
Cultural Snapshots, Everyday Moments & What Life in Thailand Really Feels Like
Since moving to Thailand full-time—first in Chiang Mai, now in Hua Hin—I’ve experienced far more than I ever expected.
This page is a collection of personal stories, cultural observations, funny mishaps, and life lessons I’ve picked up along the way. Some are lighthearted, others more serious—but all of them are honest and real.
My hope is that these stories help you understand what daily life in Thailand is truly like—not just the highlights, but the real rhythms of living, learning, and adapting as a long-term farang in the Land of Smiles.
Jump to a Section
- Life Lessons & Realities in Thailand
- Funny Moments & Cultural Missteps
- Daily Life & Living Choices
- Thai-Western Relationships: Love, Illusions & Lessons
- Thai Culture & Traditions That Stuck with Me
Every story on this page is told exactly as I experienced and wrote it—unedited, unpolished, and 100% true to my voice. That’s the point. These are real moments from my life in Thailand, shared with you as they happened.
Where it all began…
📌 My First Trip to Thailand (1990)
I first became aware of Thailand as a holiday destination in the late 80s after listening to the many stories told by friends who returned from the Land of Smiles. Full of praise for what an amazing place it is, they used to call it “Disneyland for Adults.”
At that point I had never even been outside of Europe, but my curiosity was sparked, and I needed to see with my own eyes what all the fuss was about. Together with a friend, we booked flight-only to Bangkok, where another friend who was already in Thailand picked us up at Don Muang International Airport.
He took us to our humble quarters at “Windy Guesthouse,” which was a run-down high-rise tucked away in an alley off Sukhumvit somewhere. To get to Sukhumvit, you had to take a motorbike taxi, which was 3 Baht at the daytime and 5 Baht at night.
Our friend had to leave the next morning, going back to Germany. He sat us down, and over a few Singha beers, he gave us a crash course in Thai wisdom. That night we learned to count in Thai from 1 to 10, where to go, how much to pay, how to get there, and what absolutely not to do. We wrote everything down on an A4 paper as we didn’t have a clue what to expect on our journey.
Arriving in Bangkok for the first few days was like sensory overload—a total culture shock, but in a good way! Everything was new and interesting, and I was fascinated by how easy it is to navigate this bustling metropolis.
We were bound for Koh Samui, and our friend’s instructions told us how to get there, where to stay, how to hiring bikes and what it should cost. We took the train to Surathani and the ferry to Koh Samui, which was exhausting after several nights out in Bangkok, but we were excited to start our beach vacation.
Arriving at Nathon Pier, we jumped onto a Songthaew (shared taxi), which took us to our resort in Lamai Beach, where our friend recommended we stay. The owner greeted us like we were old friends, and within 30 Minutes we checked in to our bungalows, snacked on a Nam Tok Nuea (spicy beef salad), and enjoyed a cold beer on the beachfront restaurant terrace while our rental bikes came around the corner. I was convinced I’d arrived in paradise!

I’ve never been in a tropical country before and was blown away by the natural beauty of the island, the kindness of the locals, and the delicious food. I had the best time of my life, and very quickly it felt like actually living there and not like a holiday. That was when I got hooked on Thailand!
This was back in 1990, and surely a lot has changed over the decades, but Thailand has kept its charm and still is one of the best countries to visit for an unforgettable experience.
Cheers to new adventures! Till then, keep exploring and maybe I’ll bump into you somewhere out there…
Firsthand Reality: When 30 Million Baht Wasn’t Enough
📌 A shocking look into why massive assets don’t always help in Thai banking – One of the most eye-opening lessons
A very good friend of mine, who is married to a Thai, wanted to buy a house in Baan Wang Tan, a popular development in Chiang Mai. The idea was to renovate the place, add a pool, and put it on the rental market.
They own several condos in town, a pool villa on a large plot, and another 3 Rai = 4,800 sqm of land adjacent to the house they live in. All properties are paid in full, and no loans are registered to any of them. The 3 condos located at Twin Peaks and The Astra are rented out and creating income.
His Thai wife went to the bank to apply for a loan and never expected any problems. They have a long-established relationship with this particular branch of Bangkok Bank and know the manager. To their big surprise, the application was rejected!
