20M Saudi planning to become a PT in 5 to 7 years. Is Thailand a realistic goal for someone like me?

Sawadee krub everyone.

I am a 20 year old Saudi guy with a 5 to 7 year plan to move abroad and work as a personal trainer. Thailand is on my short list along with Malaysia and Portugal.

I am at the very start of my journey. I am about to enroll in the CPT program here in Saudi to get my first certification. After that, I will work as a PT in a gym here and build an online coaching business on the side.

Over the next 5 to 7 years, I plan to get a degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science, plus my CSCS, nutrition certification, and corrective exercise specialist certification.

I know I am not qualified yet. That is why I am asking now, so I can build toward the right goal.

What I want to know.

1. Is there a realistic visa path for a foreign PT in Thailand? Work permit sponsored by a gym? Or is self employment completely impossible for a foreigner?

2. Would a Thai gym care about a CSCS and a degree, or do they only want local certifications?

3. Is there demand outside Bangkok? I prefer smaller cities or nature close areas like Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Hua Hin.

4. Honest income versus cost of living. Can a foreign PT actually make a living, or is it a struggle?

I am not looking for easy answers. I just want to know if Thailand is worth aiming for over the next several years.

If you are a PT in Thailand or know someone who is, I would be grateful for any honest insight. DMs are open.

Khob khun krub.