Guide
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Introduction The Reality of Living in Thailand Full Time
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Hey everybody, how we doing? Thanks for joining me once again for another video. If you haven’t been here before, my name is Peter. This is Thailand Bound, and I talk about all things Thailand.
Now, today I’m going to talk about some of the things you might not take into consideration if you’re planning to live out here full-time. I’ve just completed my third year of living here full-time without leaving the country – other than a short trip to Cambodia. And I’ve also been coming to Thailand for the best part of three decades.
I think I’m qualified enough now to see things that people might not see when they come here on vacation. So, I’ve prepared a list, and we’ll get straight into it.
People love to tell you all the good bits about living in Thailand. The beaches, the sunshine, the cheap beer, the friendly locals. But after living here for a while, you soon realize there is another side that people do not usually mention. I’m not saying it is bad – I’m just saying there is more to it than what you see on holiday.
So, let me walk you through 20 things I have learned that you might not hear from other expats, but which can make a huge difference if you are thinking about moving out here full-time.
1. Thailand Is Not as Cheap as People Think
Yes, you can live cheaply if you eat Thai food every day, live in a basic apartment, and avoid imported goods. But if you like your comforts from home – such as wine, cheese, good coffee, or branded toiletries – you will pay more than you would back home. And those restaurant bills can add up quickly if you eat a lot of Western food here.
2. Visas Are a Constant Headache
There is no magic one-time visa that lets you stay here forever without effort. You will be doing renewals, 90-day reporting, and sometimes dealing with new rules that appear without much warning. You need to get used to the paperwork side of life here, or employ an agent to help you through it – which of course will cost you money.
3. The Weather Is Brutal in Hot Season
We are talking like 38°C with a humidity level of 85%. It’s so heavy, it feels like a blanket. Just walking to your nearest 7-Eleven can leave you soaked in sweat. Even the cooler months are still warm. You have to plan your day around the heat, or you will run yourself into the ground.
4. Mosquitoes Are a Year Round Problem
You can forget about avoiding mosquitoes. They are here all year round. And they’re not just annoying – some carry dengue fever and other nasty illnesses. You will get used to having repellent nearby and checking before bedtime.
5. English Is Not as Common as You Might Think
Tourist areas are fine, but once you get away from them, you cannot rely on English. Ordering food, sorting bills, or explaining to a taxi driver can turn into a game of sign language. Learn some basic Thai, and you will find it a lot easier. Locals will respect you more for even trying, and those translation apps sometimes translate wrong.
6. Expat Friendships Can Be Mixed
Some expats are great people to know – helpful and fun to be around. Others thrive on drama and trouble. Choose your circle carefully, or you may find yourself caught up in problems that have nothing to do with you.
7. The Nightlife Gets Old
The nightlife can be exciting when you first arrive – bright lights, music, busy bars, pretty girls. But over time, you realize it’s the same faces and the same conversations. And it is not cheap. Many long-term expats eventually move away from it and find other ways to spend their evenings.
8. Thai Driving Is Something Else
Motorbikes swerving between cars, people running red lights, and drivers pulling out without looking. Road accidents are very common here. So if you drive, you need to stay alert at all times. And yes, do not presume that people will stop when you’re on a zebra crossing – they don’t.
9. Medical Care Is Excellent But You Need Insurance
Medical care here is excellent if you can afford it. The private hospitals are world-class with English-speaking staff and modern equipment. But without insurance, a short stay can leave you with a big bill and could even wipe you out.
10. Some Expats Simply Cannot Adapt
It is not just the heat. The culture, the slower pace, and the way things are done here can frustrate people who expect everything to work like it does back home. You must respect the Thai culture.
11. The Thai Smile Is Not Always About Happiness
Thailand is welcoming, but there are serious lines you cannot cross. Disrespect the king, monks, or certain traditions, and you will be in serious trouble. The famous Thai smile is not always about happiness. Sometimes it means politeness, embarrassment, or even irritation. Learn to read the situation, or you will misunderstand people.
12. Getting Things Done Takes Time
Sometimes, getting things done that you could sort out in an hour back home can take days here. Bank processes, government paperwork, even simple approvals – all require patience. Losing your temper will not speed anything up here.
13. Bargaining Is Part of the Culture
Bargaining is part of the culture in markets and small shops, but it is done politely. If you are rude and start raising your voice, you will not get very far.
14. Air Pollution Is a Real Problem
In Bangkok, the traffic fumes can be rough. And in the north, burning season can make the air unpleasant to breathe. If you have breathing issues, you need to think about that before moving.
15. Customer Service Is Inconsistent
Customer service can be amazing one day and completely absent the next. It is not personal – it is just how it goes here. Let the small things slide.
16. Time Works Differently in Thailand
Deliveries, repairs, even meetings do not always happen when promised on time. It’s flexible time. You’ll need to adjust your expectations.
17. Street Food Is Great But Hygiene Isn’t Always Perfect
Street food is one of the great things about living here. But food hygiene is not always perfect. Sooner or later, you will get a bad stomach – and it is almost a rite of passage.
18. Relationships Can Be Complicated
Relationships with Thai women can be wonderful, but they can also be complicated – even if she is not connected to the nightlife scene. Family obligations and cultural differences can play a big part in the relationship.
19. You Will Either Love It or Hate It
Finally, you will either love living here long-term or you will not. For some, it is a paradise. For others, the challenges are too much. The only way to know is to try it for yourself.
20. Overall It’s a Fantastic Place to Live
Overall, Thailand is a fantastic place to live full-time. The food is incredible, the people are friendly, and the lifestyle can be everything you have dreamed of. This is not to put you off – it is to help you see the other side of life here. The side you might not notice if you only come as a tourist.
If you understand both the good and the challenging parts before you come, you will have a much better chance of making it work and enjoying every single day you spend here. It is a good place to be.
Closing Remarks
Like I said at the beginning of the upload, I’ve been here for three years now. Things don’t always work properly, but I think that’s part of the charm of Thailand. And I really enjoy living here. If you can get your head around all these little things that could irritate you, you can have a nice life out here.
Okay, guys. Thanks for listening to me once again. I hope the video was helpful and entertaining. If you’ve got any questions you’d like to ask me, please leave them in the comments below. I do answer all of my comments.
So, once again, thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you with another video real soon.
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