British swap gloom of Blighty for tropical Land of Smiles (video)

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Holiday Planner

 

by Bob Scott

A new survey has revealed the British have swapped the cold, gloomy shores of Blighty in their thousands for the warm, welcoming, tropical beaches of Thailand.

 

Financial technology company Wise reported that more than 40,000 British citizens have already set up camp and relocated to the exotic Land of Smiles.

 

The Daily Mirror reported that British removal firm John Mason International revealed that since 2018 relocations to Thailand have skyrocketed by an enormous 255%.

 

John Mason International Executive Director Simon Hood believes the Government of Thailand has offered several enticing incentives to lure British nationals overseas.

“The Long-Term Residence (LTR) visa introduced in 2022 offers a ten-year residency for skilled professionals, retirees and investors, even offering certain tax exemptions.

 

“These measures, along with simplified business registration, make Thailand more accessible to Brits looking to work and put down roots.”

 

 

It is easy to see why the British expat would want to swap the dark, cold and wet climate of the United Kingdom for the bright, sunny environment of Thailand.

 

Thailand is famous for its sparkling temples, golden buddhas and over 1,500 miles of luxurious coastline with pristine white sands, surrounded by 1,430 islands.

 

Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya are popular spots for foreigners looking to escape the drudgery of their home towns and countries.

In Phuket Old Town, Thalang Road is lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Built in 1903 by a wealthy tin merchant, Baan Chinpracha mansion has Italian floor tiles, shuttered windows and antique furniture.

 

From there visitors can take trips to Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave, James Bond Island, Phi Phi Islands, which was made famous by the Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

 

Picture of Phuket Old Town courtesy of Bangkok Post

Railay Beach in Krabi province is breathtakingly encircled by towering cliffs that offer awe-inspiring views. There, tourists, visitors or locals can go climbing or cliff jumping.

 

Pattaya, on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, is famous for its beaches, among other things. Initially it was a quiet fishing village in the 1960s but it is now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.

Those who don’t like to party and prefer a bit of culture can visit Wat Phra Yai Temple featuring an 18m-tall golden Buddha. But that’s not all. For those keen on golf, there are dozens of incredible golf courses in the area.

 

Picture courtesy of Atmind Group

For those seeking a taste of Thailand’s rich culture and history, there are numerous stunning temples to explore and none more so than in Bangkok.

 

Bangkok, the capital city, also boasts the enticing Chao Phraya River. Tourists, locals and visitors can enjoy several river cruises while enjoying the many attractions such as the Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.

Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

 

With all this on offer it is little wonder the Brits are swapping Blighty for the Land of Smiles. What are you waiting for? Book that flight!

 

Picture of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw at sunset in Bangkok courtesy of Shuttershock

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-12-12

 

 

[G_Money]

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

[Yagoda]

I dont think you need a video to convince Brits to go somewhere warmer than their cold and rainy Pirate ship

[Andrew65]

32 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

I dont think you need a video to convince Brits to go somewhere warmer than their cold and rainy Pirate ship

Every other country in N Europe also has s--- weather for about half of the year, according to an Irish friend, Ireland even more so.

[JonnyF]

The freedom of Thailand must feel wonderful compared to the tyranny of Starmer's Britain.

 

Come to think of it, North Korea probably looks pretty good in comparison as well. 

[Classic Ray]

Having spent two hours yesterday afternoon in a taxi from Sukhumvit to Sathorn Pier, the traffic is something to be considered in Bangkok.

 

BTS on the way back much quicker, but with two babies in pushchairs and no escalators or lifts at some stations, still not a pleasant experience.

[Captain Flack]

A troll post breaking forum rules has been removed.

[wensiensheng]

Well, first of all, was this article written by TAT as an infomercial? It certainly seems so.

 

Brits are leaving their colder climes for warmer destinations, as they have done for decades. My own sister left for southern France a year and a half ago.

 

i am also wondering about the 285% increase in relocations since 2018, statistic. There would have been no relocations during 2020, 2021 and maybe 2023. A little thing called COVID saw to that.

 

There is no mention of the other thing Thailand is famous for, a plentiful supply of women for single/divorced, ugly, fat men. I guess not something that would find its way into a blatant advertisement masquerading as a news article.

 

All in all a waste of time to read type “article”.

[blazes]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is famous for its sparkling temples, golden buddhas

 

Just about the last things that would be on the mind of your average denizen of Bootle.

[Woke to Sounds of Horking]

"Cold climate" in England. Gimme a break. Try Winnipeg in January <deleted>.

