What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving to Thailand

I've been in Thailand for around 20 years now. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I'd known when I first arrived.

What did I expect, and what did I find?

I expected somewhere much less developed. I knew I'd experience a different country and a different culture, but I wasn't expecting all the comforts I had back home as well, like the food. I just didn't expect it to be comparable to the West.

What do I wish someone had told me?

How much I was going to enjoy it here. If I'd known, I would have treated it as my home from the start and put down roots earlier.

Instead, I spent a bit too long in tourist party mode and didn't worry much about jeopardising my life here. Now I'm very protective of it.

What would I have done differently with money?

Not a lot, because I didn't have much back then. I've always been fairly good with money and quite frugal, but I spent what I earned. I probably spent a bit too much on entertainment, golf and going out, and not enough on reinvesting.

What surprised me about Thai people?

How welcoming and accommodating they are, and above all how tolerant. Some visitors can be aggressive or overbearing, which is the very opposite of Thai culture, and Thais are remarkably good at dealing with it.

What are the downsides of moving to Thailand?

I'd do it all again, but there are real downsides, and you should know them before you come:

You're only ever here on a visa. Almost everyone lives on a visa that has to be renewed, and the rules change often. The DTV, for example, can last up to five years, but you're still classed as a tourist, not an immigrant. My visa finder explains the options.
Opening a bank account is harder now. You used to be able to do it as a tourist. Since the crackdown on scam centres, banks have become far stricter. Here's how it works now: banking in Thailand for foreigners.
You can't own land. Foreign ownership of land is prohibited. You can buy a condo, but with a house you're usually looking at a lease of up to 30 years. More in buying a house in Pattaya.
You must have health insurance. The private hospitals are very good, but you pay at the counter, and every policy has a limit. Check yours. More in healthcare in Pattaya.
Work is restricted. Many occupations are reserved for Thai nationals, and you need a work permit for any job. See working in Pattaya.
The rainy season. The rain usually starts in May, just after Songkran, and August and September can be quite bad too. Pattaya's flooding soon subsides, though.

None of these stopped me. But knowing them up front means you plan better.

My advice if you're thinking of moving here

Do it. Absolutely do it, and fully commit to it.

It depends on your finances, of course. If you have a passive income from home, such as a pension or other investments, and enough to live a reasonable lifestyle here, I'd absolutely do it.

That's not to knock the West, and it isn't true of everywhere or everyone. But for me, the way of life here is so good compared with the rat race back home.

If you're planning the move, start with living in Pattaya, Is Pattaya Expensive? and visas in Pattaya. And for how my own story unfolded, read from bar manager to seven businesses.