"HAPPY HOLIDAYS & NEW YEAR..CHOK DEE,MAK!"

...well it is that time of the year again,so best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season &New year.Chok dee.Luckkybuddha & khun Amporn(wife).Christmas Eve,Bangkok Thailand(24/12/2554)

"FBAR "Expats "Worst Nightmare"Mak,Mak!

OK,well "Death & Taxes" have always been one of life's true rules,i have for the most part just paid my taxes due and shoved the death part in the  "nothing i can do about it" file.Their our 5 to 6 million taxpayers(USA expats) living offshore and another 40 million living in America holding (maybe) offshore accounts.The Majority of us(taxpayers our sane,and pay our fair share on time).I am in "Deep "Brown Stuff" now for not being "Told by my stateside tax preparer about this major issue".The aforementioned guy works for one of Americas largest Tax services,and you will find them in every mall & "Walmart" each Tax year....."BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART"!Expats

need "Expert "Offshore Tax Advisers" as the penalties for failure to be vigilant and diligent on these yearly matters is"Life & Death' to your retirement and financial well being.I have(in the process of retaining the tax experts(www.taxesforexpats.com)(

Mailing Address	115 E34th St. New York, NY 10016
Phone	1-646-EXPAT-US (397-2887)
Fax	1-360-323-5115
Skype	Taxesforexpats
Email	questions@taxesforexpats.com

I am "NOT" being paid for passing on These experts contact information,just letting you know that i have "Checked out their business" and they our very highly though of.They have a very comprehensive web site,information tax blog,the owner speaks Russian,English, and is able to converse in other languages(check out on "linkin")recommend by the IRS,BBB,and other Tax professionals.I can only say that i am "Very worried" of the future,without my wife,money,Thailand,health care and Thai family.If this gets your attention,then i have done you a very good favor,take heed!Chok Dee.Luckkybuddha999

 

F.A.T.

Luck is everything to a Thai,both good and bad.Thais for the most part,never buy,marry,or make any kind of important decision without praying for "Good Luck",and doing "tam boon"(the giving of money) to perhaps get a better chance at acquiring that special thing in their life's.The "F.A.T"acronym stands for"farang ATM Trophy",and you(Me) our the special thing in their life's!This post is not about "bitching about being used",but rather the real reality of your retirement(marriage) too a much younger Thai woman.Life is full of trade offs,and if you choose to marry into a Thai family,then expect to pay for it(always!)I have a house full of relatives(not mine by choice),but my wife's family,and they will never leave as long as my wife is married to a farang.This is winning the Thai lottery for the majority of Thailand's 65 million people.I must stress the fact that Thais on average make less than 300/400 US dollars per month if they our lucky!Marry a farang with a retirement pension of two thousand plus or much more a months is hitting the jackpot big time for at least 60 million Thais..This does not mean it is a "Bad Deal" for you or me,just the way it is.I read many posts on many expat sites dealing with the issue of "MONEY & THAIS",well it is mostly crying over the fact that you our not the"Prince Charming" you thought yourself too be!Thais our poor(mostly!),you on the other hand our not.I have maybe 15/20 years of life left if i am lucky.I know the score.I need somebody to look after me when my time comes.Most Thai will honor their commitment to the marriage deal(it is a business deal,make no mistake!)and will care for you as long as your money lasts(make very good retirement plans,do not out live your money).This works very well if you understand the game rules.The number one rule in this game?If you can't walk away from it,then "DO NOT PLAY"!Chok Dee,luckkyybuddha999

