moving to Pattaya, Thailand

corinne murray · #1 (**permalink**) 8th July 2007, 12:44 PM

Hi, my husband and myself are currently living in the UK but hope to move to Thailand for a year or so. We are looking to rent when we get out there and would like to take one of our dogs with us. I will not be working when i go out there but i would like to do a bit of voluntary work. My husband works Offshore in the Oil/Gas industry so hopefully there won't be a problem with work for him.
If anyone has any experience of living in Thailand and has some good information, it would be gratefully appreciated as we want to be prepared as much as possible!!!!!

synthia · #2 (**permalink**) 8th July 2007, 03:52 PM

I haven't been to Pattaya, but rents in Thailand tend to be very low compared to the US.

chicowoodduck · #3 (**permalink**) 26th July 2007, 03:36 PM

I'm due into Pattaya City on Saturday, July 28th and will be doing some research on rentals, homes, etc. I'll let you know what I discover. As you probably already know, Pattaya is a very busy city around the beach areas and draws crowds from the BKK area. I'm not interested in being part of that scene, although being within striking distance (1-5 km) of the beach would be nice. :-)

synthia · #4 (**permalink**) 26th July 2007, 05:25 PM

In the past I'd always heard rather bad things about the area, but lately I've met a lot of people who like it, especially if they live, as you said, away from the most crowded tourist areas.

oddball · #5 (**permalink**) 16th September 2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicowoodduck

I'm due into Pattaya City on Saturday, July 28th and will be doing some research on rentals, homes, etc. I'll let you know what I discover. As you probably already know, Pattaya is a very busy city around the beach areas and draws crowds from the BKK area. I'm not interested in being part of that scene, although being within striking distance (1-5 km) of the beach would be nice. :-)

It would be nice if you could post your findings on Pattaya a.s.a.p. because the Thai forums i read today did not reflect what you have said , the inference is that bars and restaraunts are closing down due to the lack of buisness from the crowds that invade its beach areas , the crowds are also most noticeable by thier abscence , is that a fact or just the usual mumblings of diparaged expats ?

chicowoodduck · #6 (**permalink**) 16th September 2007, 07:30 PM

Dear Oddball,

Although business is a bit on the downside (and where in the world isn't it?), I did not see anyone out with hammers, plywood and nails boarding-up anything. As with most things in Thailand, the people just smile and work through it. That's the attitude like. I didn't see anything to scare me off in coming back to the Pattya City area (I'm currently back in the States cleaning up odd and ends before heading back in December). Of course, everyone's boat floats a bit different, but in looking over the area, I do believe that the Jomtien might be a better fit. Just less crowded, easy beach access, cleaner, etc. Just as a starting point, you might want to check-out the Thailand Craig's List for various places to stay and the price range people are seeking. Again, everyone has a different budget. It looks like I'll be paying somewhere between 12-14 thousand baht per month for an apartment that is about a mile from the Pattaya City beach area. Again, this could change between now and December. I STRONGLY suggest that if you are serious about moving anywhere in Thailand that you check out the area for yourself and not for a day trip experience. There are a million "I wish I would have..." stories of expats jumping in head first without knowing the depth of the water. Do the research and go in one toe at a time and with caution.

Good luck.

synthia · #7 (**permalink**) 18th September 2007, 06:24 PM

Thanks for reminding people to test the waters first. I'd go farther and say to start with something like a three month rental, then try a year. An amazingly high percentage of expats seem to last less than two years, and that's true for almost every country.

Things that you think are great become annoying, things that you hated at first turn out to be totally unimportant in the long haul, you just can't tell until you are there.

skycop51 · #8 (**permalink**) 29th June 2008, 10:09 PM

Well I think you need a lot of luck, unless you are going to teach. Its not going to happen.

oddball · #9 (**permalink**) 5th July 2008, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skycop51

Well I think you need a lot of luck, unless you are going to teach. Its not going to happen.

To add a little to that sage thought , Thailand is for Thais , jobs , property almost everything , you are and always will be 'Just a visitor ' unless Buddha smiles on you . Colin .

skycop51 · #10 (**permalink**) 5th July 2008, 02:47 PM

enjoying Thailand, but most working does not work out.

Skycop51