What are the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Thailand?
(Editorial credit: Nelson Antoine / Shutterstock.com)
Dutch and Belgians often choose a new life in Thailand, and for good reason. Many people are looking for a place where their money goes further and Thailand is perfect for that. With a low cost of living, you can live a more comfortable life. But it's not just the economy that lures them; the warm sun and tropical climate are a huge draw, especially for those tired of cold, gray days at home.
Thai culture, with its relaxed way of life and the friendly smiles of the locals, makes it easy to feel at home quickly. And let's not forget the food! Thai food is world famous for its flavors and diversity, and it is also very affordable.
Healthcare is another plus. Thailand has excellent medical facilities that are often more affordable than in Europe. This is a great relief, especially for the elderly or those thinking about longer-term healthcare.
For those who love to travel, Thailand offers a perfect springboard to other countries in Southeast Asia. It is easy to take a trip to a neighboring country or explore one of the many beautiful Thai islands.
In addition, there are strong expat communities in the larger cities and popular coastal areas. This makes the transition easier, because there is always someone around for advice or company.
Advantages of moving to Thailand
Moving to Thailand offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive destination for people from different parts of the world. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Cost of living: Thailand is known for its relatively low cost of living. Housing, food, and transportation are considerably cheaper than in many Western countries. This makes it possible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle with less financial pressure.
- Natural beauty and climate: Thailand offers beautiful natural surroundings, from idyllic beaches to lush jungles and mountains. The tropical climate means warm weather all year round, which is especially attractive to those coming from colder climates.
- Culture and hospitality: Thai culture is rich and diverse, with a range of traditions and festivals. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, making newcomers quickly feel at home.
- healthcare: Thailand has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities, especially in major cities such as Bangkok. Healthcare is both affordable and of high quality, making the country popular among expats.
- Food and drink: Thai cuisine is world famous and offers an enormous variety of flavors and dishes. The food is not only delicious, but also very affordable.
- Travel options: Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand offers easy access to neighboring countries, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.
- Expat communities: There are vibrant expat communities in Thailand, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. This makes the transition easier for newcomers and provides the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world.
- Relaxed lifestyle: Many people who move to Thailand do so in search of a more relaxed and less hectic lifestyle. Thailand offers a balance between modern comfort and a slower pace of life.
These benefits make Thailand a tempting choice for those looking for a fresh start, whether for retirement, work or simply a change of scenery.
Disadvantages of moving to Thailand
Although moving to Thailand can offer many advantages for Belgians and Dutch people, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered:
- Cultural differences: Thai culture differs significantly from European culture. Adjusting to new social norms, customs and lifestyle can be challenging. There may also be language barriers, which makes communication with the local population difficult.
- Climate: Thailand's tropical climate can be difficult for some, especially the heat and high humidity. This can have an impact on health and general comfort.
- healthcare: Although Thailand has good medical facilities in major cities, the quality of healthcare in rural areas can be more limited. In addition, the costs for extensive medical treatments and good health insurance can increase.
- Political instability and regulation: Thailand has a history of political instability and the laws and regulations, especially regarding visas and property rights, can be changeable and complicated.
- Economic uncertainty: Although the cost of living may be low, there are also economic risks. For example, exchange rate fluctuations or tax changes can affect income or savings in euros.
- Distance from family and friends: Moving to Thailand means a considerable distance from family and friends in Belgium and the Netherlands. This can lead to feelings of isolation and homesickness.
- Adaptation to local legislation: Understanding and navigating Thai laws, especially regarding residency permits, employment and business operations, can be challenging and often requires legal assistance.
- Road safety: Thailand has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world, which can be a concern, especially for those used to the relative road safety in Europe.
- Environmental and infrastructure issues: In some areas there may be problems with pollution, waste management and reliable infrastructure, which can affect daily life.
These disadvantages do not mean that moving to Thailand cannot be a good decision, but they do require careful consideration and planning to ensure that the move is successful and satisfying.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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The costs of “normal” healthcare in Thailand are not my deterrent, but if your health really starts to fail in your old age. In the Netherlands, VV04 care in a nursing home easily costs €30-40K/yr, and if things really go wrong (dementia), as with my wife, with VV07: consider €50-70K/yr. She only pays a fraction of that. Long live the NLe WLZ (Long-term Medical Expenses Act).
