Relocating to Thailand | Stories, Insights and a softer landing
Excitement, uncertainty, a quiet ache for what you are leaving behind. International relocation comes with all of these mixed emotions.
However, relocation to Thailand is almost like hitting a jackpot of emotions or so they say. During reassignment exercises Thailand or Bangkok unapologetically takes the top spot, disappointing many enthusiasts. It is not hard to see why?
There is a common consensus when moving to the land of smiles, you will stay submerged for a long time without having to thrash your arms and legs to stay afloat. Life in Thailand is stress free and relaxed, most like being on a perpetual holiday. It is also refreshingly low-key, which makes it a top destination to move with family.
Whether you are moving with a family, starting out as a couple, or arriving solo. You will never run out of things to do in this beautiful city. In the mix of concrete buildings and public parks, the aroma of street food sweeps you right into the rhythm of the city. Upscale restaurants with rooftop bars are everywhere offering an equally refined indulgence.Bangkok is known for fine dining, just as Paris is and sometimes even better, they say.
The city streets are abuzz with beauty salons, street-side 7-Elevens sitting next to each other and still complimenting each other. Massage places are everywhere if you need to rest your feet or indulge in a full body massage. The city offers many options, depending on how much you can spend.
Thailand, as a country, has never experienced colonisation and takes immense pride in its culture. Immerse yourself into the experience with an open mind. You will be surprised with how much modesty you will take back, alongside the constant flow of tourists good, bad, or somewhere in between. Everyone comes to experience Thailand in their own unique way, so make sure you make it yours.
But transition or the cost of moving to a new country in itself always comes with the unknown. Let us unpack this one at a time.
If you are moving with a family, location quickly becomes one of the most important decisions you will make and for a good reason. Bangkok alone is vast and sprawling. During peak hours, the entire downtown area turns into what my daughter calls “a slow-moving parking lot.” As an expat, you naturally end up living in pockets of small communities, within the larger city that makes daily life more manageable.
Thailand thrives on building communities. Everything from laid-back meetups and parent circles to startup hustles, language exchanges, and group sports- there is always something for everyone. Finding your interest groups and building a life that doesn’t feel temporary is no longer an uphill task.
On the flip side you are also bound to be greeted with a barrage of unsolicited advice. This mainly comes from social media platforms. This can be tricky because people’s responses are often based on their personal experiences of moving to Thailand.
Everyone is looking for connection with a hope to strike some gold. Including self proclaimed experts trying to turn their new found hobbies into business’s. So buckle up for one more important skill. The art of skimming through those messages, to make sense of all that you read or hear.
Whether you are relocating internationally or moving locally, choosing experienced international movers is vital. Santa Fe Relocation understands the personal nuances of moving. This makes the relocation process much easier and gives you that much needed peace of mind too.
Once your travel woe’s are outsourced, start in your vicinity. Your workplace and colleagues. Always return to your own priorities, practical considerations and budget. Be sure of your trade-offs, because what is desirable is not always affordable, and what is inexpensive may not fully meet your needs.
Learn some basic Thai phrases for daily interaction. Counting numbers in Thai was one of the first things I learned, living in the provinces in my early years.
I managed to soften the torture of learning a new language in a playful way. Many of the numbers sounded like English words or proper nouns, including my husband’s nickname. So, I would sing them, recite them, and dictate them aloud to memorize one through ten, then the hundreds, stopping at the thousands.
Little did I realise that counting would become as instinctive as breathing. Download some great apps to improve your vocabulary. You can also listen to good podcasts. This is a great way to start.
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If you’re ready to start your adventure in Thailand, Santa Fe Relocation is here to support you. We are a trusted relocation company in Thailand, with over 60 years of experience. We have moved thousands of families around the world. With 104 locations, our customers trust our moving services.
Our global relocation services include:
- Moving your household goods
- Storage solutions, short and long term
- Visa & Immigration support