I came to Thailand about 2 years ago, thinking it was about time to go see the world. This was my first stop—thought I’d cruise around for a few months, figure out how to make some internet cash, and then head off to see the rest of the world. Well, as it turned out, I ended up staying for a while longer. I keep telling myself I’m leaving this month—been saying that for a while—and I think this month I mean it.

But people keep asking me—what is it about Thailand? Why haven’t you left?

So here’s 6 things I love about being a Thailand expat.

1. Jai Yen Yen

One of my favorite words in Thai language is jai yen yen. The literal translation means “to have a cool heart” or to “cool your heart.” Jai yen yen permeates every part of Thai culture and everything they do. It’s about relaxing and slowing down.

Enjoying life and not taking anything too seriously.

This has had an amazing effect on my workaholic mindset, and it’s something I hope to carry with me no matter where I go in life. In this country, there’s no rush in life. No hurry. Jai yen yen.
Time slips effortlessly, and no one ever seems to have anything too pressing to do—at least nothing too serious. Sure, this means things don’t get done as fast as they should and a work night can easily transform into drinking beer with your buddies till morning, but in the end, the lack of stress surely makes up for it.

2. Sanuk

On a similar note, sanuk is a huge part of the culture, and it ties closely in with this idea of jai yen. Sanuk basically means “fun.” And Thais expect everything to be fun. If it’s not fun, they make if fun—and that includes working the most miserable of jobs.

This caught me off guard a couple times, especially when I went to the waterfalls with my 28 year old Thai buddy and his girlfriend, and he kept saying we should go back in the water and “play” some more. Where I come from, you stop “playing” at about 11 or 12 years old and start doing “cool” stuff instead. Maybe that’s part of what’s wrong with our high-strung culture.

3. Motorbikes

You’ve probably picked up from my articles that I’ve got a bit of a thing for adrenaline and putting my life in danger. And I’ve definitely almost killed myself a couple times, but I still love the fact that everyone is on a damn motorbike.

Note, that I said “motorbike” and not motorcycle. If you haven’t arrived yet, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Barely more than a scooter, the Thai motorbike isn’t the coolest thing in the world, but I just love the freedom and conveniences of zipping a scooter across town on a whim.

4. Lack of Confrontation

Back in America, people are highly confrontational, both in a violent and non-violent manner. Yelling at people over a missed deadline or a late cup of coffee. Fighting in the bars. I’ve never had much of a stomach for confrontation, and much like a Thai, I’m typically the kind to fly off the handle when someone verbally attacks me or gets confrontational in a nightclub.

But in Thailand, it’s so easy to stay out of trouble if you’re not a confrontational person. People don’t bother you. They don’t force their opinions on you. They don’t verbally attack you—ever. And for many, that’s the root of many problems in Thailand. But for me, preserving the harmony works just fine, at least on a personal level.

5. The Food

Need I say more?

6. The Cost

This one probably doesn’t need a lot of elaboration either, but what really seals the deal for me is the cost. Live on $1000 a month while having all the luxuries in life? Live like a star on $2000 a month, and pocket the rest away for savings or investments.

Count me in.

I still haven’t figured out why so many wait for retirement to come here, but hey, it’s fine with me; I’ll just have all the fun for myself.