Living the Dream: An American's Thrilling Retirement in Thailand

Welcome to an eye-opening interview that explores the captivating journey of an American retiree who embarked on a quest for the perfect place to settle down in Thailand. In this candid conversation, Mark shares his remarkable insights on cost of living, rental prices, acquiring a retirement visa, and the reasons that led him to leave behind the American dream for a new life in the Land of Smiles.
Learn the practicalities of obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, as Mark unravels the intricacies of the process and shares tips for a smooth transition. Whether you're considering a similar journey or just curious about the life of an American expat in Thailand, this interview promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience.
Join us as we delve deep into the motivations behind his life-changing decision to leave the United States behind and embrace the warmth, culture, and affordability of Thailand. This interview is a testament to the adventurous spirit of those who dare to explore new horizons and create their own retirement paradise. Don't miss out on this incredible story of transformation and discovery!#retireinthailand #movingtothailand #costoflivinginthailand
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[@ThairishTimes]

Subscribe to Mark's channel: www.youtube.com/@mark-hanna/videos

[@graerindley6312]

Over the years I've noticed a great many larger older Farang's always thinking and talking about Thailand hospitals. It seemed to me that they weren't exercising.😀

[@mototouro]

The catch 22 😊 One year in on retirement visa. I did exactly the same as you. Using an agent for most things is just so much less stress.

[@philipbarnard2474]

He is one of the slim Americans here in Jomtien

[@graerindley6312]

70% of all westerners in Thailand are chubby.

[@user-jh8no1zb9e]

they probably go there for the cheap food@@graerindley6312

[@HansCSchellenberg]

Regarding the way things are going in the US, my Thai wife and I own a house we built in Isan and it brings me great comfort as the US continues to disintegrate.

[@williamhartz8707]

I am an American and now retired in rural Thailand. ( I was employed in the BKK vicinity for 16 years.) I love my retirement in the countryside ( 30 minutes from a midsize province capital city with everything you need). I dislike the commercialism & tribalism in the USA. It has changed a lot with inept politicians only disagreeing with the other political party. Here in Thailand, I focus on my tropical garden and being with nature. ( No pressure to keep up with the Jones)

[@rockon8174]

Enjoy Thailand. I love America!!!!

[@WilsonSilva90]

"I got tired of half the country hating the other half the country". Damn. I really understand this and I've never set foot in the US. Surely social media and the news have their shortcomings and may be giving me only part of the story, but I really believe that the US is divided. And over a long period of time, will lead to its demise. Unfortunately, I don't see a way to fix this.

[@marconegri8988]

The division in Scotland is bad aswell makes me want to move abroad

[@b4bmm]

@@marconegri8988 Its everywhere, its not an accident its by design

[@sirsillybilly]

True. By design to have the locals squabble while they import cheap labor capital/votes from the third world. Order out of chaos

[@seculartalk9567]

Easy put Trump in prison

[@makeyourlifeeasier5794]

Unfortunately the Media is pushing hatred & the division. Actually America is full of decent people on both sides.

[@pimpdaddy7710]

I got my retirement OA visa before I got to Thailand through Thai embassy. No agent needed.

[@Dr.Goldstajn]

Great guy. Please more.

[@willsmith39]

Said no one ever. Hello Mark ! 😂

[@Boddav]

Pete is the greatest listener ever born.He would make a great bartender .

[@ThairishTimes]

😂😂😂

[@Boddav]

@@ThairishTimes -Pete would also be a good Priest too.

[@little_engine_goes_to_Thailand]

My first year here in Thailand also after retiring. Previously living in Shanghai for the past 20 years. Yes , Samui is expensive but I wanted a quieter place and so far,r I am enjoying everything. Totally agree with Mark - we went through an agent, and got my car, motorcycle license, and also my retirement visa, sure, you can do it yourself, but you may become frustrated with the process and maybe even a little bitter. But, a little green grease and problem solved. The only thing is when you get older ( 70's plus) it may be difficult with all the driving to and from the supermarkets-, along with the dangerous footpaths, so we may move again in 10-15 years - not sure where though. gentle advice: I would like to see Mark take more care of his health.

[@b4bmm]

A little bit of walking with the shopping probably isn’t the worst thing he could do.

