Stealth Wealth vs The American Rip Off

On this channel, we talk a lot about how On this channel, we talk a lot about how to live a great life in Southeast Asia to live a great life in Southeast Asia to live a great life in Southeast Asia for 1,500 or 2,000 bucks. But lately, for 1,500 or 2,000 bucks. But lately, for 1,500 or 2,000 bucks. But lately, I've been getting flooded with messages I've been getting flooded with messages I've been getting flooded with messages from people with larger budgets who ask, from people with larger budgets who ask, from people with larger budgets who ask, "What does the next level up look like?" "What does the next level up look like?" "What does the next level up look like?" But here's the catch. They don't want to But here's the catch. They don't want to But here's the catch. They don't want to show off. They aren't trying to impress show off. They aren't trying to impress show off. They aren't trying to impress anyone. They just want absolute value anyone. They just want absolute value anyone. They just want absolute value for their money. That's why I invited for their money. That's why I invited for their money. That's why I invited Jeff on the channel. He built a Jeff on the channel. He built a Jeff on the channel. He built a lowmaintenance 4country escape plan, lowmaintenance 4country escape plan, lowmaintenance 4country escape plan, walked away from the US system, and walked away from the US system, and walked away from the US system, and bought his incredible 800 square f foot bought his incredible 800 square f foot bought his incredible 800 square f foot view loft. It has New York City luxury view loft. It has New York City luxury view loft. It has New York City luxury back in the golden era, but at 75% off. back in the golden era, but at 75% off. back in the golden era, but at 75% off. Today, Jeff is breaking down his exact Today, Jeff is breaking down his exact Today, Jeff is breaking down his exact stealth wealth blueprint, stealth wealth blueprint, stealth wealth blueprint, why he chose Thailand over Latin why he chose Thailand over Latin why he chose Thailand over Latin America, and how he gets a five-star America, and how he gets a five-star America, and how he gets a five-star life without paying a five-star price. life without paying a five-star price. life without paying a five-star price. Let's get into it. This is Jeff's house.

Let's get into it. This is Jeff's house. Let's get into it. This is Jeff's house. Let's see Let's see Let's see >> who's there, Jeff. [laughter] >> who's there, Jeff. [laughter] >> who's there, Jeff. [laughter] >> Welcome. >> Welcome. >> Welcome. >> Nice to [clears throat] see you, guys. >> Nice to [clears throat] see you, guys. >> Nice to [clears throat] see you, guys. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> So, this is your new place. Yeah, this >> So, this is your new place. Yeah, this >> So, this is your new place. Yeah, this is my place that I got about 9 months is my place that I got about 9 months is my place that I got about 9 months ago now. ago now. ago now. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Yes. Yes. So, welcome. Welcome. It looks >> Yes. Yes. So, welcome. Welcome. It looks >> Yes. Yes. So, welcome. Welcome. It looks like a trifecta loft here. like a trifecta loft here. like a trifecta loft here. >> Yeah. Well, that was why I fell in love >> Yeah. Well, that was why I fell in love >> Yeah. Well, that was why I fell in love with the place when I came here. with the place when I came here. with the place when I came here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But if you uh you see it, actually, it's >> But if you uh you see it, actually, it's >> But if you uh you see it, actually, it's unusual for Bangkok condos cuz it has a unusual for Bangkok condos cuz it has a unusual for Bangkok condos cuz it has a full kitchen. full kitchen. full kitchen. >> Yeah. Which is a waste for me since >> Yeah. Which is a waste for me since >> Yeah. Which is a waste for me since [laughter] I don't use it. I do use I [laughter] I don't use it. I do use I [laughter] I don't use it. I do use I live on the microwave. Oh, that's a live on the microwave. Oh, that's a live on the microwave. Oh, that's a microwave. microwave. microwave. >> That's a microwave. And this is a this >> That's a microwave. And this is a this >> That's a microwave. And this is a this is a real oven. So, they have a real is a real oven. So, they have a real is a real oven. So, they have a real oven here. It's got a You can see how oven here. It's got a You can see how oven here. It's got a You can see how much I cook. I actually have a pad for much I cook. I actually have a pad for much I cook. I actually have a pad for dishes on top of my cook tops. dishes on top of my cook tops. dishes on top of my cook tops. [laughter] It's got just a cook top. [laughter] It's got just a cook top. [laughter] It's got just a cook top. >> And you have a little wine cooler there. >> And you have a little wine cooler there. >> And you have a little wine cooler there. That's That's That's >> I got the wine. And I just got a new >> I got the wine. And I just got a new >> I got the wine. And I just got a new wine cooler over here because the little wine cooler over here because the little wine cooler over here because the little one was insufficient when we go to wine one was insufficient when we go to wine one was insufficient when we go to wine tastings. But it's got a full kitchen.

