What do people like (and dislike) about Bangkok?
When we asked expats and global nomads what they like and dislike about living in Bangkok, they replied...
"Expats and digital nomads generally like the low cost of living in Bangkok, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. They appreciate the wide variety of delicious and affordable street food, as well as the diverse range of international cuisine available. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, is also a major draw for many. Bangkok's well-developed public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, makes it easy for expats and digital nomads to get around the city. The warm and friendly nature of the Thai people is another aspect that many foreigners enjoy, as it helps them feel welcome and at ease in their new home. The city's central location within Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for exploring the region, with many nearby countries easily accessible by plane or bus. Additionally, the availability of coworking spaces and a growing startup scene make Bangkok an attractive destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. However, there are also some aspects of living in Bangkok that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The city's notorious traffic congestion can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. The hot and humid climate may also be uncomfortable for those not used to tropical weather, and the air pollution can be a concern for those with respiratory issues. Language barriers can also pose challenges for expats and digital nomads, as not all locals speak English, and navigating the Thai language can be difficult for newcomers. Finally, while the Thai culture is generally welcoming and friendly, some expats may experience feelings of isolation or struggle to adapt to certain cultural differences," wrote a member who made the move to Bangkok, Thailand.
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"I have lived in Bangkok for on and off 18 years. Yes immigration in Thailand can be very arbitrary. I started living in Thailand in 2006 and through many coups and that is where it gets sticky. My now ex and I purchased a condo which was straight forward. He is Thai. You will need to pay attention to the purchasing changes and the constant immigration changes. Every new Prime Minister put their stamp on the policies. I think I went through 5 or 6 Prime Ministers. That being said, I managed to stay in Thailand without many problems. I used Siam Legal and understood the nuances of extra Bhat’s in the paperwork. We gave the immigration person 3,000 Bhat extra and all went smoothly. In Thailand everything is possible when you grease the wheel. Forget the way you may have done business in the US. Now is a good time as new Prime Minister and they are hungry to have westerners back after Covid. She is the youngest daughter of Taksin (sp) the PM when I arrived in the early 2000’s. I loved Thailand, but understand you are not Thai and you will encounter issues. Now I live elsewhere in the world, but my heart will always be in Thailand. ," explained one expat living in Thailand.
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What do people like (and dislike) about Bangkok?
If you live in Bangkok, newcomers to Bangkok would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.