Ok, I'm totally new to this... but my friends who have been to Thailand tell me that for a mere $10K I could go to Thailand and live well for a year, INCLUDING a couple of gals to take care of my every need. I'm ready for a year or two out of this rut I've been in, working my butt off for 35 years now... but I need a reality check. Can someone tell me if this info is really accurate? Can I really find a place to stay, have money to eat, AND a couple of concubines for a year on $10K? I appreciate some experienced advice. Thanks!

I'm sure you can live on that if you can live frugally, and finding a girlfriend or two shouldn't be a problem if you're not grotesque looking. You better not expect too many nights out at the go-go bars, though, on that amount. There should be a link to Stickman's site in the links area here and he talks about a lot of the stuff you're asking.

Since the average Thai salary is about $ 200 a month-- $10,000 a year is comparatibely a large amount. However, I doubt most of us could live the lifestyle of the average Thai. I would say to support 2 pooying and yourself in any type of comfort-- your yearly figure is far too low. You need a $10,000 deposit in a Thai bank just to get a long term visa.
Here is an excellent site for your questions. A Thai ex pat discussion board. Would have many people able to give you facts and advice.

http://forum.thaivisa.com/

I believe the figure is now about 18000 USD deposit in a Thai bank to qualify for a retirement visa. Also, agree that you should budget for more than 10K a year. It all depends on your lifestyle and what area you live. BKK is more expensive than say Udonthani. CMX is a little cheaper than BKK. Good place to live in CMX is PT Place Apartments. They have a website. Also, Royal Lanna Thai Hotel next to the night market rents apartments on their top 2 floors. Good location--price--etc.

Adios and good luck,
Gene from Texas