An Expat Guide to the Land of Smiles and Cultural Wonders
Thailand is one of the most popular expat destinations in Southeast Asia, and for good reason. Not only does the country have the sixth-best healthcare system in the world, but the cost of living is also much lower than in Europe or North America.
The tropical nation also has a reputation for fast, reliable internet service, which is a huge perk for digital nomads. So if you are considering moving to Thailand, this article outlines everything you need to know. From navigating the Thai immigration process to finding an apartment and job, we’ve got you covered.
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Legal Requirements for Moving to Thailand
Foreigners must meet several legal requirements before they can move to Thailand. Most importantly, they will need to apply for the correct visa and make sure they are enrolled in the public healthcare system or have adequate health insurance.
Thailand Health Insurance Requirements
There are currently no health insurance requirements for entering Thailand. In January 2024, the country lifted its requirement that all foreigners provide proof of coverage upon arrival. Thailand temporarily adopted this rule during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it no longer applies.
Despite this change, expats moving to Thailand will still need to make sure they have adequate health insurance coverage, whether it is provided by the country’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) or a private insurer. You can read more about this further down the article.
Requirements for Each Type of Thai Visa
Foreigners who want to live in Thailand must obtain a non-immigrant visa. Most of these visas are initially valid for 90 days. Once you are physically in Thailand on your 90-day visa, you can request an extension of stay.
There are a variety of Thai visas for which you may qualify:
- Work Visa: if you intend to seek employment or conduct business in Thailand
- Family or Marriage Visa: if you have family living in Thailand or you’re married to a Thai national
- Study Visa: if you intend to enroll in school, take short study courses, or do a curricular internship
- Retirement Visa: if you intend to live in Thailand and not work in any capacity
If you want to make a short trip to Thailand before you officially move, you can also apply for a 30-day or 60-day Thai tourist visa. Note that tourist visas are for visiting Thailand, not living there, so you’ll still need to apply for a work, family, study, or retirement visa if you’re planning a long-term stay.
Learn More: Understanding Thai Visas for Tourists and Expats
Becoming a Permanent Resident of Thailand
If you move to Thailand and decide you want to become a permanent resident, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. This allows you to stay in the country permanently without having to extend your visa. Notably, this is also a necessary step if you want to apply for Thai citizenship in the future.
To apply for a permanent residence permit, you must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
- You’ve had three consecutive one-year visa extensions
- You’ve held a valid Thai work permit for three years, as of the date you’re applying for permanent residency
- You earn a monthly income of at least $900 (if you’re married to a Thai national) or $2,300 (if you’re single)
Becoming a Citizen of Thailand
Thailand offers immigrants a path to citizenship. There are several ways to become a Thai citizen, but naturalization is the most common.
One of the benefits of gaining Thai citizenship is having a Thai passport, which makes it much easier and faster to visit other countries in Southeast Asia. Becoming a citizen of Thailand can also give you better access to business and employment opportunities, as well as allow you to buy real estate.
To be eligible to apply for Thai citizenship, you must:
- Have lived in Thailand with permanent resident status for a minimum of five years
- Be able to speak and read the Thai language
- Be actively employed with a valid work permit for at least three consecutive years
- Have a clean criminal record
Staying Safe in Thailand
Thailand is statistically one of the safest places to live in Southeast Asia, and cities that attract a lot of tourists are especially safe. The country also has strict laws on crime and imposes severe punishments, including the death penalty, on those who break the law.
The 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks Thailand as the 92nd-safest country in which to live, out of 163 countries. The GPI looks at factors such as crime, political stability, and citizens’ happiness to rate how peaceful and safe a country is compared to others. Thailand’s GPI ranking puts it ahead of the United States (ranked #131) as well as Colombia (#140) and Mexico (#136).
According to June 2024 data from Numbeo, Thailand has a Crime Index of 37.77, which is low. Notably, a number below 40 means the country or city has a low rate of crime. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Safety Index is 62.23. Unlike the Crime Index, a higher Safety Index number (above 60) means that residents perceive the country or city as being very safe.
