Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the most well-known hospitals in Thailand, and is often referred to as a "medical city" due to its size and scope of services. The hospital has over 1,200 doctors and dentists on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and more. Bumrungrad is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities and technology, as well as its focus on patient-centered care.

Bangkok Hospital

Bangkok Hospital is another top hospital in Thailand, with a reputation for excellence in medical care. The hospital has over 400 physicians, many of whom are trained in the United States or Europe, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including orthopedics, oncology, and cardiology. Bangkok Hospital is also known for its advanced technology and facilities, including a robotic surgery center and a comprehensive cancer center.

Samitivej Hospital

Samitivej Hospital is a private hospital in Bangkok that is known for its high-quality medical care and personalized service. The hospital has over 400 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including pediatrics, orthopedics, and cardiology. Samitivej also has a reputation for its excellent maternity and women's health services, including a dedicated women's center.

Chulalongkorn Hospital

Chulalongkorn Hospital is a public hospital located in Bangkok that is affiliated with Chulalongkorn University. The hospital has over 1,000 beds and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Chulalongkorn Hospital is known for its focus on research and education, and is home to several research centers and institutes.

Bangkok Christian Hospital

Bangkok Christian Hospital is a private hospital located in the heart of Bangkok that is known for its affordable medical care and Christian values. The hospital has over 200 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. Bangkok Christian Hospital also has a reputation for its compassionate care and personalized service.

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is a private hospital located in Pattaya that is known for its high-quality medical care and personalized service. The hospital has over 100 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including dermatology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology. Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is also known for its excellent dental services, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics.

Phyathai 2 Hospital

Phyathai 2 Hospital is a private hospital located in Bangkok that is known for its advanced medical technology and facilities. The hospital has over 200 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including neurology, cardiology, and plastic surgery. Phyathai 2 Hospital is also known for its focus on patient-centered care, and has a reputation for providing personalized service and attention to each patient.

Praram 9 Hospital

Praram 9 Hospital is a private hospital located in Bangkok that is known for its excellent medical care and personalized service. The hospital has over 200 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including pediatrics, cardiology, and orthopedics. Praram 9 Hospital is also known for its focus on alternative and complementary medicine, and offers a range of holistic therapies and treatments.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket

Bangkok Hospital Phuket is a private hospital located in Phuket that is known for its high-quality medical care and personalized service. The hospital has over 100 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including plastic surgery, dermatology, and cardiology. Bangkok Hospital Phuket is also known for its excellent dental services, including orthodontics and implantology.

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai

Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is a private hospital located in Chiang Mai that is known for its advanced medical technology and facilities. The hospital has over 100 physicians on staff, and offers a wide range of medical specialties, including neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai is also known for its focus on patient-centered care, and has a reputation for providing personalized service and attention to each patient.

These are just a few of the top hospitals in Thailand, each offering high-quality medical care and personalized service to patients. Whether you are a local resident or a medical tourist, these hospitals are sure to provide the best possible care for your medical needs.

Retirement Visa Options in Thailand

Thailand offers several visa options for foreigners who wish to retire in the country. Here are the most popular options:

1. Non-Immigrant O Visa

The Non-Immigrant O Visa is a long-term visa that is valid for up to one year. To be eligible for this visa, you must be at least 50 years old and be able to prove that you have at least 800,000 baht (approximately $25,000) in a Thai bank account or an income of at least 65,000 baht (approximately $2,000) per month. You can also apply for this visa if you are married to a Thai national.

2. Retirement Visa

The Retirement Visa is available to foreigners who are aged 50 or over and wish to retire in Thailand. To be eligible for this visa, you must be able to show that you have at least 800,000 baht (approximately $25,000) in a Thai bank account or an income of at least 65,000 baht (approximately $2,000) per month. You must also provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.

3. Elite Visa

The Elite Visa is a long-term visa that is valid for up to 20 years. This visa is available to foreigners who are aged 50 or over and wish to retire in Thailand. To be eligible for this visa, you must pay a one-time fee of between 500,000 baht (approximately $15,000) and 2 million baht (approximately $60,000), depending on the length of the visa. This visa also includes a range of benefits such as airport services, golf course access, and medical check-ups.

Retiring in Thailand with Baan Smile

If you're considering retiring in Thailand, Baan Smile can help make the process as smooth as possible. Our team of experts can assist with all aspects of retirement in Thailand, from visa applications to finding the perfect retirement home. We understand that retiring in a foreign country can be daunting, but with our help, you can enjoy all that Thailand has to offer.

At Baan Smile, we offer a range of services to help you retire in Thailand:

• Visa assistance
• Retirement home search
• Health insurance
• Financial planning
• Transportation and logistics

Our team of experts are here to answer any questions you may have about retiring in Thailand. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help make your retirement in Thailand a reality.

Conclusion

Retiring in Thailand is an attractive option for many foreigners due to its warm climate, welcoming culture, and affordable cost of living. With several retirement visa options available, it's easy to see why Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination. If you're considering retiring in Thailand, Baan Smile can help make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you retire in Thailand.

When bringing prescription medicine into Thailand, it is important to follow the regulations set by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

1. The medication must be for personal use only and enough for no more than 90 days
2. Bring your prescription with you - just in case.
3. The medication must be properly labeled with the patient's name and dosage instructions.
4. Narcotics and controlled substances require special permission and documentation.

Click this link so you can check if your medicine is one of the controlled substances that are restricted in Thailand. Some of the more common medications that are not allowed in Thailand are:

• Valium
• Xanax
• Oxycodone
• Fentanyl
• Adderall
• Ritalin

It's important to note that customs may detain or confiscate any medication that does not comply with regulations, and you may face legal action if found in possession of illegal drugs.

However, you can get a permit for essential medications by applying at this link.

So what if your prescription runs out while you’re in Thailand?

There are 2 options available to you

In many cases you can take the prescription or the empty bottle (with your name, prescription and dosage on it) on it to a pharmacy and see if they will refill it for you.

Many medications in your country could be available in Thailand without a prescription and you can easily buy them from most pharmacies.

If the pharmacy cannot refill your prescription based on the empty bottle or the actual prescription they will tell you that you need to go to a doctor to get a new prescription.

The best thing to do is to check out a nearby hospital, or if you can a private doctor here in Thailand.

A doctor there will look at your prescription, evaluate you, and if necessary, issue you a new, local prescription for the same medication. Then you can return to the pharmacy to buy the medications with prescription in your hands.

Does Thailand have the medications you need?

So this is a question we get a lot too. Yes, Thailand more than likely has 95% of all the most popular medications worldwide.

In most cases, it could actually be cheaper in Thailand or even available without a prescription. And in a few cases it might be more expensive in Thailand.

Be aware that your health insurance in your country may not cover the cost of expensive medication in Thailand or any other country you are visiting.

Some insurers might allow you to claim back the cost, so be sure to get a proper invoice or receipt from the pharmacy or hospital in Thailand so you can try to do this when you return.

In Summary

You can bring up to 90 days of medications with you to Thailand. And more than likely you can refill your prescription while here also.

Be sure to bring your prescription with you.

And if you want to get assistance or a consultation about visiting or moving to Thailand, please contact us.

Which passport for visa free access?

Thailand offers 15/30/45/90 day access to the country without a visa. But not for all countries. Example if you hold Indian and American passports, then depending on what you want to do, you might just use the American passport instead and not worry about visas.

Use our free Thailand Visa Tool to find out the best way to access Thailand.

Checking In at the Airport

Consider this as the first point you will use your passport until you leave the country. 

But it can get a little confusing to you or the airline staff. They will want to check that the passport you are using will be eligible for Thailand. And it has to be the same passport you are using at the immigration of the destination country. It will also be the same passport you are using to board with.

Entering Thailand Immigration

Ok, so you've arrived at the airport in Thailand. Show the same passport you used to check in with.

In a few cases, you may be able to check in with one passport and then show a different passport to Immigration. That is ok.

Now, its iportant to use this same passport for all activities inside of Thailand. This can be anywhere you are asked to show your passport. For example, renting a car, booking a hotel, or maybe you might be just asked to show your passport as a form of identification.

Leaving Thailand

Thailand, like many other countries has an exit immigration checkpoint. You do need to show the exact same passport you entered with. There is no way that you can you show different passports to the entry and exit immigration checkpoints.

Once you leave Thailand, you can put away that passport, the next country you can now use a different passport.

In summary:

• Research the entry requirements for each country you are visiting: Different countries have different entry requirements, and it is important to make sure that you are using the correct passport to meet these requirements. Some countries may only allow entry to travelers with certain types of passports or visas, or may have specific rules for dual citizens. Make sure to research the entry requirements for each country you are visiting and use the appropriate passport to ensure that you are able to enter the country legally.

• Be honest and transparent about your passport usage: Misrepresenting your identity or hiding the fact that you have multiple passports can have serious consequences and may result in criminal charges or other legal issues. It is important to be honest and transparent about your passport usage when interacting with immigration officials or other authorities.

• Follow the laws and regulations of the countries you are visiting: Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding the use of multiple passports, and it is important to follow these laws and regulations to avoid any legal issues.

• Keep track of your passport usage: It can be helpful to keep a record of which passport you used to enter and exit each country. This can help you avoid any confusion or issues when traveling and can also be useful in case you need to provide proof of your passport usage to immigration officials or other authorities.

Here are some specific guidelines to follow when using multiple passports to travel in different countries:

• When arriving in a country:

  • Make sure to use the correct passport to meet the entry requirements of the country you are visiting.
  • Be honest and transparent about your passport usage when interacting with immigration officials.
  • Follow any specific rules or restrictions that may apply to your situation, such as rules for dual citizens.

• In country:

  • Follow the laws and regulations of the country you are visiting.
  • Keep track of your passport usage and make sure to use the correct passport when traveling to other countries or when leaving the country.

• When exiting a country:

  • Make sure to use the correct passport to meet the exit requirements of the country you are leaving.
  • Be honest and transparent about your passport usage when interacting with immigration officials.
  • Follow any specific rules or restrictions that may apply to your situation, such as rules for dual citizens.

Pros of hostels:

• Hostels are generally more affordable than hotels. They offer basic shared accommodation at a lower price point, making them a good option for budget travelers.
• Hostels often have a social atmosphere and can be a great way to meet other travelers. Many hostels have common areas where travelers can socialize, such as a lounge or bar.
• Hostels can be a good option for solo travelers looking for a sense of community. Sharing a dormitory-style room with other travelers can be a fun and social experience.
• Hostels often have a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere than hotels, which can be a nice change of pace for some travelers.

Cons of hostels:

• Hostels offer shared accommodation, which means you will be sharing a room and often a bathroom with other travelers. This can be a drawback for travelers who value privacy or who are not comfortable sharing a room with strangers.
• Hostels may not offer the same level of amenities as hotels. They may not have a swimming pool, fitness center, or room service, for example.
• Hostels may not be as clean or well-maintained as hotels. This can be a concern for travelers who are looking for a higher level of cleanliness and comfort.
• Some hostels may have a party atmosphere, which can be disruptive for travelers who are looking for a more peaceful and quiet environment.

Pros of hotels:

• Hotels offer private accommodation, which means you will have your own room and often your own bathroom. This can be a major advantage for travelers who value privacy.
• Hotels often have a wide range of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, room service, and more. This can be a big benefit for travelers who are looking for a more luxurious or pampered experience.
• Hotels are generally more clean and well-maintained than hostels, which can be a major factor for travelers who are concerned about cleanliness.
• Hotels offer a higher level of security than hostels. They often have 24-hour front desk service and may have additional security measures in place, such as security cameras and keycard access.

Cons of hotels:

• Hotels are generally more expensive than hostels. This can be a major drawback for budget travelers who are looking to save money on accommodation.
• Hotels may not have as much of a social atmosphere as hostels. While some hotels may have common areas for socializing, such as a bar or lounge, they are generally not as focused on fostering a sense of community as hostels are.
• Hotels may not offer the same level of local character and authenticity as hostels. Hostels are often located in more unique or off-the-beaten-path locations, while hotels are more likely to be found in touristy areas.

So are hostels in Thailand just for budget backpackers?

Hostels in Thailand can be a great option for budget travelers looking for affordable accommodation. While some hostels may be more geared towards a party atmosphere, it is not necessarily the case for all hostels in Thailand.

Hostels in Thailand vary in terms of their amenities, atmosphere, and clientele. Some hostels may be more focused on providing a social atmosphere and may have common areas for socializing, such as a bar or lounge. These types of hostels may attract travelers who are looking to meet other travelers and party. However, not all hostels in Thailand have a party atmosphere, and there are many hostels that cater to different types of travelers, such as solo travelers, families, or couples.

Hostels in Thailand can be found in a variety of locations, including in cities, near beaches, and in rural areas. Some hostels may be located in more touristy areas and may be closer to popular attractions and nightlife. These types of hostels may be more likely to have a party atmosphere. On the other hand, hostels located in quieter, more rural areas may have a more laid-back atmosphere.

In addition to their location and amenities, the clientele at a hostel can also affect the atmosphere. Hostels that attract a younger, more social crowd may have a more party-oriented atmosphere, while hostels that attract an older, more subdued crowd may have a more relaxed atmosphere.

It is important to do your research and read reviews before booking a hostel in Thailand. Many hostels have websites and social media pages that can provide information about the atmosphere, amenities, and location. Reading reviews from previous guests can also give you an idea of what to expect from a particular hostel.

And are Hotels just for older less budget conscious travellers?

Hotels in Thailand can be a good option for travelers of all ages and income levels. While it is true that hotels tend to be more expensive than other types of accommodation, such as hostels or guesthouses, they offer a wide range of amenities and services that can be appealing to travelers of all ages.

Hotels in Thailand can be found in a variety of locations, including in cities, near beaches, and in rural areas. They range in terms of their size, style, and amenities, and can be found to suit a variety of budgets. Some hotels in Thailand may be more luxurious and expensive, while others may be more modest and budget-friendly.

It is important to do your research and compare prices before booking a hotel in Thailand. Many hotels have websites and online booking platforms that allow you to compare prices and read reviews from previous guests. This can help you find a hotel that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Hotels in Thailand are not just for older or wealthier travelers. While they may be more expensive than other types of accommodation, they offer a wide range of amenities and services that can be appealing to travelers of all ages and income levels.

Ko Chang (Elephant Island) is my personal favorite. About 4 hours drive from Bangkok and around an hour by ferry. Easy to get to by mini-bus and a chill vibe with many "mushroom" bars where you can get a yummy high on. 

Ko Phi Phi

Pronounced Pee Pee - is a chain of 6 islands. The main island is Ko Phi Phi Don. A smaller island in the chain Ko Phi Phi Le, is where "The Beach" was filmed. Activities are sitting on the beach, scuba diving and beachcombing.

Phuket

(Pronounced Puket), is one of the largest islands in Thailand and has the most diverse amount of towns, hotels, entertainemnt, cities and populated centers. It's one of the most popular islands in Thailand.

Ko Lanta

If you really want to relax, then Ko Lanta is where it is. It's near to Krabi, and very popular with older visitors who want somewhere to relax away from all the parties.

Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is really (really) far south, near to the Malaysian border. It is known for diving, snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It has been referred to as "The Maldives of Thailand".

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is only second in popularity behind Phuket in terms of visits and as a quick stopover to the Full Moon party island of Ko Pha-ngan. Lamai and Chaweng beaches are the most popular with Bo-Put being more sedate.

Ko Pha-ngan

Ko Pha-ngan is the supreme party island in Thailand. Home to the full moon party once a month. It does have some quiet places and is a popular place to relax though

Ko Tao

Ko Tao (turtle island) is indeed the scuba diving island of Thailand. It has many places for scuba diving.

Thailand has hundreds of islands, but around 15 islands tend to be the most popular. Want help with your island hopping itinerary? Contact us for a video session to help you plan an amazing time in Thailand!

Information technology
This category includes jobs such as software development, website design and development, and data analysis.

Customer service
Remote customer service jobs may involve answering customer inquiries via phone, email, or chat.

Marketing and sales
Remote marketing and sales jobs may involve tasks such as creating and implementing marketing campaigns, generating leads, and closing sales.

Writing and editing
Remote writing and editing jobs may involve creating content for websites, magazines, or other publications.

Teaching and tutoring
There may be opportunities for remote teaching and tutoring in subjects such as English, math, and science.

Consulting
Remote consulting jobs may involve providing advice and guidance to businesses in areas such as management, strategy, and operations.

So your challenge will be 2 things - deciding if you need a visa and what kind of visa to get, and figuring out how you can get your employer or customers to deal with you working from a time zone with a huge variance.

Contact Baan Smile and get a consultation so you can have the knowledge to start planning your remote work escape to Thailand.

One benefit of using Airbnb in Thailand is that it often offers more unique and personalized accommodation options compared to hotels. Airbnb properties can range from private rooms in a local's home to entire apartments or houses, and travelers can often find accommodations that better suit their needs and budget.

Staying in an Airbnb property can also provide a more "home-like" feel, as travelers have access to a fully furnished and equipped living space. Airbnb accommodations also often offer more amenities and services than hotels, such as access to a kitchen, laundry facilities, and the ability to interact with local hosts who can provide recommendations and insights on the area.

However, it is important to note that in recent years, Airbnb has become more expensive compared to hotels in many destinations around the world, including Thailand. This trend is due in part to the growing popularity of Airbnb and the increasing demand for its accommodations, as well as the fact that many hosts have been raising their prices in response to these market conditions. As a result, travelers may find that Airbnb accommodations in Thailand are now more expensive than hotels, especially for shorter stays.

On the other hand, hotels offer a more traditional and familiar accommodation option in Thailand. Hotels typically offer a range of room types and amenities, such as pools, fitness centers, and restaurants, and often have a higher level of customer service and security compared to Airbnb properties. Hotels can also be more convenient for travelers who prefer a more structured and organized vacation experience, as they typically offer a range of services and amenities that are included in the room rate, such as free breakfast and room service.

However, hotels can also be more expensive than Airbnb accommodations, especially for longer stays, and may not offer as much flexibility or personalization. Additionally, hotels may not always be located in the most convenient areas or have easy access to transportation, depending on the location.

Both options have their own benefits and drawbacks, and travelers should carefully consider their budget, location, and desired amenities when making a decision. It is also a good idea to compare prices and read reviews from past guests before booking to get a better understanding of the value and quality of the accommodations being offered.

Whether you choose a hotel or Airbnb, do your research and choose accommodations that suit your needs and budget in order to have a comfortable and enjoyable vacation in Thailand.

Some OTC medications may be available without a prescription, while others may require a prescription from a doctor or pharmacist.

Additionally, it is important to note that the availability and regulation of OTC medications can vary depending on the specific medication and location. Some OTC medications that are available in one country may not be available in another, or may require a prescription in one country but be available over the counter in another.

It is always a good idea to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking any medication, as they can provide important information about the proper use and potential side effects of the medication.

While it is not necessary to travel with OTC medications from a home country to Thailand, it is always a good idea to bring a supply of any prescription medications that you are currently taking. It is also a good idea to bring a list of your medications, including the dosages and the name and contact information of your prescribing healthcare provider, in case you need to refill a prescription while traveling.

OTC medications are widely available in Thailand and it is generally not necessary to travel with them from a home country. However, it is always a good idea to bring a supply of any prescription medications that you are currently taking, as well as a list of your medications and the contact information of your prescribing healthcare provider.

One reason why Thailand may be more affordable is that the cost of living is generally lower in Thailand than it is in Bali. This includes the cost of housing, food, and other necessities. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center in Thailand can cost around 300-500 USD per month, while rent for a similar apartment in Bali can cost around 500-800 USD per month. Similarly, the cost of groceries and dining out is generally lower in Thailand than it is in Bali.

Another factor that can make Thailand more affordable for retirees is the lower cost of healthcare. Healthcare in Thailand is generally of a high quality, and it is often more affordable than healthcare in other countries, including Bali. For example, a doctor's visit in Thailand can cost around 30-50 USD, while a doctor's visit in Bali can cost around 50-100 USD. In addition, prescription medications are often cheaper in Thailand than they are in Bali.

In addition to the lower cost of living and healthcare, Thailand also offers a range of retirement options for expats. These options include retirement visas, which allow individuals to stay in Thailand for an extended period of time, and long-term rentals, which can be a more affordable option than buying property.

One option for retirees in Thailand is the "Non-Immigrant O-A" visa, also known as the "retirement visa." This visa allows individuals who are over the age of 50 to stay in Thailand for up to one year at a time. To qualify for this visa, individuals must have a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB (around 2,100 USD) or a combination of a bank deposit and a monthly income of at least 800,000 THB (around 25,600 USD). This is significantly lower than the required bank deposit of 200,000 USD in Bali.

Another option for retirees in Thailand is to rent a property on a long-term basis. Long-term rentals can be a more affordable option than buying property, especially for those who are not planning on staying in Thailand permanently. Long-term rentals are typically available for periods of six months to one year, and the cost can range from around 500-1,000 USD per month, depending on the location and type of property.

Overall, Thailand can be a more affordable option for retirees compared to Bali, due to the lower cost of living, lower healthcare costs, and the range of retirement options available. While Bali may have some attractive features, such as a more developed tourism industry and a more established expat community, the high cost of living and the requirement for a large bank deposit may make it less appealing for some retirees.

1. The cost of living is relatively low. Compared to many other countries, the cost of living in Thailand is quite affordable. This means that people over 50 can enjoy a comfortable retirement without breaking the bank. For example, the average cost of a meal in a local restaurant is around $3, and a month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city like Bangkok can be as low as $400.

2. The healthcare system is excellent. Thailand has a well-developed healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics offering high-quality care at affordable prices. In fact, Thailand is known for its medical tourism industry, with many people from around the world coming to the country for treatment. This means that people over 50 can feel confident that they will have access to good healthcare if they need it.

3. The climate is warm and sunny. Thailand has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. This makes it a great place for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and want to escape the cold winters of more temperate climates.

4. There are many beautiful places to visit. Thailand is a country with a rich culture and history, and there are many beautiful places to visit. For example, people over 50 can explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, visit the stunning beaches of Koh Samui, or take a boat trip along the Mekong River.

5. The people are friendly and welcoming. The Thai people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and they are generally very welcoming to visitors. This means that people over 50 who decide to retire in Thailand can easily make new friends and feel at home in the country.

6. The food is delicious. Thai food is known for its bold flavors and spices, and there are many delicious dishes to try. From fragrant curries and noodles, to fresh seafood and tropical fruits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

7. The country is safe. Despite some political instability in the past, Thailand is generally a safe country to visit and live in. The crime rate is low, and people over 50 can feel confident that they will be able to enjoy their retirement in a safe and secure environment.

8. There are many opportunities for leisure and recreation. Thailand offers a wide range of leisure and recreational activities for people of all ages. For example, people over 50 can try their hand at golf on one of the many world-class courses in the country, or take up a new hobby like painting or dancing.

9. The culture is fascinating. Thailand has a rich and diverse culture that is influenced by a range of different traditions and customs. For people over 50 who are interested in learning more about the country's history and way of life, there are many opportunities to explore temples, museums, and other cultural attractions.

10. It's easy to get around. Thailand has a well-developed transportation network, with buses, trains, and taxis available in most cities and towns. This makes it easy for people over 50 to get around and explore the country, whether they are traveling solo or with friends and family.

The Special Tourist Visa was introduced in the time of Covid to help improve Thailand's tourist situation. It was always a temporary program that ran for 2 years and allowed recipients to stay in Thailand for up to 9 months without leaving.

The Visa is now ended.

Since it was a temporary program, the visa has now ended and an official notice is posted on the Thai EVisa website.

There is one alternative for Tourists

The standard tourist visa that allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days at a time with a 30 day extension is still available and you can use that to stay up to 90 days at a time.

Otherwise, you do have to look towards some kind of long term visa.

Thailand has started to move towards more premium visas such as the Elite Visa and the new Long Term Resident visa. Staying for a shorter time really means a limited 90 day period.

If you do want to stay longer, we suggest you book a consultation with us to explore what your options are and what the costs might be.

Request a consultation now.

Individuals from Visa On Arrival countries also have their length of stay increased from 15 days to 30 days.

This is good news if you want to stay in Thailand for a couple more weeks. But what does "Visa Exemption" and "Visa on Arrival" mean? And does it apply to your passport?

If you want to stay in Thailand longer than 30 or 45 days, please contact us to for a visa consultation.

What is a Visa Exemption?

This is when you can just fly to Thailand with your passport and get a 30 day "stamp". It is not a visa, it means you are "exempt" from needing a visa. You are also eligible for a 30 day extension. If you are from one of these countries you are eligible.

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, UK, Ukraine, and USA.  

What is a Visa on Arrival?

Visa on Arrivals mean you have to get a visa at the airport when you arrive in Thailand. Generally you could only stay in Thailand for 15 days and you were not eligible for an extension.

If you are from one of these countries, you are eligible for the extra 15 days of stay.

Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.

What about other countries?

Passport holders of the following countries/ territories may enter Thailand without a visa: Cambodia (14 days), Myanmar (14 days), Hong Kong (30 days), Lao PDR. (30 days), Macau (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Russia (30 days and VOA), Vietnam (30 days), Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Korea (ROK) (90 days), and Peru (90 days).

If you want to stay in Thailand longer than 30 or 45 days, please contact us to for a visa consultation.

While there are still some practical questions to be answered, here is how it could work for you.

First, the visa has some benefits:

1. You can invest in property or government bonds in Thailand
2. The visa is valid for 5 years and renewable for 5 more if you still meet the qualifications
3. Once a year 90 day report.
4. "Elite Visa" level status at the airport.

There are basicallty 4 categories of people who qualify for this visa. We will focus on the most likely ones.

Retirees
If you have income (from any source) of 80,000 USD per year for the past 2 years you can get this visa. For those with lower income above 40,000 USD you do need to invest 250,000 USD in Thailand.

Digital Nomads
If you work at a large public company, or a private company with a combined income of 150 Million USD over the past 3 years, and make 80,000 USD you qualify. If you make 40,000 USD of more for the past 3 years you do need to have a masters degree or higher.

The other two are for wealthy foreigners who want to invest at least 500,000 USD in Thailand and for those who want to work in Thailand or setup a business. Both of these categories require very high investments.

What are our thoughts?

We believe that for most people with 10 year outlook in Thailand, if you do not plan to work in Thailand, the Elite Visa is still a good option. You can still buy condos with the Elite Visa.

What is not clear with the LTR visas is the kind of property one can buy. Once we know that we will let you know.

If you are a digital nomad working in a business that's bringing in less than 50 Million USD per year, forget it.

If you work at a big public company or a multinational private company in your country for many years and you are now allowed to work from anywhere, the new digital nomad visa is for you.

If you want to setup a business in Thailand, we recommend going with the normal Business Visa that has been in existence for decades.

As we learn the intricate details and caveats about these visas, we will have videos and other materials coming out soon.

The LTR Visas are ok for certain narrow bands of people, and if you want to find out more and if you qualify, we encourage you to request a consultation to talk about your options.

Here at Baan Smile, we understand that there are 3 pathways to staying a long time in Thailand. For us a "long time" means 5 years or more. Let's examine what real options are available to you.

#1 Business or a Job

A good way to stay in Thailand indefinitely if you are under 50 years old is to get a job, or start a business. With this pathway, you can get a Non-B (Non Immigrant Business Visa) and a work permit. This allows you to work in Thailand, start a business, and if you make enough money (80,000 THB per month) for the past 2-3 years, apply for Permanent Residency and even Thai Citizenship.

Talk with us about your Business Visa

#2 Retirement

The next most popular way to stay in Thailand indefinitely is with a Retirement Visa. (O-A Visa). This visa can be renewed every year. If you are from one of 12 countries, you can also apply for the O-X visa which is renewable every 5 years. However you do have to be 50 years or older. And you do have to keep some money in your bank account in Thailand. This is one of the most popular options however for people who are done with the west.

Talk with us about your Retirement Visa

#3 Buy a Visa

If you have about USD$17,000, then you can buy a 5 year Elite Visa and just enjoy your time in Thailand. There are longer terms available up to 20 years and discounted packages to suit your whole family. If you do the math and have the money up-front, then it's actually cheaper to do this, than most of the other options.

Talk with us about the Elite Visa

#4 Get Married

If you found love in Thailand, we are very happy for you and you will be joining many many people who got married and moved here. You can get a marriage visa which is renewable every year, and if you get a job in Thailand, then after 3 years you can apply for Permanent Residency and then citizenship.

#5 Long Term Visa (LTR)

Finally, there is the new Long Term Visa which was introduced in September 2022. Good for high income people who want to start businesses here, retire here or be Digital Nomads for large companies making around 50 Million USD per year in income.

If you want to see how one of these options might work for you, then get a consultation with us. We'll have a hour-long Zoom video call to explore all options that fit your case.

Get a consultation

TL;DR— its’ MUCH faster done outside of the USA instead of inside the USA. So if you’re in another country, do it before you return home. This process is only for renewing an existing passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, please contact the US Embassy in Bangkok or Chiang Mai to get a temporary passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, please use these instructions instead:
https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/replace-lost-stolen-adult-passport/

How long do I have to wait?

People inside the USA have to wait between 8-11 weeks for normal service and 5-7 weeks for “expedited” service. In contrast if you are outside the US, you only have to wait a maximum of 2-3 weeks.

Can I travel inside Thailand without my Passport?

It depends how you are going and what kind of travel. Obviously if you are flying between provinces you cannot, since you need to show a passport to the Airlines. If you are traveling by bus, some government bus lines will need to see your passport. Obviously if you are driving around or taking taxis you can visit anywhere. Needless to say you cannot travel outside of Thailand without your passport.

Will I get back my old passport?

Yes! You old and new passport will be returned to you.

What if I already have a visa inside my passport?

The Immigration department in Thailand has services that will transfer your visa into a new passport. Just take the old passport and the new passport and show them what you need to do. They will transfer your existing visa to the new passport.

