for a checkup in Bumrumgrad, visit Cambodia, learn Thai cooking, enroll in a language school, or do it the DIY way with a book or a CD. If you consider that the 1st few days are spent familiarising yourselves with the language, the sounds, the smell, the environment etc before you really get comfortable and each day might see some logging onto the i/net, the days will pass quite quickly. They can look up cooking schools, pick up a language book, visit the karaoke bars, discos, try out some new places for food, shopping. They key is to do what you would like to do there. If you like watching people, reading your book, just do it. YOu cannot take the view that it is pointless reading a book in BKK as opposed to Sgp, because it is cheaper. If you think that way, stay in Sgp and travel like a tourist. You will never be happy otherwise. If you want to live like a local, you must do the things you like as as if you were in SGP, but elsewhere, where you can enjoy the climate, perhaps, the different foods, the proximity to different locales.
If you are interested in trekking, eg, choose CMai, say, spend some days soaking up the different atmosphere, while you are planning the details for a 1 or 2 or 3 day trek. Go for the trek, come back to your apt and watch some TV, as if at home, eat your favourite food or fruits, go for a massage, disco, etc. Read the papers, thru the i/net, explore the surroundings, look for a new apt, fo for a checkup, all these while learning a new language. Of course, if you find learning V’namese a chore, yopu should have visited another place where you can leave like a local.
I think if you apply these principles the world would be your home.
I was just in Penang last week. We stayed in a full service apt, fully airconned, 3 rooms, 2 double and a single, kitchen with cooker, fridge, boiler, cutleries etc. The 2 ladies went for cooking lessons for 3 days, some went swimming, all went to gorge ourselves on Penang street food and only 2 restaurants. We could have practised our Malay if we were disciplined. Other time was spent like in Sgp, in the gym, swimming, reading watching tv, shopping, some logging on, eating different types of durians, visiting some relatives and even friends of relatives. I even visited some show flats to determine their investment value and designs.
Actually we saw very little of Penang but it was a good holiday because we tried different types of food, not all good, read M’sian paper coverage of MM’s visit.
The cost of the apt? I understand you can get it for M$3000pm if you book for more than a month. I am sure there are many others which are cheaper. Transport? Used my car and GPS to get around. I am very sure many of you can finetune it better than me and replicate it in any part of M’sia. Then perhaps Thai, (without the car), How about Kunming?
Kenneth#54, Charles#56, Terence,
Thank you for all the valuable advice.
After hearing so many people have their say, how do we go
about to put this into a concrete plan?
Waiting for someone to start a new post and invite others
to decide WHERE n WHEN to book a retirement ‘home’?
Or start to rent a 3-mth ‘home’ oversea, live there and
see who are keen to join later?
Or join Abel in his Rotational home program and see if we
can garner enough resources to pull together?
What is the best course of action now?
james
Charles Chua has writtened it perfectectly what I would have said, re 3 mths retirement.
Tourists are for the travel agents and hotels. You have got to have a retirement living plan. And you have to build the airfares, the rental place, the medicals, and the day-to-day shopping into your plans. You have to identify where suits you.
And finally, you cannot go alone. You have to go in a convenient group. I think you can find them in SilverHairsClub.
Terence Seah
hi terence #55
thks 4 alert. i wl do sm homework, now dat there r signs of nascent interest .
hi jassmine teo #52
hi lisa ong # 53
shall we meet to discuss collection of the nylons in singapore as a first step? my email is : goodipal@yahoo.com.sg
thk u admin for allowing my links :)) !!!
Hi Kenneth @54,
I believe with all your travels you have a better understanding about the motivation and problems of living overseas, so here’s my 2 cents worth.
Most Sgpns like to travel and in their course of travel experience different climates, food, lifestyles and cultures. These expand their horizon and enhance their experience. Lately cost of living (col) has been a factor and some want to have the best of both worlds. And why not?
To do so they have to recognise their 2 big ticket items holding them back, Sgp housing and private transport is the highest in the region and in many other countries too. They have to ensure these 2 costs are contained so they can come back and enjoy the benefits. It would be difficult for most to maintain 2 or more households and private transport in 2 countries. So to get the financing right, they have to reduce their exposure to property in Sgp and perhaps do without a car in the other country.
So for those interested in Thailand, just budget for a service apartment/room from S$300 to S$800 pm. Transport around Thai is efficient and cheap, so you don’t need a car, unlike in A’lia and NZ eg.
I am sure there are other SHC members who are more conversant with the cost structures in Thai who can give a more accurate picture.
How you fill up your time is up to the individual. Some may want to learn cooking, go fishing, visit places with at a more leisurely pace etc. Whatever it may be, you will experience the culture, climate and also pick up the language. Even those who need to stay in touch with Sgp or their families can do so through the i/net. Once you are connected, you won’t even feel you are outside Sgp until you leave the door.
