If one were to take measure from comments of Internet trolls, Thailand is a wretched place to live. But apparently the silent majority disagrees.
Although it’s not the No. 1 destination for getting rich or raising children, Thailand is the best place on the planet to make friends, have fun and enjoy quality living. That’s the conclusion of a survey of more than 7,000 expats in 100 countries commissioned by HSBC, the British financial services multinational.
“You’ll find you’re healthier, more privileged, more financially independent,” said one respondent. “And there’ll be exciting personal business challenges ahead.”
Thailand placed first in terms of social connections, as the easiest place to make friends and enjoy a good social life. Not the best place to enrich your savings account however – Switzerland and China took that honor, but Thailand did come in as No. 3.
The survey asked expats to provide feedback on their experience in quality of life, ease of getting situated and integrating into the culture. Other questions pertained to economic conditions and family considerations.
Of expats in Thailand, 76 percent said it was easy to find friends, far above the world average of 57 percent. Singapore and Taiwan came second distant seconds at 63 percent; China third with 59 percent. Every other country in the survey came in below the mean.
Asian expats in general said relocation had improved their social life overall – 35 percent said their lives were more socially rich, compared to a 26 percent average worldwide.
Germany and Singapore were considered the best places for family life, followed by France, New Zealand and South Africa.
The data from the survey can be browsed at HSBC’s Expat Explorer. Countries can even be squared off in a competitive league mode, The Telegraph reports.
Photo: HSBC Expat Explorer
