The Pros And Cons of Living in Thailand

Life in Thailand has its pros and cons, and I'll run you through the list of my Top 5. So if you're thinking of retiring in Thailand or moving here for any reason this video can help you decide if Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or anywhere else in Thailand is right for you.

If you just want to learn more about the Thai Language Challenge, here's a link for you:

Tools to help you move to Thailand:

0:00 Pros and Cons of Thailand
0:59 Cost of Living
4:17 Thai Visa System
6:30 Thailand Healthcare
8:20 Heat and Air Quality
10:25 Thai Food (and more)
13:40 Traffic
15:17 Regional Travel Options
17:06 Far From Home
19:06 Culture, People and Safety
22:31 Language Barrier
24:30 How to Beat Con No. 5

[ChipperChillinAbroad]

Having lived in Asian countries for 17 years and visited Thailand multiple times, I can say that the pros FAR outweigh the cons. I'll be back over there for good in 2027 when my daughter is off to college.

[KippaxInThailand]

I made my mind up on my very first visit to Thailand nearly 25 years ago that one day I will live and die in Thailand. I'm now 45 and have things in play to move over before I hit 50. Without being so negative last year was one of the worse ever financially in the UK for most people and it seems to be getting worse every year. The minute I land on Thai soil everything is much brighter and better. I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders like I've gained some superpowers lol I'm so much more happier. Great video Chris thanks

[ifitistobeitisuptome]

Absolutely AGREE with you about the Culture, People & Safety Pro!!
I lived & travelled around Thailand a few years ago and can honestly say I never ONCE felt unsafe or unwelcome!
Thailand is the most friendly and welcoming place I have ever been!!

[martypoll]

The cons:

Visa - I’ve got the 10 year pensioner LTR visa so there is no going to Immigration at all

Heat & weather - I don’t mind the tropical climate. It beats the foggy chilly damp of the San Francisco Bay Area. The air quality has never really bothered me but I’m not outside running marathons either.

Traffic - I was fortunate to live near a BTS station during my 6 years in Bangkok. Now I live in the countryside with a car.

Far from home - I try to get back to the US once per year. The flip side is that people from home are reluctant to visit Thailand.

Language barrier - yes it’s there but it’s not a barrier, for me, to every day living. I get by just fine. I’m a bit of a loner and I’m relaxed enough that I don’t let much bother me.

[chrissmall]

Been here almost 3 years now. I agree 100 percent with your viewpoint and opinions on the pros and cons of living in Thailand. Good vlog.

[RoOnTheGo]

Hi Chris, your Pros and Cons are spot on. Thai culture is amazing. Thai people are the most friendly on earth and the safety is perfect

[forlua]

00:19:15 In the West, people value "individual happiness" meanwhile in Thailand, people care more about "mutual happiness" and "mutual respect". Imagine that you have two circles representing individual rights, and there is a sharing intersection in the middle. In the West people tend to fight for that sharing area to expand their individual rights, on the contrary, doing something like that in Thailand is considered a selfish act.
Selfish freedom comes with a cost, for example in Germany, during COVID-19, it took German people several months to discuss an individual right not to wear a mask, and along that process, many elderly people died as a result. Meanwhile, in Thailand, it took like a week for people to do it to protect other people in the society.
So, the freedom in Thailand is not as extreme or selfish as in the US and also not as oppressive as in China. I think the Buddhist mentality is a very good basis to create a free and harmonious society.

[Olle-]

I find 3 of your cons actually being pros. I love Thailand. The people, climate and culture are awsome. I can't wait to move.

[lungjj]

I will be 56 in a few days and I live in France (I'm French) with my Thai wife. I traveled to Thailand 13 times between 2010 and 2019. I just want to say that the language barrier for me is the first disadvantage for someone who wants to live in Thailand. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of learning the Thai language for those who wish to live sustainably in Thailand.
Thank you for your channel, it's always a good time to listen to you

[justinmcintosh]

The cons are so worth the pros, Chris. Some don’t really register on my radar given I live in a hot, humid part of Australia. And I don’t aim to live in BKK so traffic and air quality is a lesser issue. But all the pros stand proud. Love your videos and your expertise and most importantly, your heart. You’re gold, man, you’re a giver. 10/10

[glenscott]

Chris I love your videos buddy!

