About Stephan

From Bavaria to Hua Hin — 25+ years of expat life in Thailand

Sawadee Krub!

Welcome to Thrive in Thailand—your go-to resource for navigating life in the Land of Smiles. My name is Stephan. I’m originally from Germany, but Thailand has been my beloved home for over 25 years.

Like many farang, I first came here as a tourist and was instantly captivated by the incredible food, stunning landscapes, and, most of all, the kindness of the Thai people. When I returned to Germany, I already knew—I’d be back. After several return visits (mostly to Bangkok and Koh Samui), I made the big move in 1999 to live in Thailand full-time.

From Bavaria to Chiang Mai

Although I’m from a small town in rural Bavaria and had always pictured myself living near the beach, I ended up settling in the mountains of Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai—more of a big village than a city at the time—won me over with its charm, culture, and natural beauty. I spent 25 incredible years there, building a life, running businesses, and gaining a deep understanding of Thai culture and daily life.

From Mountain Trails to Seaside Tranquility

In 2024, I decided it was time for a change. After a few visits to Hua Hin, I realized just how much I missed the beach lifestyle.

The laid-back vibe, low traffic, and long stretches of quiet coastline reminded me of what first drew me to Thailand. The cost of living was reasonable, and I felt immediately at home. So, I made the move once again—and I haven’t looked back.

My Thai Journey (So Far!)

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats and taken on more than a few exciting (and sometimes exhausting) business ventures:

• Tour Leader
  Guided enduro motorbike tours across Northern Thailand—an adrenaline-filled way to explore the region well off the beaten track.
  
  
• Pub Owner
  Co-owned a popular sports pub and restaurant in Chiang Mai. Financially rewarding but… let’s just say, not quite the lifestyle I was after.
  
  
• Minimart & Restaurant Operator
  Ran a community minimart and eatery. My regulars mostly came for a chat when I was there. Fun, but exhausting!
  
  
• Real Estate Agency & Property Development
  What started with buying and selling homes led to running a real estate agency and later developing properties. For over a decade, I helped countless expats find places to rent or buy—back when the Chiang Mai property scene was still a bit of a wild west.

What I’m Doing Now

These days, I’ve traded business stress for beach walks, morning workouts, Thai cooking, and a much simpler life. I’m no longer hustling—I’m enjoying Thailand for all the reasons that made me fall in love with it in the first place.

Through Thrive in Thailand, I want to help others do the same. Whether you’re visiting, moving, or already living here, my mission is to share firsthand insights that save you time, money, and headaches.

I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Thanks for stopping by—I hope this blog helps you thrive in your own Thai journey.

Cheers!

Stephan
Founder of ThriveInThailand.com

✅ I personally reply to every message, so feel free to contact me with your questions or thoughts about expat life in Thailand. I’m happy to help!