Can I physically take my passport to the US Embassy in Bangkok?

No. You have to send it by local mail or courier service.

Is Mail safe in Thailand?

Yes! Mail is very safe in Thailand. Mail services in Thailand are extremely mature. You can get express service, registered mail and a tracking number to see where your package is at any time. If you are going to use Thailand Post, find the nearest post office and the friendly staff will be happy to help you send express mail. They sell envelopes, packaging and of course stamps. So no need to get any of that before going to the post office.

How will I get back my new passport?

The US Embassy in Bangkok will send your old and new passports to your address in Thailand. Ensure that you get your address correctly.  The best way is to get some mail that already comes to you and copy that address. The address can be in English or Thai.

Where do I send my old passport to?

Send it to the Bangkok US Embassy. Do not use the Chiang Mai embassy, since there will be many delays.

How does the process really work?

1. You send your passport to the US Embassy in Bangkok
2. The US Embassy requests a new passport from the passport application center in the USA
3. The passport application center in the USA issues a new passport
4. That passport is mailed back to the US Embassy in Bangkok
5. The US Embassy in Bangkok sends it back to you by Thai Post.

How to renew - step by step.

Step #1 - Check eligibility
Use this link:
https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/renewing-your-u-s-passport-by-mail/

Step #2 - Read the instructions and guidelines
After eligibility, you will be taken to this URL.
https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/instructions-for-ds-82-processing-by-mail-and-online-fee-payment-for-u-s-citizens-residing-in-thailand/

Step #3 - Fill out the forms
Fill out the passport form online, download and print it then sign it. If you do not have a printer, there are tons of print and copy shops in every neighborhood in Thailand. Find one and print a few copies just in case you make a mistake.
https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Step #4 - Take photos
Go get some passport photos of 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm). You can get passport photos at many photo shops in your neighborhood in Bangkok.

Step #5 - Prepare your current passport.
Make sure you have your current passport. You will need to send this with your application. So be prepared to be without a passport for about 2-3 weeks. Make sure you have no pressing travel plans.

Step #6 - Get a Bank Draft
A bank draft is similar to a US money order or cashiers check. You can get at any branch of SCB Bank, Kasikorn Bank or Bangkok Bank. Fill out this form and show it to the bank and they will prepare the draft for you. The form is in Thai and English so the bank personnel can understand it.
https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/print-bankdraft-request-form-envelopes.pdf

Step #7 - Prepare your package for mailing
You will need to mail the old passport, your DS-82 passport renewal form, and the bank draft to the US Embassy in Bangkok only.

US Embassy Address:
Passport-by-Mail Service
ACS/Consular Section,
U.S. Embassy,
95 Wireless Road,
Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Be sure to use Express Mail or Registered Service, or DHL courier service and get a Tracking Number so you can keep track of your passport.

Step #8 - Tracking your application
The US State Department provides a URL where you can track your passport application. At any time you can see the status of your passport in the renewal cycle:
https://passportstatus.state.gov

Step #9 - Getting back your passport
If everything goes well, you should get your passport back in about 10 business days or up to 3 calendar weeks. I got back mine in just under 2 weeks.

What if my passport is lost in the mail?

If after a few weeks you did not get back your passport, you can email the US embassy to find out more. If it's truly lost you can visit the embassy to get a temporary limited passport. Use this link to read on how to do this:
https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/replace-lost-stolen-adult-passport/

Summary

So there you have it! Renewing your passport is quite easy outside of the USA and actually faster than doing it back in the States. Need help to do this? If so contact Baan Smile we can help you prepare the entire package.

Some questions are fairly simple. Others require us to do deep research and confirmation with the great folks in Thai Immigration to make sure you can get what you desire.

Some of the most popular questions are:

• How long can someone from my country stay in Thailand?
• What kind of visas will I need?
• Can I bring my family with me?
• How to do a border run?
• Where should I stay?
• Is the Elite Visa worth it for my case?
• And many, many more.

We've been doing a lot of these consultations recently and they are incredibly satisfying.

Finally, you can can breathe.

You will get all the answers you need to confidently decide how you are going to spend your time in Thailand.

You will get a private call with the team and you can ask anything you want. All your questions  will be answered and you will get the right options based on which country you are from and what you want to do in Thailand.

Cost of the Zoom call: $75 USD.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CONSULTATION

There I was, making a six figure salary. Prestigious tech job. Cars. Nice home. Living in one of the best beach cities in the United States. 

Yet I was totally burned out.

I had everything. But it felt like nothing. Every day was just dragging. Normally I love computer programming. But it was becoming one of the most hated things I had to do.

Like many of you, I had dedicated my life to my job and maintaining that lifestyle in the USA.

When the decision came to where I could go to, I had no idea. I could go almost wherever I wanted around the world. At first I thought... what about South America? Then Europe (but that would be too much like the same lifestyle in the USA). Then a co-worker told me she spend a few weeks in Thailand.

Thailand was not even on my radar at all. Nor Asia. But I did my research and booked a flight and resort for Koh Samui.

The difference between Thailand and the USA is "respect".

It started on the flight from Italy to Bangkok. Initially I flew on Miami to Rome on Alitalia. And I saw that the service on Alitialia was so much better than USA domestic airlines. But I was absolutely blown away by Thai Airways service. And it kept getting better as I landed in Koh Samui. I realized that people actually could be respectful and really care about your well being.

The detox resort I stayed at was spartan, but had amazing service.

Guys, after 2 weeks, I emailed in my resignation letter while sitting on the porch of my poolside bungalow.

I could not see myself going back to that life of stress anymore. Don't get me wrong. It was the best job I ever had and the people in it were absolutely amazing. I'm still friends with many of them today.

But I wanted a change.

After just those 3 weeks I was mentally a new person.

Everything looked strange when I came back home to Miami. Reverse culture shock. And I immediately started planning my next trip back to Thailand which happened a year later.

Eventually I left the USA, lived in another country and then moved to Thailand at the end of 2018.

It took a few years of careful planning so I could operate my business from anywhere. But years of doing that paid off. Now I only visit the USA for friends, family and transit.

Could you do something like this?

The environment in the CUUNA countries (Canada, USA, the UK, New Zealand and Australia) is dramatically different now. Freedoms are becoming less and less. Governments, no matter which side you are on, are no longer serving the people.

And "woke/cancel" culture is absolutely poisoning those countries.

Even if you don't want to leave your country permanently, it makes sense to "refresh" and reload your mental state for a while. If you're lucky enough to be able to work from somehere else for up to 3 months, I would certainly consider doing it in Thailand.

Sure, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and other south-east asian countries are great too. I've visited all of them and they're lovely.

But for someone who needs to work online and deal with the outside world, Thailand has the best infrastructure, best food, fastest internet, liveliest culture, great natural attractions and some of the strongest (and cheapest) transportation links internally and externally to almost anywhere in the world.

I don't know what your plan will be in the next 5-10 years.

But if you can swing it, the best thing to do is start with a tourist visa to Thailand and commit yourself to investigating living outside of your CUUNA country for a while.

With a tourist visa, you can spend 3 months in Thailand. (60 days on the visa and a 30 day extension). Spend some time in Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Pattaya (if that's your thing), Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and the farmlands in the north.

Internet is great, cheap and ultra-fast so you can actually work if you need to do that anywhere in the country.

You can rent a great place to live in almost all those locations for about $600 USD per month. So the cost of living here will definitely not take a bite out of your normal expenses back home.

Start With a Tourist Visa

Our company we started here, Baan Smile will help you get started and prepare your visa for you.

If you want to spend 30-60 days here, you don't need us and you can just come from any CUUNA country with just your passport.

Our team has deep, deep knowledge of Thailand and we can get almost anything done that you want. And so if you have longer range plans, it may make sense to sit with me and Miss P on the phone for a reasonably priced consultation so you can get all the options for medium range to longer stays.

I will be happy to assist you with our deep connections in Thailand and look forward to hearing from you.

- Eric

Here are the requirement for the Special Tourist Visa.

Period of Stay
You must want to enter Thailand for tourism purposes only.

Proof of Address
You must provide proof of address which must be any be one of the following:

• Fully paid hotel reservation paid in advance. Should show the address of the hotel and booking details as well as Tax ID of the hotel. Should also include the email address and phone number of the hotel as well.
• A residential lease in Thailand that has at least 2 months paid in advance (example rental of a condo for 6 months). Should show the landlord's name, contact info and Tax ID number in Thailand.
• A mortgage on a property you've bought in Thailand
• A title deed of a Condo you bought in Thailand.

Health Insurance
You need to have health insurance for the period of your stay in Thailand. For example, if you know you are going to stay for 90 days, you need to have 90 days worth of insurance. However if you think you are going to extend your stay for additional 90 day periods, then purchase health insurance before you arrive in thailand to match your anticipated time. You will need to have insurance in place when you extend your visa. 

Minimum insurance is 40,000 THB for Outpatient services and In-patient insurance of a minimum of 400,000 THB.

Other Requirements

• Proof of residency in your home country (copy of passport, residency card, green card, etc)
• Proof of no criminal record issued from your local Federal police officials (FBI or other in your country. Here is the link to request for USA residents.)
• Medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases

How to Apply
Put together all the above documents and find the website for your local Thai consulate to make an appointment. Confirm with the local Thai consulate if there are any other documents. Then you will be able to get your Special Tourist Visa no problem.

Please contact us for help with the Special Tourist Visa.

We will process the entire visa application and help you get your Thailand Pass for just 4,500 THB payable when everything is completed.

What countries are eligible?
Citizens and residents from all countries are eligible to retire in Thailand.

What are the financial requirements?
You can have at least 800,000 THB in a bank account for at least 2 months, or income from a pension or other source of at least 65,000 THB per month. A combination of the both of those are acceptable.

How long can you stay in Thailand?
One year. The visa is renewable each year.

Can I work in Thailand?
No. The retirement visa does not allow you to work in Thailand.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Step #1 - Come to Thailand!
You can enter Thailand with just a tourist visa or a 30 day visa exemption stamp.

Step #2 - Open a bank account in Thailand
As soon as you arrive in Thailand, we will assist you in opening a bank account. You can transfer funds to satisfy the financial requirements. We will also help you to get a statement and letter from the bank proving you have met the requirements.

Step #3 - Change to the retirement visa
The final step is to change your tourist visa to your retirement visa before tourist visa expires. This we will do for you.

PAPERWORK REQUIRED

• Original passport (when you arrive in Thailand)
• Copy of passport - to start the process
• 3 Passport photos
• Address in Thailand
• Statement from bank (as explained above)

MISCELLENOUS NOTES

Travel outside Thailand
To travel outside Thailand you need a re-entry permit. If you leave Thailand without this permit, your visa will be cancelled. Luckily the re-entry permit is easy to get and you can do so at your local immigration office, or at the airport before you leave.

Renewing your visa
This is a repeat of the same process you did before. Just pretend you are doing it for the first time again. Same financial requirements. Same paperwork. Just no 90 day visa required since you are already in Thailand. You would start the renewal process a month before your visa expires.

Address reporting
For just about every kind of long term visa (including the retirement visa), the Thai Immigration department requires you to report your address every 90 days. This can be done online or in person at one of the nearby immigration offices.

Have more questions or ready to start the process?

Click here to start the process

Benefits

• You can use those empty Thai lanes at the airport used for Thai citizens and Permanent Residents
• You can apply for citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
• You can get mortgages, bank loans etc more easily
• No need to do the 90 day reports anymore
• You don't have to ever worry about visas or work permits again.

Requirements

The requirements center around work. You have to be gainfully working in Thailand to even be reading the rest of this.

• You must have a work permit for 3 consecutive years just before the application
• You must be working in the last company for at least 1 year just before application
• Earn at least 80,000 baht per month for 2 years (or filing tax on monthly income of 100,000 baht)
• If you're married you can apply after 2 years showing 40,000 baht per month, tax returns and annual renewal of your marriage visa.
• You need to speak conversational Thai

If you have a business in Thailand and have a work permit associated with that business and have the same income requirements -- you also have no problem and are eligible.

Most other categories, even investment, etc requires you to have work permits and be filing taxes also.

Who is not Eligible?

• People who hold a Retirement Visa
• People who hold the Elite Visa
• People who do not do consistent work in Thailand
• Tourist visa holders (obviously)

What about the Quota?

Yes, there is a quota of 100 people per country or colony, but from all reports, very few people actually apply for permanent residency, so for most countries there should not be a problem. We have heard that China and India, because their large populations and many immigrants have to wait for multiple years before they can apply.

Is the Permanent Resident Visa Permanent?

Yes! And once you have it you do not need to get work permits or another visa. However, if you leave Thailand, you do need to get a re-entry permit so you do not invalidate your visa. You can purchase a multiple re-entry permit each year that allows you to leave or enter Thailand as many times as you want. If you are only travelling once a year, then you can purchase a single re-entry permit at a lower cost.

How much do I have to pay?

To apply for the visa, you pay a non-refundable fee of 7,600 Baht, or around $250 USD
If you are accepted you will then pay a one-time fee of 191,400 Baht, or around $6,000 USD.

And now you see why even with a quota of 100 per year per country, so few people actually do it. As with everything in Thailand, you do have to pay some money.

Summary

So let's stop the myths. Permanent residency in Thailand is very possible. And in fact, is quite similar to getting permanent residency in many western countries, in terms if time and money.

If you are married to a Thai Citizen, it costs less and takes a shorter time.
If you are a woman married to a Thai husband, it will cost even less and take a much, much shorter time.

More Links

Big Shout Out to Thai Citizenship for leading us down this research path.

Official Thai Immigration page on how to apply for Thai Residency Visa

Look out for our official video on this matter.

All your business was online, all your money came from online and you could work from your laptop anywhere in the world.

The typical digital nomad lifestyle was like this…

• Spend 2 or 3 months in Thailand. 
• Then when the visa expires, go spend a month in Vietnam. 
• Then another month in Bali on the beaches, or in the mountains of Ubud. 
• Then maybe explore Malaysia. 
• Or perhaps a short trip to Nepal!
• Get a visa at the Thai embassy in another country.
• And Finally return to civilization in Thailand and repeat! 

However…

Covid ended all of that.

While Thailand was open for foreigners since sometime last year summer, you had to do 14 days of quarantine.

And The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia or Bali are -- as of the date of this video -- still closed for normal tourists.

Unless you had a business visa, or a work permit, it is difficult to enter any of those countries today -- except for Thailand.

So what’s a digital nomad to do?

It does not make sense to just fly to Thailand for a couple of months on a tourist visa, spend 14 days in Quarantine and then fly all the way back home.

Digital Nomads want to spend a bit more time than that so they can focus on work and enjoy the country for a while.

And even though Thailand has super-fast internet, good facilities and the ability to live for a lower cost than back home… The restrictions to travel around South East Asia and in and out of the country has made being a digital nomad almost impossible.

So is that life over?

What are some alternatives?

Sponsored Work Permits

You’ve seen some of these companies advertising on Youtube about sponsored work permits. These companies will hire you and you pay them a substantial amount every month to handle taxes, payroll and other tasks.

