If you’re anything like most people, you’ve probably asked yourself the question is Thailand a good place to live. Make sure you follow along to find out if moving to the Land of Smiles is really a good idea.
Quick Overview
It’s not uncommon to hear about foreigners spending a holiday in Thailand and then deciding to stay there for good. According to a study published in ResearchGate, thousands of expatriates are moving to this Southeast Asian country every year.
While making the move to Thailand may sound drastic at first, it’s actually one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. So if you’re still asking yourself is Thailand a good place to live, here are the best reasons why.
Is Thailand a Good Place to Live? Here are Top 11 Reasons Why Moving There is Awesome
#1. The locals are warm, friendly, and ready to help you.
Thailand didn’t earn the nickname the Land of Smiles for nothing. It pretty much sums up the general vibe and atmosphere of the country’s local residents. This is because Thais are some of the most benevolent people on the planet.
Forging friendships and meaningful relationships with the Thai people isn’t that tricky at all. They are typically easy to approach and won’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. Akin to all Southeast Asian people, Thais are quite generous and will stay positive even during the bleakest of situations.
One unique attribute Thais have is that they tend to offer food and drink even to strangers. When you pass by a group of merrymakers, chances are you’re going to get invited to join them. You are either asked to have a sip of what they’re drinking or partake in their spread.
This doesn’t mean that a local will become your friend immediately as soon as you meet them, though. As long as you stay genuine and cordial, you’re sure to have a lot of friends for life in Thailand.
#2. The culture is mesmerizing.
Thais have one of the most fascinating cultures in the world. Besides being influenced with wisdom from past civilizations, they also heavily follow a lot of religious precepts, mostly from Buddhism.
A significant part of Thai culture is the “mai pen rai” outlook in life. The phrase can be directly translated in the English language to either “It is alright” or “never mind.” However, if you really think about it, these three words actually mean more than that. Let me explain what I mean.
It is ingrained in every Thai that it is a big no-no to inconvenience other people. The “mai pen rai” attitude is also about becoming a better person by helping others in need. Here are a few key situations when you’ll hear these three words from a local when you’re staying in Thailand:
- When you finish paying your bill at a local restaurant, the cashier or owner of the establishment will usually say the phrase instead of “you are welcome.”
- When you and a local both try to reach the last bottle of water in a convenience store and you get it first. It is as if he or she is telling you not to feel guilty that you did.
- When you are having a meal at a restaurant and accidentally knock over your glass of soda on the table. You will hear these words uttered by the service crew who will clean up the mess.
- When you miss a bus or a train, it is often said by the locals as if to remind you that there will be other buses or trains that will arrive.
See, the “mai pen rai” attitude is both simple and complex. And you’re sure to hear it a lot when you decide to pack your bags and move to Thailand.
#3. You’re in for great food all the time.
The Thai people have a way with using various spices and ingredients to make food taste great in every bite. Should you decide to move to the Land of Smiles, you’ll have some of the best gastronomic delights every day. So is Thailand a good place to live? With the fares you’re going to get, it sure is.
Take for example Tom Yum Goong. It is basically a soup made from shrimp and spices that will tickle your taste buds from the first spoonful. Some of its main ingredients include fish sauce, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, lots of chili, and lemongrass. Simply thinking about it will get your appetite going.
Or how about the healthy yet super delicious Som Tam? It is made from garlic, tamarind pulp, palm sugar, dried shrimp, a good amount of chili, and shredded green papaya. There are several variations of this dish wherever you go in Thailand and every one of them is delicious.
Next in line is the Khao Soi, which has a uniquely creamy texture and a spicy kick. This is achieved by combining plenty of coconut milk with curry powder and adding in lime, shallots, pickled mustard greens and other ingredients.
And don’t forget the Yam Pla Dook Foo. It is a fare featuring fried catfish mixed with crispy green mango. The combination of spicy, sour, sweet, and salty will definitely rev up your appetite in no time.
These are just a few of the exciting dishes that you will enjoy when you move to Thailand. There is still a whole lot more in store for you just waiting to be discovered.
#4. You’ll be amazed at how little money you have to spend to be comfortable.
Unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, the cost of living in Thailand is not that high. You will only have to shell out a fraction of the utilities and rent that you are currently paying. The food is affordable and all other necessities aren’t going to cost you as much.
A cool example of this is Internet access. While Thailand surprisingly has a great Internet, you won’t have to pay absurd amounts just to stay connected to the worldwide web.
The bottom line is that you won’t have to dish out a lot of money to comfortably live in Thailand. As long as you stick to a budget and spend your cash wisely, then you’re good to go.
#5. The weather is everything you’ve dreamed of.
