Why so many French people want to live in Thailand
Why do so many French people leave their country and choose Thailand? Nick tells us his story.
Where are you from, and why did you choose to move to Bangkok? How is life there?
France, Yvelines. What motivated me to leave France is private and political reason, as well as precariousness. A scent of adventure too, let’s be honest. I went to Thailand for the first time in 2011 to produce photographic content and launch a photojournalism activity specializing in Asia, Asia Pix. I have always been fascinated by Asian cultures, martial arts, spirituality of Ying and Yang, the sense of clan, family and honour.
Bangkok was not a choice of heart. It is a rather hideous city, where the rivers serve as sewers. My installation here was a tactical choice, a rear base to shine in Asia. In 2016 I became a father. My children are educated in Bangkok, which also motivates my choice to stay. And then I ended up appreciating the city and I now consider Krung Thep Maha Nakhon a city full of resources and possibilities, of social diversity, like in pre-war Paris. But this is changing with the ongoing gentrification.
Here, life is typically Asian: between tradition and modernity. Thailand is a country of contrasts, a little schizophrenic sometimes torn between its conservatism and its desire to appear. You can have a coffee on the terrace of the Sofitel in Sukhumvit and further down the street buy a coconut from a street vendor in the middle of pollution and cockroaches. That’s what I like, this clash of cultures. Here there are two levels of local life, local prices therefore, and Western life, where everything is much more expensive. Moreover, with each transfer of power in Thailand, inflation explodes. In Thailand, I appreciate the safety of people, a certain sense of service, respect for elders, hierarchy and a certain tolerance.
What do you do in Thailand? What are your projects?
Let’s say that I have various activities, including a consulting activity which consists of promoting the installation of expatriates in Thailand, in particular crypto investors who are looking for an interesting living environment with advantageous taxation. Under certain conditions, crypto gains can potentially be exempt from taxes. Thailand grants a Visa facility with the Elite program, or investor depending on the project. It is not free, but the advantages are numerous. The political environment is stable in Thailand and the infrastructure is constantly developing. The framework is really crypto-friendly. We are ready to welcome new expatriates.
I use my experience in Thailand as well as my network: skilled lawyers, tax specialists to help them in their approach. Many investors are looking for a new living environment abroad, less stressful as well as new investment horizons.
In the long term, I want to live fully from investing and pass on my expertise in life and values to new generations, raise awareness about financial education, but also health (healthy living, nutrition, sports, ice baths, medicinal plants) and respect for nature.
On a material, moral and spiritual level, without going into details, hope one day to be able to leave something to future generations. Some powerful, beautiful and harmonious legacy between nature and culture, which makes sense, for my direct or spiritual descendants.
Otherwise, I am a biker, and I have travelled all over Thailand from north to south and from east to west, discovery, permanent wonder, especially with the ethnic groups of the north. I also belong to a French patriotic association, so I am lucky to sometimes find myself invited to military celebrations in the presence of Thai and foreign authorities and contribute in my modest way.
Do you miss France? What do you think about the current situation there?
Of course, sometimes. Most expats who claim otherwise are in bad faith. Otherwise, why do long-term expats often reproduce a French microcosm? We appreciate our local gastronomy, our cheeses, our bread, our good wines, our artisans, our taste for beautiful things, luxury and our culture, our free spirit and free thinkers. I am only a foreigner here in Thailand and despite having a family, it doesn’t bother me. Except when I am asked to pay taxes. In that case could ask for Thai nationality and an audit of public spending (laughs), a quality road network, drinking water on tap and social security. Why not after all?
The situation in France? Touchy subject… Everyone who is a little serious knows the geopolitical quagmire we are in. The legacy of Gaullism? They have squandered everything except perhaps nuclear deterrence. The French are robbed and denigrated by their elites. Their industries dismantled and damaged. Mismanagement of resources, territory and migratory flows. Our country is sold to the highest bidder. Cultural and civilizational degeneration and wokeism, not my vision. We have become a digital satellite of our neighbours across Atlantic. The worst is taxation, an entrepreneur friend closed his company in France because taxes had imposed 85%. Is this how we reward those who create added value? We have become the laughingstock of countries around the world. But we French abroad will continue to defend French excellence, French hospitality, debate, Latin and gallic culture, arts, literature and especially the French independence spirit. Free ourselves from totalitarianism. France will rise from its ashes when the French regain control of their finances and have chosen honest and competent leaders with a true political and civilizational vision, despite what our neighbours across the Atlantic say, Merkel or the petro-monarchies, in order to put France back at the head of the non-aligned powers. France is not meant to be sold off. History has shown this many times. The French are people you can count on as long there is respect.
