China Vs Thailand For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

Thailand is filled with opportunities as well as obstacles. There are several pros and cons to living there, which can be a great deal or a not-so-great deal depending on the person. Some people choose to live in Thailand because many items such as electronics and clothes are much cheaper. Well, let’s quickly take a look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

The Food

There are so many different types of food in Thailand. For someone who enjoys trying new things, this is a great place to live. There are the usual dishes that much of the world loves, such as Pad Thai and Kung Pao Chicken, but there are also more unusual delicacies such as insects and bugs.

The People

Thai people are some of the friendliest and most hospitable in the world. They will go out of their way to help you, even if they do not know you that well. Much Thai culture revolves around “Jai Yen,” which means roughly “cool heart.” It is seen as a positive trait to be friendly and helpful without expecting anything in return.

The Weather

The weather in Thailand is perfect for most of the year, with hot and sunny days and cool evenings at night. It only rains a few times per month, typically in the late afternoon or evening, so it will not interfere with your daily activities. Rains often last for a day or two, and they clear up quickly to sunny skies.

The Dining Options

With so many people coming from different parts of the world to live in Thailand, there are many options for dining out with friends and family. You can find almost any type of food you want, from traditional Thai dishes to different types of ethnic cuisine.

The Activities

Active people will be happy living in Thailand. There are many activities throughout the country to keep you busy and entertained. You can go walking, hiking, or biking through national parks and wildlife preservation areas. There is also lots of live entertainment and movies to see at night and sports events.

Cons

Cost of Living

Not only is the cost of living much higher in Thailand than in your home country, but it also changes. When I moved to Thailand for an extended stay about 3 years ago, 1,000 baht per day was considered a good budget. Nowadays, that amount wouldn’t even cover my hostel room for one night. Luckily, the cost of living in Thailand is still much lower than most European and US countries.

Expensive Public Transportation

The public transportation is good, but it’s expensive compared to taking a motorcycle or even a tuk-tuk. When you go on a trip outside the city using public transport, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are similar to motorcycle taxis, but they charge more and often drive like madmen/women (they’re the same thing, really). If you can get away with taking a motorcycle taxi instead of a tuk-tuk, do it. The only exception is having tons of luggage or a big group of people.

The Weather

The weather isn’t too bad in Thailand, but the humidity gets to everyone eventually. In addition, it’s difficult to escape from the heat and sweat while waiting for a bus, going on a hike, etc. Basically, wherever there is no air conditioning, it will be a hot and sticky situation.

The Monsoon Season

The monsoon season lasts from approximately July to October each year. During this time, the rain comes down non-stop every day, flooding happens quite often, and those who don’t have air conditioning can expect their electricity to go out daily.

Which One Is The Best, Thailand Or China?

Are you planning to travel to Asia? But do not know which country you should choose China or Thailand? This has been one of the most common dilemmas among travelers. They often ask whether it is better to visit China or Thailand first before they embark on their Asia tour. Well, this might be quite a difficult decision to make.

In reality, China and Thailand are both worth the visit. The truth is that there are a lot of similarities between these two countries. They have a rich culture and history which tourists from all over the world go gaga about. But at the same time, there are quite a fair number of differences.

So before you make your decision, here are some facts that might help answer which one is the best. First of all, it is very important to understand that China and Thailand are two different countries. Although they both share the same part of the world, each has its own culture, tradition, and language. So be open-minded.

Thailand’s culture is mostly influenced by India, while the West greatly influenced China. This means that Chinese people are well-known for having big eyes and yellowish skin, which Asians call ‘slanted.’ They also like to drink tea. On the other hand, Thais have dark brown skin with a perfect, blemish-free complexion. They also love to eat spicy food, just like Indonesians.

Chinese people are more reserved than Thais when interacting with strangers. This is especially true with the women since they are very conservative with their modesty and etiquette. But Chinese men are known to be friendly and open once you get to know them better.

On the other hand, Thais are very friendly and approachable people. They are known to smile easily and laugh even at the smallest things. Nonetheless, we will tell you to consider China if you’re coming to the country for the first.

Interesting Facts about Living in China

China is well-known for its rich history, customs, and culture. Many interesting facts about China sometimes don’t make it to the history books or make headline news. You can learn about living in China by reading through some interesting facts about Chinese life. Well, let’s quickly take a look at the interesting facts about living in China.

Chinese New Year

While many countries have a New Year’s holiday, China has two: Spring Festival and Chinese New Year. While Spring Festival is technically the first day of the lunar calendar, it is celebrated as a week-long festival from January 31 to February 5.  During that week, you can expect fireworks at midnight most nights, family dinners with a lot of meat, and a public holiday from work.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in China at the turn of the lunar calendar.  Called ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai,’ it begins on January 23 and ends on February 19.  This period includes a week-long vacation from work, fireworks every night for at least two weeks, and eating a ‘reunion dinner’ with family twice a day.  For an insight into the food consumed during this period, check out last year’s article on Chinese New Year Food.

