Which country should I choose to move to: Thailand or Ecuador?

They only speak Spanish in Ecuador, it is not very safe and infa structure is not what it should be. Shopping and the like are nothing like Thailand. During the pandemic their were body’s in the street covered with a sheet or tarp. It is not even that great to visit never mind living their. Developers have bought up most of the beach property and are building expensive condos. before they came you could buy a three bedroom condo on the beach for 25,000 or 30,000 thousand.

Have you been to both multiple times? Long-term?

I have spent many years pattaya plan going to ecuador march not to settle but gateway to galaoagos were is top of my bucket list

Why not split time?

Thailand has good health care, but I’m not sure that Ecuador is on the same level. Does anyone have experience with healthcare in both countries?

Can you sample both? That would be the best way. Don’t committ to either for a yr or so. Keep options open-

Go to Ecuador

Ecuador had an explosion of drug gang violence in 2024.

I lived in Ecuador (and I have family there) and I lived in several Asian countries so I can compare— Thailand is definitely a MUCH better choice (just got DTV to be able to stay here long-term). Ecuador has many good sides — food, climate, biodiversity etc but the last years it is steadily declining in terms of safety and overall quality of life (plus it’s not actually that ‘cheap’ as many mistakenly think).

Thailand offers a much better lifestyle for any budget, it’s safe, has good infrastructure and you can travel around SE Asia for of the price that would cost you in LatAm airlines. Thailand wins in most criteria, in my opinion

I am a Thai who used to live in Ecuador for 3.5 years and I think Thailand is a better place. Thailand has more variety and restaurants are cheaper. If you want to live near USA and pay low costs of living, Mexico might be a place for you.