tastings. But it's got a full kitchen. tastings. But it's got a full kitchen. And then we have our nice high ceilings And then we have our nice high ceilings And then we have our nice high ceilings that we were talking about over here. that we were talking about over here. that we were talking about over here. >> Um the I have my stereo system. I Oh, >> Um the I have my stereo system. I Oh, >> Um the I have my stereo system. I Oh, and there's speakers throughout the and there's speakers throughout the and there's speakers throughout the ceilings in the apartment, which I ceilings in the apartment, which I ceilings in the apartment, which I really like because I I like like you really like because I I like like you really like because I I like like you working to music and just letting the working to music and just letting the working to music and just letting the music go. Yeah. music go. Yeah. music go. Yeah. >> So, um and it it came furnished, but it >> So, um and it it came furnished, but it >> So, um and it it came furnished, but it needed some changes like uh I this is a needed some changes like uh I this is a needed some changes like uh I this is a new couch that I had put in and a new new couch that I had put in and a new new couch that I had put in and a new rug that I'd put in, but it came with a rug that I'd put in, but it came with a rug that I'd put in, but it came with a nice chair. Um I just upgraded the nice chair. Um I just upgraded the nice chair. Um I just upgraded the stereo and the TV recently, so I've got stereo and the TV recently, so I've got stereo and the TV recently, so I've got that taken care of. We we have an that taken care of. We we have an that taken care of. We we have an incredible view if you can get that on incredible view if you can get that on incredible view if you can get that on the camera which the camera which the camera which >> Yeah, that's amazing. >> Yeah, that's amazing. >> Yeah, that's amazing. >> Yeah, it's one of the nicest. It's it's >> Yeah, it's one of the nicest. It's it's >> Yeah, it's one of the nicest. It's it's to the east and um in the morning you to the east and um in the morning you to the east and um in the morning you get the sun coming in which is not such get the sun coming in which is not such get the sun coming in which is not such a wonderful thing. So I've got um uh a wonderful thing. So I've got um uh a wonderful thing. So I've got um uh blackout blackout blind and in front of blackout blackout blind and in front of blackout blackout blind and in front of it is it's an 85% I think blind and it is it's an 85% I think blind and it is it's an 85% I think blind and they're all motorized so they go up and they're all motorized so they go up and they're all motorized so they go up and down. Yeah, down. Yeah, down. Yeah, >> you keep the uh the 85% one down until >> you keep the uh the 85% one down until >> you keep the uh the 85% one down until uh uh the sun gets over the top of the uh uh the sun gets over the top of the uh uh the sun gets over the top of the building and then you can open it up and building and then you can open it up and building and then you can open it up and you're fine cuz otherwise you're cooked.

you're fine cuz otherwise you're cooked. you're fine cuz otherwise you're cooked. >> This is this is like a New York City >> This is this is like a New York City >> This is this is like a New York City loft here. loft here. loft here. >> Yeah, it's it's it's I think it's 76 >> Yeah, it's it's it's I think it's 76 >> Yeah, it's it's it's I think it's 76 square meters with somewhere around 800 square meters with somewhere around 800 square meters with somewhere around 800 square ft give or take. Got my little square ft give or take. Got my little square ft give or take. Got my little workspace over here um which is very workspace over here um which is very workspace over here um which is very comfortable. The bed's over in the comfortable. The bed's over in the comfortable. The bed's over in the corner so that's fine. roll out of bed corner so that's fine. roll out of bed corner so that's fine. roll out of bed in the morning, just just have my in the morning, just just have my in the morning, just just have my blackout blind go up and have my uh blackout blind go up and have my uh blackout blind go up and have my uh >> uh 85% blinds uh you know, down for the >> uh 85% blinds uh you know, down for the >> uh 85% blinds uh you know, down for the morning. morning. morning. >> Um and then it's Oh, it's got so much >> Um and then it's Oh, it's got so much >> Um and then it's Oh, it's got so much storage. You can see all of the cabinets storage. You can see all of the cabinets storage. You can see all of the cabinets over here and these cabinets. It's I'm over here and these cabinets. It's I'm over here and these cabinets. It's I'm managing to fill them up, but it's got a managing to fill them up, but it's got a managing to fill them up, but it's got a lot of storage. It's got a bathtub in lot of storage. It's got a bathtub in lot of storage. It's got a bathtub in the middle of the room. the middle of the room. the middle of the room. >> A bathtub in Asia. >> A bathtub in Asia. >> A bathtub in Asia. >> Yeah. that I don't use. But yeah, I'm >> Yeah. that I don't use. But yeah, I'm >> Yeah. that I don't use. But yeah, I'm probably going to have to start using it probably going to have to start using it probably going to have to start using it sooner [laughter] or later. sooner [laughter] or later. sooner [laughter] or later. >> Um, you've got a nice large shower >> Um, you've got a nice large shower >> Um, you've got a nice large shower bathroom over here, more storage, bathroom over here, more storage, bathroom over here, more storage, >> and then so if I don't want to send my >> and then so if I don't want to send my >> and then so if I don't want to send my laundry out, I got my washer and dryer laundry out, I got my washer and dryer laundry out, I got my washer and dryer over here.

