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.
I am kinda in the same boat- 58 years old, staring down the barrel of retirement. Have spent the past 5 years or so travelling SE Asia, doing long stays (a month at a time) looking for places to retire. Not full time, planning 6 months on and off through the year.
Thailand has great places like Chiang Mai, but the smoke in winter is horrid. Beach resorts like Pattaya and Phuket have gone to crap with so so many Russians and Chinese. Smaller cities are better.
Malaysia? Loved Penang. Loved Malacca. Also the place doesn’t stink of the devil’s lettuce like Thailand does. But…harder to get a good massage, beer is more expensive.
Plus the visa free thing. Ninety days in Malaysia, thirty in Thailand.
Tough call.