30 Reasons to Move to Thailand

Are you thinking about moving to Thailand? By the end of this post you should be able to decide if moving to Thailand is right for you and the huge life changes that living in Thailand can bring.

I’ve lived in Bangkok for 8+ years and have worked as a teacher in Thailand for all that time, as well as being a Bangkok based travel blogger. Moving to Thailand is one of the best decisions I ever made and I actually made the choice of moving to Thailand TWICE (I left for a couple of years over Covid times) but came back for an even better job than I had the first time around! That should show you how amazing living in Thailand truly is.

If I can move to Thailand, then it is possible for you too. These are all the reasons to inspire you to move to Thailand and if you want to know HOW to move to Thailand, then I can help with that, I wrote a whole book about it!

There are so many benefits of living in Thailand and many foreigners living here that enjoy these amazing pros to living in Thailand.

1. Lifestyle

One of the main benefits of living in Thailand is the quality of life. Many foreigners living in Thailand enjoy the perks of low accommodation cost, ease of travel and convenience of Asia. It’s the reason that I moved back to Thailand, even after being back in Europe over Covid times. Many foreigners living in Thailand (me included) feel that we have a better quality of life than we did in our home countries, the freedom, the fun, the adventure, the ease and convenience and a better work-life balance is one of the main reasons I love living in Thailand so much.

2. Freedom

When I first moved to Thailand age 24, I couldn’t believe how free I felt. Thailand truly welcomed me and I felt free to be myself, to travel and explore, to live life on my terms as I wanted to. When moving to Thailand for the second time, I still felt that even though I was older and in a higher level job.

3. Cost of Rent

A huge factor in moving to Thailand for most foreigners is that your money can go further and for me that is definitely in terms of the cost of accommodation. Coming from the UK, rent at home can often be 50% (!) of your salary, particularly if you are a teacher and single. The fact that you can rent affordable and lovely condos in Thailand that can be 25% or LESS than your salary gives you so much more freedom to live the life you want with the rest of your money. Inside my How to Move to Thailand ebook, I’ve shared a range of different costs of rent if you want to explore your options and what you can get for your money!

4. Nature

For me as a nature and ocean lover, moving to Thailand had huge appeal for me. I am obsessed with visiting beautiful national parks in Thailand, looking for wild elephants and scuba diving from the many, many islands in Thailand. Thailand is home to incredible animals from pink dolphins and whales, to turtles and sharks, to elephants and gibbons. These are trips I love to do during the weekends and holidays from work and definitely is one of the BEST benefits of living in Thailand. My favourite national parks in Thailand are all here.

5. Thai People

Thai people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world and Thailand is well known as the ‘Land of Smiles’. During my 8+ years of living in Bangkok, I can assure you this is true. People here will always help you if you are lost, get very excited when you communicate with them in terrible Thai (!) and want to show you their amazing country. While some expats in Thailand claim it is difficult to meet Thai friends, I have personally never experienced that. I’ve always made effort to meet locals and connect and have lovely Thai friends for many years now. I know that they will help me at the drop of a hat and frequently ask them for help if I need to call someone or need something translated (yes I am still learning to read Thai – it’s hard!). This is one of the reasons to move to Thailand and also why I created a community to connect people who have just moved to Thailand.

6. Thai Cuisine

If you’ve visited Thailand before then you will know one of the main draws to moving to Thailand is the food. Delicious, spicy, cheap Thai food is well established globally for a reason. I eat Thai food multiple times a week although I do indulge in international cuisine because sometimes I just need some pasta! Some visitors to Thailand worry about getting sick from food but I have been ill once from some dodgy chicken in a restaurant in 8 years. For more about health and safety in Thailand you can read my blog post here.

7. Bangkok

Bangkok is my favourite city in the world and the reason to move to Thailand for me. The first time I visited I HATED it but quickly learnt to love it and now it’s been home for so many years. One reasons I love living in Bangkok is that you can be eating delicious street food one minute and head to a fancy rooftop bar for a cocktail afterwards. Bangkok truly has everything you need for a good life and it’s why I’ve been living in Bangkok for so many years.

