Jobs for expats in Thailand
Cost of housing in Pattaya
Food cost
Buying a home in Pattaya
Cost of living in Pattaya Housing
Living in Thailand on 500 dollars a month
75 dollar a month apartments
600 to 1,000 dollar a month apartments
Thailand visa types
Opening a bank account
American embassy outreach
Visa Overstay
Getting a Driving License
Is this a buyers market
Updated June 16, 2024
One key factor to consider is the potential oversupply of condos. Despite the ongoing construction, it seems that many of these new units are not being readily occupied. This could be attributed to a few factors:
China's restrictions on outbound travel: With fewer Chinese buyers and investors entering the market, demand has been dampened.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions: The war in the region has likely impacted the overall investor sentiment and demand for Pattaya properties.
These market dynamics may be keeping prices in check, presenting potential buyers with more favorable pricing compared to other real estate markets that have seen rapid appreciation.
However, it's crucial to approach any real estate investment decision with careful research and consideration of the specific market conditions, property details, financing options, and your own financial goals and risk tolerance.
The Pattaya market warrants close attention, as the current supply-demand dynamics could create opportunities for savvy investors. By closely analyzing the market trends and understanding the risks and potential rewards, you can make an informed decision about whether investing in Pattaya's real estate aligns with your investment strategy.
Is Thailand still the bargain destination it once was.
In contrast, living here in Pattaya affords me a lifestyle that would be simply unattainable back in the US. For starters, I can comfortably reside in a very nice furnished condo for less than $500 per month – and that's neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option. My building is secure, with 12 floors, and my 6th-floor unit offers a pleasant view. Within easy walking distance, I have access to a wide variety of excellent restaurants catering to all tastes, as well as convenient markets and stores to meet my everyday needs.
Getting around is also a breeze and very affordable. I use a motor scooter, which is a convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, thanks to the various mobile apps that can have one at my door in just a few minutes. In fact, the cost of using taxis here in Thailand is typically less than the expenses associated with owning and maintaining a car in the US.
Overall, the lifestyle I'm able to enjoy in Pattaya is one that would be simply out of reach if I were still living in the US and relying solely on my social security income. The combination of affordable housing, abundant amenities, and accessible transportation has made my retirement significantly more comfortable and fulfilling.
Initially there are setup cost to get started but believe me they are much less here than other places. Then also let us not forget that Thailand has a different way of doing things and that takes time to learn.
Getting a Thailand Drivers License
If you stay in Thailand for an extended period you may want the convenience of being able to drive yourself. Also many attractions may give you the Thai persons price if you show them your Thai license. I get stopped and checked for license or alcohol test on average 2 times per month, fines for no license are steep.
The 75 Dollar a month apartment challenge do they really exist, find out here.
Social Security and living in Thailand on low benefits. Some people didn't pay much into the system and don't receive much income. Check out my living on 500 dollars a month.
NEW! Get one free month of rent every year by following this money saving tip! more...
Introduction to Retirement in Pattaya
My Brief introduction to Retirement and Ex-pat life in Pattaya or any place in Thailand for that matter. Retirement isn't meant to be a prision sentence but to many retirees it almost is. It dosen't have to be dull and boring just because you have limited income. I am in my retirement years and I believe as long as my health is good that these are my best years. I am an ex-pat retiree living in Pattaya Beach Thailand
As foreigners most of us are strictly prohibited from working unless we obtain a work permit. But with the internet there are things we can do. I have put together a list of some of my ideas on how to make some extra money without getting into trouble. Whether If you are an artist, photographer, or a book keeper, these are among the many jobs you can do on-line. I like Photography and albeit my main income doesn't come exclusively from shooting and processing of photos much it does.
Airfares can be a major hurdle for some as it is a fairly significant cost. I have put together some money saving tips to help you save some of your hard earned cash that will leave you with more to spend when you get here.
My 500 dollar a month challenge
Can you live in Pattaya on 500 dollars a month. Look here to get the answer.