The reason being, his wife is not employed and receiving a monthly salary that has been taxed, and the rental income from the condos does not count. Their assets worth over 30 Million Baht were not taken into consideration to guarantee the loan of only 2 Million Baht!
The entire process dragged on for over 2 months, with the bank coming up with even more additional requirements and giving them the runaround. Frustrated with the whole experience, they finally gave up.
At the end they borrowed the money to finish renovations from friends. The house was put on the market, and an agent quickly found a tenant (a Western family with 2 children) who committed to a 2-year contract paying substantial rent. After only 1 year, they already were able to satisfy half of the private loan and soon will enjoy the fruits of their investment in full!
Bringing Up Kids in Thailand
📌 Firsthand thoughts on schooling, language, and the price of doing it right
By far the biggest challenge for expats raising kids in Thailand are the exorbitant fees for international schools! I don’t think Thailand is a particularly better or worse place to bring up children than other countries. In my case the only real comparison I have is Germany.
The biggest difference between the two is that education in Germany is free whereas in Thailand good schools are very expensive. This leads to an unfair imbalance in Thai society as only the “rich” can afford to provide a solid education for their children.
My daughter is born and raised in Thailand as a “Luk Khrueng”, half Thai and half German. Growing up in a in a bilingual household (English & Thai) has its advantages and the kids usually pick up both languages pretty easy. However, introducing a third language represents a real challenge and requires serious and continuous effort.
We were lucky enough to have a live-in maid at the time which made life a lot easier. She transitioned seamlessly from cleaning, washing and cooking to be a nanny taking care the baby with saintly patience.
At the age of three we started daycare which in my opinion is much more for socializing rather than actual learning and of course for the convenience of the parents to get some free time. I see no reason for spending a lot of money for an international Kindergarten up until the age of five. In preparation for schooling, it makes sense to consider a more sophisticated option for the last year of pre-school.
After reviewing several possible choices, we decided for the bilingual program at Varee International School in Chiang Mai and later switched to the international program until graduation. I won’t pretend; it was a financial burden but as parents you obviously try to allocate the best education possible for your child. Having said that, in many cases the more affordable bilingual program is perfectly sufficient, especially if there is no plan to go to university.
I strongly disagree with the practice of homework! In Thailand school starts at 8am and finishes at 3:30pm. Usually we got back home around 5pm which already makes for a long day and often there still was homework to be done. In my eyes when school has the children for nearly 8 hours a day there shouldn’t be a need to burden kids (and parents for that matter) with additional studies at home.
On a big positive note, I really appreciate the fact that in Thai society values such as respect for the elderly, politeness and the importance of family are still upheld and commonly practiced. Unfortunately, in the western world these values often stay on the route being sacrificed for individualism and competitiveness.
Happy parenting in the Land of Smiles!
Life Lessons & Realities in Thailand
From healthcare hacks to bureaucratic headaches—these are the practical truths, financial surprises, and social challenges
📌 Two Stories, One Lesson: Real-Life Consequences of Living Without Insurance
I knew a lovely British couple who settled down in Chiang Mai. They built their dream house with a pool and lived happily enjoying retirement until the husband developed a serious cardiovascular problem. First, he paid out of his own pocket for doctors’ visits and medication, but his condition required surgery and ongoing treatment afterwards. Without proper health insurance, they couldn’t afford to continuously pay for all the medical bills. With a heavy heart, they were forced to decide to go back to England, where the costs were covered by the National Health Service (NHS).
Another case that was documented in a German TV program was about an elderly lady who broke her leg and subsequently died from blood poisoning because she couldn’t afford the ongoing medical bills. A very sad case and absolutely avoidable, also because she was all by herself without a social support system.
📌 Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) – How I still have healthcare coverage for just 432 Baht/month
Many people don’t know this, and even less take advantage of it! When employed, you will be required to pay into the Thai Social Security System. This is only a very small amount, which will be deducted from your salary. Even if you are already insured through a private health insurance, you are now also covered by the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS).
I was employed by my Thai real estate company limited and maintained a work permit for many years. When the employment ended, my accountant told me that if I continue monthly payments into Thai Social Security, I still will be entitled to coverage by the UCS.
Thanks to this circumstance, I enjoy full health care coverage (except dental) even a decade after I quit my position – and all this for the grand total of 432 Baht per month! I am truly grateful to my accountant for this advice to this very day.
