Retired in Thailand & Living in Bangkok

Bangkok is home to hundreds of thousands of expats and retirees from countries around the world. Americans, Australians, Brits, Chinese, Indians ... you name it.

Bangkok may be the most diverse city in Asia. The city has world class hotels, multinational companies, torrid night life and miserable air quality. Yet to many of the new residents of Thailand, Bangkok is the only place they would consider living.

What these expats have to put up with is terrible traffic, higher prices, urban congestion and a singular experience than cannot be matched anywhere in the world.

While Bangkok has sections, areas and suburbs, there really is no "city center". Some would consider upper Sukhumvit Road. Others might think that the old city area Rattanakosin might deserve the honor since it has the Grand Palace.

Thonburi, just across the river, was the capitol prior to the Chakri Dynasty. Yawara, Bangkok's Chinatown is another. Farther north, the Areas of Bangkapi and Ngamwongwan form another hub. Prathumwan could lay claim since it boasts Mahbounkhrong, Siam Square, Discovery Center and the Pratunam market.

Safety - Riding tuk tuks and motorcycle taxis or crossing busy streets vie for the most dangerous activities in Bangkok. Seriously, Thailand is an extremely safe place and Bangkok is no exception. Common sense will make it even safer.

Health Bangkok has numerous world class hospitals.

• Bamrungrad - off Sukhumvit 3 - classic international, efficient, multi lingual
• Bangkok Nursing Home - a modern hospital famous for healthy food in their public restaurant
• Bangkok General hospital ... and dozens more

Embassies - Every western country has an embassy in Bangkok.

Financial

• ATMs are everywhere. Currency exchanges are common
• At least one American brokerage firm has a presence in Bangkok
• Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the bank.

Professional

• Most western countries are represented by Chambers of Commerce
• The British Club is on Suriwong Road
• The Pacific City Club on Sukhumvit may be attractive to the more affluent.
• The Bangkok Club is the city's oldest

Some Meeting Places - Getting acquainted in Bangkok can be a bit daunting. The city is rife with professionals and con men alike. Don't believe the Walter Mitty stories. Bars of the non go-go type, along with restaurants, tend to be places to meet other westerners. These hangouts vary.

Organizations

• Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Hash House Harriers
• Special Forces Association

Patpong

• Madrid Bar - good food, pizza, no music
• Crown Royal - nice decor, no music
• Bobby's Arms - a restaurant in the car park

Washington Square - Sukhumvit Soi 22

• Bourbon Street - cajun/western restaurant
• Texas Lone Star - free lunch on Saturdays attracts local expats

Other Areas

• The Wall - Mahaesak Road - pub with diverse clientele, many in the gem and jewelry business.
• Londoner Brew Pub - Sukhumvit Soi 31, large and inviting

Thailand is a land of transition. Restaurants come and go. We try to keep our information current, but cannot guarantee the accuracy.

Retirees - what do you need to know that you don't see here? Tell us.

Organizations - would retired expats find what you offer helpful? Tell us.