If you are planning to move to Thailand, you need to understand your expectations for living in this country.
Thailand is not the west, it is not first world and if you plan to replicate your life in the west here, it will not be the same.
Understand your expectations? What is negotiable versus what is a must have.
Some foreigners, including my own husband, have no expectations and can live in rural Isaan just like a local Thai.
Yet, the majority that have visited on a holiday, look for locations to match what they have at home.
Foreign friends, drinking establishments, fine dining for western foods, condo’s, access to the beach and attractions.
They want to live in Thailand but have western expectations here.
If you are one of the many that have western expectations, you should carefully define those before moving here and then map out a location to see exactly how many of these western expectations can be met.
A tourist experience here in Thailand is not even close to a real day to day experience as resort and fancy hotel areas are on a different level than living here full time.
For example, you find a nice Soi you want to live on and it is only after you have moved in a few days you hear the ungodly noise of the soi dogs howling at all hours of the day and night.
Or neighbors fixing their cars, using loud tools and 100 other things that do not meet your expectations.
Or trash being left everywhere.
There are many things you might be faced with that fail your expectations.
The key here is do you want to live in the real Thailand, or are just here for a cheaper cost of living and the weather, but want to live like a westerner amongst other westerners?
Outlining your expectations is key to a happy life here.
Not all expectations will be met, but can you meet enough of them to make you happy to be living here?