Thailand is one of the most preferred destinations for living worldwide due to its natural beauty, rich culture, and hospitable people. Moving to Thailand offers more than just an exotic holiday experience; it also provides unique opportunities for starting a new life both personally and professionally. If you’re considering moving to Thailand, you’re in the right place to discover the 20 incredible reasons this paradise country offers. From stunning beaches to vibrant city life, affordable living costs to delicious cuisine, Thailand is practically a paradise for those looking for a fresh start. In this article, we will explore the advantages of moving to Thailand and why this magnificent country could be your ideal living destination. Here are 20 Reasons to Move to Thailand.
1. Visa Ease and Flexibility
Those who have tried to get a visa for European countries before know that obtaining a visa for Europe is somewhat more difficult compared to less developed countries. There were always problems when getting a visa for European countries. I thought the same would be true for getting a visa to Thailand, but it wasn’t. I only submitted a few documents. They didn’t even ask a question. I handed in the documents and left. It took about 5 minutes. So, don’t worry about the visa issue. Getting a Thai visa is very easy compared to other visas. Of course, what I’m saying applies to long-term visas. For short stays, Thailand doesn’t require a visa from most countries. A passport is sufficient. Additionally, Thailand offers various options for longer stays, such as tourist visas, work visas, education visas, marriage visas, retirement visas, and investment visas. This wide range of visas makes it easy to live in Thailand long-term and simplifies legal processes.
***Be sure to check the Thai consulate website for the most up-to-date information.
For instance, I got a 3-month tourist visa from my country to avoid any issues at the airport and to have time to switch to another visa type in Thailand. Later, I got an education visa from Thailand, allowing me to live here for a year. If you want to live in Thailand, you can easily get a tourist visa, decide which visa type to switch to, and change your visa here. If you find a job within 3 months, you can change your visa to a work visa. Unfortunately, I found a job after converting to an education visa. If I had found it earlier, I wouldn’t have spent money on the education visa unnecessarily.
2. The Appeal of Tropical Islands and Beaches
I’m sure you’ve all heard about the fame of Thai islands. When I came to Thailand, I realized how deserved that fame was. I remember how surprised I was by the white sand, turquoise sea, and magnificent high mountains when I visited. I was rightly surprised because I never expected to see such a mesmerizing beauty in my lifetime. Now I live with these beauties. These beauties are like a piece of paradise. These islands and beaches offer a relaxing lifestyle with warm weather and natural beauty year-round. If you move to Thailand, you can easily access this tropical atmosphere right outside your door. If you wonder about the islands I recommend, you can visit Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao.
3. Rich Natural Parks and Wildlife
Thailand is a paradise recognized worldwide for its natural beauty and diversity. This exotic country offers a treasure trove for nature lovers with its unique natural parks and rich wildlife. The impressive limestone cliffs and tranquil lakes of Khao Sok National Park provide visitors with unforgettable memories. Observing exotic fish in the clear waters of the Erawan Waterfalls or watching elephants in their natural habitats in Khao Yai National Park are just a few of the unique experiences Thailand offers. Exploring Thailand’s enchanting nature and rich wildlife is an opportunity not to be missed by anyone visiting this country. Get ready to explore the natural beauty of Thailand and embark on an unforgettable adventure in this wondrous land!
4. Buddhist Temples and Faith Tourism
Thailand offers a spiritual discovery with its Buddhist temples and is a major attraction for faith tourism. The magnificent Wat Arun in Bangkok and the Wat Traimit, famous for its Golden Buddha statue, offer visitors a peaceful atmosphere. Walking through the temple-filled narrow streets of Chiang Mai allows you to experience a mystical journey with historical structures like Wat Phra Singh. Additionally, sacred places like the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew reflect Thailand’s deep Buddhist beliefs. Exploring Thailand’s captivating Buddhist temples is an ideal opportunity for those who want to see its cultural richness and embark on a spiritual journey. Get ready for an unforgettable spiritual experience in Thailand’s mystical temples!
