Key takeaways
- Thailand has a lower cost of living than the US, the UK or Hong Kong, and a large international community.
- Foreigners can own condos in their own name, and renting first is easy, with a usual deposit of two months’ rent.
- Long-stay options include Thailand Privilege, retirement visas and the Destination Thailand Visa.
- A relocation company and a reliable agent make the move smoother.
For travel enthusiasts, Thailand has always been and will always be a top tourist destination, where the land of smiles welcomes everyone. However, is this enough for you to become an expat and move to Thailand?
If your job or business allows you to live and work in Thailand, then yes, this is a good starting point, but that’s not all. Thailand has a lot to offer expats who move to the kingdom, and acceptance of foreigners is just one of these things.
Continue reading to learn our list of the top 10 reasons to become an expat and move to Thailand.
Cultural Diversity
While some areas of Bangkok are known to be regular meeting points for delegates, businessmen, and a sophisticated population, in contrast, Thailand welcomes people from all nationalities. Irrespective of whether you are from the UK or the USA, perhaps Dubai or even India, Thailand offers you a place to find and build your own community. It also gives you the unique opportunity to meet, mingle and work with professionals from different lifestyles and different parts of the world. Most importantly, Thailand allows you to be yourself, work and live in a place you love.
Beaches, Mai Tais, and Fun
Living in one of the top travel destination spots in the world never gets old, especially if you enjoy taking mini-vacations to recharge yourself periodically. Thailand offers you the chance to work in the city center, live in style in your very own private condo, and kick back and relax whenever you find the time. Thailand is known for some of the cleanest beaches in the world, such as Toey Ngam beach which is located in Chon Buri and is less than an hour away from Bangkok via taxi. There are numerous other travel destinations within the country that can help you relax and unwind when it’s time to enjoy life a bit and let go of stress for the time being.
Thailand is a Land of Opportunities
As a top travel destination for tourists from around the world and as the primary hub for the ASEAN center, Thailand has the power to employ people in both jobs and businesses. This is a land of opportunity, especially for go-getters who will stop at nothing to get their heart’s desires. Thailand offers affordable labor for businesses looking to expand and revamp their operations and need a set of extra hands on deck while they are traveling. It is possible to get qualified, hard-working, and certified staff in Thailand at a fraction of the cost of hiring staff overseas in the USA or the UK.
Real Estate Paradise in Thailand
Owning a basic condo or beach house in Thailand doesn’t cost half as much as you imagine, the cost of property in Thailand is a lot lesser than in the USA or the UK. Buying a condo in Thailand can cost less than buying one in Hongkong and Japan.
If you prefer to live the good life and purchase a luxury condo in Thailand, then this can cost you a tad more. Yet the cost to own a furnished luxury condo in Bangkok with the best views of the skyline, in close proximity to the city center as well as tourist attractions, is a lot cheaper than buying a similar condo in your home country.
Continue to read here why foreigners are choosing to invest in the real estate market in Thailand and why the Thailand real estate market is booming despite the pandemic.
Cost of Living in Thailand
This is another win for Thailand as this country is cheaper to live in compared to other Asian countries such as Hongkong and other Western countries. A single person can live comfortably on about THB 30,000 to 50,000 a month (roughly US$900 to US$1,500) outside central Bangkok and Phuket. See our cost of living in Thailand guide for a full breakdown.
While the sky is the limit, Thailand gives you an array of resources to utilize if you wish to cut down costs. For instance, a dinner at a café can cost as less as $10 per meal, while a filling dinner at a street-side restaurant can cost as less than $5 per meal.
You can also spend $20 on nightlife if you choose to use offers through apps, happy hour prices, and buy 1 get 1 free weekday offers!
For coffee and tea lovers, cafes are an inexpensive option, especially if you visit local small businesses. You can also buy your very own coffee machine and stock up on the best coffee beans at a fraction of the cost you would have spent in your home country.
Thai Elite Visa application
The application process for Thai Elite Visas is straightforward and relatively simple. The fees for the various visa types are affordable for both working professionals and businessmen. These visas can give you the ease of entry, stay and VIP benefits of being a long-term stay expat in Thailand.
You can choose from 5, 10, 15, and 20-year long-term stay in Thailand options while you apply for the visa. You can also extend the same benefits you receive to your immediate family with many types of long-stay Thai Elite Visas.
Read more about the vast benefits of applying for the Thai Elite Visa.
Thailand is a Safe Place To Live
Thailand is a safe place to live for families as well as single adults. This country does not see many protests every year, nor is it on the high alert list for terrorism and other forms of crime. If you are worried about mugging and robbery, then staying safe and reaching home late is a good move, however, such crimes have been on the decline in the last 5 years.
Many of the newly developed condos are part of gated residential communities that implement sophisticated security systems to ensure that the residents are safe. These condos are also close to some of the best schools, shopping malls, and convenience stores.
Bangkok and many other cities that are developing at a quick rate are protected by local law enforcement and are perfectly safe to live in, especially if you live in a gated community and are aware of your surroundings.
Thailand Could Be a Wise Investment
If you are an investor who deals in property, then choosing a residency condo in Bangkok could be a good property investment move. Unlike regular condo units that are part of a gated community, residency condo units that are part of a hotel chain eventually pay for themselves over the first few years. These condotel units ensure that you get revenue from the hotel while you let them out back to the hotel.
Keep in mind that condotels are not the first home and are, in reality, an investment opportunity, yet expats can invest in these and get the title deed legally transferred to their name.
Easy to Rent in Thailand
If you wish to first rent out before you purchase a condo then here is the perfect solution for you. You can rent out a condo or a house in Thailand easily as an expat by paying a 2-month advance amount with an affordable monthly rent amount every month. Chiang Mai is the cheapest of the main expat cities, with one-bedroom condos from about THB 10,000 to 16,000 a month.
These rental accommodations come fully fitted with electrical gadgets, lights, fans, air conditioning units, fridges, microwaves, and sofas, and beds too! If you choose to rent out, then you will want to know how to avoid the top pitfalls of renting a condo in Thailand as a foreigner. This could save you a lot of time and money down the road whilst living in Thailand.
Convenience at Your Finger Tips
To become an expat and move to Thailand, you need access to two important services. The first is a relocation company, and the second is a reliable realtor.
Choosing a relocation company to shift your furniture and personal effects from your home country to Thailand can be done easily before you move. In your home country, look for international packers and movers that offer insurance for breakage, damage, theft, and loss during transit.
We are a leading property service for expats in Thailand and have helped numerous property buyers find their dream homes.
Let’s summarize our thoughts.
In conclusion, moving to Thailand as an expat has many benefits. From cultural diversity to an abundance of opportunities, Thailand is a great place to find and build your own community.
The country is also known for its beautiful beaches, Mai Tais, and fun. Additionally, Thailand’s cost of living is lower compared to other Asian countries, making it an attractive option for retirees.
The real estate market in Thailand is also booming and offers affordable options for those looking to purchase a property. Overall, Thailand is a great place to live and work and offers something for everyone.