[@little_engine_goes_to_Thailand]

health is wealth@@b4bmm

[@rockon8174]

You live in Shanghai????

[@little_engine_goes_to_Thailand]

@@rockon8174 lived , now I live in Thailand

[@TheMark1840]

Don't let the old man in.... This interview was worth it for that piece of advice. Very entertaining man.

[@bijanbayne3259]

Hats off to him. I just made the move this week (during my 3rd trip from the U.S. in 2023). Jomtien is my favorite to live in, Hua Hin would be 2nd (I'll be there all of November). Thx f/ the content.

[@ThairishTimes]

best of luck with the move!

[@novak4594]

Great interview

[@eddylee3826]

Impressive interview. Well done!

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks🙏

[@YuChiGongG]

Another REALLY GOOD ONE...IMHO.

[@kingsinix8570]

Great job!

[@thaimanclark]

Wonderful Pete.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks Alex

[@whitwhit276]

You're welcome to come to Chachoengsao Province, not far from Bangkok, Chonburi, or Khao Yai. It's not expensive here as compared to the afore mentioned provinces. You can have live away from the business part of town and on the real local farms area. One note, in Thailand there is the same half-the-country-hate-the-other-half situation too but on the waning side because it's started over a decade ago whereas in the US it's just started not long ago.

[@graerindley6312]

You can get to Koh Samui on a very cheap flight by flying to Surat Thani, or Krabi, then you catch the ferry over to the island of ko Samui, and while it takes 5 hours longer it is a scenic route. 😀

[@b4bmm]

If you can’t take your shopping from the store to the condo I don’t think you’re going to choose this option.

[@graerindley6312]

Agree, but who goes to Thailand to go shopping when you can enjoy beautiful tropical sights?@@b4bmm

[@jomontanee]

He met someone unexpected.❤ That is romantic, tbh.😍👼🥰🌸

[@baz69er13]

Whenever i need to renew my thai licence i go to immigration & they type the letter there in front if me for proof of address, depending on how busy it is in there ide say 1 hour max, i opened a bank account on a tourist visa, went to immigration & explained to them that i wanted to open a bank account, got a letter from immigration, went to bank with passport, letter etc filled out a load if forms, they gave me a bank account on the condition that i took out there insurance which i didnt actually need as already had, but i went ahead anyway, never used an agent before, but im sure they come in handy if you dont have all the necessary documents etc...

[@tonnyalexander5866]

I love that guy. Enjoy your good life,

[@martyb4404]

Mark is my spirit animal. Dude is awesome.

[@jimmyboysmovies1972]

Green grease and Siesta sh!! Cracked me up . He’s speaks right the gambling percentage . Great vlog Pete let’s hope he finds somewhere he can settle

[@ThairishTimes]

cheers Jimmy

[@danteinferno175]

interesting interview! nice still seeing your videos pop up on my home page Pete.

[@ThairishTimes]

Thanks mate, great that they're showing up there. The KZbin gods must favour me lol

[@graerindley6312]

Mark is a very knowledgeable and thoughtful person. I think he likes to do everything in a big way, I don't agree with that, it doesn't have to be that way. There are many very affordable rental places in Samui, Jomtien and Bangkok. Mark's need for large accommodation is an attitide (its not necessary) in my experience. With a little bit of work you don't need to pay high lawyers fees to grease the palms.

[@muchit3629]

Cheap and expensive is relative. If a guy is sitting on a few million USD paying $2K for rent may look exorbitant for many but not for him. You can tell he has some money and does not mind spending it. He bought a passport from one of the islands and he had a 5 car garage so this is not a guy sweating for cash. But yes i get your point and initially that was my thoughts too but after listening to his story you can see why he probably spends the way he does. He was working on computers in 1980 so he should have made bank along the way.

[@brianmccarthy6189]

28:52 ​@@muchit3629

[@Pointsblogger]

That is one happy guy

[@jomontanee]

TRY CHONBURI, not only Pattaya but Sriracha, Bangsaen or Sattaheep. Very close to BKK. Only 1.30 car drive. With all modernization but affordable, quiet and peaceful

[@abeliever7029]

Really enjoyed this video. Very interesting!!!! Green grease 😅

[@farangdownunder4724]

Thanks Pete enjoyed your interview and Mark's opinions and views - we're all different and that's what makes life interesting. PS how's the wedding plans?? Getting close! 😊

[@ThairishTimes]

Hey mate, getting very close now. Everything is falling into place nicely!