5. Diverse and Colorful Cultural Festivals
During my time in Thailand, I never remember being bored in this country. Because you can find a festival in every season and corner. Thailand is famous for its many colorful festivals like Songkran (Water Festival), Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), and Yi Peng. So famous, in fact, that people from many different countries and cultures flock to these festivals every year. These festivals ensure that Thailand is full of fun events and celebrations throughout the year. All of Thailand, local or foreign, comes together to celebrate these festivals. You can find all of Thailand on the streets, from children to the elderly, celebrating in a festive atmosphere full of joy and love.
Did you know that there are between 2000 and 3000 festivals in Thailand? And this number could increase if you include small community events. But if you ask me which one is my favorite, the answer would definitely be Songkran (Water Festival). Because during this festival, people celebrate with water, and everyone throws water at each other. You can especially see the Thai people renting huge water tanks to splash water on everyone on the streets. Some of the festivals in Thailand are; Songkran, Loy Krathong, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Flower Festival, Monkey Festival, Vegetarian Festival, Elephant Festival, Ghost Festival.
6. Developed and Dynamic Expat Communities
Thanks to Thailand’s popularity, there is a large and dynamic international expat community. These communities enrich social life and offer the opportunity to meet people from different nationalities and expand your social circle. You can easily find like-minded individuals sharing your interests and experiences, from businessmen to retirees. This makes it easy to connect and build a social network. Wherever you go in Thailand, you will definitely come across people from your own country. That’s why I never felt like a foreigner in any place I visited. Thanks to the people I met from my own nation everywhere I went, I felt like I was in my own country. One of the main reasons why foreigners feel good in Thailand is that this country is both non-judgmental and welcoming to people from various backgrounds. So, if you get the chance to come here, don’t worry about feeling lonely.
7. Vibrant and Lively Nightlife
If you love to have fun and venture out into the night streets of Thailand, you’ll definitely find something to enjoy. Thailand is famous for its lively nightlife that comes alive when the sun sets and lasts until the morning. Khao San Road in Bangkok is a true attraction with its brightly lit bars, clubs, and street entertainment. The Patong Beach area in Phuket is practically a nightlife paradise with beach parties and live music venues. In Pattaya, Walking Street along the coast is filled with various bars and clubs, offering unlimited options for those looking for entertainment. Experiencing Thailand’s energetic and colorful nightlife will be an unforgettable adventure for both local and foreign visitors. Get ready for a night full of fun in Thailand’s vibrant nightlife and create unforgettable memories in this lively atmosphere!
8. The Delights of Thailand Cuisine
Now we’ve come to one of the most famous topics; of course, food. Whenever I talk to someone, the first question they ask is, “How do you eat their food?” But contrary to popular belief, Thai cuisine is not bad. On the contrary, Thai cuisine ranks among the top 10 in the world. This cuisine is globally famous for its spicy and flavorful dishes. In addition to unique dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Massaman Curry, tropical fruits and seafood are also among the highlights of Thai cuisine. From street food to luxury restaurants, it offers a wide range of food options. You can find many food stalls on every street. Juice stands are among my favorites. Under the hot sun, these delicious fruit juices made from cold fruits are like gold.
If you, like me, love to eat healthily, Thai cuisine is just right for you. So, I definitely recommend giving this cuisine a try. But if you can’t eat or don’t like it, don’t worry because Thailand now includes more international cuisines than in the past. Here you can find many restaurants with flavors from all over the world, from Turkish cuisine to Italian cuisine.
9. Economic and Affordable Cost of Living
Thailand is very economical in terms of basic living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation. Even in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it is possible to live comfortably with a low cost of living. Affordable housing, budget-friendly food options, and economical transportation alternatives make Thailand an attractive place to live. Perhaps the primary reason why many choose to settle here is the ability to live in apartments you couldn’t even dream of in your own country. With just one salary, you can afford the rent of a skyscraper. While swimming in the pool on the 44th floor of that building, you can enjoy the breathtaking view and say, ” I’m glad to be here.”
9.1. Rents, Expenses, Currency
Whether you rent an apartment in the city center or a larger one outside the city, the rental prices will range between 100 and 700 USD in both cases. In general, this country is quite economical compared to Western countries. Here, most Thai people can live comfortably on a monthly budget of 550 USD. A budget of 550 – 1,000 USD ensures a comfortable lifestyle, while 2,000 USD allows you to live quite luxuriously. So, your expenses really depend on you. While an evening meal in a cafe might cost up to 10 dollars per meal, an evening meal at a roadside restaurant can cost as little as 2 dollars per meal. Yes, you heard it right; you can currently fill your stomach in Thailand for 2 dollars.
