Hi everyone 👋 My direction is to build location freedom. This year, I’m laying the foundations to transition from corporate finance and create a non-location-dependent business. After 25 years in the corporate world, this feels like a conscious and well-timed shift. I’ve already reduced my working hours and I’m retraining while setting up my business, with the goal of completing this transition this year in a thoughtful, intentional way. For those of you who’ve already made the move (or are in the middle of it): What did you personally find hardest during your transition to location freedom? And what do you wish you had known earlier? I’d really appreciate your insights.

Here’s the clear technical summary of the recent change in Thailand’s telecom rules regarding prepaid SIM cards and why you’re seeing top-up validity no longer extend indefinitely for certain SIM types. What Changed with Thailand SIM/Telecom Rules Thailand’s telecom regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), updated rules that affect how long prepaid SIM cards (especially tourist SIMs) stay valid and whether you can extend them by topping up credit. Major telecom news outlets report that one of the new measures prohibits extending tourist SIM cards beyond a fixed maximum period by simply adding credit. Under the updated rules, tourist SIMs have a maximum validity of 60 days, and you cannot use a top-up to extend that beyond 60 days—even if you add more airtime or data. After that period you must re-register or buy a new SIM. nationthailand+1 This rule is part of a broader set of telecom and cybercrime counter-measure regulations that the NBTC has put in place to tighten control over SIM usage, partly to reduce fraud and unregistered or abandoned SIM cards. nationthailand How It Works in Practice Previously, Thai prepaid SIMs (especially non-tourist local SIMs) would renew validity each time you topped up with airtime or a data bundle: a 10–20 baht top-up often added a month of validity, and you could stack these to keep a number alive for a year or more. Under current NBTC rules for tourist SIMs, that no-extension cap means: - You get up to 60 days of service from activation. - No amount of top-ups will extend the SIM past 60 days. - To keep a number after 60 days you must purchase and register a new SIM. nationthailand Local prepaid SIMs (non-tourist plans bought with full ID rather than “tourist SIM” products) may still allow extension with top-ups, but the new tourist-specific rule is strict and commonly carried by operators. NBTC’s intent is to discourage long dormancy and improve traceability for security reasons.

As the year comes to a close, I’m noticing how much can shift in 12 months — not always loudly, not always visibly, but deeply. This year wasn’t about having everything figured out. It was about listening more closely, letting go of what no longer fits, and slowly moving toward what feels more true. Some days were clear. Some were confusing. All of them taught me something. Before we rush into the next year, I’m pausing here for a moment. Reflection question for you: 👉 What did this year quietly teach you about yourself that you don’t want to forget in the year ahead? If you feel like sharing, I’d love to read it.

I’m curious to see where everyone is at with their planning. Most people have a rough idea of the "Big Number" (total pot of cash) they think they need to retire here. But do you actually know exactly how much you need to earn and save every single month between now and your retirement date to actually hit that target? Or are you just putting money away and hoping it's enough? Be honest 😁

I think it’s because Thailand forces you to be ultimately responsible for yourself. No safety nets. No hand-holding. Curious to hear from you guys... What was the biggest struggle you faced in your first year here?