Hoi An, Vietnam
For decades, Thailand was the go-to haven for expats seeking a tropical paradise with a friendly vibe and low cost of living. However, times are changing, as many are now leaving due to increased expenses and complicated bureaucratic processes. The welcoming smile for which Thailand is known seems to be fading, and neighbouring Vietnam is quickly becoming the new favourite.
Dual pricing in Thailand has escalated into a significant sticking point for foreigners. Guests to the country, whether at national parks, medical facilities, or popular street markets, often see inflated prices simply because they're not locals.
What was once a tolerable annoyance is now perceived by many as institutional exploitation. As one expat cheekily puts it, the "Land of Smiles" now feels more akin to the "Land of Profits".
Visa complexities add to the exasperations, as Thailand's formerly amicable immigration policies have transformed into a bewildering maze of paperwork and procedures. For long-term visitors, the congested immigration offices and fluctuating requirements have turned what used to be a simple procedure into a daunting ordeal.
Many retirees and long-stay tourists find themselves frustrated, pushing them to seek more straightforward paths elsewhere. It feels, as one retiree lamented, as if the calculations have been altered to push expats out slowly.
Moreover, Thailand's once-renowned nightlife, a historical cornerstone of its charming allure, faces similar criticism. Rising prices and aggressive behaviours in major tourist hubs, such as Pattaya and Phuket, have soured the once vibrant scene.
Once praised for its relaxed atmosphere, the nightlife seems to have grown more hostile and commercialised, dampening Thailand's once bright appeal among expats, writes Michael Schwerzer for Wochen Blitz.
On another front, Vietnam emerges as an exciting alternative, offering simpler visa arrangements, lower living costs, and a generally welcome attitude towards foreign guests. Cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang are becoming increasingly popular among expats drawn by affordable living, authentic cuisine, and a community spirit that is still very much alive.
Although Vietnam comes with its own set of hurdles, including some corruption and freedom of expression concerns, expats find these less intrusive compared to the hurdles in Thailand.
In terms of value, Vietnam appears to offer more for less. Rent is cheaper, food is often praised as more authentic, and general living expenses remain manageable, even on modest retirement incomes.
The difference isn't only financial; many expats report an emotional relief found in the warmth and genuine welcome they encounter. "In Vietnam, people celebrate you as a guest," said one British expat. "That special feeling is vanishing in Thailand."
The Thai tourism industry is at a critical juncture. Failing to address these significant grievances could mean losing its long-standing expat community. Vietnam, with its welcoming environment and competitive cost of living, increasingly captivates and offers a vibrant alternative.
If Thailand does not take decisive action to reduce bureaucracy, abolish dual pricing, and re-establish its welcoming spirit, it risks being outshone by Vietnam as the leading expat destination in Southeast Asia.
The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Thailand can reclaim its esteemed position as the expat capital of Southeast Asia or whether Vietnam will seize that role for good. One thing remains evident: Expats are voting with their feet, and increasingly, they're making their way east.
Phuket, Thailand