"Water World" 2011 Thailand

I am very sure that the "Buddhas" behind me have seen many floods in hundreds of years they have  kept vigil over this ancient "Wat"!I visited this area about 3.5 years ago,and it was hot & dry.The visit to this "Wat" & many other's was about this period of the year(Nov/Dec),and in the middle of the flood waters of this present year!The water has receded,but the clean-up will take many months and much money.I am firmly & safely encamped 700km from Bangkok & most of the current problems.I was not prepared for a major ecological and economic disaster,that i now must deal with.Life is uncertain at best,and bad things our part of life's adventures.I think i am in "denial" in the way i have so far dealt with this current  situation...maybe that works for me?This is going to hurt money wise for sure!Thai people deal with "Bad trouble" in a major different way than Western/European foreigners.I have pretty much acted as if i was back in the "States",not living as a expat in a "Buddhist" culture and country.Thais pretty much take most problems as if they our "SUPPOSED" to happen,and flooding is just normal for them.No Thai will store anything of value on the lower floors of a "Baan",if they have a two floor home.Flooding occurs every year,and has for tens of thousands of years in S.E. Asia.The fact that the world is getting warmer,and the climate is rapidly changing for the worst is a bad omen for much of this part of the world.Thailand is a very flat country,and its biggest city(Bangkok)sits at 2.5 meters above sea level(i am told)tides and monsoons do not work well with the location of this major city.If(when)current sea levels rise,due to climate change,Bangkok and similar located cities will be "screwed".I did not think about this when i decided to retire and relocate to Thailand,now i am seeing replays of the movie "Water World" in my nightly mind wanderings...Chok Dee,sawasdee khrap.luckkyybuddha999

redo number "2"

The worst is over,except redoing a lot of work that was completed over the last two years.If you move to a third world country,you our on your own!dangers come in many forms,and you will have to take care of shit.I am still out of my home...maybe Dec i can come back and let my readers know the full story...luckkyybuddha999

Phu Yai

In Thailand,if they wear a uniform or stand out from the "Norm",then they our "Phu Yai"!I am of course not wearing a uniform in this picture,so i am not the"Phu Yai",only being shown respect as per Thai customs.This was the funeral for my wife's father "Boon" two years ago in "Si muang mai" in "Isaan Country".If you decide to move here,then your home grown usual "feelings" towards police and other official looking types,needs readjustment.I have a very hard time in that department,do to the fact they(officials in Thailand) have their hands out for "Tea Money" in most cases of contact with a "Farang",or just about any Thai they can bully!Bribes our the normal way of conducting business here.Thailand's upper 10% of elite control the other 90% of Thai people.If you want to break down the numbers it is scary.Thai police.Military,Civil officials,Multi-National Corporations with Thai Majority Boards control everything that happens in Thailand.Corruption is the number one problem in this country.The rules of the game our always about "Money and saving face",not about morals,or doing good for the majority of poor Thai people.I know a little about "Buddhist" beliefs,and "Greed" is not at the head of the list of doing "Merit"!The buying and selling of favors is a very entrenched way of life in Thailand.The adjustments you need to make,our many and bothersome,if not amoral!I can get anything i really need(or want!),if the price is acceptable to the "Phu yai"!Thai people would never question any person who they believe is "Phu Yai" to themselves.I can tell you ,almost every single Thai you meet,want to ask you many questions....."Many questions!"The simple reason is "Phu Yai or Phu Noi" for that Thai asking the questions.Yai equals "Big in English,and Noi equals Little".The reason is they do not want to lose face showing to little or to much respect...it is a strange dance!luckkyybuddha999

Mee-Yaai

Mother Sawat,My Mother-in-law and "Major Domo"...No Shit and you better believe i treat her with the utmost respect and humility.I do not do humble well,but i have made a "Big Exception" in this case!All Thai mothers our "Phu yai" or "Big Boss" in EVERY THAI FAMILY!My friends and readers better pay close attention to this little bit of hard learned advice,your Wife is in total submission to her mother in all matters period!I have taken the responsibility of caring for her after the death of "father Boon",some two years ago come this Jan 6th @ 6:00pm ,with a once in a "Blue Moon" hovering overhead as he went to "Buddha"...I know the exact time as i was holding his hand(Thai Hospices).I made a promise to care for his/my family and his wife,that was made to a dying man of simple means and needs.I see Boon everyday on my computer,alive,dying and in death.I always smile and "Wai" his pictures,and let him know i have kept my word.I guess you might be wondering what this has to do with Sawat,my wife and my marriage?It is simple really,just letting go and excepting my Thai family and their culture.The simple part is knowing my promise to Boon,the hard part is learning how.Sawat is one of the smartest women i have ever came in contact with over my 62 years of life.I marvel at her ability to keep her large and extended family on a level course, all the while being a widower without any help from the Thai government.The Social security of Thailand is up to the children,and first in line is your wife(Forever!),then the next oldest women in the family,Then the eldest son...Of course if you our married to that Thai daughter,then you jump to the front of the line!Number "1" Rule,if you marry in Thailand,then you marry the "Family" and your "Big Boss" can make it a "Living Hell" for you if you do not except her "Phu Yai" in the family...i have had worst "Jobs".Luckkyybuddha999

