Planning My Big Move to Thailand and How Much Does it Cost?

[@garywilliamson6167]

You’ve done some very good research. I’ve been here since 2017 and absolutely love it. With your common sense and attitude, you’ll love it too. All the best.

[@stephenspence7208]

Looking forward to following your adventure DJ. Take care and God bless. Steve

[@gerard7653]

Was back home in Ireland for a week and just catching up on your videos. Absolutely delighted your making this move. It will do ya the world of good. Your a good guy now go there and be happy cos ya deserve every bit of it. Keep up with the videos ❤

[@DarrenJohn]

🙏🏼😉👍🏼

[@PH-hw5nx]

Darren, fist thank you so much for your great videos, I am a 67 year old Scottish lady living in Cannes south of France now for 48 years . But thinking also to move to Thailand. Just wanted to ask you if you have watched « Retired and living the dream » on you tube His name is Les from England. Been living in Thailand for 12 years. Looks a great man and honest. I think before spending all that money I know you can contact Les on a one to one for 1 hour or even 3 hours for the same price 10 pounds who knows perfectly the in’s and outs of everything in Thailand. But before watch his you tube channel first and see what you think. And his live videos as well. He seems a great Guy just like you. Thank you again for your fantastic videos. God bless you and your family. Patricia

[@megbaines2597]

Is Les the guy with the brain tumour?

[@MikePaton-Williams-yv9qo]

@@PH-hw5nx dear Patricia. I worked in Cannes for 30+ years organising trade shows for TV, Music and Property. You know who we were🥰 Beautiful place but Covid brought us down. Our events brought €360 million a year to Cannes through our clients. Almost all of us were laid off in 2020. Age, illness and salary have stopped me getting another job. I wish you well🙏🏽😘😎 Mike

[@TEDBOVIS-h9n]

That guy is from Middlesbrough , yeah seems ok . Lives in Rayong , hour or so from Pattaya . . . . 😊

[@successblueprintinstitute]

Left uk last year October for Thailand. Best decision of my life. Just me, my bike and a little suitcase of vests and shorts. The cost of living has made uk an unviable option. And you get f all for it

[@mikekaraoke]

Esp if you live up north it isn't unviable, among other parts of UK! Do you have a job out there or???? Many factors to consider, and he did say he would go there for a year then decide about what to do next!

[@andyfin990]

Believe me, he wont be going back to that 3rd world shit hole

[@liampoole238]

Good man Darren. Good luck with everything.

[@paultaylor8149]

Mate don’t be paying £1000 for your visa … plenty of places can help you for half that price for you first visa and then a quarter of that to renew it … plus you get 60 days on entry and then 30 day extension at Jomtien immigration so 90 day in total once you get your 30 day extension go see the agent to organize your visa I use Maneerat on soi 13/2 (Soi Post Office) been with them for 5 years never a problem they can also sort a bank account for you usually Bangkok Bank anyways good look on the move fella

[@eamonncoyle6863]

Good advice

[@simonmarks2860]

Plus get a WISE card for currency transfers

[@bkkian4012]

should be 20-25k baht DJ

[@clivebaxter6354]

Only the clueless, lazy or unqualified for visa's and extensions use agents. Perfectly easy to do it yourself

[@DSPattaya]

A 2nd from me for Manareet on 13/2

[@TheBubblewrapboy]

Your bang on about Pattaya Darren, we’ve been going to Thailand for 19 years, fell in love with it like you did. We only went to Pattaya for the first time in 2022 because of what everybody said about it and we loved it, it’s all there if you want it but if you want a quiet time you can. I’m 59 still working my wife retired after covid, got sick of being abused in a supermarket 😂. So we can only go for a couple of months max. What a place , good luck mate we will be following every minute of it 👍

[@hawkinsn31]

I take my hat off to you Sir. This is a bold move , I moved to Poland 9 years ago with my Polish wife and I can tell you going to a country on holiday for a few weeks is one thing living in the country is quite another. But I would imagine there is a British community living in Thailand so news friends and an adventure for sure. Wishing you good luck.

