Why live in Thailand

Ask most expatriates what they enjoy about living in Thailand and you will get a range of answers, but the most common ones are, weather, cost, the social life and food, in no particular order. Ask where they think the best place to live and it is then very much a matter of personal choice.

Some like the excitement of living in Bangkok, where they may have work to go to, and there is no denying that the capital is the best place to be if you are after good entertainment and a varied social life. Many enjoy Pattaya, which is smaller and has its own character and lifestyle values. A lot of people have gone north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. A quieter lifestyle, less costly and cooler, the northern cities have their own charm and attractions.

Then there is the up and coming Hua Hin on the western Gulf of Thailand coast. Here the pace of life is slower, the weather more temperate and property, to some extent cheaper. The development of Hua Hin has been gradual with new property coming on the market over a number of years. There have been local developments too in the shape of a brand new shopping mall of the city. One of the great things about living in Thailand is the warmth of the people who welcome foreign residents with open arms.

There is a great deal of respect for the expatriate who has decided to come and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer. That is not saying Thai people will be the same to a foreigner as they would be to a fellow Thai – there will always be an element of ‘Us and Them’ but that is natural in any foreign country. Adapting to the ways of the country is important, and most expatriates do this without too much difficulty. Issues which can be contentious are generally left alone, so for most living in Thailand is a peaceful and safe affair.

Hua Hin is fairly typical in that respect with a mix of Thai and foreign residents or visitors. Thai holiday makers and weekend trippers go to the resort regularly and it is an area frequented by the Royal family, who have residences in the region. Many go to have a weekend of golf, go to the extensive sandy beaches or just have a quiet weekend away from the bustle of Bangkok. This is one of the great beauties of living in Thailand.

There is a wealth of things to do, in the big cities or out in the rural parts of the country. There are few places where you can choose between relaxing on a stupendous beach, go trekking in the jungle, spend a weekend at a 6 star luxury spa or chill out in the mountains. The choice is massive and maybe apart from the luxury spa, all these activities are well within the budget of most expatriates. In Hua Hin the spas, the beaches, the mountains and the jungle are all on hand to enjoy.

Living in Thailand is something thousands of all nationalities enjoy – people who have made the decision to come to a country where they can feel welcome, are treated with respect and can enjoy a lifestyle at a lower cost, probably unmatched any where.