Thailand in competition: Has the expat paradise lost its shine?

Thailand in competition: Has the expat paradise lost its shine?

The debate over whether Thailand has lost its edge as an expat haven is currently dominating conversations among expats and locals in Phuket and beyond. More and more voices are expressing that the charming Land of Smiles is facing challenges that could tarnish its appeal. That's how he reports Thai Examiner that, above all, increased rental prices in Bangkok, which have increased by 8 to 12% compared to the previous year, and stricter visa regulations are causing problems for many expats.

Additionally, a new tax on remittances has led to 55% of respondents considering leaving Thailand. This is accompanied by the growing narrative in 2025 and 2026 that Thailand is becoming less attractive. However, there is also positive news: In the renowned InterNations Expat Insider 2025 survey, Thailand ranked fourth worldwide for expat satisfaction - the best ranking to date, after the country ranked sixth in 2024.

Competition with neighboring countries

In the region, five Southeast Asian countries compete for the attention of expats: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Bali) and the Philippines. Each country has its strengths but also presents serious health risks that require international insurance coverage. While Thailand is considered the country with the most visa options, Vietnam has significantly less to offer. However, despite stricter enforcement of visa regulations, Thailand remains a hub for expats due to its diverse visa toolbox.

The cost of living in each country shows interesting differences: Bangkok has a cost of living index of 37.1, while Phuket is 38.1. In comparison, Vietnam remains the cheapest country in the region with an index of 27.7. However, these price increases in Thailand have not taken away the country's status as a popular destination. International medical protection remains necessary for expats in all five countries, also due to differences in the quality of healthcare - Thailand tops the list with 62 JCI-accredited hospitals.

Healthcare and safety

Healthcare in Thailand is reflected not only in the number of accredited hospitals, but also in an impressive health index of 77.5. Overall, Thai clinics attract more than 1.4 million international patients annually. However, healthcare remains a key issue in the other four countries, with dengue fever being a common challenge. There is also a worrying picture in Thailand regarding road mortality and air pollution, particularly in Chiang Mai.

Expat satisfaction remains high in both Thailand and Vietnam, with Vietnam performing above average in personal finances. The availability of international schools in Thailand, 248 in total, is another plus point for families considering emigration.