[@roberthornbrook8374]

Daren my word of advice get an older building make sure the electricity is 5 baht per unit not 10 baht and the older buildings are 44 42 square meters the newer building are match boxes

[@AGlugofOilJanBennett]

Oh wow! We are so looking forward to your Thailand vlogs! 🥳 Defo a no brainier due to the stupid high living costs in the UK (especially London)! xx

[@tkilla1202]

Best of luck mate. I did the same 20 years ago. One thing I'd say to anyone wanting to do this who needs to work, rather than retire with sufficient funds already in place, is find a way to earn money online/remotely. If you get that set up first, then the world really is your oyster.

[@markwalker7521]

I'll enjoy watching your journey to retirement in Thailand.My younger brother has lived there for nearly 20 years and works there as well now.I'll watch with interest,plan for my retirement and escape the rat race in the UK.

[@stewartgrant7724]

HI Darren,Another great video its amazing how much the city has changed with still lots of the old buildings but you can see new buildings appearing, Well you have certainly done all the homework required so what date do you actually fligh out each day is getting closer now. Again thank you for sharing.

[@davidmasters2408]

Darren, I’ve been watching and enjoying your video postings for the past three years. I’m from Bethnal Green and was so interested in your visits in and around the East End of London (places I knew and those I didn’t) and then of course your reviews all over London. I’ll be honest and say that I wouldn’t be interested in your Thailand postings but I wish you all the best success on the new chapter of your life and thank you for all the entertainment you have provided me for the past three years. Having watched you and listened to you recently I could see that you were becoming less happy and dare I say it…..quite lonely as well. Your recent illness didn’t help but having lost your job recently as well, the uncertainty surrounding your flat and your son moving to the US, I think you have made the right decision to get out of London and the UK. All the best matey and I shall keep an eye out just in case you do return to London and make more vlogs…safe trip! 🤝👋👋

[@peteredan7352]

I agree with some of the other posts. Get your Non O in London, open a bank account when you arrive in country and a letter of residence from your apartment owner, then apply for the retirement visa yourself. It is a pain in the butt but you'll have all the time in the world, plus it's a learning process. It will cost you 1,900 THB for the retirement visa. Why shell out 50k to 70k for someone to do it for you? The process is relatively easy and will introduce you to Thai bureaucracy, a surreal expirence which ine has to experience. The money you'll save will pay your rent for 4 or 5 months. Good luck whatever you decide.

[@Potterthepattayaperv]

Hi, D.J. mai pen rai, rai normally pronounced Li. Is the Thai for no worries no problem etc. Good luck with your move mate, also ladys say sawatdeKAA Men say sawatdeeKAP also kupKap men say lady say kupkaa for thank you. Remember men say kap lady says kaa. Sorry to bleat on at you😢😢

[@Potterthepattayaperv]

Hi Dj. Me again also phed prounounced pet. Dont ask me why, I havent got a clue means spicy so if you want it very spicy say pet MAK MAK. Little bit spicy (if you feel a little bit "delicate"after a few to many of those chocy/banana shake things😊) means pet nid noy. Nid noy being the the Thai for a litte bit.

[@robertcain3426]

​@@Potterthepattayaperv Yes. Pronunciation confusion of D and T, R and L, G and K, V and W. Been here 20 years and I'm still confused.

[@brianlutkin2085]

Darren john just watched the first vlog. Got suggested. I'm in east Yorkshire, like london Got a thai wife.got a house in Thailand. Been going to Thailand since 2004,I'm 64 now Not sure if i retire to Thailand yet. Will watch your vids , good watching. Excellent

[@DarrenJohn]

Nice one, thankyou

[@malc2121]

@@brianlutkin2085 I am in the same situation having a Thai wife and unsure about living in Thailand. Honestly we could move tomorrow but I just don't feel like moving. I have spent that much time in Thailand, it just feels like going somewhere local

[@ribbster123]

The beauty of thailand is that its bang in the middle of everywhere , laos, cambodia, vietnam , india , china , to name a few . this is a endless source of content for the channel. now the only way to make it sustainable is to live as a thai would live , ie eat where the thais eat , drink where they drink ect but im sure you know that already . This journey will change you for ever as it did me , for the better i might add , and im looking forward to watching it from the beginning .