over here. over here. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So, and and the toilet. >> So, and and the toilet. >> So, and and the toilet. >> Jeff, welcome to Vagabon Awake. >> Jeff, welcome to Vagabon Awake. >> Jeff, welcome to Vagabon Awake. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> It's nice to see you again. >> It's nice to see you again. >> It's nice to see you again. >> Nice to see you again. [laughter] >> Nice to see you again. [laughter] >> Nice to see you again. [laughter] So Jeff, what countries have you So Jeff, what countries have you So Jeff, what countries have you obtained a retirement visa uh or obtained a retirement visa uh or obtained a retirement visa uh or residence over the last few years? And residence over the last few years? And residence over the last few years? And what was your thinking when you when you what was your thinking when you when you what was your thinking when you when you did that? did that? did that? >> Well, there's a reason for that because >> Well, there's a reason for that because >> Well, there's a reason for that because I had intended to uh move uh uh from the I had intended to uh move uh uh from the I had intended to uh move uh uh from the US to Thailand originally in 2019. US to Thailand originally in 2019. US to Thailand originally in 2019. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then I had sold my uh homes in New >> And then I had sold my uh homes in New >> And then I had sold my uh homes in New York. I was uh fully a Florida resident York. I was uh fully a Florida resident York. I was uh fully a Florida resident for a few years before like we talked for a few years before like we talked for a few years before like we talked about on the other v uh video, right? about on the other v uh video, right? about on the other v uh video, right? >> And I was ready to leave January 1st, >> And I was ready to leave January 1st, >> And I was ready to leave January 1st, 2020. And along came co of course 2020. And along came co of course 2020. And along came co of course >> and I got stuck in Florida, which wasn't >> and I got stuck in Florida, which wasn't >> and I got stuck in Florida, which wasn't the worst place to get stuck. the worst place to get stuck. the worst place to get stuck. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But at that point, I said, you know, I >> But at that point, I said, you know, I >> But at that point, I said, you know, I don't know where this thing's going to don't know where this thing's going to don't know where this thing's going to go. So the first thing that I did was to go. So the first thing that I did was to go. So the first thing that I did was to get uh permanent retirement visas for get uh permanent retirement visas for get uh permanent retirement visas for Mexico and Panama because from Florida I Mexico and Panama because from Florida I Mexico and Panama because from Florida I could get to either of them by land, sea could get to either of them by land, sea could get to either of them by land, sea or air, right?

or air, right? or air, right? >> And Mexico was not being crazy during >> And Mexico was not being crazy during >> And Mexico was not being crazy during CO. Panama depending upon where you went CO. Panama depending upon where you went CO. Panama depending upon where you went was mostly not being crazy during CO. So was mostly not being crazy during CO. So was mostly not being crazy during CO. So those were the first two visas, right? those were the first two visas, right? those were the first two visas, right? >> But then I knew I wanted to be able to >> But then I knew I wanted to be able to >> But then I knew I wanted to be able to spend time in uh Thailand in particular, spend time in uh Thailand in particular, spend time in uh Thailand in particular, but in Asia. So, I got my Philippine but in Asia. So, I got my Philippine but in Asia. So, I got my Philippine SRRV or permanent retirement visa SRRV or permanent retirement visa SRRV or permanent retirement visa because there was nothing that that of because there was nothing that that of because there was nothing that that of that ilk at the time available in that ilk at the time available in that ilk at the time available in Thailand. I could have gotten a Thailand. I could have gotten a Thailand. I could have gotten a retirement visa, but you have to renew retirement visa, but you have to renew retirement visa, but you have to renew it every year and it's a process. The it every year and it's a process. The it every year and it's a process. The Philippine one you have to pay for every Philippine one you have to pay for every Philippine one you have to pay for every couple of years, but it doesn't require couple of years, but it doesn't require couple of years, but it doesn't require you having to go there or spend time or you having to go there or spend time or you having to go there or spend time or whatever. Yeah. So, I got the Philippine whatever. Yeah. So, I got the Philippine whatever. Yeah. So, I got the Philippine retirement visa and then I [snorts] retirement visa and then I [snorts] retirement visa and then I [snorts] said, you know, what happens if things said, you know, what happens if things said, you know, what happens if things really get crazy in the US and then it really get crazy in the US and then it really get crazy in the US and then it took me a year, but I got my British took me a year, but I got my British took me a year, but I got my British citizenship through heritage since my citizenship through heritage since my citizenship through heritage since my mom was uh fully fully Scottish from her mom was uh fully fully Scottish from her mom was uh fully fully Scottish from her parents, right? parents, right? parents, right? >> And I was able to get that and then I >> And I was able to get that and then I >> And I was able to get that and then I have a British passport in addition to have a British passport in addition to have a British passport in addition to my US passport. But then when I got back my US passport. But then when I got back my US passport. But then when I got back to Thailand a couple of years later, to Thailand a couple of years later, to Thailand a couple of years later, Thailand came up with this uh uh LTR Thailand came up with this uh uh LTR Thailand came up with this uh uh LTR visa, right? Um long-term visa, and I visa, right? Um long-term visa, and I visa, right? Um long-term visa, and I was one of the first people to get that was one of the first people to get that was one of the first people to get that one, and it gives you five years, and one, and it gives you five years, and one, and it gives you five years, and then you renew for another five years.

