Reader Talkback Results: If you had THREE tips for new ex-pats moving to Pattaya to succeed, what would they be?

Sunday, 27 February 2022, 17:59

The following is our exclusive weekly feature in which we ask our readers a news topical question and then give you a week to answer it on our various channels, compiling a diverse range of answers and opinions to present to you, our valued readers. Here are the results from our last question…

Last week, we asked you the following:

If you had THREE tips for new ex-pats moving to Pattaya to succeed, what would they be?

Some context around this question:

Recently, we have been asking our readers questions like WHY they moved to Thailand and additionally HOW they keep themselves busy.

Now, we want to know what tips you (hopefully current or former ex-pats) would have for those moving, planning to move, or hoping to move to Pattaya full time!

Here is what you, our readers, had to say as our editors selected some of the most diverse responses to highlight different points of view. Obviously, we can’t post everyone’s opinion here so selected a variety of the most diverse opinions. As always, the opinions and statements below are the reader’s own and may not reflect those of TPN media. There have been minor edits for spelling and grammar only:

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Steven: 1. Leave your western values at the front door.
2. If you ever have the intention to have a Thai GF then do not look in a bar or massage shop.
3. If you arrive with the intention of buying a condo then rent for at least 6 months and do your due diligence

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Nuanjan-Pack lightly and take with you only suitable items for Thailand use. Leave suits and heavy coats behind. Remember Thai voltage is 220 volts and take electrical items that suit that voltage. Don’t scrimp on renting a shoebox condo. Pay a little more for a nice place to stay. Take your time and use due diligence if you decide to buy a condo in YOUR name. Avoid the company route.

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Steve S-1. If you come to retire stay retired. Do not dabble with running bars or cafes.
2. You can rent a house on the edge of town. (Walking distance) for less than a premium condo in the centre of town. Shop around.
3. If you are looking for a long-term Thai gf avoid the young girls. Go for a maturer lady with an education. Do not rush anything, take your time and do your homework.

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Mike B-1 Don’t buy a house. 2 Don’t get married. 3 Avoid dogs. The 1st 2 are easy.

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Stuart P-Watch ya Wallet, Watch your Step… Don’t Trust Anyone….

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Martin T-If you’re coming to Pattaya to make a small fortune, make sure u come with a big one

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Lee M-

Get out of holiday mode quickly! (Everything in moderation).

Never loan money to anyone.

Take up hobbies, fitness (rather than go to a bar every day)

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Pat A-Don’t listen to any negative comments, it’s a great place to be.

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Peter S-Don’t blow your money trying to impress the girls. Don’t build a house in Isaan and get isolated. Don’t drink every day, find other hobbies to do. Avoid negative people, most are online, see some posts above

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Anthony A-

1) stay “low profile”

2) avoid your fellow countrymen

3) stay single: a fresh flower every day is cheaper and safer

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Oywind-If you take away three things, beer, girls, and smoking. you can make it. But then it is not much fun.

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Mark S-Work out your budget for the month, half it, then try to live off that. You will encounter many surprises financially you didn’t initially consider

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Bryan B-

1 stay home

2 go somewhere else

3 wait another year and try again.

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Adam J (Editor)

1. You can live on a lot less than you think. Budget for that. You are not on holiday, you are living here.

2. Relax. You moved here likely to enjoy life. Don’t get caught up in petty squabbles between ex-pats or online. Be Kind. Be patient. Pick your battles and adopt the Mai Pen Rai attitude, especially for minor issues at businesses or problems.

3. Get out of your comfort zone. Pattaya is so much more than bars and has tons to do, as well as outside the city for about a three-hour radius. EXPLORE. OPEN YOUR HORIZONS. ENJOY LIFE.

Didn’t get a chance to chime in? Tell us on our social media channels, in the comments below, or if you prefer your comment to be private mail us at Pattayanewseditor@gmail.com. Have a safe week and see you soon!