Is Thailand a great place to live?

I disagree with mogo51.

Thailand is a super great place to live, The political situation have no impact on my live.

The Visa is not hard to get, The extension is not hard to get, Sure you have to meet the requirements but one need to do that all over the world.
Many of the tighten up on Visa, is something the government approved before the military take the power in Thailand, So the military only put them in play.
And i do think the tighten up on it, Have be LONG overdue.

Cost of living is still super cheap here, compared with Denmark where i are from.


there is a definate 'targeting' of expats generally.

This i don´t understand ?


It is one thing to come here as a tourist, another to live here!

Yes big time, It is much better to live here then "only" be a Tourist.

Thailand might be a 3rd world country, BUT the Thai people are first place over all other people, No one even come close....

Kindly.

Been living in Bangkok for past more than 10 yrs.... The country, the younger generation has move on with modern world. Thai traditional culture slowly deteriorates. Example, 10 yrs ago, ppl will "wai" especially those in service. Nowadays seldom. Having said this, Bangkok is still a nice place to stay if you just follow what the local does. Don't think of changing or improving them. Your life is peaceful....

I visited Thailand twice last year -- two months total.  I found that the military presence was a good thing, that all is well and under control.  I felt safe.  I did note some discrimination but very little.  There are prices for Thai nationals and there are prices for visitors ... Note the fees for entrance to touristy places are clearly marked for Thais and non-Thais.  I'm OK with that.  I was not OK with someone spotting me and charging me more for bus fare than all of the other people in the bus, but I bit my tongue on that one.  I think that the more one learns the language and the more one shows respect for the host nation and its people, the better. I would not advise investing in property, but renting, enjoying the food and fine beer, and making new friends with awesome Thai people is all good.  Be wise and bar-smart -- nice playground, good times, good laughs, but watch your back, watch your drink, and don't fall in love.  Avoid smiling intruders off the street offering a service.  Two questions and these scammers have you pegged.  We are seen as cash-cows to these types -- They are all over the world. But the regular Thai people are wonderful -- as fine as anywhere in the world, maybe even finer!  What to take with me when I travel to Thailand?  The pharmacies have everything you need, even a lot of prescription goods can be bought over the counter, but do take your medication and your "favourite" (Canadian spelling) toiletries to get you started.  Take your laptop and an extra power connector.  I would recommend buying a cell phone in Thailand since your phone number will be a Thai number and all of Thailand is a local call.  With your Thai phone, you can call ahead to places you are going to and your host can talk to the taxi drivers, etc. on your phone ... I think a simple Samsung would do the trick.  You can text from your laptop.  A couple of pair of pants, comfortable slip on shoes for temple visits can be bought there, you favourite underwear, socks, sunglasses, important documents (but copy them to someone back home to insure access in case of loss).  You can use your bank card to access cash at most major name Thai ATMs. Just click on "current" when they ask you for the account type. Have your health coverage.  Between the numerous 7-eleven stores, excellent pharmacies and hospitals, you are good to go.  Make sure you get your hepatitis shots, jungle dysentery and malaria pills before you go.  And yes, My MAG flashlight with extra batteries (buy the batteries there maybe) came in very handy on many occasions. Travel light. Travel safe. Keep your wallet and passport on your hip where you can feel it at all times ... never in a purse or back pocket. I always had trouble finding a good sun hat or baseball hat right away, so take that with you too.  Did I miss anything?  Make friends.  Your B&B and hotel hosts are a good starting point.  dcb

Hello everyone,

I created a new topic called "Is Thailand a great place to live" as from your posts here on the Thailand forum as your posts were off topic on the thread essentials to live in Thailand.

Thank you,
Christine
Expat.com

Thank you ... I thought the part about the flashlight, slip on shoes and the baseball cap was on topic.  The rest was in response to everybody's other concerns.  Yes, we drifted off topic re material essentials.  But the rest of the essentials seemed pertinent to the topic. Re the new topic, "Is Thailand a great place to live". That could be narrowed down. For example, walking in Thailand ... I would say yes, it's a great place to walk, but watch out for the wee beasties and other things on the ground. Walk with your eyes focused two metres ahead on the path where you are traversing.  Never cross a field with tall grass without a poking stick.  Etc.  Nice to meet you all.  dcb

PS:  I've only explored Thailand's shadows for two months.  Really, I know very little if nothing at all, but that is a good starting point, I think. My nephew traveled around the world three times.  Canada, Brazil and Thailand are his favourite countries.  That to me is a good endorsement for Thailand.  However, learning the language and having knowledge of and respect for the culture is paramount, no matter where you go.  And respect the wee beasties because you are on their turf.  dcb

Wee beasties = bugs, bats, snakes, all wildlife.  dcb

well then, Please do....