Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Thailand is not only popular among tourists, but it has remained a popular destination of digital nomads who come to the country to take advantage of the sun, life, and above all, low maintenance cost. It is a great option for those who are just moving to the country for the first time and want to develop skills.

Guess what! I started my adventure with digital nomadism in Thailand, and as of today, I’ve been able to achieve greatness. After spending two long years in Thai school, I have had enough, and ever since then, I’ve started working on the internet. The Land of Smile (Thailand) turned out to be very friendly to digital nomads, and it’s no wonder their capital city has become their Mecca.

If you’ve been surfing the internet, trying to get the latest information about living in Thailand as a remote worker, look no further as we’ve got you covered. However, do not miss the links to another post regarding the Dating in Thailand expat guide. This will prepare you for your next trip to living in Thailand.

As we’ve compiled the pros and cons of living in Thailand as an expat, we would love to examine the factors to consider when finding remote work. Imagine swapping your view of an office building for the pristine beaches of Thailand; you could skip your early morning commute and enjoy your work here.

Nonetheless, we will extend our explanation from living in Thailand expat guide to living in Thailand as a remote worker or digital nomad. This concept entails the relationship between working from home and working in the office. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, how do you cope with this factor? Read further!

Understanding Remote Legal Work in Thailand

In Thailand, you can enjoy collecting wages of about $50 per week from the comfort of your home. While doing this, you can explore different cities during the weekends. To top it off, you can work the same job in the office for the same pay. While this kind of lifestyle is amazing, it’s only restricted to the digital nomads in the country. With that being said, what is the status of remote workers in the Land of Smile?

Well, without a work permit, having a good job in Thailand may seem complicated. In fact, it’s hardly a surprise that Thailand is one of the top locations for digital nomads and remote workers. According to the overall ranking by Nomad List, there are up to five countries in the top 100 nomad location list.

Among these cities are Chiang Mai, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi. And, of course, these rankings are to be taken with a pinch of salt. This is because; it depends on the kind of lifestyle and experience you’re looking to get in those cities mentioned. Now, what’s remote work in Thailand?

Well, Thailand is a good bet if you’re looking for a relatively lower cost of living. As mentioned in our previous articles, your money goes a long way even while you reside in Bangkok, one of the most expensive cities in the country. What’s more, you can always count on friendly locals, sunshine, and even great foods. Aside from that, it’s a world-famous nation for its cheap and delicious street eats.

Furthermore, if you choose to live in big cities like Bangkok, be aware of crowded traffic and air pollution. And always remember that a well-connected subway and train system isn’t the country’s strong suit either, and foreigners may also struggle with tropical diseases if you live I the rural areas.

Work Permits/Visas for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

When it comes to digital nomad visas or freelance work permits in Thailand, there’s a Smart Visa type to explore. This type of visa allows four years of stay in the country, but it’s currently only a proposal by the Board of Investment (BOI), which the Centre has approved of COVID-19 Situation Administration, and pending Cabinet approval.

Let’s quickly walk you through the brief about this work permit or visa for digital nomads in the country. Under the proposal by BOI, those on a tourist visa to the country would be able to transfer to a Smart Visa as long as they have the following documents.

• Proof of qualification and at least three years of experience
• Proof of employment contract with a foreign firm for at least six months and above

In addition, this Smart Visa was launched in 2018, designed to enhance Thailand’s attractiveness by drawing science and technology experts, startups, senior executives, and investors. But, in the long run, it was only a handful of foreigners that have been granted the visa due to COVID-19 restrictions, and all.

As such, the Board of Investments is hoping to loosen the requirements by allowing foreign freelancers worldwide to apply for this visa. And it will cover the majority of digital nomads and remote workers.

Working Without a Permit in Thailand as a Digital Nomads

Of course, always know that working without a permit or valid visa in Thailand is illegal. While this doesn’t stop people from working remotely in the country, you must adhere to the rules and regulations stated. This is because; many people arrive on tourist visas and do visa runs.

