Moving to new place – especially Thailand – may seem like a daunting prospect for expatriates. Nevertheless, people have to put that notion aside as Thailand is one of the Asian continent’s most developed countries. It’s even more developed than its neighbors like Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos. For Western standards, Thailand still needs further development in telecommunications, public amenities, transportation, and public services.
The country of Thailand still offers expatriates every modern convenience for them to live a comfortable and full life. The main reason why an expat moves to Thailand is perhaps the currency. The spending power of the Westerner would increase as it is converted to the local baht. Most items will be a fifth to a quarter of the price that one is used pay back home. Many items in Thailand cost far less. Even a person with a modest income or pension can live comfortably in Thailand on a minimal budget.
Moving to new place like Thailand should be an exciting adventure for expats because they can enjoy a new culture as well as enjoy familiar comforts like eating at KFC or McDonald’s. One has to know that Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. People in Thailand are generally friendly – from bargain shop vendors to taxi drivers in Bangkok to rice farmers.
The food is also one of the main reasons why Westerners love to work and live in Thailand as Thai cuisine is one of the world’s tastiest cuisines. Moreover, Thailand is a beautiful country in terms of natural surroundings. Here, mountains ranges and white sandy beaches are abundant. In the sleepy town of Isan, rice fields stretch from miles to miles. For those wanting a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Bangkok (the capital) offers world-class nightclubs, restaurants, and bars.
Moving to new place like Thailand means one has to be familiar with renting or buying property, especially when the expat is in it for the long haul. The best thing that an expat can do is initially renting an apartment, house, or condominium. Theoretically, foreign nationals are prohibited from owning property in Thailand. However, there are legality loopholes that can be skirted around for one to purchase property in Thailand.
Two of the most common ways for foreign nationals to purchase property or land in Thailand is by long-term leasehold or setting up a limited company. Expats should also be aware of possible scams against them. Knowing the rules on acquiring or purchasing property in Thailand as a foreigner is the first step to actually getting the property. One also must enlist a lot of local and professional advice or help for an expat to deal with this issue.
Buying property may be similar to walking on hot coals because of the different language, cultural aspects, and any relevant regulations or rules. Being aware and being sensible are also important guidelines when one wishes move to Thailand to work there or retire.
Thailand is truly one of the world most beautiful places and it is one of the most popular places for Westerners to retire and to enjoy.
