If you want to live in Thailand full time and you are under the age of 50, there are 2 options.
Option 1 is being filthy rich
Options 2 is you must have an income
My opinion is younger expats should have to earn at least 65,000 thb per month.
Yes, yes, yes, others do it much cheaper, however they are not living, they are just surviving and sooner or later that ends.
Having an income in Thailand is the absolute biggest hurdle to moving to Thailand and living here full-time.
The number one question is jobs. What kind of job can I find?
Short of finding a low paying job teaching English, it is one of the most difficult countries to get a job in. Many jobs are legally reserved for only Thai people.
That being said, the best ways to get an income:
- Teach English
- Work online as a Digital Nomad
- Start your own company
- Get hired on an expat package
Jobs like teaching English might get you started, but many soon tire of the long hours and low pay. If you have a Masters Degree and latch on to a good international school you might make a life here.
Digital Nomads working for overseas companies and clients getting paid in first world currencies. Working remotely for a western company.
Start your own company has financial and hiring requirements. Hard to find a unique business idea. Marijuana was recently legalized and already over 1,000 shops have opened.
Getting hired on full expat package is like winning the lottery.
If you want to see how one foreigner survives and what life is really like follow Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@LillysLife
Thailand is only great if you have money not to worry or struggle.
Most expats worked their entire lives to be able to retire in Thailand with enough income.
It is not an easy task, specially if you think about saving money for old age when the job is over.