Back to the Netherlands with the waiting times for a stay in a nursing home, no one here likes it anymore (it was still over a year with my wife due to pressure from Home Care, in recent weeks I literally had to drag her from the couch/sofa to the toilet and back again), let alone someone who arrives at Schiphol half in a daze.
Who or what will take care of me if I have difficulty walking, become incontinent, lose my memory/mind (dementia)?
Khun Lek, now seen as my (last) life partner, and her family, or.. am I no longer seen as an asset (ATM money-guzzler) but as a burden, and put in the back of the shed with little or no food? Running away is no longer possible. The problem is solved - for them - in a few weeks.
Should you still take the “Drion pill” with you?
I don't lose sleep over it for a second.
My wife takes care of me as I will take care of her when needed. And then there are relatives in the village. (That certainly does not happen in the Netherlands and admission to a nursing home is also questionable)
If I don't remember anything, I can't worry about anything.
And as long as I live, money will come out of the ATM.
Thailand is fantastic to spend your old age. I think the only condition for this is that you are in pretty good health. Once you really get into trouble, it's the end of the story and a lot of misery. Insurance that you cannot always count on for 100%... there is the language barrier, especially in domestic hospitals, the aftercare is just like inadequate public transport and so many more problems. An ambulance that most Thais don't make room for is another thing. Get demented in Thailand……Alzheimer Cancers or MS and ALS……
I have heard many people say the opposite, but when serious conditions arose, I eventually managed to get most of them back to their home country. And I know from experience that when it comes to serious, complex diseases, Thailand is inferior to European medical knowledge and equipment. It is not without reason that the most reputed Thai doctors have completed internships and studies in Western countries.
Harry, your fears came true in 2006. Read in the Bangkok Post. True story with a Thai grandmother.
BECOMING DEMENTED
It concerned Yaay, Granny. Yaay doesn't really know anymore. And Yaay has no pension, so Yaay costs money and there is none; for Yaay at least.
Now there is a small hut next to her daughter's house and Yaay fits in there perfectly. Yaay moves into the cabin. People come every day to look at Yaay, change the poop pot, "how is Yaay?", but do not give food or drinks. Yaay doesn't need that anymore. Yaay is too much and has to go.
Yaay, already thin and weak, dries out and dies. Yaay won't notice anything because Yaay has dementia. The fact that demented people also have feelings escapes them. Yaay goes to the temple, gets the trading chest and goes to a better life. In this case literally.
Good story. I see this happening exactly the same way with my mother-in-law. 73 years old and demented and starting to become very annoying. A private hut has also been built for it and everyone looks the other way. That's how it goes here. It makes no sense anymore. Time to go. Accept.
Arie2, will that hut be used for someone else later? For example, for a farang who has dementia and is starting to become annoying?
I wonder if that farang also says 'Good story. That's how it goes here. Time to go. Accept.'
The plan now is half a year in Thailand and half a year in Nerdland or something. But definitely don't die in Thailand. But many farang do just like many Thais do, live now and we'll see later. Know for yourself.
With all the advantages of living in Thailand permanently, one's own sense of happiness is often forgotten.
There are undoubtedly many expats who have lived here for a while and feel very happy, but to think that this feeling of happiness can be transferred to others by telling stories is a utopia.
With all the financial benefits, beautiful nature and daily sun, being truly happy is a very personal finding.
I can only advise people who plan to choose Thailand as their new country of residence, do not let yourself be mixed up by the so-called. cheap life and happiness from others, but before you burn all ships behind you, try living for a year yourself.
Try living, where you always keep an escape door open and you will see for yourself that personal happiness is not dependent on beautiful stories and cheap prices and sun every day.
Wise advice!
I think expats sometimes tell a rosy story to encourage themselves, not just to convince the people back home in the Netherlands.
It is also important whether you are able to have a good time and be satisfied, whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere, whether you are alone or together for a long time.
Frans, what's wrong with encouraging yourself?
If I know for myself that I feel happy here, then someone else will do what they think is right. Some people will feel supported by this, others will think this is nonsense.
I like to go through life with rose-colored glasses on my nose. Unfortunately, there are many others who always complain, whine and grumble. Let's just say it's the nature of the beast.
And as you rightly point out, Thailand actually has little to do with that. Grumplers will also grumble in their own country.
Piet, you are absolutely right. Giving yourself courage is a good time. And I also wear rose-colored glasses, so to speak. As a result, I have a great time most of the time, even in the Netherlands 😉
I built that route 15 years ago, John, together with my Thai wife.
