Where to live in Thailand, the 51st biggest country in the world. SE Asia has become home to many ex-pats with Thailand being one of the popular choices. So where can you move to in this massive country known as the Land of Smiles? ASEAN NOW

 

by Michel Bridge

It is pouring down with rain, it is dark already at 4 pm in the winter and your heating bills are soaring….so maybe it is time to leave the cold of Europe or the States and head to warmer climes.

SE Asia has become home to many ex-pats with Thailand being one of the popular choices.

So where can you move to in this massive country known as the Land of Smiles?

Of course, most may have read about the vibrant city of Bangkok, however many ex-pats are now making their homes all over the country.

Thailand's land has a total area of 513,120 km² (198,117 mi²) and a total coastline of 3,219 km (2,000.2 mi). 

To put it into perspective, this land area is approximately 74% of the area of Texas. 

Thailand is also one of the largest countries in Asia and the 51st biggest in the world. 

Although more than half of all residents (51%) live within cities, you may wish to avoid the rat race and head to some of the other regions.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand divides the country into six regions.

 

Northern Thailand is mountainous and continues from Myanmar in the west to Laos in the northeast.

Climate wise it tends to have colder winters than other regions.

The main provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and the largest city Chiang Mai where many ex-pats tend to live.

Same size as Germany

Northeast Thailand often known as Isan covers 61,776 miles roughly the size of Germany.

Bordering Laos and Cambodia this is very much a farming led community with mountains, the Korat Plateau, and the Mekong River. 

Major cities here are Ubon Thai, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon and Ubon Ratchathani.

Expats do move here often to stay with a Thai girlfriend or wife, but it is very rural.

 

Central Thailand includes the Chao Phraya River and the Phetchabun mountain range.

The Gulf of Thailand is just south of Bangkok at its southern border.

Here you have the UNESCO World heritage cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai in the central plains and south is the vibrant city of Bangkok.

Eastern Thailand borders Cambodia in the east, northern eastern Thailand in the north and central Thailand in the West.

This region also borders the Gulf of Thailand to the south and southwest, so you have a lot of coastline properties here.

The largest city here is Pattaya a 90-minute drive south of Bangkok. 

This region also has several popular islands including Koh Samet and Koh Chang.

The government is pouring massive funds here into creating the Eastern corridor for manufacturing.

High-speed trains connecting this region to all three main international airports are due to open in the next few years.

Many expats retiree to this region.

Western Thailand borders Myanmar in the west and southern Thailand in the south and central Thailand in the east.

Well, known as the World War II region including the city of Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, this area is about two and half hours drive west of the capital.

The region also includes the provinces of Phetchaburi and Hua Hin, another popular seaside city for ex-pats.

Finally, there is Southern Thailand close to the Malay peninsula and its western part bordering Myanmar. 

Well, known by tourists for the beautiful Andaman Sea and Thailand's biggest island Phuket.

Here you will also find the smaller islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao all within ferry distance.
Being such a large country, you are spoilt for choice.

While it can be cold up in the mountains in the north, on the same day you can be sunbathing in the south.