📌 Health Insurance – Why you need proper coverage in Thailand
I find it absolutely irresponsible to live in Thailand without having proper health insurance, especially if you have a family with children! A medical emergency or serious illness can cause financial ruin in the worst case or being forced to return to your home country, where you might be entitled to free healthcare.
Hopefully such a case never occurs, but think carefully before you decide how you want to protect yourself and your loved ones against this risk. But that’s just my opinion…
📌 Work Permit – Why navigating Thai bureaucracy is no small feat
Usually, your employer will take care of things like visas and work permits, but in some cases, you will be required to handle the process largely yourself. Dealing with Thai bureaucracy (like with any bureaucracy) can be absolutely intimidating!
You will have to provide a lot of documentation from different departments, and most likely you are not familiar with the procedure. Even the government office clerks will speak (some) English; don’t underestimate the language barrier.
I highly recommend using the services of a reputable visa agency or lawyer to avoid unnecessary stress and headaches. They usually have contacts in the right places, and it’s well worth the extra money!
📌 Cost of Living – Honest reflections on budgeting as a single expat or with a family
The cost of living in Thailand is very reasonable and offers great value for money. At only a fraction of Western costs, you can enjoy a perfectly decent lifestyle. Especially as a single (probably younger) person, it is absolutely possible to stay in Thailand on a limited budget and still enjoy yourself.
But it’s a different story for a family having to take things under consideration, such as health insurance and international school fees, which are not exactly cheap in Thailand. Plan your budget wisely, and spend accordingly!
📌 Education – Why I believe education reform is Thailand’s most urgent issue
The Need for Education Reforms in Thailand
Sure, education reforms in Thailand are much needed and overdue to keep up with changing industry demands and not to fall behind regional and international standards.
In my opinion, “Education” always has been Thailand’s biggest problem, in society and a country as a whole. But I am not just talking about the quality of education but more importantly the availability of decent schooling for all members of Thai society.
Inequality in Access to Quality Education
In Thailand, good education is a privilege for the rich because private schools are very expensive and unaffordable for the majority of the population. Public schools in Thailand are free, but the quality of the teachings is very basic and won’t qualify students for well-paid jobs.
The injustice of the current situation makes it impossible for lower-income families to provide a “good enough” education for their children. Until these unfair conditions improve, Thailand will always lag behind in creating opportunities for everyone to succeed in life.
The real challenge facing Thailand’s education system is to narrow the gap between rich and poor!
Funny Moments, Nightlife & Cultural Missteps
From water fights and language blunders to tattoos, driver’s tests, and wild nights out—these are the little things that made me laugh and learn
📌 Songkran – My first splashy experience at Thailand’s wildest festival
When I experienced Songkran for the first time in Chiang Mai I was blown away and could not believe my senses! The inner city around the moat is packed with Thais and foreigners alike having a grand time!
Loud music and drinks on every corner, water splashing from everywhere, people dancing in the streets and party for days. Definitively a MUST SEE if you are in Thailand during this time of the year!
📌 Thai Language – How I once ordered breasts instead of water
When I was at the beginning of my journey learning Thai, I often was shy to speak to the locals. The reason being I might have been able to get my question across, but at this stage it was impossible for me to understand the answer.
This lack of knowledge can lead to amusing situations. One time I went to a gas station to get my motorbike cleaned and said to the staff, Maw Teuh Sai Ab Naam, which means that my motorbike wants to take a shower. The gas station attendant found this hilarious.
Another time I mixed up Nom (Milk/Breast) with Naam (Water) and ended up ordering large breasts at the local water store which the shop keeper found extremely funny. The Thais take it with humor and are very forgiving. They appreciate the effort and often reply saying: You speak Thai so good!
📌 Street Food – My obsession with snacks
I am a big fan of Thai street food and seldom miss the opportunity for some snacks, especially on a night out with friends. It’s a great way to wind down and recharge the batteries. The only problem is that I always want to try as many different dishes as possible but I’m already full half way through the market…
📌 Zoe in Yellow, 2016: When Chiang Mai Police Shut Down the Party
I still vividly remember a police raid in 2016 at the Zoe in Yellow entertainment complex in Chiang Mai. At around 10 PM, one hundred police officers and tourist police roped off the entire area with police tape, and no one was allowed to leave or enter. Some of the police carried assault rifles, which was really scary!
