Have you ever asked yourself the question, “should I move to Thailand?”

If you have, you’re in the same position I was in a few years ago. I wanted to quit the American rat race to find a better way to live. I felt stuck. Until I found salvation by asking myself one question, “should I move to Thailand?

Moving to Thailand isn’t going to solve your problems in life, but it is a way to live an inexpensive, healthy, and pleasant lifestyle.

So, if you’re considering moving to Thailand, here are my top 9 reasons you should!

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1. Moving To Thailand Is Cheap!

When you first get there (you’ll likely land in Bangkok), you’ll see that life isn’t that much different than living in a big city in a Western culture.

There are skyscrapers, noisy streets, and well-maintained roads.

But, you can go out at night with $10 in your pocket, eat a buffet of different street foods, consume colorful drinks, and meet people from all over the world, without running out of money!

Though Thailand has its own style and is not identical to Western comforts. The housing, dining, healthcare, and transportation are all substantially less expensive than what you’ll find in the West.

2. The Food Is Healthy

If you’re not a fan of noodles and rice, you might not enjoy the majority of the cuisine.

But don’t miss the spicy salads, grilled arthropods, and fresh fruit stands all over the place.

Interestingly, while there are popular traditional Thai dishes, each restaurant will offer what they call “same-same, but different.” It’s a common saying that means everyone makes pad thai, but everyone makes it a little bit different, for example.

Did I mention it’s super cheap?

3. You’ll Feel at Home

Spend more than a few weeks in one place and you’ll be recognized by locals who will appreciate you using phrases like sawatdee and khop-khun-kha (hello and thank you).

They’ll wave to you, smile at you, and if you purchase from their food stalls often enough (or have an adorable child like I do), they’ll give you free food with whatever you order (be grateful for this, but don’t expect it, obviously)!

We just returned to the island we love the most for the first time in 1.5 years. Within the first week, several locals have stopped us and told us they remember us, luckily, I’ve remembered (most of) them also!

4. The Weather is Exceptional

Yes, there is a rainy season that drops ungodly amounts of rain on you at certain times, but for most of the year, you’ll be looking at blue skies with (sometimes scorching) sunny days.

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5. You’ll Learn to Defend Yourself

Ever heard of Muay Thai? It’s like boxing except their allowed to kick and use elbows.

It’s a brutal sport, but it’s a great method of self-defense to learn in Thailand.

Bonus: some schools will help you get extended, year-long ‘education visas’ just for studying Muay Thai.

And, you don’t have to be kicked in the head to learn how to kick someone else in the head. Awesome!

6. Life is Better, Down Where It’s Wetter, Under the Sea

Yes, that’s another Disney reference (that’s what you get when you read this single parent travel blog!).

Redundancy aside, Thailand is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world, and it’s one of the top places to learn on a budget.

The video below shows my daughter’s first time snorkeling in the open water!

I’m currently living on Koh Tao, and even though I get seasick and don’t enjoy scuba diving that much, I can’t deny the underwater beauty here.

That’s why I live on an island for divers where I don’t dive; I LOVE to snorkel here!

7. You’ll Get Unique Insight into Gender Roles

What you’ll see in Thailand is that there are men, women, and everyone in between, and many times, you can’t tell the difference.

The term ‘ladyboys’ is thrown a lot here, and I’ve met and seen many people who don’t fall into traditional gender norms the way the West sees them.

The image above is pretty obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at cashiers in 7-11 and not been able to decipher their gender for absolute certain.

8. You’ll Meet Insanely Industrious People

Have a problem you think you can’t solve? Thai people can solve it.

You can’t own a tiny motorbike with a family of 5? Thai people can show you how everyone easily fits and rides comfortably.

Do you have a small business idea? Thai people are already doing it. What’s more, they’re doing it with half the resources you grew up with.

9. You’ll Be Safe Even When You’re in Danger

There are many expats that have moved to Thailand for a variety of reasons.

What you’ll find special about Thailand, however, is that the best hospitals, doctors, and dentists are all top-notch.

In fact, many expats that live in the neighboring Southeast Asia countries will fly to Bangkok to get serious medical care. Thailand’s health care system is held in high regards. So no need to worry about moving here with your children.

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