Many Thai cities are safer and have less crime than the countrywide average. Here’s a snapshot of the Crime and Safety Indexes for three major Thai cities:
- Chiang Mai: 77.89 (Safety Index) and 22.11 (Crime Index)
- Koh Samui: 71.25 (Safety Index) and 28.75 (Crime Index)
- Hua Hin: 64.81 (Safety Index) and 35.19 (Crime Index)
Notably, even the capital city of Bangkok, the country’s largest urban city with a population of more than five million, has a high safety index of 60.24 and a low crime rate of 39.76.
Where to Live in Thailand
Thailand is bursting with so many vibrant cities and charming seaside villages that finding the best place to live can seem like an overwhelming decision.
So to help you out, we’ve reviewed key factors such as living costs, healthcare access, job opportunities, crime rates, walkability, quality of life, and more for three Thai cities that are popular with expats.
Chiang Mai
Often called the “hidden jewel of Southeast Asia”, Chiang Mai is the largest inland city in northern Thailand. More than 40,000 of its 130,000 residents are foreigners. Everywhere you walk in this easy-to-navigate city, you’ll see majestic mountain vistas, spiritually significant cultural sites, and friendly street food vendors.
Options for shopping, dining, and nightlife are excellent here, too. Chiang Mai’s healthcare facilities have English-speaking staff, and the city is less than a 20-minute ride from the airport. It’s also a top choice for retirees and digital nomads who want to immerse themselves in Thai culture while enjoying the creature comforts of Western living.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a small coastal town located 2.5 hours from Bangkok. Unlike bustling Chiang Mai, which has more than double the population, this relaxing seaside city of 63,000 residents runs at a slower pace.
What used to be a fishing village is now a beloved resort destination with a thriving tourism industry. Hua Hin’s hot, tropical climate is a perfect excuse to take advantage of water sports like surfing, boating, and water skiing. The town’s proximity to Bangkok also ensures fast access to top-tier healthcare facilities and other urban amenities.
Koh Samui
Much of Thailand is rural and undeveloped, but that hasn’t stopped expats from building communities in cozy, remote villages like Koh Samui. In fact, this small island in the Gulf of Thailand is home to 6,000 foreigners.
Between the friendly locals, lively atmosphere, low cost of living, and pristine waterfalls and beaches, Koh Samui can feel like one of the best-kept secrets in Thailand. It has good infrastructure (including fast, reliable WiFi service) and you can always take a plane, ferry, or private boat to reach the mainland. If you need health care, there are also several high-quality medical facilities on the island.
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Living Expenses: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Thailand?
When it comes to expat life, it’s best to choose a country that won’t break your budget. Thailand’s relatively low cost of living is one of the main reasons why so many foreigners call it home.
According to June 2024 data from Numbeo, the current Cost of Living Index (CLI) for Thailand is 36.0. To give context, this is almost 65% cheaper than New York City, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world with a CLI of 100.
To better understand how the cost of living in Thailand stacks up to other countries, here’s a snapshot of the CLI for a few other expat destinations:
- Bahamas: 88.5
- Singapore: 81.9
- USA: 72.9
- Australia: 72.8
- Italy: 58.9
- Costa Rica: 53.6
- Mexico: 43.8
The average monthly cost for one person to live in Thailand, including rent and utilities, is $800 to $1,100 per month. That said, some areas of Thailand are a bit more expensive due to their location. For example, the cost of goods in Koh Samui is slightly higher, as the island is located off the mainland and most supplies are transported there by boat.
Read Also: The Cost of Living in Thailand
Finding a Place to Live in Thailand
Although current law prevents foreigners from owning land in Thailand, you can still buy certain types of properties under certain conditions.
For example, foreign-born Thai residents can buy a condo if at least 51% of the other condos in the building are owned by Thai citizens. They can also buy up to 49% of a building structure, but cannot purchase or own the land upon which it’s located.
There are many online rental sites where you can find Thai real estate for rent. Condos, apartments, and villas are the most popular options.
The average rental cost for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center is $600 per month. However, outside the main areas, it can run as low as $250 per month and rarely exceeds $500. When it’s time to finalize the details of your rental agreement, be prepared to pay your rental deposit in cash.
