Analysis Thailand in Trouble: Expats Exit as Vietnam Steals the Show

[webfact]

Hoi An, Vietnam

 

For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite.

 

Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals.

 

What was once a tolerable annoyance is now perceived by many as institutional exploitation. As one expat cheekily puts it, the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits".

 

Visa complexities add to the exasperations, as Thailand’s formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal.

 

Many retirees and long-stay tourists find themselves frustrated, pushing them to seek more straightforward paths elsewhere. It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly.

 

Moreover, Thailand's once-renowned nightlife, a historical cornerstone of its charming allure, faces similar criticism. Rising prices and aggressive behaviours in major tourist hubs, such as Pattaya and Phuket, have soured the once vibrant scene.

 

Once praised for its relaxed atmosphere, the nightlife seems to have grown more hostile and commercialised, dampening Thailand's once bright appeal among expats, writes Michael Schwerzer for Wochen Blitz.

 

On another front, Vietnam emerges as an exciting alternative, offering simpler visa arrangements, lower living costs, and a generally welcome attitude towards foreign guests. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular among expats drawn by affordable living, authentic cuisine, and a community spirit that is still very much alive.

 

Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand.

 

In terms of value, Vietnam appears to offer more for less. Rent is cheaper, food is often praised as more authentic, and general living expenses remain manageable, even on modest retirement incomes.

 

The difference isn’t only financial; many expats report an emotional relief found in the warmth and genuine welcome they encounter. "In Vietnam, people celebrate you as a guest," said one British expat. "That special feeling is vanishing in Thailand."

 

The Thai tourism industry is at a critical juncture. Failing to address these significant grievances could mean losing its long-standing expat community. Vietnam, with its welcoming environment and competitive cost of living, increasingly captivates and offers a vibrant alternative.

 

If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia.

 

The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Thailand can reclaim its esteemed position as the expat capital of Southeast Asia or whether Vietnam will seize that role for good. One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they’re making their way east.

 

Phuket, Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Wochen Blitz 2025-06-19

 

 

[ozz1]

With the elites in control it will only get worse  Vietnam is the go to place at the moment Thailand's days of welcoming tourists is fading fast and with a strong baht it's going to be a uphill battle

[blaze master]

Thailand was in trouble years ago. Their blind arrogance got in the way of them seeing it. 

[Quentin Zen]

 

32 minutes ago, webfact said:

low cost of living.

 

this definitely doesn't make a country, and it would be the last place I want to start a career.   Be like The Terminator and go to America.  He became Governor.  

 

Vietnam is good.  Thailand is good.  Japan is good.   Parts of Europe are nice.  Places in America are nice.  We don't all think alike.

 

I would not consider my life a success if I could only retire in the cheapest place.  

[ikke1959]

Although many expats have already noticed this and talked about it here on the forum, Thailand is refusing to listen.. This is the result of outdated and conservative laws, and requirements and lack of changing .. Welcome retirees and expats instead of chasing them away, because once they are gone they will never come or come back again.. 

[MalcolmB]

Thailand is ten times better than Communist Vietnam.

Thailand has visas to suit everyone. 
Next week they will be Cambodia is going to beat Thailand.

Next month the Philippines.

 

But the reality is Thailand is the best. Always has been, always will be.

[henryford1958]

Vietnam is OK for tourists but without a retirement visa it is a non starter for expats.

[blaze master]

59 minutes ago, Quentin Zen said:

 

 

this definitely doesn't make a country, and it would be the last place I want to start a career.   Be like The Terminator and go to America.  He became Governor.  

 

Vietnam is good.  Thailand is good.  Japan is good.   Parts of Europe are nice.  Places in America are nice.  We don't all think alike.

 

I would not consider my life a success if I could only retire in the cheapest place.  

 

Did you see him rock the ladies of the view with his take on immigration. 

 

Asta la vista.........ladies.

[Woke to Sounds]

34 minutes ago, henryford1958 said:

Vietnam is OK for tourists but without a retirement visa it is a non starter for expats.

 

My buddy is there.... it's a visa run every 3 months.

 

You never know when Vietnam Immigration puts the brakes on that.

 

Is that any way to live?

 

At least in TH you get the proper visa and you know where you stand.

[Photoguy21]

Was inevitable. 

[AhFarangJa]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly.

Nail on the head, the elite government do not want us unless you are a multi millionaire, so they slowly turn the screw to push us out. Marriage, having children, buying houses, non of it matters to them.

[khunPer]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia.

"Bureaucracy" and "welcoming spirit" are the main key words to considering other places like Vietnam, while dual pricing in some cases might also be a subject...

[madone]

2 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

Next month the Philippines.

The Philippines will always be a backwater.

Anyone claiming that the Philippines is not an inherently threatening environment has not been there.