then you renew for another five years. then you renew for another five years. And they and I actually stopped in the And they and I actually stopped in the And they and I actually stopped in the office the other day cuz I had to go office the other day cuz I had to go office the other day cuz I had to go there in order to do some paperwork for there in order to do some paperwork for there in order to do some paperwork for the car that I just bought. [snorts] And the car that I just bought. [snorts] And the car that I just bought. [snorts] And I stopped in the office and I said, "So, I stopped in the office and I said, "So, I stopped in the office and I said, "So, what's going to happen at renewal time what's going to happen at renewal time what's going to happen at renewal time since these things had just come out?" since these things had just come out?" since these things had just come out?" Yeah. And they said, "Well, we just got Yeah. And they said, "Well, we just got Yeah. And they said, "Well, we just got our list." And they started telling me our list." And they started telling me our list." And they started telling me about it. And I said, "By the way, about it. And I said, "By the way, about it. And I said, "By the way, nobody's renewed one of these things nobody's renewed one of these things nobody's renewed one of these things yet." And they're like, "No, you're yet." And they're like, "No, you're yet." And they're like, "No, you're going to be one of the first." going to be one of the first." going to be one of the first." >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> So, I think they're just supposed to uh >> So, I think they're just supposed to uh >> So, I think they're just supposed to uh re um um qualify you by the the I have I re um um qualify you by the the I have I re um um qualify you by the the I have I did a retirement one with sufficient um did a retirement one with sufficient um did a retirement one with sufficient um uh passive retirement income. And as uh passive retirement income. And as uh passive retirement income. And as long as I and I uh health insurance, you long as I and I uh health insurance, you long as I and I uh health insurance, you need to have health insurance, which I need to have health insurance, which I need to have health insurance, which I know is another thing you want to talk know is another thing you want to talk know is another thing you want to talk about, right? about, right? about, right? >> But um the health insurance is uh for >> But um the health insurance is uh for >> But um the health insurance is uh for all of us that older and have some all of us that older and have some all of us that older and have some issues can be a challenge. So, but they issues can be a challenge. So, but they issues can be a challenge. So, but they they'll sell you a policy, the insurance they'll sell you a policy, the insurance they'll sell you a policy, the insurance companies here, that basically doesn't companies here, that basically doesn't companies here, that basically doesn't cover anything, right? cover anything, right? cover anything, right? >> But it qualifies for whatever your visa >> But it qualifies for whatever your visa >> But it qualifies for whatever your visa you're going for because they just say you're going for because they just say you're going for because they just say you need $50,000 worth of coverage, you need $50,000 worth of coverage, you need $50,000 worth of coverage, right?

right? right? >> So that's what people wind up getting. >> So that's what people wind up getting. >> So that's what people wind up getting. In fact, the visa agency tells you go to In fact, the visa agency tells you go to In fact, the visa agency tells you go to this place and get this insurance and this place and get this insurance and this place and get this insurance and that's how uh people qualify for the that's how uh people qualify for the that's how uh people qualify for the visa. visa. visa. >> So the thinking was you just wanted >> So the thinking was you just wanted >> So the thinking was you just wanted options. So you got residencies and options. So you got residencies and options. So you got residencies and another passport and you just didn't another passport and you just didn't another passport and you just didn't want to be want to be want to be >> I was never into a corner. >> I was never into a corner. >> I was never into a corner. >> Never going to get trapped again, >> Never going to get trapped again, >> Never going to get trapped again, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Never going to get trapped and have as >> Never going to get trapped and have as >> Never going to get trapped and have as many options as possible. And I reckoned many options as possible. And I reckoned many options as possible. And I reckoned after having, you know, four uh after having, you know, four uh after having, you know, four uh long-term visas and an extra passport, I long-term visas and an extra passport, I long-term visas and an extra passport, I could like, okay, that's enough. could like, okay, that's enough. could like, okay, that's enough. >> Were any of So, you have the British, >> Were any of So, you have the British, >> Were any of So, you have the British, you have the American. Were you looking you have the American. Were you looking you have the American. Were you looking at maybe getting citizenship also in any at maybe getting citizenship also in any at maybe getting citizenship also in any of the other residence places? of the other residence places? of the other residence places? >> No. Okay. >> No. Okay. >> No. Okay. >> Once once you have a residency visa, see >> Once once you have a residency visa, see >> Once once you have a residency visa, see during co I people that just wanted to during co I people that just wanted to during co I people that just wanted to travel somewhere without showing a travel somewhere without showing a travel somewhere without showing a reason why they should let them in were reason why they should let them in were reason why they should let them in were not let in. not let in. not let in. >> Right. So uh uh by having a residency >> Right. So uh uh by having a residency >> Right. So uh uh by having a residency visa, you're documenting I'm a resident visa, you're documenting I'm a resident visa, you're documenting I'm a resident here. It's similar to my pal that has is here. It's similar to my pal that has is here. It's similar to my pal that has is a British citizen and has a green card a British citizen and has a green card a British citizen and has a green card in the US and he's been living in the US in the US and he's been living in the US in the US and he's been living in the US for 40 years, maybe 45 years.

