You have been to Thailand, you were so impressed you rushed back home, sold everything you owned and moved to Thailand.
A very familiar story, specially with those under age 50.
The mystique of living in Thailand is much too great, compared to your own country.
Warm weather, awesome beaches and lovely women.
What more could you ask for?
Unfortunately, Thailand is just like any other country in the world.
It starts out so awesome, people are willing to do anything to move and live here.
But over the years, when you have seen it all, found the girl and settled down to real life, it is quite a change.
How many years can you live in a 1 room flat? Will she be happy with that?
Getting married and having kids? Need space, need rooms.
The things that enticed you to move to Thailand, are not the same things once you settle down and have to make life work financially.
House, land, new car, education expenses, insurance. Those are all on everyone’s list.
To be able to afford to live like a normal person.
Newsflash! It is not free!
Going from the happy, single, tourist to the married man requires a complete change of lifestyle.
Going into any relationship, you need to understand your partner’s expectations for a normal life before making any commitments and whether you can afford it or not?
Over the years, living in a third world country like Thailand can and will wear on you if you are a normal person.
What once was good enough, is no longer enough.
What you want for your family maybe more than Thailand is willing to offer?
Supporting and raising a family is not the same as being single and free to do what ever you want to do.
Then what?
People that irrationally move to Thailand seem to forget they may live to 80 or 90 years old. That is a lot of living, lot of expenses getting through life.
How many years do you think before the “shine” of being in Thailand wears off? 5? 10? 20? Even more if you are just barely hanging on financially.
The first hurdle is the financial hurdle.
Can you afford to settle down in Thailand and pay your way the rest of your life? Can you support a new wife and kids, and all their expenses the next 18+ years. Can you save for your own retirement? If you can, then you are well ahead of the crowd.
If you cannot, the stress of not meeting expectations can bring misery, undue stress and even divorce. Just because you moved to Thailand and survived in a one room flat, doesn’t mean your future wife expects that. If she doesn’t, watch out. Understand her expectations before committing.
What happens when you personally just get tired of Thailand, the traffic, pollution, VISA requirements, language difficulties and just flat out missing your own country? What happens when it is no longer fun? Do you have a plan? Can you afford to move?
What if you want a better education for your kids in the west, so they have a chance in life to make their own money?
Life is just one massive under-taking that no one can predict what will happen over 50 years? Those that have no plan will find out the hard way.
In the end, I believe it all comes down to money. Having money alleviates 95% of the worries. Money allows you live like a normal person, go on holiday, buy things, all like a normal person would do in their own country.
But, beware, any location, even Thailand, things are NOT a guaranteed happiness for the rest of your life just because you moved.
Moving to Thailand is just the beginning of the journey.
Surviving your entire life and saving for retirement is the real challenge; unfortunately many do not make it over the long term.
Be careful what you wish for, when you move to Thailand.
What might be shiny and new, will soon fade to gray if you are careful and diligent.
Chok Dee!