8. Thailand Islands

Being able to get to the beach and to explore some of Thailand’s incredible islands is a HUGE perk of living here in Thailand. Instead of being a tourist and travelling through, we can take our time and return multiple times to our favourite places as well as continually travelling to new islands (I’ve yet to stay on them all but it’s a personal goal of mine). There are islands in Thailand to suit every personality type from party islands to quiet beaches, islands best for scuba diving and islands that aren’t officially islands but we treat them like they are (Railay!). You can find all my Thailand island destination guides here.

9. Scuba Diving

The first time I came backpacking to Thailand I had NO idea I would end up moving to Thailand a few years later. If you had told me that it would have blown my mind. I discovered my favourite hobby of scuba diving on Koh Tao when I was 22 and I have been scuba diving regularly ever since, training up to divemaster and now have completed over 300 dives. Despite some habitat degradation, Thailand still has some healthy coral reefs and the chance to see turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and a wide range of biodiversity. While there are other countries in South East Asia that have better scuba diving sites, I still dive in Thailand frequently and enjoy it every time.

10. Access to South East Asia

When you live in Thailand it opens up the world of South East Asia. You can hop on a flight (or train) and easily be in a different country in a matter of hours. Moving to Thailand means that you can explore this whole incredible region for the price of an affordable budget flight. Since living in Bangkok, I’ve visited Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Bali and beyond), Borneo, the Philippines and Taiwan. South Korea and Japan are on my future bucketlist to visit.

11. Access to South Asia

When living in Thailand it is so easy to also explore India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. They are approximately a 4 hour flight away and spending the holidays in these incredible countries is a definite benefit of moving to Thailand for me. From adventure to diving, to surfing and safaris there is so much to see and do in South Asia. It’s partly why I started this blog.

12. Culture

Thai culture is fascinating and while you live in Thailand you can experience amazing festivals such as Songkran – Thai New Year and a huge country-wide water fight as well as gentler festivities such as Loy Kratong where locals float their worries away on banana leaves and candles. Visiting temples is a great activity to do in Thailand and they have such a range of Buddhist temples, from huge Buddha statues, to stupas. There are modern temples and ancient, crumbling ones all waiting for you to discover them and this is a highlight of living in Thailand and experiencing a culture so different from one’s own.

13. History

When people think of moving to Thailand, they rarely think about Thailand as a historical destination. However there is so much history in Thailand, beyond what many of us assume. There are ancient cities to visit such as Ayutthaya and Lopburi that are remains of impressive Siamese Kingdoms from the past. In more recent history, you can spend time in Kanchanaburi where there was the death railway. A devastating time during World War 2 when prisoners of war and forced labourers were obliged by the Japanese to build a railway into Burma in appalling conditions.

14. Find a favourite island

One of the absolute joys of living in Thailand is that you don’t have to rush through all the islands like a visitor on a tight schedule. Instead, you have the luxury of time to explore, revisit, and ultimately fall in love with one (or several!) favorite islands. For me, that’s Koh Lipe — I keep going back year after year because it has health, colourful coral reefs, beautiful white sand beaches and great accommodation options on the beach. But I also have friends who swear by Koh Phangan, not just for the Full Moon parties, but for its yoga retreats and quiet northern beaches. Others love islands you won’t hear about until you move here! The point is, when you’re living in Thailand, the islands aren’t just “once in a lifetime” places — they can become your regular holiday spots, your weekend getaways, or even your part-time home. And because domestic flights and buses are affordable, it’s easy to visit often. Finding your favorite island is part of the long-term magic of living in Thailand and the islands will keep you coming back!

15. International Community

One of the best parts of moving to Thailand is becoming part of its international community. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and even smaller towns have expats living in Thailand from all over the world. At my birthday last year, I think I had over 15 different nationalities on my boat! Because of this, there are tons of ways to meet new people and connect. There are Meetup groups, Facebook communities, sports leagues and language exchanges and I honestly think there is a group for every type of person from business networking, to rock climbing to hiking groups.

17. International Food

So obviously Thai food is the MAIN benefit of living in Thailand but as mentioned, I need Italian and Indian on a regular basis for my taste buds! Even though I’m obsessed with Thai food, sometimes I just need a good burger, a pizza, or some proper sushi. Bangkok especially has an amazing international food scene, with restaurants from all over the world, whether you want Italian, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Middle Eastern. Chiang Mai and Phuket also have tons of international food thanks to their big expat communities. And if you’re someone who loves to cook, supermarkets here often carry international products, so you can whip up your own favorites at home (though imported stuff is more expensive due to taxes). For me, having access to international food has been a huge plus — it’s one of the reasons I’ve never really felt homesick here. I can grab spicy noodles from a street stall one night, then head to a boujie brunch the next morning for avocado on toast and a mimosa! Living in Thailand really lets you have the best of both worlds when it comes to food.

