I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

Malaysian would be more expensive but visas are better. I find Thailand very cheap. Japan is expensive.

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Never been to Philippines but AI says this

• Philippines: Allows 30 days visa-free, but it is exceptionally easy to extend this repeatedly at immigration offices for up to 36 months without leaving the country.

3 years easy peasy sounds amazing.

Edited May 3May 3 by Rockyroad

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Malaysian would be more expensive but visas are better. I find Thailand very cheap. Japan is expensive.

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Never been to Philippines but AI says this

• Philippines: Allows 30 days visa-free, but it is exceptionally easy to extend this repeatedly at immigration offices for up to 36 months without leaving the country.

3 years easy peasy sounds amazing.

One of the positives with the Philippines is the UK pension increases are applicable there too.

After more than 30 years here, I'm seriously considering to leave. Probably not permanently but split my time between Thailand and Portugal or Spain.

The biggest problem is that I have made my life here, and have quite a bit of money and other assets here, which is not so easy to transfer out.Yes you can transfer out, the problem is getting it back into a EU bank account.

I experienced this a few years ago already, I had transferred US$ form a home country bank account to a foreign currency account with Kasikorn, where it had stayed untouched for years.

When I considered sending it back to the same bank account in my home country, the bank said they would not accept it. Even after showing them all the documents, they would not accept the deposit.

Don't know if it is everywhere in the EU already, but in my country you can't just deposit cash money in your bank account anymore. You have to deliver proof where you got it from, and then it has to be transferred from a known account.

I Made Thailand my new home in 1998, a young man in my 30's. With 3 bricks named Lonely Planet, that was my wingman.

The first 5 years was a dream. Older expats guided me, so I avoided most stupid mistakes.

Medical insurance coverage of 500,000 baht was recommended then, even for major medical incidents. And the premium was peanuts, compared to todays premium.

Move forward to around 2010 and some expat friends moved to Cambodia, Vietnam, or Philippines.

They complained about that Thailand had changed too much. We who remained here in Thailand, was still very happy.

Visa runners noticed that get a new visa become a headache. Penang and Vientiane was still doable, but for how long?

Little did we know that the next 15 years would bring many more changes.

2015 forward, new demographic of tourists become noticeable. Expats now talked about that Thailand was no longer as cheap as it used to be.

Expats who already moved to Vietnam since 2015 onwards, sent reports back about how amazing and cheap it was. Vietnam has seen a 20% surge in tourist arrivals last year, to 21 million visitors.

For expats on pension, has Thailand really become way more expensive?

Expats with pension increasing 2,5 - 4,5% annually for most countries (UK famously excluded).

This increase are more than the annual inflation rate in Thailand, last 20 years.

Those who moved to international health insurance (IPMI) for expats, did last year experience a huge increase in premium of 16-24%, according to many expats. For top end insurance, premium 3,000 - 8,000 USD per year.

With increase of 12-24% yearly, How Long Can One Afford To Pay Premium?

Suddenly it makes sense, those who choose to self-insure. Only if one has at least 3 Million THB, for a major surgery in private hospital here. Or 1 million baht, if one admit to public hospital.

The Tax typhoon chock. Possible tax for expats staying more than 180 days per year, was the major topic all expats talked about.

'tax or no tax'?

Some urgently transfered in a large amount to keep them alive for the next year or longer, hoping that this would avoid the dreaded tax for expats. Some actually sold all they had, and moved back to their country of birth. Others now stay 181+ days per year in another country to avoid possible tax.

As per today, tax or no tax for expats, and respect for dual tax agreement between countries, are not yet finally determined.

Opening a bank account has proven difficult for many, running from branch to branch and get turned down. Some succeed, many didn't, according to reports. YMMV.

The end of pension letter and bank problems.

More countries has joined the club of embassies that no longer issue proof of pension, aka pension letter, to immigration.

Frozen bank accounts came as a chock and some expats rushed to open account in other bank. No surprise that some expats now set their plan-b into reality.

Expats in LOS must expect changes, at any time, and form.

Thailand has changed, but I rather live here, than in my cold and very expensive country of birth.

OldHand2541

20+yr newbie here.... Thailand is definitely better now compared to the late 90's/early 00's.

Just now, Ralf001 said:

20+yr newbie here.... Thailand is definitely better now compared to the late 90's/early 00's.

Yes it is. But much worse than before covid .

Just now, Celsius said:

Yes it is. But much worse than before covid .

in your opinion.

Just now, Ralf001 said:

20+yr newbie here.... Thailand is definitely better now compared to the late 90's/early 00's.

In your opinion .

Ok , why is Thailand better now than the late 90's/early 00's ?

7 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

People still living on visa runs in Vietnam, aren't they?

So they don't even have local bank accounts? Or how does that work?

Just now, Ralf001 said:

in your opinion.

Just now, Ralf001 said:

in your opinion.

And many other a holes

8 hours ago, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

No worries for me, so far.

I will die here....someday....

After that, the sky is the limit, and....