for 40 years, maybe 45 years. for 40 years, maybe 45 years. >> And so he has a reason he actually has >> And so he has a reason he actually has >> And so he has a reason he actually has his Global Entry as well, which you can his Global Entry as well, which you can his Global Entry as well, which you can get as a noncitizen, but you're a get as a noncitizen, but you're a get as a noncitizen, but you're a documented resident of the country. So I documented resident of the country. So I documented resident of the country. So I wanted residencies. I also wanted wanted residencies. I also wanted wanted residencies. I also wanted lowmaintenance residencies because some lowmaintenance residencies because some lowmaintenance residencies because some of them for instance one of the of them for instance one of the of them for instance one of the residencies that we have considered is residencies that we have considered is residencies that we have considered is the Malaysian residency. Right? the Malaysian residency. Right? the Malaysian residency. Right? >> But then you have to go there and I >> But then you have to go there and I >> But then you have to go there and I don't know if it's I think it's two don't know if it's I think it's two don't know if it's I think it's two weeks you have to spend it might be a weeks you have to spend it might be a weeks you have to spend it might be a month once a year but you're committed month once a year but you're committed month once a year but you're committed to go there once a year to do that in to go there once a year to do that in to go there once a year to do that in addition to whatever else you have to addition to whatever else you have to addition to whatever else you have to do. do. do. >> Right. So, [snorts] what country are we >> Right. So, [snorts] what country are we >> Right. So, [snorts] what country are we sitting in right now? And how long have sitting in right now? And how long have sitting in right now? And how long have you been here? you been here? you been here? >> Well, we're sitting in we're sitting >> Well, we're sitting in we're sitting >> Well, we're sitting in we're sitting [laughter] in the country of Thailand, [laughter] in the country of Thailand, [laughter] in the country of Thailand, the city of Bangkok. And I first came to the city of Bangkok. And I first came to the city of Bangkok. And I first came to Thailand in 2021. Thailand in 2021. Thailand in 2021. No, sorry, I misspoke. 2001. No, sorry, I misspoke. 2001. No, sorry, I misspoke. 2001. >> Oh, there you go. There you go. >> Oh, there you go. There you go. >> Oh, there you go. There you go. >> Yes. And they dragged me right after >> Yes. And they dragged me right after >> Yes. And they dragged me right after 9/11. In fact, it was a very interesting 9/11. In fact, it was a very interesting 9/11. In fact, it was a very interesting trip [clears throat and laughter] trip [clears throat and laughter] trip [clears throat and laughter] because it was literally a month or two because it was literally a month or two because it was literally a month or two after 9. I think it was October, late after 9. I think it was October, late after 9. I think it was October, late October, early November that we came.

October, early November that we came. October, early November that we came. Wow. Wow. Wow. >> And nobody was traveling. I mean, and >> And nobody was traveling. I mean, and >> And nobody was traveling. I mean, and the airport security was totally over the airport security was totally over the airport security was totally over the top and it was it was a very the top and it was it was a very the top and it was it was a very interesting time. So, and we first time interesting time. So, and we first time interesting time. So, and we first time I went to Phuket with a couple of pals I went to Phuket with a couple of pals I went to Phuket with a couple of pals and I was like, "Oh, I like this Thai and I was like, "Oh, I like this Thai and I was like, "Oh, I like this Thai food. I like the lifestyle." You know, food. I like the lifestyle." You know, food. I like the lifestyle." You know, it's it really was we had a great time. it's it really was we had a great time. it's it really was we had a great time. And then we went to Singapore on the way And then we went to Singapore on the way And then we went to Singapore on the way back. back. back. >> How did uh Thailand come out on top? >> How did uh Thailand come out on top? >> How did uh Thailand come out on top? because you've decided to live here and because you've decided to live here and because you've decided to live here and what were the runners up would you say? what were the runners up would you say? what were the runners up would you say? >> I started doing business in Asia in uh >> I started doing business in Asia in uh >> I started doing business in Asia in uh around 2003 or 2004 and um in Singapore around 2003 or 2004 and um in Singapore around 2003 or 2004 and um in Singapore was uh our primary base. Um and I uh was uh our primary base. Um and I uh was uh our primary base. Um and I uh visited customers as well in Hong Kong visited customers as well in Hong Kong visited customers as well in Hong Kong which I really liked. Um, and I at the which I really liked. Um, and I at the which I really liked. Um, and I at the time I could have seen myself living in time I could have seen myself living in time I could have seen myself living in Hong Kong, but I am a bit of a city Hong Kong, but I am a bit of a city Hong Kong, but I am a bit of a city person, although I I like the country as person, although I I like the country as person, although I I like the country as well. Anyway, but then with the whole well. Anyway, but then with the whole well. Anyway, but then with the whole Chinese takeover and all the uncertainty Chinese takeover and all the uncertainty Chinese takeover and all the uncertainty that was occurring, Hong Kong Hong Kong that was occurring, Hong Kong Hong Kong that was occurring, Hong Kong Hong Kong went off the list. Um, the Philippines, went off the list. Um, the Philippines, went off the list. Um, the Philippines, I I really wanted to love the I I really wanted to love the I I really wanted to love the Philippines, but I've been I've not Philippines, but I've been I've not Philippines, but I've been I've not found a place I've really fallen in love found a place I've really fallen in love found a place I've really fallen in love with there. Um I the cities were I you with there. Um I the cities were I you with there. Um I the cities were I you know they they yes makati is nice in uh know they they yes makati is nice in uh know they they yes makati is nice in uh in Manila the food in in in Thailand is in Manila the food in in in Thailand is in Manila the food in in in Thailand is just way you know more more variety more just way you know more more variety more just way you know more more variety more more options and and I I like Thai food.

