Living in Thailand

[Hammerheads]

My wife is a dual passport holder British/Thai. I am keen to come and live in Thailand after spending the last 20 years in the UK. My wife is very concerned about the lack of safety in Thailand. Her concerns surround the heavy increase in drugs, crime by Thais towards farangs, widespread corruption etc. I'm keen to hear from anyone about their experiences. We do not plan to live in a big city - probably somewhere like Ao Nang, Hua Hin or Khao Yai national Park.

[CharlieH]

The violence or any other aspect of life is no different here than many parts of the world. Generally if you are rural you are even less likely to encounter any issues, as thats not generally the Thai nature or disposition . Surprised your wife, a Thai, would even make such a comment. 

[Tropicalevo]

I live on Koh Samui (25 years now) and there is very little obvious crime.

I live on a private development where there is very basic security and I have never locked my doors or windows.

When my wife was alive, she felt very safe wherever we lived in Thailand.

(She had been mugged twice in her home town in the UK - Birmingham.)

 

[MalcolmB]

I feel a lot safer here than back in the UK. People here, unless they are nutters, are very calm and mind their own business.

 

I recommend you live in the south as the air is quite good. Most foreigners in Bangkok and anywhere north of it seem very stressed out. Pollution is terrible.

[KhunBENQ]

With your plans there is no concern about safety.

 

Violence against foreigners exist but in the majority of cases it's not arbitrary/ unprovoked. Often foreigners on drugs/alcohol.

Some loose their temper when drunk. Not good.

Drunkards are an easier task for robbing. Not so different from everywhere in the world.

And that is what it makes to the news.

Living 13 years in an upcountry village and never been threatened/physically attacked.

 

Real concerns:

Dangerous traffic. Don't get in a road rage! That can turn extremely violent. Your wife will know.

Months long air pollution like now.

[KhunLA]

Her concerns surround ... 

... the heavy increase in drugs - don't get involved with

... crime by Thais towards farangs - location dependent, and very rare

... widespread corruption - 3rd world, although, just follow the rules, have all asked for, and like myself, you'll never have a problem.

 

Actually for the average person, one who is O&A (out & about), exploring quite a bit, corruptions is non-existent, compared to the past. 

 

No more worries about highway stops for some beer money.   Although, now there are speed cameras 🤬

 

So if O&A, use that cruise control 

[Hummin]

That's my least concern in Thailand

 

My concern is

The pollution 

The heat

The future taxation

Stronger Thai Baht

[Kinnock]

I think Thailand is much safer for women than many countries.  Any violence against women is generally Thai ex husbands/boyfriends - so hopefully that's not an issue for you.

 

For men, getting into arguments with the locals can be risky, especially if alcohol is involved, but that's easy enough to avoid.

 

Traffic is probably the biggest risk, plus air pollution.

[Hammerheads]

Thank you to you all, very helpful. 

[MangoKorat]

My Thai home is very close to Khao Yai National Park.  Although I don't live there permanenty yet, I've had it for over 10 years and have spent a lot of time there.  I will be moving there permanently within 2 months.

 

It all depends on what you are looking for but I've travelled to many places in Thailand and my area suits me well - I love it there.  Depending on how close to the park you choose you can get the best of both countryside and city - with travel between the two being very easy and fast.  My home would be considered as rural yet I'm 5 minutes from a 7/11, 7 minutes from Makro and 10 minutes from Lotus's (Tesco).

 

There's bars, restaurants, hospitals. markets, night clubs etc. in Pak Chong - 15 minutes away.  The new M6 Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima motorway should be fully open soon and construction of a high speed rail system between Bangkok and Nong Nong Khai is underway. That will provide travel to Bangkok in 55 minutes.

 

The downside of these new transport systems is that land prices have risen dramatically since they were announced and there has been a lot of new development.  Things seem to have calmed down now but be prepared to pay at least 1 mill for a small single house plot close to a road with electric close by - the guy next door to me is a little optimistic and wants 2 mill for a single plot. Its been for sale for quite a while 😃.

 

Crime?  My house was broken into during Covid as so many were but I suppose being empty for much of a 10 year period sort of invites that.  I've increased security and so far have not had any more problems. Other than that, I've never had any problems locally.  I have a lot of Thai friends in the area and have been made very welcome.

[Bday Prang]

where in the UK are you living now?

[Hammerheads]

Thank you @MangoKorat

[Hammerheads]

I am in SW England.