Is Thailand likely to see a mass exodus of expats? During the summer months, it gets noticeably quieter in the saunas, bars, restaurants, and on golf courses when they leave. The big question is how many of them will return in 2022? ASEAN NOW

 

by Michael Bridge

Every year from April to June many Europeans leave Thailand to fly back to enjoy the summer months back home.

They leave every year and generally return in October or November for six months like migrating birds heading for the warmer weather.

During the summer months, it gets noticeably quieter in the saunas, bars, restaurants, and on golf courses when they leave. 

The big question is how many of them will return in 2022?

The majority have retired, so they like to return home to see family and friends which is understandable.

However, this year many may decide enough is enough and will stay put.

Most have rented properties in Thailand before, so they do not need to keep paying rent.

Of course, some may have had partners or casual girlfriends here too, but some may fly off with their expat partners, while others will most likely return to stay with families.

However, with rents rising and the cost of living also going up, it is not that cheap to stay here anymore.

Obviously, if they also want to get around the price of fuel means the casual trip to other parts of Thailand can be very costly.

 

And talking about costs, the jump in airfares due to the increase in vacationers, coupled with the fact the planes from Thailand now must avoid Russian airspace, has made buying a ticket quite expensive too.

It is hard to find a return ticket for less than THB30,000 to Europe unless you want two to three stops.

Of course, the other reason these migrators may be reluctant to return is the uncertainty of how they will be received at immigration on arrival.

And as many are elderly will they be able to obtain a suitable insurance package at their age to allow them to stay and at what cost?

The Thai government most likely thinks this group is not helping the economy and the hospitality industry.

That said these expats will spend money here.

 

They go regularly to the supermarkets, pay for electricity, water and the internet, as well eating out at restaurants, drinking in the bars, renting bikes, playing golf, and visiting the massage shops.

And many like to take breaks in other parts of the country.

So, in a small way by making it hard for them to return, the government is missing out on the income they would spend in Thailand.

And with so few tourists around, surely the migrating expat would spend more in six months than a bus load of Indian holidaymakers on a budget trip to Thailand.