Deception Pass

How do you know when things our going "south" in your marriage,retirement or health?The "Deception" part,is usually of your own refusal to be 'Honest with yourself" in most cases!Living in Thailand,i have had many opportunity's to 'Deceive myself" on many fronts.I am "Guilty" as sin!Life is full of opportunities to lie,especially if the "Truth" is too hard to accept.I am posting this little rambling of lying,not because i am remorseful of my less than stellar record in the above mentioned areas,but because it is a 'Mainstay of self deception"!Living in a Thai home,full of Thai people,including my wife Amporn,the need to "LIE" about what is real,and what is not,is always staring me in the eyes of my present state of life.I tell myself,"Yes,I am in control" of my everyday life here in Thailand,but reality is much different than my deceptive view.I am "farang",my wife is Thai.In Thai culture,"Family Trumps" all other matters.I am loved,needed,and in some cases shown respect at times.The fact of life for men like myself,you our way down the scale of "What is important" to your "Thai wife & Family"!I am like many men,getting long in tooth(62),and my body is not what it used too be.I find that not admitting to myself, the ever increasing health issues,is easier than accepting the truth.If finding ones self swimming in ocean full of sharks,it is wise to head to shore.I love my retirement,Thailand,my wife & family.Deception is a strange bed fellow.If i was really honest most of the time,than i would look for safer waters to swim.luckkyybuddha999

"Take this job and shove it!

"I ain't working here anymore""J.Paycheck's"big hit back in the seventies.This brings me to the subject of "Choices"!The fact that i am now facing down my 62nd birthday reminds me of the "Choices" that have brought me to this wonderful country of Thailand.My lifetime has been filled with so many "Choices"of which i am now either enjoying or paying back my "Karma"in ways i would rather not deal with(The bad ones!)!I am guilty of many bad choices in life and regret them every time i revisit them in my mind.I have loved many with all my heart,and hurt as many during my lifetime.My choices have helped many,and hurt others.This is not a good or bad thing,but just my life and my need to express my feelings on just"How in Hell did I end up here?".My life is no more special than any other human being,just my life and my choices.This brings me to the point of this post,choices our mine to make,win or lose.I, like many who have just picked up and moved away from family & friends and comfort zones live now with my "Choices".I have family who think i am a crazy old man.Family & advisers have thrown up their collective hands and declared me a "Lost Cause".I wish to thank them for their concerns ,support or lack of(for some family members) support,as this "IS" my "Choice".I want to live & die on my own terms.My dreams our mine,they our not the property of others who think they know what is best.I have lived my whole life by one simple rule"If it feels Good,then go for it"!The time to regret and wallow away in self pity over broken dreams our in my rear view mirror,this dream is mine.Luckkyybuddha999

"You Don't have to call me Darling,Darling"!

"You never even called me by my name""David Allen Cole.".Hello Darling".is always the first thing that comes to my mind when thinking about my Thai Wife "Khun Amporn",and the first things that comes to mind when listing to other family members is"You never even call me by my name".This little problem with Thai people can and should be taken with a liberal grain of salt.Having a last name of "Swan"was always open to nicknames most of my life,so being addressed "As the Farang" is no big deal most of the time.I do say most of the time as a "Qualifier",because it can be used as a derogatory phrase also.My take on it is "Mai pen rai"!luckkyybuddha999

RETIRE CHEAP,RETIRE IN THAILAND.

