Would like to hear why long term expats or remote workers did or didn’t choose Malaysia over Thailand…and for those who did, do you regret it and why?
Also curious if the lack of language barrier was a big decider? and if anyone who chose Malaysia learnt Malay or Mandarin and if it has proven to be valuable in anyway.
*I like both countries for different reasons, just like hearing about peoples experiences.
Born and raised in KL but living in a Western country now, holidayed on many weekend trips to Thailand so I think I qualify to answer.
I always tell everyone that Malaysia is an (almost) first world country with third world prices. This of course not only applies to cost of living, but salaries too. It’s the best bang for your buck in terms of “development” vs cost. It’s like almost living in Singapore/Dubai, but with prices only slightly higher than India. It’s like Portugal or Greece but much cheaper.
Nowhere else in the world where you can have this. Turkey and Chile come close but probably ain’t as cheap.
Thailand, while indeed fun as a tourist and not too far behind in terms of development for the most part still feels like a third world country. Of course the malls in Bangkok are an exception.
There’s a saying in SE Asia- work in Singapore, holiday in Thailand, live in Malaysia.
How about alcohol? Afaik it’s much pricier than Thailand (TBH it’s not too cheap in Thailand either nowadays)
Yeah that’s a sticking point. Beer prices in Malaysia are 60% higher than Thailand. But in all other departments Malaysia is probably already slightly cheaper than Thailand.
you sir know what you are talking about! Love Malaysia love KL Penang all of it.