Additionally, the Thai Baht has remained relatively stable against major currencies like the US Dollar and Euro over the past few years. Moreover, transportation in Thailand is also very affordable. Because Thailand has some of the cheapest taxis in the world.
10. Famous Thai Massage and SPA Services
Thailand is almost like a country of massages, a massage paradise. Call it what you want. The country is known for its traditional Thai massage and affordable SPA services, which provide both physical and mental relaxation. You can find a massage parlor or SPA center on almost every corner in Thailand. It’s also very cheap. Unlike in your country, you can get a massage at market prices in Thailand. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how busy your day is in Thailand, because you can rid yourself of all the accumulated fatigue with a one-hour Thai massage session at the end of the day. Moreover, you are not limited to just Thai massage. You can try many different types of massages in Thailand and choose the one that suits your preference.
11. High Standard of Healthcare Services
Thailand offers quality healthcare services with modern hospitals and expert doctors. International standard hospitals in many cities are also quite popular for medical tourism. Even if you have no insurance and are paying out of pocket, Thailand provides comprehensive healthcare services and medical care at quite affordable prices. However, if you are working here and paying taxes, you can get free care at any hospital you want. The prices of medicines in Thailand are also quite economical. Additionally, you can get many medications without a prescription at most pharmacies. Moreover, you can find many of the medications you are already using.
12. Modern Infrastructure and Easy Transportation Options
Thailand offers a comfortable life with its developed transportation network and modern infrastructure. You can easily travel across the country by road, rail, and air. The Skytrain (BTS) and metro (MRT) systems in Bangkok make city travel fast and easy. Thailand’s internet infrastructure is also very good. And like everything else, it’s very cheap. For example, for 600 baht (16 USD) per month, you can get a fiber 500/500 Mbps plan. If you pay a little more, you can get even faster plans.
13. Opportunities for Close Interaction with Animals
If you are an animal lover, you can witness many animal species in Thailand. Elephant conservation centers, tiger kingdoms, and various animal parks offer unique opportunities for animal lovers. You can feed elephants at these centers, take photos with tigers, or visit and feed various animals in their habitats. Personally, since I moved to Thailand, I have seen and fed countless elephants and monkeys. Don’t be surprised if you see an elephant passing by while riding a motorcycle in Phuket or see a monkey in any park. Because elephants and monkeys are everywhere in this country. Also, a life intertwined with stray dogs and cats is possible in Thailand. The people here are very respectful of stray animals. Even if they see a stray dog or cat right in front of or inside a market, they don’t disturb the animal; instead, they show respect and pass by them.
14. Wide Range of Educational and Language Courses
Thailand is an ideal destination for those seeking new learning opportunities with quality educational institutions and rich language courses. International schools in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer world-class education, while language schools provide the opportunity to learn Thai and English at every level. In the friendly and culturally rich environment of Thailand, you can find excellent opportunities to develop both your academic and language skills. Studying in Thailand not only allows you to gain new knowledge but also offers the chance to explore a fascinating culture and make new friendships. Develop yourself and broaden your horizons with Thailand’s wide range of educational and language courses!
15. Growing Economy and Investment Opportunities
Thailand is a country that stands out with its rapidly growing economy and attractive investment opportunities. It offers extensive opportunities for those who want to invest, especially in the real estate and tourism sectors. Real estate prices in Thailand are quite low compared to countries like the USA and the UK. In Bangkok, a luxurious furnished apartment with a skyline view near the city center and tourist spots is much more affordable than similar apartments in Hong Kong and Japan. This makes Thailand an ideal destination for those looking to invest in real estate.
The Thai government provides incentives and facilities for foreign investors, making the investment process quite easy. The country is rich in agricultural lands and has a strong presence in sectors such as automotive, electronics, healthcare, and jewelry. Investing in these sectors means taking advantage of the benefits that Thailand offers. Additionally, Thailand is one of the easiest countries to start a business in. Low business startup costs, affordable labor, and abundant raw materials allow you to start your own business in Thailand effortlessly. Thailand is truly a land of opportunities for investors. While investing, you can enjoy both the economic and cultural wealth of this fascinating country.
