6 Essentials to Prepare for Your Expat Life in Thailand
This article introduces you to all the essentials you need to consider in advance before moving to Thailand. You’ll learn ways to purchase properties, obtain a driver’s license, and open a bank account. We also provide you with tips for getting employed, married, and selecting schools for kids.
Thailand, also known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, is where vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and astounding landscapes converge and meet. Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, attracting millions of foreign tourists annually.
Thailand is well-deserving as one of the most visited countries in the world. A perfect blend of modernity and Thai tradition-infused ancient infrastructures in urban cities, combined with a tapestry of stunning yet mysterious natural beauty beyond the city limits, is favored by worldwide expats.
Overview
In this Pacific Prime Thailand article, we will walk you through all essentials you might want to know if you are considering/have decided to move to Thailand, from tips on settling down to living there to pieces of advice on a long/permanent stay.
For that reason, we have compiled this helpful resource to help you determine whether Thailand is a place you want to venture into. Keeping these tips in mind can save you loads of unnecessary worries while you make your moving plans.
If by the end of this article, you have anticipated being enveloped in the joy and warmth brought to you by Thailand and its local citizens, you won’t want to skip the read about the weather in Thailand.
Being out of your comfort home could be arduous, especially with financial preparedness and personal safety. We recommend reading our articles about health Insurance for expats and the cost of living in Thailand. They are useful in clearing your doubts and concerns.
Essential 1: Purchasing Property/Land
Currently, Thai law prohibits expats from owning land, but you can own as many properties as you wish. From luxury apartments in Bangkok to exotic villas in Phuket, you will never run out of choices for an ideal home in this vibrant country.
Buying ‘landed properties’ such as houses, villas, and townhouses are also banned for foreigners like lands. However, you might want to know the tips and tricks to purchase them legally.
Buying properties is not the only option. You can always rent a place long-term, which can become your home after 30 years with a surcharge for the extension. Renting short-term also gives you the flexibility to move around, switch up your surroundings, and experience varied cultures.
Essential 2: Obtaining a Thai Driving/Motorcycle License
Owning/renting a car could come in handy when it comes to exploring Thailand. Your private carrier gives you the freedom to access desired destinations, anywhere at any time, without reliance on inflexible public transport. To drive a car, you will need a driver’s license of your vehicle type.
Applying for a Thai driving license is straightforward if you know what steps to take. There will be mandatory documents to hand over to the Department of Land Transport, and a couple of tests to complete to examine your driving skills and awareness.
As long as you are well-prepared, you can expect yourself to hit the road of Thailand in no time.
Essential 3: Opening a Bank Account
Whether you plan to come to Thailand to retire, further your career, or travel around the country, there is one thing you need to do. Opening a Thai bank account is going to make your life much easier- from receiving your salary in Thai Baht to managing your money efficiently.
With an account set up in a reputable bank, you can enjoy the following benefits.
- Convenient day-to-day purchases
- Online banking
- Avoid conversion fees
- Service charge exemption for ATM withdrawal
Now you are good to explore the city without having to hide big stacks of cash in your pockets!
Essential 4: Working in Thailand
If you are planning to stay in Thailand for a long period, you might have to consider finding a job to support your living. For digital nomads and remote workers, visas or work permits are legally required.
Application for a work permit or visa sounds like an easy process, but you will have to be aware of the local tax regulations and employment laws to avoid any unexpected tax obligations. Make sure you understand all the essentials before attempting to work in Thailand.
Work-life balance is a dream for all. Working remotely in Thailand might be a decision you will never regret. After a busy work day, you can always look for tranquil beaches nearby. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of the day listening to the gentle lapping of turquoise waves.
Essential 5: Getting Married to Your Loved One
Life is like a box of chocolate. You might meet the love of your life in Thailand, who knows! Getting married is an unforgettable life-long commitment, yet for expats who don’t know the law, could be confusing.
It is crucial to understand that any religious marriage ceremony you have in Thailand won’t be legally recognized anywhere without a formal marriage registration. Alright, here comes the crucial question: what are the procedures for marriage registration?
If you are considering getting married in Thailand, you might want to check out our article- an expat’s guide to getting married in Thailand. It serves as a guideline to ensure a successful marriage, and to protect your and your partner’s rights.
Essential 6: Choosing Education for Your Kid
Moving places could be difficult for you, let alone kids. They have to adapt to an entirely new culture in a short period. Despite being incredibly stressful, international schools are present in Thai cities to ease up the process. Here are a few things you have to consider.
- Types of international schools
- Curriculum direction of the schools
- Costs of tuition and miscellaneous fees
- Student body
- Religion
International schools are favored by the majority of Thai expats. With that said, you can also opt for public schools, private schools, or even homeschooling. Whatever works best for your family is of utmost importance.
To quickly understand the gist of the education system and school options currently available in Thailand, check out our article about choosing education for your expat kid. You might be overwhelmed with options, but fortunately we have broken things down to bite-size for you.
Conclusion
Starting a new life chapter could be challenging. But before you take on the challenges, you have to protect yourself with international health insurance. If you have someone accompanying you, you might be interested in family health insurance instead.
Pacific Prime Thailand has over 20 years of experience in the broker industry, we can help you find the best insurance plan tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today for an obligation-free quote or a free plan comparison so you are sure that the right choice has been made.
Then, you can start enjoying your time in Thailand burden-free, by immersing yourself inside Bangkok’s bountiful cultural diversity, or unwinding yourself at stunning beaches in Pattaya under some heart-warming sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to live in Thailand as an expat?
Obtaining a visa from a Thai authority is a prerequisite for most expatriates. Heavily dependent on your profile and the reason for your stay, you will have to apply for the corresponding visa. Currently, there are long-term resident, long-stay, retirement, and work visas available.
Is Thailand expat-friendly?
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for expats. The government has been implementing and reviewing policies to attract more foreigners to the country. The warmth and generosity of local Thais are bonuses for your unforgettable moment in Thailand.
What is the average spending to live in Thailand as an expat?
Depends on individual needs and wants. In general, Thailand has a low living cost. For example, food is much more affordable in general, and rental prices are relatively cheap. It can be one of the most affordable countries or one of the most expensive.
How much is a good salary in Thailand?
The median salary in the country is THB ฿88,600 (Roughly USD $2,500) per month. It is possible to live in THB ฿20,000 (Roughly USD $570) with the current cost of living in Thailand. The number is additive or deductible depending on rent, food, transportation, and utilities.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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