Thailand or Singapore ?

Now back in Singapore after a week in Pattaya Thailand. I cannot help but notice the total difference in culture between the two countries. On one hand we have the easy going Thais who have a considerably lower standard of living. They are poorer and less affluent than the Singaporeans. Their per capita income is much much lower than the Singaporeans. Cost of food, transport and daily essentials are much lower than in Singapore. For this reason alone, there are many European who have retired to this city. Life here is less stressful and I guess if one seeks a comfortable carefree lifestyle with few worries, then Pattaya might be a place for you. Here, you get more for your money and people are friendly and hospitable. Life for retirees who are flexible and adaptable might find this place a good choice for lazing away their twilight years.

However, there are many downside in Pattaya when compared to Singapore. Pattaya is dirty and the public drainage is appalling. After any downpour, which occur very frequently, the sewer under the roads and pavements become blocked and the smell of methane is everywhere. The roads are chaotic to say the least. The only means of public transportation in the city are the Baht buses or the motorcycle “taxis”. The latter are dangerous and not recommended. There does not seem to be a standard of charge for public transportation. The drivers of the baht buses will try to charge tourists as much as they think they can get away with. The shops and places of business on both sides of the roads are usually very shabby and the goods for sale on display are generally of low quality. There are numerous hawkers lining the pavements selling food, fruits and all sorts of sweets. Generally, locally produced products such as local fruits, vegetables and meat are very affordable. The imported equivalents are costly and only used by the European expatriates.

Now which is a better country to live in? I do not think there is a simple answer to this question. It will all depend on what you look for in life. On one hand you have the easy, carefree and almost stress free life in Thailand and on the other hand you have Singapore where you have an almost perfect system where everything from transportation to entertainment is clinically and strictly controlled. In Singapore you have a no nonsense system where the law and regulation have to be abide by. Any deviation from this will be severely dealt with. In Thailand, or at least in Pattaya things are less rigid and more uncertain.

There is the social side of things too. Thailand, aka the Land of Smiles truly lives up to this great compliment. People are very friendly, always greeting you and saying farewell with hands together followed by a smile and a bow. In general the Thais are a happy lot. They are simple and less demanding.

Singapore is totally different. People are always in a hurry. Time is money and the Singaporeans go through life with the appearance they are squeezing every cent out of every minute of the day. The crave for money and the idea of the get rich quick mentality are the main factors that drive the Singaporeans to the way they are today. On the way the Singaporeans have picked up the labels of being rude, uncompassionate, always want to win and be first in the queue. In my opinion, it is a sad situation to be in.

I like the Thais better, but that is just my opinion and preferance.