This goes against the immigration rules, but it is impractical due to COVID-19 quarantine requirements. Besides, it’s also a huge risk for foreigners wanting to relocate to Thailand, and we will not advise users to follow this path. With that being said, be wary of any travel agents that promise instant remote work in the country.

The Golden rule is that; the work permit office in Thailand will mainly be concerned if the work you’re doing takes away work from the country’s security, and they are affected in a wider sense. So, if you’re moving to Thailand without a permit or valid visa, it’s best to seek advice from a visa agency or immigration lawyers to avoid facing jailed terms in the country.

Digital Nomad Cases for Foreigners in Thailand

To help you understand the digital nomad process well, we have revealed some of the questions and answers to help you while living in Thailand as an expat. These are the cases that could help you avoid COVID-19 restrictions and others rules while enjoying your remote work in your comfort zone.

Can a Digital Nomad works on his online shop?

Of course, as a digital nomad, you’re allowed to manage your online shop during the duration of your stay in the country without a permit. Even if some of your customers are in Thailand, you can continue to do business considered you follow the right footstep, and you didn’t go against any immigration rules.

Can a website designer offer his service to follow digital nomads?

Yes, it’s clearly stated by the immigration rules that you can work for your colleague as a digital nomad. However, it would be better to have a valid work permit. This is because; some immigration experts might request that you show your visa, valid work permit, and other documents to do that here.

Can a foreigner export product overseas?

If the products are taken from Thailand to another country, a foreigner can definitely export different products to other countries. In fact, you can also sit in your apartment and teaches Chinese students the English language online via different platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and many others, to mention a few.

Can a travel blogger write about Thailand?

 Of course, travel bloggers can write as digital nomads in Thailand. Although a Thai person could have done this work but if you have where you can get the right information, you can proceed. Meanwhile, if the blogger is an international blogger writing about a different location, the government or immigration process can allow this without a work permit.

Can a businessman travel for business purposes?

YES, a business person can meet business partners, discuss business opportunities and merchandise products with potential buyers and sign contracts on behalf of his company. Also, Thailand has an agreement regarding the International Labour Organization, and the foreigners must adhere.

Can a farang-Thai couple own a restaurant?

Well, we can confidently tell you that this is common! Furthermore, if the foreigner is only sitting in the restaurant but not serving customers, not training or managing staff, they don’t need a work permit, but if the person is involved in other activities, he does need a work permit to function well.

Can a yoga teacher teach periodically in the country?

It’s no doubt that a foreign yoga teacher can teach periodically in the country. On the other hand, you might need a work permit to function well while teaching in Thailand. Not only that, but the country’s immigration might restrict you from certain things while teaching.

Can Digital Nomad play music in a bar?

Well, while you’re traveling to this country as an expat, it would be better to follow the instruction given. The digital nomad, if you have the necessary visa requirements, you can work in the country without disturbance. On the other hand, you might get kicked out by immigration if you don’t follow the rules as stated.

Pros and Cons of Digital Nomadism in Thailand

The concept of a digital nomad in Thailand has been a great concern for expat in recent years. However, the global spread of COVID-19 that kept people at home has made remote work become a normal lifestyle. With that being said, many expats have been using this opportunity to relocate to the country.

Thailand is ideally a new place to combine vacation and remote working for your new digital nomad lifestyle in 2021. Thanks to today’s technology that makes things are more efficient in all sorts of ways. Now, we are no longer tied to our office desk, which has given us more opportunities to relocate abroad.

However, it’s quite okay to weigh the benefits and negative impacts of remote work in Thailand. While the COVID-19 pandemic has strongly accelerated the communities of digital nomads, there are many disadvantages attached to these awesome online jobs. Without further ado, take a look at the pros and cons as listed below.

Digital Nomads in Thailand at a Glance

• You’ll enjoy suitable internet in Thailand
• Food is available in all restaurants for nearly 24 hours a day
• Excellent healthcare system and a rich/beautiful nature landscape
• Affordable cost of living and convenient lifestyle is available for everyone
• You’ll enjoy a variety of workspace and facility that meets your needs
• Excellent hospitality and friendly people everywhere

Pros

Favorable Weather Condition

Whether it’s in the rainy season or during sunshine, you’ll definitely enjoy working in Thailand. This is solely because; the temperature is always around 35 degrees. So, as an expat or foreigner wanting to relocate to Thailand because of its digital nomad situation, it would be better to know the weather.