The Great Firewall of China

The internet is not particularly free in China; the Great Firewall blocks many websites.  For example, any news article about North Korea is blocked in China for fear of ‘bad’ ties.  The list of blocked websites is long, but you can find an up-to-date list here.

The United Front Work Department

China has a department dedicated to spreading the Party’s influence to all levels of Chinese society.  This group, called the United Front Work Department, has a long history and is used to extend the Communist Party outside of mainland China.

The goals of this department are to maintain control and extend their power into many aspects of life: media, businesses, etc.  To accomplish this, United Front infiltrates these organizations and spreads the Party’s values until it is indistinguishable from the original.

Chinese Democracy

Though China has elections at many levels of government, they are not democratic in the western sense.  Even though there are multiple parties to choose from, candidates have already been picked by the Party’s internal process.  For instance, in local elections, I can choose between five candidates, but four of the five are running unopposed.

The only party not associated with the Communist Party is called ‘the China Democratic League’: a group of intellectuals and professionals formed in 1941 by Chinese emigrants (mostly businessmen) in the US.  Though this party seems to be independent, it has never won a local election outright and has always been under Party control by either direct membership or indirect infiltration.

Eating Dog

Not everyone in China eats dogs, but many do.  There are three theories as to why people eat dog meat: first, it was an easy protein source before the domestication of cows; second, they ate the meat to ward off summer heat; third, the dog is a delicacy reserved for special occasions.  Whatever the reason, dog-eating is a common practice in China and other countries that have been influenced by Chinese culture.

Is China Better Than Thailand For Expat?

In the past decade, there have been a massive amount of people from countries all around the world moving to China in hopes of achieving their goals. Is China more suitable than Thailand for expats? Of course, China has more opportunities, but it’s good to weigh your options before choosing.

Conclusion

Which country is better to go to, Thailand or China? This question depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Well, if you take a look at the benefits above, you can choose the one suitable for your need. Nonetheless, China has some excellent ancient history and culture that goes back thousands of years, and it is also the world’s superpower.

Thailand Vs Cambodia For Expats part 2 – Part one is here.

Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand

If you are thinking about living in Thailand or have already made up your mind, then it would be a good idea to read this article first. There’re always pros and cons of each decision we make in our life, so this article aims to help you understand the perks and downsides of settling and living in Thailand as an expat.

Pros

Low Cost of Living

Thailand is a very affordable country to live in. Upper-income countries like the United States and Germany, where it costs an average of $10000 per month to maintain a living standard, cost around $4000 / month (1USD = 35 THB) to maintain a similar living standard in Thailand. That leaves you with about 6 extra months of travel money every year.

Easy Visa Acquisition

If you are from an upper-income country, you can get 1-year multiple entry visas on arrival at the airport for free – no strings attached. If your country isn’t listed, don’t worry! You can apply online before you arrive and print out your visa. If you are arriving by land, you will have to apply for a visa before your arrival.

Great Weather

The weather is nice year-round, with temperatures averaging around 30°C/86°F with little fluctuation between seasons. The rainy season can range from November to February, with an average of 200mm/8in rainfall every month, but it’s usually dry for the rest of the year with very few short rain showers.

Beautiful Landscapes

Thailand is a large country, and you can definitely find yourself some incredible landscapes to explore in Thailand. Desert coasts, white sand beaches, limestone cliffs that jut out into the ocean – there has a little bit of everything to offer.

Authentic Culture and Thai Hospitality

There is much more than the touristy parts of Thailand to explore. The culture is matrifocal and humble, which isn’t something you can say about most touristy places in Southeast Asia. You’ll be blown away by the kind and genuine people you meet in Thailand.

Cons

The Driving

Thailand has some of the most dangerous roads globally, and not just because they allow foreigners to drive on the left side. It may be that Thais just don’t care about safety as much as we do. I’ve seen cars driving the wrong way down a road and motorcycles weaving through traffic with no hands.

The Bureaucracy

If you don’t bring your work permit into a police station every 90 days to have it stamped, the fine is 2000 baht. It’s also illegal for foreigners to work in 77 different jobs, most of which probably sounds boring to us. I think it’s silly, but most Thais support the law.

The Traffic

I’ve been stuck in traffic for 3 hours, once. If there’s construction, a parade, a funeral, or just too many people going somewhere at once, expect to wait an hour or two to get to where you need to go.

The Language

I studied the language in high school, and I’ve been speaking it for almost a decade now. Yet I still can’t read or write more than a word or two without consulting a dictionary. There are 44 consonants and 36 vowels, making over 100 distinct sounds in two languages.

The Heat

I’ve lived in New Orleans, so I know hot and humid. But Thailand takes it to another level — we’re talking sauna with a chance of drowning. The sun always shines here, too; even on cloudy days, the heat is unbearable. This way, at least, Thais and foreigners are equal.