It is possible to retire on a small to average Social Security benefit only in S.E.Asia.What is small to average?Think in the area of 1000/1500,this would do the job nicely for most people.I can point out the numbers(money),that make this possible.First, the average working non-university employed Thai makes about 8.60 usd $ per day.I am talking about 65 to 75 % of the general population of Thailand.That figure is for a 10 to 12 hour day,6 days a week x 52=2703.00 US Dollars a "YEAR".A Thai university graduate earns anywhere between 355 to 600.00 per month,so if you average that out to 475.00=5700.00 per year.A good figure to use when thinking about the true costs of living in Thailand is to base it on the university level grade pay,which averages around 12,000thb to 15,000thb per month,half of what you our bringing to the table,so too speak!OK,we "Farangs do get the "Treatment",that would be the ever present "Double pricing" scam that persists in this wonderful country.I spent a lot more than needed to be spent my first three years living here.I am now fully informed on most of the "Scams" & Thai Family Money issues...They our many and crop up everyday.Do not buy what you can rent!I wish i had taken that advice,when first offered me by others who had spent many years in Thailand.Rent is way cheaper than buying in Thailand.I will also point out that no matter what you read,you can "NOT" own  "LAND" in Thailand.If you buy a house,then it must be given to your wife(not G/F)..no strings attached in the deal.It is much easier to rent long term or short.In my area you can get a 1 bedroom apartment furnished with "A/C" for under 7,000thb(210.00) per month.You can rent a house in Saimai area of Bangkok for close to that price also,but you will pay extra for the water,electric,Internet etc.Taxis our the way to go,along with public transportation.I bought a new car,big mistake on my part.Take the bus,BTS sky train,taxi,or motorcycle taxi..Cheap!Eat where the "REGULAR" Thai eats.Food can cost less than 3,000thb a month.It is safe,cheap and fun to eat where the regular Thai eats.A simple meal costs less than 60thb in most places(two bucks!)I have Internet for 12 bucks a month.Cable with 100 stations(SANOOK CABLE) 35 bucks for the year.Water & electric run about 120.00 a month for a big house if you use "A/C"...Fans our cheaper!If you need medical,then just go where the "REGULAR THAIS GO",not to the "BIG PRIVATE HOSPITALS".I use "Bcare Hospital" in Saimai,it is owned and run by the Thai Air force(or at least most of the staff our Air force)it is good,cheap and they do take good care of you.I average less than 50.00 bucks a pop for the Doctor,Nurse,Medication.Dental work is at its cheapest if you access it from a hospital.Most if not all of your medical needs can be accessed in a one-stop & shop medical facility.If you decide to move & retire here before getting married(both male & female),please do yourself a favor and get a "GOOD" Thai friend,as they can and will get you the best deals,keep you from getting into a big mess,and help you understand that "Thailand",is not Kansas Alice!Thais do not "TIP",so throw that habit out the window,you will save at least 100 bucks a month.Very few regular Thai go to buy needed  things to wear from the big malls.Follow the regular Thai,forget about the quality(things our cheaply made) and stop thinking like a "American".I can play golf cheap here also,just go where the "Regular Thai Plays",not the five-star resorts.I can tell you to go to the Air force & Army golf courses,they our the cheapest in Thailand,and also they our all over this country.The greens our not great,nor our the tee areas,but the cost is 50 to 100% less than the tourist resorts.I would also recommend that you get a Thai drivers license,as it lets you visit National parks for the same price as Thai nationals(most of the time)It is also smart to learn all about "ATM's" and Thai Banking,as this is a third world country and things our different.I spent at least 60 grand doing stupid "Farang" things in my first two years.I hope that this little advice, saves you from doing the same.My last bit of advice,please protect yourself & money at all times,Thais think you our "RICH",and will always let you pay.luckkyybuddha999

