Living in Chonburi and Pattaya, Thailand can be a great option for expats for various reasons.
Here are 11 compelling factors that make it an attractive destination:
1. Beautiful Beaches: Chonburi and Pattaya boast stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Expats can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and a vibrant beach lifestyle. Some of the most popular beaches in Chonburi are found on Koh Larn and Bangsaray.
2. Proximity to Bangkok: Chonburi is conveniently located, circa 90 miles/150km from Bangkok. This means you have easy access to international airports including Thailand’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, and the nearby U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya international airport, major shopping centres, cultural attractions, and bustling city life, with a fast motorway direct to Bangkok for business, while still enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere in Chonburi.
3. Low Cost of Living: Compared to other popular expat destinations in Thailand, such as Bangkok or Phuket, Chonburi offers a relatively lower cost of living. Accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options tend to be more affordable. Budgets to live comfortably do range but as an example on the cheaper side, you can get a single studio condo for as low as 5,000 THB a month up to a 2-bedroom condo with a sea view with all amenities from around 50,000 THB a month.
4. International Schools: Chonburi and Pattaya have excellent international schools that provide quality education to expat families. These schools offer various curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB), ensuring expat children receive a well-rounded education. Examples of international schools in the local area include Rugby School, St Andrews, and Regents International School.
5. Healthcare Facilities: Chonburi is home to several world-class hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide high-quality medical services such as the renowned Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Memorial Hospital and Samitivej Hospital in Sriracha. Expats can have peace of mind knowing that they have access to reliable healthcare in case of any medical needs.
6. Expatriate Community: Chonburi and Pattaya have a large and diverse expat community, creating a supportive network for newcomers. Expats can connect with people from different backgrounds, share experiences, and make new friends easily.
7. Outdoor Activities: The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. You can explore nearby national parks such as Lan Pho Muaeng Park and Thai Thani Arts and Cultural Village, go hiking, diving, golfing, or take part in water sports like jet-skiing or sailing. More examples such as the number of golf courses in Chonburi/Rayong, with 27 in Chonburi alone, with notable examples such as Siam Country Club, St. Andrews 2000, Burapha, Eastern Star and Laem Chabang.
8. Cultural Attractions: Chonburi has several cultural attractions worth exploring, such as ancient temples, traditional markets, and local festivals. You can immerse yourself in Thai culture, experience traditional customs, and taste authentic Thai cuisine notably Cabbages and Condoms and The Sky Gallery in the Pratamnak area of Pattaya to name but a few.
9. Hidden Gems: Chonburi and Pattaya also have hidden gems that are lesser known to tourists. For example, the nearby island of Koh Lan offers pristine beaches and a tranquil atmosphere away from the bustling city. The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is another hidden gem, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, cultural shows, and an elephant sanctuary. Bang Saray, less than 20km from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, is one of the more tranquil spots in the area, boasting some superb seafood restaurants and nearby attractions such as Monkey Island, an Elephant Sanctuary and Khoa Chi Chan Buddha.
10. Safety and Security: Thailand, in general, is considered a safe country for expats. Chonburi and Pattaya are no exception, with a relatively low crime rate and a mainly welcoming attitude towards foreigners.
11. Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): The government estimates that it will cost US$43 billion (1.5 trillion Thai Baht) to implement the EEC during the following five years. State money, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and foreign direct investment (FDI) will all contribute to this funding. To establish the EEC as a famous economic zone, the government has selected four “core areas” that are crucial: (1) expanded and enhanced infrastructure; (2) business, industrial clusters, and innovation centers; (3) tourism; and (4) the development of new cities through clever urban planning. By 2020, the government projects that the EEC will have generated 100,000 new employees annually in the industrial and service sectors.
Overall, Chonburi and Pattaya provide a balance between a relaxed beach lifestyle, access to modern amenities, and a supportive ex-pat community. The Pattaya you seek is the one you find and with its beautiful surroundings, affordable living, and quality education options, we believe it is an excellent choice for expats considering a move to Thailand.
Here at Expat Wise, we offer a wide range of lifestyle and cultural insights for those looking to retire in Thailand.
We are always happy to show you around town or simply share a cup of coffee with you while discussing everything there is to know about living here.
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