You’ve probably heard all sorts of things about Thailand—some good, some funny, and maybe some shocking. I’m no stranger to this country; I’ve been visiting for 13-15 years and have been living here for the last three. In all that time, I’ve had countless conversations with people who, after the usual “status size-up” questions like “Where are you from?” and “What do you do?”, are surprised when I tell them I live in Bangkok. “I would love to live in Thailand!” they often say.

Planning Your Move: More Discipline, Less Drama

Let’s be clear: there are many ways to live here from a financial perspective. For me, the decision to move was a long-term goal. I knew a decade before I moved that this was where I wanted to be. I started preparing my life in a responsible way to make it happen. That meant avoiding things like buying expensive new cars, paying off all my credit card debt, focusing on saving money, and taking classes to gain more professional freedom. I won’t be arrogant enough to say anyone can move abroad, but I will say it’s not as hard as people make it out to be. It just takes a little planning and discipline.

Finding Freedom and a Better Lifestyle

Living in Thailand suits my current lifestyle. I’m not the type to dramatically downgrade my living situation just to move abroad. Other than not owning a car, my standard of living hasn’t changed from what I had in the United States. Most things here are less expensive (with electronics being a notable exception), but the main draw of Thailand, and Bangkok specifically, is the sense of freedom I feel every day.

I’m not a heavy drinker; sometimes I’ll go a month without a drop of alcohol. I work out four to six times a week and spend most of my free time in cafes, working on projects, or reading. For me, reducing stress is a top priority, and avoiding the bar scene helps me do just that. While the weather is extremely hot, I much prefer it to being cold, which is a close second reason for why I love living here.

The Good Outweighs the Bad

Sure, there are things about Thailand that aren’t great, but for me, the good far outweighs the bad. That’s how I judge most aspects of my life. Thailand is an amazing destination, but my advice is to plan years ahead to avoid the potential pitfalls, because they can be steep. With the right preparation, you can find a life here that’s rich in freedom and low on stress.