So my suggestion is to travel like a local, live like a local, learn or occupy yourself for the 3 weeks or 3 months of your experiment, all the while staying connected with the home country through Voip and the i/net.
I am sure you will be fitter, leaner perhaps, and more relaxed after your experiment.
If the experiment fails, for whatever reason, just take a budget air ticket back.
One thing I am sure off, consumer costs like clothes, local or street food, even some restaurants, public transport, intra and inter city and air travel will continue to be cheap. Your house and car in Sgp will stay expensive.
For those interested in A’lia or NZ, even those thinking of migrating to these countries, I would suggest a stay of 3 to 6 mos in a year, choosing the best climate or months these countries provide, a similar stay in a rented service apt with a 2nd hand car for your daily and occasional travels. Costs can be reduced with sharing. You would be surprised to find that it might be cheaper to buy a car for 2-3 mos or more and sell it after that, than to rent it for a similar period. If there are more interested parties, you can pass it over to the next group.
You might find your perception of the country can change after some months. Then you will be unencumbered and free to leave for another country or another city.
The mindset to adopt is to live and travel like a local.
So you can start with M’sia, stay on KL, Camerons, ipoh or even Penang for a month, come back and after some time do the same in Bkk, CMai, Udon Thani or even any where in V’nam or PRC.
Stay light and enjoy the better aspects of every city or country that you visit.
I know of a family from A’lia who rented an apt in Shanghai for over a mo, got his 2 kids to join a local school there, all these while during the kids school holidays in A’lia.
The kids were told to be respectful of the teachers, make friends, speak Mandarin. Classes were only in the morning and the afternoon was spent exploring Shanghai. Weekends were spent exploring the towns around Shanghai. There was no homework, tests etc. I thot that was a good idea, cheap and doable.
Like Kenneth and Terence, know yourself, what you want to do and ‘JUST DO IT’
Cheers
Hi Esther,
The project that you have in mind are in fact huge one, run on a nationwide scacale. They are very commendable and have the nation at the heard of the focus. Before you go ahead to start the project, check what you have to do, exactly what you have to do, the costs involved by the participants and how the project is to be developed.
Members who participate, please read carefully what Esther has proposed.
Terence Seah
James @ 45
I agree that you’d have to find something to do if you’re going to spend some three months in Thailand. But you already have a fair idea of what you’d like to do… so just make it happen!
What I think is most important in deciding where to spend our retirement is our expectations. We all have individual needs and objectives for our retirement years: Mine may be just to laze around and do nothing; others may want to do charitable works or even an income producing activity (like farming or running a guest house).
So we must first find out what our own expectations are. Then we work toward finding a place/country where these can be met. And we may have to compromise if we cannot find the ideal place.
Start with spending a little more time in each country/location to get a feel of the place. It may be a great tourist destination and fine for a short visit… but a longer stay may be unbearable.
There is no one perfect place… especially if you need to call it “home”!
I agree with Jasmine #52 that we can all help to collect stockings for Esther’s project. I’m sure we shd be able to collect quite a bit of these stockings.
Esther #49, if you’re agreeable for us to start collection of these stockings, just say the word and we’ll start to spread the word to our network……. Kudos to your admirable action in helping others. Have a great weekend! Rgds, Lisa
Hi Esther #49
Perhaps we could start collecting stockings now, in our country, so that when there’s an opportunity to continue the project in Thailand, we might have a suitcase of stockings to bring over.
Hope to meet you one of these days and talk about charity/voluntary work.
Cheers,
hi james tan #50
i read about nylon stockings being used to make artificial legs in the straits times article published on 2 jan 2009 entitled *RUBBISH TURNED INTO LEGS*. here is the link to it,
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/SE+Asia/Story/STIStory_321092.html
but if SHC admin does not permit the link just google the
title. the article mentioned the PROTHESES FOUNDATION dat makes the artificial limbs. here’s the link to the protheses foundation…….
http://www.prosthesesfoundation.or.th/original/eng/indexEn.htm
again, if the link is edited out, just google protheses foundation
hope u will visit both sites, to clarify your *difficulty understanding* wat i have mentioned
thks for reading my post :)) !!
Hi Esther #46,
Thanks for your support.
I read your mail a couple of times and have difficulty
understanding how stocking is related to artificial limbs
and how come farmers are specially mentioned.
You also mentioned that you put the same message up in
antoher post and nobody responsed.
Based on my observation, whenever a charitable event is
organised, lots of ppl responsed with help for time, effort, free gifts and even monetary donations.
Recent voluntary cleanup events at St Joseph’s Home and the
CNY Ang Pao handouts at Church of Nativity will attest to
that.
That leads me to believe we have a lot of kind souls in
SHC, who don’t hesitate to stretch out their heping hands.