Many tourists and partygoers had to provide urine for random drug testing, but no evidence for substance abuse was found. All the tourists who did not carry a passport were arrested and taken to the Chiang Mai police station for further processing.
At the end no weapons or drugs were discovered, and Immigration police found no proof of any travelers overstaying their visas. But people were obviously very shaken by the event!
📌 Tattoos – How a traditional Thai hand-poke artist turned me into a tattoo addict
When I came to Thailand, I was a “Tattoo Virgin”. I always liked tattoos but it was never important enough to actually get one done. I met a Thai guy who had a lot of ink on his body.
It turned out, he was trained in the traditional practice of hand-poke tattooing and he offered to tattoo me for free. I accepted and caught the tattoo fever right away…!
📌 Heat – Why I’ve never quite adjusted to the tropical furnace
When I first landed in Thailand, the heat hit me like a hammer. Stepping out of the airport felt like walking into a sauna. My shirt was clinging to me within minutes, and my glasses fogging up instantly. Welcome to Thailand, right!?
After all these years in Thailand I have to admit I never fully adjusted to the local climate. Instead, I developed a narrow band of temperature in which I feel comfortable. When temperature drops below 24°C I feel already cool and think about putting on a jumper. But when it’s getting hotter above 34°C I sweat profusely and seek air-conditioning.
📌 Driver’s License – The hilariously relaxed motorbike test I’ll never forget
When I took the test to get my motorbike license well over 20 years ago, regulations were handled a bit more relaxed. For the written exam, you were allowed to study the answers to the test as long as you needed to feel confident to pass the test.
Very straightforward and not difficult, if you already passed a driving license test in a Western country.
The practical driving test was hilarious; I arrived on my own motorbike and even forgot to bring my helmet! This was no issue for the examiner; he simply told me to borrow a helmet from a fellow applicant and proceed to drive. I was instructed to drive around a small outbuilding, go zigzag through some traffic cones, and park the bike.
The whole test took less than a minute! I passed and gave back the helmet, and just like that I was the proud holder of a Thai driver’s license!
Daily Life & Living Choices
From housing preferences to settling in Hua Hin—and why I never looked back toward Germany
📌 Finding Your Place in Thailand
There is no general answer to the question: What is the best place to live in Thailand? You need to do your own research with the boots on the ground so you can come to a well-informed decision you won’t regret down the road.
The best way is to narrow it down to a short list of 3–4 places and come to Thailand for a month and stay at each of the locations for a week. Check out rental prices of suitable accommodations, have a look at shopping facilities, try some restaurants, and talk to expats who already live there. Find out how each location speaks to you and makes you feel overall, and then you can decide from there how to proceed.
I came to live in Thailand full-time over 25 years ago and never regretted my choice; in fact, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in life! I hope this provides food for thought and helps to get you on the way to living in Thailand.
📌 House or Condo – Why I chose a house with space over a condo with convenience
I can see why someone appreciates the convenience of living in a condominium with security and close to amenities. Personally, I prefer a house over a condo. Most of my time is spent at home, and a house with a garden and pool just feels much better to me.
The only drawback is the distance to town, but I don’t mind the half-hour drive. Also, in my opinion, a house offers much better value for money. For the rent I pay for a 4-bedroom house, I would only get a 2-bedroom flat in town.
Everybody has different requirements and preferences – I wish you’ll find your dream home in Thailand!
📌 Hua Hin – Why I left Chiang Mai after 25 years and made Hua Hin my new home
Hua Hin is my personal favourite, and after traveling all over Thailand and living in Chiang Mai for 25 years, I have made Hua Hin my new home. For me, it provides the perfect package of a relaxed lifestyle by the beach and excellent value for money while offering all the amenities I want.
For the time being, this makes it an ideal choice at my current stage in life. But that’s just me, and your “perfect place” obviously depends on your personal preferences.
📌 Traveling to Home Country – Why I haven’t been back to Germany since 2004
In my first year living in Thailand full-time, I went back to Germany twice; in the second year, only once; and after that, just once in two years. Now I haven’t been in my home country since my daughter was born in 2004. I really don’t miss anything about Germany, and friends & family come to visit me here in Thailand.