Basically, your monthly income has to be deposited with them, and they pay you from it while taking a nice chunk of it for them.

Just how much do you pay them?

Well, that varies from company to company. You have to go into their process to find out.

But one downside of this, is that you have to be careful. Some of these companies operate in a gray area.

You had best be sure that you are indeed working for their company and getting paid the right amount of salary. Or it could come back to bite you later when you have to do things like Permanent Residency in Thailand.

The government pays a lot of scrutiny to these kinds of operations. But if you just plan to be in Thailand for a few years and have no plan to live here on a more permanent basis, it could probably work for you.

Start your own company

Did you know that Baan Smile was started by a Digital Nomad?

One of the best ways to be in Thailand these days is to start a company. 

Assuming you have a decent enough online business, you could hire some part time or full-time Thai staff to help you.

Your online business could pay your company to do these tasks.

Then your company can pay you.

And not only could you get a business visa, but you can also get a work permit too. You no longer have to leave Thailand every few months, and you’re contributing to the economy too.

Thank you very much!!! 

The downside is that you do have to pay some taxes and do the proper bookkeeping every month.

And you do have to have 4 Thai staff. Some of these can be full-time and part time.

Running a business is not an easy task and to be honest, it’s probably not right for most digital nomads who only make a couple thousand dollars every month..

But it’s the most sustainable and legal way to stay in Thailand for as long as you want -- or as long as your business survives.

Get an Education Visa

If your work online is not full-time, you can sign up to study Muay Thai boxing, or learn the Thai language.

You would get a visa for at least 6 months at a time.

But you do have to demonstrate some competence in what you are learning.

For example, Thai Immigration will speak to you in Thai language if you are studying Thai.

Maybe they might want you to demonstrate some moves for the boxing [haha].

And you do have to actually attend classes two or three times a week, usually for about 2-4 hours at a time.

But between classes you can go back to your room and do your work.

It’s a good low cost way to stay in Thailand legitimately.

At the time of this video, most schools are just opening after Covid, so if you do plan on doing this, then start emailing some of the schools to inquire what you need to do.

Please contact us for a list of schools for both Thai Language and Muay Thai that offer the education visa as part of their program.

Proposals from the Government

Recently the Tourism Authority of Thailand has put out a very interesting proposal for a “Digital Nomad Visa”.

What do you have to do to get this visa?

• You need to be making at least 40,000 US Dollars per year.
• You need to also have health insurance.
• You also need to have a bachelors degree and at least 5 years of experience in your field.

But the cherry at the top of that pie is that if this proposal is accepted, you could get a 10 year multiple entry visa.

You would have to pay taxes in Thailand like a normal Thai person though. And the proposal would even enable you to buy land in Thailand.

Now don’t be too cynical.

A lot of proposals in Thailand tend to get eventually become law.

But it’s clear that the Tourism Authority of Thailand is seeing how the ability to work remotely is changing the world and it’s clear that Thailand wants to get in on that action.

Just imagine, if you work at a big company that allows remote work from anywhere and you get a salary of at least 40,000 US Dollars per year, you could, potentially be eligible for that 10 year visa.

We will see what happens in the next year!!

Summary

Thailand has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world.

It also has really fantastic beaches and great cities too.

Good food from all over the world is here.

People are very friendly.

The weather is awesome most of the time.

And it’s easy to travel here.

That's why we were recently voted as the top destination for Digital Nomads around the world.

I hope this blog has been really helpful for you.

If you want help to setup a local business in Thailand to help serve as the back office for your online business -- you’re in the right place.

To learn the culture

Let’s face it, you cannot learn the culture from another foreigner. It will be at least second hand. It is best to learn the culture from another person who bas born into it.  Learning the culture is not something that is just theory. It will help you to do almost everything you want to do in Thailand faster and with less mistakes. 

To learn the language

Your Thai friends will speak a lot of Thai with other people. And you cannot help but to pickup what you hear. Some of the words you hear repeated again and again you should ask what they mean and try to say them yourself. Your Thai friends will correct you -- several times [laugh].

To get help when you need it

Quick - how many of you know the number to call the police in Thailand? Can you quickly describe where you live? How about if you get in an accident or have a crime committed against you? What if you have to speak to an official person who does not speak English?

This is another good reason to have genuine Thai friends to help you when you need it.

It’s good to have local friends

The last reason is simple - humans are social animals and everyone needs friends. Even Thai people! They like to have foreign friends so they can learn your culture and language and you want the same thing too.

Ok so those are the reasons why you should have Thai friends. Now here are some great ways to actually go out and do it. You might have many reasons to make friends. Perhaps you see something that you like. Perhaps you just want someone to talk with. But there is one strong way to do it.

Repetition.

Thailand is known as the land of smiles. But this is Bangkok, and people might not smile with you in the beginning. So the best way to meet people is to repeat. Let me go through a few ways on how you should do this.

#1 Buy from the same people

When you arrive in Bangkok, and you do everyday shopping, you should try to do it from the same stores. Pick a 7-11 and stick to it. Buy fruits from the same fruit stand everytime. Even buy your clothes from the same store.

But you need to go a bit further. Remember you are trying to make friends. So you should also try to shop at around the same time, so you meet the same people on their work shift.

#2 Eat at the same restaurants

The same goes from restaurants. In the beginning you will try many restaurants. But in the end, settle at just a few in your neighborhood or near your workplace or school or on your commute. Don’t just buy your food from everywhere.

Another thing. Tip the waiters. Yes, Thailand is not the place to tip people, but if your favorite restaurants allow it, then do it. Remember, you're trying to make friends.

As you walk in, try to find your favorite waiter and wave to them. They will come over to you for sure.

#3 Show an interest

The next tip is good for store owners, or street food vendors.  Ask them how business is doing. Listen to what they say and seriously sympathize with them or congratulate them if they are doing well. Say the product or product looks nice today. But really mean it of course. 

People can smell fakeness a mile away. So if you don’t mean it, don’t bother to say it.

#4 Try to remember people

If you shop at a big supermarket like Tesco of Big C, try to remember the staff that works in the departments you frequent. As we said before, try to do your shopping on the same days or times if possible so the chances of meeting them again are greater. You have to be really specific about this by even going to the same cashier you used before.

#5 Smile and say hello

It’s one thing to see people all the time. But at some point you have to act on it. So learn how to say “Hello” in Thai and smile at the same time. Some Thai people can be quite shy, and if they don’t speak English very well, then that can also be the biggest reason to not talk to you.

So a few choice words in Thai will make a big difference.

This is why in many Baan Smile videos, we always recommend you try to learn a few words of Thai.

#6 Ask for their name

A good next step is to ask them what their name is. Thai people will tell you their nickname and that’s fine. Repeat it to them and they will probably correct your pronunciation. This is ok!!

When you get their nickname right, you can say what your name is.

Make a polite bow and say goodbye. Don’t try to take things any further at this time. The next time you see them, please call them by name.

So where are we now?

You’ve begun to frequent the same locations at the same time and you’ve learned the names of the people you’re interested in. You’ve begun to smile and maybe you’ve even run into some people you know while you’re out and about. It’s time to take the next step and engage on a deeper level.

#7 Ask for help

Now that some time has passed, a good way to go deeper is to ask for some help with something. Maybe it’s as simple as asking where you can buy something. But be sensible, don’t ask someone who works in a restaurant where to buy something from a factory. Keep your request simple and easy for the person to answer without thinking too much or without them having to do any work.

Ask for help publicly too. This helps the person to “gain face” by doing some good in a public way.

If the person says they cannot do it, then don’t worry. There will always be another time.

#8 Should you give a gift?

No.

Thailand can be very superstitious sometimes. It’s easy to give the wrong kind of gift and get yourself into a lot of trouble. And the thing is, you might not even know that you’re in trouble. The person might just stop talking to you or give you the cold shoulder. So keep gifts to very simple everyday items. Not expensive, and useful.

#9  Asking someone out

So you’ve begun to know people a lot more and maybe you want to go have a drink or something. This does not have to be romantic or anything. The best way to do this, is ask them to join you and some friends for a meal or some drinks. If they ask you out, unless you really and truly cannot go, please accept the invitation and show up. Even if everyone is speaking Thai, they will be glad to have you. Trust me, you will have a great time and even make more friends when you’re there.

This is especially true if you are invited to a new friend’s home to meet their family.

The best gift to take in this case, is a bottle of alcohol like some wine, vodka or some kind of drink that Thai people like. If you’re in doubt, ask your friend!

#10 Special note for guys.

So finally, this is a special note for you guys. You are about 92% of the audience on our youtube channel, so here’s a little bit of a serious note for you.

Try to make friends with Thai guys. I’m serious!!! Sure, its good to make female friends too. But as a guy, you need to meet male Thai friends. 

Let’s be honest.

When you have female friends, there is always the possibility of some kind of romantic attachment. That’s just how the male brain works. However when you have guy friends, its a pure friendship. You can do things with other guys that you cannot do with girls. You can talk about things that you cannot talk about with women.

And most importantly, men and men everywhere you go. So as a man, your male friends will understand you in a way that no woman can -- not even your wife or girlfriend. Many studies around the world prove that man with good male friends are happier in life. That’s just how it is.

Making friends is so important guys. This is not something that just happens. You have to actually work at doing it. But the benefits are out of this world and well worth the work!

If you have more tips on making friends in Thailand or any other country, please let us know!

And if you have any questions about Thailand, please ask them here.

Tourist visa only lasts for 60 days and you can extend it for another 30, then you get to 90 days maximum. After this time you do have to leave the country and re-enter again. The tourist visa is the one you get from your own country. The visa stamp on arrival only gives you 30 days. Price: 2,000 THB for visa and 1,900 THB for the 30 day extension.

Education Visa

You could get an education visa for either Thai Language or Muay Thai and study this part time, while you do your online trading. This visa lasts for 6 months to a year, and you can renew for another year to continue the studies (Depending on the school). Less than 5,000 THB. Does not include cost of tuition.

Business Visa & Work Permit

You can get a job in Thailand. Or you can start your own business here. This is more expensive for you to maintain over the long term -- but if the business is viable then that is not a problem. To start your own business, look to spend about 60,000 THB or 100,000 THB to both start your business and get your visa and work permit.

Elite Visa

The Elite Visa is another option, which ranges in price from 600,000 THB to 2,000,000 THB for between 5 years and 20 years.

Retirement Visa

If you're over 50, then this one is potentially for you. You do have to keep some money in the bank or have a minimum standard of income. Price for visa is 1,900 THB and you can spend about 20,000 THB for a good agent that will help you with everything quickly.

Marriage Visa

Finally, you could be fortunate to find a Thai wife and get married and live in Thailand. You need to have some money in the bank also and keep renewing your visa each year.

There are other miscellaneous visas such as the Smart Visa and the 10 year retirement visa but those are more for investors and require bigger financial outlays.

What do you think most applies to you?

Click here to talk about your particular situation.

This is how you can do the online 90-day Report (otherwise call TM47).

Browsers compatiable with the thai immigration website are Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

You need to have your passport and your original arrival card (TM-6) beside you.You will also need to know the address where you are staying.

The window for doing the online report is no last than 14 days before the deadline and no more than 7 days before the deadline.This is because there need to be about 7 days to process the report.

Step 1

Go to the 90 day reporting website: 
https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do?cmd=acceptTerm

Agree to the term and conditions.

Step 2

Click “Notification of Staying in the Kingdom over 90 days.”

Step 3

You will need to enter the personal information from your passport and your TM-6 arrival card. You will also need to enter your nationality and the type of visa that you have. Please leave the flight number blank. 

Step 4

The next step will be your visa information and current address. This is very easy to do. 

Step 5

The final step is to review everything you entered  so far. Click the accept buttom to submit your information.

Step 6

Finally, you will received a comfirmation of your report here. Save this page as a PDF file.

Now please to check that link every few days to see if your report was accepted. If it was not accepted, you will have to go in person to the immigration office. However, if it was accepted, it was look like this.

If you need help submitting your 90 day report either in person or online. Please contact us and we can help you.

You won't get too far without a solid business idea. We recommend spending a few nights putting down on paper what your business is going to do, how much will your prices be and if you have the capital to start it.

Finding a Thai partner

The first step, is to find a Thai partner, since for most private limited companies, they'll own 51% of the company. You can find more than one partner for this. We recommend a trusted friend first, a Thai relative next and finally, a wife or girlfriend. If you do not have a partner, we can assist you in finding some individuals that we know and trust, then you have to vet them yourself. Remember that this is your business and your life, so always think carefully about your business partner, which brings us to the next point.

Preparing a partnership agreement

Our lawyer can help you draw up a partnership/shareholder agreement that determines the powers, duties and responsibilities of the partner and what happens if the company has to be closed. Or what happens to your shares if you die (generally you want to pass this on to your family). A lot of people forget this step, but we recommend that you should always do it.

Registering the company

As part of registering the company you have to chose a name, but also chose 3 alternate names, just in case the name you want is already taken. Our team will check the Thailand DBD system to see if your name is available before doing the registration. 
You can do a name search here.

You'll also need to choose the types of business you will be doing. If you can speak Thai and understand all the document requirements, you are actually able to register the company yourself.
Register your company here

Setting up a Registered Office

Unlike some other countries, you do need a public place to have your business. It is possible to have it in a home, but you do need to have a sign outside near your gate that is visible to the public. This rules out almost all condos.

You are use one of many virtual office services that allow this. Or if you have a townhome, a house or other dwelling that you can hang a small sign to the front of, that is enough too. Be sure to inquire with your landlord to get permission to do this before you go ahead.

Employees

As a foreigner you do need to hire at least 4 Thai employees. At a minimum you should be paying their social security payments and any other taxes each month. Employees can be part time or full time. But this step you have to do.

We can help you find the staff for your business and help with teh Social Security registration for these staff members.

V.A.T. - Value Added Tax

Your business also needs to sign up for the Thailand Value Added Tax, although you do not need to start charging and paying it until you've reached a certain minimum revenue threshold. But you do need to be registered.

Your Visa

The next step is to get an "B" (Business) visa which lasts for 3 months or 1 year. You can apply for this visa inside or outside of Thailand (depending on your nationality).  There is quite a long list of documents associated with getting this visa (including your work permit) and this is where whatever you pay your visa consultant is worth every penny.

Our lawyer can do this step quickly and efficiently for you. Please contact us on the forms on this page to get started.

Up and Running

If there are no complications or problems (and with a good visa agent - there usually will not be), then your company should be registered and you will have your Business Visa and Work Permit in your hands.

Please make copies of these important documents as you will need to show them or send them by email from time to time.

Opening a Business Account

The next immediate step is to open one or more bank accounts for your business. We recommend two accounts. One to keep all you V.A.T. and other taxes and another one for normal business operations. You will need to show your business registration certificate, passport with business visa and work permit. We recommend visiting a bank of your choice first, since requirements and document will vary depending on the bank.

Opening Personal Accounts

Because you now have a work permit, you can walk into any bank and open an account on your own. This is one of the great advantages of having a work permit. It just makes financial life in Thailand so much easier.

