Has Thailand Long Surpassed the West in Terms of Quality of Life?

[NoshowJones]

On 3/7/2025 at 4:24 PM, 123Stodg said:

For decades, Thailand has been labeled a “Third World” or "Developing Country", laden with corruption, etc, but in many ways, it now offers a better quality of life than some so-called developed nations. So how do we measure the comparisons?

 

While many Western countries struggle with rising costs, declining public services, decaying infrastructure and increasing social tensions, Thailand quietly provides an alternative that many find more appealing. Affordability, safety, public services and overall happiness, has Thailand already surpassed the West in the most important aspects of daily life?

 

Cost of living is an obvious advantage. In Thailand, one can enjoy high-quality food, affordable healthcare, and comfortable housing at a fraction of what it costs in many Western cities. Healthcare for locals is accessible and inexpensive and dining out is not a luxury but a daily norm. Public transportation, especially in Bangkok, is efficient, modern, and inexpensive compared to the overpriced, outdated, aging and often unreliable transport systems in many Western countries like the US and UK. 

 

Crime and public safety are also worth noting. While no country is without crime, Thailand generally feels safer than many urban centers in the West, where violent crime rates have also risen a lot in Western cities in recent years. Community cohesion remains strong in Thailand, with people still valuing social interactions and respect for others. Inequality surely exists, but it doesn’t feel as stark or socially divisive in daily life as it does in some Western countries where there is a higher percentage of poverty and homelessness now than in Thailand.

 

Lifestyle in Thailand is another factor that seemingly sets it apart. The balance of work hard to enjoying life is often better in Thailand, with less emphasis on the constant grind and more appreciation for leisure, family, and social life. Culture and a sense of happiness contribute to an overall quality of life that many Westerners also find refreshing.

 

So, is Thailand still really just another “developing country,” or has it quietly outpaced the West in many important aspects of daily life that most people heavily value? 

 

While some will argue that Western nations still lead in technology, quality of life isn’t measured by GDP alone. More and more people might be thinking Thailand now offers a better, freer, and more fulfilling way to live than what used to be considered the dream of life of living in a developed Western society. 

A lot of what you say here is true, but "affordable health care" may be the case in some public hospitals, but I was told by someone who went to the public hospital in Soi Buakow in Pattaya, that he would have to pay 500 Bt just to see the doctor alone before any charges for medical attention.

[NoshowJones]

On 3/8/2025 at 2:57 AM, UserC923 said:

The most ridiculous news story I have ever seen in my life.

When Thailand was a dictatorship, it may be true that we Thais were quite wealthy, had large and magnificent houses and 4-5 cars parked in a row. But today, we are very poor. If you look at the big picture, Thailand has never experienced any crisis. So why is the economy in recession?

Thailand's three neighbors have disappeared since Covid, whether it's a depreciation of the currency, war or a decrease in tourists. Why have they survived until now?

This is the reason why most Thais are not interested in democracy.

"When Thailand was a dictatorship".  Was???? It still is. What other country forces it's expats to do 90 day reporting? We are not criminals on parole, so why are we treated as if we were??

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Harrisfan said:

Yet the Thais are more happy than the retired farangs.

Why do you think white retired men are unhappy?

Maybe it's just you.

[Harrisfan]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Why do you think white retired men are unhappy?

Maybe it's just you.

1 Look at all the insults on here

2 I see lots of unhappy farangs in Thailand

 

I'm happy. 

[BritManToo]

4 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

1 Look at all the insults on here

2 I see lots of unhappy farangs in Thailand

 

I'm happy. 

I always thought the unhappy/insulting posters probably were only pretending they lived here, which was why they were unhappy.

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

I always thought the unhappy/insulting posters probably were only pretending they lived here, which was why they were unhappy.

The Trump haters mostly live in Thailand. 

[Cardano]

3 hours ago, baansgr said:

25 years ago I was earning £9k a month in UK... Now I can live on not a lot more than I earned in a month for a whole year very comfortably...being on a constant hamsters wheel working for a bigger house, a better car etc certainly in my eyes does not constitute a better quality of life. I have no pressure and do whatever I want. I exercise, do gardening, go on bike trips, cook at home 3 times a day and generally have a far better quality of life here 👍 

So you have just proved my point, your good fortune to earn 100k per year has enabled your quality of life today. If you had been earning the minimum wage in the UK what quality of life would you have now!

[Cardano]

3 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Yet the Thais are more happy than the retired farangs.

Yes read my post it explains clearly why.

[SMIAI]

2 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

A lot of what you say here is true, but "affordable health care" may be the case in some public hospitals, but I was told by someone who went to the public hospital in Soi Buakow in Pattaya, that he would have to pay 500 Bt just to see the doctor alone before any charges for medical attention.

 

So? Is 500 baht too rich for your blood? Is that not affordable? They charge a premium to foreigners. If you cannot afford it, go elsewhere. It's a city centre hospital. Move away from the centre and you won't need to pay a premium.