Which One Is Best For Expat, Thailand or Cambodia?

For most people, it comes down to the question of what they like and where they can afford to live. Some Expats like the modern amenities and conveniences available in Thailand, while others prefer the atmosphere of Phnom Penh; some love Bangkok’s nightlife, and others love Siem Reap’s.

The first question to consider is whether you want to live in an urban center or a smaller town. If it’s the former, then Thailand wins hands down, with Bangkok being by far the largest city in that part of Asia and having all the main amenities you’d expect from a capital city.

Although Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia, it’s a very small city by world standards and doesn’t offer much in terms of modern conveniences for Expats.

You might want to consider that if you’re planning on retiring in Thailand or Cambodia, then your money probably won’t go as far as it would at home. The cost of living there is much lower than in the West, but not as low as many think. One of the main expenses will be food since supermarkets are almost non-existent.

Another important factor to consider is where you’ll get your health care. Many Expats in Thailand opt for private health insurance instead of public healthcare, which can be both difficult and costly to access. Cambodia is a poorer country, so public health care centers are few and far between.

If you’re planning on raising a family, then Thailand is probably your best bet for overall good quality of life. Many Expats choose Siem Reap or Phnom Penh as their home base, but both these cities lack the education and employment opportunities you’ll find in Thailand.

Conclusion

In Southeast Asia, both Thailand and Cambodia have been attracting many expats from worldwide. This is because of their beautiful tropical weather, exotic food, and the ever-friendly locals. So, depending on your choice and what you crave, refer to this guide to understand what country best meets your needs.

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 a truly wonderful country, captivating its guests with magnificent summer almost all year round and a friendly, welcoming smiling population. The incredible nature and conditions of recreation make tourists return to this country on every vacation, and after make them think about moving with their families to there.

If you have a child, you should also think about the education he or she is going to get in a new country. but to make it easy for your kid, you can choose an international school instead of local school. That is why in this article we will talk about some of the best international schools of Thailand, that have a great curriculum, professional teachers, good atmosphere and can give your child a good enough education. But before that, you should be aware of the main advantages and disadvantages of life in Thailand.

Today many people come to tropical Thailand – live, work and even study there. This is due to the fact that it is hot all year round in this country, even during the rainy seasons, and there is a good climate. In addition, relatively inexpensive housing can be found in Thailand, which allows you to live there on a permanent basis.

Many newcomers live in Thailand on money from renting their own homes at home or work remotely. But the Internet in the country is rather weak, which is worth considering.

To help determine the question “is life in Thailand worth changing the usual regime to uncertainty?”, It is necessary to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of this decision. If for you the advantages of living in Thailand outweigh the disadvantages, you can safely start preparing for the winter in Thailand!

Pros:

Why do so many leave to live in Thailand for good? The thing is that life in this country has its advantages:

• Favorable climate and constant access to the sea. Those who do not like cold and frost will like Thailand because it is constantly hot there and there is always an opportunity to swim in the sea (and if you live in a villa, then even in the pool). However, access to the sea depends on the area of ​​residence, and the climate may not please those who do not like the constant heat.
• Low food prices. You can buy regular Thai food here for inexpensive money. Now in tourist areas shops with European products are even opening, which are also sold at low prices and are more familiar. Delicious tropical fruits and seafood are also cheap here – they can be eaten all year round!
• Large selection of housing. Thailand has a huge variety of housing both for rent and for purchase – apartments, apartments, houses, villas, etc. Prices depend on the region of residence and distance from tourist areas.
• Friendly atmosphere. Thais are very friendly and benevolent to each other, as well as to tourists and visitors. Here you will hardly see a gloomy and angry person – there are always friendly smiles on their faces. Plus, Thais are very open and sincere.
• Discipline. The people of Thailand are very disciplined people. They have organized queues everywhere: in stores, at the post office, to the toilet, etc. Even in a subway car or a bus, they do not enter a crowd, but strictly along a chain. And when they need to call a taxi, they also take turns, one after another, to catch a car.
• No transport problems. In Thailand, you can rent a car or bike and move around the city just like that. If you don’t want to rent, you can take the bus without any problems. The islands can be reached by ferries or boats.
• Better quality of life and overall simplicity. You can live much better in Thailand than in your homeland, spending the same amount of money. As already mentioned, housing and food will be inexpensive, clothes can also be bought at low prices (especially when you consider that, living in this country, there is no need for winter clothes).