Buying Land

Another great advantage of having a Thailand private Limited Liability Company with a Thai partner, is that you can also buy assets such as land, houses, etc in the Kingdom. You cannot do this with most other types of companies. Just as in other countries, a company has many of the rights of a Thai citizen/person.

Hiring an Accountant

Your most important hire will be an accountant who can do your taxes and file all the necessary paperwork to keep your company compliant. You also have to pay yourself and your staff and pay any taxes for these as well.

Summary

Starting a business in Thailand is not that difficult on your part. A good lawyer will do most of the work and all you have to do is pay whatever fees are required.

If your business is making money in Thailand, enough to pay you and your staff and your taxes, then you are well on teh way to becoming a permanent resident in a few years and even a citizen.

Let's get real, this is hands down, the best way to become a part of Thailand. Believe it or not, being married, or having a retirement visa will never confer the rights and privileges that owning a business in Thailand will.

If you need a consultation, please let us know and we will be very happy to get you started.

Lazada is a e-commerce giant in Southeast Asia, offering retail from their warehouses as well as a third party marketplace, just like Amazon. Lazada is usually the go-to as it has everything under the sun, all the way from packets of Haribo to household appliances and everything in between.

One of the reasons why Lazada is reliable is the fact that major brands such as L’oreal and Samsung to name a few, have flagship stores in the e-commerce platform providing authentic goods with a guarantee. When buying higher value items, do look for the Laz Mall sign or the flagship stores of brands since Lazada also offers a local marketplace where individual sellers are able to list any items they want in their shop page.

This is one of the most popular online marketplaces for small local shops and independent brands in Thailand so you can really find almost anything you would desire without ever going to the markets or malls. Lazada is the easiest platform to use, and also offers several payment options such as cash-on-delivery or even the option to pay at a 7-Eleven.

2 - Shopee

Shopee has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and is now the biggest e-commerce platform in Thailand and South East Asia in terms of monthly users. One of the main benefits of Shopee are the many discounts and coupons they give out to members on their platform as well as commonly offering free shipping within Thailand.

Shopee also have sale festivals relatively often offering big discounts on most items, however, due to the complexity and thecoupon elements of the platform, it might be a little bit harder to use than Lazada if you just want a no frills approach to order.

However, if you don’t mind spending a little bit more time browsing and collecting e-coupons and checking out sales, you might be able to get the best deals available online, even better than Lazada. Shipping is also fast and very efficient with many payment methods available just like lazada. 

3 - JIB 

JIB is one of the leading specialty e-commerce platforms offering different kinds of IT products all the way to desktop PCs and laptops to a wide variety of peripherals and accessories.

Unlike Lazada and Shopee, JIB doesn’t sell cross-border, which means that there are no foreign sellers, however the prices are competitive and it is a trustable seller with a physical store in multiple locations. 

4 - Central Online

Central Group is the biggest retail company in Thailand with the highest number of department stores and malls in Thailand. It also owns convenience store brand familymart in Thailand. With the introduction of its online store, you can shop at the convenience of your house, it also offers a personal shopper service on request.

There are also more than one way to pick up your goods as you could look it up in one of the many central department stores if you want it on the same day. The biggest advantage of Central online is that you can use their “The One” loyalty program card just as you would at the department store to collect and redeem points.

Furthermore, Central online only sells products itself, with no third party marketplaces and sellers making it one of the most trustable websites, offering only authentic branded products. It also offers an express three hour delivery which is its unique selling point as compared to its much bigger rivals.

One disadvantage is the lack of variety products as they only sell products they would usually sell in their department stores, so if you are looking for a random specialized product, then you might not find it at Central Online. 

Other than these options, most retail stores such as Supersports and Powerbuy all have their own online shopping websites and they are usually all very reliable with comparable shipping to the online shopping giants, and are good to use if you have use their own respective reward programs, however the biggest e-commerce with the most product offerings and the best promotions are Lazada and Shopee, and they are they are most likely to be the best alternative to Amazon when living in Thailand. We hope you found the information useful. 

So before you get all excited, you should know that there are a few restrictions on what kind of dogs you can bring to Thailand. All dogs and cats must be at least 4 months old and Pit Bull's are not allowed.

We're sure most Pit Bulls are sweet and precious, but a few have a reputation, and like many countries around the world such as Germany, New Zealand, the U.K. and even parts of Japan, Thailand discourages importing, breeding or rescuing this breed of dog.

Another breed of dog can cannot be brought to Thailand are American Staffordshire Terriers.

Get your paperwork in order

The next step is to get your paperwork in order. Be sure to do this well ahead of time since getting permits can sometimes be a slow process.

You need an import permit from the Thai government. Click here for the website to get the permit.

You need an export permit from your home country. Your local vet will point you in the right direction for this and some will even prepare it for you for a fee.

Medical Considerations

Your dog must be vaccinated against Rabies, Lepto-Spi-Rosis, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus. Your local vet can get these shots done for you.

Your pet should be vaccinated at least 21 days before your flight to Thailand and these vaccines should not be administered more than 1 year ago. So if your dog is not up to date, perhaps its time for a booster shot. If you have a good vet, this is something that they can do for you in just one office visit. So don’t worry about it too much.

And if you’ve been a good dog owner, your dog probably had many of those vaccinations already.  In any event, your vet should give you written proof that your pet has received these vaccinations.

One final thing on the health side… Thailand requires that all incoming pets have a microchip implanted. You know, the one that they use to help identify lost dogs.

The Thai government accepts widely used international microchip standards, so more than likely, the one that you have already, or the one that your vet uses, will be fine. Thailand accepts Avid 9, Avid 10 and most ISO microchips and the dog must receive their rabies vaccine before the microchip is implanted.

So, to summarize, to make sure your dog is healthy to go to Thailand you need to have:

• The Microchip Implantation Record
• Rabies Certificate
• Vet Health Certificate
• Current Vaccination Records

Travelling with your pet

Most people will opt to travel with their pet. All pets can be put in a cage in the cargo hold. And this is probably the best way. Because the flight to Thailand can be very long. But you are allowed to carry very small dogs in a carrier below their seat.

Your pet can also be shipped by a shipping company or one of many animal relocation services to Thailand. Click here for a pet relocation service we recommend.

Quarantine

Some countries require quarantine of pets, and Thailand is no exception. But as we said in the beginning, Thailand is very lenient with the importation of pets sooooo…

As long as your pet does not show any sign of illness, they would not be quarantined. In an event, it’s up the quarantine officer to decide if your pet needs to take a short vacation at the quarantine station. So be nice! The fate of your dog is in the hands of this person.

Where to live with your doggo (or catto)

One downside of living in Bangkok with your dog is most high-rise condos do not accept pets. However smaller condos, standalone houses and townhouses are not a problem.

Please contact us to talk about your housing plans before you come to Bangkok so we can help find the right home for you and your pets.

Finally

So you don’t have to leave your dog or cat behind, or find a new home for them before relocating to Thailand. If your pet has become a part of your family, you can certainly consider bringing them here with you. Thailand is a warm and pet friendly country.

We will love your pets too!

If you have more questions about bringing your pets into Thailand, please contact us at the form or links below here.

Thanon are major streets in Thailand. However, it is usually translated to Roads here. For example, if you have travelled to Bangkok, chances are you have been to Thanon Sukhumvit, which literally means Sukhumvit Road. 

What is a Soi?

A soi is an alley that is connected to a road. Sois are numbered with odd number sois being on the left of the road and even number sois on the right. An example is Sukhumvit Road, which has many sois on either side of the road. For eg. Sukhumvit will be the road’s name and Soi 26 will be the alley or “soi” name. It does not sound too confusing at first, but in some cases, the odd and even sois are not opposite each other and may even be kilometers away from each other. For eg. Sukhumvit soi 39 and 40 are not directly opposite each other, they are a few kilometers away from each other. Furthurmore, the big and popular soi has their own names, such as Sukhumvit soi 3, which is also known as Soi Nana and may even have a sub-soi inside the alley. We know, nothing is ever simple and straightforward in Thailand.

What is a Moobaan?

Moobaan translated to English is housing village, however think of it as a housing community. Most houses in Thailand are located in a “Moobaan '' which are also gated most of the time. High-end luxury Moobaans with Full security guards, swimming pools, parks and gyms are also quite common, especially in bigger cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. 

In conclusion, Thailand can be a very tricky place to navigate not only because of the language differences, but also because it is not straightforward and in some cases, logical. There are also many alleys and sub-alleys all around the city which could make it very tricky for you to get to somewhere more hidden and secluded. However, if you become familiar with the vocabulary used here such as “Thanon”, “Soi” and “Moobaan”, you will have a much easier time navigating anywhere in Thailand and you will better understand the locals when asking for directions. We hope you have found the information useful.

Nursing homes in Thailand are better than western ones because:

• Firstly it is more affordable.
• Nursing homes in Thailand offer 24 hour one-on-one care all year. Caregivers work round the clock in Thailand, which provides a safe atmosphere to the elderly as well as peace of mind to the families.. Having 24 hour care is also crucial for those suffering with diseases such as Alzheimer’s as they might require constant attention.
• In Thai culture, people respect the elders, so your family will definitely be treated like a valued family member.
• Nursing homes in Thailand actually feel like a home, and not a hospital which eliminates the feeling of being trapped in a hospital for the rest of their lives.
• Day trips and fun activities are often organized in Thai nursing homes so there will be plenty of excitement instead of just being offered a tv like in most western care homes.
• Do we even have to mention the year-round warm weather we have here? (Laughs), living in warm weather if both physically and mentally beneficial for elderly people and they will have a happy life here.
• There are plenty of British-owned retirement homes available in Thailand as well, which could be a good option because there are other elderly people from western countries living there as well, so it could be easier to communicate with them and feel like home.

Can I send my elderly family to Thailand from other countries?

Yes, most definitely you can send anyone to nursing care facilities in Thailand, in fact, Thailand is gaining popularity for families living in Europe and the United States, where elderly care is extremely expensive and also not up to standard, with patients often being neglected and treated badly. Please keep in mind they a retirement visa is required in order to send them here.

What are the costs of nursing homes?

Nursing homes in Thailand are much more affordable in western countries. 

Prices for a world class elderly care facility such as Care Resort in Chiang Mai, which has been described as a 4-star hotel, starts at 37,000 baht or around $1,100 (950 EUR, 810 GBP) a month for a well-furnished studio size with round the clock care and specially prepared food depending on individuals requirements. 

Patients with diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia are also accommodated as well. 

This is far more affordable as compared to western countries such as Switzerland where prices for nursing homes are anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000. It’s not just about the costs savings that are available here, Nursing homes in Thailand offer the same level of professionalism while providing a much more warm and pleasant environment for your loved ones.

If you are interested in assisted living facilities in Thailand, Chiang Mai is by far the most popular city offering a wide options of both locally and foreign owned care facilities. 

Please note that There are financial requirements to get a Thai retirement visa, which is what you or your elderly family will need in order to stay in a nursing care facility in Thailand. Either a deposit of 800,000 baht deposit into a Thai bank account  is required or a monthly income/pension of at least 65,000 baht. For more detailed information regarding the retirement visa please watch our videos about obtaining an Thai retirement visa, or check out our website at www.baansmile.com.

So there you have it, we hope that you found the information useful. Thailand is an excellent place for elderly care with plenty of affordable and world class facilities available without breaking your bank. It also costs a fraction of what you’re expected to pay in the west such as the USA and Europe. Your loved ones will truly enjoy their golden years in Thailand and you will also have peace of mind that they are being take care of properly and affectionately.

The informal Thai word for dog in Thai is hmaa (หมา), and the informal is Soonak (สุนัข), most of the time, when you have conversation with others, the informal word hmaa (หมา) is enough. The formal word is usually only used in official documentations and settings.

So do Thai people love dogs?

 The answer is yes, Thai people love dogs in general. And dog owners absolutely love their pets and even pamper them as if they are their real children. 

Usually, in developing countries such as Vietnam, there are people who go around and collect dogs in the streets, and cage them. Usually they also put the dogs into sleep or even eat them. This is far from the case in Thailand as stray dogs usually just live on the streets, or in a Thai Buddhist temple. 

This is less cruel than putting them to sleep, they are also constantly fed by people in the area. Stray dogs in Thailand are called “Soi dogs” because you always see them in the sois which is the Thai word for alley/street. 

Do I need a license to have a dog In Thailand?

No, you do not need a license to have a dog in Thailand. All you need to do is to make sure that your dog is vaccinated against rabies in order to protect you as well as other people in case you're bitten by a dog bite. There are also plenty of rabid stray dogs in Thailand so make sure that you get your dog vaccinated. 

Just go to a vet or animal hospital and they will take care of the necessary shots that your dog needs to take.

Dealing with condos

Thailand is generally pet friendly, however, if you currently live or plan on living in an apartment or condo, it must be cleared with your landlord first. Generally, they will not allow dogs of any kind or size, however, some of them might be more flexible. 

Usually, foreigners who plan to have dogs rent detached houses with yard spaces for the dogs to play around, especially if it’s one of the bigger breeds.

How to behave with a dog in public?

In public, if you are in charge of your dog, you WILL be responsible to control your dog’s behavior. Dogs MUST be kept on a leash in pedestrian zones. That means that in parks you are expected to keep your dog leashed. 

If you have not exercised proper care and leave a vicious animal that is in your care to wander around, you may also be fined 1,000baht or be imprisoned for one month even if you dog has done no harm to anyone. 

A lot of parks in Thailand doesn’t not allow dogs to enter, however, most dog owners simply choose to ignore the signs and take them in anyways without having any hassle but remember to keep your dog leashed to avoid any issues.

What if your dog disturbs or bites someone?

The public health act (BE 2535) also states that those living in neighbourhoods cannot create nuisance for their neighbors, which includes not allowing animals and pets they own to disturb others by making noise. 

Furthermore, Section 433 of the civil and commercial code (ccc), states that if you own or keep an animal on others behalf, and if that animal causes damage, you are liable to pay for the damages caused by it unless you can prove that you have exercised proper care. 

This means that if your dog bites someone, you will be liable to pay for the damages caused, which can be more than just the medical care. According to Section 433, the word “damage” is very broad and could even cover someone who is having their sleep or peace disturbed as a result of your pet dog making noises.

They can easily sue you if that’s the case and you might even have to go to court. However, most of the time people do not want you to simply pay them money for the inconvenience, they want the inconvenience to stop, so they might make a case to the authorities and if successful, your dog will be taken away from your home. 

So the best thing to do to avoid the situation is to take your dog inside at night to avoid disturbing neighbors. Also, if you want a breed that is more aggressive and dangerous, then you may want to consider if it’s worth it at all because of all the criminal and civil charges that might come your way.

Where do I buy a dog in Thailand?

It is very easy to find places that sell dogs in Thailand, however, you should be very careful as there are many places that you should not trust. One of the most popular places to buy dogs is Chatuchak Market, there are so many choices available but you should avoid buying one from there. 