Finding a Job in Thailand
If you intend to work in Thailand, it’s best to find a job before you arrive and have your Thai employer sponsor your visa and work permit.
This is also advisable given that finding a job in Thailand can be difficult for expats. One reason for this is that the country legally prohibits expats from working certain jobs.
Some of the jobs that immigrants are barred from doing include:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Civil engineering
- Clerical work
- Construction
- Hairdresser
- Tour guide
To avoid having to navigate the complicated Thai job market, many expats choose to be digital nomads who work remotely for non-Thai companies. If you are considering this move, you might want to read these 31 Tips for Digital Nomads.
Banking and Finances in Thailand
The standard currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Foreigners can open a bank account in Thailand but must do so in person.
When opening a bank account, you will need to provide the following:
- Proof of your non-immigrant visa
- Proof of your work permit (if you have a work visa)
- A letter from your school (if you have a study visa)
- Valid passport
Some banks may ask for proof of Thai residency, such as a copy of your residence permit or rental agreement.
If you work in Thailand, you’ll pay income taxes on money earned from your Thai employer. However, if you earn income abroad, you will only pay taxes on that income if the payment was remitted to Thailand in the year it was earned.
Education in Thailand
Expat families with school-aged children can choose from more than 150 international schools across 18 cities in Thailand. Most of them are located in and around Bangkok.
Bilingual, private, and public schools are also available, and homeschooling is legal. However, just keep in mind that where you send your child can have a big impact on their education. Schools in urban areas have high, rigorous standards, while those in more rural areas often lack resources.
Adults looking to study in Thailand will find that many colleges and universities teach classes in English. For instance, Mahidol University in Salaya and Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok are two of the best in the country.
Thai Culture and Language
Approximately 88% of all people in Thailand speak Thai, the national language. Nearly half the country also speaks English, which students learn at local schools.
Communicating in English won’t be a problem in major cities and tourist areas. However, it’s best to know the Thai language if you plan to visit or live in a rural, less populated part of the country. If you don’t already speak it, there are many language classes available for adults.
Like any country, Thailand has a unique culture. For example, it is not uncommon to have several generations live together under one roof, which might not be the norm in your home country. Family tradition is important in Thailand, and the elderly are treated with the utmost respect.
Here are some other Thai cultural traditions that are good to be aware of:
- Women are expected to dress modestly, especially when visiting Buddhist temples
- Never touch anyone’s head or pass anything over someone’s head, as the head is considered sacred
Thailand is also known as the “Land of Smiles”. The Thai word “sanuk” means fun, but for the Thai people, it’s not just a word – it’s a way of life. Thai nationals are always looking for the fun and joy in everything they do.
Healthcare in Thailand
Thailand has a Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) that provides mostly free medical treatment to Thai citizens. All Thai workers contribute 5% of their income to cover the cost of medical care nationwide.
However, foreigners legally working in Thailand are not covered by the UCS unless they have permanent residency or are employed by a Thai company. In this case, they will need to take out a private health insurance plan to ensure they have coverage for any routine or unexpected health concerns.
Another benefit of buying private health coverage in Thailand is having access to English-speaking doctors and staff, newer medical equipment, and shorter wait times.
There are several plans to choose from, including the following:
Cigna Global Medical Plan
- Flexibility to tailor plans to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted doctors
- Convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and plus optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage areas and deductibles
- Freedom to choose your health care provider
U.S. citizens planning on moving to Thailand can also apply for the following plan:
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
As you might expect, the premium you pay will vary depending on the insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and select the right plan to suit your needs and budget. You can read more about this in our article on health insurance for foreigners in Thailand.
Read About: Hospitals in Thailand
Ready to Call Thailand Home?
With its vibrant culture, warm climate, low crime rate, and affordable cost of living, it’s no wonder that Thailand is such a popular destination among expats. And if you are fortunate enough to call this country home, you have a wealth of stunning natural landscapes and bustling cities to explore on your doorstep.
Related:
- The Safest Places to Live in Thailand
- The 5 Best Places to Live in Thailand
- The Best Resources for Expats in Asia
- Moving Abroad Checklist