[@joangledhill9378]

Quite a few people i know have relocsted from the uk to Thailand and they love it You go for it Darren

[@mikekaraoke]

I know a few people that have relocated then moved back! Plus he isn't recloatuing there for life-for now going there for a year!

[@asiatravels007]

Plenty good areas around Pattaya if thats where you want to be and there's an airport 😯 Jomtien, Pratumnak, Bang Saray is amazing further down the coast, Naklua, Wongamat, Na Jomtien and many others outside of the madness of Central Pattaya. Just do it, go for it and dont let the online basement dwellers stop you! 👍🥳

[@jayr4857]

Hey mate, you are making the right decision. I go to Thailand at least 3 times a year for work. Awesome country. Im in Australia. If you need help with anything when you get there, message me. I know heaps of Australian and British expats who live there who can give you great advice. There's nothing like local knowledge . And if you ever want to visit Australia, i have an air bnb on the beach that you are more than welcome to for free. Get this, it was 37c and 85% humidity in my home town the last few days. It was brutal, but i love it. You will acclimatise to the weather in Thailand to the point of a 26c day that will feel slightly chilly. I shit you not. Rant over, cheers mate. Have a top week. 👍🇦🇺🌴

[@mikekaraoke]

But he is moving out there for a year Jay, not going there 3 times a year! Totally different!

[@jayr4857]

@mikekaraoke and your point is?

[@mikekaraoke]

@@jayr4857 And my point is, seriously???

[@andyfin990]

Correct, ive been coming here for 20yrs, live here ow, I'm a shadow of my former self .😂

[@karengalley3669]

You’ve got to go with your heart so good for you. And you never know, maybe KZbin will send me notifications like they used to because I’m getting nothing now 😡😡 It’s annoying going onto KZbin and having to scroll down in case you’ve posted something.

[@swimdeep189]

Me too @k.

[@DarrenJohn]

Apologies for that

[@MrAlanPhilpott]

I live here in Nong Khai Thailand Darren and all you researched is “technically” correct, BUT, as any expat will tell you, things are not what they appear in the real world. I suggest you have a mentor or sit with a group of British guys for a beer and learn about how Thailand really works. Good luck on your adventure.

[@Chris-k4c1z]

@@MrAlanPhilpott 100% correct, after visiting only 1 time for a short holiday, is very different to living there, good advice 👍

[@alanbrown2538]

I Also Live in Nong Khai too M8.....Been Here Permanentely for 9 Years, But In ALL Since 1996.....( 29 Years )

[@DaveDoran]

Good on you DJ i will feel sad 😢yet happy 😊 for you ,give it a blast mate and enjoy it ,you deserve 😊

[@edthorne4806]

Looking forward to more great videos from beautiful Thailand 🙏

[@Lenkilburn]

Hi Darren thanks for showing us around London one more time I worked there for years and yes it’s a very special place but go to Thailand and start your new life and I for one will carry on watching you and your exploits as they unfold

[@colindarroch4022]

You have done your research and certainly look to be well prepared. Good luck and stay relaxed.

[@DarrenJohn]

Thank you, I will

[@markrawstron3104]

The hardest part of this move DJ is the selling of the bikes not many will understand but i know how hard that is it has to be done i wish you happiness and health in this move and can't wait for more videos from you

[@grahamcarr5788]

Go for it DJ and we all wish you every success with your new venture.

[@andygirling8964]

Darren as an expat living in Thailand May I suggest that if you’re renting a condo you look at the Pratanmak area there are plenty of condos for rent with all the facilities and it’s about 10 minutes by taxi into Pattaya if you’re looking at houses try East Pattaya and again so many rental properties available. Visas I would suggest you speak with Cambodian Visa Shop in Soi Buakhow and they will look after all your visa requirements. Good luck.

