A former security guard who traded his life in Europe for a sunny country in the Southern Hemisphere has revealed the true cost of living there.
Bragi Jonsson, originally from Iceland, despises the harsh winter in his home country. Since 2020, he has been escaping the cold by spending extended periods in Thailand. The 69-year-old opts for affordable accommodation and immerses himself in the warm climate and local customs.
During his recent visit to Pattaya, a lively coastal city in Thailand known for its lively beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bragi shared his experiences. “This is my fifth time here. It’s quite pleasant,” he remarked, basking in the 30°C January weather. Bragi is among the growing number of Europeans who choose Thailand as their temporary residence each year.
Approximately five million expatriates reside in Thailand, with around 300,000 originating from North America, Europe, or Australia. One factor attracting foreigners is the relaxed visa regulations introduced in 2024, allowing 60-day visa-free stays for tourism, double the previous duration. The visa process has been simplified through the Thai e-Visa and the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, although authorities are cracking down on prolonged “visa runs.”
Apart from the favorable climate, the lower cost of living is a major draw for expats. Bragi noted, “Living here is much more affordable than in the UK or Iceland. I have a lovely place here, and dining out is cheaper than cooking at home.” He highlighted that meals like pad thai or a steak with beer are reasonably priced, making it economical to live in Thailand, especially if one frequents local food vendors.
For instance, a large bottle of Chang or Singha beer costs 70 baht in stores, equivalent to about £1.60, with slightly higher prices in bars. Bragi also mentioned the varying costs of entertainment, with expenses increasing closer to popular nightlife spots like the nightclub along the Pattaya beach.
Currently, Bragi pays £240 monthly for a studio apartment in Thailand, inclusive of utilities and internet. Having retired in 2021 after a career in security and hospitality, he prefers a nomadic lifestyle without property ownership, focusing on work and travel. Despite having roots in Iceland and the UK, Bragi aspires to settle in Thailand permanently.
When asked if he misses his homeland, Bragi adamantly replied, “Nothing at all. The rent is exorbitant, and the weather is too harsh there. I plan to spend at least seven to eight months in Thailand, considering exploring Bali or Vietnam. Iceland is definitely not on my radar. I’m carefree and just enjoying life.”
In the absence of a home in Iceland, Bragi engages in house-sitting worldwide when not in Thailand, utilizing platforms like HouseSitMatch. He has stayed in over 70 properties, embracing a rent-free lifestyle and discovering new destinations during retirement. Additionally, Bragi shared his passion for Geo Caching, a GPS-based treasure-hunting activity that has led him to unique places worldwide, promoting physical activity and exploration.
According to data from Thomas Cook, Thailand attracts mainly couples for holidays, comprising 51% of bookings. Notably, 93% of recent bookings opted for high-end accommodations, showcasing a preference for luxury among tourists. Nicholas Smith, the holidays digital director at Thomas Cook, attributed the surge in Thailand bookings to the destination’s affordability, safety, and flexibility for long-haul travelers.
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