Reality behind the "dream life" in Thailand. Thai without filters.

Many people are still attracted by the inviting advertisements about "the dream life" in Thailand. "The most beautiful beaches", "Turquoise water", "Stunning temples", "Exotic food", "Affordable living" are the statements describing the Asian paradise. Yes, the water is blue there and temples are colorful and ornately decorated, but what does this has to do with daily life in Thailand?

I lived on a coastal island for almost a year. After switching the fast-paced lifestyle in New York I thought that the easy going life in another, unfamiliar country will make my life different. I envisioned things the way I wanted them to be. I assumed a lot before even relocating to the place. I did not consider some obvious (I thought so!) things which led me to big disappointments and the decision not to stay. And I am not talking about a developing country in Asia, I am talking about Australia, a highly advanced country with a healthy economy and high standard of living.

Here I would like to share with you what factors you should consider before moving to any country! I decided to pick Thailand because this country was also on my list to relocate. Clear understanding of reality behind "the dream life" made me not to do so.

1. Climate

The kind of climate in your new home is very important! And here please hear me, it is one of the most important points when considering to move to another country. Climate in Thailand is tropical with a mean annual temperature of 82 F (27.5 C) and high humidity. Thailand has three seasons: hot, cold and rainy. When it is hot season the temperature outside is hard to bear for a long time. Are you ready to be inside or in air conditioned premises for the majority of the day? Of course if you work Monday through Friday, from 9 AM till 5 PM such things are not noticeable, but what is the point to move to Thailand if you are going to work in the office?

Life that you had back in your home country will not be the same! Such minor (as it seems) detail as time of the sunset and sunrise will make you change your routine.

For example, if you used to enjoy to drink your morning beverage on the porch while enjoying the rising of the sun such routine can be left when you move to Thailand. The Sun there rises and goes down pretty fast, leaving no time to enjoy the waking up moment. Another example here can be is cycling in the morning. For the same above reason, quick rising and falling of the Sun, cycling in the early morning can be a problem. Heat from the early morning and humidity make the activity hard to do and unfortunately brings more struggle than joy.

Little things make big pictures! We all say with no attachment to routine we can be free! It is true. The freedom though has to come from the conscious decision and sober understanding and not from the idea that the false advertising gives!

2. Noisy neighbors

Everyone who has been in Thailand say that Thai people are noisy and loud. Full volume music parties and loud conversations are part of life there. Are you ready for this? Some people can refer to quiet European neighborhoods where only foreigners live, but it also means that the life in Thailand is squared in such neighborhood. Take into consideration the fact that Thai people are on their own land and they have full rights to be loud and noisy. Additionally there is a cultural background to why they are that way. So to think that your neighbors will only have one party will not be true.

Advertising brochures and glamorous pictures portraying life in Thailand as a serene and simple destination do not mention such nuance. Even if your house is located in a quiet neighborhood, sooner or later you will have to go out to do shopping and deal with daily life, as well as to enjoy the sunsets on the beach that you came there for in the first place. Loudness and noise are not avoidable in public areas including "beautiful beaches."

There is no designated destination for a "Happy Life", because happiness is in our heart!

3. Lack of resources for personal leasure

It might sound silly at the beginning, but in the end it appears to be a big problem! No resources for leisure at the destination of pleasure - a paradox. Yes, favorite books and craft supplies can be brought at the time of your relocation, but how many of them can be squeezed into the luggage?

Libraries in Thailand do require a paid membership and they have limited book sources. Very unlikely you will find any other foreign language books, except English, and there is not many of them either. Some communities create their own libraries on a volunteer basis, trying to keep the culture alive. As an example, for me it was difficult to find the genre I like in Australia since all books they had I have read already.

Today books can easily be purchased online and delivered anywhere in the world, but it costs money and time. Didn't the advertisement about an easy going life promise everyone to escape from this?

Public amenities and entertainment such as libraries, movie theaters, theaters are components that create a relaxing mood and atmosphere at the place of leisure. They are important elements of cultural life no matter where you live. Having such facilities around allow people to learn and exchange cultures as well as to meet other people. This is especially important if the expat has no family and siblings that relocated together.

Think about access to craft supplies which are limited in Thailand, the garden that is part of your house, dance school that is just around the corner, are you willing to give up all of these for the unknown life in Thailand?

If the relocation to Thailand has nothing to do with the sweet promising advertisements about "the dream life," than you must have your own reasons to move, and that is a different story.

Willingness to change personal attitude and values toward the culture you want to blend in are the keys to successful life in any foreign country. The only question here is will it make you more happy?

---