Whilst formerly a beacon for those wanting to live a better life as an expat, things currently in Thailand can best be described as a bit fucked for foreigners.
This is actually for a number of reasons, which we will get into, but principle among them is that Thailand has now become so strict with letting foreigners live there that social media is now rife with stories of people getting arrested at the border held in a cell and then deported.
And these are not folks with dodgy passports, but rather westerns looking to go and spend money while staying in the Kingdom of (fake) smiles. Couple this in with the recent war of aggression of the country and rather than looking to move here, the smart move is actually to find alternatives to Thailand where you will actually be appreciated.
And it turns out I am a bit of an expert in this field, so here are my top 5 alternatives to Thailand fir living in South-East Asia.
Table of Contents
The problems with Thailand Immigration
Thailand’s current immigration crackdown is based primarily on the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, which gives officers broad discretionary powers to deny entry to anyone they believe is not a genuine tourist. In practice this now means enforcement on the ground has tightened dramatically. Officers are checking proof of funds, commonly quoted as 20,000 baht per person or 40,000 baht per family, and they are legally allowed to request this in cash. Bank screenshots are often not accepted.
Onward flights are also being checked far more frequently, with travellers without confirmed exit tickets increasingly being refused entry. Length of stay is another major issue. While visa exemption officially allows 30 days, extendable once, there is no clearly defined annual limit. Immigration instead looks at travel patterns. Enter too often, stay too long, or appear to be living rather than visiting, and you are at risk of being denied entry.
Some apologists will say this is simply the implementation of existing law, but the reality is that for decades these rules were applied loosely. That is no longer the case. Enforcement is inconsistent and often arbitrary, meaning entry can come down to which officer you get on the day. Anti-foreigner sentiment has also increased noticeably, and this does not just affect westerners. Xenophobia against Burmese and Cambodians, among others, is currently at record highs. The end result is a system defined by uncertainty, inconsistency, and risk.
5 Best Alternatives to Thailand to love/stay long-term
The saving grace here though is that there are actually a whole heap of alternatives to Thailand both from a living, or long-term visiting point of view. And of them are in South-East Asia and offer far less racism at a fraction of the cost. And it turns out I know a tying (PaidToTravel.net) or two about things.
5) Laos
Laos is actually a bit Thailand light, with a similar language and food, as well as equally as good scenery. The kicker here is that there are no beaches and much less of a party.
Getting a Laos visa – Laos offers visas on arrival and eVisas for most nationalities, typically valid for 30 days and extendable in country. Longer stays are usually handled via extensions or short exits, and enforcement remains relatively relaxed.
4) Vietnam
Vietnam has probably the best food in the world, as well a party scene to more than rival Thailand. OK, so the beaches are not as good, but everything has a trade off. Traditionally one of the harder countries when it comes to visas, but this is something that is getting better and this is one of the great alternatives to Thailand.
Getting a Vietnam visa – Vietnam currently offers 90 day eVisas, including multiple entry options. Extensions are commonly arranged through agents, making medium-term stays far easier than in the past.
3) Philippines
The Philippines is frankly wonderful and save food there are very few parameters where Thailand is better. Great beaches, legitimately friendly people and a price point that is one of the best in the region.
Getting a Philippines visa – Most nationalities receive 30 days visa free on arrival, which can be extended every one to two months for up to three years without leaving the country. While extensions are not cheap, they are effective. Long-term stay is particularly easy if you get married.
2) Indonesia
Indonesia is not just a country, but pretty much its own continent, with places like Bali, Jakarta, Jayapura and Banda Aceh just showing the diversity. Beaches are great, people are very friendly and they have a fabulous visa regime.
Getting an Indonesian Visa – Options include 60 day tourist visas extendable in country, multiple entry business visas, and longer-term stay permits. There is also a five year second home style visa. Some visas require exits, but the rules are clear and structured.
1) Cambodia
Sandwiches between Vietnam and Thailand, of whom it was recently invaded Cambodia is by far the best place to live and work in South-East Asia. The food here is underrated an obscene amount, people are actually friendly rather than just pretending. And the kicker? Cost of living is not just insanely cheap, but even buying a condo is very affirmable. This is by far the top of all alternatives to Thailand.
Getting a Cambodian visa – Tourist visas are easy to extend. Agents can arrange one-year work visas allowing you to live and work legally in the country. Retirement visas are also available and highly advantageous. Opening a bank account is straightforward. By far one of the easiest places to live on the planet.
Conclusion on alternatives to Thailand
Thailand has become one of the most unstable countries in the region when it comes to rules and enforcement. Regulations change constantly and often without warning. This includes small things such as when you can buy alcohol, to larger issues like whether foreigners will be taxed, the legality of weed, and most importantly immigration.
When entry and long-term stay become a gamble, the risk outweighs the reward. With places like Cambodia offering stability, clarity, and affordability, there is simply no logical reason to roll the dice.
Ironically I do Thailand Tours.