Moving to Thailand
Thailand stands as a leading Asian destination for expats because it offers friendly locals, beautiful tropical landscapes, and delicious food options. The nation provides residents with an excellent combination of affordable living costs and high quality of life during their relocation for work, retirement, or personal exploration.
Residents who move to Thailand need to decide about their visa status, where they will live, and how they will adjust to Thai cultural traditions. A professional moving company enables you to simplify your relocation process which results in a successful beginning.
This guide covers what you need to know to prepare for life in Thailand with confidence.
Overview
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy located in Southeast Asia. The region unites the contemporary urban experience of Bangkok with the peaceful coastal communities and beautiful mountainous areas which exist in the northern part of the country.
- Capital: Bangkok
- Population: ~70 million
- Language: Thai (English is commonly spoken in cities and tourist areas)
- Religion: Predominantly Buddhist
- Climate: Tropical with three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool
- Popular Expat Hubs: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin
The infrastructure of Thailand exists at a high standard while urban regions provide easy access to services that speak English. Most expats find adaptation straightforward because experienced movers who have experience working in their destination country provide them with assistance.
Visa and Immigration Process
Thailand offers various visa categories depending on your purpose of stay. Expats typically start their stay in Thailand through tourist or business visas before they can obtain extended stay visas.
Common Visa Types
- Non-Immigrant B Visa: For foreign employees, business owners, or skilled professionals
- Work Permit: Required alongside the Non-B Visa for legal employment
- Education Visa: For students enrolled in Thai institutions or language schools
- Retirement Visa (O-A or O-X): For those aged 50+ meeting income or savings requirements
- Dependent Visa: For family members of foreign residents
- Elite Visa: Long-term stay option with added privileges (fee-based)
Application Process
The application process for long-stay visas needs a sponsor from either an employer or school and supporting documents which must be submitted to a Thai embassy or consulate for review. Newcomers need to enroll with immigration services and they must attend 90-day check-ins following their entry into the country.
Asian Tigers provides its clients with individualized relocation assistance through its network of trustworthy advisors who will explain visa choices and help with visa application processes. Explore our visa and immigration services.
Cost of Living
Thailand offers excellent value for expats, especially outside of central Bangkok. The costs for healthcare services along with food, transportation, and utility bills remain at affordable levels.
Monthly Budget Estimates (THB)
Profile | Bangkok Range (THB) |
Single expat | ฿40,000 – ฿80,000 |
Family of four | ฿100,000 – ฿180,000+ |
Sample Cost Breakdown
- Rent: ฿15,000 – ฿60,000/month depending on location and amenities
- Groceries: ฿8,000 – ฿15,000/month
- Dining out: ฿50 – ฿150 at local eateries; ฿300 – ฿800+ at mid-range restaurants
- Transport: BTS/MRT passes ~฿1,200/month; Grab and taxis widely used
- Utilities: ฿2,000 – ฿5,000/month (higher with A/C use)
Bangkok is more expensive than Chiang Mai or beach towns, but still lower than many Western cities.
Housing and Accommodation
The housing market in Thailand provides residents with multiple options which include modern condos, serviced apartments, and villas. Most expats choose to rent their homes during their initial period of residence in the country.
Common Housing Types
- Condominiums: Found across all major cities; secure and well-managed
- Serviced Apartments: Ideal for short-term or corporate stays
- Houses/Villas: Common in suburban areas or beach destinations
Expat-Friendly Neighborhoods
City | Popular Areas |
Bangkok | Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Ari, Phrom Phong |
Chiang Mai | Nimmanhaemin, Old City, Hang Dong |
Phuket | Patong, Kata, Rawai, Boat Lagoon |
Hua Hin | Town center, Khao Takiab, Palm Hills |
Our company provides protected storage solutions which will safeguard your possessions until your home becomes available. The home search support service helps you find suitable properties which fulfill your needs and fit your available time.
Education System
Thailand has a strong network of international schools that offer globally recognized curricula, including IB, British, American, and others.
School Options
- International Schools: Best suited for expat children; English instruction
- Bilingual/Private Thai Schools: Offer lower tuition and cultural integration
- Public Schools: Mostly Thai-speaking and rarely chosen by expat families
Leading International Schools
- Bangkok: NIST International, Bangkok Patana, ISB
- Chiang Mai: Prem Tinsulanonda, CMIS
- Phuket: British International School Phuket (BISP)
- Pattaya: Regent’s International School
Students at educational institutions must pay tuition fees which amount to between ฿300,000 and more than ฿800,000 each year depending on their grade and their selected school.
Asian Tigers helps you compare options and manage the application process through our school search support.
Cultural Integration and Lifestyle
Thai culture welcomes visitors through its doors but visitors who want to build proper relationships with locals need to understand their traditional customs.
Language
Thai functions as the national language of Thailand but English usage remains common in urban areas where service industry workers and young residents commonly speak it. Learning basic Thai phrases is helpful and appreciated.
Etiquette Tips
- A respectful wai (bow with palms together) is the standard greeting
- Avoid touching people’s heads or pointing feet toward others
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or official places
- Keep calm, public displays of anger are frowned upon
Celebrations and Holidays
- Songkran (Thai New Year, mid-April)
- Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights, November)
- King’s Birthday, Makha Bucha, and other Buddhist holidays
Thailand offers an active lifestyle through its blend of modern and traditional aspects which attracts people who want to experience both serene nature and vibrant social activities.
Settling into Life in Thailand
Thailand offers residents a well-balanced affordable way of life through its position as one of Southeast Asia’s most suitable places to live. The success of expats depends on their receipt of appropriate preparation and support which their local community should provide.
Asian Tigers operates as a major moving company across Asia because it provides decades of expertise to assist people and their families through successful relocation processes. Our professional movers provide complete services which include packing and customs handling and delivery support and they maintain secure storage solutions for your belongings throughout your move.
Curious about life in Thailand? Ask Cindy, our 24/7 AI assistant, anything about your move.
If you’re planning a move to Thailand, we’re here to help from start to finish.
Contact us today
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