[@DarrenJohn]

Appreciate it, thank you. I like the look of Pratamnak

[@stevebacon1026]

Hi darren . Im gonna miss you as im always on the look out for you when i visit canterbury, or sometimes margate. Take care mate, and i really hope that all goes well for you , you deserve it. Its an adventure that you need to take on . Im sure it will work out good. All the best. Steve( just down the A2 from you.)Regards top man . Steve.

[@seanmcdyre6167]

Fair play to you Darran...Follow ur dreams..👌

[@sidpf1972]

Following you're journey old pal Wow what a ride ❤

[@johngibson3837]

Hey up Darren this was quite a sweet video sharing your plans hope it all goes well for you "and not forgetting daisy"

[@tomblackhurst721]

Another fantastic video Darren, thank you and please keep sharing your process of moving.

[@recovered100]

You have 1 life Go live it and be happy!. Best of luck with your new adventure in Thailand 🇹🇭.

[@michaelfelsinger-k2i]

Thank you, Darren, for another chill video ! I think you're gonna be our Hairy Biker in Thailand. Don't be surprised if you get a call from Si King ! All the best, amigo !

[@DarrenJohn]

That would be cool!

[@NicolaSmith-fi7oi]

@@DarrenJohn hairy biker?? With that failed hair transplant ???😂😂

[@JJ-dt9ko]

Wish you all the best DJ. You only live once mate 👍

[@DarrenJohn]

Thanks ✌️

[@EmmaKelly74159]

Wishing you all the very best for your future life in Thailand, and hoping you will keep us up- to-date with everything ( please)❤

[@DarrenJohn]

100%

[@tommykeenan4930]

I live in rural Thailand 🇹🇭 and i love it, i take occasional trips to Bangkok, Pattaya etc etc and treat these locations as a holiday within a holiday 😂 You will love Thailand 🇹🇭 but take note from those that became ATM machines for some girls but don’t tar them all with the same brush and listen to the stories of the best to avoid. Common sense will see you enjoy. Best when you arrive in Pattaya to visit the immigration office in Jomtien and explain what you want to do because it isn’t as straightforward as many think. You can use an agent but I don’t know the cost of this. I opened a Thai bank account with Bangkok bank in back in 2016 whilst on holiday, it was easy then. I also got my first Thai visa from the Embassy in London who accepted I had enough money to get my visa but there was a lot of hassle getting a medical, police report etc and I had to travel back to London from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 to complete it however it is another option available to you and you would arrive here with your retirement visa Every thing is easy after that if you stay within the Thai financial rules. I fell foul of these because of changes made in 2019 and it then becomes a bit of a hassle to renew it 😅😢 I got my 90 day visa easily enough and I go on Monday to apply for my retirement visa again and also do my 90 day check in at immigration since my arrival in Bangkok in August Good luck, I hope all goes smoothly 😊

[@andyfin990]

Just been stamped in for a year here in korat,, love this country

[@tommykeenan4930]

@ 😁 I’m just leaving Maha Sarakham immigration stamped until January 2026 😁 I came for 90 day check in and to apply because for my retirement visa as I’ve still 44 days on my 3 month visa so a very pleasant surprise that it got issued today 😁

[@andyfin990]

Wow thats a result,, havnt done a 90 day report yet, is it straight forward, or do you need to copy anything.?

[@tommykeenan4930]

@ my 90 day report was straight forward because I stay with my Thai girlfriend and we just confirmed that we are still at the same address, Maha Sarakham immigration are fabulous and they fill in any paperwork 😊 I arrived on 30th August so today is day 88, I always prefer to go a little earlier but I believe there is leeway either side. I believe you can also do it online but I prefer to go to the office as it’s easy for me and they know me and my other half quite well now My next date to notify them of my address is February 22nd, they clipped a note for me on my passport 😁

[@jglasernyc]

Thanks DJ, I wish you well on your new journey.

[@gizmoinasia6080]

I live in jomtien I don't go to the tourists area no need, I have me pick up motorbike which I use to travel around Thailand, dont think to much, you can do everything here, health, visas, condos etc, its very easy to do.