I was 'young' and she had more need for Thailand and there were a number of reasons in those years.
MVV with a year and a half remaining left after exactly six months and three weeks I received a letter from my beloved IND, your wife's MVV has been withdrawn and is no longer welcome in the Netherlands on this basis.
No defense possible.
So my trial year was immediately set to permanent unless………………..
With the huge backlog they already had at the time, I am still 'grateful' to them for this quick and clear conclusion.
I have always rated my 'feeling of happiness' on personal experience.
Better than in the Netherlands, but also with the necessary limitations, the luck factor should be good.
Somewhere in the middle of positive people and negative people, Thailand is a nice country to live in, but you have to meet the financial 'bottom' with your lifestyle, which is different for everyone, and that is often closer than most people think.
Most of the pros and cons suggested here in the topic are also very personal and regionally specific.
Good advice to first live in Thailand for 3 months, and then live there for 1 year. First rent and then buy something later, that's my plan.
In my opinion, having an occupation certainly contributes to being/becoming happy. Anywhere in the world
I do not share the editor's comments about healthcare in Thailand. Oh yes, the doctors do their best and are skilled, the hospitals also do their best if you have the money or the insurance, the Thai insurance drools nice words, but oh woe if you get an expensive ailment because then they will kick you out as soon as they can, but the editors forget something: care at home.
As Harry Romijn says: difficulty walking or incontinent: then you need help, and items such as absorbent things in your underwear, help with showering and/or a walker/scooter. Or you lose your memory. If you are alone, do you have a personal alarm (and can the ambulance find your house)?
Harry already expresses the fear of becoming a 'shed man' (just search for that word on the internet). Are you put in a box with something to drink and your ATM card is emptied? Are you all alone, wasting away and waiting for death?
I took the step: back to the polder because of cancer and disability. The latter is permanent, so I will stay in the polder with home care, mobility scooter and attention until the Grim Reaper arrives at the door. No, I'm not risking the shed-man phase; That's a bridge too far for me...
And don't forget Erik, in your own country you are put in a residential care center among a number of grumbling peers. The nursing staff also has no time for you and in many cases they put you in bed all day.
And the icing on the cake is that your few family members come to visit you once a month for an hour because they don't have more time.
But fortunately, those residential care centers cost you a lot of money (in Belgium even your full pension) and your ATM is therefore completely empty.
And those fables about the shed man, yes, they exist, but in very exceptional cases. Most elderly people are indeed well cared for by their families. And especially if you have a younger wife.
For me the choice was quickly made. Let me grow old in Thailand. In Belgium there is no longer a cat that looks after me, here I at least still have my loving wife and her 2 children who embrace me
.
And at the end of the month they can empty my ATM, I have no problem with that. They won't have to fight about my inheritance with me...
Bob, you encounter grumblers everywhere and luckily, at least in the Netherlands, you have your own room to isolate yourself from notorious grouches. Nursing is in order in the Netherlands, so I really don't fear the future. Nursing costs in the Netherlands are tied to income and assets and 'completely undressing' only happens for a medical purpose or to go to sleep. The exempt capital in the Netherlands is considerable.
Home care in the Netherlands is well regulated in the Health Insurance Act and in the WMO; The aim here is for you to continue living at home for as long as possible.
But you made the choice for TH. Fine, right?
The picture you sketch is similar to a sketch of Jiskefet (St Hubertusberg). The number of people in a nursing home is very small, you only go there if you want to and are really in need of (intensive) care. Most elderly people make do with home care and informal care (children who help out with everyday things). In the homes it is just getting out of bed in the morning, eating together (or in your own room if you want) and doing all kinds of activities inside and outside. The care can therefore be called good, but with far too much paperwork because everything has to be registered and accounted for. Overworked families who only come by in the weekend, well that happens in both the Netherlands and Thailand. How often does someone who works in Bangkok visit their parents in Chiang Mai, Pichanulok or Khon Kaen??
Whether you live in the Netherlands or Thailand, in both cases you can be well cared for by your family (partner, children, etc.). That mainly depends on yourself and your family. The disadvantage of Thailand is that those who become care recipients are faced with the problem of expensive and sometimes unaffordable insurance or exclusions. Because there is no basic guarantee/safety net for foreigners in Thailand, this is unfortunately a reason for old people to return to their home country. Sometimes with a partner, sometimes without. So it mainly comes down to what you make of it and how lucky or unlucky you are with your own health. The advantage of growing old in Thailand is of course that it is a lot more pleasant outside compared to the winters in the Netherlands. So enjoy it in Thailand, but don't dismiss the Netherlands as if it were all that bad there.
