AIBU to want to live in Thailand for 2 years

OP I would look into moving to Singapore instead. If I could have a twin life where I got to do more of what I wanted and less tied by family, I would definitely have spent time in Singapore. The lifestyle is amazing and there are many more expat job opportunities. The education is outstanding and you have SE Asia on your doorstep.

I'm still not sure I'd do it now though, seeing as it's so very hot there all the time now and only going to get worse. But I'd choose Singapore over Thailand for long-term work stuff every time over Thailand.

I've stayed with friends of friends in Bangkok. They were English originally and their kids went to fancy private International School and they had a beautiful large house with air con.

They seemed pretty happy. Personally I stayed 6 months in Asia (3 months Thailand and 3 months Vietnam) and I was soooo ready to come home at the end of it. I missed cold weather and snuggly jeans and jumpers. I wanted to wear boots and have hot drinks. You think you want the endless sunshine but I learnt how much I appreciate the seasons.

There was other things I missed too. The Thais were lovely and their English is good but it wasn't a British sense of humour. I missed home. The expats were either seedy or rich or hippies.

What is your plan for work? How much do you have to support yourself if you went? I think a 90 day break with the visas would probably scratch any itch you have OP, if you are able to sort a career break somehow.

I have contemplated the possibility of getting a job in another country but not just going there for a jolly/gap year. If I was very comfortable financially and my partner was on board that might be another story!

I don't think you will be able to do it OP, as you haven't answered questions about visas.

Everything else is irrelevant if you can't actually stay there legally.

Bear in mind that even international schools are often not at the same level as the UK. White faces are often more important than skills - I know of many non white highly qualified native (English as a first language) speaker teachers who struggled/couldn't get jobs in international schools as they didn't fit the image that rich Thai parents wanted. A lot of education is status based rather than learning based. You'll be ok with the well respected internationals, but they are verrrrry pricey.
That said, I had a great time. It just would be problematic with kids and if it impacts your career.

You'll need visas, private healthcare and private education for the kids. Be able to stand the heat too. Be prepared to accept being called a Farang.

Thailand is a safe country.

I went on holiday to Laos, loved it, moved there three months later. Stayed two years. I taught in a school. No kids.

It's very hot. I wouldn't do it with kids, it would be too disruptive to them. Also the things that seem interesting as a tourist rapidly become your norm and annoying. For instance, I remember the first time I had to slow down on my way to work because a load of cows wandered onto the road. It was exotic. 18 months later it was a pain in the ass.

I think if you want to live abroad, you need to start job hunting, and see what comes up

How would visas work and how would it all be funded? Local health care and other costs?

In and of itself, yes great, go for it but actual practicalities like visas, jobs, accomodation, what's going to be happening here while you're gone re house, possessions etc. I'm not saying don't do it but there's a lot to consider.

This
It's a very British (or American) thing to assume that one can just move to another country for as long as they like. Especially if it's erm a 'developing' country.
Your plan's a no go OP. Unless you plan to buy a property, set up a business or get a job with an employer willing to sponsor you in Thailand...

Happy to be corrected but really you need to look into visas.

And what about the fact that your husband isn't keen?

Do you have enough money to not work for two years? Realistically, will spending two years somewhere you usually just go on holidays with the reality of two young children be any kind of chill out experience? What is the longest period you have spent there on holiday? Do you speak any Thai?

Thailand is getting very very hot nowadays. Philippines is so hot currently at 45C that schools are closed.

https://twitter.com/extremetemps/status/1786375838197313641

I loved Thailand when I travelled whole of SE Asia and other parts many years ago now but I’m wary even of a holiday there now.

There’s a punishing heatwave going on right now breaking all records. In fact Thailand has broken monthly records for over a year now. It just does not cool down anymore, even at night.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/thailand-heatwave-asia-el-nino-climate-change-weather/

Drought is affecting the paddy fields.

I wouldn’t move my family there now personally as it just looks too hot. Things are not what they used to be, sadly.

Friend recently spent time in Bangkok and although initially loved being back by the end was relieved to leave. Just too hot.

Thailand is probably safer than here tbh!

Sounds like an amazing experience. What would you do about your older DC's education?

I think the visa only allows you to stay for 90 days doesn't it?

Thailand is pretty safe for tourists. Usual risks but no worse than many other tourist countries.

What about your work and current property? And would you home school?

Without being negative, do you ever think about how dangerous it is or rhe crime rate?

Living somewhere is very different to holidaying there.