Low Prices in Thailand

As mentioned earlier in our previous article, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low compared to other Western countries. Nonetheless, the price often includes a gym or swimming pool. On the flip side, it’s not easy to stay and save despite the low cost of living in the country.

Enjoy a Comfortable Life

It’s undoubtedly true that freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the country. In fact, this could happen, especially when they live in Thailand only for a short time, while everything seems to be easier and less complicated.

Large Community

Again, foreigners or digital nomads living in Thailand will surely enjoy a large community, and it offers. There are many digital nomads in Thailand, and this has made living easier for people wanting to know more about the country’s cultural background, traditions, norms, and many others, to mention a few.

Negative Aspect of Digital Nomad

Visa Procedures

While living in Thailand as a remote worker or digital nomad, you should be prepared for immigration challenges. Sometimes, you might be working along the street, and a uniform officer stops you. In this case, they’ll charge you to the necessary immigration bodies. However, this could lead to deportation in the long run. But you can avoid this by getting a six-month Thailand visa and go for a visa runs afterward.

Poor Internet in Some Location

Poor internet can be frustrating in some locations in Thailand. But mostly, you can get a WI-FI in cafes and apartments, which is quite fair enough. If you teach an online course, you’ll definitely need a good connection. This means you’ll have to invest in better internet to function well in the country.

Language Barrier

Sometimes, it might be hard to make friends in Thailand if you don’t understand their language. Besides, many locals would love you to speak a bit of the Thai language to make friends. So, we advise that you learn the basics of the Thai language before you relocate to the country.

Difficult Transport

Although moving around the city is not so difficult, you could face some challenges moving to other parts of the country. The capital city of Thailand is well developed, but you might need to order a ride to get around in some of the rural areas in the country.

Extremely Crowded Cities

Well, as an expat, you should understand that getting to any country might be complicated, especially their cities. Thailand is not excluded as you might face challenges of coping with a crowded population during the day. In the long run, this could hinder your movement while exploring the country.

What Digital Nomads Should Know in Thailand

Surprisingly, there are many things to keep in mind as a digital nomad in Thailand. Before you become a digital nomad, it’s even worth getting acquainted with some facts about the local life in the country. After that, you can avoid unnecessary drama and quickly get used to the new reality of a remote worker.

You are in the Country Illegally

This factor, unfortunately, is the truth. If you’re working as a digital nomad – you’re not paying tax in Thailand, and you don’t have a valid work permit, you’re living in the country illegally. Therefore, it’s best no to speak out loud about what you’re doing to avoid the uniform men problem in the cities.

Thai people are nice locals, but you never know when you’ll recognize that you’ve lost honor and go to the immigration office with a message about a farang who works illegally in the country. Of course, there are thousands of digital nomads in Thailand, but it’s better to have legal documents.

Six-month Multiple Entry Visa

As of today, digital nomads can use a six-month multiple entry visa. On the flip side, you can apply for 90 days or enter the country through the visa exemption procedures. Also, having a tourist visa in Thailand means that you will have to enter and leave the country from time to time, which involves costs and the loss of valuable items.

Only Chiang Mai is the Capital of Digital Nomads

You must have heard already that this is one of the best places for digital nomads. This is because; there are plenty of digital nomads in the city. If you’re the type that likes company, want to meet others at workshops, this city in the north of Thailand is the right choice.

Aside from this fact, the city has a really great atmosphere, and its popularity has brought many cheats who want to put others in a bottle. Also, Chiang Mai has lost a bit of charm, but it’s gradually becoming a place where digital nomads can enjoy their lifestyle without threat from a third party.