How much to see a doctor in your home country?

[Harrisfan]

16 hours ago, Cardano said:

A 6 month old baby is content for hours with a rattle because they don't know any better. I'll guarantee you that the majority of workers in the west are far more content than the majority of thai workers. 

Lack of options creates focus which creates happiness. Go to an ice cream shop with 4 flavours or 30 flavours. The later will result in confusion and less satisfaction from your first choice. The modern world has created 100 flavours compared to 4 flavours in 1957 when happiness peaked.

[NoshowJones]

1 hour ago, SMIAI said:

 

So? Is 500 baht too rich for your blood? Is that not affordable? They charge a premium to foreigners. If you cannot afford it, go elsewhere. It's a city centre hospital. Move away from the centre and you won't need to pay a premium.

How much to see a doctor in your home country?

"How much to see a doctor in your home country?"  Nothing. As for your post. 

[BritManToo]

9 minutes ago, NoshowJones said:

"How much to see a doctor in your home country?"  Nothing. As for your post. 

Same In the UK, but unless you're bleeding out you'd need to wait at least 2 weeks for an appointment.

[BritManToo]

1 hour ago, Harrisfan said:

Lack of options creates focus which creates happiness. Go to an ice cream shop with 4 flavours or 30 flavours. The later will result in confusion and less satisfaction from your first choice. The modern world has created 100 flavours compared to 4 flavours in 1957 when happiness peaked.

Nope, my choice is always vanilla or choc chip.

[Patong2021]

Easy answer. Look at the air quality index. A bit difficult to enjoy life when your lungs are being destroyed.

[KhunLA]

5 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Easy answer. Look at the air quality index. A bit difficult to enjoy life when your lungs are being destroyed.

If a concern (should be) then live South, and would recommend Chumphon or below.   Consistently better PM2.5 / AQI most of the year.

 

Ranong, probably the best province for air quality, unless you are not a fan of rain at all.  

 

 

Will anywhere in TH compare to most of EU or N. American ... NO ... but fair trade off, to avoid the many negatives of living in those areas   IMHO

[Patong2021]

On 3/7/2025 at 8:31 AM, Pouatchee said:

 

back in canada now, and I can confirm that thailand is better IN MANY WAYS. Was diagnosed with RSV virus spent 18 hrs in hospital and dr told me to go home. I said 'no way can i go back home... i won't make it past the front door'. dr got angry told me to leave. I got my things called a taxi and nearly passed out getting in the taxi. I barely made it to the entrance and collapsed. the nurses walked pass me as i said 'help me' and ignored me because the dr had told me to go home. I slept all night in the emergency waiting area then the next morning i got a second opinion. turns out I also had influenza type A. Add that to my COPD and it is a recipe for disaster. Thailand takes better care by far of us than we are taken care of back home. Even Mcdonald's is worst here than in thailand. I had cheeseburgers yday and the pattie was half the size i remember them from before. Shame on the west... I used to think we were ahead of the thais. Now, all i do is look forward to my return to thailand.

 

the west has lost it

 

This is your opinion. RSV  and Influenza are highly infectious and unless you are in critical condition, you can recover at home where you will not infect others. If you have  COPD, Were you vaccinated against RSV  and flu?

 

Because you think a processed beef patty  at a junk food purveyor was once larger, you  belive that Thailand is better? You are obviously biased and looking for anything to reinforce you bias. McDonald's beef pattys are consistent in size and recipe. It is a universal standardization.  A big mac is the same in Japan as it is Canada or the USA. Standardization is a cornerstone of the company. That's why the milkshake machines are always out of service and the company doesn;t offer  them anymore in many  countries.

[baansgr]

2 hours ago, Cardano said:

So you have just proved my point, your good fortune to earn 100k per year has enabled your quality of life today. If you had been earning the minimum wage in the UK what quality of life would you have now!

Exactly the same 😁 

[Cardano]

2 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Same In the UK, but unless you're bleeding out you'd need to wait at least 2 weeks for an appointment.

It's well known that in the UK hospital A&E depts and doctors surgeries are abused by a number of people who could get the necessary medical advice and requisite medication from a phamacist. But at least they have an appointment system which is pretty reliable, the doctors and nurses are all professionals and fully certified by the BMA and treatment is free at source. The same cannot be said of doctor surgeries here, how sure can you be that the doctor here is certified as a fully qualified general practioneer? As for government hospitals yes the doctors are fully certified but there is no appointment system you have to arrive at sparrow farts and have to sit and wait usually all day, and then you have the pleasure of paying for it.
I will grant that most Expats would only search for medical treatment as a last resort but if a Thai sneezes they are rushing to see a doctor.

[Cardano]

2 hours ago, baansgr said:

Exactly the same 😁 

You wouldn't even be here.......you even said it yourself that because you previously earned £9k per month it enabled your lifestyle here.

