How Foreigners Are Treated in Thailand: Truth for Investors
How Thais Actually Treat Foreigners
Short answer: fine. Thais are calm and friendly, generally don’t care where you’re from. Main thing—behave properly and pay for services. For those thinking about buying property or relocating, this matters. Let me break down how relationships work, what stereotypes exist, and what to expect in practice.
Thais Are Non-Confrontational by Nature
First thing to understand—Thailand has different culture. Thais avoid conflicts, don’t raise voices, always smile. Even if something’s wrong, they’ll act like everything’s okay.
They have concept called “saving face”—not showing emotions publicly, not making scenes. Yelling at seller or fighting with taxi driver—that’s shameful. Westerners often used to directness and toughness. In Thailand this doesn’t work. Here you need to be polite, calm, smile. Then people treat you well.
For those buying property and planning to live here long-term, this is critical. You’re not just two-week tourist but part of local community. Relationships with neighbors, condo managers, store vendors—everything builds on mutual respect.
They have concept called “saving face”—not showing emotions publicly, not making scenes. Yelling at seller or fighting with taxi driver—that’s shameful. Westerners often used to directness and toughness. In Thailand this doesn’t work. Here you need to be polite, calm, smile. Then people treat you well.
For those buying property and planning to live here long-term, this is critical. You’re not just two-week tourist but part of local community. Relationships with neighbors, condo managers, store vendors—everything builds on mutual respect.
Many Foreigners Here, Thais Are Used to Them
Especially in Pattaya and Phuket. In Pattaya entire neighborhoods where international languages heard more than Thai. Stores with signs in various languages, cafes with international food, international schools.
Thais are used to it. For them we’re same as Europeans, Chinese, Arabs. No special love or hate. Just another category of foreigners with money. On Phuket fewer but still plenty. In Rawai, Nai Harn, Kamala live hundreds of international families. They have communities, chats, meetups.
For investors this is plus. Developed international infrastructure means stable rental demand. Expats happily rent apartments in proven neighborhoods where there are international stores, schools, doctors. Property in such place won’t sit empty.
Last three years we put 60 properties under management. Those in areas with developed expat infrastructure show 85–90% occupancy year-round. This is above market average.
Thais are used to it. For them we’re same as Europeans, Chinese, Arabs. No special love or hate. Just another category of foreigners with money. On Phuket fewer but still plenty. In Rawai, Nai Harn, Kamala live hundreds of international families. They have communities, chats, meetups.
For investors this is plus. Developed international infrastructure means stable rental demand. Expats happily rent apartments in proven neighborhoods where there are international stores, schools, doctors. Property in such place won’t sit empty.
Last three years we put 60 properties under management. Those in areas with developed expat infrastructure show 85–90% occupancy year-round. This is above market average.
Stereotypes Exist But Not Critical
Yeah, Thais know several things about foreigners:
Loud and Emotional
Westerners speak louder, gesticulate, openly express emotions. For Thais this is strange but they tolerate it. Main thing—don’t cross boundaries.
Like to Drink
Stereotype lives on. Some tourists behave inappropriately drunk. But Thais distinguish tourists from residents. If you live here permanently, behave calmly—attitude toward you is different.
Spend Money
On other hand, Thais know foreigners pay. Buy condos, rent villas, go to restaurants. For business we’re good clients.
Weak Language Skills
Truth. Most know English weakly. But in Pattaya this isn’t problem—tons of international agencies, lawyers, managers. Can buy condo, arrange all documents without speaking much Thai or even English.
We handle deals with translator, help communicate with developers and government offices. Language barrier doesn’t prevent investing.
Loud and Emotional
Westerners speak louder, gesticulate, openly express emotions. For Thais this is strange but they tolerate it. Main thing—don’t cross boundaries.
Like to Drink
Stereotype lives on. Some tourists behave inappropriately drunk. But Thais distinguish tourists from residents. If you live here permanently, behave calmly—attitude toward you is different.