I will be able to do what I like, with zero hassles, and....

Nobody to bother me.

So, after 49 years in Asia, I am hoping to reach 60 years in Asia.

I will never go back to what no-longer exists.

Just now, FlorC said:

In your opinion .

Ok , why is Thailand better now than the late 90's/early 00's ?

Better infrastructure.

Better restaurants.

Better gogo bars.

Better taxi options.

Better income tax rate for BOI employees in the EEC.

Just now, Ralf001 said:

Better infrastructure.

Better restaurants.

Better gogo bars.

Better taxi options.

Better income tax rate for BOI employees in the EEC.

You are supposed to say "the good old days were better"

Just now, Rockyroad said:

You are supposed to say "the good old days were better"

Ladies with fresh mud between their toes were certainly cheaper to enjoy.

Just now, Ralf001 said:

Better gogo bars.

yeah so your wife lets you go to go go bars?

or if she finds out, you lose the house?

marriage is one of the biggest things in thailand. still a lot of guys losing their shirts.

Just now, save the frogs said:

yeah so your wife lets you go to go go bars?

or if she finds out, you lose the house?

marriage is one of the biggest things in thailand. still a lot of guys losing their shirts.

Yeah she does, often comes out with me to make the evening's selection.

Edited May 4May 4 by Ralf001

Thailand is great except for

Visas

Pollution

DH farangs

A train from Thonburi to Prachuap 48 baht. A motorbike is 4000 a month. A beachside room is 10,000.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

You are supposed to say "the good old days were better"

Not about better - that is subjective - "different" is what it is.

I have not experienced any of the possible negatives in the OP.

Actually like the tightening of immigrations and visas along with the banking. Visas and banking simply too easy.

I think I've had an account at every Bank there is, with last one open 6 years ago, and never problems with any of the banks.

Every aspect of TH has gotten better IMHO

Annoyances, touristy areas & too many tourist, and to be expected, also easily avoided. And the air pollution, almost easy to avoid by going south or staying surfside.

Edited May 4May 4 by KhunLA

11 hours ago, Rockyroad said:

Malaysian would be more expensive but visas are better. I find Thailand very cheap. Japan is expensive.

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Never been to Philippines but AI says this

• Philippines: Allows 30 days visa-free, but it is exceptionally easy to extend this repeatedly at immigration offices for up to 36 months without leaving the country.

3 years easy peasy sounds amazing.

But..PI food is atrocious and the people are not nearly as easy-going as Thais. No legal herb, if that matters to you. Would not be my choice, no matter how easy they made it.

After 35 years, here's how I see it. Thai people are still gentle, still sweet (don't bother). I live in the Big Smoke so I have a love/hate relationship with Bangkok.

I try to avoid walking on the busy streets, prefer the klong walkways where you still meet real Thais.

I see something new every time I leave the house. I notice something new, different, curious, interesting. I don't complain--shortens your life, and you can't do anything about it anyway!

I do miss the girlie scene. It wasn't only new, fresh and exciting for us, it was for them, too. No tattoos! I used to lie in wait at Hualamphong to catch freshies.

Yeah, this is the hill I'll die on.

13 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

I felt like Vietnam had more of an energy and enthusiasm for life than Thailand. But it seems like eventually the upward-mobility energy of the people runs into existing power structures, which then clamps down.

I lean toward that having happened in Thailand, and Vietnam will face the same problem.

But for now, I think it's a desirable country. I also prefer the food and coffee.

9 hours ago, davb said:

I felt like Vietnam had more of an energy and enthusiasm for life than Thailand. But it seems like eventually the upward-mobility energy of the people runs into existing power structures, which then clamps down.

I lean toward that having happened in Thailand, and Vietnam will face the same problem.

But for now, I think it's a desirable country. I also prefer the food and coffee.

I think Vietnam is currently where Thailand was 25yrs ago

25 years and counting, am as happy now as when I first arrived. Made my life here with a family of my own. Thailand is the best overhaul in my view regarding visas, climate, health care, costs, infrastructure and generally everything.

Each and every other place like PI, Malaya, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia just don't compare.

Still ride my 42 year old moped, have a 50 baht beer occasionally and eat very healthy for less than 100 baht a day. There is basically no, or very little inflation in Thailand

My gym membership is cheaper than 20 years ago, water and electric minimal increase, internet is cheaper...of course it you want to eat steak every day it's a different story...nah...can't beat Thailand 👍 long may it continue

On 5/3/2026 at 8:46 PM, Rockyroad said:

Malaysian would be more expensive but visas are better. I find Thailand very cheap. Japan is expensive.

The baht has been weaker this year. The visas are the issue.

Never been to Philippines but AI says this

• Philippines: Allows 30 days visa-free, but it is exceptionally easy to extend this repeatedly at immigration offices for up to 36 months without leaving the country.

3 years easy peasy sounds amazing.

Could you tell me what is expensive in Japan?

