Do you want to move to Thailand because you absolutely love the country? Or do you have to move because it is time for retirement and you need a cheaper location?
The want to, have to, question always raises it’s head when it comes to expats moving to Thailand.
One thing I believe is Thailand attracts a majority of blue collar workers. When they get to retirement age, they are often looking to move to a location that has cheaper cost of living and Thailand can answer to that.
I don’t see many expats with Masters Degrees or Phd’s being forced to move due to costs?
There could be a reason that people with advanced education can earn enough income in their home countries to live a satisfying life. Working the corporate world offers bonus’, 401K matching, stock options and high salaries.
Many of these people marry other professionals and do not have a need to move to lower costs due to having high dual incomes.
I am pretty sure my husband could live anywhere he wants to, yet he chose to live in rural Isaan because of me. He didn’t have to, but he wanted to and he enjoys his quiet life here.
Single men would want to move for the chance at finding a woman.
Also there is a very high percentage of expats that have already been divorced in their home countries. Faced with losing it all, Thailand then becomes one of the few low cost countries to start over.
A person can rent a condo near the beach very cheap and have a good quality of life on a smaller pension.
Another issue would be weather. Moving out of the freezing cold for the tropics.
Although Thailand is extremely hot, humid and monsoon rains half the year, most expats would trade this weather for the cold.
Some of the reasons in the “Have To” category:
Lower cost of living
Easy to live with less money (US $1,000 a month)
Divorced
Some of the reasons in the “Want To” category:
Enjoy Thai culture
Money goes a lot further
Warmer weather
Thailand is a central hub, easy to travel to other destinations
Nightlife
Better quality of life
Affordable Nanny, Maid, Child care
Can build a Dream House
Easy to find a date
Exciting entertainment
Lots of places to see in country (Islands, Cities, Mountains, Plains)