The inner peace and balance I receive from in and around nature draw me away from the busyness of life. I think we all have a different definition of what we derive peace from, but I know we can agree we seek it. We look for it in our relationships, our employment, and where we live.
I live in Chiang Mai. I am surrounded by lush, almost Jurassic jungles and endless rows of pristine mountains and hills. When I ride my motorbike around the Somong Loop I have to stop frequently. It isn’t safe to gaze into such a landscape and drive the winding roads. Do one, then the other.
When I first arrived in Thailand, my work kept me in Rayong. Sitting on the beach as the waves of the Bay of Thailand foam around my feet, I find an equal balance as in the mountains. Honestly, I am torn between the two.
Beachfront homes for sale in Thailand are not only accessible for the ultra-wealthy, nor will you have to live in a tin shack, unless you want to. My best piece of advice in home hunting here is to hire a strong, well-experienced, and connected local agent to help look but, more importantly, secure you a great purchase contract.
Foreign faces can, quite often, drive up prices instantly. That is ok when at the market buying rice but on your home purchase. Find an agent with excellent relationships built over successful transactions. Ask for recent references within the market you are shopping for.
Which Thai cities attract you most? The second tip I will give to you is to give space to tourist areas. The city of your dream home on a beach could be inundated with partygoers for certain months. This could be a negative or positive factor for you to consider. I find the further I get from all the foreigners, the closer to Thailand I am.
Living here has been great for over a decade. I started with a visa and work permit, and now I am on a retirement visa. It is indefinitely renewable for a very reasonable fee and simple documentation. Every 90 days, all expats have to take a few minutes to verify that their status or address has not changed. This can be done online, whereas we used to have to wait in long queues in the hot sun or rain. COVID really helped accelerate their online programs.
In speaking with expats who have been here for 30-40 years, Thailand would sound like it is much more strict. I agree that the government has increased its responsibility for the protection of its land and people. I support that 100%. Learn the laws regarding home ownership.
Take time to learn about the culture of peace and happiness that the Thai people embrace. Drop your Western aggressiveness and put real effort into learning the language for conversation with your new Thai friends and neighbours.
I love it here. I have lived in over 40 countries during my career. This is the place for me. If it is for you, maybe I’ll see you on the beach for a coconut and conversation soon.