Perhaps, the rate of success for your post is not high ‘cos
of the way the message is put across. However, I’m sure, if
you look tru’ the previous posts, those who organise them
successfully will be kind enough to help you out if you
ask.
http://silverhairsclub.com/index.php?s=Church+of+Nativity
http://silverhairsclub.com/index.php?s=Cannosian
Well, for charitable drive up in another country, it would
require a little more planning and sacrifices as this
involves considerable resources and time from the members.
Nevertheless, good luck to your noble cause.
james
hi tian soo #47, i know it makes more sense to collect fr eg singapore but if i m in thailand it wud b difficult.
hi jassmine teo #48, thks for indicating ur interest. when i find my buddy n is in thailand during ur available time period u will b most welcom to join :))
Hi Esther #46,
I can see your enthusiasm for your pet project. Ok, if one can join you in this recycling project adventure for 5 – 7 days, count me in. I have a short break in September and another one in November. Am prepared to visit Thailand, swine flu threat notwithstanding.
My e-mail: kdaae2005@hotmail.com
Cheers,
Hi Esther
I think you have narrowed down the reason why one would want to stay for 3 months in another place.
My opinion is, having the advantages of good weather and cheap everything by itself cannot sustain long term interest to stay abroad. One gets bored just breathing fresh air and good sunshine everyday. Even sex keeps us excited only for minutes at a time and less often when we are old.
It is human nature that we need challenges. One Buddist friend tells me that we come to this earth to suffer. I assume that without it, we will be like zombies. But we can reduce this ‘unavoidable suffering’ if we can spend time and energy solving other peoples problem. It provides the challenges one needs without the heavy stress of suffering high consequences of failure ourself.
Your project of collecting materials to make artificial limbs sound interesting. But I have difficulty understanding why you want to collect nylon stocking in a 3rd world country. I thought richer Singaporean women would throw away more nylons than any Thais for example.
james tan,thk u for mentioning a good point—-a specific purpose(*fruitful thgs*)is good place to start.
i hv proposed this in another thread but got no response. perhaps i’ll revisit that idea wich appeals 2 me here.
for my specific purpose,i wud b interested to spend 3 mth or more in thailand collecting used/new nylon stockings to donate to a charity organisation that turns these stockings into artificial limbs for poor ppl eg farmers ( i m a mini greenie who enjoys recycle/reuse resource). if i can find even one person who subscribes to this idea, i m ready to go. we can decide an acceptable number of hrs to devote to the project n spend d rest of the time enjoying the local scene.
i like this idea bcoz……….
1—– we do not need to register or b under any organisation’s policies. we r totally independent ie hv total control of our time
2—– our cost will small—only legwork n mouthwork(gotta open mouth to ask for scockings lah!) or small transport (bus fares)
3—– the results r very visible eg we can c how a farmer(or anyone else 4 dat matter) beams when he gets his leg back. contrast this to teaching english to children in poor countries, after 3/6 months what do we c? nothing. how do we kno they hv benefitted? we dont. we can only believe they hv. our sg speak mandarin campaign has bin going on for 30 YEARS n we hv only had 25% success!
Hi Terence, Kenneth n all,
My idea of a 3-6 mth stay in a foreign land would suit if
the followings are met:
1) Something fruitful things to do, such as attending a
special course or doing some social work. I’ve a friend
who recently studied a ‘How to teach English’ course in Bkk
for 3 mths. Joining a International Charity orgnisation
like Rayleigh which goes to poorer counties building
houses, bridges n clean water facilites would also be a
good idea. Immersion program with a Thai family learning
their local language and culture OR learning a dance
/cooking course would also qualify as frutiful things.
2) Cost of living is cheaper by 50% or more with decent
amenities, including car rental; ie, no ‘kampong life’
with only bare necessities
3) Country is big enough and transport network established
for extensive travels on our own.
4) Short flying time from Singaore (<6hrs).
5) Good/stable political govt n no terrorist threat
6) Preferably have friends like SHC who are already there
and readily contactable.
Based on this, I believe Thailand, China (some parts) n
Malaysia would be suitable candidates. Not sure about
Indonesia (terrorist threat) or Australia (hi cost) would be ideal.
Appreciate more comments on this.
james
i am looking here then for more retirees or those not working fulltime, those who have their own business and free to travel alot, to respond to the posting as to under what situations will they consider going away for 2 to 3 months. in this way we will have an idea what kind of needs members of shc have with regards to such short term travel and how we can organise it. you can respond here for thailand or other destinations with those opening up other country posting.
btw, seah, you either also have poor eyesight or this is a case of typo error or you intentionally reduce me to an unborn baby.
Hahaha!!
You guys! Still working at it… I mean that this thread is fizzling out as there is scant interest in staying at any one place for one month, don’t even think of three!
