In 2025, Thailand remains one of the world’s top diving hubs, attracting over 850,000 dives per year. But today it’s not just a tourist destination — more and more divers are relocating to Thailand permanently, combining their passion for the underwater world with long-term living comfort.
According to the Thailand Dive Tourism Association (TDTA), around 12,000 foreign divers have permanent or temporary residency in the country. Breakdown:
- 38% — Europeans (Germany, France, Italy);
- 29% — Australians & New Zealanders;
- 18% — Americans & Canadians;
- 7% — Russians & CIS;
- 8% — China, India, GCC.
Richelieu Rock: Legendary Reef in 2025
Located in the Andaman Sea, Richelieu Rock is still considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Its purple soft corals, gorgonians, and encounters with whale sharks continue to mesmerize.
But access is now strictly regulated:
- Limit: 60 divers per day;
- Mandatory eco-briefing;
- No touching corals, no fin contact with seabed;
- Reef monitoring via drones and AI.
The reef is fully protected by DMCR and part of the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) network.
Khao Lak — Mecca of Diving & Living
Khao Lak remains a diving hub, but today it's also:
- Professional dive schools (PADI, SSI, RAID) offering courses up to instructor level;
- Eco-hotels and villas with TREES/LEED certification;
- Diver communities without national borders — united by the language of water;
- Developed infrastructure: clinics, international schools, 5G internet.
Many divers buy property not for 'their own community', but for proximity to dive sites, peace, and ecology.
Where Do Divers Buy Property?
Top locations in 2025:
1. Khao Lak (Andaman Sea)
- Focus: reefs, whale sharks, clean beaches;
- Homes: villas from 12 million THB, condos from 5 million THB;
- Advantages: tranquility, nature, LTR eligibility.
2. Koh Larn (Pattaya)
- Focus: urban reefs, wall dives;
- Homes: condos from 3 million THB;
- Advantages: proximity to Bangkok, developed infrastructure.
3. Koh Tao
- Focus: training, technical diving, reefs;
- Homes: villas from 10 million THB;
- Advantages: dive culture, community, accessibility.
4. Phuket (North & West)
- Focus: Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai, Hin Daeng;
- Homes: villas from 20 million THB;
- Advantages: airport, healthcare, schools, LTR.
Why Are Divers Moving to Thailand?
Not just for reefs, but because:
- LTR Visa: 10 years without annual exit;
- Quality of life: safety, healthcare, climate;
- Sustainable tourism: the country invests in ocean protection;
- Community: no nationality divide — only Open Water vs. Tech Diver.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Growth of dive-resident population to 25,000;
- Development of underwater research centers;
- Launch of neural interfaces for dive training;
- Global recognition of Thailand as the capital of global diving & sustainable ocean tourism.
"We’re not just diving anymore. We live underwater — even when we’re on land," said TDTA Director Athapol Sanghaboot. "Our home is the ocean."
Are you a diver? My Thai Home helps you find a home near dive sites, calculate your budget, and get LTR status. Your home should be closer to the sea.
Back to list
