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Which country should I choose to move to: Thailand or Ecuador?
Sep 21, 2025
7 months ago
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello!
I'm trying to narrow my move between thailand and ecuador. Any suggestions why I should pick one over the other?
For a long time it was ecuador. Just recently I've been considering Thailand.
I'm trying to narrow my move between thailand and ecuador. Any suggestions why I should pick one over the other?
For a long time it was ecuador. Just recently I've been considering Thailand.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion compares Thailand and Ecuador as potential expat destinations. Many commenters favor Thailand for its lower cost of living, safety, better healthcare, and overall quality of life, citing declining conditions in Ecuador due to rising violence and safety concerns. While Ecuador has its advantages like good food and climate, multiple users suggest that Thailand offers a more diverse and stable environment for expats. Some also propose the idea of sampling both countries before making a final decision.
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Scott ***********
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.
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Scott **********
you're right. I've noticed a lot of residentials are increasing their rates mainly because foreigners are willing to pay it instead of negotiating the rates. That makes it harder for the locals. I feel like investors are the reason the rates increased here in Las Vegas.Reply to
TL *******
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Brad *******
Have you been to both multiple times? Long-term?
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brad ******
nope...watching a bunch of videos. Had to retire early due to medical. That took over half my income away.Brad *******
@TL ******
difficult to live here if you’re not over 50. If you’re over 50, you have to put ฿800,000 in a bank account to get your retirement visa. Maybe Ecuador would be a better bet for you.Brad *******
Ecuador
Income requirement is non-trivial
As of 2025, the monthly income requirement for the pensioner visa is about US$ 1,410 for the main applicant. Add ~$250/month for each dependent.
You’ll need to show a regular income (usually from pension, social security, or other stable sources). 
The visa is temporary (usually 2 years) but renewable, and after about 21 months in-country (with limited time spent outside; ~90 days) you may apply for permanent residency.
Much easier. I think you had to consider going to Ecuador.
Income requirement is non-trivial
As of 2025, the monthly income requirement for the pensioner visa is about US$ 1,410 for the main applicant. Add ~$250/month for each dependent.
You’ll need to show a regular income (usually from pension, social security, or other stable sources). 
The visa is temporary (usually 2 years) but renewable, and after about 21 months in-country (with limited time spent outside; ~90 days) you may apply for permanent residency.
Much easier. I think you had to consider going to Ecuador.
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Brad *******
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Trevor *****
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
Brown ********
@Trevor ****
I've been to Galapagos twice and it should be on everyones bucket list. The diving there is the best in the world only rivaled by Socorro in Mexico. I've dived Cocos in Costa Rica as well which is also incredibleReply to
Brown ********
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Greg ******
Why not split time?
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *****
that is a thoughtReply to
TL *******
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Ruth *******
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?
Mma *******
Can you sample both? That would be the best way. Don’t committ to either for a yr or so. Keep options open-
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mma ******
I just may do that. Thank you!Reply to
TL *******
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Lonnie ********
Ecuador had an explosion of drug gang violence in 2024.
TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lonnie *******
yes I rememberReply to
TL *******
Reply
Olga ****
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
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 opinionTL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Olga ***
thank you. I think that's what I was looking for.Reply to
TL *******
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Dan ******
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.
Robert **************
@Dan *****
during high season Hua Hin is very touristyTL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dan *****
I'm 55 yo and retired but can't get around by walking too far. I see a lot of videos on Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. I saw one on Huahin and decided I wanted to live close to a beach. Do you suggest I do a more popular area first to acclimate or do you think I will be ok in a less touristy area such as Huahin?Bjørn *********
@TL ******
don’t forget Sweden.. Lots of blonds.. U will blend in perfectlyMark **********
@TL ******
if i couldn’t walk great and wanted a more relaxed vibe, Hua Hin is great.Dan ******
@TL ******
Rayong, Pattaya, Chaam, Phuket, Hat Yai are close to the sea and offers good climate.Bangkok is not good for health due to its air pollution
Reply to
Dan ******
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TL *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dan *****
thx I appreciate your opinion.Reply to
TL *******
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