[@davecousins3775]

What you should have done is apply for a non o visa online in the uk which cost me £60 and lasts 90 days, that gives you plenty of time to sort out a retirement visa

[@mikekaraoke]

Darren is going there for a year, then deciding what to do!

[@AngieMayes-l2d]

Can't wait for the Thai food vlogs and the hopefully southeast Asian food vlogs .. Cambodia/ Vietnam and who knows 🎉

[@johncolton2859]

You’re being smart about the planning for this important move!

[@smiffyLevel6]

DJ don’t listen to the sceptics, dream and fly if it doesn’t work out there are plenty of other Countries out there Malaysia might appeal? Good luck 👍

[@youwouldvelovedit]

You're knocking it out the Park, Darren. Your videos are getting a lot of attention, views and comments so you must be doing something right. I hope it works out for you; its up to you.. Something was missing in you, Darren, and i believe you have a good chance to find it in your new destination. If not, there is nothing lost in coming back to London, you will have had a very valuable, life-changing experience. Something was missing in you, Darren and I think you may just have found it in your new destination. Keep making waves, i think youre nearly there.

[@DarrenJohn]

👍🏼🙂🙏🏼

[@youwouldvelovedit]

​@@DarrenJohnEnjoy the journey 👍

[@peterpower7840]

Your retirement visa is 2000 baht, under 60 quid, health insurance is more complex but you should budget around 3000 quid per year for a decent coverage. Health insurance will rise every year and will be your biggest expense.

[@jimprice6486]

I say good luck to you Darren! He who dares

[@asiatravels007]

Rodney, he who dares 👍

[@sharona-k4r]

I’ve never had any desire to go to Thailand (I live in the southern US where it’s hot as hell. We fantasize about going somewhere cooler, not warmer 😂) But I’m going to keep watching to see your adventure

[@Kinghornish]

Don’t pay £1000, Darren, Paul is spot on, you can get it for circa half that price. I’ll be watching closely the forthcoming vids, and, as others who joyously live here, we can and will steer you accordingly. I came out here in my 60s and I now run two business, I’ve built a home and manage a football club, the opportunities are abundant if you choose to grab them. Age is NOT an issue in Thailand. Another great vid, Darren, lousy waiter though. 😡😂🇹🇭♥️

[@L0reburne]

Go for it DJ.....looking forward to your vlogs!

[@swimdeep189]

Still not getting your Notifications DJ,ive done the usual unsubscribe on/off.But obviously i check in everyday until that sorts itself out.Really enjoying this charting of basically 'Your Life' from here onwards.Good information and questions that need to be considered wherever anyone may go.

[@DarrenJohn]

Nice one 👍🏼🙏🏼🙂

[@victorthirlwell6216]

Thank you for all the information darren very much appreciated

[@andyfreer8463]

Best of luck n the move I will follow you in Thailand love your channel Andy Dublin

[@tracebuk]

Hi Darren, You're so right you can't Buy Time... I've been in Thailand approximately a month Les at Retired and living the Dream has saved me so much time and given me great advice on accommodation and different areas also transport if you value your time give him a look you guys seem very similar in your outlook maybe even a collab 👍

[@mikekaraoke]

Yeah true, but you can't buy wasting time either!

[@paultaylor1688]

People say the same about Dubai being pretentious but they have never been. Travel broadens the mind. Go for it

[@hollydelihgt]

you can actually see the happiness back! love to see you do youtube full time in thailand...one request before you leave you have to go back to city spice for a farewell meal,heres to the next chapter xx

[@Nunos645cgh]

He has done it is over on DJ’s food channel

[@hollydelihgt]

I know I follow both channels I'm on about a last farewell meal at his favourite Indian and on to the new chapter 😀

[@CaldonianDude]

Maybe it's just my experience, but poor service seems to be endemic in the UK, even in places like the Ned. Much better service at all levels in Philippines. Problem is you can get used to that, and so when you get shoddy service and facilities in UK it grates even more...

