What Living in Thailand Has Taught Me

Since moving to Thailand in November 2021, I have learned many things about adapting to a different culture and building a new life. Friends and readers often ask what advice I'd give to anyone thinking of making the move themselves. These are simply my own thoughts and experiences. Everyone's situation is different.

For the full story of how I ended up living in rural Isan, you can read From England to Rural Isan – Finding My Home in Thailand.

The Importance of Planning

To plan properly, it is a good idea to write down your priorities and what you want from life in Thailand. Then check out reputable websites and talk to trusted friends and sources who have made the move to find out exactly what is required. 

Planning should include visas, how much money you need, health insurance, and making sure that the Land of Smiles will provide you with your desired lifestyle. Don't rely on social media alone. Double-check information with official sources because visa rules and financial requirements can change.

Choosing the Right Location

Choosing the right location is a vital part of the planning process. Many expats move from where they initially live to other parts of the country after meeting a partner. That’s no problem. It can be dealt with at the time. 

However, to begin with, it is wise to choose somewhere that suits your interests and will provide enough to occupy you. Living near friends who can offer guidance during the transition period is a good plan, as they can tell you how they managed through personal experience. That's exactly what I did, and it made settling into Thailand much easier.

Does Bangkok Suit You?

Visas and Agents

Another thing to consider when planning is how you will deal with your visa. Those over 50 years old and with the required finances in the bank can apply for a long-term 12-month visa.

Many retirees initially enter Thailand on a short-term visa or visa exemption before later applying for a long-term retirement extension once their finances and paperwork are in place.
Financial requirements and application procedures change from time to time, so always check the latest Immigration regulations before applying.

Agents will carry out all the above for a fee. Some agents may charge as much as 50,000 THB for the first year. Then up to 20,000 each year thereafter, plus fees if you ask them to complete the necessary 90-day report. 

Personally, I prefer doing the process myself. It saves a considerable amount of money once you understand what's required.

Have Some Hobbies

Thailand is a great place to party and let loose the frustrations of escaping somewhere that has lost its shine. However, the fun soon stops if going out drinking incessantly. There are thousands of stories of those who spend their time in expat pubs and, before long, are moaning about the same things they were back home.

Finding positivity and creativity is important. It might be by playing sports or joining activities with other like-minded individuals. Alternatively, it might be making YouTube videos, writing Blogs, going to events, or simply doing puzzles to keep the mind active.

Following Thai Football - A Highly Recommended Hobby

Maintain Health and Wealth

Money can quickly disappear when spending too much time in expat bars. Western food and imported drinks are often expensive compared to local alternatives. A great way to make sure your money doesn’t run out is to get used to Thai food. It is not just about spicy dishes, with some incredible flavours in their many recipes.

It’s often healthier to replace fluids properly during the hottest months. It will help to control your wellness and lessen the chance of illness. Trying to do some form of exercise each day is thoroughly recommended for the mind and body.

Learn the Lingo

Something that has helped daily life living in Isan, where not too much conversational English is spoken, is to have learned Thai. I’m not fluent, but I am understood when ordering basics and feel part of things when around locals.

While many who relocate do so where there is a large population of expats, with more of their native tongue spoken, it is still nice to be able to communicate with Thais, who greatly appreciate the effort. 

Social Events are Far More Fun when you Communicate in Thai

Understanding Thais

Similarly to learning the language, it can reduce frustration and make life far more enjoyable by making the effort to understand Thais and their psyche. While we might be different in many ways, we all appreciate being considered.

The locals do things at a slower pace and don’t get too upset if things go wrong. Thailand has its own pace of life. Trying to force it to work like home usually leads only to frustration.

Make Local Friends

It’s amazing just how quickly you will make Thai friends through smiling and trying to converse. Doing so will open new opportunities to find out about events taking place, while the new acquaintances will know how and where to get things done, which can be invaluable.

If you get the opportunity to go to local restaurants with new Thai friends, or they invite you to their home, give it a go. Likewise, take the opportunity to go to festivals and cultural events. Some might be enjoyed, others avoided thereafter. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.
See other places around Thailand. If you do so in the company of those who live there, it will be a far greater experience, easier, and more enjoyable. But remember it might be slower!

Blissful Slower Life in Rural Sisaket

Find the Right Partner

It is not unusual for someone to move to Thailand to look for love and romance. Endless books have been written on the subject, while YouTube videos in their thousands are available. For what it’s worth, here’s my brief tuppence worth.

Get to know someone's family and the people around them before making major commitments. Just because you are told you are handsome in a tourist bar, it doesn’t mean that you have found the ideal partner. 

Respect those whom you are interested in. A misconception that leads to all kinds of problems is when a farang thinks every woman fancies them because they have more money and they’re in a poor country. That’s no way to build a lasting relationship. Take time to visit where a partner comes from, take an interest, and meet her family if you are serious about them.

Respect them as you would anyone in a relationship back home. Make the effort to make things work. Don’t forget, they are doing you a favour too. It’s not one-way traffic. If you feel you are being taken for granted or financially exploited, end things quickly.

Embracing Thailand

Embrace it fully

Thailand certainly isn't perfect, but neither is anywhere else. If you're willing to adapt, respect the culture and keep an open mind, it can offer an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. 

Living in Thailand hasn't changed who I am, but it has changed how I look at life. Slowing down, appreciating the people around me and embracing new experiences have made retirement far richer than I ever expected.

What has been your biggest surprise about living in Thailand? Or, if you're thinking about making the move, what concerns you most? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and I'll do my best to answer from my own experience.

For the story of how I personally ended up living in a rural Isan village, you can read "From England to Rural Isan – Finding My Home in Thailand."

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.