Perhaps it is good to know that not every elderly person becomes ill and/or needs help. Depending on what is wrong, you are talking about 5 to 10% of the elderly, with those up to 75 years of age being quite healthy and only above 85 years of age does the number of people in need of help begin to increase. Say 9 out of 10 have no real health problems as an elderly person. The news and stories in every media, like here too, is that you can always find someone with an illness, condition or whatever and then do not tell the stories of the more than 90% of the people (more than 90 out of 100) who in this case have no or little trouble. Basing your life on the experiences of a small minority and, for example, returning from Thailand to the Netherlands because suppose something happens is exaggerated.
As information and an answer to the many (worried and justified) questions and reactions "what if you experience something serious such as dementia or other"
A good health insurance does not always solve all the problems in this regard. But if you are married to a Thai or you are officially registered in Thailand, you can also use the system of "government sick pay"
nhuizen”. Let me clarify with an example…
Suppose you become demented or you can no longer live independently without help … A Thai is then “placed” in a psychiatric hospital if there is no family for help … as a married farang you can also ask for this or you can have 24-hour help come to your home for care … this help are nurses who do the same work as their colleagues in the hospital … this costs 1000 baht for 24-hour help … and be assured that they do more care than you get in a residential care center in Belgium / NL .. Which nurse personally does your laundry, feeding, medical care and even minor cleaning of your house? And this for 1000 baht per day at the moment? My neighbors use such a nurse for their non-mobile demented husband … and my wife knows several nurses through her work who do such work …
No, I'm really not worried about my old age... and yes there will be people who may abuse your ATM, but that risk also exists in Belgium/NL, and certainly because of our government that makes you pay extortionate prices for staying in retirement home (and then you are also dumped in a room on the floor with Alzheimer's due to lack of staff... no, give me Thailand with a culture in which respect for the elderly is still important.
Walter, your opinion is largely in line with what I wrote above.
I am also convinced that I will not be left to my fate in Thailand if things get worse. Indeed, here you can get good care at home for a relatively cheap rate.
In your own country, your pension will no longer even allow you to go to a retirement home and your children will still be allowed to help out. And for this amount you do not have a private nurse, on the contrary, there is a shortage of staff everywhere and many old people are hardly looked at or not at all. We regularly read this in the news.
And as I said, once the time has come, I will no longer lose sleep over my ATM.
Just a practical example in Thailand: A good old acquaintance (Thai) had a serious car accident not so long ago and has now completed his treatment in the State Hospital. Is now in a nursing home because he cannot be treated at home. The care is OK. Costs of the room 25000 per month and additional costs for food, nursing and all medical care also 25000! His company is now run by his brother. Costs can be covered.
There is no help whatsoever from the government here.
What I want to say is that you won't make it here without a financial buffer of a few million Baht.
Returning to the Netherlands is the only option.
Andrew, if I read correctly (because you don't use a point in the numbers) you mean a nursing price of 50.000 THB per month. Can't that be paid from pension + state pension?
That is the good thing about the Netherlands, everyone, even if he/she has not worked, at least has an AOW pension.
And if the personal has worked on top, also a pension.
However, the personal person Andrew is talking about is Thai, and after an accident he will have to become a very well insured person, or a particularly advantaged one, if he still has to pay 50.000 Baht in income every month.
It will only work with the help of the entire Thai family.
Even as expats married to a Thai, for which you often have obligations, this recurring monthly burden already makes you stutter considerably.
Erik, what you say is correct. But then you usually do not have the space to insure yourself for hospital costs. In our knowledge, complications occur regularly and then the poor guy is in hospital for 10 days incl. transport back and forth. Incidentally, he is Thai and an entrepreneur.
I'm afraid that many who want to emigrate to Thailand do not realize this in advance.
You can face enormous costs in a country that seemed so dirt cheap.
For example, in my case it was 1.300000 Bht in a flash. It was paid properly after deduction of ER, but that now costs me 625.–Euro per month in premium! Fortunately, with a European me who is affiliated with the “ombudsman”.
The cost of a simple nursing home in Belgium is already 1700 euros per month (basic price without extras). This is just for your information.