[@carolsmith6012]

Hope the grass is greener, Good luck& don't look back

[@mikekaraoke]

He is going there for a year, then thinking what to do next! So if he does come back he will be looking back!

[@porkpie8667]

You must be renting in London . If your monthly outgoings are £3600 per month . Don't book a condo online and wait until you arrive in Thailand. Have a great time

[@alanfaherty4304]

I own apartments in Pattaya that I rent to expats who live there long term, it’s a great place for them to live as it’s cheaper than Bangkok for a like for like size apartment and cost of living is probably 70% of Bangkok. It has everything not just the nightlife as you mentioned great restaurants and malls if that’s your thing. The airport in Rayong also has flights to the north and south and closer and an alternative to Bangkok airports. I live in Bangkok s it’s been a home with my Thai wife for years when I worked there but think Pattaya is a great alternative.

[@DarrenJohn]

Could you send me some details Alan - [e-mail]

[@alandavey3010]

Alan from Aussie be careful as they are not as great as you think .holiday okay, they are there to take your hard earned cash that’s what it’s all about cash go to Malaysia by train it would suit your lifestyle better do it and you will realistically be better off try Kinabalu the lifestyle is basic but you would manage better for your age

[@TheEssexboys]

Love this, research done…yeah I’ve been watching you tube videos 😂 experience, I had a three week holiday there😂😂 brilliant, you couldn’t make it up

[@colincampbell-i5m]

Without adequate health insurance, which many seem to overlook or just ignore, moving to Thailand in your 50s is very high risk. All the other stuff, visas and so on is trivia by comparison.

[@Dave_Tae]

If your gonna go the 800k in the bank then do the visa yourself its quite simple 1900B, You will be prob have to get the bank account done by agent about 5 - 6K, Make sure you have a Wise card before you leave and serveral UK bank accounts in case one gets blocked or shut down best to use a VPN when accessing UK bank accounts to avoid suspicion.

[@clivebaxter6354]

Only mugs use agents, anyone can open a bank account without those parasites

[@ericgriffin6698]

Hey Daren, Wish you all the best mate, moving to any new country is always going to be a learning curve... Try to get well connected with other expats who can point you in the right direction do,s and Don't s yeh.. Slowly taking in your new life and giving yourself lots of time to weigh up your new life style Ballance. The weather and the people will be the first obvious bug plus and to say goodbye to the rotten UK weather and political mess is a huge plus in it's own. Wishing you a bon voyage safe journey and to find yourself a nice quiet peaceful home in which to re focus your new life. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@MrMrcgs]

Excellent DJ, my brother has just come home to get a up lift in his pension as this can’t be done from Thailand, he’s going back to live in Cambodia where he can get the pension increase in the future

[@GerryT.]

Only been to Thailand once, Phuket, a place called Nai Harn, fantastic beach, enough bars and restaurants, woukd definitely go again.

[@chrisgillanders111]

One drink took 3 questions! 😆 All the best

[@DarrenJohn]

?

[@chrisgillanders111]

Sorry, I meant ordering the drink in the Ned was hard work. 😄

[@M15Guys]

I gave up on that drinks server way before you did ! He's got ONE job to do ! You definitely must have absorbed some Thailand chill !

[@realfacthunt]

Darren you can get in on a visa waiver scheme for 60 days, you can extend that for an extra 30 days with a border run and then get another 60 + 30 days. However you're better off on a retirement visa and I would suggest using an agent to do that so you dont need the 20k in the bank. An agent will charge you between 15 and 20k baht for that service and they will do everything including getting round the 800k bht bank requirements. Best agent in town is in soi post office 13/2 off 2nd road, called Maneerat. They charge 14k bht a year to do it. If yiu want any advice I'd be happy to help, been here a very long time and know all the tricks.

[@manosparavida3551]

As of the 21st ish of December Laos are going digital with their visa and it will take 14-15 days to process! Which is insane, especially with the bad press they're receiving due to the methanol poisonings.

