A tropical paradise with golden beaches, exotic cuisine and unique culture – this is how many people imagine Thailand. This country has long attracted expats from Russia and other parts of the world due to its affordable cost of living, mild climate and investment opportunities. But moving to an Asian country requires careful analysis of all aspects: from climate to real estate, from culture to bureaucracy. The pros and cons of living in Thailand allow you to weigh up all the pros and cons in order to understand whether the country is worth calling it your new home.
Pros and cons of living in Thailand for Russians
The tropical country beckons with its exoticism, moderate cost of living and business opportunities. However, along with its many advantages, there are also adaptation difficulties to consider when moving there. The pros and cons of living in Thailand for Russian investors and expats are due to the combination of unique culture, climate and socio-economic conditions.
Benefits:
- Affordable cost of living. Despite rising prices in major cities such as Bangkok and Phuket, life in provincial areas remains affordable. Food, rent and transport are much cheaper than in Russia. For example, renting a one-room flat in Pattaya costs from 10,000 baht (approximately 25,000 roubles) a month.
- Climate and nature. The tropical climate allows you to enjoy summer all year round. Beaches, jungles and waterfalls create ideal conditions for relaxation and outdoor living.
- The friendliness of the locals. Thais are characterised by hospitality and tolerance towards foreigners.
Disadvantages:
- Language barrier. Most Thais are not fluent in English, which can make it difficult to communicate and do business.
- Visa Restrictions. Visa renewal requires regular travelling or additional costs to arrange a long-term stay.
- Cultural Differences. Respect for Thai traditions and customs is mandatory, otherwise you may encounter misunderstandings or conflicts.
Thai cuisine and tropical climate: love it or hate it
The pros and cons of living in Thailand largely depend on the climate and local cuisine. These two aspects are the key factors for a comfortable stay in the country. The tropical climate provides warm weather all year round, but has its own peculiarities that are not always suitable for everyone. Thai cuisine is known for its spicy, savoury and sweet dishes. Popular dishes include tom yam, pad thai, som tam and mango and rice. Street food is cheap – a portion of rice and meat will cost 50-60 baht (about 130 rubles).
Buddhism and local culture: how does it affect life?
The pros and cons of living in Thailand cannot be appreciated without understanding the local culture and religion. Buddhism is not just a faith, but a way of life that influences the everyday behaviour of Thais, their attitude to life and their perception of the world.
Basic Principles
Buddhism in Thailand is practised by more than 90 per cent of the population. The main principles are respect for elders, tolerance, non-violence and the ability to remain calm in all situations. These values are reflected in society: Thais rarely show aggression and prefer to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Major Buddhist holidays such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Kratong (Festival of Lights) are widely celebrated throughout the country with mass festivities and rituals.
Pros and cons of moving to Thailand for permanent residence
The pros and cons of living in Thailand on a permanent basis depend on many factors: visa regime, cost of living, quality of medical care and level of security.
Visa issues and legalisation of stay
For long-term residence in Thailand, you need to choose the right visa:
- Pension visa for persons over 50 years of age.
- Business visa for those who plan to start their own business.
- Student visa for Thai language learners or those pursuing an education.
Thailand’s speciality is the “Visa Ran” system, which requires leaving the country to renew it. This is convenient for temporary stays, but uncomfortable for those who plan to stay for a long time.
Health insurance and health care
Medicine in the country has high standards, but service for foreigners is paid for. The cost of medical insurance starts from 10,000 baht per year (approximately 25,000 roubles). The programme covers most standard procedures, including emergency care and routine check-ups.
Property in Thailand: peculiarities of purchase and nuances of ownership
The pros and cons of living in Thailand are directly related to housing affordability, quality and legislative features for foreigners. To avoid mistakes, it is necessary to understand in detail the process of buying and owning property in the country.
Types of property and their value:
- Flats and flats: foreigners can own flats in apartment buildings (condos) provided that no more than 49 per cent of the total floor area of the building is owned by foreigners. Apartment prices vary by region. In Bangkok, the cost of a one-room condo starts from 2.5-3 million baht (approximately RUB 6.5-7.5 million). In Phuket, a similar flat will cost 3-4 million baht.
- Villas and houses: non-residents cannot own land in Thailand directly, but can purchase houses through a long-term leasehold for 30 years with an option to renew. A villa on the coast of Phuket or Samui costs from 10 million baht (approximately 25 million roubles).
The process of buying a property:
- Selection of the object and verification of documents: before the purchase, the object is thoroughly checked for encumbrances and the legality of the transaction.
- Signing the contract and paying the deposit: the standard deposit is 10% of the property value.
- Transfer of money from abroad: proof of transfer of funds from abroad is required to register the transaction.
- Registration of ownership: when buying a flat, foreigners receive a Chanote document confirming the right of ownership.
Living in Thailand: pros and cons for families with children
For families planning to move to the country, issues of education, safety and children’s adjustment to their new environment are important.
Benefits:
- International schools: in the major cities and tourist areas there are international schools with instruction in English. The cost of education ranges from 200 to 600 thousand baht per year (approximately 500 thousand – 1.5 million rubles).
- Climate and active lifestyle: the warm climate and proximity to the sea allow for year-round sports and outdoor recreation.
- Friendly environment: Thais love children and treat them with great respect and care.
Disadvantages:
- Cost of education: international schools are expensive, and government institutions are not suitable for most expats due to the language barrier.
- Medical care: quality medicine is only available in private clinics, and without insurance, treatment can be expensive.
- Cultural adaptation: children may have difficulty adapting to a new culture and language environment.
Conclusion
The pros and cons of living in Thailand form a complete picture of what awaits those who decide to move or buy property in this exotic country. Moderate prices, tropical climate, developed infrastructure and the hospitality of locals make the country an attractive destination for life and investment. Cultural differences, visa restrictions and peculiarities of legislation require careful preparation and an informed approach.
Property prices in Thailand vary depending on the location and type of property. Thus, a small studio flat on the outskirts of Bangkok with an area of about 30 m² will cost 50-60 thousand dollars, while an elite villa of similar area on the coast of the Andaman Sea can cost from 300 to 400 thousand dollars and more. Resort areas, such as Phuket, are particularly popular among investors, which causes higher prices. On average, the cost of real estate in Phuket is 20-30% higher than prices for similar properties on the mainland.
The Thai property market relies on detailed analytics, accurate calculations, and an understanding of legal regulations. There are no workarounds where you can shave off responsibility or reduce formal stages. Property in Thailand for Russians is a working tool for long-term investment strategies. Every interested investor studies the laws, compares possibilities, chooses an object, and fixes the deal on transparent terms.
To buy property in Thailand is not only to become the owner of a flat or villa, but also to become the payer of taxes and fees in accordance with the laws of the country. Let’s consider the main expenses:
Buying property in Thailand is a real chance to make your dream of a home by the sea a reality. Of course, this process requires a competent approach: you need to take into account the legal aspects, financial obligations and market peculiarities. Without professional assistance and careful preparation, the purchase can turn into an adventure with an unpredictable finale. It is best to turn to experts to protect your investment and move confidently towards your goal.