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 have visited Malaysia but never lived there long term. In general it has higher living standards than Thailand, the infrastructure is better and you can get by in English. But personally I cannot live in a very conservative or religious country. Nothing against their religion, but I love to be able to buy a beer whenever and wherever I want without being worried that I’m breaking any laws. Also I’m a night life person who love to party and have fun. In Malaysia, most of the population is muslim and I always feel a bit anxious when I’m around them because I worry I will do something inappropriate or offensive. In that perspective I find Thailand and Vietnam a little bit more of my vibe so for living long term I would choose those.
To be fair, Malaysia is probably the least religious muslim country. Middle Eastern tourists go there to have fun. But not everyone in Malaysia is muslim, and there are bars, nightclubs, etc just like Thailand and no restrictions on enjoying yourself as long as you aren’t muslim. But for nightlife, Thailand is better set up.