16. Various Sports and Activity Options
Although Thailand seems to be known for its sea, sand, and sun tourism, on the other hand, this country is also known for its diverse and adventure-filled activities. Thailand offers a variety of sports and activity options such as water sports, yoga, martial arts (especially Muay Thai), golf, and nature walks. These activities are excellent options for both physical health and mental balance. Thailand also hosts various nature and adventure sports such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, rafting, and diving. You can go mountain hiking in Chiang Mai, experience rock climbing in Krabi, or dive in the Similan Islands to see many colorful species of fish. In Thailand, in addition to doing sports, you can lead a life full of different cultural activities.
17. Wide Shopping Options
Let’s talk about Thailand’s shopping variety. Many people from various countries flock to this country just for shopping. And it’s hard to argue with them. You can’t always see the option of shopping on a floating boat everywhere. Yes, I’m talking about shopping while floating on a boat. You can shop while sailing on the boat. Though I don’t recommend it as these are tourist spots and therefore expensive. However, cities like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai offer great options for various handicrafts and souvenirs in large shopping malls and local markets. And large markets like Chatuchak Market are places where you can find local products and handmade items. If you are looking for both modern and traditional options, Thailand is just for you.
18. Hospitable and Friendly People
Did you know that Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”? Yes, that’s true because the local people here are always happy. One thing I have always witnessed in this country is that these people respond with a smile even to situations that anyone else would consider bad. This country is also known for the hospitality of its locals. In Thailand, encountering friendly and helpful people is possible in every aspect of life. This sincere approach of the local people makes foreigners feel at home in the country.
Besides all this, Thai people are very calm. You won’t hear a single horn sound even in traffic jams that last for hours. Because in Thai culture, getting angry, fighting, or arguing causes you to lose respect in the eyes of others. This also contributes to a generally less stressful and more enjoyable lifestyle. Not encountering rude and selfish people every day increases your quality of life in the long run. Instead, you will have a pleasant time encountering cheerful and peaceful Thai people when you go out. Their traditional calmness stems from the Theravada Buddhist culture.
19. Cultural Diversity and Tolerance
Thailand is a country that stands out for its tolerance and diversity, where people from different cultures live together. This diversity makes Thailand a destination that offers a rich cultural experience and the opportunity to be part of a tolerant society. Unlike any other country I have seen so far, Thai people treat everyone equally. They never discriminate against one person over another. In other countries, you may encounter many cases of racism, but it’s very rare to see this in Thailand.
For example, in America, Afro-Americans know they need to be extra careful when dealing with the police, even though minor incidents can turn into major tragedies. But when you look at Thai police, the only reason they might stop you in traffic is to check if you are wearing a helmet, have a driver’s license, or are under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, you will feel like one of them in this tolerant and non-racist country.
20. Safety
Thailand, compared to many other popular tourist destinations, has relatively low crime rates. Violent crimes, in particular, are rare, and most tourists complete their trips safely. The increase in political stability and measures taken against natural disasters further enhance Thailand’s safety. Additionally, the Thai people’s hospitality and willingness to help make tourists feel more secure. By considering basic safety precautions, you can have a safe travel experience in Thailand. Speaking from my own experiences, there have been times when I forgot to lock my house or left my motorcycle key in the ignition. Yet, you don’t feel worried. Thailand is a country where both locals and foreigners can live safely.
In Summary…
Moving to Thailand is not just an exotic adventure; it is also a unique experience that will give you a new perspective on life. In this article, by exploring the 20 attractive reasons Thailand offers, you have seen that this beautiful country could be an ideal living space for you. Thailand’s warm climate, hospitable people, low cost of living, and unique cultural richness provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to turn their dream of building a new life into reality.
If you are considering moving to Thailand, do not delay in seizing these opportunities and reshaping your life. This exotic country offers you both a peaceful life and a dynamic lifestyle. Starting anew in Thailand will not only fulfill your dreams but also provide you with unforgettable memories and a new home. Are you ready to open a new chapter in your life? Step into Thailand and discover the opportunities waiting for you in this paradise-like country. If you want to learn more about Thailand, don’t forget to follow my page. I will be sharing information about Thailand with you every week.
