What Do Expats Really Think About Living in Thailand?
You may be surprised to hear that Thailand has been chosen as the best country in the world for expats to live in. In the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2011 the Kingdom beat 31 other countries - with 3,385 expats casting their votes.
Apparently, Thailand came in top for health care, accommodation and the work environment. The full results are not out until November. And if they are anything like last year, Thailand will have scored high marks for lifestyle too.
But what do expats in Phuket really think about living here? I asked a few people I know. Peter and Joyotee Smith who live near Surin Beach said, "Living here is so easy. It's comfortable, we have staff to do everything for us and there are plenty of exotic places to visit." In last year’s survey expats said it was easier to make friends in Thailand than anywhere else.
And Sarah Butler in Bang Tao agreed; "We have more friends here than we ever had in Singapore. It's just so easy to meet people here who enjoy a similar lifestyle; golf, sailing and good food."
But one guy, who wanted to remain anonymous, gave these words of warning; "Having a Thai wife is costly. You have to take care of her family as well." I'm told that is because your Thai wife's family will usually come to live with you. Or you'll be expected to buy them their own house in their home village!
Clare and Andy Short moved to Phuket 6 months ago and had this to say; "The food is amazing. You just have to go two minutes down the road to get something good to eat. The roadside stalls sell delicious roti, BBQ chicken and noodles. And there are swanky restaurants on our doorstep too".
Continued on the next page
Follow Technorati