Terence: I think that retiring overseas is a very personal thing and each person has his/her own objectives and reasons to want to consider this. Having a place to call home is above many other considerations. And that is the reason why not many want to look overseas to retire.
So, for SHCs, a week or two spent in some idyllic location is the max that they would consider.
I’m afraid that any other proposal is doomed to fail!
Yes Fetus, I must say Esther has given a good indication on why someone would want to enjoy 3 months away from Singapore.
If we look at all the events which are of interest to members, they are usually short term travel from a few days to a few weeks. But, there is very little expressed interest for medium term travel. I guess the reason is most are still working, and cannot go away for this extended leave. For 3 months, this idea probably works for those who are retired. Really more for those who wants to have a good rest at a foreign location, and enjoy the peace, culture and food of the place. I believe that cost wise, it would have to be the same if no lower than what one would spend in Singapore.
Good feedback Esther. Feztus, let’s see what other feedback we get.
Terence Seah
feztus—-well spotted(wich also means u did read carefully…thks:)) )—-i wish u were rite, altho sugar daddy anywhere welcom ! its jus z senior moment lah!
hey, this is one of the kind of good and indicative response i was looking for to know the kind of reason and plans anyone may for going to do oversea short term living for 3 months.
i think you missed out point 3.
maybe this point 3 was omitted as it is for your sugar daddy at shc!
if i decide to leave sg for 3 mth to go live eg in thailand, i wud hv to define the purpose……
1—–is it jus for a change of environment? for this, jus a week or two might suffice(holiday)
2—–is it to get to know thai culture better? for this 3mth will certainly offer more time for a deeper understanding and staying at one place can work
4—–is it to get to know thailand better from a regional stand point? this will entail the greatest amount of travel n time. perhaps multiple 3 mth visits
5—–is it to enjoy lower cost of living compared to sg? for this objective i wl hv to compare my current living style in sg to dat in thailand eg if i spend $100 for a good dinner at a nice restaurant in sg n it only cost me $50 in thailand for d same meal in a nice restaurant then there will definitely b savings. but i will also hv to factor in the cost of transportation to n from sg to thailand n rental, to c if there will b any real savings
these r jus sm thoughts that came into my head n m sure i hv left out others…..
i love thai food. my dream is to find a thai speaking buddy to motorcycle around thailand to sample n learn to cook thai food beyond d usual green curry, tom yam, somtam….. y motorcycle ? its efficient n economical. yes its more dangerous then driving a car but cant hv it both ways unless i hv a sugar daddy……..(buses r too inefficient)
Hi Mary ,
#28 haha ..to get rid of all hong ..”miang kia UUUuuu!!!”
A home made inhalant is said to be useful for the protection against the swine flu.
It is called “Thieves’ Oil” and it contained anti-viral/anti-bacterial properties.
See this link:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4947972_treat-flu-homemade-thieves-oil.html
The essential oils required to make the potion are easily available too
HC
I agree that most of us are not ready to live overseas on 2-3 month stints. To me, it means switching to the holiday mode in order to fully enjoy the holiday mood.
Other than the plannings needed, one’s financial backing is important, so important that i will place it above all.
We are supposed to be in a recession but somehow, the feel isnt there. With green shoots sprouting, stock markets climbing, property prices picking up and gamblers roaring back into casinos to again roll the dices, exhilaration abound, the recession might end earlier than it shd to teach the devils in us the lesson.
Without getting hit hard by a prolonged and painful recession, people will start spending as if there’s no 2mrow again and the rich-poor gulf will widen very fast, and we could be scorched by an inflation that was never seen before.
In short, if one doesnt have the savings to come home after each short stay-away to live out a simple life, one will be afflicted by the worry of coping with the inflation here which can kill the mood for indulgence. In that case, a permanent home overseas where the cost of living is more affordable may end up as one’s truer option.
i am reading this thread to understand the feeling of shc folks re short term living abroad.
if the responses in this thread is one indication; ie this is the case then it seems that we are not ready for it. i reckon going abroad to stay for even 2 to 3 months require alot of planning even for retirees.
so maybe for a start if there are about 10 to 20 shc folks ready to go to thailand for short term living of 2 to 3 months a year then it seems that would be a good indication that there are members really considering this kind of alternative living abroad.
LinaN, I tell you a story. My son is 10, and I told him I intend to retire, and come to live in Bkk. Guess what he asks me quickly in response. “Pa, what about my school allowance?”.
I think I shall just spend more time in retirement in Thailand (somewhere), and just make sure he finishes university and get married. I agree with Ah Nee not to expect more.
Terene
Lina@32, the younger generation of today is very different from our generation of yesteryear. Better not put all your hope / depend on your children……
Ah Nee
“………this morning I saw CNA news; and there was a picture of some ladies exercising in a nursing home, moving slowly, seems aimlessly, and it really bothered me. I wondered who will look after me?”
