I have always been an ardent supporter of Thailand and its wonderful people. Subsequently, it was time for another length visit, and major expat update, given it had been around three years since my last trip. However, the rapid on-ground changes have been a significant surprise. So, let’s dig in and see what has changed over the past few years.
The Evolving Thai Cultural Landscape
As someone that is a regular visitor to the kingdom, I’m often struck with how little change occurs in the overall culture. Over the years I’ve found the Thai people to be highly resilient and change in cultural matters seems to creep along. However, this trip seemed to contradict this view and I witnessed some significant generational issues.
In particular, the younger generation seems hell-bent on effecting wholesale change across the country and upending the authoritarian structure of politics. Now, as a rule, I always avoid politics in Thailand but there is no denying that change is on the way given their desire to stand up against the old guard.
Regardless, over the entirety of my trip, I witnessed at least three ugly altercations between young Thai’s and their elders. It was a little shocking because scenes such as this would have been unthinkable five years ago.
From the expatriate point of view, expect to see significant changes to the culture of Thailand over the next fifteen years as this militant generation reaches majority.
Changes in the Thai Economy
There is no sugar coating the fact that Thailand’s economy suffered horribly during the pandemic. The country is heavily reliant upon tourism and the lack of travel dollars has severely dented people’s income in the tourism areas. This has seen many of the major nightspots around Bangkok and Pattaya become a shadow of their former selves.
Additionally, areas along Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road are run down with many for-lease signs attached to empty shopfronts. These are places that would never have been left empty, given their high foot traffic, and are now seen as over-priced and under whelming.
As a tourist (and former expat) it was mind-blowing to see the fact that all of my old haunts had largely disappeared. However, the economy has not died but is more “in flux” as it readjusts to less western tourists.
In fact, shopping malls across Bangkok are on the rise and the, fantastic, Emsphere has just opened near Phom Phrong and is most definitely worth a visit. Expect these changes towards domestic consumption, rather than tourism, to continue for what remains of this decade.
Thai Tourism Trends
One thing that I definitely noticed is that the western tourist, in numbers, is definitely a thing of the past. In many cases, around Bangkok and Pattaya, I was the only western white person walking the streets in late December.
Now, there are some significant reasons for this given that inflation has crushed the average western income and Thai prices are definitely on the increase. However, I honestly think that the average tourist has moved on from Thailand.
Thailand used to be seen as a “cheap” tourist destination for backpackers and naughty nightlife afficionados but the last thing you could say today is that the kingdom is “cheap”. Which brings me nicely onto the next key section to be covered.
Prices in Bangkok and Pattaya
Living costs have been on the rise across the world in the past few years. However, Thailand has seen a massive increase across tourist areas, and, in my estimation, general costs might have risen at least 35% from when I was last there in 2020.
In particular, western dominated areas exhibited large price increases with some items bordering on the ridiculous. English pub’s charging $27NZD for fish and chips, $18NZD for breakfast and over $9NZD for a beer are bordering on daylight robbery. These prices are almost the same as my home country and no longer represent value for money.
Sure, Thai dominated restaurants still remain cheap but if you choose to eat in western themes places then you are, definitely, going to pay for it. Much of this may be due to a rampant property market, falling numbers of western tourists, and closure of many western dominated places but it still hits your hip pocket.
In Pattaya, prices are much more reasonable than Bangkok but, even there, costs have risen. However, a visit to the resort town will show that the average tourist is now Indian or Chinese which has definitely changed the demographics, and available bars and restaurants, available to choose from. Having said that, hotel and accommodation prices in Pattaya still remain very reasonable.
Nightlife and Declining Service
Another aspect to note is that Bangkok and Pattaya nightlife seems to be moving steadily away from the P4P scene and now seeks to serve hiso Thais. Additionally, you will struggle to find the Thai smile and sabai sabai attitude as many of these bars move towards the “clip joint” model. As is often said, Prices and Up and Service is Down!
Taxation in Thailand
Additionally, there is a current proposal to introduce taxation for inward transfers to expats. This has been highly controversial and its note, currently, certain as to how this will operate. However, the basic premise seems to be that if you will need to demonstrate that you have paid tax on that inward remittance somewhere else or be subject to local taxation. How this will be enforced is anyone’s guess.
Final Thoughts on Thailand
By no means am I suggesting that you should not relocate to the Kingdom of Thailand. In fact, compared to most of your home nations, you will likely find happiness and a sense of freedom that you will not experience at home.
However, I am suggesting that you be aware that there is, like many nations, generational change occurring that is likely to upend your importance as an expat in the nation. Thailand is looking towards Asia for its next big influx of people and white western males are unlikely to be specifically catered for in the upcoming years.
My best advice is, before moving, make sure that the nation is right for you in the medium term and that you have a backup plan in case the cultural divide continues to widen and impacts your living circumstances.
2024 is only the start of the challenges that Thailand, and by extension its expats, will face in the coming years.