18. Massages and Spas

Thai massages and massage salons are famous worldwide. Moving to Thailand means you have access to super affordable massages and spa treatments whenever you want. You can walk into any salon and receive a massage, usually even later in the evening. For just a few hundred baht (that’s less than $8!), you can get a professional Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage — whatever you need. There are also luxurious spas if you want to splash out, but even the simple local places are amazing. Massages are a normal part of life here, not just a holiday treat, and that’s something I try not to take for granted when living here in Thailand. Plus, you can also find herbal saunas, beauty salons, and wellness treatments everywhere. I’ve recently discovered onsens, a Japanese spa where you dip into different pools of hot and cold water and steam rooms and really enjoying them!

19. Sports and Hobbies

When I moved to Thailand, I thought my hobbies would mostly revolve around travel — but I quickly discovered there’s so much more you can get involved in here! Whether you’re into Muay Thai (Thailand’s national sport), yoga, scuba diving, rock climbing, cycling, or running, there are endless options. I personally got really into scuba diving, but I have friends who train Muay Thai, join local running clubs, or play football with expat teams. Bangkok has amazing gyms and fitness classes, and cities like Chiang Mai have tons of wellness activities, from meditation retreats to mountain biking. If you’re more into arts and crafts, cooking, or learning Thai, you’ll also find workshops and classes everywhere. Most hobbies are affordable here (even my expensive one of scuba diving!). These hobbies and sports are also a great way to meet people. You cannot be bored when living in Thailand.

20. Markets

One of the things that makes living in Thailand so much fun is the markets — and I’m not just talking about the touristy ones (though they’re great too). I love wandering through local fresh markets, where you can pick up fruit, veggies, herbs, and spices for super cheap. Fresh fruit stalls are one of my favourite things about living in Thailand and when walking home from work I usually pick up bananas, papaya, pineapple and dragon fruit. Artisanal and vintage markets are also great for exploring and buying beautifully crafted homeware or presents for loved ones.

21. Shopping

If you love shopping, Thailand will not disappoint you. Bangkok, especially, is a shopping paradise. You’ve got everything from luxury malls like ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon to quirky, offbeat shops in Chatuchak or local street markets. I personally love how easy it is to find whatever you need — whether it’s affordable clothes, custom-tailored suits, electronics, or cute home decor. And shopping malls here aren’t just about shopping; they’re social hubs with cafes, cinemas, co-working spaces, and even skating rinks! Plus, online shopping is very popular here so you can get just about anything delivered to your door. I find living in Thailand so convenient because of the ease of buying things when needed.

22. Nightlife and Partying

Thailand’s nightlife has a global reputation. Bangkok’s nightlife scene is wild, diverse, and something you have to experience at least once. From rooftop bars with sunset views to backpacker favourite Khao San Road, to swanky clubs and secret speakeasies, there’s something for everyone to explore. Phuket and Chiang Mai both have big party scenes as well as Koh Phangan for the infamous Full Moon Party and Koh Phi Phi for the BEST fire shows I’ve ever seen. That said, nightlife here isn’t just about drinking; there’s also live music, jazz bars, cultural shows, and night markets open late. Living in Thailand means you don’t have to cram everything into a two-week holiday — you can enjoy the nightlife at your own pace.

23. Slower Pace of Life

Something that really struck me after moving to Thailand is the slower, more relaxed pace of life here. Bangkok can seem really hectic, but even there, people generally have a more laid-back attitude. Life moves even slower — especially in the islands or countryside. I’ve learned to slow down, be more patient, and enjoy the little things. Thais have a saying of sabai sabai, which is all about being comfortable, relaxed, and easygoing. I think that when most people move to Thailand, they experience this sense of ease in a slower life than before.