Have you ever fantasized about settling in a tropical haven where it’s mostly warm and toasty all throughout the year? Or how about wanting to escape the harshness of winter every year? Well, the best place to go to is Thailand.
For starters, the Land of Smiles typically has a temperature that ranges from 23°C to 28°C daily. While the country does have “colder” months, the temperature rarely rises above 34°C or 35°C during that time. And that’s even with all the raining during the monsoon season, too.
It’s true that it can take a bit of time to get used to the weather in Thailand. However, many foreigners have already conquered this obstacle with just a few weeks’ stay in the country. Chances are you’re going to adapt easily as well.
Well, if things don’t turn out as planned, there’s always air conditioning to help you feel better. So is Thailand a good place to live? You’ll live as if you’re in your very own tropical paradise.
#6. There is always an exciting festival happening somewhere.
Thailand is a place where festivals happen almost every day.
It could be a religious festival, a celebration honoring ancestors, or a thanksgiving revelry. Some of the most popular festivals in Thailand include Loy Krathong (Festival of Light), Yi Peng (Lantern Festival), and Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Festival).
But the most significant among all Thailand’s festivals is the Songkran also known as the Thai New Year’s celebration. If you’re a fan of partying and merrymaking, then you should experience this one for yourself.
Songkran is usually held on April 12 to 15 every year. Thais love Songkran so much that it’s not uncommon to hear that it is celebrated for several days in some areas. Some places even commemorate the Thai New Year for more than a week.
The highlight of Songkran is the big water fight. It usually takes place in the streets. Revelers splash one another with water using buckets, water guns, hoses, and other containers. Apart from locals, this festival is so exciting and fun that even foreigners get in on the action.
The main goal during the water fight is getting drenched instead of drenching others. This is because getting soaking wet is believed to be lucky because you’ve freed yourself from last year’s negativity. Who wouldn’t want to participate in an event such as this one?
#7. Thai massage is one of the best in the world.
The people of the Land of Smiles are so good at giving massages. They’re so adept at it that Thai massage has become one of the most popular disciplines worldwide. You’ll also need a certificate to prove that you’ve fully mastered the techniques before you can call yourself a practitioner.
Just to give you an idea how complex Thai massage is, it’s actually a combination of different disciplines. It involves a fusion of yoga poses, Indian Ayurvedic concepts, and acupressure techniques. Getting a Thai massage not just relieves stress, but also rejuvenates the soul.
Now we’ve got that out of the way, have you ever thought about how expensive massages are in your country? Chances are they’re so expensive, the stress goes right back after you pay your bill.
When you move to Thailand, you won’t just be able to get these magical massages every day. You won’t pay extravagant amounts while at it, too. So is Thailand a good place to live? With these type of massages, it’s definitely a yes.
#8. There are countless exciting destinations to check out.
Are you into travelling and adventure? If so, moving to Thailand is going to be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
This is because the Land of Smiles is practically teeming with cool destinations waiting for you to discover. Whether you’re looking to soak up sea and sand or visiting temples and other culturally-significant places, Thailand has it all.
Experiencing top-notch vacations in this Southeast Asian country doesn’t have to be expensive, either. There are lots of cheap yet decent accommodation options and dining places in every popular tourist spot in Thailand.
Why don’t you click here to read about the best beaches at Koh Samui to help you get started?
#9. Quality healthcare is not going to cost you an arm and leg.
When it comes to tourism, Thailand is not just renowned for its natural wonders, majestic temples, and picturesque beaches. It’s also becoming one of the leaders in medical tourism as well. Many foreigners flock to the Land of Smiles to get in on its excellent yet affordable healthcare.
Besides having doctors who can perform the same procedures as skillfully as any Western medical professional, you will also only have to pay a fraction of the cost. Reports say that procedures in Thailand can be up to 70% cheaper compared to their Western counterparts.
If you’d like to keep your health and wellness in the pink for cheap, then moving to Thailand is advantageous.
#10. Your true love could be waiting there for you.
Just to be very candid, Thais are not just nice but also quite good-looking. It’s impossible not to be attracted to a local whether you’re in the place for business or for leisure. And given their outgoing and benevolent attitude, it’s quite possible that your special someone could be Thai.
Just think about it. The person destined to be with you for the rest of your life could be waiting for you in the Land of Smiles.
#11. Thailand is a country you can adapt to without a fuss.
I am not saying that Thailand is perfect. It still has traffic jams, crime, and other social ills. However, what’s really amazing about this country is that the great things about it easily outweigh the negative ones.
The people are great. The place is teeming with delicious delicacies. The culture is fascinating. You’re going to enjoy awesome weather mostly throughout the year. You have access to affordable yet high-quality healthcare. So is Thailand a good place to live?
I think you already know the answer.