My name is Tyrone, and I am married to Chong. We have lived in Thailand on and off, more or less full-time, since 2010, when we first met. However, I had been in Thailand a few years before that as well. Over the years, we have moved back and forth between Thailand and Sweden:

• 2010–2013: Thailand
• 2013–2017: Sweden
• 2017–2025: Thailand (with temporary stays in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic)

I am writing this mostly for myself – I am 56 years old today, and soon dementia might set in! When that happens, it will be nice to have something to look back on and read about our “achievements” over the years.

The Decision to Move Back to Sweden

Now, in February 2025, we have decided to move back to Sweden permanently. Of course, we will visit Thailand again, but as tourists this time.

Many people may wonder: Why do this? Why “give up” a life in Thailand, which for many seems like a dream?

And yes, Thailand is amazing – year-round warmth, a good climate (except for the scorching months from March onwards), and delicious, affordable food. We live in a quiet part of northeastern Thailand, about 5-6 miles outside of Khon Kaen, in what is known as the Isan region. It is a peaceful contrast to the more hectic areas of Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.

However, despite all the advantages, there are challenges that have made us rethink our life here.

The Language Barrier

One of the biggest challenges is the language. In tourist-heavy areas of Thailand, you can often get by with English, but in the countryside, it’s a different reality. English proficiency is very limited, and as a foreigner, I am dependent on Chong to translate in many situations. This makes the social aspect of life difficult – it’s hard to build deep friendships when you can barely communicate.

Work and Occupation

Finding work as a foreigner in Thailand is a major challenge. Thai law prohibits foreigners from taking jobs that could be done by a Thai citizen. Even with a marriage visa, the rules are strict. And even if you don’t need to work for financial reasons, a job is more than just income – it provides a sense of purpose and social connection. Without a clear purpose or daily structure, life can feel lonely and unfulfilling.

Many ask: Why not start a business?

Yes, that’s an option, but buying land or starting a business in Thailand isn’t simple. It’s expensive, and the return on investment is always uncertain. Running a bar – as many foreigners do – is also not for me. Having worked as a DJ for many years, I have seen too much of nightlife and know that it rarely leads to anything good. Additionally, bar owners often end up drinking regularly to fit into the environment, which is not the lifestyle I want.

Costs and Bureaucracy

Living in Thailand is not as cheap as many think. To stay in the country as a foreigner, you need significant savings in the bank, regular check-ins with immigration, and expensive insurance with questionable coverage. We often see horror stories of foreigners who have chosen not to have health insurance and then rely on fundraising to cover medical expenses. That is not a situation I want to be in – and certainly not one I want to burden Chong with.

Time for a New Beginning

With all this in mind, we have now decided to move back to Sweden and start a new chapter in our lives. We will continue to write about the process, our thoughts, and our plans here on the website. Follow our journey – we may even take a trip down memory lane and share some of our experiences from Thailand.

Take care and stay well!
Tyrone & Chong