The Advantages of Living in Thailand as a Foreigner

From the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea to the lush jungle and elephants of Chiang Mai, and the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand is a land of contrasts. It's also a land that has something for everyone, whether you're looking for an adventure or a place to relax. And, if you're a foreigner looking for a place to call home, Thailand has a lot to offer, and it’s ranked as one of the best countries in the world to expatriate. Here are just a few of the advantages of living in Thailand as a foreigner.

1. A Friendly and Welcoming Culture

One of the first things you'll notice when you arrive in Thailand is the culture. Thai people are some of the most friendly and welcoming people you'll ever meet. They're always quick to help with directions or recommend a good restaurant, and they love to chat. This makes it easy to make friends and feel at home in Thailand, even if you don't speak the language fluently.

Also, Thailand is reputed to be a safe country for foreigners.

2. An Affordable Cost of Living

Whether you're retired and on a fixed income or working and looking to enjoy your life, Thailand can be an affordable place to live. In Bangkok, for example, you can easily find a comfortable apartment in a high residence for under $2,000 per month. And, while prices have been rising in recent years, overall the cost of living in Thailand is still quite low when compared to Western countries. This means you can live well on less money and have more money left over for travel and other activities.

Nowadays Thailand offers a competitive cost of living in all ranges, whether you’re on a budget you’re looking for a luxury lifestyle, or both, Thailand is maybe one of the only countries in the world to be competitive on a different segment.

3. Excellent Healthcare

Thailand has excellent healthcare facilities, both private and public. In fact, Bangkok's Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the best hospitals in Asia and attracts medical tourists from all over the world. Whether you need routine care or major surgery, you'll be able to find high-quality medical care in Thailand at a fraction of the cost you would pay in Western countries. In all the main provinces, you have access to some top hospitals and clinics.

4. A Warm Climate

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, which means it enjoys warm weather all year round. If you're tired of cold winters or hot summers, Thailand is the perfect place for you. average temperatures range from about 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) in Bangkok to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) in Phuket and other southern provinces. So whether you prefer cooler weather or warmer weather, Thailand has it all.

5. Delicious Food

If you love good food, then you'll love living in Thailand. Thai cuisine is world-renowned for its unique flavors and aromas, and there's something to suit every taste bud. From fiery curries to sweet mangoes, Thai food is sure to please your palate. Plus, with so many cheap street food vendors and restaurants around, it's easy to eat well without spending a lot of money.

6. Tax-friendly country on foreign-sourced incomes

If you are a foreigner and your income is from outside Thailand, Thailand is very tax friendly, because foreign-sourced income not brought into Thailand during the same fiscal year is not taxed. Also, you can become a tax resident in Thailand by just spending over 180days per year, and also obtaining a Tax ID.

Last but not least, Thailand had signed a number of Double Tax Agreements with many countries which protect foreign residents in Thailand to be taxed.

As you can see, there are many advantages to living in Thailand as a foreigner. From its friendly culture and affordable cost of living to its excellent healthcare and delicious food, there's something for everyone in Thailand. So if you're thinking about making the move overseas, be sure to add Thailand to your list!

To ease your setup, one of the best ways, is to become a Thailand Elite member, which entitles you to a long-stay visa in Thailand, and many privileges.