[BritManToo]

19 minutes ago, Cardano said:

It's well known that in the UK hospital A&E depts and doctors surgeries are abused by a number of people who could get the necessary medical advice and requisite medication from a phamacist. But at least they have an appointment system which is pretty reliable, the doctors and nurses are all professionals and fully certified by the BMA and treatment is free at source. The same cannot be said of doctor surgeries here, how sure can you be that the doctor here is certified as a fully qualified general practioneer? As for government hospitals yes the doctors are fully certified but there is no appointment system you have to arrive at sparrow farts and have to sit and wait usually all day, and then you have the pleasure of paying for it.
I will grant that most Expats would only search for medical treatment as a last resort but if a Thai sneezes they are rushing to see a doctor.

Yes, I use the government hospital, can walk in any time and be seen the same day.

Cost to see doctor 50bht.

[SMIAI]

5 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

"How much to see a doctor in your home country?"  Nothing. As for your post. 

 

But you paid for that with taxes and such. You didn't in Thailand.

[save the frogs]

22 hours ago, NoshowJones said:

"When Thailand was a dictatorship".  Was???? It still is. What other country forces it's expats to do 90 day reporting? We are not criminals on parole, so why are we treated as if we were??

There are 2 possibiities that i can think of:

1 - Maybe some people are criminals, so they have to check everyone

2 - Maybe they're just keeping people on a payroll with this 90 day reporting, giving people jobs ...

 

[save the frogs]

15 hours ago, Cardano said:

You wouldn't even be here.......you even said it yourself that because you previously earned £9k per month it enabled your lifestyle here.

Exactly.

Some people made a lot of money back home and are leveraging the lower cost of living in thailand and therefore have very relaxed lives.

Some Thais have very hard lives. Those factory jobs are 6 days a week of blood, sweat, and tears for not much money. 

 

 

[Aviatorhi]

Anywhere is nice if you're rich - and in Thailand, most (let's say 90%) of us are "rich"... or "rich enough". If you have a million baht in Thailand you'd need ten in the West - but your life would be the same.

If you refuse to believe that, try explaining how great the quality of life in Thailand is to a dirt farmer living in a dirt floored house.

[save the frogs]

12 hours ago, Aviatorhi said:

Anywhere is nice if you're rich - and in Thailand, most (let's say 90%) of us are "rich"... or "rich enough". If you have a million baht in Thailand you'd need ten in the West - but your life would be the same.

If you refuse to believe that, try explaining how great the quality of life in Thailand is to a dirt farmer living in a dirt floored house.

 

But there isn't always a direct correlation to "more wealth = more contentment".

Some people are contented with way less.

Westerners can get obsessed with being rich and getting rich and make themselves miserable in the process. 

 

[Aviatorhi]

8 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

But there isn't always a direct correlation to "more wealth = more contentment".

Some people are contented with way less.

Westerners can get obsessed with being rich and getting rich and make themselves miserable in the process. 

 

 

Having enough wealth to support your life to the standard you desire equals contentment - this is a closed loop condition... you might not want to buy designer clothes or party at the club every day, but if you have enough money to not need to worry about where the money will come from when you need it (and that includes "surprise expenses" and "impulse purchases") then you are in a position of privilege relative to the aforementioned dirt farmers you are basically always wondering how they are going to afford anything (especially when those "surprise expenses" come up). Most westerners do have that sort of "wealth" here, when they do not at "home".

[save the frogs]

12 hours ago, Aviatorhi said:

Having enough wealth to support your life to the standard you desire equals contentment -

I have found the wealth/contentment formula to be more complicated than a straight curve upward.

I just spoke to a Thai girl and her friend was born in a very wealthy family and is miserable. She never had to work a day in her life, but seems like she doesn't know what to do with herself and can't quite just be content with the silver spoon.

I can cite other examples. 

Also, suicide and drug rates in the US are higher than Thailand, etc ... 

I will drop it as I don't have time to do a Phd on this. 

 

[Aviatorhi]

22 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

I have found the wealth/contentment formula to be more complicated than a straight curve upward.

I just spoke to a Thai girl and her friend was born in a very wealthy family and is miserable. She never had to work a day in her life, but seems like she doesn't know what to do with herself and can't quite just be content with the silver spoon.

I can cite other examples. 

Also, suicide and drug rates in the US are higher than Thailand, etc ... 

I will drop it as I don't have time to do a Phd on this. 

 

 

Clearly wealth isn't the only factor to one leading a happy life - BUT it's the key factor in why most westerners believe they enjoy a higher standard of living here (they do) - it's because they can afford it here when they can't afford it in the west. The topic was about "quality of life" anyway - not about individual cases of outside factors affecting happiness.

[NoshowJones]

2 hours ago, SMIAI said:

 

But you paid for that with taxes and such. You didn't in Thailand.

Who didn't?