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

[BarraMarra]

Every man and his dog understands the thai smile its fake. They don't want you but will put up with it while your spending. Once your wallet starts shrinking you will see the thai smile for what it is. This came hammering home to us when the Thai big cheese said " We don't want you go back to where you came from your dirty and unwashed Thailand doesn't want you ". 

[VBF]

22 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

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? 

Nothing if that's how you feel, then you're apparently happy and in the right place for you

What else matters?

 

Other's thoughts are just their opinions - we all have 'em.

[Daves not here]

I look the dirty looks Thai give me. They don't both with you and at least it is more honest.

[RedRoadRunner]

Oh Really...???? 😳😳😳

 this has been going on for more than 20odd years, and now they suddenly realize?

 This is another classic example for the shortsighted people running the show there....

 I came to the country in late 70s and spent a lot of time there and saw this ship going down coz of stupid people.

 Not there anymore, better places around than Thailand !!!

 

[koele2]

All the whiners who complain about dirty looks from Thais just frequent the bars and farang places where the Thais have to deal with farangs on a daily basis.  This would drive any human to give dirty looks to whiny farangs.  If you venture out to where Thais are, they are normal people, and skew nicer.  Most don’t care, some like farangs, some don’t like farangs.  

[JMonroe]

While all this is probably true, I'm sure in a few years we will hear similar complaints about Vietnam, after the thrill of hosting expats wears off.

[essex boys]

If vietnam were to sort out a proper long stay visa then Thailand would be in trouble as foreigners are getting tired of the ever changing rules surrounding the visas here, from my own experience as soon as they see a foreigner here the price goes up, it’s done blatantly and without any thought, if I want to buy a used car or buy building supplies I get my mrs to get a price then I show my face to pay for it, because if they see me first they will inflate the prices 

[willip]

Political corruption us the ruin of Thailand. 

Time for change I think!

[LudwigK]

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

No corruption in TH  8-)))))))))

[Donga]

21 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

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? 

Missing a few things, after our four weeks in Vietnam in 2023...

* Food much better in Thailand, can still get a wide variety at decent prices - there is only so much banh mi and pho I can take, and that was just after four weeks. Big price difference to step up to more varied offerings, unlike in Thailand.

* Their footpaths are largely taken over by motor bikes. Walking around Danang or Dalat not relaxing at al. Hoi An is fine for a day or two, but bit of a one trick pony. Can't imagine living there.

* Vietnamese temples are relatively boring compared to elaborate and sometimes wacky Thai temples. Same for national parks, where Thailand has amongst the highest number in the world. Ha Long Bay is outstanding and they have some delightful landscapes, but I've visited many wonderful national parks in Thailand and delightful landscapes here also.

* Struggle with this dual pricing whinge as vast majority of our spending goes on groceries from Lotus or market, cafes with menus, petrol, some beer, uh? Doesn't bother me to pay more when visiting a National Park, such a petty whinge.

* Infrastructure generally in Thailand is superior especially the abundance of dual carriageways compared to Vietnam.

Lastly, the Vietnamese people are fine, a little cold fish in some instances but overall welcoming. But not as cheerful as Thais - can't imagine having the playful sexual banter with my wife and her friends with the Vietnamese, but guess am not qualified on that one.  I do find the Thais are more lighthearted, with tolerance in spades.

 

[Nickcage49]

Is it any wonder? This country is not friendly to foreigners and keeps getting more expensive. 

 

Now they want to tax us.

 

Until this government realizes how valuable foreigners are to its economy (which will probably be never) it will only get worse.

[Zapitapi]

People will vote with their feet... no matter one's personal opinion

[Aussie999]

56 minutes ago, save the frogs said:

 

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? 

 

Are you able to compare the two.

[bananafish]

Going through Vietnam immigration is a formality. A stress-free, even welcoming experience. 

 

Going through Thai immigration is like waiting in line for a rectal examination. A cold, hostile experience. 

 

But Thai culture is relaxing, polite and considerate. Very easy to live in.

 

Vietnamese culture I find hard to put up with for long periods. Vietnamese people seem to exist in a world where only their experience matters. If it isn't negatively affecting them, it isn't happening at all. This seems to be changing among the younger Vietnamese, but it's still in the general culture. 

 

They aren't deliberately rude, it just seems like the concept of being considerate of others doesn't exist. Bunking queues, littering, being noisy at 2am or 5am, any time whatsoever. The experience of the people trying to sleep on the same floor isn't a concept, they will shout down hallways at 5am, bang doors, make all the noise they like. 

 

I stayed in a hotel once and woke up at 6am with staff scraping paint off the skirting board in the hallway, there's no way anyone on the floor could have slept through it. 

 

On a number of occasions, different hotels, different cities, different years. I've been woken up by staff seeming to have a jovial staff meeting, at 6am. Full of laughs and conversation. Not a thought given to the fact people are trying to sleep. 

 

There's a lot to like about Vietnam, but I could never call it home, after a while, I need to get out of the place. 

 

And when I arrive back in Thailand, I breathe a sigh of relief, but not until I'm finished having my ass examined by the b!tch at immigration. 

 

[Formaleins]

5 hours ago, ozz1 said:

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

Just keep away from Hoy An, it is one of the most terrible tourist rip off joints I have ever been to, absolutely manufactured to extort as much money out of tourists as possible. As far as everything else, I'd go back again tomorrow, loved the people, the place and (some) of the food - no, not all of it!

[save the frogs]

11 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

Are you able to compare the two.

vietnam vs thailand?

no.

anyone have some REAL information about vietnam rather than this fake news piece? 

 

[RAZZELL]

The simple fact is that in many ways Thailand is no longer "cheap".