Stray even slightly off the beaten path, and things can escalate quickly. 

[FritsSikkink]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Although many expats have already noticed this and talked about it here on the forum, Thailand is refusing to listen.. This is the result of outdated and conservative laws, and requirements and lack of changing .. Welcome retirees and expats instead of chasing them away, because once they are gone they will never come or come back again.. 

Let the cheap charlies go, who cares.

[StayinThailand2much]

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

Thailand was in trouble years ago. Their blind arrogance got in the way of them seeing it. 

 

Yes, even Malaysia has now almost as many foreign tourist arrivals as Thailand, despite the lack of nightlife, (popular) beaches, etc. - With more and more Chinese and Indians picking other destinations, and the back-and-forth when it comes to long-term visas (not to mention age-old scams and overcharging), no wonder that Thailand's visitor arrival numbers are stagnating...

[ZigM]

My wife did not want to retire in Australia. She asked me to retire with her in Thailand. Let's be blunt, I am only here because I love my wife, and because of the still cheaper cost of living. I already lived in paradise in northern Queensland in Australia. Thailand had nothing to offer except for my wife, her nice family and friends and very cheap real-estate. As I'm not into partying, night-life and the usual BS that foreigners get up to, I'm not really interested in the various issues raised. Yes, the visas are a pain but still easier to obtain than if my wife were to try and enter Australia. Yes, I'm losing 20% of the value of my money during conversion because of the weak dollar vs strong baht, however, I still bought a mansion for a pittance and a new car. Also, the land ownership kafuffle is slightly misrepresented. Although I am not allowed to be registered as an owner of land under the land titles act, I have equal rights to land, money etc under the Thai Marriage Act. Since I have a prenuptial agreement, if my wife dies before me, I inherit the whole house and everything else, including land. Although I'd be the legal owner under the marriage/inheritance act, I am unable to transfer the house into my name. The same situation existed in Germany after my father died. I inherited the house under German inheritance law. No contest there. However, for me to be able to sell my house, I had to transfer it into my name first by rocking up personally to the inheritance court in Germany and identifying myself. There is a distinct mismatch in the land titles act and what I am entitled to under the marriage and inheritance acts in Germany and Thailand. Although I finally had my father's house transferred into my name without setting foot in Germany, the land titles act in Thailand forbids me to transfer the land into my name, and if did inherit it, I'd have to sell it. However, I'd be entitled to all profits. Couples who are free from suspicion of fraud should be granted full and equal land title rights in Thailand instead of this blanket paranoia against all and any foreigner. My previous Thai wife in Australia owned properties together with me and had bank loans in Australia before she even became an Australian citizen. Why must Thailand be so backward? That's my main issue.

[watchcat]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits".

 

Spot on.

[save the frogs]

15 hours ago, webfact said:

Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals.

 

There seems to be a lot of BS in this article.

 

Dual pricing at medical facilities? I seriously doubt it. 

Street markets? No, there's no dual pricing. And things are so dirt cheap in street markets anyway. If you can't afford street food, you ain't gonna survive in Vietnam either. 

 

Yeah. National Parks maybe. And people are flocking to National Parks every day, right? And temples. 

 

 

[save the frogs]

15 hours ago, webfact said:

as Thailand’s formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal.

 

 

More BS ... it's a bit of paperwork and no big deal.

Compared to what? Doing visa runs every 60 days in Vietnam?

 

[Felton Jarvis]

This is absurd. Thailand needs to make some adjustments that will cost little and yield great benefits. However, I question whether the leadership is up to the task.

[StayinThailand2much]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Although many expats have already noticed this and talked about it here on the forum, Thailand is refusing to listen.. This is the result of outdated and conservative laws, and requirements and lack of changing .. 

 

I've been in and out of Thailand since 1997. Back then it was a welcoming country, with locals showing smiles all over... Then Thaksin became prime minister (2001), and the mood and perception of 'foreigners' (particularly expats) changed dramatically over the next few years towards outright xenophobia. Instead of tourists, only the tourists' money was welcomed. - International tourist numbers rose thanks to heavy promotion, while holiday durations shrank, and daily expenditures mostly stagnated. Fewer and fewer Thais have profited of such mass tourism...

[FlorC]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they’re making their way east.

Does "Webfact" has the numbers to back this up ?

 

4 hours ago, webfact said:

neighbouring Vietnam

Well I didn't know Thailand and Vietnam were neighbours , thanks AN.

You learn something every day.

[fittobethaied]

40 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

There seems to be a lot of BS in this article.

 

Dual pricing at medical facilities? I seriously doubt it. 

Street markets? No, there's no dual pricing. And things are so dirt cheap in street markets anyway. If you can't afford street food, you ain't gonna survive in Vietnam either. 

 

Yeah. National Parks maybe. And people are flocking to National Parks every day, right? And temples. 