more options and and I I like Thai food. more options and and I I like Thai food. I'm not particularly fond of Philippine I'm not particularly fond of Philippine I'm not particularly fond of Philippine food. food. food. >> So except for the lechon or the fresh >> So except for the lechon or the fresh >> So except for the lechon or the fresh fish now you can go for that. That's fish now you can go for that. That's fish now you can go for that. That's fine. So, Thailand, the more I traveled fine. So, Thailand, the more I traveled fine. So, Thailand, the more I traveled around, so I was trying for the around, so I was trying for the around, so I was trying for the Philippines cuz that was where I had my Philippines cuz that was where I had my Philippines cuz that was where I had my first visa. I did kind of like Malaysia, first visa. I did kind of like Malaysia, first visa. I did kind of like Malaysia, but it was a little too sleepy for me but it was a little too sleepy for me but it was a little too sleepy for me when I went to uh Georgetown and um um when I went to uh Georgetown and um um when I went to uh Georgetown and um um toured a bit around Malaysia. I don't toured a bit around Malaysia. I don't toured a bit around Malaysia. I don't have a a wealth of experience there, but have a a wealth of experience there, but have a a wealth of experience there, but I have some experience. Singapore is I have some experience. Singapore is I have some experience. Singapore is just way too uh um rulebased and overly just way too uh um rulebased and overly just way too uh um rulebased and overly orderly. Yeah. orderly. Yeah. orderly. Yeah. >> And although Bangkok has parts that are >> And although Bangkok has parts that are >> And although Bangkok has parts that are orderly and parts that are not so orderly and parts that are not so orderly and parts that are not so orderly, you know, it's it's the variety orderly, you know, it's it's the variety orderly, you know, it's it's the variety of things that are available here that of things that are available here that of things that are available here that it's just hard to beat. I mean, you get it's just hard to beat. I mean, you get it's just hard to beat. I mean, you get any kind of food you want. There's a ton any kind of food you want. There's a ton any kind of food you want. There's a ton of expats that live here. I'm in a of expats that live here. I'm in a of expats that live here. I'm in a couple of groups that get together for couple of groups that get together for couple of groups that get together for dinners uh once a week. There's they run dinners uh once a week. There's they run dinners uh once a week. There's they run other events. There's there's uh other events. There's there's uh other events. There's there's uh organizations that run events. And then organizations that run events. And then organizations that run events. And then plus I have a ton of friends here from plus I have a ton of friends here from plus I have a ton of friends here from just other people that have [snorts] just other people that have [snorts] just other people that have [snorts] retired here or spend a large amount of retired here or spend a large amount of retired here or spend a large amount of time here. One of my one of my pals from time here. One of my one of my pals from time here. One of my one of my pals from the US is swinging through tonight. He's the US is swinging through tonight. He's the US is swinging through tonight. He's been doing one of his usual Asia visits.

been doing one of his usual Asia visits. been doing one of his usual Asia visits. So it's it's just a lot of it's a So it's it's just a lot of it's a So it's it's just a lot of it's a crossroads. In fact, it's why I used to crossroads. In fact, it's why I used to crossroads. In fact, it's why I used to love New York City for most of my life love New York City for most of my life love New York City for most of my life because it was a crossroads. You met because it was a crossroads. You met because it was a crossroads. You met people from all over the world and this people from all over the world and this people from all over the world and this is the same. So I like it. is the same. So I like it. is the same. So I like it. >> Yeah. This is like the New York City of >> Yeah. This is like the New York City of >> Yeah. This is like the New York City of uh I would say of Southeast Asia, uh I would say of Southeast Asia, uh I would say of Southeast Asia, >> it's New York City at a 75% off sale. >> it's New York City at a 75% off sale. >> it's New York City at a 75% off sale. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> And and when we talk about cost of >> And and when we talk about cost of >> And and when we talk about cost of places to rent literally or buy places to rent literally or buy places to rent literally or buy literally it's a 75% off sale, maybe literally it's a 75% off sale, maybe literally it's a 75% off sale, maybe more. People just assume that all Asian more. People just assume that all Asian more. People just assume that all Asian women are exactly the same and they women are exactly the same and they women are exactly the same and they assume that Asians are the same. And assume that Asians are the same. And assume that Asians are the same. And it's night and day. In fact, you know, it's night and day. In fact, you know, it's night and day. In fact, you know, which I know we're going to talk about. which I know we're going to talk about. which I know we're going to talk about. I have my Philippine retirement visa and I have my Philippine retirement visa and I have my Philippine retirement visa and I've spent a lot of time in the I've spent a lot of time in the I've spent a lot of time in the Philippines and the whole idea that the Philippines and the whole idea that the Philippines and the whole idea that the people there and not just women people people there and not just women people people there and not just women people and people here are the same. They're and people here are the same. They're and people here are the same. They're clueless. The Philippines is mostly a clueless. The Philippines is mostly a clueless. The Philippines is mostly a Catholic country. The uh Thailand is Catholic country. The uh Thailand is Catholic country. The uh Thailand is mostly a Buddhist country. So in the mostly a Buddhist country. So in the mostly a Buddhist country. So in the Philippines, if somebody does something Philippines, if somebody does something Philippines, if somebody does something bad on Sunday, they go to the church and bad on Sunday, they go to the church and bad on Sunday, they go to the church and they get a get out of jail free card.

