What's the story with ...so many ex army guys in Thailand?

[Stroker]

I am sure we have all met guys in Thailand, Pattaya in particular, who have said they are ex army.  Can they really all be ex army or does Los attract more than its fair share of Walter Mitty characters?

[xyzzy]

I knew a guy, now in his 60s, that served at U-Tapao in the Vietnam war and came back as soon as he was released from the service. As an American the ex military guys are much more obvious in the Philippines. The US was a major military presence there until the early 90s. So lots of retired military that served in PI returned to PI and not as much time has passed. I think many military guys found SE Asia while in the service and liked it just as we do. They put in their years in the service and retired in SE Asia.  

[Topcat72m]

As a guy in the military I can see the appeal. Most military get some form of pension payed at a relatively young age. Usually 40s it certainly appeals to me. You're young enough to still be active and with a small income it would go a lot further in SE Asia than most other places.

[bumblebee]

The SAS and other elite forces must be huge as I have overheard many a conversation where one or more participants have claimed to be ex members.  Soi Buakhao seems to be the retirement home and come to think of it it can resemble a treacherous assault course at times.

[rxpharm]

I've heard a saying, and I don't know how true it is, but real ex SAS and ex elite force members don't usually do much boasting about their former status.

 

That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of ex armed forces members are in Thailand - whether they are elite or not - well I am not so sure.