When it comes to the time when nobody looks for you, looks at you or looks after you, that’s the time you wake up and start to be proactive. You’ll go look for something instead of waiting to be looked after.
Go to that nursing home you talked abt. Look to the ladies there. Join them to move slowly, aimlesly. At that age, that’s all you and I can do…..everything is slow motion, no adjustment is needed. No bollywood but expect to be bullied like (dead)wood.
So, better to given up residency, go and then return 18 years later as another hero and not another Ah Q…….
Terence #31, Hopefully your wife or your son will look after you!
Hi GeraldineT, KennethT
I hope to keep this Post running with the aim of all of us reading the comments on 3 mths retirement living in Thailand. Gosh, it will be sometime before I retire. But you have effectively captured what I think is ideal for retiring Singaporeans, enjoying the lifestyle and everything else while keep cost low and sensible. 3 mths has always been Asia std visa availability.
Kenneth loves Thailand, and he will spend some time there, as he has always done so. He knows Thailand better than me in some places.
I like the suggestions coming in, and they are up in this forum for everybody to read, and pick up points to consider.
By the way, this morning I saw CNA news; and there was a picture of some ladies exercising in a nursing home, moving slowly, seems aimlessly, and it really bothered me. I wondered who will look after me? Too far away to think?
Terence Seah
Hahaha!
terence @ 26
I was only trying to encourage/goad some response from our SHC members… Yes, two weeks is a short time but it’s a start. Maybe you should buy a plot of land in Thailand and build several small self-contained units on it and lease them out on one-month periods… you may make some money catering to Singaporeans’ dreams for a “retirement retreat”.
Ah Nee @ 27
Yes, we can really get some nice “budget” hotels in Chiang Mai and there may no need for an apartment/house if you plan to stay only 2 weeks to a month. There are also many self-serviced apartments available in Thailand and I am looking at one in Chiang Mai to spend at least a month in. Care to come sometime in November?
Hi Terence
I have been reading this thread with interest since you put it up. It’s nice of members to share, contribute, suggest, question etc.
I absolutely agree with you that this 3-month retirement retreat cannot be done alone. That said, I imagine myself in a serene, tranquil environment (Zen-like, if you will) somewhere in Thailand or even in the heart of Bangkok (which I love) for 2 to 3 months to read, get my massage, still comfortable (no meaning to rough it out), socialize as in outings with fellow SHCians who are there at the same time during the day, drinks/meals in the evenings etc but definitely not running around all the time during that stay (again, it defeats my purpose). Still want easy access, reasonable lodging costs and medical care plus costs.
After being refreshed for that period of time, it’s back to madness and comfort food either Sg or HK (wherever I am based by that time).
This is my ideal short-time retirement break – relaxing, no pressure, respecting privacy and space……..
Terence #18
Thank you for your input. I like Thailand, having worked in BKK, Samut Sakhorn, Cha Am in the 90s and I miss the cool & beautiful northern provinces of Chiangmai and Chiang Rai.
I look forward to meet you & Vincent during my coming trip to BKK, then to Chonburi – probably my choice for a 1-3 months stay next year. A group of Spore friends are keen to join me for Thailand retirement trip.
Joan #24
Welcome back to Perth. Meet you on Soup Night!
Hou Chong #20
I am selling ‘miang kia u’ for tow hong…hee
Hi Kenneth,
Why need an apartment / house when the hotels in ChiangMai are damn cheap! Remember your recommendation stay at “ChiangMai Thai House” last October, only cost $12.50 (non air cond) for twin sharing per night. That hotel is really nice and cheap, easily accessible to the shopping centre & night Bazaar area. I think staying there for a month is not a problem……I have fond memory of that hotel though we “kenah” stranded there.
Ah Nee
Hi Kenneth,
Yes, we see from previous forum discussion on this 3 mth retirement toppic, the response has been luke warm. First the 70% of our membership are ladies. So they are out. No Boolywood night, no dancing, no nice shopping area, concerns of safety, food hygiene and crime. But I believe this is partly true. As you see if the group is big like 2 vans to Chiangmai remote mountains, 1 planeload to Padang, Vietnam, Yunnan, you see the eagerness is different. I think more men would enjoy their retirement overseas for 3 mths, if they don’t get kicked out by their wives.
You do have an interesting suggestion. I will take it up. Let’s see if there are other variations. But two weeks is a holiday, not retirement living.
Terence
Hi AndrewT #22,
I would say tha for almost anywhere where you would rent a place for 3 mths, there would be a fridge, a TV and bathroom. But I think for two persons (husband and wife), this arrangement may not be convenient, and your wife will definitely come home before you. Haha. Anyway, a TV and a fridge can be easily sold off before you leave the place.
