The bi-annual survey’s 2016 version first revealed that all was not well in the Land of Smiles’ expat communities, as a good number of respondents stated their intention of leaving some time in the not-too-distant future. Results of the 2018 survey indicate that, not only are fewer expats arriving to work or retire but that significant numbers of expatriates are packing their bags and leaving. In addition, the numbers of Western tourists choosing Thailand’s beachside resorts and islands for their holidays are also in serious decline.
It seems shifting market trends caused by the increasing cost of living combined with changing demographics favouring Chinese and Indian tourists have taken the gloss off the Southeast Asian country’s reputation as a favourite visitor and expatriate destination. Political instability and the poorly timed tightening of visa rules are hitting hard on expats, many of whom are crossing the border in the general direction of Cambodia and Vietnam. Commercial opportunities for expat investors and top talent are also in decline, leaving the country walking backwards towards its core of Western retirees living on their pensions.
Source: https://www.emigrate.co.uk/news/2018121 ... tures-new-
But of course ... expats are worthless and have no impact on the Thai economy ... Spending an average of 50k every month compared to a ten day Chinese tourist that gets through a few thousand Yuan in some shopping mall in Chiang Mai.
![banghead :banghead:](./images/smilies/icon_banghead.gif)