Despite the many high-profile international campaigns that tout the welcoming people, exotic food and attractions of the Land of Smiles, Thailand is not the top choice for expats in Southeast Asia, according to a new survey.
The country is not even second or third among the seven Asean nations that were ranked by Expat Insider. It placed fourth after Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia in this year's survey released on Friday.
The survey did not detail how Thailand fared in all categories, but the country did not rank in the top 15 in categories such as Quality of Life and Family Life. However, it ranked fourth worldwide in...
Definition please-- Is this for working or retirement? It has been my impression that expats who are working enjoy S;pore but choose not to retire there. HK the same, great for working, not for retirement.
oakdale160 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 10, 2018 8:15 pm
Definition please-- Is this for working or retirement? It has been my impression that expats who are working enjoy S;pore but choose not to retire there. HK the same, great for working, not for retirement.
The article said "residing". That's rather broad so it hard to tell whether that includes working or retirement. It was also stated that Thailand ranks 4th, I think, in low cost of living. That's what keeps me here.
The survey was either exclusively for working expats or a mix of working and retired because there were questions relating to career progression, international schooling for those with kids, work/life balance, job security... none of which would be there if it was solely for retirees.
I note that Cambodia is not listed. PP has a growing working ex-pat community, lots of Aussies there. People who have been in SE Asia many years say that is just like Thai was 30 years ago.
Interesting survey, and comparisons, if a Yank. Education, big ???, along with Language, though never had to learn English as a foreign language, and many things here have English translations, where USA, will have none (translations), unless Gov't forms or such, with Spanish available. Maybe that's what it's based on, but if learning, then no, tonal languages are rough for westerners to master.
Categories and subcategories ranking: Thailand / USA Quality of Life30 / 47
Leisure Options 11 / 22
Personal Happiness 9 / 44
Travel/Transport 26 / 49
Health / Well Being 31 / 56
Safety / Security 45 / 56
Digital Life 47 / 10 (no surprise, Thailand = stone age) Ease of Settling In29 / 33
Feeling At Home 21 / 33
Friendliness 17 / 33
Finding Friends 24 / 41
Language 21 / 45 Family Life24 / 40
Availability of Childcare/Education 15 / 33 ???
Cost of above 26 / 49
Quality of Education 33 / 37 ???
Family Well-Being 30 / 38