Cons:

Like any country, Thailand also has its negative sides:

• Dirt and odors. These qualities accompany almost all regions of the state – this is especially felt on the outskirts of cities. Sometimes the smell of sewage in the area is so strong that it is impossible to be there.
• Insects and tropical diseases. Thailand has a very diverse living creature – various ants, cockroaches, geckos, spiders, etc. Some representatives of the local fauna are carriers of dangerous diseases: malaria, Dengue fever, schistosomiasis, etc. Also in Thailand there is a rather high risk of contracting parasitic diseases or getting severe Quincke’s edema after being bitten by some insect.
• Obtaining citizenship. It is not easy for a foreigner to obtain a Thai visa, and citizenship is almost impossible. Even having a Thai wife and children together does not solve the problem. To become a Thai citizen, you need to stay in the country without leaving for several years, have a solid account in a local bank and have perfect knowledge of the Thai language. The conditions are difficult – therefore, few decide to obtain Thai citizenship. And if you live there on a visa, then it needs to be renewed periodically, and it is not a fact that it will be extended in subsequent times.
• Employment problems. It is quite difficult for a foreigner to get a good job in Thailand. Of course, you can go to cleaners, waiters, salesmen – but you won’t earn much in such a job, and employment is likely to be unofficial.
• Rejection of Thai cuisine by the body. All oriental cuisine is very spicy and can lead to digestive problems. But there is a way out of this situation – to eat not in a cafe, but to cook on your own.
• Apartments without kitchens. Many apartments do not have a kitchen area. There is a sink, a cupboard, household appliances – but no stove. Thais do not need it, as they either buy ready-made food or eat in a cafe. Therefore, when choosing a rented apartment, you need to pay attention to the presence of a stove if you plan to cook. Washing machines are also very often absent in an apartment, which for many is a disadvantage when choosing a home. But in Thailand, laundries are very common, where you can wash things cheaply and even iron them.
• Lack of sidewalks. On the streets of Thailand, sidewalks are either completely absent or very narrow. Cars and bikes stand right next to the walls of buildings and it is very difficult to move between them, especially for those who carry a stroller with a child. By the way, there are very few playgrounds in Thailand.

Education in Thailand

Education in Thailand is administered by the Thai Ministry of Education, which in turn is controlled by the Thai government. Twelve years of free basic education in the country is guaranteed by the Constitution. A nine-year school attendance is compulsory. In 2009, the Ministry of Education announced the expansion of free compulsory education to fifteen years.

The education system consists of twelve years of basic education and higher education. Basic education is divided into six years of primary education and six years of secondary education, the latter being subdivided into two to three years. Preschool education is also part of the basic education level. Private independent schools also contribute to general education.

Public and private universities are managed and controlled by the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education.

School education system

The educational system of Thailand consists of not only public but also private institutions, which differ somewhat in their teaching structure. There are classical schools, vocational schools, and general education schools offering both classical and vocational education.

Vocational schools prepare children for employment in their chosen specialty, or for further higher education. The twelve-year compulsory education is divided into two parts: six-year elementary and two-stage secondary, each stage lasts three years – Matthayom (1-3) from 12 to 14, and Matthayom (4-6) from 15 to 18.

School education in Thailand In public schools, the school year begins in May and is divided into two semesters with long vacations in October and March-April, in private schools with a British teaching system – three semesters with two-month summer holidays.

Admission to the gymnasium is carried out by means of entrance examinations. Further education at the university is recommended to be obtained in international private schools with teachers from the USA, Canada, and Europe. With the receipt of a European-style certificate, graduates can enter European universities.

In addition to standard subjects, schoolchildren study Chinese, Japanese languages ​​, and martial arts. From the age of 13, students choose specialized programs with a bias in mathematics, science, and natural sciences, languages, etc.

Standard uniforms include: for girls – black or navy blue knee-length skirt, white blouse with bow tie, black shoes, and white knee-highs; for boys – black or navy blue knee-length shorts, white shirt with short sleeves, knee-highs and black shoes. Often the number and name of the school and the name of the student are embroidered on the collar of a shirt or blouse. In international schools, uniforms are close to the British model.

After graduating from high school, graduates take two tests: a simple and a complicated national educational test.

Choosing an international school in Thailand, Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is bustling, colorful, and always on the move! It is home to more than 14 million people, emigrants from all over the world mingle with millions of local Thais. The city is safe for expats and very accessible.

The Bangkok International School Market is well served by over 70 schools, including 38 UK schools, 21 American schools, and 23 IB schools. As with so much else in Bangkok, prices are lower than in other parts of the world. Tuition fees range from $ 5,000 per year to $ 30,000 in high school. This is good for comparison with other parts of Asia as well as Europe.

Below we will review some of the best schools, with the highest reviews and glad feedbacks from both students and parents.

Harrow International School Bangkok

Harrow International School Bangkok is one of six schools around the world. The links between schools are strong, as evidenced by the general Board of Governors and the movement of staff within the group.

They are a coeducational day school and boarding school offering an independent British-style boarding school experience in English in an Asian context on our modern campus in the north of Bangkok.

The school has a strong pastoral orientation through the house system. The school curriculum is taught in English. They accept students from 18 months to 18 years old.

Harrow International School education makes sense, integrity and for life. They offer a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities that enrich and expand the academic pursuits of Harrow Bangkok students, including creative, social and sporting activities.

