If I had not bought property in Pattaya several years ago, I would probably not be able to afford to do so now. This would have put a big dent in my ability to retire fairly comfortably in Pattaya.

Most of us retiring here have to bring in the entire amount from our home country. My pension is about 30% less than I thought it would be with the baht so strong.

I have friends that unfortunately were actually living on credit that can not afford to come to Thailand this year and probably not next. They had borrowed on property equity to pay off credit cards and car payments. Then they built up credit card debt and purchased new cars and used some of this money for their vacations to Thailand. BANG! Low interest adjustable on mortages hit at the same time property values dived.

It surprises me to read that some may think this has no effect on Thailand.