After spending 16 months in Thailand, we are excited to share the pros and cons of living here compared to our home country, the United States. So far, we’ve resided in Krabi for 12 months and in Phuket for 4 months, and overall, we have had an amazing experience. However, there are certainly a few drawbacks worth mentioning.
Before we dive into the details, let me provide some background. My wife and I made the bold decision to quit our jobs and sell our home to embark on a full-time travel adventure. However, the pandemic altered our original plans and pushed us to live in Thailand earlier than expected. Here’s what we loved and disliked about our experience.
The 5 Pros of Living in Thailand
To get started, let’s cover the 5 benefits of living in Thailand.
1. Thailand is so peaceful!
Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful countries we have ever visited. The Thai people possess a remarkable sense of calmness and level-headedness, rarely engaging in arguments or exhibiting unpleasant behavior. The overall atmosphere exudes a zen-like vibe that we found truly soothing.
Adding to the tranquility, the Thai people are incredibly welcoming. We were fortunate to have a neighbor who regularly shared her extra fruit with us, making us feel like an integral part of the community.
Whenever we return to the U.S., we can immediately feel the change in the vibe and that feeling of peace and tranquility fades for a more fast-paced anxious energy. We definitely prefer the peaceful vibe in Thailand.
2. Thailand is Affordable
Living in Thailand is refreshingly affordable. During our stay, we rented properties for as low as $350 a month, but we also indulged in luxury penthouses for $950 monthly. This is a stark contrast to the current average rental prices in the United States, which hover around $2000 per month.
In fact, it’s entirely possible to live comfortably in Thailand for under $1000 a month. The lower cost of living enables you to work less and focus on enjoying life rather than constantly worrying about making ends meet. Moreover, healthcare is also significantly more affordable, providing you with high-quality medical services at a fraction of the cost compared to the United States.
3. The Weather in Thailand is Lovely
Another aspect we adored about Thailand was its delightful weather. With temperatures ranging from 75-90°F (23-32°C) year-round, you can bid farewell to jackets and forget about dressing for the cold. The joy of effortlessly wearing light clothes and flip-flops every day adds a carefree and easygoing vibe to life.
4. Thailand is Beautiful
The natural beauty of Thailand is simply breathtaking! We absolutely loved exploring Thailand’s stunning beaches, waterfalls, islands, hiking trails, and temples that adorn the country. There is an abundance of sights to see and discover, allowing you to constantly marvel at the wonders that Thailand has to offer.
5. There is So Much to Do in Thailand
Thailand is a treasure trove of exciting activities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. The southern region, in particular, is renowned for its islands and beaches, offering a paradise for island hopping, snorkeling, and other water sports in the Andaman Sea. In bustling Bangkok, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city and cruise along the river, soaking in the breathtaking skyline views.
The nightlife scene in Thailand is also vibrant, with numerous options for happy hours, live music, and mouthwatering street food at bustling night markets. Additionally, you can broaden your horizons by joining various classes, whether it’s learning Thai, practicing yoga, kickboxing, or meditation. These classes provide fantastic opportunities to meet new people and expand your social circle, making it easier to find a community and feel a sense of belonging.
5 Cons of Living in Thailand
Living in Thailand isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are some cons you need to consider before you move there.
1. The Immigration Process can be a Challenge
The immigration process in Thailand can be quite demanding. Initially, we entered the country on a tourist visa, requiring us to renew it every 30 days at the immigration office. After 90 days, however, you have to leave the country. Although one could return to Thailand the very next day, making a border run every 90 days can become a hassle and an emotional rollercoaster. The thing is that thousands of expats choose to live this way though, making visa runs every 90 days because there are not a lot of good visa options.
To extend our stay, we opted for an education visa. We decided to take Thai lessons and that allowed us to get a year-long visa to stay in the country. The good thing about getting an education visa is that our language school handled the complicated visa paperwork, making our visits to the immigration office relatively easy and painless. However, this may not work for people who are not willing to go to school.
Because of the complexity of the visa process, you might want to consider hiring a visa agency to help figure out your options. They can help you find a long-term visa that you qualify for and help you fill out all the paperwork correctly the first time. It’s so helpful to have that immigration assistance because when we tried to go to immigration by ourselves, we never really felt like we were getting all the information we needed and different departments did not communicate seamlessly with each other. This led to a lot of frustration and miscommunication.
2. Rainy season
While we genuinely enjoyed Thailand’s weather, the rainy season did dampen our spirits a bit. Typically occurring from July to October, the rainy season brings more frequent rain and grayer skies, with showers affecting around half of the days each week. And while the rainy season is not nearly as dreary as a long winter, it still can dampen your spirit.
During a stretch of 14 consecutive days, it rained incessantly, saturating our house with dampness and humidity. As a result, some of our belongings, including bags and walls, developed mold. However, once the rain subsided, we were able to return to our sunny selves again. Dealing with the constant rain, moisture, and mold can be a real battle so make sure you are prepared for it when you come.
3. You Cannot Drink the Tap Water in Thailand
Drinking tap water in Thailand is not advisable, as it can cause serious stomach upset. Even the simplest act of drinking from a glass that hasn’t dried properly after washing can lead to stomach discomfort. However, purified water is readily available and affordable.
We personally opted for having 5-gallon jugs delivered to our doorstep, costing approximately 50 baht per refill (around $1.50 USD). Alternatively, with your landlord’s permission, you can install an under-sink water filtration system, which significantly eases the water situation.
Although there are many workarounds for the water issue, the chances of accidental exposure are high when you are living in Thailand long-term, so you want to prepare yourself for that possibility.
4. The Bugs Are Real Pests
Bugs can be a nuisance in Thailand, and we certainly experienced our fair share of insect bites while exploring the country. Occasionally, we have gotten swarmed by bugs and left a location with 40-60 bug bites. So far, we’ve been swarmed by mosquitos, ants, and sandflies, and as you can imagine, recovering from 40-60 bug bites is a long, itchy process that I don’t wish on anyone.
Thankfully, we didn’t suffer any long-term side effects from our cases of bug bites. However, it is worth noting that mosquito bites carry the risk of dengue fever in Thailand, a serious illness that can result in hospitalization. With over 100,000 people contracting dengue fever in Thailand each year, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Our Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand
In conclusion, we believe that Thailand’s pros far outweigh its cons. Although some aspects can be slightly inconvenient, they are not deal-breakers for us. We continue to admire the beauty of Thailand and rank it highly as a place we would like to make our long-term home.
We hope that this list of pros and cons provides you with valuable insights into the experience of living in Thailand. Ultimately, the decision to move to a new country is a deeply personal one, and it’s essential to consider your priorities and preferences. Thailand has captivated us with its peacefulness, affordability, stunning nature, and diverse range of activities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and fulfilling lifestyle.
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