Cha-am, Thailand

With a population of just under 80,000, Cha-am is a sleepy beach town that offers little to get excited about for the average expat. The former royal residence Mrigadayavan Palace provides a hint of grandeur, but the reality is a place plagued by coastal erosion and bureaucratic headaches. While the area boasts a handful of universities, the economy relies heavily on tourism, which has declined in recent years due to the deteriorating scenery. Cha-am may appeal to retirees seeking a quiet, affordable seaside location, but most working professionals will likely find the lack of amenities and persistent infrastructure issues a major turn-off.