Spend Money
On other hand, Thais know foreigners pay. Buy condos, rent villas, go to restaurants. For business we’re good clients.
Weak Language Skills
Truth. Most know English weakly. But in Pattaya this isn’t problem—tons of international agencies, lawyers, managers. Can buy condo, arrange all documents without speaking much Thai or even English.
We handle deals with translator, help communicate with developers and government offices. Language barrier doesn’t prevent investing.
Problems Happen But Solvable
Inflated Prices
Dual pricing exists: for locals and foreigners. Taxis, massage, market food—might quote higher price.
This isn’t discrimination but practice. Assumption foreigners have more money. When buying property this doesn’t work—developer prices are fixed for everyone.
Moreover, working through verified agency like ATHOME, you get partner discounts from developers up to 20%. We sell over 100 condos yearly, so developers give us better terms.
Language Barrier
In tourist zones they speak basic English. In government offices harder. But when buying property we handle everything: document preparation, Land Department registration, developer negotiations.
In 8 years we’ve done over 200 remote deals. Clients bought condos without visiting Thailand. Arranged everything remotely via power of attorney.
Scammers
Schemes exist for tourists. But when buying property through official channels there’s no risk. All deals register at Land Department, buyer interests protected by law.
We check each property across 17 parameters: legal cleanliness, developer reputation, absence of debts and encumbrances. This comes in service package free.
Dual pricing exists: for locals and foreigners. Taxis, massage, market food—might quote higher price.
This isn’t discrimination but practice. Assumption foreigners have more money. When buying property this doesn’t work—developer prices are fixed for everyone.
Moreover, working through verified agency like ATHOME, you get partner discounts from developers up to 20%. We sell over 100 condos yearly, so developers give us better terms.
Language Barrier
In tourist zones they speak basic English. In government offices harder. But when buying property we handle everything: document preparation, Land Department registration, developer negotiations.
In 8 years we’ve done over 200 remote deals. Clients bought condos without visiting Thailand. Arranged everything remotely via power of attorney.
Scammers
Schemes exist for tourists. But when buying property through official channels there’s no risk. All deals register at Land Department, buyer interests protected by law.
We check each property across 17 parameters: legal cleanliness, developer reputation, absence of debts and encumbrances. This comes in service package free.
Where Expats Concentrate and Why This Matters
Pattaya
60% of our clients buy here. Developed expat infrastructure, proximity to Bangkok, prices lower than Phuket.
For rentals this is best option. Demand stable year-round. Studio for $150,000 can rent for 25–30,000 baht monthly ($750–900). Returns 7–8% annually in stable currency.
Phuket
40% of clients. Pricier, more premium, fewer expats. But those here—solvent audience. Families with kids, entrepreneurs, remote workers with good income.
Condo in The Title at Rawai rents for 40–50,000 baht monthly. Occupancy 80–85% yearly. Plus property appreciation 5–7% annually.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Few expats. Not resort destinations for our clients. Different audience and different purposes there.
60% of our clients buy here. Developed expat infrastructure, proximity to Bangkok, prices lower than Phuket.
For rentals this is best option. Demand stable year-round. Studio for $150,000 can rent for 25–30,000 baht monthly ($750–900). Returns 7–8% annually in stable currency.
Phuket
40% of clients. Pricier, more premium, fewer expats. But those here—solvent audience. Families with kids, entrepreneurs, remote workers with good income.
Condo in The Title at Rawai rents for 40–50,000 baht monthly. Occupancy 80–85% yearly. Plus property appreciation 5–7% annually.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Few expats. Not resort destinations for our clients. Different audience and different purposes there.
Expat Communities—Plus for Investors
In Pattaya and Phuket large diasporas. Some see this as minus—living like back home. But for property owner this is advantage.
Stable Rental Demand
Expats happily rent housing in proven neighborhoods. There are schools, stores, doctors—everything in familiar languages. This reduces vacancy risk.