First of all, it is not trustable at all because they do not disclose the true health of the dog, and they usually also falsely advertise the breed of the dog to get you to pay a premium. 

There have been many cases where dogs bought from Chatuchak end up passing away after a few days because of underlying issues and improper breeding.

If you are looking for thoroughbreds/pedigrees, then you should only look at licensed dealer who can provide you with all the paperwork to ensure that you are not getting scammed, there are lots of scammers in this industry. 

You should check out Facebook groups in Thailand depending on the breed you’re looking for, because dog farms usually sell and advertise online. However, make sure to ask for the correct documentation and make sure that the dog is vaccinated against rabies as it is a requirement in Thailand. 

Websites such as www.perfectpedigrethailand.com provides you genuine breed dogs with full certification, vaccination and they are also pre registered for you so you do not have to register yourself. 

www.wellbredpets.com also helps you find dog breeders so you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Adopting a dog

If you are not insistent on getting purebreds, you are much better off adopting one as there are hundreds of thousands of street dogs in Thailand ready for you to adopt. There are not too many dog shelters in Thailand, but you can still find some that adopt out stray or “soi” dogs which might otherwise be euthanized or killed by road accidents and help reduce the number of stray dogs, which is set to double to 2 million by 2027.

This is also a cheaper way to get a dog because you will only have to pay for the cost of all the vaccinations and the registration fee of 450 baht if required. 

To adopt one, you can search through Facebook pages in Thailand, there are many of these so it will be easy to find for example Furget me not. Another way is to go to renowned organizations like Soi Dog Foundation and Rescue Paws Thailand.

Where to take my dog to a vet?

In general, Thailand is still a little bit behind international standards in terms of advanced treatments and diagnostics, however, it is still possible to get excellent treatment for your dogs for most medical conditions such as Vaccines, neutering and most surgeries.

There are pet hospitals or vets all around the country, but Bangkok has some of the best animal hospitals in Thailand. 

Prices for treatments differ from each hospital, however, they are still more affordable than western countries. 

One of the vets we recommend is Thonglor Pet Hospital, their main location is in Thonglor in Bangkok, but they have many other branches including one in Chiang Mai and Pattaya. The staff at Thonglor Pet also speak English which makes communicating that much easier and you can get a better understanding of your pet’s health. 

Another one that is recommended is Bangkok Pet Hospital, and it belongs to the same group that owns Bangkok Hospital, a really popular hospital for foreigners and expats. Their services are similar to that of Thonglor Pet and you will definitely have no problems getting treatments for your pets.

In terms of prices, these two vets cost significantly more, but they provide excellent service. If you are looking for a lower cost option, the Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Chulalongkorn University is also a good option and will definitely have experienced vets. Facilities and service levels might not be as high but your pet will definitely have good medical care.

Giving your dog a Thai name

When in Thailand, do not be confused if you hear someone saying “I gotta take sushi to the vet” random names such as Sushi, Milo, Lucky, Euro and O-Liang (Thai coffee drink). Names given to pets in Thailand are quite random and might initially sound weird or fascinating, but you will get used to it. 

English words and names such as Euro, Max and Boss are very popular to be used as names for people themselves, not only their pets so when in Thailand, the more random your pet’s name sounds, the more you will fit in (LAUGHS). If you really insist on a Thai name, make sure you know the meaning of the Thai word. 

DO NOT name your dog with any names related to the Royal Family, both in terms of the names of royals or even titles etc. For example, do not name your dog Chakrii “King/Royal” as it will be seen as extremely disrespectful. Try to use random names such as Khao Niew “Sticky rice” or Foo Foo “fluffy”. Do not be too serious when naming your dog in Thailand, as there is no chance of you messing it up. Keep it fun and personal.








 

First, The marriage visa lasts a whole year without the need to leave Thailand. It can be renewed in Thailand each year and also gives you the right to get a work permit here in the kingdom. 

You and your wife can buy property in both your names.

You can get a work permit in Thailand based on your marriage visa.

You can get permanent residence or citizenship eventually in the kingdom.

Now you must be wondering how you can get one….

Well, first of all you must be married to a Thai. 

Then you need to get the marriage certificate (ror kor 3) and registration (ror kor 2). 

If you got married in a foreign country, make sure you go to your district office to report your marriage to get the appropriate documents (ror kor 22). 

But you have to have some money in order to qualify for a marriage visa, you did not think it was so easy, right?

• You can have a 400,000 baht security deposit in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months before your application...
   
• Or you must show that you have a monthly income of at least 40,000 baht which must be verified through a letter from the embassy of your home country
   
• If you are an American or UK citizen or you’re unable to get an affidavit from your embassy, a 12-month bank statement showing a minimum monthly deposit of 40,000 baht will also work.

Now these are the steps to apply for the marriage visa.

• If you are not in Thailand, you can get a 90 day non-immigrant visa at the Thai embassy from your home country or neighbouring countries of Thailand.
   
• Next, prepare all the documents required to apply for a “marriage visa” as we mentioned earlier.
   
• Then you can apply for the visa at the immigration office at least a month before your visa expires as it can take up some time to get approved.
   
•  Finally, If your documents are ok, you will get your marriage visa without having to leave the country.

So now your marriage visa is approved - congratulations!  

But a marriage visa is just like any other long term visa. So here are some things to remember!

1. You still have to do the 90-day reporting, which means that you will still have to notify the closest immigration office of your current address/residence every three months.
    
2. If you plan to leave Thailand, be sure to get a re-entry permit at the local immigration office or the international airport so that your visa will not be cancelled.
    
3. Also, when it’s time to renew your visa a year later, you have to make sure you meet the financial requirements again.

And what if you get divorced?

If you have a divorce with your Thai spouse (make sad face), you have to leave the country immediately in most cases, yes you heard that right. 

So be sure to treat your wife right!

Can you become a permanent resident or a citizen?

In the case your marriage is successful (laughs), and you have had at least three extensions of the “marriage visa”, you will be able to apply for permanent residency status.

You can also get Thai citizenship if you have lived in Thailand for three years consecutively, have had three consecutive work permits from a Thai employer, have a minimum income of 40,000 baht per month, pay income tax and of course… remain married to a Thai citizen.

So How to find a Thai wife?

In Thailand, marriage is still an important thing and the divorce rate here is still low -- at only 39%.

As we always say at Baan Smile, learn a little Thai language, have mostly Thai friends, immerse yourself in the culture and your marriage will last a long time.

Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand, it is one of the best cities you can retire in Thailand. It is very popular for people who look for a calm and slower-paced life and want a milder climate as it is much cooler than cities such as Bangkok due to its location. 

Chiang Mai is also home to hundreds of buddhist temples for you to visit and explore. This combined with the mountainous setting will give you a really unique feel as compared to Bangkok or Phuket for example. The landscape is also one of the most beautiful in Thailand. The Doi Inthanon mountain range is magnificent and has the highest peak in Thailand.

Do not be fooled though, even though life is slower paced and more relaxing there, you will still have plenty of access to all the modern conveniences and comforts. Chiang Mai still offers plenty of nightlife, if you're into that, maybe just not as much as Bangkok or Phuket. 

Chiang Mai is also one of the most affordable cities to retire in Thailand, as many single expats are able to live comfortably for as little as $1,100 per month. Overall, Chiang Mai is an excellent place for you to retire if you want a calmer life and beautiful scenery and is one of the top choices for foreign retirees.

Bangkok

As you guys probably know, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and is located in the center of Thailand. As a huge cosmopolitan city, Bangkok offers everything such as luxury hotels, massive shopping malls, temples and landmarks as well as an extensive public transportation network. 

Being a big capital city, Bangkok has the most and the best facilities like the best hospitals in the country, some of the best restaurants and bars, and a the most diverse group of people. It also has the most foreigner population anywhere in Thailand, which is good for people who are more social.

Most people prefer to live in the heart of the city such as Sukhumvit road because it has the best public transport system such as the BTS sky train which makes it easy to get around, and it also has the best restaurants, bars and nightspots. Life will definitely not be slow in Bangkok as it is very fast-paced. Those who want more breathing room but still want access to the city can live in the suburbs such as Bang Na which is located around 30km from the center of the city. 

Now you must be thinking that Bangkok is an expensive city to live in, well you can't be more wrong. Bangkok is extremely affordable and is actually one of the most affordable cities to live in Thailand, on par with Chiang Mai. You can get a bowl of noodles for $2 at street food shops in the city center while enjoying the view of the skyscrapers.Two bedroom apartments next to the chaophraya river costs just under $800 a month and it is even cheaper now due to the pandemic. 

If you want a fast paced city life or want access to the best facilities and hospitals while not breaking the bank then Bangkok is the perfect choice for you. It has everything you can imagine a world-class city to have and more while being affordable at the same time, which is very hard to find.

Phuket

Located at the Andaman ocean, Phuket is a tropical paradise with many white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water. However, it still has all modern living amenities and is one of Thailand’s most populous cities. There are many fantastic beaches, the most famous ones being Patong, Karon and Kata beach.

Even though Phuket is a beach town, there is everything you would ever need, including international restaurants so you could get a taste of home anywhere. There are countless bars and plenty of nightlife as well if that's your thing. Some beaches offer you as much nightlife and parties as you'll ever need, while the next day you could go to a beautiful quiet beach to relax with no one to disturb you. It really has it all.

If you retire in Phuket, it could feel like you're on a holiday everyday. Other benefits of Phuket for retirees is that you can still enjoy a  modern lifestyle just like you had in the west, even though you're in a tropical environment . It also allows you to have a feeling of a city life if you want it as well as a relaxing beach life.

One disadvantage is that the living cost is a little bit higher in Phuket and food generally costs a little more as it is a tourist paradise. The public transport system is also almost non-existent so it is recommended to own a car to get around the city.

Either way, Phuket is the best city to retire in if you want to live on the beach while still having access to modern facilities. It also has an International Airport with plenty of direct flights to foreign countries so do not have to rely on stopping over in Bangkok often.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is another fantastic place to retire you’re looking to retire on an island that is more laid-back and slower-paced than Phuket while still offering some of the modern comforts. Samui used to be a backpacker island with minimal infrastructure and amenities but that is no longer true. Anyone can retire here now without sacrificing too much comfort and facilities. 

There are plenty of comforts such as international restaurants, shopping malls  etc. Quality healthcare is still available on the island and a basic visit to a doctor costs only around $20, which is very affordable considering its location. 

There's also plenty of things to keep you busy such as yoga, salsa dancing or enjoying the nightlife on top of island activities such as snorkelling and diving. The seafood there is also one of the freshest in Thailand and is relatively affordable as compared to foreign countries.

The biggest difference between Phuket and Samui is that Samui offers a more relaxing environment but you can also get some comfort if you live near the main beaches such as Chawaeng and BoPhut. It is also just an hour and a half away by air from Bangkok.

A drawback of Samui could be accessibility due to limited flights, especially from international destinations, but that could also be an advantage if that's what you are looking for. Overall, it's one of the best places in Thailand to retire at. If you do not mind having less accessibility and want a more quiet and secluded life, then it could be better than Phuket.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin is a coastal town that is 3 hrs drive away from Bangkok. It is very popular for people in Bangkok to go there during the weekends to take a break and enjoy the sea breeze. It is more unusual for expats to retire here as compared to other cities that we have mentioned, however that does not mean that it is not a good place to retire.

There are plenty of western restaurants and bars as well as shopping malls available. It is more like a city that is next to the sea rather than a town. It also has some of Thailand’s best golf courses, so if you love to play golf, then you will definitely love Hua Hin. The beaches might not be as crystal clear as Phuket or Samui but you get a city feel, and you could easily drive into Bangkok whenever you feel like it. There are also plenty of expats, especially from Europe retiring or living in Hua Hin because of its more laid back atmosphere as compared to Pattaya and Bangkok. 

Another advantage is that there are not many tourists in Hua Hin as compared to Phuket or Bangkok, which gives off a different vibe and there are no tourist traps that you can fall into. Every modern amenity or facilities that you will even need is available in Hua Hin and a world class hospital as well. 

Just like most places in Thailand, Hua Hin is very affordable to live and retire in and in some cases you can also live on a budget of $1,100 a month, which is on par with Bangkok.  

If you want to live in a place that has a small town feel and a relaxing atmosphere and still offers modern facilities and plenty of activities then Hua Hin should definitely be considered, if you miss the big city feel, you can always drive to Bangkok, unlike Phuket and Samui.

Pattaya

Pattaya is one of the most popular cities to retire in Thailand. It is only a 2 hour drive to Bangkok and 1 hour and a half away from Bangkok’s international airport, giving you access to flights to almost any country you want to travel to. It offers a full on city living experience while still giving a tropical beach vibe. It is the perfect middle ground for someone who wants to live in a City, but still be able to relax and enjoy the beach. 

There is nothing that you cannot find in Pattaya, it is also famous for its nightlife, so if that's your thing, you will definitely enjoy Pattaya as it is definitely on par with Bangkok. There are plenty of street side shops, huge malls and whatever cuisine you fancy. If you want access to a cleaner beach then you could always go to one of the islands such as Koh Larn, which is only a 30-minute boat ride away. 

There is also a huge expat community and is extremely popular with Europeans, amny expats choose to retire in Pattaya because it's a full on city next to the sea. There are a lot of condos available for rent in Pattaya for all lifestyles. It is also just as affordable as Bangkok, if not even more as rent is extremely competetive. 

If you have a tight budget for retiring, then Pattaya is definitely for you and you will definitely enjoy living there, you should definitely be able to live there for less than $1,100 per month if you wanted to. However, if you want to live in a secluded and easy going place, then Pattaya is definitely not for you. You should consider Hua Hin, Phuket or Samui instead. 

This might be morbid, but lets stay completely honest here. Men normally do not live long past 80 years old. Most make it to high seventies. So lets say 76 -- which is the average in the United States. Assuming you are retiring at about 65 years old, then you are thinking of living another 15 years.

Yes we said we would be morbid, and to survive we have to be honest. But lets also say with good food, and a relaxed country like Thailand, you can live for another 5 years, so at the top, we would put it at 20 years. 

Monthly costs

So now you know how many years you are going to be living for. And you also have a good idea of where your income is coming from. It could be from a government or private pension, or even from the sale of your house or some kind of assets. Figure out your monthly income and let's look at some average costs for someone between 50-70 years old.

(All prices are in US Dollars)

• Rent and Utilities: $500 per month
• Health Insurance (in Thailand): $200 - 400 per month
• Food: $300 per month
• Annual visa renewals: $41 per month ($500 per year)
• Entertainment: $500 per month
• Incidentals: $300 per month
• TOTAL: $2,041

These are average costs. It could be less or more depending on your preferences. But you can live fairly comfortably in Thailand on that amount. And in actual fact, the Thai government wants you to be living on about $2,500 per month. We will get to that later.

You can indeed come to Thailand and live on $600 US per month. You can actually do that. But whenever you are ready to renew your visa, you better be able to show that you do have at a minimum $2,500 per month.

Important note, please compute your tax implications. Depending on where your retirement income comes from, Social Security, Pension, Stock market -- you might have to pay taxes in your home country as you withdraw. (hat tip @Scott Thompson / yt).