[Patong2021]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

Looks like the photos rely on some potent blue filters.  Amzing how the air pollution haze has been edited out.

[Andrew65]

26 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

The freedom of Thailand must feel wonderful compared to the tyranny of Starmer's Britain.

 

Come to think of it, North Korea probably looks pretty good in comparison as well. 

I don't like Starmer, but if I'm honest, I'm no better or worse off than before. I just pay tax and still get very little in return, the same as under the Tories.

[Taboo2]

I love the Brits, as long as they do not run around in their underwear and try to beat up cops.  NZ and Belarus...please take notes.

[Taboo2]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

Ouch!

[Taboo2]

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

I dont think you need a video to convince Brits to go somewhere warmer than their cold and rainy Pirate ship

The smart Brits are leaving that country, because they do not want to pray 5 times a day and get locked up for a FB post.

[Taboo2]

41 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

The freedom of Thailand must feel wonderful compared to the tyranny of Starmer's Britain.

 

Come to think of it, North Korea probably looks pretty good in comparison as well. 

Agree...and I am not kidding, Starmer reminds me of Stalin or Mao.  That man is evil incarnate.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

A new survey has revealed the British have swapped the cold, gloomy shores of Blighty in their thousands for the warm, welcoming, tropical beaches of Thailand.

And 10X that to other countries..

[Andrew65]

16 minutes ago, Taboo2 said:

The smart Brits are leaving that country, because they do not want to pray 5 times a day and get locked up for a FB post.

FB rules are the same in every country? It's the same computer making the same baffling decisions.

[ravip]

God help Thailand!

God have mercy on Thailand and it's people.

[Andrew65]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

...you only end up visiting such places with your Thai wifey! Not when you're still in the 'two week millionaire' phase.😁

[Will B Good]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

...or Isaan.....🥲

[Will B Good]

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

I dont think you need a video to convince Brits to go somewhere warmer than their cold and rainy Pirate ship

 

Rubbish...you've never been to Middlesbrough.

[grain]

Again, nothing new here. British and European men have been relocating to tropical regions for centuries. Lured by the sunshine, cheap living, and the availability of native women. If you read Maugham's novels, they're full of tales of Englishmen & Scotsmen & Frenchmen living the good life in SE Asia and Pacific islands.

[Andrew65]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

Those living in yabba infested villages might not agree with this rose colored glasses news article.

Nakhon Nowhere, Wherethef---aburi!😁

[G_Money]

20 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

...you only end up visiting such places with your Thai wifey! Not when you're still in the 'two week millionaire' phase.😁

Incorrect on all counts.  I’m not surprised.

 

Not married to a Thai nor have any desire to do so.  They bring too much baggage to the table.

 

Not a 2 week but an approximately 9 months a year millionaire for the past 8 years.  

 

With the exception of covid.  Then it was a straight year and a half.  

No desire whatsoever to slum it in a Thai village.  I prefer the farang ghetto.

[Andrew65]

10 minutes ago, G_Money said:

Incorrect on all counts.  I’m not surprised.

 

Not married to a Thai nor have any desire to do so.  They bring too much baggage to the table.

 

Not a 2 week but an approximately 9 months a year millionaire for the past 8 years.  

 

With the exception of covid.  Then it was a straight year and a half.  

No desire whatsoever to slum it in a Thai village.  I prefer the farang ghetto.

Lower Sukhumvit was my farang ghetto from 1998-2018. Never got married, exited Thailand with quite a lot of money.

[shackleton]

Brits coming to Thailand 

Pattaya will be turning into Blackpool next 

More Brit restaurants and bars ect

This could upset the moaners groaners on here 

I hope the retirees coming here have sorted out their pensions  💰 

[mokwit]

26 minutes ago, shackleton said:

Brits coming to Thailand 

Pattaya will be turning into Blackpool next 

More Brit restaurants and bars ect

This could upset the moaners groaners on here 

I hope the retirees coming here have sorted out their pensions  💰 

There are already no end of British places in Pattaya now - what we used call Indian.

[BritScot]

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

I dont think you need a video to convince Brits to go somewhere warmer than their cold and rainy Pirate ship

What's with the pirate ship? I've been there, seen it and done it (10 years living in Thailand) and I/we are back in the UK now. Yes in winter it's cold but when you get down to it, the uk has far more to offer. Thailand is great for holiday's and we still have a house there but live full time, no! 

[Radar501]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand is famous for its sparkling temples

 

It's not really about the temples is it..........