“What catches retirees out most when they move here?”
My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in PattayaCulture shock, mostly assuming things work the way they do back home.
Small grievances rarely get anywhere here, and nobody will take up a minor complaint for you. And the pace is very much "tomorrow, tomorrow". Both take getting used to.
Money is usually not the problem. Once people adjust how they live, it's very affordable.
My best advice is to learn some Thai. You don't need to be fluent; it just tells people you've chosen to live here.
Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.
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