What Indians Misunderstand About Life in Thailand

Many Indians who think about moving to Thailand often have misconceptions about what life here is actually like. Some assumptions about the country don’t always reflect the reality of everyday living. If you’re considering a move, it helps to know what to expect so you can adapt more easily once you’re here.

Here are five things Indians often misunderstand about life in Thailand.

While life in Thailand is much more affordable compared to most Western countries, assuming that it will be much cheaper than Mumbai or Delhi is a common misconception.

Indians who are considering moving to Thailand should be aware that while street food and transport can be affordable, living a comfortable expat lifestyle, especially in cities like Bangkok, does come with a price.

When actually living here, adding up rent, visa costs, imported goods, alcohol, international schools, healthcare, and overall living costs in Thailand can be more expensive than expected.

Many Indians think they can bargain anywhere in Thailand, but that's another misconception. There are places like street markets, weekend markets, and shopping malls like The Platinum Mall, where bargaining is possible, but not everywhere.

Many places will have fixed prices with no discounts available, so constantly asking, "What's the last price?" may not be well received. Aggressive bargaining can also be seen as rude or awkward rather than clever.

If you think the visa process is very flexible in Thailand, think twice. Thailand may be the “Land of Smiles” until you meet your immigration officer with unprepared documents. At an immigration office, there’s no such thing as “No problem, ho jayega.” If rules are not followed, toh nahi hoga.

The truth is, if you arrive at Immigration optimistic, you will leave realistic.

The process of a work visa or long-term visa in Thailand is not anything like a short-term tourist visa. If you break rules like overstaying, forgetting to renew your visa, or thinking you can adjust later, it can cause real trouble.

Many Indians who live here come to realise how bureaucratic and rule-based Thailand is.

While respect is central to both cultures, the way it’s expressed in Thailand compared to India differs significantly.

Thai people believe in something called “kreng jai”. It’s basically a habit of not wanting to make others uncomfortable. It’s not very common for Thai people to say “no” outright. Their refusal will come in the form of silences or politeness. This is because losing face is taken seriously here.

Loudness or urgency, which might feel normal or even efficient in India, can feel overwhelming to locals. This is because in Thailand, people prioritise harmony. So being too direct or openly critical can make people uncomfortable, even when no offence is intended.

Many Indian expats say that the most surprising factor isn’t the language or the food, but realising that in Thailand, what isn’t said often matters more than what is.

Having a generalised view of Thailand as a country of cheap holidays, party culture, and Pattaya stereotypes is one of the most damaging misconceptions people have.

Indian Expats who’ve lived here long term have a very different impression of Thailand. They start to realise that daily life here is actually very organised. It’s calm and built around routines that quietly make life easier, from getting around and healthcare to banking, gyms, and everyday neighbourhood life.

The country is also very family-friendly and safe for women who live here solo.

One Reddit user even said, “Living here made me realise how shallow my tourist view of Thailand was.”

Some Indians who come here for holidays treat the country like a temporary playground rather than a place where people reside, work, and raise families. Over time, this affects how locals and other expats perceive them, not because of who they are, but because of the assumptions they bring with them.

These are just five misconceptions many Indians have about life in Thailand. If you’re curious to understand what everyday life here is really like, it’s worth hearing from Indian expats who call Thailand home. You’ll find their stories in the card below.