What are some experiences and tips for long-term stays in Thailand?

Sep 22, 2024
23 days ago
Chris ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just got back from my 4th holiday in Thailand

Beautiful place

Can't wait to go back !!👍😊🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion showcases the love and fascination many expats and frequent travelers have for Thailand, sharing personal experiences from multiple visits, holidays, and even relocations. Various comments emphasize positive experiences, with some participants expressing interest in moving there permanently after numerous visits. The topic of integrating into Thai culture and the realities of living in Thailand versus just visiting is also highlighted. Participants share practical insights regarding residency, visas, and the allure of deeper cultural immersion beyond tourist hotspots.
Nick *******
Make up your mind
Yvonne ******
It is beutiful and we love it, but its not as nice as it once was, been lots of times, but a lot of the islands have been spoilt.

Its more now for old men getting hold of the young thai women.

So sad to see, but not much else for them to make money, and the old men wouldnt get a young woman anywhere else.
Chris *********************
@Yvonne *****
haha 😄 you got one
Yvonne ******
@Chris ********************
? I got one what????
Steve **********
Went there once in 2002

Still here !
Niclas ********
Thailand is like a drug.
Steve **********
@Niclas *******
taken in moderation and with respect can extend your life considerably.
Tom *****
How much money you still have ??
Pam *********
Love Thailand
Ar *******
I’m in Thailand, trying it out for a year , so I’ll be getting a retirement visa . I have friend in Uk who is thinking of coming over , he’s thinking of 60 day entry with a 30 day extension then go to Philippines for week to see friends in December . Can he re enter Thailand and do another 60 days plus 30 day extension? I read on various posts that this is frowned upon. If he likes Thailand then he may in a few years retire here but now he’s happy with travelling . I just seen on this post a few people visit several times per year . I’ve given him details of this page so you might see same question being asked .
Heath ***********
I almost died there on my 6th trip

Bangkok has great Healthcare and accepts credit cards.
Rick ***********
Just got back myself, just gotta tie up some loose ends and then I’m gone for good to Thailand myself 😎💪
Elisa *******
Will be there in November for my first time!!! Anything that really stands out as far as recommendations??
Phil **********
Just arrived for my 8th time in last year . Love Phuket and Patong. Here this time for at least 60 days and hoping to stay until new year.
Kevin *********
Ut Ooh, you’re in trouble now!

Once in your blood, if you’re in your home country, all you think about is coming back to Thailand.

Good luck!
Dewey ********
Yes totally agree booking my hotel again
Lindsay ********
First visit 1973

Still going there. To live in isaan

Love ❤️ Thailand 🇹🇭.
Paul ******************
Ive decided to move there … the last day and post holiday depression is too much to handle
Randy ******
@Paul *****************
i hear ya! great kathoeys
Kimberly **********
I hope to go back one more time. I went to Belize instead for my last vacation because the airfare and travel time was less than half.

But, I didn’t like it there and the visibility for diving was crummy.
Terary **********
I came and didn't see any good reason to leave.
Loren *********
I just returned from Thailand too I will be going back
Randy ******
how many kathoeys did you meet?🤔🤔🤔
John *********
@Randy *****
Just you
*****
Paul ********
Don’t look back in anger I heard you say
John *********
First time for me, was in 2003.

And been there nealy every year since👍

Last time was sept, 2024😊☀️🇹🇭
Jack *******
I don't feel that way, Thailand is nice for part, even half of the year but come the European spring, I want to be back in Europe enjoying spring and then the onset of the long summer days. Thailand is also a mess - there are oasis of beauty but between them it's usually an uncontrolled mess - litter, no zoning, no maintenance, poor roads, soi dogs! So again it's nice to get back to order. That said Europe now is a regulatory nightmare, so in the future I may well leave but I still wouldn't spend all year in Thailand.
Urbanbee *******
@Jack ******
people choices and priorities change according to the time , may be the time for you to be wrong but same time for another person may be the best time,

People stay in Thailand for 1 yr or more they also consider cost of living and standards ,as right in Europe there is surge of inflation.some people re-considering to stay there or re-locate

No doubt europe have the best beauty and in the world but pocket and weather should allow to explore that beauty.

Again ,different people , different time, different life they live.
John *********
@Jack ******
A lot better weather in Pattaya 😁
Nigel *************
@Jack ******
where in Europe please
Jack *******
@Nigel ************
France, south of the Loire.
Tom *******
Heard That!! The worst part about going to The Kingdom is returning home…
HarryHappy *********
Kamala PHUKET
Sandy *******
I've never been to Thailand. Coming for my first time in February for a month or so. I'm a solo traveller that would love to meet friendly people along the way... to share experiences with!

