Ten Pieces of Advice Before Moving to Thailand
28 June, 2026I have spent more than a quarter of a century in Thailand and have lived here permanently since 2004. During that time, I have made mistakes, learned a great deal, and seen others succeed – and fail – in building a new life here. Below I have listed ten pieces of advice that I hope will be useful for anyone considering moving to Thailand, or perhaps somewhere else in the world.
1. Make sure you have financial buffers
Thailand is still a relatively inexpensive country by international standards, but prices are rising here too, just as they are in the rest of the world. The country has modernized significantly over recent decades, which is also reflected in the cost of living. Exchange rates fluctuate, healthcare and dental care cost money, schooling for children involves expenses, visa regulations can change, and sooner or later unexpected costs will arise. That is why having financial buffers is so important.
Living on the edge financially is both risky and stressful, especially in a country that offers no social safety net for non-citizens. A financial cushion provides freedom and allows you to handle setbacks without making panic decisions.
Personally, I only moved here once I had a stable income from a web-based business – work I could do from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Put your health first
Take out good health insurance as soon as you settle in Thailand. In fact, this is the most important piece of advice I can give. Over the years, I have seen countless examples of people without insurance who have had to ask family and friends for help to pay hospital bills. Thai authorities do not pay for your healthcare.
A long-term life in Thailand is not just about sunshine and beaches. It is easy to fall into a lifestyle where restaurant visits, alcohol, marijuana, and late nights become part of everyday life. For many, it works for a while, but rarely in the long run. Most long-term residents have seen people party away both their health and their finances. Some pass away far too early.
Many people become very sedentary in Thailand. Just because your neighbor rides a scooter the thirty meters to 7-Eleven doesn’t mean you should do the same. Exercise is just as important in Thailand as anywhere else in the world. Walk, swim, play tennis, go to the gym, or find an activity you enjoy.
Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of many diseases. Research also shows that it can improve mental well-being and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression. That is another reason to make physical activity a natural part of your daily life.
Image: A cozy little bar next to the beach in Khao Lak. Photographer: Jens
3. Move to Thailand – not away from your problems
Thailand will give you a new and different life, but it will not solve financial problems, relationship issues, or a general sense of dissatisfaction. The baggage you carry with you often follows you when you move. Changing countries is not a guarantee of a better life – it is simply a new place to live.
On the contrary, Thailand can be a challenging place if you are already struggling with mental health issues, especially when combined with financial strain.
4. Respect that you are a guest in the country
Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations, especially regarding visas, property ownership, business, and taxes. Do not try to find shortcuts, and do not blindly trust self-proclaimed experts.
Showing respect for the country and its laws makes everyday life significantly easier. Also remember that you are a foreigner. Crimes that might result in fines or suspended sentences in your home country can have far more serious consequences in Thailand, including deportation. Thai prisons are not places you want to experience. Inmates often live tightly packed in large cells without beds, and personal privacy is virtually nonexistent. Violence is not uncommon in Thai prisons.
5. Get to know the country, culture, and people
If all your social interactions are with non-Thais, you miss a large part of what makes life in Thailand special. Learn some Thai, shop at local markets, and try to get to know the culture better. The better you understand the country and its people, the richer your life here will be.
Thailand is not your home country with palm trees and warm weather. Government services, traffic, and ways of solving problems work differently. The less you compare everything to how it works back home, the easier it becomes to feel at ease.
6. Rent first – commit later
Whether it is housing or choosing where to live, it is wise to take your time. The place that feels perfect on vacation may not be the place where you are happiest year-round. Get to know both Thailand and the area before committing financially.
Familiarize yourself with Thai law and seek independent legal advice from a licensed attorney before buying property in Thailand. Do not rely solely on real estate agents – their interest is to complete the sale.
Image: A woman watching a beautiful Khao Lak sunset. Photographer: Jens
7. Listen to advice – but verify the facts
You will meet many people who “know exactly how everything works.” Some are correct, while others base their advice on outdated information or pure hearsay. Always verify important information with authorities or other official sources before making decisions. This is especially true for visas, taxes, business, and property purchases.
8. Build a life with meaning and structure
Many people move to Thailand for the climate, the beaches, and the relaxed lifestyle. But in the long run, that is rarely what determines whether you are happy.
What truly determines your well-being are your friends, interests, routines, and the feeling of belonging somewhere. It is important to build a daily life and a sense of purpose – not to try to live a permanent vacation.
Image: Baby walking between two women on the beach. Photographer: Jens
9. Avoid showing anger
Almost everyone gets angry from time to time, but in Thailand it can be counterproductive to openly show anger, even if you believe you are right. Being firm is one thing, but raising your voice or behaving aggressively is rarely a successful strategy. On the contrary, the loud foreigner may be seen as the one who has lost self-control and therefore “lost face,” regardless of who is actually right.
10. Enjoy life in Thailand
As mentioned, I have lived in Thailand for a long time, and if I could choose again, I would make the same journey once more. Honestly, I have never regretted my decision – not even once.
That does not mean everything has been easy. But the people I have met, the experiences I have gained, and the quality of life I enjoy have made the move worth every sacrifice. Prepare well, show respect for the country, and give yourself the time it takes to find your place.
After that, only one thing remains – to enjoy life in Thailand.
✪ More posts: Here you will find all my posts
