A former security guard who traded his European life for a sunny destination in the Southern Hemisphere has revealed the true cost of living in his new home.
Bragi Jonsson, originally from Iceland, despises the harsh winter conditions in his homeland. Since 2020, he has been escaping the cold by spending extended periods in Thailand. The 69-year-old opts for affordable accommodation and indulges in the warm climate and local traditions.
During his recent visit to Pattaya, a lively coastal city in Thailand famous for its lively beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bragi shared his experiences with The Mirror. He expressed his contentment while soaking up the 30°C January sun and mentioned that this was his fifth visit to the area. Bragi is part of a growing community of Europeans who choose Thailand as their temporary residence.
Approximately five million expatriates, including 300,000 individuals from North America, Europe, and Australia, reside in Thailand. The country’s visa regulations became more lenient in 2024, allowing a 60-day visa-free stay for tourists, up from the previous 30 days. The introduction of the Thai e-Visa and the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system has streamlined the process, although stricter monitoring of prolonged visa stays is in place.
Apart from the pleasant climate, a significant attraction for expatriates is the lower cost of living in Thailand compared to the UK or Iceland. Bragi emphasized that living expenses, such as dining out, are notably cheaper in Thailand. He highlighted that enjoying a meal like pad thai costs around £4, while a good steak with beer is priced at £5. Opting for local food stalls can further reduce living expenses.
In terms of beverages, a large bottle of Chang or Singha beer costs 70 baht in shops, equivalent to approximately £1.60, with prices doubling in bars. Bragi mentioned a higher cost for drinks near a prominent nightclub in Pattaya.
Currently, Bragi pays £240 per month for his studio apartment in Thailand, inclusive of utilities and internet. Having retired in 2021 after a career in security and hotel work, he prefers a minimalist lifestyle without property ownership. Despite having a permanent address in Iceland and settlement status in the UK, Bragi aspires to make Thailand his long-term residence.
When asked if he misses his homeland, Bragi confidently stated that he does not miss anything about Iceland due to the high cost of living and extreme weather conditions. He plans to spend at least seven to eight months in Thailand and may explore destinations like Bali or Vietnam. Embracing a carefree lifestyle, Bragi enjoys traveling the world and house sitting when not in Thailand.
Bragi has stayed in over 70 properties worldwide, leveraging house sitting opportunities to save on accommodation expenses and explore new places during his retirement. He also engages in Geo Caching, a GPS-based treasure hunting activity, as a way to discover hidden gems in different locations.
According to data from Thomas Cook, a majority of holidaymakers heading to Thailand are couples, comprising 51% of bookings. Notably, 93% of bookings this month have opted for luxury four- and five-star accommodations. Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook, attributed the surge in Thailand bookings to the country’s value for money, safety, and appeal to first-time long-haul travelers.