Stiff Upper Lip

The baht is still strong, and the way things are going with western currencies it doesn’t look like it will be getting any better for expats for a long time, if ever! My British pension is probably amongst the lowest in Europe. But I am determined to remain here, as I have a far better way of life than I could possibly have in England.  I do a lot of cooking now, including Thai dishes. Instead of regular visits to bars I stay home more with my internet and cable TV. I still have female company even if on a cheaper and slightly less frequent scale. Whenever I talk with friends back home I realise I have a much better life than them, and much happier, and they all envy me. Some expats talk of leaving, I say give it a lot of thought, you could be going back to a worse lifestyle.

Worthington Export Ale

There isn’t anything we peasants can do about the strong baht and the pathetic western currencies; that is up to financiers and politicians to sort out. Although the cost of living has increased here, it has also risen throughout the world, something many expats tend to overlook when complaining about local price rises. Sadly, for some retirees, unless they have family support, a return to the homeland now could even be financially impossible. We can only wait and hope that eventually the western powers will correct all their cockups and manage to strengthen their currencies. From their futile efforts over the past year or so, it may be a long wait; so if we wish to remain here we must cut our coat according to our cloth, which you appear to be doing very well.

Email Kris & Noi at: [email protected]