they get a get out of jail free card. they get a get out of jail free card. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> In Thailand, if you do something bad, >> In Thailand, if you do something bad, >> In Thailand, if you do something bad, you come back as a big cockroach and you come back as a big cockroach and you come back as a big cockroach and they eat cockroaches here. So people in they eat cockroaches here. So people in they eat cockroaches here. So people in Thailand do not do things bad cuz they Thailand do not do things bad cuz they Thailand do not do things bad cuz they don't want to come back as cockroaches. don't want to come back as cockroaches. don't want to come back as cockroaches. >> I call that the Buddha effect. Um, and >> I call that the Buddha effect. Um, and >> I call that the Buddha effect. Um, and that's one of the reasons that Latin that's one of the reasons that Latin that's one of the reasons that Latin America is a little more violent maybe America is a little more violent maybe America is a little more violent maybe than different parts of Asia. Certainly, than different parts of Asia. Certainly, than different parts of Asia. Certainly, uh, you know, Thailand or uh, you know, Thailand or uh, you know, Thailand or >> Well, I'm convinced convinced that >> Well, I'm convinced convinced that >> Well, I'm convinced convinced that that's, you know, why people are so, um, that's, you know, why people are so, um, that's, you know, why people are so, um, uh, uh, kind of easygoing and live and uh, uh, kind of easygoing and live and uh, uh, kind of easygoing and live and let live and they just accept people. let live and they just accept people. let live and they just accept people. You know, other parts of the world are You know, other parts of the world are You know, other parts of the world are quite different than that, as you know. quite different than that, as you know. quite different than that, as you know. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Yeah. It's, you know, it's a it's a >> Yeah. It's, you know, it's a it's a >> Yeah. It's, you know, it's a it's a comfortable apartment. It's just what I comfortable apartment. It's just what I comfortable apartment. It's just what I need and not overwhelming with anything. need and not overwhelming with anything. need and not overwhelming with anything. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I like it a lot. >> Yeah. I like it a lot. >> Yeah. I like it a lot. >> And it's quiet, which if I shut up, >> And it's quiet, which if I shut up, >> And it's quiet, which if I shut up, you'll let your viewers will be able to you'll let your viewers will be able to you'll let your viewers will be able to see. [laughter] see. [laughter] see. [laughter] >> We're up on the 16th floor. We face a >> We're up on the 16th floor. We face a >> We're up on the 16th floor. We face a not very very busy street. So, and not very very busy street. So, and not very very busy street. So, and they're actually talking now about they're actually talking now about they're actually talking now about getting rid of these gas powered tuk getting rid of these gas powered tuk getting rid of these gas powered tuk tuks, which are the things that make the tuks, which are the things that make the tuks, which are the things that make the most noise. They're they they always most noise. They're they they always most noise. They're they they always have like these useless mufflers on have like these useless mufflers on have like these useless mufflers on them. Yeah.

them. Yeah. them. Yeah. >> And if they get rid of the gas powered >> And if they get rid of the gas powered >> And if they get rid of the gas powered tuk tuks, this place will be absolutely tuk tuks, this place will be absolutely tuk tuks, this place will be absolutely silenced. So silenced. So silenced. So >> So this is this is a high-end condo. I >> So this is this is a high-end condo. I >> So this is this is a high-end condo. I mean, mean, mean, >> it's actually a a a midend building. >> it's actually a a a midend building. >> it's actually a a a midend building. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Um this condo is unique in the building, >> Um this condo is unique in the building, >> Um this condo is unique in the building, the way that it was finished, right? the way that it was finished, right? the way that it was finished, right? >> But um it's uh if you said high-end, >> But um it's uh if you said high-end, >> But um it's uh if you said high-end, this is a 20-year-old building. People this is a 20-year-old building. People this is a 20-year-old building. People don't consider that to be high-end. But don't consider that to be high-end. But don't consider that to be high-end. But the parts of it that are important to me the parts of it that are important to me the parts of it that are important to me are the pool. You saw the pool's very are the pool. You saw the pool's very are the pool. You saw the pool's very nice. Pool's great. The [snorts] uh the nice. Pool's great. The [snorts] uh the nice. Pool's great. The [snorts] uh the >> more square footage here. Uh older ones >> more square footage here. Uh older ones >> more square footage here. Uh older ones have more square footage. have more square footage. have more square footage. >> Yeah, the new ones are tiny new ones. >> Yeah, the new ones are tiny new ones. >> Yeah, the new ones are tiny new ones. And in fact, this is actually two units And in fact, this is actually two units And in fact, this is actually two units where the divider was in the middle. where the divider was in the middle. where the divider was in the middle. They they could either sell them as 35 They they could either sell them as 35 They they could either sell them as 35 36 meter condos, right? 36 meter condos, right? 36 meter condos, right? >> Or a 76 78 square meter condo. Right. >> Or a 76 78 square meter condo. Right. >> Or a 76 78 square meter condo. Right. Right. Right. Right. >> So Oh, no mortgages. you had asked about >> So Oh, no mortgages. you had asked about >> So Oh, no mortgages. you had asked about that. You know, you I I think it's that. You know, you I I think it's that. You know, you I I think it's basically impossible to get a mortgage basically impossible to get a mortgage basically impossible to get a mortgage here. So, if you buy something, you're here. So, if you buy something, you're here. So, if you buy something, you're paying cash.

