‘Second home’: Filipino perspectives on Thailand work, culture and community

BANGKOK, Thailand — “What started as a short plan turned into a long-term stay,” says AJ Salem, a Filipino content creator based in Bangkok. He is among more than 40,000 Filipinos who now call Thailand home.

Beyond the familiar faces of tourists visiting temples, nightclubs and shopping areas, Filipinos are thriving in a country more than 2,000 kilometers from home.

For them, living in Thailand is more than just finding work abroad. It is about experiencing another culture. Every day, they navigate workplaces, local communities and traditions while building friendships that cross languages and borders.

Home away from home

The journey from Koronadal City, South Cotabato (southern part of the Philippines) to Pathum Thani Province has been both professional and personal for MJ Esteban.

He’s been teaching in Thailand for seven years, but his fascination with the Southeast Asian country started long before that.

“I’ve always liked Thailand,” MJ said. “Even before moving here. I heard it was relatively easy to apply and meet the requirements to teach here. Aside from that, I was drawn to its beautiful culture, which in many ways feels similar to the Philippines. It made the transition feel like coming to a second home.”

MJ describes Thailand as a place where traditions remain alive in daily life. “I was impressed by how well-preserved and deeply integrated Thai culture is in everyday life. Over time, I’ve adapted by learning about their traditions little by little each day.”

“It’s a continuous learning experience that has helped me feel more connected and respectful of their way of life,” he said.

Fresh start in the Land of Smiles

AJ Salem’s experience was different, yet shared common threads of adaptation and discovery. Moving to Thailand offered him a fresh start, but it was not without challenges.

“When I first arrived, I was impressed by how respectful and calm Thai people are. There is a natural sense of balance and politeness in everything they do,” he recalled.

The first year, however, was not easy. AJ said he struggled with the language and sometimes felt out of place. Simple tasks like asking for directions or reading signs could be frustrating. Eventually, he learned to adapt.

“I picked up Thai phrases, made friends, and tried to understand the culture from their perspective instead of comparing it to home. That is when things started to feel easier.”

Daily interactions with Thais shaped his perspective in meaningful ways.

“They taught me patience, gratitude, and the importance of peace of mind. I used to rush through everything, but here people take time to enjoy life, even small things like a street meal or a quiet walk,” AJ said.

Collaborating with Thai locals and brands also gave him a deeper respect for their creativity and attention to detail, motivating him to grow and improve in his own work.

He also shared why he chose Thailand. “At first, I wanted to experience living abroad but still stay close to home. Thailand felt familiar yet exciting, and it had the right mix of opportunity and lifestyle. I did not expect to stay this long, but the country slowly grew on me.”

Building life in Thailand

For Jamrell Buynay, Thailand has long been home. Born in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and raised in Samutprakan, she now lives in Bangna, Bangkok, working as a Ccontent Sstrategist for an international school while creating travel and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) content online.

She first moved to Thailand at age 10, went back to the Philippines to study in college, she returned in 2022 to continue her career.

“Thailand has been a second home for me,” Jamrell said.

“It’s culturally familiar, safe, with efficient transport, and a creative country that values content and education. It’s close to the Philippines, the cost of living is manageable, and there are many opportunities if you bring skills and a portfolio.”

Her first impression of Thai culture was shaped by the country’s politeness and community-oriented ways. She adapted by learning basic Thai, mirroring communication styles with a calm tone and concise tasks, and building friendships outside the Filipino circle to avoid staying in a bubble.

“Working on a Thai-led team taught me patience, clarity and the value of reading the room,” Jamrell said. “The Filipino community, including church, Embassy and OFW groups, is supportive and makes the transition less lonely.”

Jamrell often acts as a bridge by bringing Filipino warmth and English fluency along with local context from growing up here.

A culture of respect and learning

Topher Guevarra, a teacher in Bangkok, is relatively new but found Thailand welcoming from the start.

“Thailand is really my first choice because of the culture, specially on how they value respect and integrity towards treating people,” he said.

He added, “It is just like the Philippines…hence, I coped easily. I am also fond of learning languages that help me to dive into their culture.”

Topher also shared how it excites him every time he learns new words or phrases that he can use everyday.

Meanwhile, Topher offered this advice for Filipinos considering Thailand: “Test the water first by visiting Thailand as a tourist and trust your instincts.”

Different cultures, same warmth

Despite cultural and linguistic differences, many Filipinos in Thailand see familiar traits reflected in their Thai colleagues: kindness, hospitality and community spirit.

“Thai people are genuinely kind and warm,” MJ said.

“They’re easy to get along with, which has made living here much easier. As a foreigner, I’ve always felt welcomed and treated like family, something I deeply appreciate.”

AJ echoed the same sentiment. “Thailand has taught me to slow down, appreciate life and respect people’s differences. Those are values we Filipinos share too, but living here reminded me how powerful they are when practiced daily.”

Support and settling in

For those considering a move to Thailand, they shared grounded advice.

“Test the water first by visiting Thailand as a tourist and trust your instincts,” Topher said.

MJ added, “Thailand is a great country to work in, especially for teachers. But like with any move abroad, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons.”

AJ offered a more reflective take. “Living abroad is not always easy. There will be moments of homesickness, culture shock, and times when you question if you made the right choice. But if you stay open-minded and positive, you will find your rhythm here.”

“Learn to respect the culture, be kind to people, and embrace the differences. Thailand is a country that gives back the same energy you put into it. If you come here with good intentions and hard work, you can build a life that feels truly yours,” he added.

Jamrell reminded newcomers to be prepared, saying, “Get your visas and permits in order, learn basic Thai fast, and budget wisely. Build networks and don’t stay in a Filipino bubble. Thailand rewards those who respect the culture and bring their skills to the table.”

Institutional support for Filipinos in Thailand has also grown stronger. On October 4, 2025, the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers inaugurated the Migrant Workers Office in Bangkok.

The ceremony was attended by Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Labor Attaché Don Pangcog, Assistant Secretary Regina Galias, Deputy Administrator Rossane Catapang, Director Edz Claustro and Director Ronald Mina.

The office aims to serve as a “home away from home,” offering on-ground assistance, access to government programs and help during emergencies.

Growing with Thailand

For Jamrell, AJ, MJ and Topher, every lesson learned, every friendship formed, and every challenge overcome in Thailand is part of a larger story of connection and growth.

Living and working here has shown them that home is not just where you are born, but where you learn, adapt and belong.

In Thailand, Filipinos find not only work and opportunity but also a culture that inspires respect, mindfulness and community, a second home that teaches as much as it welcomes.

This article was originally published in Thai PBS World written by Thai PBS Fellow John Marwin Elao, social media lead at Philstar.com.