The Advantages of Living in Thailand (Besides The Cost)
There are many reasons why people choose to move to Thailand. Some people are looking for a change in scenery, while others are looking for a lower cost of living. Whatever the reason, Thailand has much to offer ex-pats! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the pros and cons of living in Thailand. Keep reading to learn more!
The Land of Smiles has long been a popular destination for sun-worshiping tourists and ex-pats alike. The sub primitiveness and natural beauty have led to a reason why many ex-pats decided to call this country home, but it’s not the only thing that makes people keep coming back for more.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures all year round.
- The cost of living is low., and you can live very well on a modest income.
- The country has an amazing food culture, with something to suit everyone’s taste
The Pros of Living In Thailand
1. Natural Beauty
The natural beauty of Thailand is nothing short of breathtaking. From the lush greenery to the stunning beaches, there are few places on earth as beautiful as this country. And while it’s tempting just to sit back and enjoy the view, there’s so much more to see in Thailand than just its scenic wonders.
Thai people also make their country an incredible place to live. The warmth with which they greet you will melt your heart and make you feel like a part of their family. In addition to being welcoming, Thai culture is rich and full of traditions worth exploring.
2. Local Goods Are Cheap
The Thai people are known for their love of shopping, and they’re pretty good at it, too. Thai people are very savvy when it comes to finding the best deals on goods and services, and they pass this knowledge down to their children. That’s why you’ll find that many items in Thailand can be purchased at a fraction of what they cost in other countries.
If you’re looking to live as cheaply as possible while still having access to all the comforts of home, Thailand is one of the best places in the world.
3. Safety
It’s a relatively safe country, compared to many other places in the world. There are few crimes, and the police force is quite effective at catching criminals and protecting citizens. This is especially important when you’re looking for a foreign place to live because you want to feel like you can walk around without fear of being robbed or assaulted.
Thailand is ranked as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, and violent crimes against visitors are rare.
4. Nightlife
If you’re looking for a place to go out, there are clubs, bars, and restaurants at every corner, each one more exciting than the last. The nightlife in Thailand is full of excitement and adventure. You can have a great time just walking down the street in Bangkok or any other city in Thailand as there are plenty of places to go.
5. The Weather
The weather in Thailand is almost perfect 365 days a year.
Sure, it rains a lot (and it’s not just a drizzle), but that’s what happens when you live in one of the most tropical places on earth.
Plus, it can be so hot during the day that you might think you’re somewhere else—like maybe in a sauna or something. But don’t worry! The sun will come out at night and make everything feel like heaven again.
6. Summers Are Gorgeous
Thailand’s weather is great all year round, but if you’re a fan of sunny days and warm nights, then you’ll love the summer months in Thailand. From late March to May, temperatures hover between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit), making it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or swimming in the ocean.
7. There Is A Variety Of Cheap Transport Available
The transportation options available in Thailand are a little different than what we’re used to in the US, but they’re also cheaper. You can get around by bus, train, taxi, or tuk-tuk and there are even passenger vehicle called songthaews that are cheap.
8. There Are Plenty Of Local Festivals
Thailand is known for its festivals, and it’s easy to see why. The country has a festival for just about anything you can think of: from horse racing to mask making. There are so many that if you stay in Thailand long enough, you’ll be able to find one that fits your interests perfectly! You could even take part in the festivities yourself—you don’t have to be a local!
9. Multicultural Community
Thailand is a beautiful, diverse country, and if you’re looking for a place to call home then you’ll find it here. The country is home to people from all over the world, including plenty of ex-pats from other countries like the United States and Australia.
The ex-pat community in Thailand is thriving, with an abundance of activities for all types of cultures. You can find anything from Thai language classes and cooking classes to book clubs and art events. If you’re interested in trying something new, there’s always something going on!
10. Low Cost Of Living
Thailand is one of the most affordable countries in the world, especially when compared with other Asian nations such as China, Japan, and Singapore.
This is because Thailand’s economy is based on the tourism industry and agriculture. As a result, they have lower costs associated with manufacturing and labor than many other countries in Asia.
