Bangkok Expat Life | Traveling, Living, Working

By Wassana Lampec

For people looking to escape the fast-paced world of the West, Bangkok is becoming an increasingly small-town choice. There is a distinctly small-town feel to this major world city that charms even the best of us and many Bangkok ex-pats would agree.

There is certainly a great deal to see and do here, but living in Bangkok is much more than that.

It is about a sense of community within the sea of humanity that modern society now finds itself living in.

Everything is here, from a sense of modern and contemporary living to a culture that is still is traditional and based on developing personal relationships.

Perhaps this is why so many ex-pats are now choosing to call Bangkok their home. Consider the following brief guide to highlight just a few of the many reasons why ex-pat life in Bangkok is becoming so popular.

Perhaps this is why so many ex-pats are now choosing to call Bangkok their home. Consider the following brief guide to highlight just a few of the many reasons why ex-pat life in Bangkok is becoming so popular.

Traveling in Bangkok

When determining where to live in Bangkok as an expat, many look first at available transportation options.

On that account, the city has a great deal to offer.

While Bangkok is notorious for its traffic jams, particularly morning and evening rush hours, there are numerous options to avoid this.

Bangkok Skytrain

The Skytrain system is now well established and will carry passengers throughout the downtown and beyond.

Many condominium and office complexes are located directly off the Skytrain route, making this even more convenient.

Nightlife in Bangkok can also be easily accessed via public transportation, which includes an extensive underground metro system.

When needing to get across town to a place where the Skytrain is not, taxis are in plentiful supply. In fact, more than a hundred thousand taxis are believed to be operating in Bangkok alone.

The fares are among the lowest in the industrialized world, making travel to a Bangkok coworking space even easier. In fact, co-working space Bangkok is accessible from all points throughout the city, so traveling is made much easier as a result.

Cost of Living for Expats in Bangkok

Another positive development to ex-pat life in Bangkok is the relatively low cost of living, particularly in relation to Europe and America.

For those looking to startup in Thailand, office space is relatively affordable. Bangkok coworking space is becoming increasingly popular as well, meaning that ex-pats can work in an environment that is conducive to the entrepreneurial spirit.

Food is an incredible bargain throughout Bangkok, with many ex-pats finding it cheaper to eat out as opposed to cooking at home.

This cuts down on the monthly food expense, making nightlife in Bangkok even more entertaining and affordable.

When people consider where to live in Bangkok as an ex-pat, many are pleased to find that rental prices are among the lowest in the region as well.

A great one or two-bedroom condo, for example, can be had for a fraction of the cost of what one would expect to pay in the West.

Healthcare

Naturally, healthcare is a primary concern no matter where one chooses to live and work. On that account, Bangkok once again shines.

Several of the top 100 hospitals in the world are located in the capital city, with Bumrungrad Hospital being the most trusted ex-pat healthcare facility in the region. Modern technology, highly trained and skilled physicians, and ultra-contemporary facilities greet ex-pats throughout the region.

Jobs in Bangkok for Expats

Another factor that is luring many foreigners to the area is the availability of ex-pat jobs in Bangkok. The sky is really the limit as far as the number of opportunities afforded to those that are wanting to work in Asia.

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of available positions as an English teacher.

This includes international schools, language centers, government institutions, corporate headquarters, and more. Native English speakers with education will almost certainly find a position within a short time of getting settled in Bangkok.

Beyond teaching, there are a number of jobs in various industries that are available as well.

Becoming a manager of a Western pub or restaurant is a distinct possibility, as is working for any of the major multinational corporations that have an established presence in Bangkok.

Work from Bangkok

Many more ex-pats are drawn to Bangkok due to the ease of becoming a digital nomad. The city has it all, from the ready availability of stable Internet access to a pleasant and congenial overall business climate.

Individuals can work on their own, or in small teams while enjoying the quality of life that comes from living in Bangkok.

The Start-up community in Bangkok is growing, as many industries to not require their workers be tied to an individual geographical location any longer.

In Bangkok, there are a number of co-working spaces available throughout the city where one can plug in and get to work.

You do not need to be confined to your home or office to get work done in Bangkok.

It is quite common to see ex-pats working in shared office space, coffee shops, and almost anywhere else that has Internet access. Writers, graphic designers, web developers, and more have found a special place as a digital nomad in Thailand.

The Right Visa

All that is required is the right visa and a desire to experience and enjoy Thai culture. On that account, many ex-pats have already discovered what makes the city so special, and they plan to remain here for quite some time to come.

Traveling, living, and working in Bangkok is a great experience. This is the reason that thousands upon thousands of ex-pats come to the city each and every year. Many others retire in Bangkok.

The Thai people are most hospitable, the food excellent, and the culture is definitely something special.

Wassana Lampech currently lives in Chiang Mai. She is a girl who loves traveling, originally from the Southern part of Thailand. You can find her on Twitter or see more Thailand photos from her Instagram.