What challenges do expats face in Thailand and how can they build community?

Question

I've lived in five different areas since I moved over here about 8 and 1/2 years ago . At first I was still bouncing around back and forth between Japan , China and here.. and then covid hit and it was just here.

I've been lucky enough to meet some of the right people and turn what started out as a vacation into a full-blown life. I feel very fortunate for that..

I think it's probably one of the best countries on Earth.. no it's not perfect. But I think Thailand has a lot to offer the world, and has lots of offer us as people who are allowed to stay here..

When you first get here you'll notice a lot of hostility in the expat community. While I don't agree with it , I've started to understand why they're a bit standoffish..

The hostility comes from a desire to keep things the way they are.. and also from  a general weariness of aholes that reflect badly on the Foreigner Community as a whole..

If you've seen a lot of the recent news during the high season ,  there is generally an influx of really poorly behaved individuals.
I'm not saying it's fair.. but the long-term expat community watches that kind of thing and they assume that pretty much everyone new is going to be detrimental to what they have here.

Some of them will warm up to you eventually..
Some of them will remain a holes forever.

Is much of the hostility unjustified?? Yes
But there is a reason.. all it takes is one look at the news to understand why.

If you're moving over here in the near future. I wish you the absolute best  in your new life abroad..
Stay positive and don't let a few irritable people get you down.

#expatlife
#TheLandofSmiles 
#thegoodlife 
#lovethailand 
#thailandlife

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the author's experience living in Thailand as an expat, noting the initial strife within the expat community, largely stemming from a desire to preserve local culture amid an influx of poorly behaved tourists. The author emphasizes a generally positive view of Thailand, acknowledging its imperfections while highlighting its offerings. Comments reflect on changing attitudes among locals and expats, with some noting a decline in hospitality and increased judgment over recent years, and others sharing personal insights on integrating into Thai society.

Phil ********** · Answer

Keep your circle of friends small . I dont see many aholes like this in Thailand as I spend little time around bard

Graeme ******** · Answer

Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏

Harry ******** · Answer

I am moving to Chiang Mai June 1st.

Young-hee ****** · Answer

Great photos!

Lee ****** · Answer

😊🙏🏾Thank you for your wise words.

Marty ******* · Answer

I previously worked in Saudi and was given the following advice.  Don't completely ignore the plonkers, as they may have great contacts that become good friends to you

Rob ********* · Answer

i'm currently in Ban Na Wa, near Don Tan town, haven't seen another farang in a week, the locals could not be more welcoming, maybe because like them, i smile a lot and say hello to everybody 🇹🇭🌶️🌞😁

Shannon ******** · Answer

do you think the value has changed recently in the past 2-3 yrs?  ive been here since about 2015 or so. I feel, the smile and hospitality has changed. I know things change and thats life or maybe evolve is the right word.  I still love it, but feel the sincerity is not there as much and just more judgement.  I do think prob a lot of this falls on us as well and inflation as a  whole.  im not pointing fingers but the result. I feel really blessed to see the thailand of bai mee and chicken rice at 30  baht with a smile.

Joe ******* · Answer

Well said I try not to argue with someone who should have been swallowed, and keep my circle small. It works for me and love the life I have built here 🙏

Jared ********** · Answer

Many high touristed areas the locals and expats alike can be a bit rough around the edges, just from a constant bombardment of tourists

Also a lot of the incidents or idiots are really just happening in a small handful of areas, you get out of those areas and fatigue and people are generally much nicer and relaxed

Vacation brain isn’t a plague unique to Thailand

Shane ************ · Answer

Agree

What challenges do expats face in Thailand and how can they build community?

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