Thai-Western Relationships: Love, Illusions & Lessons
From romance and red flags to financial pitfalls—these are the truths and many wish they’d known earlier
📌 The Reality of Thai-Western Relationships – Don’t fall head over heels
Thai-Western relationships have great potential for serious problems. A lot of (older) Western men are dreaming of a relationship with a beautiful (often much younger) Thai girl. Such unions can work out well if both parties are realistic about their expectations.
Most Thai women who are willing to stay with a foreigner come from a rather poor background, already have children, and are looking for security and financial stability. This often can include helping her family back in the rural village where she comes from. This is quite a package to take on for a man!
But let’s be honest, what reason could a young, beautiful Thai girl possibly have to live with a much older, often overweight, man from a foreign country who doesn’t even speak her language and doesn’t understand her culture? You also have to be willing and capable to overlook her past (where did you meet her?).
She quite possibly already had many men before you. This fact can make a man feel not “special,” which can weigh heavily on a relationship. If these requirements are met and you treat your partner with respect, she will take care of you well and be a loyal companion.
📌 Love or Lifestyle? The fine line between generosity and self-destruction
While some relationships between expats and their Thai partner are built on genuine love, others are more transactional. Financial support is expected, and some expats go far beyond their means trying to keep their partners (and their families) happy. When the money dries up, the relationship often does too—leaving the expat (you) broke and heartbroken.
Signs You Might be Overspending on Your Darling:
- Giving a monthly allowance to your partner
- Buying a house or car in their name
- Supporting their extended family financially
- Covering unexpected expenses (hospital bills, family emergencies, etc.)
It’s easy to fall in love very fast with someone who seemingly gives you everything you have been craving for! Good relationships take time and understanding of cultural differences, especially in a foreign country. Don’t get carried away by your emotions; slow down and don’t ignore red flags before you commit.
While generosity is fine, it’s important to establish financial boundaries early on. Be realistic about what you can afford and avoid getting caught in a financial trap.
In your home country you also wouldn’t buy your girlfriend a motorbike or car, build a house and support her and her family only a short while after you met her, right? There are plenty of good women out there, and I sincerely hope you find your match!
Thai Culture & Traditions That Stuck with Me
From the power of a smile to the meaning behind Loi Krathong—these are the small moments and deep rituals that made Thailand feel like home
📌 Land of Smiles – Why a simple smile goes a long way—even if it’s not always real
Living in Thailand for many years, it has become completely normal for me to get a big smile when interacting with Thai people. Of course, the smile is not always 100% genuine, for example, when dealing with someone in the service industry. But still, a smile goes a long way, can be disarming, and makes communication a lot more pleasant!
📌 Why Loi Krathong Matters to Me – A deeply personal ritual of letting go, reflection, and connection
Loi Krathong is, without a doubt, my favorite Thai festival. The idea of letting go of “old and bad things” while making space for “new and good things” is something I connect with deeply. It’s not just symbolic—it genuinely feels like a chance to reset and move forward with intention.
Each year, as I release my Krathong into the water and watch it float away, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months—what went well, what didn’t, and what I’d like to change. It’s become a personal ritual of sorts, quiet but powerful.
More than that, it’s something I now share with my daughter. We’ve made it a tradition to celebrate Loi Krathong together, always returning to the same spot when we can. It’s become a moment of connection for us—a way to bond, reflect, and be present in a way that’s meaningful and grounding.
Thailand has a way of always revealing something new. I’ll continue adding anecdotes, reflections, and lessons as they unfold. Feel free to check back now and then to see what’s new.

A Life Less Ordinary: What Thailand Taught Me
Life in Thailand has taught me more than I ever expected—from the funny to the frustrating. After more than two decades here, I’ve come to realize that it’s the small moments, quiet lessons, and occasional stumbles that truly shape our life abroad.
Thanks for reading mine. Feel free to share your own—I always welcome thoughtful comments and conversation.
From farang newcomer to long-term expat— read about my journey and what brought me to Thailand on the About Me page →
From Stories to Strategy—Discover More of Thrive in Thailand
Now that you’ve seen what real life in Thailand can look like, here are some of the most useful guides to help you start your own Thai journey:
✅ Best Places to Visit in Thailand
✅ Cost of Living in Thailand
✅ Thailand Health Insurance Guide
✅ Long-Term Visa Options
✅ How to Buy Property in Thailand
✅ Retiring in Thailand
✅ Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand
✅ Starting a Business in Thailand