[@PaulC_9721]

DJ, so grateful for you sharing your experience, I am considering the same move my friend..👍👍

[@gillianmaynard4468]

Ignore the negative comments DJ. Thanks for sharing your experience of the transition as you make the move. Excited to see what’s next💙

[@mikekaraoke]

A lot of us are just concerned, not like he has thought this through properly Gillian-going on a holiday somewhere is completely different than living there. However, he did say he would go there for a year and then have a think about what to do next.

[@747jono]

@@mikekaraoke Total agree well said. Its easy as others do (not accusing DJ) but look a pint is £2 3 course meal £8 how much would you pay for that in London or UK. Seems like some oh look aren't I clever I only paid x for food accommodation etc.

[@mikekaraoke]

@@747jono Exactly, and even cheaper when you go somewhere like a Wetherspoons! I don't mind London, but prefer eating out in Kent/Essex! Whereabouts you from?

[@747jono]

@mikekaraoke Bolton Lancashire but born and raised in Sale Greater Manchester no

[@mikekaraoke]

@@747jono last time I went to Lancashire, went to Blackpool a few years ago 😃 As for Manchester now been there for like 6 + half years! I'm in Kent been to any parts???? I wass born in London but raised in Kent right between Dartford/Bexley. Off to sleep soon, so will reply when I wake up 😴💤

[@OldManSplitfoot]

The Land of Smiles Exists on your hard earned cash Holiday and residing are two different thing's

[@lemonloungebarrestaurant5885]

It took me 5 years of living here permanently many moons ago to fully accept the decision i made, you can go to moon but your inner problems will still go with you. if you have any.

[@nigel8499]

When you're in Bangkok, try and meet up with Paul G Eats. He seems like a decent person, fellow KZbinr. He works there.

[@DarrenJohn]

Unfortunately Bangkok is only a place to arrive - I wont be stopping

[@DameTremonti]

Good luck to you. . Have a blast sir.

[@dianalangdon2273]

I’m really worried about you Darren, it’s very different going on holiday for 3 weeks with money in your pocket. At 55 you are too young to retire. You have to work 35 years to get a full British Pension which you probably have but that’s a total of around $1500 Canadian which won’t get you very far unless you have huge savings. I am a Londoner that has lived in Canada for 50 years and still feel homesick, miss certain British foods, miss watching certain t.v. Programs, miss country pubs, miss the countryside, miss my family. I go home every year. And you know Darren, the grass isn’t always greener, pollution, heat, in Thailand, and you are the foreigner. And loneliness, you will miss your family, I know you don’t see them all the time but you know they are there. I wish you well, I really do but I don’t want you to give up everything, maybe put your furniture in storage and say you will go for a year and then make up your mind, if I could go back on my life I would never have left the U.K. I know it’s not all rosy but here I am sitting in my family room not able to go out because of all the snow. Just don’t make any quick decisions, give it six months or a year but don’t get rid of everything because it’s hard to get everything back. However, I do hope it goes o.k.

[@mattperkins1992]

Good post.

[@mikeymike1854]

He's 55 no way, 65 yes,if he's 55 he looks way older

[@dianalangdon2273]

Yes, he is 55, he said that in his “life changing decision”.

[@mikeymike1854]

@dianalangdon2273 Wow,he looks 10 years older, but I can see from his face colour he must have health issues .

[@davvo1234]

Hi DJ.. I assume you've heard of Mark weins? ... he lives out there somewhere . Maybe in the near future,get intouch with him and do a day together trying new foods, be great content and give you some knowledge of the local area to create more content...again,good luck mate,I'll be following you with you're content over there ❤ much love mate...

[@jackiechang1572]

I used farang thai visa for retirement visa think was 39kbaht for everything thing opened my bank account driving licence multiple entry health insurance pacific cross jomtien is a nice place upto you as the always say good luck

[@skimmybear]

Welsh wyn in smileland gives some good advice, he moved over there about 2 years ago.

[@neilallison8521]

You will be arriving in high season, rates will be higher, maybe 6 months is better. Did you try Jomtien (south Pattaya)? Good luck.