One client bought two-bedroom in Jomtien for $300,000. Put under management. We rent it to families with kids for 6–12 months. In two years no vacancies. Stable income.
Easy Management
Don’t need to find management company that speaks English. In Pattaya dozens of international rental agencies. We manage 60 condos ourselves, know market inside out.
High Liquidity
When you want to sell, buyer found quickly. Expats actively buy resale in proven areas. Average selling time for Pattaya condo—2–3 months.
Stable Rental Demand
Expats happily rent housing in proven neighborhoods. There are schools, stores, doctors—everything in familiar languages. This reduces vacancy risk.
One client bought two-bedroom in Jomtien for $300,000. Put under management. We rent it to families with kids for 6–12 months. In two years no vacancies. Stable income.
Easy Management
Don’t need to find management company that speaks English. In Pattaya dozens of international rental agencies. We manage 60 condos ourselves, know market inside out.
High Liquidity
When you want to sell, buyer found quickly. Expats actively buy resale in proven areas. Average selling time for Pattaya condo—2–3 months.
How to Behave Properly
- Respect Culture
This matters when dealing with condo managers, neighbors, staff. Confrontational owner creates problems for themselves and management company.
- Learn Basic Thai
- Don’t Be Obnoxious
- Pay On Time
When buying property all payments go per schedule written in contract. We monitor everything’s transparent and on time.
Common Questions
Are Thais hostile because of politics?
No. They don’t care about world politics. Don’t follow news from other countries. For them these are distant places. When buying property nationality doesn’t matter at all—only money and documents.
Can you befriend Thais?
Possible but difficult without language. Most expats befriend other expats. But this doesn’t prevent comfortable living and investing.
Safe to own property?
Yes. All deals register at government office—Land Department. You get Chanote document (equivalent of property deed). Ownership rights protected by law.
In 8 years none of our clients lost property due to legal problems. We check everything before deal.
What if I want to sell?
You’ll sell. Market is liquid, especially in Pattaya. Average selling time 2–4 months. We help with sales, find buyers through our network and partners.
No. They don’t care about world politics. Don’t follow news from other countries. For them these are distant places. When buying property nationality doesn’t matter at all—only money and documents.
Can you befriend Thais?
Possible but difficult without language. Most expats befriend other expats. But this doesn’t prevent comfortable living and investing.
Safe to own property?
Yes. All deals register at government office—Land Department. You get Chanote document (equivalent of property deed). Ownership rights protected by law.
In 8 years none of our clients lost property due to legal problems. We check everything before deal.
What if I want to sell?
You’ll sell. Market is liquid, especially in Pattaya. Average selling time 2–4 months. We help with sales, find buyers through our network and partners.
Bottom LineBottom Line
Attitude toward foreigners in Thailand is neutral-positive. No special love but no problems. Main thing—behave adequately and respect culture.
For investors this is favorable environment. Developed infrastructure, stable rental demand from expats, property rights protection. Thousands of foreigners own Thailand property for years without problems.
We’ve helped 400+ clients buy condos and villas totaling over $500 million. Handle everything from selection to key handover, work commission-free for buyers. Handle all legal and organizational matters.
Thinking about buying but worried how you’ll be received? Don’t stress. Nationality doesn’t matter. What matters is money, documents, and desire to invest. Message us, we’ll explain how everything works in practice.
For investors this is favorable environment. Developed infrastructure, stable rental demand from expats, property rights protection. Thousands of foreigners own Thailand property for years without problems.
We’ve helped 400+ clients buy condos and villas totaling over $500 million. Handle everything from selection to key handover, work commission-free for buyers. Handle all legal and organizational matters.
Thinking about buying but worried how you’ll be received? Don’t stress. Nationality doesn’t matter. What matters is money, documents, and desire to invest. Message us, we’ll explain how everything works in practice.