Digital Nomads are Not Insured

It’s quite common to note that you’ll have to care for yourself while working as a digital nomad in Thailand. If you go to another country after Thailand and do not have a return ticket to your country of residence, you may have problems getting compensation from most insurers.

When writing this post, there is no official digital nomad health insurance, but some companies are making an effort to accommodate them. The cost might be lower, making it affordable for all remote workers to enroll in a private healthcare system in the country.

Prepare for Unstable Connection in the Country

As an expat planning to relocate to this country as a remote worker, it’s quite essential to know that there’s an unable connection. However, the connection may be good in some areas, but it’s better to prepare for problems. Also, rent a good apartment and buy a connection package from the best vendor.

3 Best Places to Visit for Workation

After you might have gone through the selection as stated in this article, it would be better to know the 3-best places to visit in the country. For typical travelers, Thailand is a beach and food paradise, and it’s a perfect choice for a digital nomad lifestyle. Now, let’s quickly highlight the three best places for workation.

Chiang Mai City

In today’s digital world, this is one of the best places for an expat to live an enjoyable digital nomad lifestyle. The city is a cultural hub in the north and has been a popular destination for remote workers around the globe.

Bangkok City

Bangkok had made it to the second on our top three lists of cities for the digital nomad. This place is a crowded city, and there are lots of funs to explore. The upside for Bangkok is a super-fast internet connection and unlimited cafes with an abundance of luxury and affordable condominiums.

Koh Lanta City

This is one of the tropical island places in the South of Thailand with a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere. This city is safe, and family and friends with many beach activities will enjoy the country.

Conclusion

In most cases, many Digital Nomads that stay in Thailand for a long time are viewed as doing work by authorities. This means you actually need a work permit to enjoy your remote work lifestyle in the country. Nonetheless, if you think you’ve fallen in love with the content above, kindly drop your comment below. For more information, refer to our previous articles to know better.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Have you ever dreamt about living in Thailand? With a world-class, vibrant nightlife, scuba diving sites, tropical temperatures, and low cost of living, you’ll see that Thailand is one of the best destinations for expats. They have been attracting incomers for decades, offering the convenience of urban life.

Thailand is one of the world’s most popular locales for good living overseas. And there are lots of reasons to relocate to this country. For pennies on the dollar, you can get a year-round tropical climate and access Thailand’s modern comforts and conveniences, including affordable, high-quality life and medical care.

However, there’s something special about this corner of the world. Guess what!  It’s an exotic place to live a comfortable lifestyle without headaches and extra expenses. In no doubt, Thailand is a country with souls. You can dine out on delicious Thai food, go to the cinemas, and enjoy beach weekend.

As a newbie traveling to another country, you should be carried away with the extravagant lifestyle. [Thailand’s lifestyle is vibrant, friendly, and rewarding. This way, you should be wary of the kind of outdoor activities you engage in. Besides, you’ll often hear newcomers express their surprise at how easy it is to find world comfort in Thailand.

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered in this article. Our primary aim is to explain the concept of living in Thailand in today’s modern world. While we’re explaining this concept, we will also walk you through the pros and cons of living in Thailand. Are you ready to check what we’ve unleashed for you? If you answered yes, read further for more details.

Rundown of Thailand popular Expat Havens

As said earlier that this country is a place where you can experience ancient traditions; there are many places for expats to visit. While still enjoying the comforts of home, it’s quite essential to explore different outdoor activities. But where do you want to start from? Worry less as we’ve listed them.

Chiang Mai: Slower Pace of Life and Mountain Views

This is located near the foothills of northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is one of the most popular places for those expats seeking a calmer and more cultured way of life in Thailand. As the center of northern Thai, this place is home to hundreds of Buddhist temples, with a rich history dated back to 800 years.

Meanwhile, with an average temperature of around 77 F during the cool season, Chiang Mai seems to hold the best weather in the country. Aside from this fact, you’ll find impressive dining options, movie theaters featuring first-run films, western malls, and many others, to mention a few.