[@allangreenley9901]

Get a good condo around 30 sqmeters 10,000 bhatt in Bangkok just outside or in pattaya loads around .visa is 34 k in Bangkok roughly u get bank account included and insurance for accident.u will have to go to immigration for photo only they take u. as someone on here said older properties are bigger 40 plus meters .single guy can live very reasonable out here as u know .

[@tbjdiamonddog]

We share a lot of similar interests, i lived in Soho for 5 years before ending up in Jomtien. Love the Ned. Happy to give you the advise ive learnt so far. If you do the visa here which is the easiest way it cost me £800, that’s 15 months non O, bank account multi entry. You only need that lump sum if you do it in the UK. Hit me up if you want. I rented for a yer, wish i had done 3 or 6 months now.

[@DarrenJohn]

You dont like the condo or the area?

[@tbjdiamonddog]

@ love both, but the new condos walls are very thin so if you get a noisy neighbour its a nightmare. I’m in Dusit Grand Park 2, steam & saunas, huge pool 24 hour security for £320 a month. But far we what’s been 7 months here i would like to more to an older building. You can rent a month at a time or 3 months, sure its a bit more expensive, but compared to UK or Europe its still cheaper per unit than your whisky. lol Jomtien or Pratumnak are the place to be i think.

[@sandradowling4605]

Just do it .........there's lots of me love you long time..stay clear xx best wishes x

[@mikekaraoke]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@tw25rw]

I think Jomtien is the place. Close to Pattaya geographically but quite different. Plenty of foreigner conveniences and the immigration office. Plus you can get large condos for a fraction of UK prices.

[@simonvass1227]

I recommend 'Dusit grand park 2' Jomtien for a condo. All the best. 👍

[@DarrenJohn]

Heard good things

[@BillonBass]

Why wouldn’t you get a non O visa before you go and get 90 days. 1000 pounds is an outrageous price for an agent. First you can do it all yourself. It cost me 1900 bt plus about another 3000 bt for a multiple entry stamp. You can get a residence letter for your bank account from immigration yourself if you have a lease then just go to Bangkok Bank. It’s not that hard. Also you need to season your 800k bt in the bank for 2 months before applying for your retirement visa, so if you don’t have that all set up before you go then the 30 days plus an extension isn’t going to give you enough time.

[@juliehawkes1050]

Hi Darren have you thought off looking in jomtien, near pattaya

[@Manchesteru999]

Alright Darren, i know it was a bit of a treat but that was absolutely shite service in the Ned. I prefer the proper London boozers like the ship aground in Bermondsey. That Ned was soulless

[@grahammorgan1]

You cant work on a Thai tourist visa, or a Retirement visa, but you will be running your KZbin channel, which is monetised. Is that not classified as 'work' in Thailand?

[@MyKatyra]

Question John, are you shipping your Motorbikes to Thailand or hiring one over there and are you gonna miss Tenerife also?

[@DarrenJohn]

selling

[@blackadder1966]

That pub looks good, the more typical London pubs I hate them. I'm more a country pub guy, nice summer day out in the beer garden or open fire in the winter.

[@mikekaraoke]

I totally agree, esp pubs in Kent, Essex, Surrey etc

[@pauljennings8432]

No I think you will need to take out some kind of health insurance before you get there fella, even if you get 6 months and then review it when it needs to be renewed what is then the next option. It might hit home when after you've sold your bikes or and when you exit your apartment.... I wish you well and it will be a nice journey you go on.

[@derekpritchard4586]

Best wishes on your journey and trying to explaining your experiences to others who will only try and talk over you with their version of events they haven't had .

[@anthonycheunganthonycheung2167]

Good job Darren love 🇹🇭🙏 Kreab

[@caybay2389]

Yor sails are set ,the wind is now blowing you in the right direction , the journey will be amazing live and let live wishing you every happiness on your adventure.stay safe and enjoy❤

[@davymac5366]

Make sure and get a 2 bedroom apartment just incase the MacRepeater and Jeff Carter call by.

[@neiloldfield]

Be careful with the women out there DJ make sure you don’t get rinsed A lot of it happens