11. Cost & Quality Of Medical Care
Thailand is a great place to live because of the low cost of living, but it’s also a great place to live because of the high quality of medical care.
Thailand has some of the best hospitals in the world, so you can get the treatment you need without breaking your budget. And if you’re like most ex-pats who are living or retiring in Thailand, saving money is one of your top priorities.
12. LGBTQ+ Acceptance
Thailand is a wonderful place to live and travel, but it has a unique set of challenges. If you’re not prepared for them, you may find yourself struggling with the culture—and even the health system!
One thing that makes Thailand so great is its acceptance of LGBTQ+ people. It’s one of the most progressive countries in Asia when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and it’s also one of the most accepting places in the world for transgender people.
For instance, if you’re transgender and want to undergo gender reassignment surgery (GRS), there are several clinics and hospitals in Bangkok where you can get it done safely—and even at a low cost.
13. Thai Food
Thai food is one of the best reasons to move to Thailand. The cuisine is spicy, flavorful, and healthy—and there are so many different types of dishes to try! Thai food is also very affordable, especially when compared to Western cuisine. The local markets sell fresh produce at rock-bottom prices, and you can find delicious street food on almost every corner in Bangkok.
14. Treatments Are Affordable
Not only are treatments affordable, but they’re also very well-respected by people who live there. When you talk about getting a treatment, you won’t be met with strange looks or questions about whether or not it’s safe for your body. Instead, people will be excited for you and happy that you’re taking the time to care for yourself.
15. Housing Variety
Thailand has a variety of housing options to suit any budget, which makes it a great place to live for ex-pats with families. There are apartments, condos, villas, and townhomes available for rent or sale. Landlords will often allow pets and there are many services for people with disabilities, including special elevators and ramps.
16. Location & Landscape
Thailand is a beautiful country. The landscape is varied, with beaches and mountains, islands and forests. There are many different kinds of animals and plants, including monkeys, tigers, elephants, and pythons.
Thailand is also a great place to live because it’s in Asia. If you’re looking for somewhere different from Europe or America, then Thailand should be on your list!
17. There Are Lots To Do
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone in Thailand.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it all in Thailand. Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters, hike through jungle paths to hidden waterfalls, or explore ancient temples and ruins. You can even take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes!
With so many things to do, you’ll never get bored in Thailand. So why not make it your next vacation destination?
18. Modern Conveniences
You’ll find that the modern conveniences you’re used to in the United States are present in Thailand, but they’re a little different. For one thing, you can get your laundry done at any one of the thousands of laundromats in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (and other cities). Many laundromats are open 24 hours a day, so if you’re working non-traditional hours as an ex-pat, this is an easy way to keep up with your laundry.
In addition to the convenience factor, there are also plenty of places where you can do your banking or spend time surfing the internet once you get settled in.
19. Numerous Off-season Perks
When you’re thinking about moving to Thailand, it’s easy to focus on the cost of living. After all, it’s one of the main reasons many ex-pats choose to live here. It’s true that rent, food, and transportation are all significantly lower than they are in most Western countries—but that’s not all that makes Thailand an amazing place to live!
In addition to being more affordable, Thailand has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach paradise or an urban metropolis, there are plenty of places in Thailand where you can enjoy your favorite activities year-round.
And although the cost of living is lower than in many Western countries, you’ll still be able to find plenty of activities and amenities that are about the same price as what you’re used to back home. So if you’re looking for an amazing place to live that won’t break the bank, Thailand is definitely worth considering!
20. Helpful And Friendly People
If you’ve never been to Thailand before, you might be surprised to find that the people are incredibly kind and helpful. They’re also very proud of their culture and heritage, which makes them even more willing to share it with visitors.
Thai people have a reputation for being polite, but there’s more than just politeness at work here: Thai culture is rooted in compassion and kindness. For example, when someone dies in Thailand, family members will often shave their heads and wear white clothes as a sign of mourning (not because they’re sad about the death). This is both an act of respect for the deceased and a way for them to show everyone else that their hearts are heavy with grief. It’s also a reminder that no one should be judged for expressing their feelings in this way because such feelings are natural after losing someone so close.