I’m 45 years old and only just got the chance to leave the U.K. and visit Thailand (and Cambodia) for 3 weeks this winter. It totally opened up my mind to the possibility of a different retirement plan for me in Thailand. I resonate with the culture and people so much! Your videos are a great help my man. 👍🏼

I’m not a big fan of city life and I know you live in Bangkok so a lot of your videos are about living in Bangkok which is fair enough… I still watch them and find them interesting as you’re a good story teller so they’re a pleasure to watch 👍🏼

One of your pro’s is the culture and the people and this is what I personally find is the best thing about Thailand… like you say, you can jump on a BTS (subway train) and not have to deal with any litter or anyone being obnoxious and this is not just on the BTS but everywhere. Yes there’s litter in places but for me it’s the level of respect for others that really gets me.

I’ve got an older brother that retired from the U.K. and now lives in Rayong with a nice little bar/restaurant next to the beach. I’m landing back in Bangkok May 7th to use my 2 weeks Summer leave up in this beautiful country and my mission is to learn what daily life will be like.

I’ll be scouting through your videos for the next 48 days (yes I am counting them down 😂) and I have to agree that learning the Thai language is a must so you may see me somewhere soon!

[Sassy-ChefVB]

I just watched this video in the cab ride from Jomtien back Bangkok, and it really resonated with me on every single pro and con on your list. I am returning from USA for a Retirment R&D Trip to BKK, Jomtien and tomorrow to Hui Hin. Thank you for all your work on this channel, and if Khru Fah is watching…I did The First 10 lessons of the Thai Challenge. It really was a game changer for this second trip, and I love how the Thai people appreciate a Farang just trying to learn their language. Kap Kuhn Krup Kru Fah!!

[markholland]

leaving UK in just under 42hrs, headed to Vietnam first.. then FINALLY coming to Thailand for the first time... its taken a while to sort things out, 4yrs later than I had planned but a lot of research later, modestly financially comfortable so who knows how long I will stay/last!! on the topic of Thai FOOD?? HELL, it's WHY I am coming there and may never leave!!!! lol Thanks so much for your videos Chris because you are deffo one of the biggest sources of info and 🙏

[surisakkotchaseth]

Chris, you are so authentic about Tai (that's real). Thanks man.

[trevorcuthbert]

What can i say
Finally coming here to live this year
Love the nature of thai people way to many positives very happy to be retiring here

[ginadarling]

This was probably by far the most informative video I’ve seen. Most people seem to hide information. And because I am retired Army, and my daughter just graduated college, and we are moving there with my daughter, this was extremely helpful for me to understand the lay of the land . I’m feel more confident about choosing a neighborhood that is suitable for our lifestyle and also centrally located to explore what we want when we want. Thank you for sharing this information.

[LifeNkuwait]

Pro for me: BKK is 6 hour direct flight from Kuwait..I can continue to work here in Kuwait for the next year, pay off my condo, visit on weekends or holidays…Im slowing making the necessary steps to make the permanent move.Big Fan of your channel.Thanks Chris!

[JeddieT]

_”One of the beauties of Thailand is you can just say ‘yes’ to stuff.”_
…So true Chris. From a toenail manicure to two-hour taxi ride, you can just say “yes.”

[Darrenwalkingby]

Thanks for the thoughtful video Chris! Love videos that have a balanced view both pros and cons. Love Thailand 🇹🇭 keep it up! From fellow Canadian 🇨🇦

[Jasminestill-carpenter]

I have racked my brain over and over on if I am really going to do this and I've definitely decided. I'm getting my schooling done and heading there with my 2 and 5 year old I'm done with the US and everything to do with it.