 

 

Just because you haven't experienced it, doesn't mean that dual pricing at hospitals doesn't exist. I was diagnosed with Leukemia in Sept 2023, and my first batch of meds cost me $25 per month for 90 days at the local government hospital. The next batch cost me $200 for the same meds, so I found my own supplier in Bangkok and got it for $20. I contested the charges and was told that farangs pay double if not more. An exotic blood test cost me 11,990 Baht and the sample was sent to a lab in Bangkok. When the same test was due after 6 months, I went to The Army Hospital and paid only 4,900 Baht for the same exact test using the same lab in Bangkok. Not only are the government hospitals ripping off farangs, but the private hospitals are much worse. 

[Krabi King]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand

 

Sure, that's non existent here ...

[spidermike007]

For me there are a few reasons why I would never consider Vietnam.

 

1. From what I understand the retirement Visa is still an issue in Vietnam it's a fairly simple process here. 

 

2. I find a lot of the people to be a bit like cold wet fish, very similar to the Chinese people on the mainland, not much humor, kind of heavy-hearted, they still have a bit of a chip on their shoulders, and it's never been my favorite country in the region. 

 

3. I don't feel like the culture there is as welcoming for mixed couples as it is here in Thailand. 

 

4. I don't like the government here and I never have, they keep on reaching towards the bottom of the barrel and the policy here is incredibly regressive, but I would not want to live in a country where I'm constantly having to deal with communist officials. 

 

5. I've had some very positive experiences with the healthcare system here in Thailand, and I consider it to be on par or better than it is in the US for a fraction of the cost. Can Vietnam rival that? 

 

The upside there is the food is excellent, access to fine wine at reasonable markup, much higher quality beer, a highly varied topography, with stunning beaches and very clear water, high quality seafood, and stunning women. 

 

I might be an exception as I see so many guys on here complaining about the Thai people, but I really like them. I find them to be quite delightful, light-hearted, humorous and fun to be around. 

 

What am I missing? 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite.

The land of smiles now wears a grimace for many... 

[Wake Up1]

4 hours ago, blaze master said:

Thailand was in trouble years ago. Their blind arrogance got in the way of them seeing it. 

Good for most of us if the daily complainers leave. They are not wanted here and hopefully they can afford to take their complaints and lack of adequate funds elsewhere. Find a cheaper place to be miserable please 🙏 

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, fittobethaied said:

Not only are the government hospitals ripping off farangs, but the private hospitals are much worse. 

 

I don't have that much experience with the medical system as I I have not been here that long. I had a surgery and the price seemed "reasonable".  I don't expect people to work for free.

 

Anyway, this article is about Vietnam vs Thailand. You think Vietnam is squeaky clean and everything is on the up and up compared to Thailand? 

 

[bbbbooboo]

hmmm… yawn …. this “news” has been happening for the past 10 yrs

[norsurin]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Hoi An, Vietnam

 

For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite.

 

Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals.

 

What was once a tolerable annoyance is now perceived by many as institutional exploitation. As one expat cheekily puts it, the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits".

 

Visa complexities add to the exasperations, as Thailand’s formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal.

 

Many retirees and long-stay tourists find themselves frustrated, pushing them to seek more straightforward paths elsewhere. It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly.

 

Moreover, Thailand's once-renowned nightlife, a historical cornerstone of its charming allure, faces similar criticism. Rising prices and aggressive behaviours in major tourist hubs, such as Pattaya and Phuket, have soured the once vibrant scene.

 

Once praised for its relaxed atmosphere, the nightlife seems to have grown more hostile and commercialised, dampening Thailand's once bright appeal among expats, writes Michael Schwerzer for Wochen Blitz.

 

On another front, Vietnam emerges as an exciting alternative, offering simpler visa arrangements, lower living costs, and a generally welcome attitude towards foreign guests. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular among expats drawn by affordable living, authentic cuisine, and a community spirit that is still very much alive.

 

Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand.

 

In terms of value, Vietnam appears to offer more for less. Rent is cheaper, food is often praised as more authentic, and general living expenses remain manageable, even on modest retirement incomes.

 

The difference isn’t only financial; many expats report an emotional relief found in the warmth and genuine welcome they encounter. "In Vietnam, people celebrate you as a guest," said one British expat. "That special feeling is vanishing in Thailand."

 

The Thai tourism industry is at a critical juncture. Failing to address these significant grievances could mean losing its long-standing expat community. Vietnam, with its welcoming environment and competitive cost of living, increasingly captivates and offers a vibrant alternative.

 

If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia.

 

The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Thailand can reclaim its esteemed position as the expat capital of Southeast Asia or whether Vietnam will seize that role for good. One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they’re making their way east.

 

Phuket, Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Wochen Blitz 2025-06-19

 

 

Karma is a bitch.. Rigth?