Thailand has long been a favourite destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. With a warm tropical climate, friendly locals, incredible food, and an affordable cost of living, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to build a new life here.
If you’re considering a move, our guide covers what it’s really like to live in Thailand as an expat — from working opportunities and cultural experiences to the best places to live, retire, or simply enjoy life. And if you’re ready to start planning, you can get help with the logistics of your move through Advance Moves’ dedicated Thailand relocation service.
Popular Places for Expats in Thailand
Thailand offers a wide variety of lifestyles depending on where you settle:
- Bangkok – The bustling capital is a hub for professionals, teachers, and entrepreneurs. It’s full of shopping malls, nightlife, and cultural attractions like the Grand Palace.
- Chiang Mai – Known for its laid-back lifestyle, cooler climate, and stunning mountain scenery. A hotspot for digital nomads and creative communities.
- Phuket – Thailand’s largest island, with beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and strong expat networks.
- Pattaya – Once a party town, Pattaya has grown into a family- and retiree-friendly base with hospitals, schools, and affordable housing.
- Hua Hin – A favourite for retirees thanks to its quieter lifestyle, golf courses, and proximity to Bangkok.
- Koh Samui – A tropical island paradise ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace with great wellness and lifestyle options.
Cost of Living in Thailand
One of the biggest draws of living in Thailand is affordability. Many expats report that they can live comfortably on £1,000–£1,500 per month, depending on their location and lifestyle.
- Housing: Apartments in Chiang Mai start at £250/month, while a central condo in Bangkok is £500–£1,000/month.
- Food: Street food dishes are available for £1–£2, and even a nice dinner at a restaurant can cost less than £15.
- Transport: Public transport and scooter rentals are cheap, while Grab (Thailand’s Uber) makes travel easy.
- Healthcare: Private hospitals are high quality and affordable. Many expats purchase health insurance starting around £800/year.
This affordability makes Thailand especially attractive for retirees and remote workers.
Working in Thailand
Expats in Thailand work in a variety of fields. Popular options include:
- Teaching English – One of the most common routes, with demand in schools and language centres.
- Digital Nomads – Thailand is a hub for online workers thanks to fast internet, co-working cafés, and strong communities in Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
- Hospitality and Tourism – Many foreigners open bars, restaurants, or wellness retreats, often partnering with Thai locals.
- Corporate Roles – Bangkok hosts international companies where skilled expats find opportunities.
To work legally, you’ll need a proper visa and work permit. Employers usually assist with paperwork.
Thai Culture and Everyday Life
Living in Thailand means embracing a rich cultural experience:
- Festivals – Songkran (Thai New Year in April) is celebrated with water fights across the country, while Loy Krathong in November lights up rivers with floating lanterns.
- Respect for Tradition – The Thai way of life values family, respect, and community. Learning a few Thai phrases goes a long way.
- Food – Thai cuisine is world-famous, from spicy street food to fresh seafood and regional specialities.
- Religion – Buddhism plays a central role, and you’ll see temples everywhere, from Bangkok’s Wat Pho to Chiang Mai’s Wat Phra Singh.
Travel and Holidays in Thailand
Living in Thailand also means having access to some of the world’s best holiday destinations right on your doorstep:
- Beaches – From Krabi’s dramatic limestone cliffs to the white sands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao.
- Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, and Koh Chang are favourites for both tourists and expats.
- Northern Highlands – Trekking, elephant sanctuaries, and cultural villages near Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
- City Escapes – Bangkok for shopping, nightlife, and temples; Ayutthaya for ancient ruins.
Many expats spend weekends exploring Thailand, while also taking advantage of budget flights to nearby countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
Retiring in Thailand
Thailand is particularly popular with retirees, thanks to its retirement visas, affordable healthcare, and active expat communities. Many choose quieter areas like Hua Hin or Chiang Mai, while others prefer the beach lifestyle of Phuket or Pattaya.
The cost of living means pensions or savings stretch further, allowing retirees to enjoy a higher quality of life. Clubs, social groups, and sports like golf make it easy to build new friendships.
Love and Relationships in Thailand
Many expats find love in Thailand. Relationships between foreigners and Thai nationals are common and widely accepted. Cultural differences should be respected — family ties and traditions are very important in Thai society — but cross-cultural relationships often thrive.
Dating apps, expat meetups, and social circles provide plenty of opportunities to meet people, whether you’re seeking romance or companionship.
Is Thailand Right for You?
Life in Thailand can be as exciting or relaxed as you want it to be. It offers a vibrant mix of culture, affordable living, travel opportunities, and warm communities. Like anywhere, there are challenges — visas, bureaucracy, and adjusting to the climate — but for many expats, the rewards far outweigh the obstacles.
If you’re ready to make the move, you can simplify the process by getting free international removal quotes in minutes. Start your journey today with Advance Moves’ Moving to Thailand service.