Social Security & federal Benefits "Direct Deposit" Thailand

The good news first!Getting your benefits by direct deposit in Thailand is easy,along with the application process.I set everything up by first emailing:SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov.I explained by email that my retirement date was due in Oct of 2011.(three month's before you retire/apply ahead of that date),and wanted to know the score.I was called the very next day!It does pay to give them contact information(your SSN/other security issues should not go in a email)i.e phone and email.I then contacted the embassy(USA)..waste of time!I can tell you that only "Bangkok Bank" has the direct deposit.That is somewhat the "Bad News",but it is only a minor problem due to normal Thai way of making you jump through hoops.The Bank has everything you need to file for this service. It is pretty easy.Other blogs & information sites will tell you to go to the branch nearest the area you live,do not bother,but go directly to the "Silom Road Branch".The bank will have the (1199 A Form) and will do all the work.Bring your Passport/Visa/Yellow House book if married.drivers Lic.I should add,"AFTER" your phone interview with Manila SSA,and your short talk with the SSA  Officer,who will ask some very short questions,passport dates,birth date,etc!It is important to not screw up your interview!Manila is one hour ahead of Thailand,and they do call you exactly on time!Make sure, just like with a Thai Bank,you have everything needed for your phone interview.It is also to your advantage to open a second savings account with Bangkok Bank,thus allowing the transfer of your direct deposit into that second account.The original direct deposit account does not allow a debit card to withdraw funds,but you can go to any branch with your normal documents and transfer that deposit into the second savings account and access it with a debit card.I could go through all the addresses and contact numbers,but it is easy to do with the two contacts i will now provide.(Manila)(632)525-6614/Email:SSA.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov..(BANGKOK BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED)(333 Silom Road, BKK.10500/PH#(02)230-1322-3.I was able to get everything completed in one trip downtown,two phone calls to Manila,and my letter of benefits award from SSA in two weeks start to Finnish.Jai yen,yen!luckkyybuddha999

Kicking Back.

Taking life easy is very much in style!Family farm chores our done by my "Thai Family",not by me.Thailand considers anybody over the age of "55" retired & elderly...They would not like the "Cradle to Grave" work requirements now facing millions of "Baby Boomers" who lost most of their savings in the last decade of Market crashes.I can only tell you that you really have "other options" if you take a chance on a "Adventure"& relocation.If walking into any hospital for care anytime of the day without insurance,appointments or a big wad of cash appeals to you,then S.E. Asia is the place to retire.How about a two hour "Thai Massage for less than 12.00 USD?"Dental work that rivals anything you can find in the States?No appointment required,just show up and pay "Very,Very small fraction of that same treatment cost In America.Travel,transportation,buses,trains taxi's,everything is a fraction of what you would spend at home.I live in a three bedroom/two bath/two car garage,with home delivery of laundry/dry cleaning,food trucks & vendors bring fresh fish,fruits,vegetable's and many other things you might need without ever leaving my house.I have flowers,morning doves,Mango trees,Thai music played at times on Village Loudspeakers(that takes some getting used to!)Contractors that can fix anything for completely nothing in costs that you would pay in America.It is never too late,just give yourself a gift of a lifetime..."Get the hell out of the Rat race",move to Thailand and smell the flowers.luckkyybuddha999 

luckkyybuddha/James

I guess it is time to introduce myself to my readers.My name is James A. swan.I am almost "62" years young,married and living full time in Thailand(Bangkok/Saimai).I first visited Thailand in March of 2007 and it was "Love at first sight".My visit was basically to play golf,and check out Thailand as a place to retire.I had no idea that i would end up getting married,moving to Thailand,or any of the varied things that have happened to me since that first visit.My return to America after my first visit was to say the least a real "Downer"!I was met with cold & rain and my very big and lonely home at a time that a need for a change was long over due.I did not want to die alone ,or live in the cold or any other "Bad Dreams"anymore.I think when people reach a certain age, they need a reassessment of priorities in their  lives.My needs were/our very simple and basic,First i want to be happy and active.Living alone,playing golf,watching TV..repeat,repeat and waiting for my demise was not going to make it.Living in a western country & culture does not bode well for seniors looking for companionship,marriage and other comforting things to make your life fuller.I am not into Seniors Centers,Bingo,Shuffleboard or food banks.I needed a place where my age was not a issue,marriage was possible,medical good & cheap and the cost of living reasonable.Thailand covers all of these requirements and more!Culture and language problems our many,but these issues can be met if you learn to accept things on "Thai Terms".I managed to make the "Leap of Faith" in less than a year after my first visit.I am for the most part very happy with my choices.If you our leaning towards a change in life,then consider living outside your "Comfort Zone" and becoming a "Expat".This change will bring you many challenges,but the rewards our worth the 'Leap of Faith".luckkyybuddha999