Koh Samui: Tropical Haven in Thailand

When it comes to experiencing the ideal beach abroad, many expats would love to visit Koh Samui. The palm-lined beaches, year-round tropical weather, Azure Ocean, and other affordable outdoor activities make for an ultra-easy living and comfortable lifestyle.

Just an hour-and-a-half flight from the Thai capital of Bangkok, this is a popular place for everyone looking to enjoy amazing life in Thailand. More so, you can enjoy excellent life and access quality healthcare, where a basic doctor can charge you nothing less than $25, while there’s plenty to keep you busy.

In addition, you’ll definitely see foreigners coming to Koh Samui because of the sun, sand, and sea. Also, they are affordable, and you can also find a quiet beach and enjoy the surf or sunset. Meanwhile, it’s home to more than sixty-three thousand people, dubbed for a good reason along with tourism and fishing.

Bangkok: Modern and Affordable in Thailand

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, was the former Chinese trading port situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. With gleaming skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and world-class public transit, the benefits of living in this city cannot be overemphasized. Today, a lot of foreigners flock here for a multicultural vibe.

However, in Bangkok, you can enjoy a bowl of noodles for as low as $2 at some of the best street food stalls in Asia. On the other hand, you can spend about $100 or more if you want a pick from one of the city’s classiest restaurants. That’s why you see a majority of expats choosing to live in the heart of the city.

Hua Hin: Wonderful Relaxed Seaside Retreat

This place is known as the country’s quiet fishing village. It’s a place to enjoy a great night market in the town.  Not only that, but you can also get your shopping fix and stop at one of the area’s seafood stalls to get the day’s freshest catch.  For more than a decade now, Hua Hin has hosted an annual jazz festival featuring local and international musicians.

Phuket: A Beach Lifestyle with Amenities

Nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of Phuket, especially when approaching the region by air and exploring the jangled-topped mountains. Meanwhile, this Thailand’s largest island is home and paradise to many expats. So, if you truly want to enjoy your lifestyle, this is the best place to create your adventure.

Again, Phuket offers easy-going lifestyles depending on your preference and choice. Similarly, one of the biggest draws for many expats is the comfortable and convenient lifestyle.  Also, you can enjoy some of the best seafood, just like the Hua Hin place, while clubs welcome newcomers and offer cycling to sailing, top-notch medical care, and other amenities, to mention a few.

Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

The Southeast Asian country of Thailand is about the size of California. Here, you can enjoy a nice space along the Indochina Peninsula while boarding Malaysia, Laos, and Cambodia. When you look at many international lists of countries, you’ll see that they have their benefits and cons, while Thailand is no different. Without further ado, let’s walk you through the pros and cons of living in Thailand.

Pros

1.    A Kingdom filled with Natural Beauty

If you’re a fan of grand outdoor adventures, then you should be looking to relocate to Thailand. In fact, you’re going to find beaches all over the places that are worthy of being on a postcard. Thailand has strange rock formations, isolated islands, and limestone cliffs that provide unique vistas worth exploring. Even the cities offer their natural beauty as there’s an intriguing mix of activities.

2.    Thailand’s Incredible Food

Thailand’s food continues to remain one of the most popular choices in the world. In Thailand, you’ll find sweet items like coconut milk matching with chili paste and different salty combinations.  Again, natural ingredients are stable in the country, combining herbs and vegetables that dominate the menu.

3.    A Relatively Safe Country

If you’re an American thinking of relocating to a safe country, Thailand is one of the best options. On the other hand, you’ll need to monitor the website of the State Department to determine whether the country has any alert regarding worldwide cautions of living in Thailand as of today.

4.    Variety of Housing Options

In Thailand, you’ll find various housing options even if you decide to live in the city. Alternatively, you can rent an apartment if you want and take advantage of the traditional housing market in the country. However, if you’re unable to speak the country’s language, finding a place to live can be difficult.

Moreover, some landlords may haggle in English if they choose to raise the price of the apartment. So, ensure to learn the local language before relocating to Thailand as of today’s digital world. Moreover, it may be helpful if you hire an interpreter to negotiate the price on your behalf.

