A former security guard who traded his European life for a sunnier existence in the Southern Hemisphere recently disclosed the true cost of living in his new location.
Bragi Jonsson, an Icelandic native who despises the harsh winters in his home country, has been seeking refuge in Thailand since 2020 to bask in the warm weather and immerse himself in the local culture. Renting an affordable space, the 69-year-old spends months at a time in Thailand, particularly in Pattaya, a lively coastal city renowned for its vibrant beaches, bustling nightlife, and the iconic Big Buddha.
During a chat with The Mirror on his latest visit to Pattaya, Bragi expressed his contentment, stating, “It is pretty nice. This is my fifth time I’ve come down here.” He is among a growing number of Europeans who have chosen Thailand as their seasonal home. The country currently hosts around five million expatriates, including approximately 300,000 individuals from North America, Europe, and Australia. The appeal is bolstered by more lenient visa regulations implemented in 2024, extending visa-free stays for tourism to 60 days from the previous 30 days. The visa process has been further streamlined with the introduction of the Thai e-Visa and a new Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, although authorities are tightening scrutiny on long-term visa renewals.
Apart from the favorable climate, a major draw for expatriates is the lower cost of living in Thailand. Bragi elaborated, “It is much cheaper to live down here than in the UK or Iceland. I’ve got a lovely place down here, and it’s cheaper to go out dining than cooking at home.” He highlighted the affordability of meals, citing examples like £4 for a dish being considered expensive and the cost of a good steak with beer at £5. Bragi emphasized the economical nature of living in Thailand, particularly when patronizing local food stands.
In terms of beverages, a large bottle of Chang or Singha beer can be purchased for 70 baht, roughly equivalent to £1.60, from shops, with slightly higher prices in bars. Bragi pointed out that expenses tend to rise closer to prominent establishments like the big nightclub down the beach in Pattaya.
Currently, Bragi pays £240 monthly for his studio apartment in Thailand, inclusive of water, electricity, and internet. Retiring in 2021 after a career as a security guard in Iceland and hotels, he stated, “I never wanted to own anything. The most expensive thing I’ve owned is a car. I never wanted to own a property. I work and travel.” While maintaining a permanent address in Iceland and pre-settlement status in the UK, Bragi aspires to relocate to Thailand for an extended period.
When asked if he misses his home country, Bragi responded with a resolute “nothing,” emphasizing the high cost of living and harsh climate in Iceland. He plans to spend at least seven to eight months in Thailand, with potential visits to Bali or Vietnam but ruled out returning to Iceland. Embracing a carefree lifestyle, Bragi engages in house-sitting while traveling globally, leveraging platforms like HouseSitMatch. He has resided in over 70 properties and intends to continue exploring new destinations during his retirement.
Statistics from Thomas Cook reveal that a significant number of couples opt for holidays in Thailand, accounting for 51% of all bookings. Notably, 93% of recent bookings for Thailand accommodations are for four- and five-star establishments, reflecting a trend towards luxury travel. Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook, noted the surge in bookings to Thailand, attributing the increase to the country’s value-oriented accommodations and experiences, as well as its reputation as a safe and flexible long-haul destination for travelers.
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