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Expat Exchange > Thailand

Thailand

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: Yes (state railway of thailand (srt), relatively safe)
Bus Service: Yes (Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), Transport Co., Ltd, relatively safe)

Thailand, officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia known for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. It is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar. Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest. Thailand's diverse landscapes range from the mountainous regions of the north to the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the semi-arid farm lands of the northeast plateau, and the rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula. The country's culture is heavily influenced by Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority of the population. Bangkok, the capital, is a modern city with a notable cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and iconic temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Other major cities include Chiang Mai in the north, known for its historic temples and night markets, and Pattaya in the southeast, famous for its resorts and nightlife. Thailand's economy is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, with tourism playing a significant role, alongside exports of goods such as rice, textiles, and electronics. The country is known for its festivals, including the water festival Songkran, and its cuisine, which is characterized by bold flavors and a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Thailand's natural attractions, including national parks like Khao Yai and marine parks such as the Similan Islands, are major draws for both domestic and international tourists. The country's history is marked by several kingdoms and dynasties, with the current Chakri dynasty having ruled since 1782. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian nation never to have been colonized by a European power, maintaining its independence throughout the colonial period. The nation has a constitutional monarchy, with a long history of political instability and coups, but it remains a popular destination for travelers due to its rich culture, natural beauty, and friendly people.

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Living in Thailand

Movies Set: The Beach, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Hangover Part II
Popular Foods: Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Some of the most popular dishes include Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, tofu, peanuts, and bean sprouts; Tom Yum Goong, a hot and sour soup with shrimp; and Green Curry, a coconut milk-based curry with chicken or beef and Thai basil. Mango with sticky rice is a beloved dessert, featuring sweet glutinous rice with ripe mango and coconut milk.
Unusual Eats: Fried insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and silk worm larvae are considered a snack in Thailand and can be challenging for visitors to try due to their appearance and texture.
Popular Sports: football, badminton, muay thai, golf
Popular Teams: Buriram United (football), Muangthong United (football), Bangkok Glass (badminton)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered disrespectful to touch someone's head or point your feet at people or religious objects in Thailand, as the head is the highest part of the body and the feet are the lowest. Visitors should also be mindful of the importance of the monarchy and avoid making disparaging remarks about the royal family to avoid offending locals.

Best Places to Live in Thailand

Discover the top-ranked towns in Thailand. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Krabi
2
Koh Samui
3
Chiang Mai
4
Hua Hin
5
Phuket
6
Pai
7
Koh Phangan
8
Bangkok
9
Koh Lanta
10
Koh Chang
11
Cha-am
12
Pattaya
13
Udon Thani
14
Trang
15
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay)
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Smart Visa, it allows them to live in Thailand for up to 4 years depending on the category.

Obtaining a residency in Thailand can be a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and adherence to the country's laws. The most common visa for expats seeking long-term residency is the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay). This visa is specifically designed for foreigners over 50 years old who wish to retire in Thailand. Applicants must meet financial requirements, such as having a certain amount of money in a Thai bank account or a monthly income or pension. Another option for expats is the Non-Immigrant Visa “B” (Business Visa), which is suitable for those who are employed or are starting a business in Thailand. This visa requires sponsorship from a Thai company and proof of adequate finances. For digital nomads, the Smart Visa is a relatively new option that caters to individuals in specific industries such as technology or startups. The Smart Visa comes in different categories, each with its own set of qualifications and benefits, allowing stays from 1 to 4 years without the need for a work permit. The application process for a Smart Visa involves presenting a viable business plan or employment contract from a qualifying company, and the criteria are quite stringent to ensure that applicants are bringing valuable skills to the country. The process of applying for a residency visa typically involves submitting an application to a Thai embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. Required documents usually include a passport valid for at least six months, completed application forms, passport-sized photos, and relevant financial evidence. Some visas may also require a medical certificate and a police clearance certificate. Once in Thailand, visa holders must report to immigration every 90 days and may have to renew their visa annually. The difficulty of the process can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances, but with proper preparation and documentation, it can be considered average in terms of complexity compared to other countries. It is highly recommended to consult with the Thai embassy or a legal professional for the most current information and guidance throughout the visa application process.

Healthcare in Thailand

Thailand's healthcare system is a mix of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is overseen by the Ministry of Public Health and provides services to Thai citizens through a universal coverage scheme, which is largely funded by the government. The quality of public healthcare varies, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Thailand is known for its high quality and is a popular choice for expats and medical tourists, offering state-of-the-art facilities and shorter waiting times. The cost of private healthcare is higher than public healthcare but is still considered affordable compared to Western standards. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare if they are employed in Thailand and contribute to the social security system, or they can purchase private health insurance to access private hospitals.

"I work in the hospitality industry and have been offered a local package to work in Thailand. I am keen to work in Thailand to get more exposure for future career development. However, I am not sure if the local package offered is reasonable for me to live in Thailand. In comparison, the local package is only one third of what i am getting now. Can someone give me some advice here? What should i take note and beware of? or must negotiate with my potential employer? i am lost...." - 4me

Connect with Others on the Thailand Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Thailand is considered moderate, with expenses varying significantly between rural areas and major cities like Bangkok. While housing and food can be quite affordable, especially in smaller towns and the countryside, prices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment in tourist hotspots and the capital city can be higher.

Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The hot season runs from March to June, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. The rainy season, from July to October, is characterized by heavy monsoon rains and high humidity. The cool season, from November to February, is generally the most pleasant time to visit, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures, though it is still warm by most standards.

Educational System in Thailand

The educational system in Thailand is overseen by the Ministry of Education and is divided into three levels: basic education, vocational education, and higher education. Basic education in Thailand is compulsory and free for all children for 12 years, typically starting at the age of 6. It consists of 6 years of primary education (Prathom 1-6) and 6 years of secondary education, which is split into lower secondary (Mattayom 1-3) and upper secondary (Mattayom 4-6). The school year in Thailand starts in May and ends in March, with a break in October. Thai schools focus on a broad curriculum that includes Thai language, mathematics, science, social science, health and physical education, arts and crafts, and foreign languages. After completing Mattayom 6, students can take the National Education Test to apply for universities. There are also international schools that offer curricula from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, which might be more familiar to expatriate families. These schools typically have grade levels and graduation systems similar to those in their respective countries. The quality of education in Thailand varies, with private and international schools generally offering higher standards and more resources compared to public schools.

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