5.    Becoming a Vegetarian

This can also contribute to one of the first things that’d make you love the country. This is because; you can be a vegetarian in Thailand without disturbing yourself or disturbing the government. This means you can make your way over to the “Jai” stall to have plenty of options to choose from. In addition to this, you can live in Bangkok if you don’t like the idea of this advantage.

6.    Friendly Community

In Thailand, you won’t be alone if you decide to start living here. This is because the locals are friendly and you can enjoy different outdoor activities with the citizens. More so, Thailand and Bangkok are the international hubs for unique cultures and traditions. Also, if you attend a dinner party during your first day, it is unusual to have everyone at the table.

7.    Plenty of Opportunities to Have Fun

As said earlier, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun in Thailand. While you’re enjoying different outdoor activities, you can go out and have fun with the citizens. However, you can also see new art galleries in the city or take a stroll through the local market if you want.

Cons

1.    Minimum Qualification to Retirement

Thailand offers a retirement visa that can make it very for expat to migrate. Meanwhile, there are some qualifications that you must meet before the government can approve your stay in the country. You’ll need to earn at least more than 60,000 baht per month to qualify for this process, and that money must go through a new Thai bank.

2.    Weather in Thailand

The weather in Thailand has its fair share of days where the weather feels like it is perfect. Also, you can discover that when you start living in Thailand, nearly about 50 percent of your time will be stuck managing conditions.  Moreover, the rainy season can create havoc when you’re trying to get around.

3.    Violence Can Strike Anytime

Surprisingly, violence can spike in Thailand without proper information from the government. Aside from this fact, the numbers of physical attacks or issues with property theft are not as common as they are in the developed countries. Also, when you first move to this kingdom, ensure you go out with friends.

As history disclosed, the Thailand government promised an election in 2016, but King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in 20216 to make the election canceled. Not only because of this fact, but the government decided to postpone the elections for three years to celebrate the loss of a monarchial system that reign for more than seventy years in power.

4.    Negative Attitudes Directed Towards Foreigners

Since the citizens believed that their country is safe and beautiful, they develop negative attitudes directed towards expats. This means, if you wear bikinis in Thailand as an expat, you may not be safe as the citizen look down on such person. That’s why you need to be careful of your actions and dressings.

5.    Language Barrier in Thailand

Most expats in Thailand will likely encounter a language barrier when they first arrive. Although almost everyone in the urban areas can speak English but most locals do not speak it very well. Instead, they prefer to speak and communicate in Thai, which means that not speaking Thai can make it seem like an alienating experience.

Top 10 Hard truths of Living in Thailand

To round up the search and understand more about living in Thailand, these hard truths are useful. Although Thailand is a land of smiles but you should consider this fact as important before planning your relocation. Moreover, there may be bumps along the way. Regardless of this, below are the truths.

Thailand Visas Can Be a Pain

There are many visa options to relocate to Thailand, but this could be a pain in the neck at times. Between the Non-BB visa, Tourist visa, Elite visa, retirement visa, Smart visa, and education visa, you can usually fernangle a long-term stay in Thailand.  You should ask yourself why you need to relocate to Thailand.

Corruption Is Like a Business in Thailand

When you think of Nigeria as a corrupt nation, don’t be surprised that this West-Africa country has its brother named Thailand. If you call it corruption, they call it business in Thailand. In fact, the country has a long history of independence and hasn’t been tainted with a lot of western influence.

Surprisingly, most Thais will be delighted to remind you of this fact. However, the downside is that your perception of western efficiencies and customs will be challenged whenever you want to do justice to the country’s corruption.

Thais and Paperwork Are 5&6

Thai bureaucracy and the Thais love paperwork a lot. So, don’t be bewildered when you have seen tons of paperwork with simple tasks. Despite computers and the modern world banking system, you’ll still see many paperwork generated at the expense of perfectly good trees in several quantities difficult to fathom.

Business Can Be Challenging

Despite the US NGO voting system, Thailand could be quite difficult for an expat to do business. If you finally see one, it can also be expensive. So, we will advise you to free your mind from anything you’ve learned about starting or doing a business in Thailand. In this sense, do it all yourself at your peril.