21. There’s A Variety Of Housing
Thailand has a lot of great things going for it. Cost, for one. But that’s not all. There’s also a variety of housing options for you to choose from, whether you’re looking for a place to live or a place to rent.
If you’re just looking for a place to stay, there are plenty of options in Thailand. They include hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and bungalows. All have their pros and cons—for example, hotels tend to be more expensive but have more amenities (such as swimming pools), while guesthouses tend to be less expensive but don’t offer many amenities at all.
But if you’re looking for something more long-term, there are plenty of options available as well! You can find apartments and condo rentals all over the country at very affordable prices. Many people choose to live in condos because they offer modern Thai architecture and great views—plus, they’re usually located near shopping centers and public transportation so you don’t have to go far to get what you need, but if you want many also offer traditional Thai housing.
Thai architecture is also becoming more modern, so you can find condos that are stylish as well as practical. Overall, Thailand is a great place to live—and with so many housing options available, it’s easy to find somewhere that’s perfect for you!
22. Travelling Is Cheap
One of the best things about Thailand is how affordable it is. You can get a delicious pad thai for less than $2, and if you’re staying in a hostel or guesthouse, then your food costs (Thai cuisine) will be even lower. Traveling around Thailand is also very affordable. If you want to go on an island hop adventure, it won’t cost much more than $100 per week! And if you’re looking for something closer to home, then there are plenty of cheap flights available from Bangkok to other parts of Asia as well as Europe and North America. So why not add Thailand to your list of must-see travel destinations? You won’t regret it!
23. Thai Fruits & Desserts
In Thailand, you can enjoy the fruit that’s grown locally and with care, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. And while it’s true that Thailand has a reputation for coconut milk-based desserts, there are many other sweet treats to be had!
The Cons of Living in Thailand
1. Public Healthcare
Thailand’s public healthcare system is one of the best in the world, but it’s not quite as good as it used to be. The government has been struggling with budget cuts and an aging population, which has led to longer wait times, fewer doctors and nurses per patient, and lower-quality care.
If you’re planning on having a baby in Thailand, for example, expect to spend about $1,000—and that’s if everything goes perfectly! If there are complications during delivery or your baby has special needs after birth, that price tag will go up significantly.
2. Imports Are Expensive
Bangkok is famous for its street food, and visitors will find no shortage of stalls selling delicious curries, noodles, and grilled meats. However, groceries can be a bit more expensive than in other parts of Thailand. If you’re looking to save money on your grocery bill, there are a few things you can do.
First, try to shop at a local market rather than supermarkets. Not only will the produce be fresher, but you’ll also be able to bargain for a lower price. Second, speak Thai! Many shopkeepers will give discounts to customers who make an effort to speak the language. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount – it never hurts to ask! By following these tips, you’ll be sure to get the best prices on groceries in Bangkok.
3. Corruption
Corruption is one of the biggest problems in Thailand. Though the country has made strides in recent years, corruption is still a huge issue. It’s common for people to pay bribes when they need to get things done quickly or at all.
The Thai government has tried to fight this problem by setting up a hotline for people to call if they witness bribery or other corrupt practices. However, many people don’t feel comfortable reporting these things because it can be dangerous for them and their families.
4. Road Safety
We all know that driving can be a little bit different in Thailand. If you’re used to driving on the right side of the road, you will have to get used to driving on the left. And if you’re used to driving at home, then driving in Thailand will feel like an entirely new experience!
But road safety is one of the biggest issues facing Thais and ex-pats alike. According to recent studies, more than half a million people are injured on Thai roads each year—and that’s just from car accidents!
If you’re planning on driving in Thailand, be prepared for some bumps along the way.
5. Dangerous Roads
If you’re going to move to Thailand, be prepared to spend a lot of time in traffic jams. If you’re lucky enough to avoid accidents, be prepared to deal with crazy drivers who don’t maintain their vehicles and drive like they’re insane.
