I am a Filipina living in Thailand for over 7 years now and I just cannot see myself going back to Manila. Maybe if I had no choice and really needed to go back — maybe yes. But right now I am trying my best to stay here because I just love it so much.

If you want a party, there is a party. Lots of things to do. Convenient. Lovely people. But beyond the big picture, there are three small things I genuinely love about my daily routine here.

1. The Commute is Easy, Reliable, and Safe 🚇

I use the train every single day and honestly it has never let me down. Delays are rare — genuinely rare. And when you get on the train, people do not make noise. Nobody is shouting. Nobody is playing music out loud. It is just quiet.

I can sit down, use my phone, listen to music, or take a nap — and I have never once felt unsafe. Not a single moment in 7 years. Sometimes I am so tired after work that I fall asleep on the train with my phone in my hand. It is just there when I wake up.

When I was living in Manila, I could not do that. I would not even think about doing that. Here it just feels normal and safe.

2. 7-Eleven is Everywhere — And the Food Options Are Incredible 🍜

This might sound funny but it is genuinely one of my favourite things about living here. 7-Eleven is literally everywhere. I can grab anything at any time — fresh fruit, Thai food, drinks, salads. All from a convenience store downstairs.

And beyond 7-Eleven, the food here is cheaper and more accessible than what I had in Manila. You can go to local markets and get really delicious freshly made food for very little money. You always have options here. That is what I love most about it.

3. There Are So Many Things to Do 🌆

If you want to party, you can go to Khao San Road — great night life, not too chaotic, just right. There is Nana, of course, which I have visited many times over 7 years here. And if you want something chill, you can go boat cruising along the Chao Phraya River. It is beautiful.

If you want to go a little outside Bangkok, there is Samut Prakan or Bang Krachao — a small island they call the lung of Bangkok because there are so many trees. We have been there once and it was lovely.

Bar hopping, coffee shops, Muay Thai, river cruises, weekend trips — if you can think of it, Bangkok probably has it. And if you want affordable options, those exist too. Every now and then when my boyfriend and I have free time, we just go out and do something nice. That ease of access to so many experiences is something I never take for granted.

Final Thoughts

I cannot see myself leaving anytime soon. And honestly? That says everything.

Salamat for reading. 🙏🇵🇭🇹🇭