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

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