Thailand remains one of the top destinations in Asia for foreigners looking to buy property — whether as an investment, retirement base, holiday home, or a lifestyle move. But where exactly do most foreign buyers go?
Let’s explore the top locations, who buys there, and why.
📍 Top Locations for Foreign Property Buyers
| Location | Popular With | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Investors, expats | Business hub, condos, mass transit, high rental yields |
| Pattaya | Europeans, retirees | Coastal city, nightlife, affordable condos, proximity to Bangkok |
| Phuket | Luxury buyers, retirees | Beachfront villas, high-end lifestyle, tourism-driven rentals |
| Chiang Mai | Digital nomads, retirees | Cool climate, cultural charm, affordable homes |
| Koh Samui | Holidaymakers, investors | Island villas, scenic views, strong rental demand |
| Hua Hin | Scandinavians, retirees | Laid-back beach town, golf courses, royal charm |
| Rayong & Chanthaburi | Budget investors | Emerging markets, beachfront land still affordable |
🏙️ 1. Bangkok
- 💼 Why: Urban living, jobs, international schools, medical care
- 🏢 What foreigners buy: Condominiums (freehold, often near BTS/MRT)
- 💰 Rental yield: 4%–6% in central areas like Sukhumvit, Silom, and Thonglor
🏖️ 2. Pattaya
- 📍 90 minutes from Bangkok
- 🧳 Popular with retirees and short-term investors
- 🏢 Condos starting at ~1.5M THB, sea-view options under 5M THB
- 🔄 Strong resale market and good infrastructure
🌴 3. Phuket
- 📌 Focus: Luxury villas, beachfront condos
- ✈️ Connected to global destinations
- 💸 Higher entry price but higher rental income, especially in tourist seasons
- 📈 Popular areas: Kamala, Nai Harn, Surin, and Laguna
🏞️ 4. Chiang Mai
- 🏡 Known for: Peaceful atmosphere, lower cost of living
- 🌤️ Cooler weather, mountain views, and digital nomad scene
- 🏠 Villas and townhouses in Hang Dong, Nimman, or Old Town
- 💸 Attractive long-term rental income (low competition)
🏝️ 5. Koh Samui
- 🌅 Scenic sea-view villas with strong Airbnb potential
- 📈 Popular with buyers from Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore
- ⚠️ Most land is leasehold; do due diligence carefully
- 🧾 Common setup: 30-year lease + option to renew
🏌️♂️ 6. Hua Hin
- 🧘♂️ Calm coastal lifestyle, golf resorts, international hospitals
- 👨👩👧 Ideal for retirees and families
- 🏡 Foreigners often buy pool villas in gated communities
- 📍 Areas: Khao Takiab, Palm Hills, and Black Mountain
📈 Emerging Markets: Rayong & Chanthaburi
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🏝️ Less saturated | Prices still low for beachfront land and homes |
| 🚗 Easy drive from Bangkok | Increasing interest from Thai buyers and developers |
| 🏗️ Investment potential | Good for long-term capital appreciation |
💡 What Are Foreigners Buying?
| Property Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Condominiums | Only legal freehold option for foreigners (up to 49% of building quota) |
| Leasehold Villas | 30-year lease structure, often with renewals + land use agreements |
| Off-plan Units | Common in tourist zones; requires due diligence on developer and payment terms |
📌 Summary
Foreign buyers in Thailand are drawn to condos in Bangkok, villas in Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui, and quiet homes in Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. While legal restrictions on land ownership exist, proper legal advice and structure can make buying safe and rewarding.
