LIFESTYLE IN THAILAND

Thailand is one of those countries where life is truly enjoyable. However, if you’re thinking of moving to Thailand, it’s important to be well prepared to avoid disappointment.

Some people move to Thailand thinking it will be a paradise, but they find themselves faced with a reality that is sometimes very different from their dreams.

Finding out if you can live in Thailand.

Before moving to Thailand straight away, it’s important to spend a holiday there to discover the Land of Smiles, as the culture and lifestyle are very different from those in your home country. This will give you the chance to get to know and discover this magnificent country and its people, and to see if Thailand can offer you everything you’re looking for.

Where to live in Thailand?

Are you active retirees who want to have a good time, enjoy sports and relax?
Then you’ll no doubt be very happy near the sea, strolling along a paradise beach and sipping extraordinary fresh fruit shakes whilst watching the sunset over the ocean...

...In which case, the south and the islands are for you…

Are you thinking more about working in the country, bringing your business with you, or taking advantage of being there to develop a project?
Then it would be wise to live near the cities or more touristy areas, as there are more business opportunities there.

Are you keen to experience the traditional way of life and Thai culture?
Then consider settling in a small town, far from the tourist hotspots, but make no mistake: even the quietest and most unspoilt places offer every comfort you could wish for.
Cost of living in Thailand?

Thailand is renowned for being a country with a relatively low cost of living.

This is still true in most regions, but even though the cost of living remains very reasonable, money can disappear very quickly if you insist on buying Western brand-name products or eating every day in tourist restaurants where prices are similar to those in Europe (i.e. 6 to 8 times more expensive than a small Thai restaurant, a food court or street food).

It all really depends on the lifestyle you want to lead and where you live.

What do you need to prepare before moving to Thailand?

There’s a lot to prepare to make this an extraordinary experience. So there are things you should definitely do before you leave, but also immediately upon arrival and during your first few months in Thailand.

Here is a short list of important things to prepare:

• Take out health/accident and repatriation insurance. This is very important as the repatriation cover included with your flight ticket is only valid for 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to take out expat insurance in case you have a health issue.
  
  
• Know what you can do in Thailand. You’ll need to be sure about what you want to do in this country. This is important as it can determine the following points to help you achieve your goal.
  
  
• Have a budget. Living in Thailand comes at a cost, so you’ll need to set aside a budget to be able to stay for a long time without overspending. This budget will depend largely on what you want to do there
  
  
• What type of visa? If you want to stay in Thailand, you need a visa that suits your plans. The type of visa you choose will depend on what you want to do in the country.
  
  
• Learn to understand Thai culture. Thai culture is very different from our own. You must understand that you are not at home and that it is up to you to adapt, not the Thais to adapt to you… With an understanding of local customs and by respecting the Thai way of life, you will very quickly feel at ease!! Your interactions with locals and expats will be friendly and rewarding. To respect the culture, way of life and traditions of Siam, you can buy books on the culture, which will help you learn more and better understand this beautiful country.
  
  
• Learn Thai. In our view, learning Thai is an important step: start with a few words of greeting and politeness, then lessons with a teacher are really necessary to grasp the subtleties of the language. This will allow you to truly connect with people and be much more readily accepted by the Thai people. Indeed, the Thai people will be surprised and friendly. They will understand that if you are learning Thai, it is so that you can connect with them, and therefore that you are interested in them and their culture. Speaking Thai takes time, and it isn’t easy at first to remember these words and phrases, which are completely different from Latin-based languages or English. But you’ll soon find pleasure in learning and speaking when you see that the vast majority of people will try to help you.
  
  
• Delicious food, but you’ll need to get to know it Thailand is a country where you’ll find a truly wide variety of food. Every province has its own specialities, and you’ll discover mouth-watering dishes. Indeed, from the Isan province to Surat Thani, via the northern regions, you’ll have the chance to discover hundreds of different dishes, each one more delicious than the last. However, Thai food is also very spicy, and this can come as a surprise to a Western palate if it isn’t used to it. It’s all a matter of getting used to it; start by eating something a little spicy, then increase the heat by adding chilli, which is usually found on the tables. If you really don’t want to or can’t eat spicy food, learn the Thai phrase ‘May pet’, which means ‘not spicy’; you can also say ‘May say phrick’, which means ‘no chillies’… “No spicy” also works in tourist spots, where you’ll often be offered different levels of chilli: “a little bit spicy, medium spicy, hot spicy… or no spicy”. With these few words, you’ll easily be able to eat to your liking.
  
  
• Know the law. Why is it important to know Thai law? When you move to a new country, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities so you can always stay on the right side of the law. Having an understanding of Thai law, visas, and what you can and cannot do legally will help you live with peace of mind. Even though Thailand is a country where corruption still exists and where it is easy to get by without any trouble, it remains a country with laws and rules that are always best respected.
  
  
• Be open to people. Thais are very friendly people, with whom you can chat and get on well. At first, you may find it difficult to approach people because of the language barrier, and sometimes Thais who don’t speak English might seem distant, but this is mostly a form of modesty. If you open up to people, you’ll discover the generosity of the Thai people. This will be a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Thai culture and make friends.

Conclusion

When you’re thinking of moving to Thailand, there are certain things to bear in mind, as, like any country, Thailand has its pros and cons.

It is therefore wise to prepare thoroughly so that this adventure goes as smoothly as possible and so that you have an experience that will change your life, or so that your move abroad is truly the paradise you’ve been dreaming of.