LOVE IN THAILAND SAI MAI 522

LOVE IN THAILAND SAI MAI 522, a photo by luckkyybuddha on Flickr.

Suay Mak! Khun Amporn(Mia) & Daisy.Sadly the pooch is now gone,but my wife always delights in viewing this picture.I love this picture very much,as it really gives me a "Good" feeling!Thai people love their pets,and the pets our very much part of the family.I believe that the farm had only two cows and two Kwai,now we have over a dozen cows and Kwai,and twenty dogs.....Living in Bangkok away from the family farm is stressful and the vacations back to the farm our very much looked forward too!luckkyybuddha999

A Review of a Thai-American marriage

It is just close to one month since my wife and I celebrated our
 Third wedding anniversary here in Thailand. There were many times this event was in mortal danger of failing. The vast chasm between cultures is very deep, and the ability to compromise a must. My family and financial advisor have been at arms length in dealing with my multi-cultural marriage. Am I happy? I believe, considering the age difference between my wife and myself, that I am. Am I somewhat lost? Yes! I am gaining ground every day in that area, as time is a great teacher. Money? Yes there has been issues. Again, I am learning. A loan in Thailand translates into any language as a gift, it will seldom if ever be repaid.
 Family comes first for your Thai
 Wife. I speak about her family, not mine or myself. The daughters in Thai Families our the social security for aging parents. America and most western countries do not follow this practice. Love and trust do work fairly well, if not perfect in my marriage. I now trust my wife with much more acceptance of her culture and Buddhist family. The review is somewhat biases, as I love my  wife, her family, Thailand and Buddha.Luckkyybuddha999

Teaching "English"in Thailand

TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, Online, In-country, BA/BS College &University degrees. Is it Easy? The "Simple" answer is "NO"!

The list of Schools offering credentials & placement is very big in Bangkok & other major Thai cities.The list of "Scams" is also huge".Buyer Beware",is a quote that needs to be your first thought when checking out these schools.Age & degrees(BA/BS REQUIRED)one or the other,along with a TEFL course taught by a approved"MoE"Thailand(Ministry of Education Thailand.",work permit,letters of recommendation,Police report from your home country,and much more!Still interested?OK,please pay attention!Do not try to get hired without coming to "LOS",finding a job first,spending a long vacation(30 days min)and checking out the huge amount of paperwork,visa,work permits,housing,transportation,medical,and language barriers you will encounter.Normal rate run 1200 up to 2500 for a CELTA certificate(TEFL)being the most common.Age "IS" a "BIG" issue!Asian employers want young teachers,the parents want young teachers,Agencies want young teachers.Male is most common,but Female teachers our most welcome.Age 24 to 34 being the  bracket you most likely need to find yourself in.Over 40 years of age,then your chances go down dramatically.Over 50....Do not waste time or money period!The Schools(TEFL & others)will tell you different,but i live here,am over 50,and do not have a degree,and have done the background checking of the facts....YOU WILL GET SCREWED!I am sure that most who read this information,our younger than me,so if you really have the hots to travel,make friends,then by all means jump into the fray.A great site(ajarn.com)This is run by English teachers here in Thailand.Ajarn has a great forum,job listings,visa & permit information,costs,schools and the complete information is yours for "Free".luckkyybuddha999

bebe

My Suay mak wife Amporn! This picture is three years old.. Bangkok high end shopping.

love in thailand

love in thailand, a set on Flickr.

My hope is this will end up on the correct blog.luckkyybuddha999