24. Hiking & Mountains & Caves

Most people think of beaches when they think of Thailand, but the mountains are absolutely worth exploring. Northern Thailand, especially around Chiang Mai and Pai, is stunning — full of rolling hills, lush forests, waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. I’m a beach lover at heart, but I’ve had some unforgettable trips hiking in areas where there are NO tourists. These are the types of places you discover once you are living in a country. Phu Chi Fah is an amazing mountain where I experienced sunrise over Laos, sitting right on the border between Thailand and Laos. Caves are another favourite of mine and they are rarely even BLOGGED about (something I am going to try and start posting more). Thailand is home to huge caves full of bats and stalagmites and stalactites and incredible rock formations worth exploring.

25. Safety

Before moving to Thailand, I got a lot of “But is it safe?” questions from family and friends. And after living here for years, I can confidently say: yes, Thailand is generally a very safe country to live in. Of course, you need to use common sense like anywhere — watch your belongings in crowded places, be cautious on the roads (motorbike accidents are a real risk), and respect local laws and customs. But overall, I feel safer walking around Bangkok at night than I did in some European cities. Thai people are incredibly kind, and violent crime is rare. Even as a solo female traveler, I’ve mostly felt comfortable here, although of course we always have to take precautions because there are creeps in every country. Safety is one of the big reasons I recommend moving to Thailand — you can relax and enjoy life without constantly feeling on edge.

26. Healthcare, Hospitals and Pharmacies

One thing that surprises a lot of newcomers is how good the healthcare is in Thailand. It is an important thing to think about before moving to Thailand. When I lived in the Maldives the hospitals are generally known to be terrible and so it felt good to be living in Thailand again and knowing I will be taken care of should I fall ill. Private hospitals here, especially in Bangkok, are modern, clean, and efficient and you can access them with your health insurance. I do NOT recommend living in Thailand without insurance. My health insurance is provided by my workplace but my American partner uses Safetywing and recommends it.

Pharmacies are also everywhere and super convenient — you can get many medicines over the counter without needing a prescription and the pharmacists are very helpful in my experience. If you’re moving to Thailand long-term, I definitely recommend getting health insurance.

27. Settling in and making Thailand home

Settling into life in Thailand can feel like overwhelming at first — figuring out visas, learning basic Thai, setting up your apartment — but once you’re through the initial adjustment, it’s incredibly rewarding. I have lived in various different countries and settled into life in Thailand the fastest and now Thailand is truly home. Staying openminded and patient is essential to life here. Things will never work exactly as they did at home or as you expect them to so being patient when moving to Thailand is vital! I’ve seen some people move to Thailand and not really try to make it home – I think this is a mistake. It’s important to seek out new friendships and connections, say ‘yes’ to a lot of initial invites and build your friendship base to help make a place home.

28. Transportation Options

Getting around Thailand is surprisingly easy and affordable. In Bangkok, I mostly use the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway, which are clean, efficient, and cheap. There are also taxis, motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, and Grab and Blot (the local Uber equivalents), making it simple to get wherever you need to go. For longer trips, buses, trains, and budget airlines connect you to every corner of the country. I love how accessible everything is — you can hop on a flight to the islands or take a scenic train ride up north without breaking the bank. If you’re brave, renting or buying a motorbike opens up even more freedom (just please, wear a helmet!). Transportation in Thailand has made my life here super flexible, from my work commute to weekend getaways from Bangkok.

29. Modernity

One thing that really surprised me when I first moved to Thailand — and something people often don’t realise until they come here — is just how modern and developed so much of the country is, especially in the big cities. Bangkok is a global city with skyscrapers, luxury malls like ICON Siam or Emquartier, high-speed internet, rooftop bars, and cutting-edge healthcare. I can order just about anything I want from an app, get it delivered within the hour, and pay with my phone. You’ll still see traditional markets and temples everywhere (which I love), but you’ll also find coworking spaces, international schools, and world-class infrastructure. The mix of old and new is one of the most exciting things about living in Thailand. Moving to Thailand doesn’t mean giving up modern comforts; in many ways, life here can feel more convenient and connected than in some Western countries.

30. Weather

The weather is a reason to move to Thailand. If you’re tired of long, cold winters, moving to Thailand will feel like a dream. The tropical climate means warm temperatures year-round, with a mix of hot, rainy, and cooler (but still warm) seasons depending on where you are. The temperature in Thailand is pretty much always around 30°C (about 86°F), so you can expect warm, tropical weather year-round. If you don’t mind heat and humidity then moving to Thailand could be for you!