[@DarkoFitCoach]

Jomtien park villas are perfect for this guy

[@biglance]

Whataboutchu Pete? I got 2 words for interviewing Mark, GRAND!!!! and LOVELY!!!! :) Éire go Brách!

[@ThairishTimes]

haha twas grand!

[@mangostickyrice555]

Thumbs up 👍 Pete

[@KidsandCats22]

Thanks for the bank tips

[@PaulWalliswriter]

a very interesting character, would love to spend a few hours with Mark,

[@belze0n885]

great interview, let me be there in 20 years

[@ThairishTimes]

I know the feeling!

[@NickReels]

Cheers Peter. Thailand 🇹🇭 is in my future for sure as I have watched the crumbling signs of the west.

[@b4bmm]

Dude is 100% right regarding the US and it’s always good to have a plan B, I can’t think of a lot of better Plan Bs than St Lucia but it’s better than nothing.

[@tonythaiger93]

elite visa is 1 million baht. He got shafted with $150,000 st Lucia passport.

[@b4bmm]

@@tonythaiger93no he didn’t, you have no rights in Thailand with an elite visa, it’s nothing more than a long term tourist visa with a little bit of fruit.

[@Ned88Man]

exactly. Never understand when people brag about elite visas, its just a glorified tourist visa.@@b4bmm

[@Boddav]

I’m a Farang and as long as I am in Thailand I will always be one.If I need money I’ll go to an ATM.I’m not going to jump thru hoops getting long term visas, tying up money in foreign bank accounts,or creating any other potential source of identity theft.If I’m told I’m no longer welcome in The LOS,oh well.

[@jonhobson3592]

I arrived in early March , I used an agent to get bank account & non O visa , as I wanted it done quickly , but next year I may try to do on my own , I don’t mind firm filling / completing paperwork , yes agents are helpful and speedy but for what they charge .. not sure if I’d use again ..

[@davelombardi8989]

The pool villa I mentioned is 2 bedroom, lots of space.

[@thaimanclark]

What office was his visa obtained?

[@liamharding5704]

Bangkok Airways own the Airport in Koh Samui hence why the price is so high

[@aarong6053]

Careful not to loose the poker game to that Thai girlfriend !

[@bufordmaddogtannen]

She will help him find a nice villa, where her family will live happily... 😂

[@cumbrianrambler7715]

It's 'lose' not 'loose' Totally different word.

[@marcusaurelius9123]

Apply for the retirement visa from your country of origin & you dont need a thai bank account. Open the account when you get to Thailand. Use the 65000 bht income per month criterion to qualify

[@WilliamFluery]

Two years ago at 60 y/o I was obese. I changed to a Keto diet. I eat one 2,000-2,500 cal meal per day between 4-8pm and fast 20 hours. I walk 8 miles every other day. In 10 months, I lost 50 lbs, got off 7 medications had the best blood test results ever….I realized I had to get control over my physical condition or else I would die young in retirement…I’m still following this lifestyle…I watch a lot of nutrition vlogs to keep me motivated. Watching vlogs like this keeps me motivated too…Just say’n.

[@michaelkessler2852]

I Love America, The best country ever

[@BillonBass]

Come to Hua Hin. I bought two large beautiful 3 br 3 ba pool villas here. Rent one out and we live in the other. Been coming here with my Thai wife every year since 2009 and knew I’d retire here. We have everything and it’s just been named one of the top 3 retirement places in the world by Forbes for people over 60. We rent our villa out for 60k bt a month. It’s your 1800 sq ft and then some plus a very large yard. It’s fully rented but plenty of others like it here I’m sure. Didn’t have any issue getting my retirement visa without an agent. Just got a letter from immigration office with my home address here, which I bought before we moved here, and no problem at Bangkok Bank at all. Put my 800k in a few days after I arrived and walked it through immigration here 2 months later with no problems whatsoever. Hua Hin immigration is very expat friendly. Wise is the ticket for sending money here. You say zero cost but the way you are doing it you are getting a much lower net exchange rate than Wise or Moneygram.