Where is the best, down to earth friendliest place in the South to be?... and where not?
Robert *********
Hi everyone just asking coming to Thailand for 4 month can I get my visa in Thailand before my entry 60 days run out Thailand thank you 🙏
Michael ********
@Robert ********
Depends what sort of visa, if just tourist No
Robert *********
okay thank you
Valerie *****************
we plan to move there after i hit 62
Emil *******
Good for you
Jeffrey **********
Be careful it can be addicting
Nathan ************
Nobody ever visits Thailand once. I moved here after 7 trips. Still happy after 10 years!
Bjørn *********
Whats her name ?
Us *****
@Bjørn ********
please don't be rude and assume. It could be HIS/THEM/IT, so many pronouns these days.
Martin *********
Congratulations
Henrik **************
Just came here today in the morning for the 13th winter in a row, will be staying for 6 months.
Simon **********
Been going for 30 years now. Have family in Burriram. I don't stay there because unlike some at 54 I still have to work. Maybe in the next 10 years we will move and be with family.
David ********
@Simon *********
been with my wife for 10 years but still go home UK wish I could stay fore ever such loverly people
Keith *********
@Simon *********
it's so nice to hear I have been going for 32 years still looking good luck my friend
Mikki ***********
@Simon *********
the important is your saving , investing your time and energy in exchange for fiat and have a plan to come back full time.
Cubi ******
Why not move there?
Alex **********
Make sure that you actually visit Thailand and not what Thailand has built for you to feel like you're still in America or Europe ( Sukhumvit area, Pattaya, Phuket ). Most foreigners never actually visit real Thailand.
Joe **********
@Alex *********
it's the same all over the world!
Steve **********
@Ivan ********
Live in Chiangmai. Spent 1st year in Bkk, but have visited 74 of the 76 Provinces...

As said.. you find your own comfort level.

Love traveling up to the hill tribes in Mae Salong
Ivan *********
@Steve *********
I bumped into an American when we visited Chang Mai .I liked the night market in Chang Mai . We stopped in a lovely Hotel by a Klong .We also visited the Dusit Royal Palace /Hill Tribes .
Berkley *********
@Alex *********
as an american...Suhkumvit dont even feel like same planet as US
Berkley *********
@Alex *********
I’ve spent more time in Suhkumvit than at home in last 12 months not one pizza or burger. Tourism fuels Thailand.
Alex **********
@Berkley ********
Right, I see what you mean. They serve traditional Thai food like burgers and pizza there. Not at all like America. They have clubs and pubs just like the rest of Thailand. Thai people speak English there and we all know that all Thai people speak English just like in America. Women dressed in traditional Thai outfits which are skimpy cocktail dresses. So yes, I see your point now.
Ivan *********
@Alex *********
I rather agree with you ,I have a Thai wife .We visit her home in Nakhon Ratchasima and it feels like the real Thailand to me . I do visit big city,s but after a few days they feel very crowded /Too Busy.
Alex **********
@Ivan ********
I will visit more provinces as soon as my Thai is good enough for a simple conversation. Probably another year of studying
Steve **********
@Alex *********
You find your own comfort level !
Chris *********************
@Alex *********
to true they have to visit rural areas and explore real thai life
Alex **********
@Chris ********************
there is plenty of real life in Bangkok as well you just have to get away from the foreigner infested areas
Stephen ********
Got back from my 7th trip 2 weeks ago. Now planning my 8th.
Chris ********
@Stephen *******
After my 8 th trip i am living here permanently.
Dean ********
Me and my wife and my stuffy have Just moved to Thailand today from the UK 🇬🇧
Dean ********
28 years of planning, but we’re finally here
Todd *********
Why do you keep leaving?! 🤷‍♂️
Michael ********
We have just got back home after buying our Condo. Will be moving out there in December 😁
Brenda *********
@Michael *******
was buying a condo a pretty easy process? I’m looking in to it also,keep going back and forth buy or rent! Been several times.
Michael ********
@Brenda ********
pretty straight forward as I knew the couple we bought our Condo from.

Lot of paperwork

You need to open a bank account in Thailand first. I then did an International transfer from my bank in the UK.

It was also handled by a property agents, one who is Thai which makes a difference when visiting the Land Registry Office.
Susan **************
@Michael *******
I too planing to live there next year
Martin *********
Coming 30 years , and lived here nearly 10 😉🙏
Deano *************
@Martin ********
I’m coming in November just gone through a bad divorce from my husband.. so sold the house and sold everything I pretty much own.. the uk is no longer liveable.. I intend to be in Thailand for 3 months with the extra 30 days then off to Cambodia and back to Thailand any advice on how many times I can enter after my 90days or just before will be a great help. I won’t be in Thailand from June until October as I’ll be in Spain but I intend to go back after
Martin *********
@Deano ************
certainly if your flying in and out of the country ( Thailand ) you can come and go as many times as you please . I note your Spanish? .. so currently you will get 60 days on entry + 30 extension, that’s your 90 days as you know .. fly to Cambodia stay just a couple of days if you like

And fly back in and start again 60 days + 30 days .. you could in principle do that forever or certainly under the current rules , Flying is the key here , not by road .

You might get questioned about finances and as to why you keep coming and going ? .. ( they immigration don’t like to think your working illegally) ..
Deano *************
@Martin ********
great advice 👍 thanks
Hugh ***********
Steve **********
Came for 1st, 22 years ago.........yep, still here, with zero regrets.
Rob **********
@Steve *********
came here in 1979 when I was 16 and still here and happily married 36 years now.
Steve **********
@Rob *********
wow !

Same wife ?
Rob **********
@Steve *********
yes sir, and our daughters are 34 and 27 and both have successful careers and their own families in Sydney.
Steve **********
Rob **********
@Steve *********
thank you very much🙏
Incognia **********
@Steve *********
15 years zero regrets.
Marky *******
Just live there even better
Jan ******************
You can check out at anytime, but you can never leave😉
Gary *********
Just got back from my third holiday there this year 🥰
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