What do people like (and dislike) about Thailand?
When we asked expats and global nomads what they like and dislike about living in Thailand, they replied...
"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. ," said another in Thailand.

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"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Thailand, as well as the warm climate and friendly people. They also enjoy the abundance of delicious local cuisine, the vibrant nightlife, and the many cultural attractions. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy challenging, as well as the lack of reliable public transportation. Additionally, the air pollution in some cities can be a problem for those with respiratory issues," explained one expat who made the move to Thailand.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Thailand?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Thailand?
- Will I be able to find a job in Thailand?
- What is life like in Thailand?
- What do expats in Thailand appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Thailand?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Thailand accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Thailand like?
- What are healthcare services like in Thailand?
- What are medical services in Thailand like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Thailand?
- What are emergency services like in Thailand?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Thailand?
- How are local medical facilities in Thailand?
- As a foreigner living in Thailand, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do people like (and dislike) about Thailand?
If you live in Thailand, newcomers to Thailand 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.