paying cash. paying cash. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And what does something like this sell >> And what does something like this sell >> And what does something like this sell for? for? for? >> Um the the one down the hall right now >> Um the the one down the hall right now >> Um the the one down the hall right now is uh on the market for 7.5 million bot, is uh on the market for 7.5 million bot, is uh on the market for 7.5 million bot, right? right? right? >> So, I think that's uh you you'll put the >> So, I think that's uh you you'll put the >> So, I think that's uh you you'll put the exact numbers, but give or take once you exact numbers, but give or take once you exact numbers, but give or take once you hired a lawyer, you're probably going to hired a lawyer, you're probably going to hired a lawyer, you're probably going to spend $250,000, spend $250,000, spend $250,000, >> right? And it's this is so 20 years old. >> right? And it's this is so 20 years old. >> right? And it's this is so 20 years old. This is a remodel because this the This is a remodel because this the This is a remodel because this the interior interior interior >> Oh, he gutted it. He gutted it 10 years >> Oh, he gutted it. He gutted it 10 years >> Oh, he gutted it. He gutted it 10 years ago, ago, ago, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So, and then he was gone for 5 years. >> So, and then he was gone for 5 years. >> So, and then he was gone for 5 years. So, a lot of the reasons I've had to So, a lot of the reasons I've had to So, a lot of the reasons I've had to upgrade things is when you don't use upgrade things is when you don't use upgrade things is when you don't use stuff for 5 years, it stops working. stuff for 5 years, it stops working. stuff for 5 years, it stops working. >> So, I've had to replace a bunch of >> So, I've had to replace a bunch of >> So, I've had to replace a bunch of things that stopped working. But, I'm things that stopped working. But, I'm things that stopped working. But, I'm basically getting to the top of that uh basically getting to the top of that uh basically getting to the top of that uh u list of things to do. u list of things to do. u list of things to do. >> And this neighborhood is walkable. I >> And this neighborhood is walkable. I >> And this neighborhood is walkable. I mean, you you really don't need to get mean, you you really don't need to get mean, you you really don't need to get in a taxi if you don't want to. in a taxi if you don't want to. in a taxi if you don't want to. >> Totally walkable. You're you're a >> Totally walkable. You're you're a >> Totally walkable. You're you're a two-minute walk from Sukumvit, which is two-minute walk from Sukumvit, which is two-minute walk from Sukumvit, which is the main main drag. You're right down the main main drag. You're right down the main main drag. You're right down the street from uh A So, which has all the street from uh A So, which has all the street from uh A So, which has all kinds between here and there. There's kinds between here and there. There's kinds between here and there. There's all kinds of services, hotels, um all kinds of services, hotels, um all kinds of services, hotels, um shopping areas, and I'm very close to shopping areas, and I'm very close to shopping areas, and I'm very close to the sky train, which was a criteria.

the sky train, which was a criteria. the sky train, which was a criteria. Absolutely. Had to be right on the sky Absolutely. Had to be right on the sky Absolutely. Had to be right on the sky train. What's a range of condos in these train. What's a range of condos in these train. What's a range of condos in these various neighborhoods you just various neighborhoods you just various neighborhoods you just mentioned? Well, like what determines mentioned? Well, like what determines mentioned? Well, like what determines the price? the price? the price? >> Uh well, I guess the uh the building in >> Uh well, I guess the uh the building in >> Uh well, I guess the uh the building in large part, but you could buy something large part, but you could buy something large part, but you could buy something in this building for you probably could in this building for you probably could in this building for you probably could spend um uh 2 million bot or really if spend um uh 2 million bot or really if spend um uh 2 million bot or really if it's if it's on a very low floor and it's if it's on a very low floor and it's if it's on a very low floor and needs uh major TLC, right? You know, needs uh major TLC, right? You know, needs uh major TLC, right? You know, maybe even a little bit less than that, maybe even a little bit less than that, maybe even a little bit less than that, right? I think there's it's it would be right? I think there's it's it would be right? I think there's it's it would be half the size. is not going to be the half the size. is not going to be the half the size. is not going to be the size of this condo. So, it would be one size of this condo. So, it would be one size of this condo. So, it would be one of the single units. Um, easy to find of the single units. Um, easy to find of the single units. Um, easy to find something for maybe four million bot. something for maybe four million bot. something for maybe four million bot. Um, then it starts going up from there. Um, then it starts going up from there. Um, then it starts going up from there. And if you're in some of the other I And if you're in some of the other I And if you're in some of the other I have some pals that are buying some uh have some pals that are buying some uh have some pals that are buying some uh buildings that are buying condos in buildings that are buying condos in buildings that are buying condos in buildings that are currently being buildings that are currently being buildings that are currently being constructed and they're paying like 11 constructed and they're paying like 11 constructed and they're paying like 11 12 million bot, 12 million bot, that 12 million bot, 12 million bot, that 12 million bot, 12 million bot, that kind of a range. But I also think it's kind of a range. But I also think it's kind of a range. But I also think it's probably not the size that this is. This probably not the size that this is. This probably not the size that this is. This is a very large condo for uh Bangkok for is a very large condo for uh Bangkok for is a very large condo for uh Bangkok for a single condo.

a single condo. a single condo. >> Well, Jeff, thanks so much for seeing us >> Well, Jeff, thanks so much for seeing us >> Well, Jeff, thanks so much for seeing us again and showing us your your life here again and showing us your your life here again and showing us your your life here in Thailand. [laughter] in Thailand. [laughter] in Thailand. [laughter] >> Yeah, don't be a stranger. >> Yeah, don't be a stranger. >> Yeah, don't be a stranger. >> If you guys want uh we did a video with >> If you guys want uh we did a video with >> If you guys want uh we did a video with Jeff where he talks about how to switch Jeff where he talks about how to switch Jeff where he talks about how to switch your residence, your US state to a non- your residence, your US state to a non- your residence, your US state to a non- tax state like Florida or Texas, what to tax state like Florida or Texas, what to tax state like Florida or Texas, what to do that. I'll put that video over here. do that. I'll put that video over here. do that. I'll put that video over here. Jeff talking about that. And on this Jeff talking about that. And on this Jeff talking about that. And on this side are 81 videos we filmed all over side are 81 videos we filmed all over side are 81 videos we filmed all over Thailand.