Living in Pattaya in Thailand
Living in Pattaya in Thailand can be an exciting and rewarding experience for expatriates who are looking for a tropical paradise with a low cost of living and a vibrant lifestyle. Here are some of the things you can expect if you decide to move to Pattaya:
Lifestyle: Pattaya is a city that offers a variety of activities and entertainment options for expats. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the lively nightlife, the shopping malls, the restaurants, and the cultural attractions. Pattaya is also a hub for water sports, golf, and other outdoor activities. You can also explore the nearby islands, national parks, and historical sites. Pattaya has a large and diverse expat community, with people from different countries and backgrounds. You can easily find clubs, associations, and events that cater to your interests and hobbies. You can also learn about the Thai culture and language, and make friends with the friendly locals.
Weather: Pattaya has a tropical climate with three seasons: cool, hot, and wet. The cool season lasts from November to February, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. This is the most pleasant time of the year, with dry and sunny weather. The hot season runs from March to May, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C or more. This is the most uncomfortable time of the year, with high humidity and heat. The wet season lasts from June to October, with temperatures dropping to around 28°C. This is the rainy season, with frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially in September and October.
Getting around: Pattaya is a relatively small city, with a length of about 15 km and a width of about 4 km. You can easily get around the city by using public transportation, such as buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, and songthaews (pickup trucks with benches). The fares are usually cheap and negotiable, but you should always agree on the price before getting in. You can also rent a car, a motorbike, or a bicycle, but you should be careful of the traffic and the road conditions. You should also have a valid driver’s license and insurance. If you want to travel to other cities or countries, you can use the bus station, the train station, or the airport in Pattaya. You can also take a ferry to the nearby islands, such as Koh Larn, Koh Samet, and Koh Chang.
Healthcare: Pattaya has several hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care and services. Some of the most reputable hospitals in Pattaya are Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya International Hospital, and Pattaya Memorial Hospital. These hospitals have modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and international accreditation. They also accept most insurance plans and offer reasonable prices. You can also find many pharmacies, dentists, opticians, and specialists in Pattaya. However, you should always have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers you in case of emergencies or accidents.
Property: Pattaya has a wide range of properties for rent or sale, from studios and apartments to villas and houses. You can find properties in different areas, such as the beachfront, the city center, or the outskirts. The prices vary depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. You can expect to pay around 5,000 to 15,000 THB per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and around 20,000 to 50,000 THB per month for a three-bedroom house. You can also buy a property in Pattaya, but you should be aware of the legal restrictions and procedures. Foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, but they can own a condominium unit, as long as the foreign ownership does not exceed 49% of the total area of the building. You can also form a company or enter a lease agreement to acquire a property, but you should consult a lawyer and a real estate agent before doing so.
It seems that you are interested in expats living in Pattaya. Pattaya is a popular destination for expats who enjoy its tropical climate, vibrant nightlife, low cost of living, beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and friendly locals. According to Pattaya Mail, there are about 180,000. expats living in both Pattaya and Chonburi Province towards the middle of 2020. However, the exact number of foreigners living in only Pattaya will be significantly less than 180,000.
Living in Pattaya has its pros and cons. Some of the pros are:
Beautiful scenery: Pattaya has gorgeous beaches and plenty of stunning surrounding greenery for you to enjoy
Multicultural community: Pattaya is home to a thriving, multicultural community, giving you a unique opportunity to mix and make friends with people from all over the world
Exceptional food: Pattaya boasts a plethora of food stalls, snack bars, and great restaurants offering both local and international dishes
Plenty to do: Pattaya has everything you need to live comfortably, from big shopping centres to stunning beaches. You can also enjoy many different activities both during the day and at night, such as water sports, massage parlors, Muay Thai arenas, and night markets
Low cost of living: Thailand is comparatively cheap to most western countries and can offer expats a superior quality of life for less
Stunning accommodation options: Pattaya has many stunning accommodation options for you to choose from, such as luxury beachfront villas to gorgeous condominium complexes
Some of the cons are:
Extreme weather: Pattaya enjoys a tropical climate with three seasons, but it can also experience some seriously frightening storms and monsoons during the rainy season
It can feel too ‘touristy’: Pattaya is a busy tourist spot that sees a lot of action all year round and might be overwhelming to some people who are looking for a quiet life
Visa complications: Unless you have work lined up, plan to teach, or will be on a retirement visa, staying in Thailand comfortably (and legally) can be complicated and frustrating
Thailand is a popular destination for retirees who want to enjoy a low cost of living, a rich culture, a warm climate, and beautiful scenery. There are many things to consider before you make the move, such as where to live, how to get a visa, how to manage your finances, and how to access health care. I have searched the web for some useful information on these topics. Here are some of the main points:
To retire in Thailand, you must be over 50 years old and obtain a retirement visa, also known as a Non-Immigrant Long Stay Visa. You can apply for this visa in your country of residence or in Thailand, depending on your preference and eligibility
You should plan to live in Thailand on a budget of at least $1,500 per month, with $2,000 being a more reasonable benchmark. This will allow you to live comfortably without breaking the bank. You could potentially live a lot cheaper, as low as $1,000 a month, but you would probably have a difficult time
Thailand has a variety of locations to suit different lifestyles, from urban to rural, from mountains to islands. You can explore the country on a tourist visa before deciding where to settle. Some of the factors to consider are the noise level, the social opportunities, the transportation options, the weather, and the amenities
Thailand has a public health care system that covers Thai citizens and permanent residents, but not foreigners. Therefore, you will need to get private health insurance or pay out of pocket for medical expenses. The quality of health care varies depending on the location and the facility, but generally it is affordable and adequate
Thailand has a different culture, language, and legal system than the U.S. or Europe. You will need to respect the local customs, laws, and traditions, and learn some basic Thai phrases to communicate with the locals. You will also need to deal with some challenges, such as traffic, pollution, scams, and visa regulations