There are some places, they call resorts, but are actually apartments for 3 mths rental, amongt coconut trees and some idle buffaloes. There are also retirement homes, I have not seen them though.
But Andrew, I think 4 is an ideal number, good for a car. Driving is easy, same side as Singapore.
Terence
Hi Terence
For one who loves to travel and enjoy new sights and sounds, just 1-3 mths in a country is sufficient. I find that I do need to alternate between a busy ,fast paced Singapore to a quieter and relaxing Perth. I’m already doing this now and recommend that it’s a good idea for others to follow.
However do choose the countries that you like for the food, scenery, activities that you can spend time in etc. Eg. Mary has given good input.
Regards
Joan
Hi again, Terence
From the other messages in this forum you can tell that there are many differing views and ideas as to where to take that three-month “retirement” you’re talking about.
There’s also not been many responses to your suggestion… so would there be any real interest in “retiring” overseas for three months?
What I’m driving at is that Singaporeans, in general, do not want to spend three months away from their comfort zone. Even if it is just across the border.
Can I put up a suggestion which I think may work out:
You, or some like-minded SHC, secure a place on a one-year lease say in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This can be an apartment or a small two-bedroom unit. The option would then be given to other SHC members to take two-week periods to experience “short-term retirement”. The costs and schedules would of course have to be maintained: a higher rent for the peak holiday months, etc.
I will commit myself to two 2-week periods if you come up with a apartment/house in Chiang Mai. How about that?
Terrence,
just wondering about logistics. If one moves every 3 months, you wont be able to have a lot of belongings. Not sure that my wife will agree to that kind of gypsy lifestyle, though I might be able to do it. Likely to be overweight @ airport though!
But if you’re going to maintain a homebase (say in Spore), you’d still be saddled with all the asset and other issues.
Personally, I’m intrigued by the US form of retirement village where it’s part appt/housing devlopment with shared facilities incl nursing care. Unfortunately, that’s kind of place is likely to be too ex in Spore. I guess that’s why some of us are looking overseas. Do you know if there are such ‘villages’ around?
Hi Hou Chong, the handsome man from down under,
I just love it Haha.
Tow Hong.
Terence
Some of us come across unusual situations while overseas.
This is a true account of 2 ladies at a massage :
Ms S was having a massage on her back when she noticed
that the Masseur was burping repeatedly.
So Ms S asked : “You just took coke is it?”
Masseur : “ No, it is wind coming fm you and going out thro me”.
Thereafter, it was Ms G’s turn to have a massage.
Ms G’s was having a head massage by the same masseur
who continued with her awkward burps.
So Ms G asked : “Why are you burping so much? ”
Masseur : “It is the wind from your head, you have “Tow Hong”.
HC
Hi Kenneth #13,
Yes, we have discussed this topic on retirement elsewhere many moons before. Personnally, I would not go into a permanent retirement overseas; I would just go for 3 months. Most Asian and nearby countries would offer a 3 month visa; and this should enable one to enjoy the country as well as live there for a short period of time.
Migration is a sensitive topic. This Post is created for those who have an interest to stay in Thailand for 3 months and enjoy their retirement.
For myself, I am pretty mobile now at 54. I am wondering what will happen when I really retire. I guess I will spend 3 months in Thailand, 1 month in Singapore, 3 months in Perth and back to Thailand.
Terence Seah
Hi Mary #12,
We have a member Vincent Khoo. He is a very old friend of mine, and he lived in Bkk for about 20 years. He swears that one can lived on SGD 500 per month. This is about 12,000 baht. He rents an apartment for 5,000 baht in Rachada in the city, and buys his food from the supermarkets. He enjoys travelling around by buses, roam the huge supermarkets and departments, and talks with the locals for his companions. For entertainment, he has a TV which he gets his global news. Multi channels are common.
I think SGD 500 doesnt give you the luxuries. Of course, no eating in restaurants, shoppping. Personally, I think 500 in the city of bkk is tough. It is so much easy up country in Chonburi, Rayong, Chiangmai, Korat, etc.
Terence Seah
Hi Feztus,
Please start a new Post entitled “Yunnan a place for 3-mths short-term retirement”. Lead on please. i am sure we can heard your experience.
Terence Seah
This golden age retreat deliberation is good as it will give more options to folks apart from singapore. Now we have thailand, Indonesia, etc…
I will come in with yunnan option when i am ready. Of course i can still throw some resources for thailand, chiangmai to mae hong son area, if i see we are developing there.
In the meantime, here is something for us to read and understand why we need retreat centres.
New Alphabet
A is for apple, and B is for boat,
That used to be right, but now it won’t float.
Age before beauty is what we once said,
But let’s be a bit more realistic instead.
Now
The Alphabet
A’s for arthritis;
B’s the bad back,
C’s the chest pains,
Perhaps car-d-iac?