Apartments and houses in Pattaya for 600 to 1,000 dollar range, and more.
Visa Overstay Hell, do not overstay your visa. My visit to the immigration detention center in Bangkok
Grocery shopping tips
Thailand is a very developed country and in most parts of Thailand you will find modern shopping centers. However you can still get your food at an outdoor old style market if you want to. You don't have to give up modern conveniences to live in Thailand.
Transportation to Pattaya From the Airport
It can get a little overwhelming flagging down a taxi at the airport. Here's advice on the different modes of getting to Pattaya and what you should pay.
Here is my guide to getting visas. You need to know what the different types are and which one is right for you.
How much does it cost to live in Pattaya or in Thailand in general. I have some money tips to help you stretch your hard earned money.
Thailand has great health care, while it cost much less than in your home country it still isn't free. You need to be prepared for the worst. From five star hospitals to small neighborhood clinics it's all here.
Electrolyte powder mixes are refreshing and very inexpensive. A great way to quench your thirst for about 4 Baht. Pattaya is a very hot place and it is very easy to become dehydrated and end up More
Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Lately there has been a lot of talk of the Digital Nomad lifestyles and I would like to add some of my opinions. While Thailand is a perfect country to be a so called Digital Nomad I wouldn't sell the farm and come to Thailand just yet. Before coming out the first thing you should consider, is an exit strategy. Be sure you have funds or access to funds to get back to your safe haven should things go tits up. I have seen in my time here people coming to Thailand to live a new life only to be severely let down and some even becoming destitute.
A good test would be to see if you could do all of your work from your home without ever leaving your home. If your cyber job includes meeting people or going to certain locations in order to do your job, then it isn't 100 percent cyber. Another hurdle is time zones, getting up at 2AM to talk to clients is no fun at all. Sometimes the timezones can work in your favor but usually not. MORE
How to get around Pattaya. So many different ways, from walking, riding a motorbike, driving a car or taking a ride on a song thaow. Getting around Pattaya is easy and cheap.
Learn some of the slang words used by expats as well as Thai people. When you see 55555-5555 it means the same as LOL, see why.
Thailand is a wonderful place to start a new relationship. There can be very successful relationships and then some can be a tragedy.
I have put together what I think can be useful resources for retirement in Pattaya. These links are great for expats too.
Thousands of participants display their custom bikes and other vehicles at this event during mid February. Admission and parking are free.
Renting or Buying a House or Condo
By far renting or buying an apartment or house cost much less here than in the west. Knowing how and where to look can save you a bundle. My guide can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made when I first got here.
If you live in Thailand for extended periods of time then it makes perfect sense to open a Thailand bank account.
You don't want to travel half way around the world to sit in a box and watch TV, or sit on a bar stool all the time, We all need things to do and I may have just the thing for you.
Internet in Thailand is both fast and affordable. Now days there are many more choices than when I first came to Thailand. My internet guide can help you get started.
Restaurants and places to eat are everywhere. Chances are that no matter where you live in Pattaya you would be within less than a five minute walk from something to eat.
Pattaya has a well earned reputation for in your face seedy nightlife and I have to admit it can be real fun. After a time most people settle back into a regular life routine and occasionally indulge in Papaya's nightlife.
Pattaya is located in a tropical region and it is pretty warm all year round. Like anywhere else there are seasons, but here it has more to do with the rain.
I list sixteen golf courses within an hour driving time. Pattaya attracts many golfers as the golf courses are lush and green. Green fees can be very low here without sacrificing quality of the courses. Golf tours are formed everywhere.
I have been shooting photos in and around Pattaya for more than ten years. Like most Photographers I love to share my work for the enjoyment of others. If you would like to use them on a blog or website, I only ask that you leave my watermarks intact, if you leave a link back to this website I would appreciate it tremendously. Please enjoy.
Some photos from around Pattaya
A night time shot of Pattaya from the Balihai pier
Copyright 2009-2024 Pattaya Retired dot Com All photography and web design by Russ