British swap gloom of Blighty for tropical Land of Smiles (video)
A recent survey has uncovered that thousands of British have swapped the cold, gloomy shores of Blighty in their thousands for the warm, welcoming, tropical beaches of Thailand.
Financial technology company Wise reported that more than 40,000 British citizens have already set up camp and relocated to the exotic Land of Smiles.
The Daily Mirror reported that British removal firm John Mason International disclosed a dramatic increase a dramatic increase of 255% in relocations to Thailand since 2018.
Simon Hood, Executive Director of John Mason International, attributes this surge to the Thai government’s introduction of various attractive incentives designed to entice British nationals abroad.
“The Long-Term Residence (LTR) visa introduced in 2022 offers a ten-year residency for skilled professionals, retirees and investors, even offering certain tax exemptions.
“These measures, along with simplified business registration, make Thailand more accessible to Brits looking to work and put down roots.”
It is easy to see why the British expat would want to swap the dark, cold and wet climate of the United Kingdom for the bright, sunny environment of Thailand.
Thailand is famous for its sparkling temples, golden buddhas and over 1,500 miles of luxurious coastline with pristine white sands, surrounded by 1,430 islands.
Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya are popular spots for foreigners looking to escape the drudgery of their home towns and countries.
In Phuket Old Town, Thalang Road is lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Built in 1903 by a wealthy tin merchant, Baan Chinpracha mansion has Italian floor tiles, shuttered windows and antique furniture.
From there visitors can take trips to Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave, James Bond Island, Phi Phi Islands, which was made famous by the Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Railay Beach in Krabi province is breathtakingly encircled by towering cliffs that offer awe-inspiring views. There, tourists, visitors or locals can go climbing or cliff jumping.
Pattaya, on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, is famous for its beaches, among other things. Initially it was a quiet fishing village in the 1960s but it is now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs.
Those who don’t like to party and prefer a bit of culture can visit Wat Phra Yai Temple featuring an 18m-tall golden Buddha. But that’s not all. For those keen on golf, there are dozens of incredible golf courses in the area.
For those seeking a taste of Thailand’s rich culture and history, there are numerous stunning temples to explore and none more so than in Bangkok.
Bangkok, the capital city, also boasts the enticing Chao Phraya River. Tourists, locals and visitors can enjoy several river cruises while enjoying the many attractions such as the Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple.
Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.
With all this on offer it is little wonder the Brits are swapping Blighty for the Land of Smiles. What are you waiting for? Book that flight!