[@robkelly8398]

Can’t agree more. Do what you want when you want how you want. Take a nap. Repeat.

[@louiselanthier5135]

I can see Mark being a great Bbq Chef!

[@davelombardi8989]

Tell him to look at pool villas at Loch Palm Golf course in Kathu, Phuket. About BHT 40k per month.

[@beverlyhills7883]

Can anyone elaborate on his remarks about Fidelity as a means of transferring money?

[@justcallmeassinine]

@15:00 'I like a BIG refrigerator..'..... hahahahahahah.....

[@frazerhainsworth08]

I also like Car Samooy

[@ThairishTimes]

😂😂😂

[@WEF-hater]

Interesting man and interview. Is there any more detail on the medical check he underwent, i.e. the name of the check and hospital name where the tests took place? Thanks...

[@ThairishTimes]

I believe Mark said it was at Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok

[@NapoleonDynamyte]

This man’s been watching Nomad Capitalist!

[@nixworld767]

Enjoyed this. I retired a month and a half ago in Jomtien from the US at age 64. (Florida). I hit the ground running. Had an agent recommended to me assist with obtaining a bank account, a retirement visa, and a Thai drivers license….almost before i’d overcome my jet lag. Money well spent. Mark is not kidding about housing. For comparison sake i took a screenshot of what i would spend in Palm Beach county, FL versus what i spend here for housing. I spend $1350/month. In Florida that gets you a 1 BR apartment in a crappy neighborhood , or a mere room in a private home in a better neighborhood, versus my 2 BR pool villa in a gated community, :5 walk to beach, here in Jomtien. Beautifully landscaped. Furnished. Amazing kitchen for my Cambodian girlfriend. I love my country. Love the people. Sick of the rat race, the cost of living, and the political tribalism. Not a friendly place (unless the other happens to be in your tribe, then you can console yourself bitching about “those other guys”. Best decision i ever made

[@josephmarino2285]

How much money?

[@graerindley6312]

But isnt Schwabbs and Fodelity bank accounts restricted to US citizens?

[@leigh7507]

I imagine Hua Hin is a nice compromise as its fair priced, still has some western conveniences, a few expats, and not too much of the seedy sex tourism that we see in other places.

[@waltermeier6344]

Hua Hin is awful. Avoid it at all costs. We have wild fires, earthquakes, and zombies too ;-)

[@Michael37242]

Shout out to Cincinnati

[@kortis18]

Big up St Lucia

[@ThailandThomas]

If you are a decent guy the ladies will find you in Thailand. I think a lot about doing the same thing and move to Thailand. I hate hearing people talk about civil war because they don't like to president. Another great video Pete.

[@kippsguitar6539]

If you are a "decent guy" you will avoid Thai women like the plague except in very few exceptional cases, poison

[@ponpon1234]

Try criticizing the monarch in Thailand and you might find yourself locked up for 20 years. You might want to check the human rights violations too.

[@eddenoy321]

Well Mark is very easy to find anywhere.

[@ellvtv2314]

Can't believe this guy is complaining about having to take an elevator to get to his condo. lol

[@Lucas-wv6wf]

50 seconds elevator ride just isn’t for everyone 😂

[@Kristoferwitha_k]

He is eating well

[@user-re6wz6ro2e]

Pete, have you returned to Thailand?

[@ThairishTimes]

Real soon buddy

[@theeseus]

I left to Italy im done with USA

[@zentravel1515]

Great video thanks Pete, annoying audio though.

[@ThairishTimes]

yep bit of a lag

[@TNKeith]

Accommodation will be costly when looking for western style housing. 3BR with pool never going to be low cost even in Thailand. Less than westen world sure but definitely not crazy affordable

[@itsme.D]

Oh dear. This guy is a disaster. Sorry.

[@tombkk1322]

Hi Pete, does Mark have any contact information. I’m living in Bangkok and I found his knowledge on so many things helpful. Great interview.