Qualifying for the retirement visa

You might think that there is a lot of documentation, insurance and "hoops" to jump through. Nope. The main requirement to have your retirement visa, is to open a bank account and deposit ฿800,000 Thai Baht inside of it. That's around $24,000 US Dollars at current exchange rates (October 10, 2021).

Yes, if you have the money, all "hoops" magically dissapear. Because the rest of it is easy to do and not at all expensive.

So do you have $24,000 US Dollars lying around to deposit into that account? You need to do it. And you also need to be able to leave it there so you can renew your visa without any hassles every year.

Thailand has never been shy about imposing hefty financial requirements. When most people complain about retirement in Thailand... THIS is what they are complaining about.

If you're planning to retire in Thailand, we recommending you start saving up now, so that when you're actually ready, you can come to Thailand on a tourist visa, get your bank account opened up and transfer that amount into it for a smooth and easy visa process.

Living off a pension or investments

So you have a pension. Great! How much per month is it? How long will it last? All these are very important questions. 

So let's do it! You are going to be living for about 15-20 more years based on our earlier calculations. Let's be conservative and say 20. You need to have some income of at least $2,500 USD per month for the next 20 years to take you through retirement.

And truthfully, the same would apply for almost any country that you want to retire in. Now it's beginning to sink in. You should have invested more. You should have saved more. You should have spent less. You should have contributed more to your 401K or pension funds at your workplace.

Working remotely while retired

We've met some retirees who have an online business that pays them at least that amount. Or they pickup part time remote based jobs where they can work from home, a coffee shop, a workspace or on the beach in Thailand.

This is a good option, and to be honest, working in your later years online is not too difficult. You can actually consult or freelance for the business you are retiring from. And really, making $2,500 per month in some part time online business should not be too hard.

We've seen some retirees start Youtube channels. Do technical work online. Do trading online. Whatever way, if you're reached the magic age of 65, then you have acquired a lot of knowledge in your field. If you are short on money, now is a good time to start making some. 

Just remember you are not allowed to work inside Thailand on a retirement visa. However you can do online work that brings you income.

The magic is getting that online endeavor started before you come to Thailand. Not when you arrive here and have no money. We cannot state this point enough.

Selling assets back home

Some people are fortunate enough to have built up some assets to sell to fund your retirement, no matter where you want to live.

If you have a house that you might want to pass on to your kids, maybe ask them to take a loan out and pay you a percentage of the house itself. There is a win-win... they get the house for a much lower price, and you get some money to fund your retirement.

You might also want to rent that house and use the rental income to supplement your in Thailand, then sell the home later, or pass it on to your children (hat tip @T Man).

If you own a business and you're about to retire, then long before you come to Thailand you should be planning to sell your share of it. You can do that in two ways -- sell the business outright, or draw up a contract so your partner pays you a certain amount every month.

Adding it all up

So there you have it, you are going to live for another 20 years. and at $2,000 US per month, that means you need to have $480,000 US Dollars piled up to last you for the rest of your life.

Having health insurance can help you keep that amount, thats why we added it directly into your monthly expenses.

Some of you might want to live on a lot more. And some of you might be able to live on less, but these numbers are about what retirees are spending in Thailand now.

You can have a great time in Thailand if you take the next years to secure your funds. The weather is fine here. The food is great and the people are welcome. You can do it!

You will be charged an ATM service fee of 150 baht ($4.50) regardless of the amount you withdraw. You will be paying a premium in exchange rate as banks usually do not have the best exchange rate. Please keep in mind that you may also pay international ATM fees by your home bank. You should not rely too much on withdrawing money by ATMs often because you will end up spending a lot of money in bank fees and forex premiums. 

This is also true if you use your foreign debit/credit cards in Thailand, you will most likely still be charged a fee by your home bank and will pay expensive forex fees so we do not recommend that you rely too much on bank cards from your home bank. You will end up paying way too much money in fees and charges if you use it on a daily basis, you should only use it in emergency situations. 

There are much better options to transfer money into Thailand, lets get into it.

You should definitely consider opening up a bank account in Thailand, especially if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time. There are lots of benefits if you have a bank account in Thailand such as 

• Lower or no atm withdrawal fees
• You can get a debit card and use it it for shopping without needing cash
• There are no foregn exchange conversion fees

Opening a bank account is also the first step for you to start building a relationship with the bank which could be useful in the future.

There are 2 types of accounts available for foreigners, resident’s bank account and nonresidents, which doesn't require proof of residence.

Most Thai banks also offer Foreign currency accounts as well as a savings account but in our opinion, opening a savings account is much better because it's easier to open and there are no exchange fees into Thai baht. A visa exemption of a 30-day arrival stamp is all you need to open a savings account, there are no work permits required.

You can open a savings account in Thailand in most major Thai banks such as Bangkok Bank, KBank or even international banks such as CITIBANK. We recommend that you go for KBank because there is no minimum deposit to open a bank account and you can easily get a debit card as well.

Now, once you have a Thai bank account, you can transfer money from your home bank to your Thai bank account...

If you need to transfer a large sum at once, or you need bank records of your money transfer (such as when buying property), then the best way is to use SWIFT transfer (wire transfer). 

You can prepare a wire transfer from your home bank account to your Thai bank account by using the SWIFT number, the fees are quite high at around 1,800-2,400 baht ($60) per transfer, so make sure that you use this option only when transferring large sums so that it is more worth it. It also takes around 5 business days to process the transaction.

This option is more cost-effective than using ATMs if you transfer more than 130,000 baht ($3,900) into your Thai bank account. 

If you need a quicker way to transfer money and you DO NOT have a Thai bank account then you can use instant money transfer services such as Western Union and Moneygram. They are extremely quick as it takes only minutes for you to transfer money. There are also around 5,000 Western Union locations in Thailand so you will be able to find one easily.

As with everything, convenience comes with a price so keep in mind that these services are costly especially when transferring smaller amounts. The service costs can range anywhere from $10 to $50 plus the exchange rate costs as well. So this is only a good option if you need cash quickly or if you expect some people to send you cash from almost anywhere in the world.

Overall, our recommendation is to just open a savings account from a Thai bank and simply wire the money in, this way you will have the money in your account and be able to spend or withdraw it anywhere in Thailand with little to no fees at all. This way it's easy for you to pay bills and transfer money within Thailand and it makes life so much more easy and convenient while staying here.




 

Do I need health insurance to retire in Thailand?

The answer is yes and no. If you apply for the O-A visa outside of thailand (while in your home country), you will need the health insurance. However if you get the O-A "Extension of Stay" while Inside of Thailand, you do not need it. This is why we recommend to you that you arrive in Thailand on a tourist visa first, then get your "retirement extension" here in Thailand.

Even though you do not need the insurance to get the retirement visa while you are here in the Kingdom, we always think it is prudent to buy some health insurance when you begin your life here. Or if you already have great insurance from your home country that covers you internationally then you are all set anyway.  

How much paperwork is there, really?

If you process your retirement visa in Thailand, you do need to show a bank statement from a local bank account in your name with 800,000 THB inside of it and your passport. Don't forget you can only open a bank account while physically present in Thailand.

What, you thought there was more? There are no more "hoops" to jump through. One of the benefits of Baan Smile processing the retirement visa, is that we do all the paperwork so you don't have to. Just take the taxi ride to Immigration with Miss. P and you're done.

Do I need to get an "O" visa before I come to Thailand?

No. You can come to Thailand without a visa (via the 30 day stamp, if your country qualifies) or get a normal 60 day tourist visa. As we stated before, the retirement process is vastly easier without going through this step before coming. If you need more time with either kind of entry you can get a 30 day extension at the immigration office for 1,900 THB so you have more time to get your business in order.

What about a bank account and the deposit?

Yes, you do need money. You need to show that 800,000 THB in a local bank account. Don't worry, we will help you to open the bank account (it's in your name), then you can wire money into it.

Can I leave Thailand once I get my visa?

Yes of course. But please remember to buy a re-entry permit before you leave (1,000 THB for one entry, or 3,800 THB for multiple entries for a year). But as part of the process with Baan Smile, we ensure you get a multiple re-entry permit that lasts the whole year. This is great for those of you who only want to spend part of the year in Thailand. And now with vaccine-free entry coming online, its so much easier to travel inside and out without the hassle of quarantine.

How long does it take Baan Smile to get my retirement visa?

The process to get your visa takes a few days. In those few days we will help you open your bank account (1 day) and then process the visa itself (1 day). Of course, as quickly as you can wire the funds into your account, we can get started.

How much does it cost?

Not at much as you think! Please contact us directly to start talking about your retirement visa.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends in Canada! We look forward to seeing more of you here!

Yes there is a 5 and a 10 year retirement visa in Thailand, but it is technically the same. 

Thailand offers two types of long stay non-immigrant retirement visas to foreigners, category O-A, which has a validity of 1 year.

Then there is category O-X which has an initial validity of 5 years and is extendable for another 5 years, hence usually being called a 10-year visa. Please note that employment is restricted for all types of retirement visas in Thailand.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for the O-X visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 50 years of age on the day of application.
2. You must be a national of one of the following countries, namely, Australia, Denmark, Finland,  France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.
3. You must have health insurance for the duration of the stay with an outpatient coverage of 40,000 baht per year and an inpatient of 400,000 baht per year.
4. You must have no criminal record in your country.
5. You must be free of the following disease and condition: Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis, Addiction (Drug/Alcoholism), or Third Phase Syphilis.
6. You must meet the one of the following financial requirements:
   1. A bank deposit of no less than 3 million baht in a Thai bank account.
   2. A bank deposit of no less than 1.8 million baht and an annual income of at least 1.2 million baht per annum.

Please keep in mind that the bank deposits must be maintained in full for at least one year, and at least 500,000 baht thereafter. 

If you meet all of the requirements listed above then you are eligible to apply for the 10 year O-X visa. 

What documents are required to apply?

If you are eligible to apply for the O-X visa, you must provide the following documents listed below:

1. Passport with a validity of at least 6 months on the day of application.
2. A completed and signed Visa Application Form which is available online on your local Thai embassy or consulate’s website.
3. A completed and signed Retirement Visa Application Form in addition to the Visa Application Form.
4. Passport-sized picture of yourself with white background, neutral expression and must clearly show your face. It also must be taken within the past 6 months.
5. Proof of meeting financial requirements:
   1. Bank statement and Guarantee letter showing the appropriate amount of deposit at a Thai bank according to the requirements as mentioned above.
   2. Bank statements with an annual income meeting the financial requirements as mentioned above.

Please Note: All bank statements must be certified by Notary Public.

1. Letter of verification or Police certificate issued by the police department in your country stating that you do not have a criminal record which must also be certified by a Notary Public. (Must be issued no more than 3 months prior to your application).
2. Medical certificate showing no prohibitive diseases namely, Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Elephantiasis, Addiction (Drug/Alcoholism), or Third Phase Syphilis certified by a Notary Public. (Must be issued no more than 3 months prior to your application).
3. Proof of health insurance meeting the requirements stated above (Original policy documents and 2 copies).
4. Prepare the retirement visa processing fee of around $400. Processing time of your application takes at least 15 business days. 

How to Apply?

• Contact the Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country or visit their website to get information such as working hours and holidays.
• Make an appointment.
• Prepare all the required documents listed above.
• Submit the documents either at the Embassy or by Post (Check with your local Thai embassy/consulate as it may be different depending on the country you live in).
• After processing, collect your passport and visa.

Things to keep in mind after getting the O-X Retirement Visa

• You must also request a Certificate of Entry (COE) at least 15 days before your intended travel date to Thailand, this can be done online at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/
• You must apply for a re-entry permit every time you leave Thailand otherwise your visa will be invalid.
• You still have to do the 90 day reporting throughout your length of stay which is when you go to the immigration office every 3 months to report or update your address.
• Initially, your O-X visa will be valid for 5 years, however you can apply an extension for another 5 years by submitting the supported documents listed below:
  1. A completed VisaExtension Application form (TM7).
  2. Signed copies of your passport.
  3. Proof of accommodation in Thailand.
  4. Proof that you continue to meet the same financial requirements as when you initially applied for the O-X visa.

If you are considering or are planning to retire in Thailand for the long term, you should definitely consider applying for the O-X retirement visa if you qualify because it saves you a lot of time having to apply for extensions every year during your stay. We hope you found the information we provided useful and wish you all the best to retire and spend your golden years in this beautiful country. 

The excitement of settling down in the city to start exploring may seem tempting, but you should actually wait a while before choosing a condo or house to live in.

A big mistake many first-time movers make is settling on the first “good deal” they find.

Even though the place you found might have seemed too good to be true, you could find after you sign the one-year lease, that there was a better condo for a cheaper price somewhere else.

Remember, there are several great deals out there, so don’t rush it.

Unlike Chiang Mai, finding leases for less than 6 months is not common. In Bangkok, you are going to run into 1 year and 6 month leases most times.

But when looking for a good place to settle, it doesn’t take only one week to search online. It takes days of actually experiencing the area.

That's why we suggest staying at least one month in an Airbnb. Seeing how Airbnb is customizable in stay dates, you will have ultimate flexibility when it comes to exploring the city.

Another tip we have is not to book a hotel for a long time when traveling. It almost always makes going out harder, as it’s more difficult to cancel, and restricts your ability to go out far. We suggest at most, book for a few days, and then rely on Airbnb.

There are three things to consider when looking for a condo: Location, Accessibility, Price

Location

Can you easily get a taxi from your home, are you near any main roads? How long does it take you to walk to the BTS?

Depending on what you are living in Thailand for, whether long-term tourism, school, business, or retirement, you need to be very aware of your surroundings. You don’t want to live in an area that is an hour from the BTS or main road if you need to go out often.

Sure, you can always book a grab, but the cost of a grab will add up, as it's almost triple the price of a normal cab or a ride on the train.

Taking the grab every day, which costs around 120 BAHT per ride, you'll be spending 3600 BAHT at the end of the month. Sure, it's nothing compared to the cost of an Uber, but if you want to save money, and gain experience, try to be at max 35 minutes walking distance from your house to the road or the BTS.

Accessibility

Depending on your age and body ability, you need to take into consideration the type of home you live in. Whether you're heading into retirement, or you deal with a bodily ailment, getting a condo with no elevator, or a house with too many stairs can put a strain on your body.

For those who are in need of handicap assistance, you should look if the place can accommodate the size of your equipment, has alternatives for wheels, and its appliances like sinks and countertops are accessible to you.

Price

Yes, things are cheap in Bangkok. Shockingly cheap. But you still should always make rent be 25% or less of your monthly income. It may feel great to get a 3 bedroom high-quality condo, but if it takes up a large portion of your salary, it might make things too tight in cases of emergency.

Going back to finding cheap places, some deals just might be too good to be true. Like a beautiful condo with large windows and amazing city views, and over 30 sq. meters for just 3000 BAHT. Sure, maybe it is a rare gem, but if the price feels imbalanced, you should do your research about the complex. First, by visiting it in person, and next, by researching if the neighborhood is being maintained.