Students develop leadership and empathy through active participation in philanthropy and community service. They honor students who go beyond the classroom to demonstrate a commitment to inclusive education by making ethical decisions that make them the best citizens in the world.

The Regent’s International School Bangkok

Regent’s International School in Bangkok is one of the leading schools in Thailand. They are a day school and boarding school for children from 2 to 18 years old, they strive to develop the whole personality through academic, physical, cultural and social experiences. The school is guided by the UK curriculum, starting with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) leading to the IGCSE exams, although they go beyond that in many places. After 16 they take the IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program.

Academic results are excellent; they are getting some of the best IB results in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Regent’s International School students enroll in some of the best universities in the world, and they have fantastic opportunities for extracurricular activities.

The school works hard to create a friendly, happy family atmosphere without shying away from hard work and high standards.

Rasami British International School

At the British Rasami International School (RBIS), they believe in an individualized learning structure tailored to the needs of individual learners. Their approach is based on experience and students engage in fun and challenging learning activities. They believe in a holistic approach and to implement it they align classroom learning with extensive and successful extracurricular program.

RBIS is a small school with a strong sense of community and partnership between parents. This personalized approach helps to understand, develop and nurture the students. The UK curriculum that the school education is based on, aligned with an international perspective, provides children with excellent opportunities to grow in a learning-driven environment.

The integration of sports, community service programs, visual and performing arts housing camps, and information technology is integrated into our academic program. Rasami British International School showcases a one-school philosophy and many of their students begin their kindergarten education, progressing from school to graduation, providing an impeccable educational experience.

St Andrews International School Bangkok

St. Andrews International School Bangkok, an educational school in Northern England, was founded in 1997 in an attractive, convenient location at 71 Sukhumvit Street, where our primary school is today. The high school (grades 7-13) offers modern purpose-built educational facilities and is located 200 meters from BTS Ekkamai Station. The school now has over 2,000 students representing 58 nationalities, from Foundation Stage 1 (2 years) to 13 grades (18 years).

The school provides a high quality, professional, well-equipped learning environment where the talents and abilities of each child are recognized and developed and their needs are supported.

Their teachers are professional and caring, chosen for their awareness of the needs of a wide range of children, who can come from different social, cultural, religious and educational backgrounds. They are capable educators who take care of curriculum design, use a variety of strategies to implement it, and pay close attention to each individual’s progress.

They are an inclusive school that accepts students of all skill levels. To ensure that all of their children have an equal opportunity, they have a professional learning support team.

This team works with class teachers to identify and support children in their schooling, whether they need extra help with their studies or are recognized as gifted and talented.

The curriculum is based on UK best practices and adapted to the international context of the school. Students take the IGCSE exams at the end of grade 11 and then progress through the senior year in grades 12 and 13. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Degree program along with an alternative school curriculum, both of which lead to graduation and provide opportunities for admission to prestigious universities around the world.

As part of Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading organization of premium schools, they are partnering with the preeminent conservatory for the performing arts, the Juilliard School and one of the world’s leading universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to bring a truly inspiring learning experience to all their students.

With high quality teaching, excellent facilities and small classrooms, St Andrews International School Bangkok offers students the opportunity to fulfill their academic potential in a stimulating, nurturing and caring environment.

They are fully accredited by the CfBT Education Trust and Thailand’s National Education Standards and Quality Assessment Authority (ONESQA), the first school in Thailand to receive this joint accreditation award.

Berkeley International School

Berkeley International School is a boutique international school offering a wide range of learning opportunities typically found in much larger schools. They offer a kindergarten for children ages two to five, an elementary school for grades one through five, a high school for students six through eight, and a high school for grades nine through twelve.

At Berkeley, they follow a rigorous American curriculum with an international emphasis. Berkeley students will work with and learn from an amazing international community of classmates and teachers. Community is a key word at Berkeley International School as their small size provides a close bond between students, staff and parents who call Berkeley their educational home.

The community believes in the innate ability of the students and that they must find their passion in all areas – academic, sports, arts, social and service. Their goal is to create opportunities for Berkeley students to explore these opportunities.

ELC International School Bangkok

At ELC International School Bangkok, the team fosters the growth of every child through an exploratory approach to learning. In an environment that promotes both learning and learning, their children can interact constructively with the world around them.

The ELC family of international schools consists of five different campuses located in the center of Bangkok and north of the city, serving children from 18 months to 11 years old. Their international preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools are renowned as a solid foundation for admission to Bangkok’s top international schools as well as seamless transition to schools around the world.

The school’s curriculum emphasizes academic and creative thinking, with all subjects interconnected through a project, giving students a deeper understanding that literacy, mathematics, physics, biology and the visual arts are just a few of them that add more deep meaning. education.

The personal approach resonates with everything the teachers do. The small size of their schools ensures that all students and parents are known, giving everyone in their care the personal attention they deserve.

