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Contrast: Thailand vs Philippines
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Why are expats in Thailand now leaving for the Philippines?
mayofish
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Why are expats in Thailand now leaving for the Philippines?
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Why would anyone do that? Although I am not on visa but my wife is and neither do I live here as an expatriate, I know exactly, the expats who are leaving or have left for the Philippines are not the majority. There are back-up reasons to convince me as below.Money-wise: All my Filipino friends who are working as English teachers in Thailand never mentioned going home and would rather live here for good. For now, especially Thai Baht keeps rising, meaning the money earned is more in value and they hail from jubilation now as 30,000 Baht is 51,000 Peso. Crime rates: Although the crime in Thailand is bad as I was pickpocketed in Bangkok, the crimes in the Philippines are worse as my Son was pickpocketed in Manila. But "better the devil you know than the devil you don't," unquote. War-on-drugs: Thailand— 2,873 people were killed in 3 months during a campaign in 2013. Philipines —official 5,104 but unofficial 12,000 people were killed during a period of 3 years.—A good match! Language problem: Is that a big problem? Living among the dumbs is happier than with noisy and stupid ones or a shrewd one chooses to keep silent knowing there is a time to talk and time not to: Search for proverbs to make you happy while staying put where you belong. Immigration: Some feel that Thai Immigration is going crazy with more of the red tape and demands. Others, the 90-day report is a kind of torture. The requirement of 800,000 Baht each year for the visa extension for retirees and other requirements for monthly income is tough for many expats. If it is your priority to live overseas or in Thailand then one has to make room for it. Business opportunity: I have nothing to say as the grass is always greener elsewhere, especially when it's a business opportunity. Go! if you have to. Is there a big difference between these 2 great countries?–I don't think so. (Left) Thai kids (right) Filipino kids (Top) Khlong Toei Slum, Bangkok. (bottom) Tondo slum, Manila. (Top) Central Embassy, Bangkok. (Bottom) Power plant mall, Manila. (Left) Sathorn, Bangkok. (right) Makati, Manila. (Top) Phi Phi Island, Thailand. (Bottom) Boracay, Phillipines. It’s summed up as:- if there are more people with you than against you in Thailand—Stay put, don't you go away but if you do, you may look back and regret it later. But me & my family, we will stay in Thailand. (Top) Thai ladies ( bottom) Filipinas
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I think some retirees are moving, not expats overall. The reason, according to local news coverage, stems from the cost, hassle and uncertainty around getting and renewing retirement visas as well as, staying current with other residency reporting regulations. There are significant fiscal requirements – particularly if ones' home embassy will not issue an affidavit of passive income ( USA, GB and Denmark from what I read). There are required residency and movement reporting statutes and I think rumors of having local health insurance. It all seems to add up to making Thailand less than desirable for some retired people. Why the Philippines? I heard their retirement visa policy is more user-friendly, the weather is good, beaches are nice and the people pretty friendly. Personally, I think the food is not nearly as good – but that's just me…I was raised on Thai food.