As your family and friends find out that you’re visiting or moving to Thailand, are they convinced you will be stranded in some undeveloped country with limited access to running water and electricity? Do they keep mixing up Thailand and Taiwan? Does it make you want to shout out that Thailand is fantastic? In case you’ve heard similar lectures, we’ve created a list to help ease your family’s and friends’ worries. It’s time we put some myths about Thailand to rest because there is more to Thailand than what western media will have you know!
1. Thailand has poor Infrastructure
Does your family believe in the myths about Thailand’s poorly developed infrastructure? There is no need to worry about freely moving throughout the country or getting out should an emergency arise. In fact, Thailand has over twenty airports, eight of which are international:
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
- Don Mueang International (DMK)
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
- Chiang Rai International (CEI)
- Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
- Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Samui International Airport (USM)
- U-Tapao International Airport (UTP)
There are also trains, extensive bus routes, and modern highways throughout Thailand. The accessibility of this international travel hub should be the least of anyone’s worries.
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Thailand is Very Dangerous
Thailand, on the whole, is a safe country for expats and travelers, especially for women traveling solo. Thai people are welcoming, respectful, and generally non-violent towards foreigners. The biggest concerns are scams in touristy areas, such as getting charged much more than one should, and crimes of opportunity, like petty thefts. Despite off-and-on and sometimes volatile political protests in certain areas of Bangkok, daily life is largely unaffected elsewhere in Thailand. Protests and demonstrations are easily avoidable with a little planning and forethought.
Road accidents are common in Thailand. Wear proper safety gear while on a motorbike, always be aware of your surroundings, and use common sense, just as you would back in your home country. Many serious incidents are easily preventable and occur when a person develops a false sense of security while living or traveling abroad.
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You’ll Live in a Village Hut with Sand Floors
Don’t believe the myths about Thailand having poor living accommodation. Thailand offers the same amenities of Western countries, and there are plenty of modern options available. Just google around the internet for a few minutes and you will see both basic and premium standards of accommodation, throughout Thailand.
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You’ll Be Eating Nothing But Take Away’s
Yes, there are stir fries and plenty of dishes with rice and noodles, but don’t let myths about Thailand’s cuisine fool you into thinking it’s the same as the generic take away from that run of the mill Chinese delivery place at home.Thai food is known for its sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy balance. It also has rich curries and grilled meats that are phenomenal. Find a nearby Thai restaurant that has good reviews and takes your family there.
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You Won’t Be Able to Find Anything You Need
Most of the major city’s and towns in Thailand are equipped with either mall, shopping centers, and or superstores. Many supercenters actually dedicate entire floors to electronics, clothing, or beauty stores with familiar Western brands and products. These are some of the main stores to be found:
- Tesco Lotus
- Big C Supercenter
- Foodland Supermarket
- Robinson Department Store
- Makro
- Tops Market
- Central Department Store
- Home Pro
- Index Living Mall
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Thailand is For Drunks and Sex Tourists
While there is a dark side in Thailand that caters to substance abusers and sexpats, myths about Thailand being good for nothing else should not deter you from living here. Thailand boasts beautiful waters for diving and snorkeling, beaches for retreats, and mountains and jungles for trekking. City’s like Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, are family friendly and are much slower-paced than the bustling tourist areas and red-light districts of Bangkok. Peel back the layers and you’ll find Thailand is a wonderfully diverse and beautiful place to live.
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You Can’t Afford to Live in Thailand
Myths about Thailand’s affordability being an issue are silly. Many things are incredibly affordable. For less than £5 you can…
Fill up your scooter
Enjoy a Thai massage
Watch a new release at the movie theater
Buy a pair of shoes
Fill up on a Thai meal for two, with beer
Try doing any of these things back home without blowing £20 or more! Avoid budget blunders just as you would back home and you’ll be fine. On £1,200 a month a couple can live comfortably in Thailand.
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Thailand’s Medical Care is Dirty and Dangerous
The next time someone tells you myths about Thailand’s medical or dental work being unsterilised, unsafe, or no good, the be sure to drop in these facts:
- Thailand is home to the largest hospital in Asia and to 30 JCI certified hospitals.
- 5 million foreigners came to Thailand for medical treatment in 2013
- Laser eye surgery cost £2,000 in the UK. The same procedure in Thailand costs around £1,000 espanolfarm.com.
These procedures can be done by English-speaking doctors, many of whom are trained in Western countries and practice with the most advanced medical equipment and techniques.
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You Cannot Communicate With the Rest of the World
Thailand is an easy place to conduct business and maintain constant communication with your loved ones back home. You can stay connected with loved ones through countless WiFi hotspots available most often at coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses in major towns and cities.While some countries are notorious for unreliable internet connections, Thailand is ahead of the game. Don’t let the myths of Thailand’s lack of electricity and infrastructure lead you to believe there is also no internet!
Misconceptions About Thailand
For the doubters amongst your friends and family who truly believe the myths about Thailand, the aforementioned list should begin to chip away at their skepticism and show what Thailand really has to offer as a holiday or an expat living destination. Google really is your friend and spending a little time on the internet and browsing will eradicate any fears or previous people may have with regard to living or visiting the LOS, Land Of Smiles – Thailand.
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