The reality is that Thailand has an awful lot of cars on the road, and there are simply not enough roads for them all.
This means that if you live in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you’ll probably spend at least an hour in traffic every day—and that’s if nothing goes wrong!
6. The Language Barrier
Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. But if you’re not familiar with the Thai language, it can be difficult to navigate the country’s nuances. If you’re planning to move to Thailand, it’s worth taking some time to learn some basic phrases and words.
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for people looking for an inexpensive place to live abroad. However, there are some drawbacks associated with living in Thailand that you should be aware of before you make the move.
7. Crime
Thailand is one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to see why. The weather is gorgeous, the beaches are breathtaking, and there’s an incredible array of options for food and entertainment.
But there are some downsides to living in Thailand—and we’re not just talking about the humidity.
Crime is a serious problem in Thailand, particularly in major cities like Bangkok and Pattaya. If you’re planning on bringing kids along with you on your trip, be sure they’re aware of potential dangers—and don’t let them wander off!
8. Social Issues
Thailand has a lot of social issues. You might be surprised by how common it is to see people living on the streets, begging for money or food. There are also many drug addicts, especially among the younger generation.
9. The Visa Maze
If you’re living in Thailand and you haven’t yet been through the country’s visa maze, then you have a lot of time ahead of you to get used to it. The Thai government has created an incredibly complex system for granting visas, which means that you have to navigate a lot of bureaucracy before you can even think about moving here.
This is especially true if you’re trying to move here on a work permit or student visa: there are a number of different types of work permits available in Thailand, and each one requires different paperwork and different fees. And if you want to stay longer than two months? Well, then there’s another series of documents and fees involved.
This isn’t just annoying—it’s also expensive! If you’re looking at moving here permanently but want an actual job instead of just freelancing or teaching English (which can be lucrative), good luck finding a job that will let you stay longer than a year without spending an arm and a leg on your visa application process.
10. Prostitution
There are a lot of things that make Thailand great, and many people are willing to overlook the more unsavory aspects of life there. But it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering moving there.
Prostitution is one of those things that’s almost impossible to avoid in Thailand. It exists on every level—from streetwalkers to high-class call girls, it’s everywhere. And while prostitution is illegal, it’s not uncommon for police officers (and sometimes even politicians) to take part in it themselves.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Thailand FAQs
Why are people moving to Thailand?
People move to Thailand for a number of reasons: to enjoy retirement, for work in a new role, or for long-term travel around the country. No matter why you’re moving here—you will need to obtain the correct visa and paperwork before arriving in this lovely Southeast Asian nation.
How long can foreigners stay in Thailand?
You are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days at a time, so you will have to go through immigration every 90 days.
Is English widely spoken in Thailand?
While some people may be quick to tell you that English is not widely spoken in Thailand, the fact is that most people can speak English at least well enough to get by.
Not only are there many tourists who come to visit each year, but there are also many Thai people who have studied abroad or work with foreigners regularly. If you ask around and make an effort to speak slowly and clearly when asking for help, most people will do their best to understand you.
Of course, some areas of the country may have a lower percentage of English speakers than others—but it’s still worth trying!
How safe is it to live in Thailand?
Thailand is a reasonably safe country and ranked as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, and violent crimes against visitors are rare. The majority of crimes experienced by tourists, ex-pats, and retirees are crimes of financial opportunity. These crimes include pickpocketing.
Are there property taxes in Thailand?
It should be noted that Thailand does not have a uniform annual property tax, although housing and rent tax is levied at a rate of 12.5 percent per year if individual owners lease out or utilize their homes commercially. However, many people may take pleasure in the fact that no government-imposed general property taxes are bad news for them.
Conclusion
There’s no question that Thailand offers a quality of life that many Westerners can only dream of. Food, culture, and local knowledge are available in droves for those who choose to make Thailand their home for an extended period. Free from the stress and pressures of everyday life, ex-pats can enjoy the perfect vacation – without even going on vacation!
