There’s no denying that Thailand is an attractive place for relocation. The Kingdom offers expats a tropical setting with year-round sunshine, beautiful landscapes and comfortable lifestyles. The latter is certainly a huge draw, but what does it entail? Read on for the 5 essential elements concerning foreigners living in Thailand.
1. Cost of Living
The living cost in Thailand is relatively cheap, compared with Europe, the United States and other countries, especially in the West. Here, your money goes farther and you can easily afford housekeeping, driving, laundry, handyman and other services that would be quite costly back home.
2. Property
Property costs in Thailand will vary considerably depending on where you wish to reside. For examples, beachfront villas in Phuket and Samui would be much more expensive than a unit of comparable space in urban centres such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Korat. In spite of this, rent is typically cheap compared to that of western nations.
3. Food
Few will dispute the fact that Thai food is second to none. It’s cheap, nutritious and tasty – with lots of variety, from rice and curries to salads, noodles and snacks. Moreover, international food in Thailand, especially Bangkok, is superb. From Indian and Japanese to Italian and French, we are spoiled for choice. However, the cost of Western food is often on par with the cost in the West.
4. Leisure
Thailand is a haven for those with lots of leisure time. It’s a top golf destination in Asia, with various world-class golf courses. Also, the country houses some of the best beaches in the world, for snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and other water sports. Moreover, the diverse landscapes encompass mountains, valleys, forests and waterfalls, each with their own set of recreational activities.
5. Locals
Commonly known as the Land of Smiles, Thailand features a laid back and friendly air wherever you go. Most locals are helpful and courteous. Also, in large cities, you’ll find that a lot of people speak some basic English, so getting around won’t be a problem.
This is not to say that Thailand doesn’t pose some challenges for foreign residents, but we think that the pros outweigh the cons. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the benefits and drawbacks before you consider moving to this country.