Each student can reach his full potential, which will allow him to become a harmonious person, participating in life both inside and outside of the school community. The modern spaces are specially designed for children from 18 months to 11 years old. The accessibility, complexity and scale of the external environment for both play and sports support the physical and social development of each year group. Spaces, some open, others private, allow children to play games together or take refuge when needed.

After speaking about some of the cheapest places to live as an expat, this article will focus on expat cost of living in Thailand.

Of course, we can’t speak about every city in Thailand in this article, and the costs are subject to change due to inflation and exchange rate changes.

For any questions, or if you are looking to invest as an expat, you can contact me using  this form.

Introduction 

Thailand is considered one of the most beautiful and fascinating Asian countries. 

This exotic country is very popular with tourists and expats. Beautiful beaches allow you to relax, sunbathe, diving and more. Eternal summer, velvet beaches and a warm ocean will be able to leave a sea of ​​positive emotions about themselves. I want to come back here again and again.

The popularity of Thailand is promoted by affordable prices for accommodation, excellent service, both in hotels and in other public institutions, varied, and most importantly inexpensive shopping.

Living in Thailand has a lot of advantages compared to other European countries. 

All taxes, including utilities, are distinguished by a low cost, which attracts people, investors who move here to live.

If we talk about food, then in Thailand it is inexpensive. In the most expensive restaurant, which is located on the roof of a skyscraper overlooking Bangkok, you can dine for only one hundred and sixty-seven dollars. 

And if you take an inexpensive cafe, the dinner there will cost from fifty to eighty cents. Take averages for dinners in a restaurant, and then they will tighten by twenty-five to twenty-seven dollars, even in an ordinary cafe – one dollar and fifty cents. 

By the way, Thailand has a very tasty cuisine that attracts tourists. The most interesting thing is that not only dinners are inexpensive, but also the products themselves. You can spend as little as twenty dollars a week, but allow yourself to buy delicious fish, good meat and lots of fruits and vegetables.

Inexpensive prices in Thailand will always attract travelers and expats, especially the transport and other services are really cheap here. 

For example, if you take a taxi that will travel through the entire capital, it will cost you only six dollars. And all this taking into account the fact that living in Bangkok is considered the most expensive in the whole country. 

Gasoline in this country costs car owners thirty-five cents. For lovers of a fitness club, an annual subscription, which includes a sauna, exercise equipment and a pool, will cost three hundred dollars.

Property prices in Thailand are quite low, the annual maintenance fee is only one hundred dollars, which includes security, cleaning, garbage collection, pool maintenance and more. 

Buying an apartment, villa, or something else in Thailand, you can do whatever you want with it. Usually such real estate is rented, the price for which is one hundred fifty – three hundred dollars. 

It all depends on the season, location and living conditions. In short, Thailand is a very beautiful country. It attracts the attention of many investors who make profitable investments. 

Living standards are high here, but prices for accommodation, food and shopping are very low. 

Therefore, today, many people prefer life in Thailand. Recently, life in Thailand has attracted more and more people. Having visited this country at least once, many people think about making it their permanent place of residence. 

Many residents of Russia and Ukraine want to go to live in Thailand.

*Regions of Thailand: metropolis or islands

Moving to Thailand is usually associated with life on the islands, by the sea. But island life is slow and relaxed. This does not suit everyone. 

The islands are less likely to be employed. And even if you have a remote job or business, it is not a fact that you will be able to work effectively in such a “resort” rhythm.

If you are used to the urban pace or want to find work locally, choose a metropolis. In the same Bangkok, there are about 7 million people. 

It has everything: houses on stilts above the canals and modern townhouse complexes, nomad boats and impressive skyscrapers, temples, bazaars and shopping malls.

Accommodation in Bangkok can be rented even for $ 80 per month. It will be a small apartment with private facilities, sometimes with a balcony and air conditioning. 

However, there are also apartments for about $ 2000 – two-level, in an elite area, in a modern residential complex with a swimming pool and a gardener. The studio costs from $ 700 there. 

There are, of course, more expensive options. It’s better to focus on the cost of housing from $ 300 per month, about the same amount plan for utilities. 

In Thailand, electricity is expensive and air conditioning consumes a lot of it. In the mentioned duplex apartment, the fees are approximately $ 320 a month for electricity only.

*Food in Thailand is not just Thai

There is a stereotype that food in Thailand is very cheap. The truth is, not all. The Thais themselves eat in small cafes, which will seem unsightly to a European. 

But locals say that the tables and dishes are always clean and the food is freshest and really cheap.

Middle class Thais often eat in cafes and restaurants, order food with them. It’s cheaper and more convenient than cooking something by yourself. 

The average bill in an inexpensive establishment is about $ 5-10. People having less financial opportunities buy food from the markets and it turns out really cheap. The basis of the nutrition is rice, vegetables and fruits. But groceries in supermarkets are often more expensive.