Hi as the old saying goes you make your bed and lie in

I have been a few years married have family

I enjoy the life here especially the food plus a few beers not one for

socialising with other expats

I think the young influencers and Media are getting Thailand a bad name

In the attitude of mostly young foreign tourists misbehaving makes better headlines for their readers

Just now, mrmicbkktxl said:

Could you tell me what is expensive in Japan?

never been there, but you could probably find ways to live fairly cheaply there. maybe not in tokyo.

with the demographic collapse though, they probably don't want retirees there and there won't be any retirement options any time soon.

Just now, mrmicbkktxl said:

Could you tell me what is expensive in Japan?

Oma bluefin tuna .

On 5/4/2026 at 1:42 AM, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

On 5/4/2026 at 1:42 AM, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

On 5/4/2026 at 1:42 AM, CharlieH said:

I’ve been here coming up 20 years now, and on this forum about 16 of those.

Most of what I know isn’t from reports or YouTube — it’s just day-to-day life, watching how things change, reading the various forms of media, and seeing the same conversations come up again and again on here.

And lately, there’s definitely been a shift.

Not dramatic, not overnight — but it’s there.

First off — Thailand hasn’t “gone downhill”

Let’s not get carried away.

It’s still a great place to live.
Plenty of people are happy here — probably most, I know I am.

But… it’s not the same place it was even 5–10 or more years ago in terms of how easy it is to base yourself here long-term.

That’s the bit people are reacting to now.

The visa side — this is the big one

For years, loads of people just made it work.

Tourist visas, border runs, extensions — bit of juggling, but it was doable.

That’s clearly tightening up a lot now.

You don’t get the same leeway anymore.
Do a couple of runs and you can get knocked back.
Same-day border hops? Forget it.

If your whole setup depended on that flexibility, you’ve probably already hit problems or at least started thinking about it.

Thailand hasn’t slammed the door — but it’s definitely not as relaxed as it used to be.

Banking — this one caught people out

This didn’t get much attention at first, but it’s caused a lot of noise lately.

Opening accounts is harder.
Some existing ones getting reviewed.
A few people finding themselves temporarily locked out.

That’s when it gets real.

Because once your money access becomes uncertain, everything else starts to feel a bit shaky.

Cost of living — creeping up quietly

Thailand still isn’t expensive compared to the West.

But compared to what it was? It’s a different story.

Rents in Bangkok have climbed.
General day-to-day costs are up.
The “cheap and easy” feeling isn’t quite the same anymore.

You notice it more if you’ve been here a long time.

There’s also a bit of local pushback now

You hear it more than you used to.

Cost of living going up.
Certain areas getting overrun.
More focus on foreign businesses.

That stuff matters — because it feeds into how policy shifts.

And at the same time — other places have improved

This is probably the biggest change overall.

It’s not just Thailand tightening — it’s that the alternatives are actually decent now.

Malaysia’s come on strong — cheaper, easier to live in day-to-day, English everywhere.

Vietnam’s pulling in a lot of people — especially younger expats — still cheaper, more energy.

Cambodia… not for everyone, but simple and affordable.

Even Japan’s getting mentioned now, which would’ve sounded mad a few years back.

The business side — worth mentioning

Anyone who’s been around knows how a lot of foreign-run businesses were set up.

That “grey area” is getting less grey.

There’s more scrutiny now, and for some people that’s a serious issue, not just an inconvenience.

What I’m actually seeing

This is the real indicator for me:

More people unsure.
More “thinking of leaving” posts.
More long-timers questioning things.

Not a mass exit.

But definitely a change in tone, and for some uncertainty.

Where it leaves things

Thailand used to be very easy to just… exist in long-term.

Now it feels more structured.
Less forgiving if you’re winging it.

If you’ve got everything properly set up, all your ducks in a row, you’ll probably carry on as normal.

If not, you’ll start to feel the squeeze and what then ? how long before its too much for you too ?

What would be the "hang on - this isnt going to work anymore", momemt

Final thought

Thailand’s still Thailand.

But it’s no longer the automatic choice it once was back around 2005 when a lot of us came here and made our homes our lives here.

You actually have to think about it now — and for a lot of people, that’s new and that's the difference in 2026

yeah but very few places today are the same as they were a decade or more ago. As for visas, long term stayers have been able to get some of the new visas for those that meet the criteria to stay a long time - as for me that is especially true. Food is still great, yeah lots of fast food shops opened too depending on what one wants. Attitudes change, just like the Japanese now trying to shut down tourists as too many of the wrong kind seem to come just like here, too easy for bad types we see daily in various news articles. Personally, 12 years ago I moved permanently to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, and then did a temporary return over the past two years - that city has changed too. Now if one wants to wait in traffic as it used to be, that is fine but with the train system now, getting to an from almost any place is a lot easier in my opinion. Weather too is changing here as well as in the rest of the world, better or worse depending on what one likes or dislikes. For me, life here has only gotten better in the 40 years (total) i have lived in Thailand stating in the 1970's then other countries, then finally retired here 20+ years ago. After living in many other countries for many years in comparison, Thailand remains my favorite by far.