Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Phrom Thep Cape in Phuket, Thailand

Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 05, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Thailand include its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, friendly people, and low cost of living. On the other hand, the cons of living in Thailand include the language barrier, the lack of infrastructure in some areas, and the prevalence of scams and corruption. Additionally, the country is prone to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue
GeoBlue

What are the pros and cons of living in Thailand?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Thailand responded:

"Thailand/Bangkok is a very nice place to live for an Expat. The cost of living is fairly low and living here is very easy. English is widely spoken (although speaking Thai is a help). Various levels/costs of accommodation are available dependent on how much you want to pay and where you want to live. The healthcare service is probably better than the UK with more up to date equipment and techniques although it is fairly expensive if you do not have insurance. Dental care is first rate and cheaper than the UK for significant interventions like implants. Finding sports/social activities is somewhat difficult as you don't necessarily know where to look. Facebook is a good start and most clubs/activities are listed somewhere on Facebook if you can only find them. It is a bit hit and miss but slowly you can identify relevant activities. Local travel in Thailand is extremely easy and relatively cheap, especially with the tourist industry effectively closed down because of COVID. Hotel prices are very cheap and it is easy to travel because there currently are no tourists - it is a very good time to explore the country. Also Thailand has managed the COVID pandemic very effectively (if economically brutally) and so in country travel is encouraged and welcomed," said one member in Bangkok.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Thailand, as well as the warm climate and friendly people. They also enjoy the abundance of delicious local cuisine, the vibrant nightlife, and the many cultural attractions. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy challenging, as well as the lack of reliable public transportation. Additionally, the air pollution in some cities can be a problem for those with respiratory issues," remarked one expat in Thailand.

Answer this Question

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox
Connect

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Phrom Thep Cape in Phuket, Thailand

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Contribute to Thailand Network Contribute
Help others in Thailand by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Thailand.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal