As a Thai born and raised in Thailand, the first thing I would do if I was planning to move to Thailand long term, is to NOT listen to any foreigners or expats selling out for Youtube.
There are NO two similar situations and it largely depends on your monthly budget.
There are expats retired here with plenty of money and their are others that did not save the equivalent of US $15,000 working their entire lives and depend on illegal agents to get around visa’s.
They also cannot afford any health insurance.
Thailand, no matter what you read, is not the place to be if you have a limited budget.
There are tons of stories from Youtuber’s living on next to nothing, but I guarantee this is not a long term solution.
If you live in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya or other high tourist areas, you will need twice as much to live.
If you can live in the farmlands of rural Isaan half as much.
To be safe and live like a normal human being would live in their own country, with housing, transportation, food, insurance and money to save and vacation elsewhere, I advocate 100,000 thb per month. In rural Isaan, 60,000 per month.
Yes, Yes, Yes you can live on less but do you really want to cheat yourself in your golden years?
You can live in a condo the size of a shoe box and spend your days on a bar stool drinking beer, or you can carve out as close to a normal life as you can away from the expensive tourist prices.
It is all up to you and the lifestyle you think you will enjoy the rest of your life.
My only advice, if you are planning on moving to Thailand forever:
- First, map out your long-term monthly budget before arriving. This way you will know how much you will have per month living in Thailand long term and you can visit and plan accordingly for that amount.
- Second, visit for at least 60 to 90 days. *NOTE: Living as a tourist with a pocket full of money and living here fulltime is like night and day. Spend some time in each location that you think you would like to live and if your budget is NOT 5 star hotels for ever, try to rent a place for a week or two close to the actual specifications of where you will live the rest of your life. Air-Con, Noisy Neighbors, Traffic, Pollution are all things to investigate.
- Investigate local medical, dental clinics and local hospitals. Get a solid idea of cost and insurance requirements including existing conditions.
- Inquire as to setting up banking. You many want one bank account to park your annual visa amount in each year and never touch it, and another account for day to day transactions.
- If you plan on driving you will need an international license from your home country and for a scooter, a license with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Have a BACK-UP Plan. If Thailand goes to hell in the future, you need a place to go if you are forced to leave. After making the decision to move to Thailand, you need to be very studious as to whether to sell your property in your home country or not. No one can help you with these kinds of decisions.
- Considerations for existing family, relatives, etc. in your home country. Video Skype is an option. However, you have to ask yourself if you want so visit your family and ensure your budget would allow for it.
- You should always have an up to date Will, specifying exactly what you want to happen when you pass.
- Understand law and order as you know it will not be the same here. Always be safe, stay in safe areas and think first. Read up on the legal situation in Thailand and what little rights you will have in the event you cause an accident or commit a crime.
Expats need to remember that Thailand is still a third would country in many areas, and one needs to understand and plan soundly with verifiable advice.
Being close buddies with China, anything can happen in this region of the world at any time.
Living in Thailand can be a real joy, if you give careful planning and mitigate any concerns before moving!