Thailand is a tropical paradise, a place that people from colder climates often dream about, where one can live in lightweight clothing all year round while basking in the sun. Bangkok has been increasingly known as a top expat destination. Despite the traffic jams, sweltering heat, and complicated language, many expats who come here have never left because life was so good for them here. Though at first it can be quite a challenge to live in any foreign country, in a short time, Bangkok starts to feel like home to a lot of people because of its vibe and friendly locals. Here are all the reasons why expats love Bangkok.

Most homesick expats who are trying to get to know the Thai culture would often love to have a taste of food from their home country from time to time. So even though the exotic fare of Thailand is without a doubt scrumptious, sometimes the palate craves for something familiar. That’s why it’s good that there are tons of Western restaurants in Bangkok that offer the real thing, unlike other Asian countries where good Western food is hard to find. Some of the most popular places for Western food include Burger King, Hard Rock Café, Au Bon Pain, Sizzler, American Rib Company, and Roadhouse Barbecue. These places make it possible to have a break every now and then from Thai cuisine.

Aside from the low price of food, the variety of what’s available in this city is outstanding. Bangkok is a huge melting pot of cultures, and with culture comes cultural food. Here, you can find the best Middle Eastern food outside the Middle East, and Indian and Malaysian food is not hard to find. As for the street food, Bangkok’s reputation for 24-hour street food gets crazier with every corner. From the relatively familiar krapow gai (fried chicken and basil) to the more exotic barbecued duck tongues, bird’s nest soup, and pig’s brains soup, it’s a place for those who like to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
The Job Opportunities
Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of job opportunities in Bangkok. Even though many jobs are open for the locals only, teaching English, starting your own business, or numerous sales or editing jobs are available to Western expats. Be aware though that these jobs pay less than similar Western jobs, but that’s just because the cost of living in Thailand is so low. In the end, you might even find that you’re making more money here than back home, simply because you have more buying power here.
The Cost of Living
Due to the low cost of living in Bangkok, it is possible to live luxuriously even while earning half of what you used to make back home. Maids, manicures, massages, tailors and personal drivers can all be enlisted for a fraction of what you’d pay in a Western country. Foreigners who are on true expat salaries live a posh lifestyle, complete with gorgeous apartments, household help, and enough money to buy pretty much whatever they want. Even those who are not earning expat salaries find that they still make more than the national average, and it’s very easy to get spoiled. Overall, you tend to work less, have a more relaxed time at work, work with nice and friendly people, and even though it’s true that you make less money, cost of living-wise and tax-wise, you make a lot more. Moving to Bangkok can be a great way to save money, especially if you decide to retire there, where your pension can give you a much better lifestyle.

The Travel Opportunities

Thai People
Thai people are kind, helpful, and easy to get along with. Simply put, they are some of the nicest people in the world. Because Thais are friendly and non-aggressive, working in a Bangkok workplace is so much more relaxing than in a Western office or business. Expats love working in Bangkok because the people here make work so much fun and less stressful.
The Weather
If you like hot, sunny weather all year round, then Bangkok is for you. Many people who move here come for the weather, especially people like the Brits who come from a country that’s cold and damp all the time. The average temperature is 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit most of the time, and sometimes it can be quite hot, and you’ll find that your clothes are damp with sweat more often than not, but if you love the idea of waking up to a bright, sunshiny day every day, and if you don’t like to wear a coat or jacket, then Bangkok is definitely for you.
All of these reasons add up to why a lot of expats choose to make Bangkok their permanent home. Though relocating to another country is a big step, Bangkok, and the people living in it, can make the transition smoother for anyone who wants adventure and fun for the rest of their lives.