Bar Girls Never Loved You

While many westerners seem to gravitate to Thailand to indulge in the local pleasures, a long-term relationship can be challenging. Even though you see beautiful girls that want you, don’t be deceived, as they don’t love you. Meanwhile, you’ll have better luck on Tinder dating; Heaven forbid while taking out on a date can allow you to know your partner better.

Don’t Lose Your Control with Food

Stamp your feet, and don’t lose control with Thailand food. As mentioned earlier, Thailand has incredible cuisine, and with this in mind, it’s better to point at the absurdity of the situation repeatedly. This means, losing control will not help your situation but cause a problem.

Queues and Waiting Are Normal

It’s no doubt that queues (lines) and waiting are just a normal way of life in Thailand. Whether waiting in the immigration queue at the airport, or a public hospital, your wait is just a function of all the other systems that lead to delays in the country. It might be well-argued that it’s not only Thailand that practices the system of queuing as you can experience that in other countries.

Two-tier Pricing Policy

If you go to any small restaurant in Thailand, there are two-tier pricing policy systems that you’ve probably never noticed as an expat. Of course, the menus for the tourists have the same food items at higher prices. However, if you go to any national park in the country, the entry price for foreigners can be as much as 1000 percent higher. This is just a fact in Thailand, much-debated, and you probably just need to accept this fact as an expat.

Constant Change in Services

As an expat, you don’t need to refer to something done in the past as the normal way it should be done in Thailand. Immigration rules, business rules, road rule enforcement, and negotiation with police are subjected to constant change. So, the way the country treats some things may be different every time.

Moving To Thailand Will Do Wonders

Like many expats will tell, moving to Thailand will do wonders! The truth is; moving to this country is no doubt the best option for an expat. The foods are wonderful and cheap while the cleaner in your home comes once a week. And your life will have little stress, and with little stress comes a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand

If you’re planning to move abroad for the first time, it’s quite essential to know the frequently asked questions by some expats. This will guide you through the process and understand what you need, why you need them, and the purpose they serve. Without much talk, let’s review some of the questions.

When is the best time to go to Thailand?

Depending on your travel interest, the best time to travel to this country will always differ. Ultimately, the cool season between November and February seems to be the most pleasant time to visit Thailand as the temperature sits around the late 20s.

Is getting to this country easy?

If you follow the guidelines stated in our articles, you’ll find Thailand easy to relocate. From Australia, you can use daily direct flights scheduled to depart from the major cities to Bangkok. You can refer to our article about moving to Thailand for more information.

Can I hire a car in the country?

Of course, yes! You can hire a car in Thailand. Meanwhile, to drive in Thailand, you must have a valid international license or a driver’s license in English from your home country. Also, unlike in Australia and the United Kingdom, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Thailand.

Are things expensive once I arrive?

Thailand is considered an expensive country, but you can enjoy a moderate budget while living in this country. Of course, you can live an expensive lifestyle, but even those seeking luxury will find the prices in Thailand expensive. So, things are not really on the high price.

What is Thailand’s currency?

Since its inception, the Thai Baht is the official currency of Thailand. However, you should know that each Baht is divided into 100 satangs, and a typical meal in the country will cost approximately 150 Baht. So, get used to this currency and its value before you arrive in the country.

Do I need a passport to get to Thailand?

Just like other countries, Thailand is no different from using a passport.  Australians with a current passport valid for at least six months after departure may travel through Thailand for about thirty days without requiring a visa.

Do I need travel insurance in Thailand?

Of course, every traveler will need travel insurance. Whether your kind of holiday is found within the secure grounds of your beachside resort, small accidents can arise without insurance. But with travel insurance, peace of mind is guaranteed.

Conclusion

Living in Thailand as an ex-pat has plenty of benefits and disadvantages. When you’re moving to the country, it’s essential to consider various pros and cons. Nonetheless, you’ll enjoy living in a beautiful country that has an amazing natural landscape, nature reserves, beach islands, and more.