Why do so many foreigners want to move to Thailand?
Yes, we can understand those married to Thai women 100%.
But what about everyone else?
Thailand has become a mythical country for most.
Due to the wildly untrue stories on Youtube and all the false information on Facebook, foreigners are lulled into believing Thailand is cheap.
Well, newsflash. Thailand is only cheap if you live in rural Thailand and live like a Thai person.
How does US $6.63 sound for a jar of Jif Peanut Butter?
That does not sound cheap to me?
How about a small bag of dogfood? US $21.63. Does that sound cheap to you?
Cheese is expensive. 8 slices or less for US $5.85. Cheap?
Thailand is cheap IF you can live like a Thai person and eat nothing but local, cheap, Thai food.
Once you start factoring in restaurants, western food, and drinks, Thailand is expensive.
So any delusions of living here long term for $1,000 a month are just delusions unless you can live in rural Thailand like a Thai person.
The biggest issue the dreamers that move to Thailand face is running out of money because they have misjudged the real cost of living in the cities and tourist areas.
In the west, most people earn enough money to eat and buy what they want.
Imagine living in Thailand on a budget so tight that you cannot afford the things you like?
Happens to many and it is not long before they head for home.
Thailand is only an option IF YOU CAN AFFORD THE LIFESTYLE YOU WANT!
Anything less will be a depressing disappointment.
Remember this as well before you sell everything you own and move to Thailand?
Thailand changes just like every other country in the world.
Over the years, things become more expensive.
VISA’s require a lot of money in a Thai bank and annual renewal costs.
10 years ago a basic Thai food dish was 20 to 30 baht. Now they are 50 to 60 baht.
Any long term budget has to account for the rising costs of everything over the years.
Another issue is currency. Thai Baht currency is currently very low at 30 thb to US $1.
10 years ago it was as high as 45 thb to US $1.
When the Thai currency is strong, your western money does not go as far.
Thailand is a great place to retire to.
People with pensions that can afford to live here the way they want.
Younger people thinking of moving with families?
International Schools with full English curriculums cost US $30,000 per year per student.
Better accept unless you are wealthy, homeschooling is the only answer.
Before you dream of Pina Coladas and laying on the beach all day in Thailand, better figure out how you are going to be able to pay for it.
Not just this year, but over the long term.
Plan, plan and plan some more.