[@ThairishTimes]

You can contact him via his youtube channel

[@tombkk1322]

@@ThairishTimes Thanks 🙏

[@Nancinfool]

It’s Minnesota Fats

[@paulthurson]

'green grease' makes everything happen everywhere in the world

[@YuChiGongG]

Hey, PETE!: Why didn't you ask this guy how he is doing on his efforts to read passa Thai??? (hAHAHA) Somehow, I don't think this guy came here to learn passa Thai and become immersed in the culture. Most important for this guy is BIG fridge, BIG garage, BIG, BIG, BIG Everything! This guy is sooooo American. Listening to him reminds me of my life in America...so many decades ago.... (I make no value judgements! Life is short. Live life the way you want to...to paraphrase Hendrix...from the album Axis:Bold as Love...about individualistic ways of living...)

[@bendyloco]

Hendrix quote? You get an immediate 👍

[@MyBrokenPassport]

This must be the least words you have spoken in any interview Pete. Didn't need to say a word! 😄

[@JettMalone]

Let's be honest... if he wasn't a fat guy he would not be so lazy. Imagine being too lazy to walk down a long hallway to bring home a grocery bag. He got laid off from the IT job because he's lazy and I'm sure not updating his skills berceuse of, wait for it, laziness. At least he's a modest guy...

[@pimpdaddy7710]

He seems like a very lazy guy

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

Pete, I've had a Thai bank account, a driving licence, a retirement visa for 20 odd years and never employed an agent or green grease - utter b*ll*ks. I'd love to play this guy at Poker.

[@seekhearts]

money buys convenience. some of us are willing to do it ourselves.

[@kippsguitar6539]

If you believe green grease doesn't help you are deluded, you did it without and good for you but there is no doubt it helps in many situations in south east Asia which is what he said,

[@gregoryfrancisjames5071]

@@kippsguitar6539 Corruption feeds corruption.

[@Nttmf]

Everyone needs green grease. Makes the world go around, unless some boring cunt decides to call it flat!

[@tonythaiger93]

He bought another passport lol 😆 he got sucked out by agents

[@davidenvall3685]

Looks like a real yankey doodle💪🏼💪🏼

[@southpaw1755]

Please ask in the next interview what happened to his wife in the U.S.? What visa will he use when the retirement visa expires after a year? Nice interview with a nice man.

[@jdog8953]

He will get an extension of stay based off the original retirement visa. 12-15k baht per year and can be continually extended. The visa and extension will require 90 day address reports, which an agent can provide if needed.

[@ThairishTimes]

Mark’s wife passed away. He will extend the visa for another year.

[@southpaw1755]

I'm very sorry to hear that. I can't imagine losing mine. I didn't know that you can extend a retirement visa.Thank you very much. @@ThairishTimes

[@YuChiGongG]

@@jdog8953 When you quote this price...Just Wondering.. Are you quoting the "agent-assisted price"? Because, an agent will charge more than that, I would think. Also, Mark prefers the agent-assisted route.

[@jdog8953]

@@YuChiGongG Yes "agent assisted". Price is as I quoted for the extension. The initial visa is around double that figure depending on agent and location in Thailand. Many of my friends pay this, and I have been quoted this by 3-4 this year in the chonburi province as I stay 6 months every year and am now over 50.

[@paulg6309]

Good interview, however, i am calling bullsh*%t on not wanting/looking for a girlfriend...

[@vktravellog1242]

US has become one big shit hole! Agree with Mark and most of us are ready to leave. I hope in 5 years I am out and retired in Asia!

[@williamhartz8707]

Why doesn’t he stay in tropical St. Lucia which is more beautiful and closer to the USA? True, “tribalism” has divided the USA but with day to day contact with your typical American, the divisiveness isn’t noticeable. -Only with news media ( such as Fox & MSNBC news) and with America’s politicians that have to disagree. Just don’t watch the news. Yes, Jomtien has some decent housing villages. (Look at Rayong. It’s close to the sea) Rayong, Jomtien, & Sri Racha are near the sea and easy to get to.

[@kostasxronhs5892]

He won't be getting any pussy in the US. Too many people dance around the obvious out of fear for being judged.

[@podcastpotpourri6040]

I moved back to the US a couple of years ago after living in Thailand, S Korea and Japan for 14 years. Just don’t talk politics and you’ll be fine. I work w people who are not the same party and we get along just fine. My wife and I will retire to Thailand because the dollar will stretch further there and our happy place. We have a condo in HH and it’s rented pretty consistently, paid off. We are just stacking dollars and if all goes right, retire to our condo in 10 years.

