Moving to Thailand can trigger anxiety – I speak from experience. My two previous moves to Thailand were incredibly stressful, though less because of the kingdom itself and more because of the triggering events.

Below, I will discuss details such as choosing a place to live in Thailand and the required cost of living. Following this, I will share my own experiences – not so much to boast, but in the hope of providing you with some clarity through my insights.

Whether you are more enthusiastic about life as an expat in Thailand or want to fully integrate into the local culture – as much as is possible for a farang to become Thai – I think you will leave this page with significantly more certainty than when you first clicked on it.

The time(s) I called Thailand my home

I'd never really given much thought to moving to Thailand, at least not enough to stress me out. My two stays in the Kingdom were necessary escapes – in 2012 from a toxic relationship in Berlin, and in 2017 before the start of Donald Trump's presidency. In both cases, Thailand forced me to confront the demons I'd been fleeing; I left Bangkok a better (or at least stronger and perhaps wiser) person than before.

Nevertheless, my time in Thailand was overwhelming. Both times I left with the firm intention of never returning, except perhaps for a visit. Although I currently have no concrete plans to retreat to see if the third time's the charm, I don't rule anything out in life. In fact, in the post-pandemic period, I often returned for weeks or even months, moving somewhere between visitor and resident.

What you should do before moving to Thailand

Get your immigration cards in order.

Whether you plan to work in Thailand (and thus obtain a residence permit), learn the language, apply for one of the new digital nomad visas, or simply want to enter and leave visa-free on a monthly basis, you need a visa strategy before traveling to Thailand. This is especially true for the latter option, as you should have a contingency plan in place in case you are stopped at the border after a so-called visa run.

Get your finances in order.

Another important aspect of moving to Thailand is money. As a digital nomad, you probably have more than enough – Thailand is one of the most affordable countries for this profession. However, regardless of whether you want to teach English or work in the corporate sector, I wouldn't recommend signing an employment contract with a salary below 90,000 baht (US$3,000) per month.

Another important element is choosing health insurance. One option I can particularly recommend, especially if you're planning a stay abroad of more than a year, is the Nomad Complete plan from SafetyWing (a company I've written about and recommended before).

With Nomad Complete (compared to the Essential plan, which is also quite good), you receive numerous additional benefits with a minimum term of 12 months. These include coverage for inpatient treatments such as maternity care and psychological support, cancer screenings (and treatments if necessary), as well as regular doctor's appointments. And the best part: you can use the insurance in multiple locations if you're truly traveling nomadically, or just in one if you plan to stay exclusively in Thailand. You're even covered in your home country!

Make a resolution to learn the language.

My Thai course in Bangkok was a frustrating experience – the teacher in my group class was so chronically late that the school offered me free private lessons, which also had their drawbacks – but ultimately I'm glad I took the plunge. Unless you plan to exclusively frequent foreigner-friendly establishments and surround yourself with people from Western countries, at least a basic knowledge of Thai is essential for an authentic experience in Thailand.

(And understand the kingdom)

Moving to Thailand involves more than just organizing finances and finding accommodation. It's not just about exploring as much of the kingdom as possible, but also about forging friendships (and, if you're single, romantic relationships) with locals. I've never understood why some people move to the other side of the world only to live in their own little world; in a culturally rich country like Thailand, it seems particularly pointless.

Formulate an exit strategy

Whether you're living an exciting expat life in Bangkok or enjoying the authentic Thailand experience in Chiang Mai or Krabi, one thing is certain: nothing lasts forever, not even your time in Thailand. At some point, you'll need a break (perhaps even a permanent one), far from the Land of Smiles, whether out of exhaustion or simply to broaden your horizons. Pay attention to when you feel you've had enough. Some expats process this phase by journaling; others seek advice online from spiritual counselors to gain a different perspective on the meaning of their restlessness.

Popular places to live in Thailand

Another important decision to make when living in Thailand is choosing where to live. Here are the best options:

  • If your move to Thailand depends on living in a huge, international city (as was always the case for me), then Bangkok is the very best choice.
  • Many expats, however, prefer the leisurely pace of life in Chiang Mai, especially if they feel comfortable riding around on a motorbike.
  • Traditionally, places like Phuket and Pattaya attract a "certain" type of expat, but this is changing with rising costs.
  • Koh Samui is not my favorite island in Thailand, but it is still a more luxurious place to live in Thailand than Phuket or Pattaya.
  • If you want to lead a relaxed island life and prefer to spend your time with locals rather than other expats, Koh Lanta could be a good choice.

    • Is moving to Thailand worthwhile?

    Regardless of which destinations in Thailand appeal to you most, or how you choose to earn a living and spend your time in the Kingdom, Thailand has a way of captivating you. This isn't always pleasant—often even extremely irritating—but you don't move to the other side of the world seeking comfort and convenience. (Or at least, in my humble opinion, you shouldn't.)

    Life in Southeast Asia in general, with the exception of Singapore, reinforces a mantra that gave me courage before I first moved abroad over ten years ago – to Shanghai: Comfort is the enemy of progress. If advancement – ​​upward mobility – in life is more important to you than well-being or an easy life, I would highly recommend moving to Thailand.

    Other frequently asked questions about moving to Thailand

    Couldn't you just move to Thailand?

    From personal experience, I can say: Yes, you can simply move to Thailand. With a manageable amount of belongings, you can enter on a tourist visa and settle there, so to speak. However, I advise against it if you don't have the necessary means to live in Thailand without a job, or if you can't leave the country at least once every 30 days to avoid being charged with illegal residence.

    How much money does one need to live comfortably in Thailand?

    If you plan to live in Bangkok, I recommend having at least US$3,000 per month available, ideally US$5,000 or more. While the cost of living may be lower in smaller towns and cities in Thailand, the more money you have available, the more comfortable your life in Thailand will be.

    What are the disadvantages of living in Thailand?

    Thailand is a beautiful country to travel and live in, but it's not all sunshine and roses. Environmental factors like pollution can make life difficult, as can social factors such as poverty and prostitution. You should be aware of these downsides before settling in Thailand.

    Conclusion

    Moving to Thailand isn't easy, and life in the Kingdom isn't always straightforward either. But with the right preparation and enough space for the changes that come with it, a year (or ten) in Thailand can change your life. I speak from experience – I've lived in Bangkok twice and often think about a third time. With this website, I don't just want to address these more abstract questions, but also help you with practical matters, such as choosing the right place in Thailand and financing your adventure. Want to connect with others? Then hire me as your personal Thailand coach!