Pros and Cons of Living in Bangkok

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the low cost of living in Bangkok, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. They appreciate the wide variety of delicious and affordable street food, as well as the diverse range of international cuisine available. The city's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, is also a major draw for many. Bangkok's well-developed public transportation system, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, makes it easy for expats and digital nomads to get around the city. The warm and friendly nature of the Thai people is another aspect that many foreigners enjoy, as it helps them feel welcome and at ease in their new home. The city's central location within Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for exploring the region, with many nearby countries easily accessible by plane or bus. Additionally, the availability of coworking spaces and a growing startup scene make Bangkok an attractive destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. However, there are also some aspects of living in Bangkok that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The city's notorious traffic congestion can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. The hot and humid climate may also be uncomfortable for those not used to tropical weather, and the air pollution can be a concern for those with respiratory issues. Language barriers can also pose challenges for expats and digital nomads, as not all locals speak English, and navigating the Thai language can be difficult for newcomers. Finally, while the Thai culture is generally welcoming and friendly, some expats may experience feelings of isolation or struggle to adapt to certain cultural differences," remarked one expat in Bangkok.

"I have lived in Bangkok for on and off 18 years. Yes immigration in Thailand can be very arbitrary. I started living in Thailand in 2006 and through many coups and that is where it gets sticky. My now ex and I purchased a condo which was straight forward. He is Thai. You will need to pay attention to the purchasing changes and the constant immigration changes. Every new Prime Minister put their stamp on the policies. I think I went through 5 or 6 Prime Ministers. That being said, I managed to stay in Thailand without many problems. I used Siam Legal and understood the nuances of extra Bhat’s in the paperwork. We gave the immigration person 3,000 Bhat extra and all went smoothly. In Thailand everything is possible when you grease the wheel. Forget the way you may have done business in the US. Now is a good time as new Prime Minister and they are hungry to have westerners back after Covid. She is the youngest daughter of Taksin (sp) the PM when I arrived in the early 2000’s. I loved Thailand, but understand you are not Thai and you will encounter issues. Now I live elsewhere in the world, but my heart will always be in Thailand. ," explained one expat in Thailand.

"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 expat in Bangkok.