Thailand has a developed street food culture, lots of chicken and meat, mostly fried and very fatty. 

However, they also sell fruits and fresh juices there. It’s not expensive. A mango from a Thai market or street stall definitely cannot be compared to a mango’s price from your local supermarket.

*Working in Bangkok: who can move there?

To work in Thailand, you need a special visa marked work permit. Some manage to live there on a tourist or student visa, but officially it is impossible to work with such – they can be deported.

Thailand has a list of professions that are legally prohibited for foreigners. For example, work as a guide or profession in the beauty industry. This law is an attempt to protect the rights of local residents.

However, legislation does not always correspond to the needs of the market. 

For example, travel agencies do not have enough Russian or English-speaking guides, so the company can arrange you as an interpreter for the guide, although in fact you will lead the excursions yourself. 

You can take a chance, but I advise you to study the laws in advance and immediately figure out what such a violation of the rules is fraught with. Ideally, you should consult with a lawyer.

In Bangkok, qualified engineers and IT specialists are in demand, with such professions you can easily find a job. Contrary to stereotypes, Thailand does not earn much on tourism, significant items of income are assembly of cars and gadgets, agriculture. 

There are also many small entrepreneurs in the country. Usually they do something with their own hands and sell it on the ground floor of a house (“shophouse”) or in large bazaars. But for most of these trades, the foreigner will not receive a permit.

Thailand is always looking for certified English teachers. Not many people know him. Russian has recently become more popular, and knowledge of Chinese is also useful. China invests a lot in the Thai economy, business contacts are being established between the countries, and it has a large Chinese diaspora.

*How do you do everything smartly?

The main thing to do is to create sources of income for yourself or find a remote job. It is better to first get a job in your city, work for several months, understand whether such a free regime suits you, show your bosses that you can work remotely no worse than in an office.

It is also worth considering that not everyone can work as remote workers and not everyone can properly organize their workplace and not fall out of rhythm, succumbing to a measured life by the sea.

The next step that you need to take in parallel with your job search is to study as much information as possible about Thailand. Explore forums, blogs, and communities in social networks on your own, communicate with people who have already moved to Thailand to live.

It is also important to choose the direction where you would like to move for a permanent residence. Try not to miscalculate as much as possible, to study all the nuances of life in the chosen city.

Most of those who have already moved to Thailand for permanent residence have chosen Pattaya City. Whoever said anything about this city, but it is really convenient for life in many ways, including life with a child. Many also move to Phuket and Bangkok for permanent residence.

*The illusion of a convenient and inexpensive visa regime

Getting a Thai visa for the first time is very easy, but each subsequent trip for a visa is a lottery, the more Thai visas and stamps in the passport, the higher the risk. 

You can get a red stamp on your visa, you can be interrogated at the border, you can demand to show your money. 

They may not even allow you to enter the country, even if you have a visa.

For some people, a student visa for 1 year is a suitable option. And many live on tourist for 3 months. What’s wrong with a student visa:

• First, you are tied to one city. If you made this visa somewhere in Chiang Mai, you will have to spend the whole year there. It will only work for short trips of 3-5 days.
• Secondly, not everyone can buy such expensive visas. So you have to wander every 3 months and make yourself a visa in Laos, in Kuala Lumpur and pay for a visa extension after 2 months.

At first glance, this seems very interesting. Thanks to such trips, you can be in Laos and Cambodia. But will have to spend over 22,000 baht (approximately $700) on visas only for the first six months in Thailand. Do people call this a convenient and inexpensive visa regime?

When considering a student visa for a year, you will have to pay even more, minimum payment of 30 thousand baht (about $960) for each person. And if you are with an adult child, then calculate yourself.

*Bangkok in numbers: how much does it cost to move there?

Let’s calculate how much it will cost to move to Thailand. For example, let’s take Bangkok, in other regions prices for housing and partially for food may differ. 

• Flight: the cost of tickets varies depending on the season, time of year, promotions – from UAH 4000 to UAH 20,000.
• Visa: Visa upon arrival is valid for 15 days only; single entry visa for 60 days costs $ 80, multivisa – $ 250. A long-term visa (type B) will cost about $ 1000 per year (in several payments). A visa with a work permit must be agreed in advance with the inviting company.
• Apartment rent: from $ 80, average price – $ 300. For $ 200-250, you can rent a 1-room apartment with furniture, air conditioning, internet and other amenities, plus about the same for utilities.
• Meals (for one person): if there is 3 times a day in a cafe for locals – about $ 300 per month.
• Transport: terrestrial metro – from $ 0.5 to $ 1.7; boat – about $ 25 per hour; tuk-tuk – from $ 0.5. If you take a regular taxi, make sure the driver turns on the taximeter. And do not negotiate a fixed amount, it will be twice expensive.
• Salaries: the average salary in the country is about $ 400; an English teacher can earn $ 600, an engineer or programmer – $ 1000-3000 and more.