[@williamhartz8707]

@@podcastpotpourri6040Sounds like an excellent plan. I lived & worked in five countries during my career ( Thailand being my last) and now retired here. Things are not as expensive here and there’s a nice relaxed “vibe” while living here. I went back to the USA last summer for 3 months and everything is focused on being young, and as a “senior” all you hear are people’s hip/ knee or medical issues along with negativity. I was so happy to return to Thailand.

[@Ned88Man]

Between Thailand and St Lucia, I know which one I'd pick, especially if I had a passport for the latter.

[@williamhartz8707]

@@Ned88Man Maybe he needs a Thai woman to be his companion.

[@user-pw9ct1cd3n]

HI, MY FIRST VIDEO AND I JUST SUBSCRIBED. CAN YOU PLEASE CONFIRM THE HOSPITAL IN BANGKOK ( I think he said Bangkok Hospital) YOUR GUEST HAD A COMPLETE PHYSICA;L FOR $600 +. The other major hospital is Bumrungrad International Hospital has a similar package, but more expensive. I am enjoying your content, best wishes.

[@RoganJames]

he left the U.S. because the airlines made him purchase two seats

[@gertdrok]

Nice Interview. But I Never hear that Europese Banks pay you back, your fee for using ATM ! That’s not true. 🙏

[@glentiller349]

That was the easiest interview you have ever done Pete. Hardly had to speak 555

[@ThairishTimes]

I know, makes my job very easy

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

Dude is telling a story.

[@HyperspaceHoliday]

He says ,"go where you're treated best". Then proceeds to talk for the next 10 minutes about all the problems he has about living in Thailand that you literally do not have in the USA. Too funny.

[@sirsillybilly]

Americans are pampered puppies that expect the world to be like the US but better. As an Aussie, I had an American ask me why do Australians talk with such a weird accent, while living in Australia, at the pub surrounded by Aussies ! And he wasn’t joking but being derogatory. Seriously you have to shake your head at times.

[@skapachie1]

Hard life, 50 second elvator ride lol

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

Great guy! But I worry about his health. There are a lot good gyms and fitness centers . If he looses weight his health and quality life will increase tremendously . And save him $ from obesity related diseases

[@Nttmf]

Green grease makes everything better. Never heard so much shit in my life. Healthy living 😑 it certainly looks like it. Boasting about passports etc ! Why would you be in Thailand?

[@kenweber2619]

Good lawd. Look at this jaba the hut. 😂😂😂

[@jgrob64906]

Listen to this guy.. I am retired, got my retirement visa, opened a bank account, bought a pool villa without agents. Guess I was lucky.

[@YuChiGongG]

Actually, I think this guy is just doing things the "American" way. He is a Complete NEWBIE about Asia....and it's so obvious. Also, not much interest in Asia, that I can see.

[@neilblondell4235]

How did you structure the Villa ownership or is it on leased land?

[@jgrob64906]

Thai company, 49 -51 ownership.@@neilblondell4235

[@thaimanclark]

Agents are fine if they don't do a runner with your passport.

[@brettandsamthailand]

They saw him coming. He's getting ripped off by an attorney. I did all myself. Bank account, visa, residency certificates and driving licenses. It's not hard, don't take his advice.

[@pimpdaddy7710]

If he is too lazy to walk to get grocery, he is too lazy to figure out how it works. I also got an OA visa before I enter Thailand by myself.

[@user-fy3fp6de3k]

All these old guys are getting taken advantage of. They got no game

[@louis20122]

I wonder how much he spends a month.

[@user-no7ly2ui6m]

he should switch to light beer

[@johnsradios484]

This guy needs more exercise not less!

[@davewave36]

Baby Sinclair on the Prowl

[@liamobrien154]

Addiction is a toxic disease… in whatever form. I just pray he keeps his addictive personality in check when being in Thailand? Otherwise it can be a very slippery slope to embark on! 🙏🏻

[@user-jh8no1zb9e]

addicted to what ?

[@RoganJames]

​@@user-jh8no1zb9efood

[@johnnylangen2839]

@@user-jh8no1zb9e Sugar and Carbohydrates in General i guess