 

Prices are literally double what they were from 20 years ago (in £, $ or €.)

 

Unless you want to eat in cheap restaurants or drink on the steps of a 7-11 it costs a mint 

 

I haven't been to Vietnam in 6 years but I will go again soon.

 

One of my extremely well travelled friends raves about parts of Indonesia. 

 

I need to explore that more to.

[crazykopite]

Life was much better under military rule since the criminal managed to somehow install his daughter as PM life has become intolerable after 20 years of supporting the Thai economy I’m starting to get itchy feet maybe a new venture in a new country is on the horizon only time will tell !

[Scouse123]

You know, I keep hearing this tired line that “Vietnamese are cold” — usually from people who think smiling at a waitress gives them moral superiority.

 

Let’s be honest: if someone’s idea of friendliness is a forced grin and a “yes, boss” attitude, then, yeah, Vietnam might confuse them. But here’s the difference — Vietnamese people smile when they mean it. What a concept.

 

I've had more genuine moments in a street-side beer joint in Da Nang than in a dozen chain pubs in Thailand’s tourist belts. The warmth is there, but it’s not spoon-fed — you’ve got to earn it.

 

If you go in barking orders, waving your arms, and acting like hotel staff are your butlers, well... prepare to be met with the national expression: politely unimpressed.

 

As for the country itself? Vietnam is a gem. The beaches? Unreal.

 

You’ve got everything from sleepy fishing villages to party strips that don’t feel like they’ve been dropped out of a neon-soaked karaoke video.

 

And best of all, you won’t need to remortgage your life for a cocktail or seafood platter. Prices are sane, which is more than I can say about certain islands a bit further west, where pad Thai now costs the GDP of Laos.

 

The nightlife? It’s got soul. Hanoi has jazz bars that feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Saigon has rooftops where you can watch the madness below while sipping something dangerously cheap. And you know what’s nice? You don’t feel like you’re being herded around in a human zoo.

 

You can talk, laugh, or sit and watch without someone trying to upsell you a glowing wristband every 10 minutes.

 

I like all three countries — Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia — for different reasons. Each has its quirks. But too many people forget that being a guest in a country doesn’t entitle you to be a jerk. Respect goes both ways. A smile means more when it isn’t part of the job description.

 

So if you want plastic grins and robotic yes-men, go to Disneyland. If you want real people, real food, and real moments — Vietnam’s waiting, and they might even smile at you... If you don’t act like a prat.

[Aussie999]

1 minute ago, save the frogs said:

vietnam vs thailand?

no.

anyone have some REAL information about vietnam rather than this fake news piece? 

 

Then why are you even commenting on those that are comparing. How do you know the article is fake, if you can't compare them. 

[Aussie999]

2 minutes ago, crazykopite said:

Life was much better under military rule since the criminal managed to somehow install his daughter as PM life has become intolerable after 20 years of supporting the Thai economy I’m starting to get itchy feet maybe a new venture in a new country is on the horizon only time will tell !

That only difference I have noticed, since 2010 is costs have gone up as has the baht, was about 30 baht to the Aussie dollar, now linngering around 20 baht, no matter who is in government, so I don't actually understand your comment.

[Gknrd]

Haven't been to Vietnam in a few years, need to check it out again. When my embassy stopped the income verification and Thailand would not consider another option than to put money in the bank. I knew it was time to vacate.  Not because of the money really, several things. The horrible air pollution and constant worrying about the paperwork. 

 

I finally settled on Sout America. I do not regret my decision at all. And wish I would have done it years ago. More expensive , drop dead nature (love that). Women are not easy at allll. But, it is to my liking, very affectionate.  I only stay 6 months a year, but it is hassle free, no paperwork except one extension by internet. 36 dollars.  I can breath the air, have ultra modern accommodations. 

 

Rip offs are as bad as Thailand, but that goes with the territory of living an expat life.

 

As a US citizen, I am only a few hours out and the time zone is the same. I did not realize how much of a benefit that was. But, it is very very nice for me.  

[choudens]

bring the US$ at about 40 Baht and you will see the reverse!

 

[dutch boy]

6 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.. 

"Conservative laws?" Such as the near total acceptance of prostitution and the allowance of the indulgence of ganja is conservative? And the almost total lack of enforcement of laws is conservative? 

[pub2022]

 

The quality-price ratio you get in Thailand is still unbeaten.

 

[bkk6060]

I don't know of one person who has left here for Vietnam.   Maybe, the other way around. 

[koolkarl]

Thailand has started taxing foreigners and gives them nothing in return, no healthcare, no immigrant status. My Burmese cleaning lady has free health care! Constant immigration reporting that gets worse.  My filipina gf has a difficult time staying here all the time.  

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, RedRoadRunner said:

Oh Really...???? 😳😳😳

 this has been going on for more than 20odd years, and now they suddenly realize?

 This is another classic example for the shortsighted people running the show there....

 I came to the country in late 70s and spent a lot of time there and saw this ship going down coz of stupid people.

 Not there anymore, better places around than Thailand !!!

 

Different strokes for different folks I guess, when I travel after a few weeks more than anything I want to be back in Thailand, and when I finally get back here it's it's like a celebration. For me everyday here is a very good day. 

[eddie61]

Two years of uncertainty about tax for expats doesn’t help

[edwardflory]

"""went to The Army Hospital and paid only 4,900 Baht for the same exact test using...."""

 

One of several reasons I am registered at the Korat Army Hospital, Use Thai Military Hospitals / Doctors as I have suggested via posts here before.  Have been been using 12 years, before Army, was using the Navy Hospital in Suttahip.