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