When my friend from "My Thai Home" said: "Write it like it is — no ads, no 'azure sea' clichés," I couldn't refuse. Not for fame, but because so many people are searching for truth. Not the idealized blog version, but real life — with traffic jams, renovations, visas, and sudden May rains.
Why Thailand? Not Europe?
I'm a software developer. Worked in Novosibirsk, 10 years in an office, 2 remotely. When my company cut 30% in 2023, I didn't look for a new job. I looked for a new life.
My wife and I long debated: Spain, Portugal, Georgia. But everywhere — cold, bureaucracy, high costs. Then we came to Pattaya for 3 weeks. Not as tourists, but as future residents. We lived in a rental, went to supermarkets, talked to neighbors, viewed condos.
And we realized: here we can live, not just survive. Not because it's cheap, but because it's convenient, safe, and human.
Apartment: New Build or Resale?
We first wanted a new build — installments, "modern design," promises of 8% returns. But after three months of viewings, we realized: 90% of projects are delayed. And those on time often have flaws: thin walls, noise, poor ventilation.
We chose a ready-to-move-in apartment in a 2018 complex. 45 m², sea view, two pools, security, gym. Price: 4.3M THB (~120,000 USD). 1.5x more than presale, but we got it now, not in two years.
"My Thai Home" helped — they showed 12 options, not 30 like others. No pressure, just honest assessments.
Renovation: Where Dreams Meet Reality
The apartment was basic. We decided to renovate. Thought: "Thailand — cheap labor, fast and affordable."
Mistake.
First crew fired after a week — didn't understand wall leveling. Second did electrical but forgot the kitchen outlet. Third — best, but cost 2x our budget.
Result: renovation took 2 months (not 3 weeks), cost 680,000 THB. But perfect. And yes, this was my first lesson in Buddhist calm: "It will happen, but not now."
Life: Friends, Climate, Disappointments
We have more friends here than in Novosibirsk. Not because people are "warm," but because life slows down. People aren't rushing, they have time. We drink tea with neighbors, go to yoga, help each other with paperwork.
Climate? Hot. Very. AC is necessity, not luxury. Rains from May to October — heavy but short. But no snow, traffic jams, or depression.
Disappointments? Yes. No familiar service. Mail is unreliable. Banks may deny a mortgage without explanation. But this is the price of freedom.
Visas, Finances, Future
We live on O-A retirement visa. Since 2024, you need 800,000 THB in the bank + 65,000 THB monthly income. It's doable.
I work remotely for a Berlin company. Earn in euros, live on baht — cost-of-life difference allows savings.
We plan to open a small coffee shop — not for profit, but to be part of the community.
What Would I Advise?
Don't quit everything and come "forever" on the first try. Live here 3–6 months. Rent an apartment, try the life, see if your relationship can handle the rhythm.
Don't chase new builds. A ready apartment means stability, safety, control.
And yes, if you're in Pattaya — visit "My Thai Home". Not just for real estate (though they helped), but for friends. Here I found people who say "Hi, how are you?" — and actually wait for the answer.
Moving isn't an escape. It's a choice. And if you feel your life "isn't here" — maybe it's already waiting for you on the Gulf of Thailand.
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