Updated September, 11 2022
Cheap rents how long can this go on
Pattaya has seen an explosion in the building of condos that has been going on for the last 10 years or so. Even during the pandemic I witnessed a lot of building going on here in Pattaya. I thought that was a smart move for developers as there would be lots of people wanting to work and they would work for less pay. But now as it turns out even with the pandemic winding down I don't see many of those empty condos being filled anytime soon. Currently China is restricting it's citizens from overseas travel and lets not forget about the war that is going on. What this means is prices for condos are going to remain flat or even going down a bit. This already with the declining prices of the past 5 or so years. I personally don't think things will turn around for at least two more years.
Is Thailand still the bargain destination it once was.
Many Expats are moving back to their home countries or to neighboring countries because of rising cost of everyday needs and declining exchange rates in Thailand. To add to that It cost more these days for some retirees to get long term visas also. If I were to guess I would estimate that my personal cost of living in Thailand has risen by at least 50 percent in the last 5 years alone perhaps more. One of the things that hasn't risen very much is rents, I attribute this to maybe the over building or at least it seems that way. Over the coarse of the last 5 to 7 years my rents have actually gone down just a little.
All this said it is still much less than the everyday cost of living in our own countries. I rent a small studio furnished apartment for just 250 dollars a month, this would easily cost 3 times as much in the US. While food cost are still low in Thailand I have noticed them rising but my food cost is not that big a part of my whole budget. I also don't spend very much on energy either my electrical cost per month runs 30 to 50 dollars a month. Cost of keeping my motorbike on the road is about 10 dollars a month all inclusive gas, tax, and maintenance. While some people say it is getting expensive in Thailand and they want to leave for greener pastures, I think it is still a pretty good value.
Getting a Thailand Drivers License
If you stay in Thailand for an extended period you may want the convenience of being able to drive yourself. Also many attractions may give you the Thai persons price if you show them your Thai license. I get stopped and checked for license or alcohol test on average 2 times per month, fines for no license are steep.
The 75 Dollar a month apartment challenge do they really exist, find out here.
Social Security and living in Thailand on low benefits. Some people didn't pay much into the system and don't receive much income. Check out my living on 500 dollars a month.
NEW! Get one free month of rent every year by following this money saving tip! more...
Introduction to Retirement in Pattaya
My Brief introduction to Retirement and Ex-pat life in Pattaya or any place in Thailand for that matter. Retirement isn't meant to be a prision sentence but to many retirees it almost is. It dosen't have to be dull and boring just because you have limited income. I am in my retirement years and I believe as long as my health is good that these are my best years. I am an ex-pat retiree living in Pattaya Beach Thailand
As foreigners most of us are strictly prohibited from working unless we obtain a work permit. But with the internet there are things we can do. I have put together a list of some of my ideas on how to make some extra money without getting into trouble. Whether If you are an artist, photographer, or a book keeper, these are among the many jobs you can do on-line. I like Photography and albeit my main income doesn't come exclusively from shooting and processing of photos much it does.
Airfares can be a major hurdle for some as it is a fairly significant cost. I have put together some money saving tips to help you save some of your hard earned cash that will leave you with more to spend when you get here.
My 500 dollar a month challenge
Can you live in Pattaya on 500 dollars a month. Look here to get the answer.
Renting or Buying a House or Condo
By far renting or buying an apartment or house cost much less here than in the west. Knowing how and where to look can save you a bundle. My guide can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made when I first got here.
If you live in Thailand for extended periods of time then it makes perfect sense to open a Thailand bank account.
You don't want to travel half way around the world to sit in a box and watch TV, or sit on a bar stool all the time, We all need things to do and I may have just the thing for you.
Apartments and houses in Pattaya for 600 to 1,000 dollar range, and more.
Visa Overstay Hell, do not overstay your visa. My visit to the immigration detention center in Bangkok
Thailand is a very developed country and in most parts of Thailand you will find modern shopping centers. However you can still get your food at an outdoor old style market if you want to. You don't have to give up modern conveniences to live in Thailand.
Transportation to Pattaya From the Airport
It can get a little overwhelming flagging down a taxi at the airport. Here's advice on the different modes of getting to Pattaya and what you should pay.
Here is my guide to getting visas. You need to know what the different types are and which one is right for you.
How much does it cost to live in Pattaya or in Thailand in general. I have some money tips to help you stretch your hard earned money.
Thailand has great health care, while it cost much less than in your home country it still isn't free. You need to be prepared for the worst. From five star hospitals to small neighborhood clinics it's all here.
Internet in Thailand is both fast and affordable. Now days there are many more choices than when I first came to Thailand. My internet guide can help you get started.
Restaurants and places to eat are everywhere. Chances are that no matter where you live in Pattaya you would be within less than a five minute walk from something to eat.
Pattaya has a well earned reputation for in your face seedy nightlife and I have to admit it can be real fun. After a time most people settle back into a regular life routine and occasionally indulge in Papaya's nightlife.
Electrolyte powder mixes are refreshing and very inexpensive. A great way to quench your thirst for about 4 Baht. Pattaya is a very hot place and it is very easy to become dehydrated and end up More
Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Lately there has been a lot of talk of the Digital Nomad lifestyles and I would like to add some of my opinions. While Thailand is a perfect country to be a so called Digital Nomad I wouldn't sell the farm and come to Thailand just yet. Before coming out the first thing you should consider, is an exit strategy. Be sure you have funds or access to funds to get back to your safe haven should things go tits up. I have seen in my time here people coming to Thailand to live a new life only to be severely let down and some even becoming destitute.
A good test would be to see if you could do all of your work from your home without ever leaving your home. If your cyber job includes meeting people or going to certain locations in order to do your job, then it isn't 100 percent cyber. Another hurdle is time zones, getting up at 2AM to talk to clients is no fun at all. Sometimes the timezones can work in your favor but usually not. MORE
How to get around Pattaya. So many different ways, from walking, riding a motorbike, driving a car or taking a ride on a song thaow. Getting around Pattaya is easy and cheap.
Learn some of the slang words used by expats as well as Thai people. When you see 55555-5555 it means the same as LOL, see why.
Thailand is a wonderful place to start a new relationship. There can be very successful relationships and then some can be a tragedy.
I have put together what I think can be useful resources for retirement in Pattaya. These links are great for expats too.
Thousands of participants display their custom bikes and other vehicles at this event during mid February. Admission and parking are free.
Pattaya is located in a tropical region and it is pretty warm all year round. Like anywhere else there are seasons, but here it has more to do with the rain.
I list sixteen golf courses within an hour driving time. Pattaya attracts many golfers as the golf courses are lush and green. Green fees can be very low here without sacrificing quality of the courses. Golf tours are formed everywhere.
I have been shooting photos in and around Pattaya for more than ten years. Like most Photographers I love to share my work for the enjoyment of others. If you would like to use them on a blog or website, I only ask that you leave my watermarks intact, if you leave a link back to this website I would appreciate it tremendously. Please enjoy.
Some photos from around Pattaya
A night time shot of Pattaya from the Balihai pier
Copyright 2009-2022 Pattaya Retired dot Com All photography and web design by Russ