D is for dental decay and decline,
E is for eyesight, can’t read that top line!
F is for fi ssures and fluid retention,
G is for gas which we’d rather not mention.
H High blood pressure-We’d rather it is low;
I For incisions with scars you can show.
J is for joints, out of socket, won’t mend,
K is for knees that crack when they bend.
L’s for libido, what happened to sex?
M is for memory; we forget what comes next.
N is neuralgia, in nerves way down low;
O is for osteo, bones that don’t grow!
P for prescriptions. We have quite a few,
Just give us a pill and we’ll be good as new!
Q is for queasy, is it fatal or flu?
R is for reflux, one meal turns to two.
S is for sleepless nights, counting our fears,
T is for Tinnitus; bells in our ears!
U is for urinary; troubles with flow;
V for vertigo, that’s ‘dizzy,’ you know.
W for worry, NOW what’s going ’round?
X is for X-ray, and what might be found.
Y for another year we are left here behind,
Z is for zest WE still have – in OUR minds.
We’ve survived all the symptoms, our body’s deployed, and at the least, we’re keeping twenty-six doctors fully employed.
Hi Edwin,
I think it would be appropriate you lead a new Post.
Terence Seah
Anyone consider Riau Islands Group (Batam, Bintang & Karimun)?
It is easier to zip in and out and especially good for those who love the sea and the food therein. A linked kelong (fishing trap with stilt that is built from shore and into the sea) to an island with population of )
Hahaha!!
Terence: You’re trying to revive this topic again! We have had many meetings and discourses on retirement living in Thailand and other oversea locations: with no real actions!
I’m afraid that I’ve come to the conclusion that most Singaporeans do NOT want to live overseas… away from their loved ones, friends, church, friendly medical doctor and dentist, chicken rice, char kway teow and a whole host of other reasons. Or, worse, they want to supplant the Singapore culture and environment into the foreign destination.
Do not get me wrong: I’m not deriding the mindset of Singaporeans… it is just realism and the truth may be hard to accept.
So, can we have three months away from all the above reasons? Can we contemplate the situation we’d be in:
All alone in a strange land, where the language is almost unintellgible, but people kind, even respectful. Cost of living and medical services affordable, food exquisite and alluring. Scenic delights at every turn: mountains and streams, great sea views and white sand beaches.
I can give a thousand reasons why Thailand may be an ideal place to consider retirement… but I can also give a thousand reasons why I want to cling on to Singapore.
Hi Terence,
Yeah I like Perth – clean, healthy, friendly, safe, secure, good educational facilities and stable. Here I live a simple lifestyle – grow veggies, home-cooking, capture sun’s energy for electricity & hot water, collect rain water for toilets & garden, talk to the swans, walk the woods, fish the rivers & oceans, catch crabs and abalone, smell the flowers, charity work…
Living in Thailand & Indonesia for 1-3 months is in my plan…can stretch retirement dollars. Many things to do – e.g. plant fig trees, read, teach, take up courses and learn new things from the locals.
Sue Chan’s $700/pm is for Jakarta – will this be possible for living simply in Thailand?
Susan, James,
I arr Sin this thurs night. Haven’t booked my flights to Bkk yet. Sorry, will have to let you know thurs.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
Will you have back home (I mean in BKK)? James, my son and I will be there from 11th – 14th June. Is there a chance to meet up.
Maybe, we can come face to face to expose further whether is it an ideal pl to retire in Thailand.
Lets communicate thru my pte email: susantan06@yahoo.com.sg
Hope to meet you.
Susan tan
Hi James #8,
I guess there are a few reasons why someone would want to spend 3 mths retirement overseas. Many such ideas failed because the person finally find it lonely or he has nothing to do. I am not talking about a situation when we become inmobile. If we are mobile, we still want to be active. I think and I feel strongly about this viewpoint is that you cannot spend 3 mths on retirement living, if you go alone. Maybe not in your case. Of course, more men, if they go alone, can usually find female company to keep them comoany for 3 mths. For others, you have to come along with spouse or friends.
Many people think thai language is a difficult. Don’t worry, thrown into the place, you will pick up the language and lingo in 3 mths.
There is everything you want that you can find in Thailand. Cars, dancing, community work. But for those thinking of bringing the luxurious of Singapore to Thailand, you probably can do it, just at what cost.
Start with a set of friends or family members with the same interest. It will work. Alone, I doubt.
Terence Seah
Hi Terence,
What do you suggest we do during the 3-mth ‘retirement’ in
Thailand? Going around touring the whole country or what?
I like to do something fruitful and interesting rather than
lazing around the beach or resort.
Would there be a Thai resident kind enough to teach us the
Thai language as a from of immersion course? Would it be
easy to find courses to attend like dancing, cooking or
learning a new hobby. I don’t seem to see any Community
Centres around the cities, but as you explain previously,
their ‘wat’ or temple act like a CC as well.
