Are you seeking a new and exciting experience? Why not consider living in Thailand? This beautiful country offers a wealth of unique adventures and opportunities to pursue your dreams. If you’re interested in learning more about living in this Asian country and its epic Thai language, keep reading this post!
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without a visit to Thailand. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and friendly people offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Although the official language is Thai, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it easy to communicate. For me, Thailand has a perfect blend of modern cities and rural areas, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers.
However, it’s important to note that the culture in Thailand is vastly different from Western countries, with Buddhism being the predominant religion. Some many cultural practices and customs may require some time to adjust for foreigners. Nonetheless, the Thai people are welcoming and helpful to foreigners, making it easy to make friends. Are you ready to learn more about the pros and cons of living in Thailand?
Things To Know Before Living In Thailand
Many countries have a significant expat community in small and large cities. If you’re considering a one-way ticket to a tropical paradise like Thailand, you should know a few things before moving. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know before living in Thailand as an expat.
Pros Of Living In Thailand
1. Low Cost Of Living In Thailand
If your average living expenses in the U.S. cost you at least $3000, moving to Thailand may give you a better experience. Being single has a lot of perks since you only need to look after yourself. Staying in this country allows you to spend at least $650 a month, this includes all your utilities, night outs, and other leisure activities that you can enjoy during your free time in Thailand.
2. New Adventure
Putting yourself out in a new environment won’t be complete without engaging in fun activities. Aside from enjoying common activities like rock climbing and trekking, you can also try scuba diving with sharks. It may seem scary, but what’s life without a little spice of thrill, right? Living in Thailand is like entering a book filled with adventures, including kiteboarding, rafting, and caving. There are many activities to choose from, you might as well use the wheel of names to decide what to do next.
3. Enjoy Full Moon Parties
Are you someone who needs a good all-night party after a stressful day at work? If so, then participating in Thailand’s parties is a must for you! In fact, several bars and clubs along the Hat Rin beach operate until dawn, blasting several kinds of music that may suit your taste. The beach party begins before or after the full moon, and you’ll also experience it every month. So if you miss your chance this month, you can always go for it the following month.
4. Savor Thai Food
Thailand is a diverse country that offers several types of cuisine that you can enjoy. One of the most iconic Thai dishes is Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour soup brimming with shrimp, mushrooms, and lemongrass. Another popular dish is Pad Thai, a savory stir-fried noodle dish that is sweet and spicy, served with peanuts and lime wedges. But whether you’re a fan of flavorful or spicy meals, you’ll also find several types of street food that’ll give you a bomb to feast on!
5. Meet Interesting People
Did you know that besides being friendly, a Thai person is also known for being modest? If you’re interested in individuals with complex personalities and values, befriending a local can make your stay in the country more memorable. You may learn more about their local culture to help you adjust easier during your first weeks in Thailand.
6. Visit Popular Tourist Destinations
Thailand is an excellent destination for those who want to see different tourist spots daily. Living in the capital city of Thailand means that you get to visit popular spots in Thailand. Going to Khao Sok National Park is one of the many places you can start with. It’s a popular destination as you get a glimpse of Thailand’s wildlife and its landscapes’ beauty.
7. Enjoy A Warm Climate
The tropical climate in Thailand means you can enjoy warm weather all year round. This especially appeals to those who want to escape the cold winters in other parts of the world. Given its weather conditions, visiting tropical beaches becomes a must-do every summer in Thailand!
8. Great Health Care System
Expats in Thailand typically prefer private hospitals for medical treatment. Private health insurance can be used at both public and private institutions, while public health insurance is limited to public facilities. Thailand offers high-quality and accessible medical care, from state-of-the-art hospitals to traditional holistic practices.
Additionally, Thailand is also a hub for medical tourism, attracting people from around the world seeking both traditional and modern medical procedures and treatments. Whether you need modern medical care or alternative medicine, Thailand has you covered.
9. LGBTQ+ Friendly
Some expats live in Thailand to freely express themselves, and it’s one of the best places to come out of your closet. It’s great that the LGBTQ+ community is visible and accepted in many parts of Thai society, with gay bars, nightclubs, and events catering to the community in cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. The capital even hosts an annual pride parade, which attracts thousands of participants and supporters. But sadly, prejudice still exists despite being open to different genders in the community.
Cons Of Living In Thailand
1. Language Barrier
Although most expats may meet English speakers in Bangkok, other areas may not have people who can speak English well. This becomes an issue for some foreigners as the Thai language is quite complex too, so if moving to Thailand is on your bucket list, start learning Thai today. Locals also appreciate it if you know bits of their language, it’s a good start to making friends with other people.
2. Understaffed Public Hospitals
As said earlier, the health care services in Thailand can be top-notch, but due to the low salary, hospitals tend to be understaffed and under-resourced. So, this becomes a disadvantage if you’re an expat who works in the medical field.
3. Extreme Weather Conditions
You may hate the cold weather in other countries, but did you know that tropical countries like Thailand experiences a rainy season? Living in Thailand means dealing with the wet seasons, meaning you must carry your umbrella around most of the time. But if it’s not raining, you need to prepare for extreme temperatures, and it can get a little too hot for your liking.
4. Terrorism
While Thailand has experienced some terrorist attacks in certain parts of the country, such incidents are rare and not a cause for alarm. The government takes extensive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors, and the risk of encountering such events is minimal. It’s important to note that most of the country, including popular tourist destinations, remains safe and peaceful. As with any other country, it’s wise to take precautions and remain vigilant.
5. Employment
Despite being a country with a good reputation for having a cheap cost of living, you may have difficulty landing a job in a Thai company. It’s part of the law that a Thai employer must hire 50 locals before hiring an expat. In short, living in Thailand is only easy for those working freelance; if not, you might want to think twice before moving.
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How does the expat life in Thailand sound to you? If living in Thailand appeals to you, you might want to start studying more about their language and culture. After all, you have some big adjusting to do considering the cultural differences.
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