*About safety in the country

How unsafe all over the world, terrorism, theft, scammers, attacks, in Thailand the situation is not very different. There is no absolute security here, which is not surprising in principle.

Abroad, and especially in Asia, you have no rights. Here you can also be robbed and you will be very lucky if the thief is found and compensated for the damage.

We are citizens of planet Earth. But the thought that we are not at home and that we are here on the rights of a fly is always present. In the event of any conflict, the Thais will defend the Thais and trick the white tourist for money.

Have you been cheated? Was something stolen? Or worse, did you get into a fight with the Thai? There is no one to complain to. 

The police will take even more money from you. It can even go to jail! Observe precautions, do not particularly spread about yourself and your life, do not borrow money and be on your guard.

Remember that cute smiles don’t always have a good idea behind them. If they smile at you, this does not mean that you are respected and you are infinitely welcome. Do not rejoice at the beautiful word – farang. First of all, you are a bag of money for them, a walking ATM, especially for people involved in tourism.

*Features of culture and mentality

Thais are incredibly kind and smiling people. Most believers, the main religion is Thai Buddhism. This imposes certain features on behavior. For example, the people of Thailand believe in reincarnation, so they strive to do good deeds that will be credited to them in their next life.

In Thai society, it is believed that a person should always be calm and smiling.

It’s good form to apologize, even if you’re right. But raising your voice and aggression are considered incredibly rude. Moreover, both parties to the conflict “lose face” at once.

A poor Thai can easily throw garbage into the river, not realizing that this river flows into the ocean, which then feeds the whole country with fish.

But Thailand is developing. New enterprises are being opened, skyscrapers are being built. With all this, the Thais manage to maintain authenticity and peace. It is an open and positive nation. Thailand definitely deserves the title of the Land of Smiles.

*Life in Thailand the benefits

Before choosing a country in which you would like to live your life, you need to consider other countries. 

After all, you choose your home, your refuge. Such a radical change in life should not be neglected. Thailand is one of the best places to move permanently, but it’s not for everyone. 

You should first come to live here for at least six months and even then think about the idea of ​​moving. 

Maybe you will like Indonesia with its crazy beauty of rice fields, or Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia. There are a lot of options. Thailand will not run away from you.

On the other hand, the government tries to tighten visa regimes every year. Otherwise, what will the kingdom turn into in 5 years with such flows of tourists, guest workers, backpackers, travelers and expats?

Life in Thailand for permanent residence may not be as good and carefree as people think at first glance. Of course, living in Tae is better than in Burma, Laos or Cambodia. But do not forget that in some countries you may be even better off than in Tae.

To begin with, live in the country for at least a couple of months, and preferably six months. Before leaving everything and moving to Thailand for permanent residence.

Final thoughts: Pros and cons of living in Thailand

Pros:

• Climate and nature – there is an eternal summer, and the presence of the ocean is a good bonus.
• An atmosphere of benevolence – whoever says anything about smiles, but you will always get a smile in return from Thai people.
• Thai food and fruits – if you are tired of your traditional cuisine, here in Thailand the tropical fruits will never make you bored. 
• Cheapness and simplicity – in Thailand you can get a higher standard of living for the same cost. And also here it is simply captivating how easily and quickly the issues of housing, food or movement are solved, and not so much because of the cheapness, but because the whole country is tailored to visitors. And this is definitely sometimes lacking in other places.

Cons:

• Heat and Wetness – Thailand is really hot and this factor is worth considering. If a temperature of 30 degrees and above is already too much for you, then you will not be able to sit under a palm tree with a laptop, you will have to look for air conditioners everywhere and everywhere.
• Internet – The Internet is worse here than somewhere in the forest. True, every year it gets better – the speed and stability are growing. It’s great for surfing, blogging and others like them, but for those who care about fractions of a second (for example, for online poker players), not every channel is suitable. The issue can be resolved by having a separate optical line for you and not using a shared Wi-Fi, because the common Internet is divided into everyone, and when people start downloading massively, even surfing can be problematic. Its own channel is usually in houses, and in some apartments. With 4G, everything is great, and the speed and coverage are excellent.
• Communication – You will have to communicate in broken English in shops, with taxi drivers and just on the street. The less resort place, the more broken the language will be, and the more you will be misunderstood. Can you constantly in a language other than your native language?
• Work, business and idleness – Those who want to work are not particularly expected there: there are many forbidden professions, prison for illegal work, bribes and corruption, there are many pitfalls with business and it is desirable to have connections. Therefore, there the majority works remotely: all sorts of programmers, bloggers, site owners, SEOs, copywriters, designers, etc. But there is also a small part of the visitors who have officially settled down. Someone in real estate, someone in tourism, and someone is programming. In general, if you have a good skill, then you can find an official job here, although it is not entirely easy. In general, if you want to mess around, it’s not a fact that it will work out.