That’s what used to attract foreign retirees to Thailand. Thais believe that giving a donation to a Buddhist temple, and then receiving a blessing from a monk, makes a positive difference and spells good luck. Some people, and countries, are inward looking. There are few systems in place, periods when neither the owner nor a manager is on the premises, staff training is often non-existent and you just know that there are fingers in the till. Those punters who are about seem to be gravitating to a few big-name bars. I believe you’re better off having your fun when you’re younger, fitter and healthier and when your tolerance for bullshit is greater – and that last point is relevant to Thailand. A friend who lived in Thailand and who liked to play tennis once explained that, when he'd play with a group of Thai men and women, and the object seemed to be to play as hard as possible without breaking a sweat. For those who don’t know it, The Pickled Liver was a pleasant little British pub at the end of Sukhumvit soi 7/1 more popular with expats than visitors, and one of few pubs where late kick-off football matches were shown live. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers to the country be up to date on routine vaccinations (measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and flu), plus the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. The immigration policies and their adoption are the result of a people who look inside. I've known Thais who have moved house after sensing ghosts in a rental home. Are bar owners in the farang bar areas taking the piss, or are we just getting ripped off? $US5,000 / month gives you a sweet lifestyle here in Kiwiland as I suspect it does in most Western countries, save for expensive cities like New York, London, San Francisco etc. The visa situation is more straightforward and comes with benefits specific to retirees. And now you can expect to be fingerprinted on arrival. I have refrained from naming them because of past history where some bar owners have got their knickers in a twist and deny that the bar is for sale…..until you tell them that you have had interest shown from someone then it’s a case of yeah, we want to sell! That is, every time you are away for more than 24 hours, you have to notify Immigration within 24 hours of returning. In the Philippines I understand the retirement visa / package includes provision for healthcare and in Malaysia, retirees can buy a property. The weather? On the way from BKK to Taiwan, and then on to SFO, the Eva Elite cabin was full as expected and the first class cabin appeared to be full or nearly full. I can’t see me going back to Thailand. Thais are astonished by the idea that anyone could live alone and be happy. Sunday Jazz remained popular and retained a loyal following – and it is hoped that will live on at another venue, at this point yet to be decided. The one-year visa can then be renewed every year as long as the person applying continues to meet the financial requirements. His nickname in Phuket was “Mick the Pom.” The Thais had 13 witnesses and a bloody knife and trousers that they claimed were his. For Thais, ghosts are real, and they're present. They do not need, or want, more. But it’s not all bad news. In provinces with a small expat populace, your annual visa extension might be approved quickly and you may be out in 30 minutes. 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