What about driving? How much does it take to own and
maintain a car over there? Do we have to convert our local
licence to theirs and take a test?
Sorry to pump so many questions?
Hope you can give some recommendations?
james
Hi HenryL #6, Many have considered what you have in mind. Let’s wait for someone to raise his/her hand to take the lead in “Perth a place for 3-mth short term retirement”, maybe Mary. She lives and loves Perth.
Hi JuneL #5, I think you should be pleased if your final and likely scenario may be to look after grandchildren until they are teens. Join me when you are ready.
Hi SusanC #4, thanks for the sharing. I hope someone will take the lead on “Jakarta a place for 3mth short term retirement living”. Better someone who currently living in Jakarta.
Terence Seah
This topic is very close to my heart since i joined SHC. My preference is to hop over to perth to stay for about 3 mths twice a year (during autumn and spring) on a tourist visa. I am planning on a budget of about SGD300 per mth on rental of a cheap apartment (can be some distance from perth) and about SGD200 on other expenses. The idea is just to relax, change of environment and weather, and do some of my hobbies like fishing, crabbing, sight-seeing, etc.
I wonder whether my plan & budget are feasible? Grateful for some suggestions. Thanks.
Henry
Retirement…yea!!! no more taking train from same MRT stn to the same office, take the same lifts up to the same dept, work at the same workstation, Mons to Fris (except whn on leave), year in year out…ZZZZZzzzzz…-)))).
What I will miss wld be the 12th of each month!!! Pay day!!! :-))
I do look forward to retirement. But I keep thinking of what I can do to keep myself occupied!!! I love to laze around. But only for a week or at most two. Longer and I will DIE!!! :-)))
I hve read articles of people in Thailand and Indonesia, who run little cottage industries for poor villagers in order to make their lives better.
Won’t it be great to retire short term in these countries and at same time do some good deeds to make the lives of the poor better??? What can I do? Guess the usual handicrafts, fashion silver accessories etc etc…Teach at slow pace (aftr all, we are on retirement right? :-))…then bring back products home to sell….Money to go back to the villagers with a little to cover our own expenses. That time we dont need lots of money. Just a little to cover food and transport.
It is my dream. Wish it comes true :-))))
But if I become a grandma….I wld enjoy looking after my grandchildren…:-)))) Bring them for walks, swimming, cycling etc…:-)))
Hi Terence,
I would like to contribute my views in considering Jakarta as another desirable place for a short term retirement, without having to create a new thread…
Having worked and lived in JKT for more than 1-1/2 years before, this capital city is a melting pot for Indonesia’s 300-plus ethnic groups, and it has always been contemptible as perceived by the West. Its currency, The Rupiahs, has decreased in value, as a result of the Asian financial crisis a few years ago. Expats on permanent revenues can live contentedly in Jakarta for about $600-$700 per month and never have to do housework or cook. One can even employ a reliable maid for a mere S$70-100 per month.
Getting in the region of Jakarta is easy too, just jump on a decrepit city bus or travel in more style in taxis that only cost around 15 cents per kilometer. Most Indonesians speak simple English, and to master their Indonesian lingo is just as easy, as most of us do speak basic Malay.
One of the main obstructions to a long-term stay in Jakarta is the red tape. Guests from most Western nations get a non-extendable 60-day traveler pass on entrance. Hence, if one should intend to stay longer, the option is to fly to Singapore before expiry of a tourist pass, stay in SGP for a day or two, and then fly back to Jakarta where you will be issued a new 60-day stay.
Albeit the metropolis can be hot and humid while the seasons alter from dry to wet, there are many enjoyable resort destinations not far from Jakarta to escape to, e.g. Denpasar-Bali, Lombok, Lampung to name a few.
Since our Singapore Dollar is stronger than most Asian countries, this is another city worth considering.
Cheers!
Hi Terence,
I do understand what you have in mind. Durning our trip in Perth, I did post the question about retirement. Guess you have given it some thought. I love beaches and Thailand have many. Exploring the many different spots and sort of having time ‘to smell the Roses’. No time frame, 2 mths or 3 mths, extended stay until boredom step in. Then pop into the next retirement village or back to Spore. How is that?
Paul
hi
i hv been asked several times to visit my thai buddy
since im still working at moment, im looking forward to some planning for the future, which maybe not so far away
if u need any help from my buddy, pls let me know
kop phun krab
Thailand has many cities/towns where one can stay for 3 months. Chiangmai, Chonburi, Korat, Phuket and many more. It really depends on your desire. Living costs are very important issues. Safety, mobility and hospitals are just as important. You can be a queen or a king. Unlikely you can live like you are in Singapore. Costs can also be as expensive as in Singapore. Really, it’s what each of us want.
Terence Seah