Bangkok is an intriguing place and one that holds a great deal of mystique and natural beauty. It is a busy and bustling city that is fast becoming one of the most important business hubs in the region. The city has invested heavily in infrastructure in the last couple of decades with the BTS (Skytrain) making travel around the city relatively straightforward, even considering Bangkok’s heavily congested road network.
Not Just for Tourists
Bangkok regularly comes top of Mastercard’s Global Cities Destination Index which confirms how appealing the city is. However, this is mainly tourists, but in reality, many of the things that appeal to tourists appeal to expats too. The city has been becoming more enticing since the 1970s with an increasing number of big businesses moving their operations to Thailand since the 1990s. Bangkok is at the heart of Southeast Asia, making it ideal for doing business in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia along with other countries in Asia.
Plenty to do
The Thai capital has so much to offer meaning that you will never be short of something to do. Yes, there is the superb nightlife; there are the parks such as Lumpini and Sri Nakhon Khuen Khan, Muay Thai boxing arenas, temples, world-class shopping malls, and theme parks such as Dream World. If you are golfer, there are dozens of world-class courses within one and hour’s drive of Bangkok and, of course, the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Pattaya can be reached in less than two and a half hours.
*Visit one of Thailand luxury shopping malls
Lots of Expats
The city already has a large expat community which makes it far easier for newbies to adapt. You will be moving to a city where you will instantly be made to feel welcome with groups to join to help you become acquainted with those already established in Bangkok. There are some fantastic traditional pubs and bars in the Sukhumvit area and Silom areas that are very much family-orientated and give you a sense of “being back home” should you start to feel homesick.
Great schools
For those moving to Bangkok with children, they will be reassured to know that the city has some fabulous international schools teaching the English, US and Baccalaureate curriculums. It is vastly different from many other places in Asia or indeed other parts of the world. In addition to great teaching standards and excellent facilities, many of the schools have forged links with top universities around the world. So, you don’t even after to worry about their further education needs!
Excellent Healthcare
As many expats that live and move to Bangkok are retirees, the standard of healthcare becomes increasingly essential. There are several exceptional international hospitals in Bangkok with the Bumrungrad Hospital being regarded as one of the best in Asia and is indeed a frequent destination for wealthy medical tourists travelling from the Middle East. Of course, regardless of if you are a retiree or working in the city, we would always recommend that you have appropriate health insurance.
Cost of Living
There is no escaping the fact that the cost of living in Bangkok is one of the biggest attractions for expats. Although nowhere near as cheap as it used to be, if you move away from the business districts, the city is still far cheaper than many others in the region as well as Europe or the US. When you combine this with the excellent all-round climate, you can see why the city is so popular. Of course, with the warm climate and heavy congestion, it is worth being aware of the pollution at some times of the year.
Opportunities
If you are of working age, Bangkok is a place that is packed with possibilities. Although a work permit is essential, setting up your own business is quite straightforward with Non-immigrant B (work) visas being easy to obtain from neighbouring Laos - if your work is legitimate. There are plenty of opportunities to earn money and even working for Thai companies in the capital; you have the chance to make reasonable money if you have her right skill set.
Great Food Options
One of the biggest attractions with Thailand and Bangkok is the food! Thai street food represents excellent value for money and is good quality but don’t just limit yourself to Thai food. Bangkok has a vast selection of excellent restaurants serving food from around the world. There is something for every budget, so you are sure to find something that whets your appetite. There are very few capital cities that have the same food selection that Bangkok offers, especially for the price. If you are an expat moving to Bangkok, you will be able to try something new every night!
*Classic Pad Thai
Westernised and High Levels of English
Bangkok is a very western city in so many aspects, although it certainly has some Thai twists! The levels of English, especially in the business districts, are very good and far superior to neighbouring countries such as Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar. You won’t have to worry about being able to find accommodation that meets western standards as quite frankly, the majority is outstanding. Again, this is something that makes Bangkok far more appealing than many other cities in the region. Be aware; however, if you stay in the business districts, it isn’t cheap!
Easy travel
Getting around Bangkok is relatively easy. Local taxis are cheap as too are the motorbike taxis although you do take your life in your own hands! There are the MRT and BTS that are also very convenient and cheap. It is this ease of travel that helps foreigners and expats to find their way around quickly. In addition to travel in Bangkok, it is also easy to get to other major cities either by road or air. The road network is, on the whole, excellent and domestic and local flights are relatively cheap.
If you are living or even visiting Bangkok, Do4You can give you all the hints and tips that you need as well as being Bangkok’s number one on-demand laundry service. Browse our website for further details.