Often times, running down neighborhoods that aren't maintained well may have great prices. You may save an extra dollar, but over time you don't want to live in a detioriating street. 

After considering these elements, and spending some time in the city, you will be able to make a more ground decision about where you want to live.

This though takes a lot of time and research, and so if finding the top location isn't for you, you can always delegate it to the BaanSmile team.

Speaking of groups, a great way to stay in shape and also connect with locals and foreigners is by joining the fitness club. On apps like Meetup or Strava, you’ll find multiple fitness groups in all aspects of fitness. From Lumpini runners, Badminton meetups, Cyclists, Weight Loss groups, and more.

Going to the park

If you’ve lived in Thailand for a little while, or have done some travel research, then you have probably heard of Lumphini Park or Benjakitti Park. These popular parks are not only a great place to exercise but are a hub for many running and cyclist groups throughout Bangkok. Some parks as well provide public-accessible exercise machines for you to try.

Using the Stairs

If you live in a condo, you probably depend on an elevator to get up to your room. But don't forget about the stairs. Using the stairs is not only the perfect daily exercise but it provides numerous health benefits like improving blood circulation and increasing body resistance to diseases. 

One important part of doing exercise is not only staying in shape but having healthy cardiovascular health. The stairs are an easy and free way to take of this.

Walking around the neighborhood

The great thing about Thailand, and specifically Bangkok, is that there are many routes and walkways. Unlike the concrete jungles in some countries, the city is built for easy exploration. Even if there is not an official sidewalk in some alleys or roads, there is always room to walk on the side.

When walking around your neighborhood, you have two options of exercise:

Exploration-based and One Route.

Exploration-based exercise is when you explore the different roads around your neighborhood to get around. You might find you track a lot of kilometers this way,

The One Route way is done by making a loop from your house around an area. This makes you more confident in taking a neighborhood walk as you know the route well.

Joining the gym

Lastly, and the most obvious way to get exercise is relying on the gym. 

On average, a gym membership will run you around 1500 THB a month. A popular gym in Bangkok is Jetts 24 Hour Fitness. But if there are none near you, you’ll find that there are usually many local gyms around your residence. 

If you are a first-time gym-goer, then you might run into equipment you have never used before. Even if you don't speak Thai, don't be afraid to ask gym members or staff how to use the equipment. They will be more than happy to help you.

In the end, there really isn't much excuse to not exercise while in Thailand. With many affordable and free options, you will find yourself more invested in your health in fitness during our time here in Thailand.

Chaweng is the biggest town in Koh Samui with around 6 km of white sand beaches and crystal clear water. There are plenty of hotels and resorts, spas, clubs, bars and shops located in Chaweng as it is the main tourist center of the island. There are many things to do in Chaweng such as going to bars, having a nightout in one of the clubs, having dinner at a restaurant, strolling along the beautiful beach or even playing water sports such as jet skis. There is also a lake behind all the long strips of bars, clubs and tons of massage places and shops which is good for an early morning walk. Near the lake you can find the famous Soi Reggae entertainment area with two muay thai stadiums, a temple and the massive laem din market complex where you can find all sorts of fresh produce. Overall, Chaweng is a good place for those who want an island lifestyle but still have access to all the comforts and facilities that are present in big towns.

Lamai

Lamai is Samui’s second largest town. There are planty of nice beaches and alot of bars, restaurants and shops. Lamai is basically a smaller version of Chaweng. There are plenty of shops selling jewelry and antiques in Lamai. Nightlife in Lamai is less intense than it is in Chaweng but there are still plenty of bars where you can spend a night out. One of the most popular bars and clubs are Fusion and Seed which is located on the main Lamai road. The beach in Lami is around 4km long and is perfect for swimming. There are also many types of accommodation, spas and health resorts. There are plenty of places to suit all budgets in Lamai so this could be a slightly lower cost alternative to Chaweng while getting similar vibes. It takes around 15 minutes of driving to get to Chaweng from Lamai which is not too bad, especially if you only go out once in a while. There are also many beautiful viewpoints along the coastal road which makes it a very beautiful place to walk and drive around.

Maenam

Maenam has a backwater village vibe to it, it is also cheaper to live in as compared to other towns in Samui. It is very quiet and doesn’t have nearly as many tourists and comforts as compared to Chaweng, Lamai or even Boput. There is very little nightlife entertainment and they definitely do not open till the early hours of the morning. The beaches are beautiful, however the sand can feel a little more coarse as compared to other areas. There is also a world class golf Santiburi golf course. It is around 10 minutes drive away from Boput. Overall, Maenam is a good location if you are very budget conscious and you want to live in a quiet place and enjoy your own company once the sun sets.

Bophut

Bophut is an excellent area to live and is very popular for expats. There's the best of both worlds because the majority of the area is quiet however, there's still plenty of restaurants and bars. The beach in Bophut is smaller than Chaweng and it is not the best for swimming; however, Chaweng beach is only a 5-10 minute ride away by motorbike. There are many secluded beaches that you can find, however, you will have to drive a little to find those spots. The Fisherman’s Village is also located in Bophut and it is a traditional area in front of the water lined with many wooden houses which have been converted into restaurants and shops so it is a really nice place to have dinner or lunch. The Big Buddha temple is also located in Bophut and it also provides an amazing view of the ocean. There is also a Tesco and Big C located as well as many accommodation options which makes it one of the most popular towns for expats to live in.

Getting to and from Samui

Koh Samui is located 700km south of Bangkok. You can get to Koh Samui by land, sea and air. The fastest way to get to Koh Samaui is by plane. It is only the only way to get directly to the island without any connections or stops. Flights to Koh Samui used to be expensive because there was only one carrier operating the route, however, there are more daily flights than before and they are also a little more affordable than they used to be. If you want to save a little more money, you can fly to Surat Thani as the flights are cheaper, you can then catch a ferry to Koh Samui which adds around two hours of travel time, if not more if you have to wait for the ferry. Another way to get to Koh Samui is by a ferry and bus tour which combines a VIP bus ticket and a ferry ride which takes you directly to the beaches of Samui from the center of Bangkok. If you have a car, then you have to drive to Surat Thani which could take around 12 hours including the ferry crossing to Samui. If you really want a truly unique and budget friendly experience, you can take the overnight train to Surat which could save you accommodation, and then take the ferry to Samui. However, this may take 17 hours. You should check the airlines website as they usually have sales and discounts which will make it much more convenient for you to get to Samui.

Healthcare facilities in Koh Samui

If you plan to move to and retire in Koh Samui, then healthcare is extremely important. There are both public and private hospitals availble at Koh Samui. Public hospitals in Koh Samui usually cater more to local Thais and generally have long queues for medical treatments. The staff at public hospitals do not generally speak proper English so private hospitals are generally the way to go for expats.

There are many international private hospitals in Samui that will offer almost any medical treatments. The staff are also always friendly and they are all able to speak English. One of the best private hospitals in Samui is the Bangkok Hospital. Bangkok Hospital is internationally accredited and most of their patients are expats and tourists. In general, hospitals in Samui are lower than those in Bangkok and western countries. Bangkok hospital also has a dental clinic so you should not worry about your medical needs. Most exoats have medical insurance which means that they can go to private hospitals with exceptional service for treatments without paying.

Beach Town Life

Koh Samui is a tropical paradise, with year-long warm weather and white sand beaches. Some of the best beaches in the world are located in Koh Samui with crystal blue water. Although Koh Samui used to have a reputation of a simple island without many facilities, this cannot be further from the truth. Koh Samui has seen a huge development as more hotels and resorts are built attracting many other businesses. These days, Koh Samui has everything that you espect a city to have, there are tons of supermarkets, an abundance of 7-Elevens, international schools and hospitald and an hige number of international and local restaurants. There's also plenty to do in Koh Samui such as water sports, driving, golf, jungle trekking and even more. Even though Samui has been dramatically developed, it still maintains the relaxed and chilled atmosphere that people have associated with it in the past. There is also a large expat community so you can socialize and find new aquantances. You will not lack any facilities and you will have access to everything that you will ever need when living in Samui and you will feel like youre on holiday for the rest of your golden years.

• Next generation automotive
• Affluent , medical and wellness tourism
• Agriculture and biotechnology
• Aviation and logistics
• Biofuels and biochemicals
• Digital
• Medical hub
• Smart electronics
• Food for the future
• Automation and robotics
• Alternative dispute resolution
• Human resource development in science and technology
• Environmental management and renewable energy

General Benefits of the SMART visa

• Validity of 4 years.
• No work permit required to work in Thailand with a SMART visa.
• No re-entry permits required when you leave Thailand.
• 90 day reporting is replaced by 1 year reporting, so you only have to report your current address in Thailand to Thai immigration once a year instead of every three months.
• Both spouse and children are eligible to work in Thailand.
• Priority immigration lanes at Thai international airports.

Types of Thai SMART Visa

There are 5 different categories of the Thai SMART visa for different types of skilled professionals and their spouse/children.

SMART T (TALENT)

This visa category is for those who are highly skilled and want to be employed in one of the 10 targeted industries. In order to be qualified for this visa, you need :

• Minimum income of 100,000 THB (2,950 USD) a month. If employed in a startup then at least 50,000 THB (1,475 USD) a month.
• Employment contract with either a Thai company or a foreign entity with an assignment to work in Thailand for at least one year.
• Have expertise in science and technology that is relevant to any of the 10 targeted industries and endorsed by an agency within the Strategic Talent Center’s network (STC).
• Your employer in Thailand must also be endorsed for being part of the targeted industries by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency and Digital Economy Promotion Agency.

SMART I (INVESTOR)

The investor category is for those who want to invest in technology-based companies in Thailand that are part of the targeted industries. The requirements for this type of visa are:

• Directly invest in tech-based companies in any of the targeted industries.
• Minimum direct investment as an individual for at least 5 million THB (147,500 USD) in a start-up or accelerator program that is endorsed by the relevant agencies. Investment in multiple businesses is permitted but the investment must be maintained throughout the validity of your SMART visa.
• The business in which you invest must be certified as a tech-based company engaging in manufacturing or delivering services and must also be in one of the targeted industries. Certification is required by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency, Digital Economy Promotion Agency or the National Science and Technology Development Agency.

SMART E (EXECUTIVE)

The SMART E visa is targeted to executives with experience in technology-based companies that are in one of the targeted industries. In order to obtain the SMART E visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum income of at least 200,000 THB (5,900 USD) per month.
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree or something equivalent with a minimum of 10 years work experience in relevant fields and industries.
• Have an employment contract with either a Thai company or a foreign entity with an assignment to work in Thailand for at least one year.
• Hold a senior management or executive position (eg. chairman, managing director or CEO).
• Your employer in Thailand must also be endorsed for being part of the targeted industries by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency and Digital Economy Promotion Agency.

SMART S (STARTUP ENTREPRENEUR)

The SMART S visa is eligible for tech-based startup entrepreneurs in one of the targeted industries. There's three versions of the SMART S visa, the 6 months visa, the 1 year visa and the 2 year visa. The 1 year visa is for those who have either attended an incubator or accelerator program or any other similar program in one of the targeted industries, received joining venture funding from the public sector or endorsed by the relevant government agencies. In order to get the 1 year SMART S visa you must meet the following requirements:

• Either attend incubation/acceleration programs in targeted industries and be certified by the National Innovation Agency or Digital Economy Promotion Agency OR receive joint venture funding with the public sector OR endorsed by the relevant agencies such as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
• Have a minimum deposit of 600,000 THB (17,707 USD) in either a Thai bank account or one from your home country.
• If accompanied by a spouse or children, then an additional deposit of 180,000 THB (5,312 USD) is required per person.
• Have health insurance for the applicant and spouse/children for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand.

The 1 year visa is renewable for an additional year if the applicant owns 25% of shares or is a director of a certified company from one of the targeted industries by the relevant government agencies.

In order to get a 2 year SMART S visa, you will have to meet the following requirements:

• Establish a startup in Thailand certified in one of the target industries by the relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation agency and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
• Hold no less than 25% of the startup company’s registered capital.
• Have a minimum deposit of 600,000 THB (17,707 USD) in either a Thai bank account or one from your home country.
• If accompanied by a spouse or children, then an additional deposit of 180,000 THB (5,312 USD) is required per person.
• Have health insurance for the applicant and spouse/children for the entire duration of your stay in Thailand.

The six month SMART S visa is for those who plan to set up a startup company in Thailand or engage in promotional activities for startups or startup camps. The requirements to get a 6 month SMART S visa are:

• Have a plan to set up a tech based startup in Thailand which is endorsed by the relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation agency, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency and the Board of Investments OR be engaged in an activity that helps promote startups similar to startup camps which should also be endorsed by the relevant government agencies.

*Please note that spouses and children are NOT permitted to stay in Thailand along with you for the 6 month SMART S visa.

Procedures to get a Thai SMART Visa

1. Register for an online qualification endorsement application for a SMART visa at smart-visa.boi.go.th and activate an online account after confirming your email.
2. Complete the application for the SMART visa that you wish to apply for and upload all the required documentations by PDF.
3. After the online application, submit the hard copy of your application via airmail or by person to either the SMART visa unit at Chamchuri Square building in Bangkok or the Royal Thai Embassies/Consulates in your country.
4. 30 days after the application documents are received by the SMART visa unit or the Royal Thai Embassy, the Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies will be notified of the result of your application.
5. Once you receive the endorsement letter, you can then proceed to issue the SMART visa at either the Royal Thai Embassy/consulate in your country, the SMART visa unit in Bangkok or the EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi.

The service fee for ALL types of the Thai SMART visa is 10,000 THB (295 USD) per year of your visa permission.

Thailand is not disabled-friendly because the majority of disabled and older Thai people live in rural areas and it is generally their family’s responsibility to take care and provide for them. Family is extremely important in Thai culture and elders in the family are usually taken care of and provided for by their children which makes it much less of a hassle for them to live and move around. Furthermore, the Thai government provides little help to disabled people in terms of infrastructure such as wheelchair ramps, elevators and handrails. In addition to that, the roads and sidewalks are very uneven and very few buildings in Thailand actually offer handrails to help aid disables people and crossing the street can be extremely dangerous due to the lack of pedestrian crossing lights. When you book rent apartments, you should also take note of the area because if you use wheelchairs then you would require a bigger space and more facilities such as elevators, handrails and ramps in the apartment complex. At baansmile, we can definitely help you find apartments that are suitable for you and we will always take care of your needs.

Is public transport Disabled-Friendly in Thailand?

If you are physically disabled in any way that makes it difficult for you to walk then you should definitely avoid the buses in Thailand because they are extremely unreliable and also dangerous. Almost all public buses in Thailand are not wheelchair accessible, but not only that, the bus drivers frequently drive off quickly and sometimes the buses don't even come to a complete stop making it dangerous for anyone who cannot walk properly. The boats in Thailand for example those in the canals in Bangkok are also dangerous to get on because there is usually a gap between the pier and the boat as well as the fact that these two constantly move up and down due to the water stream. 

If you live in Thailand, the safest and most convenient way is to travel by taxi, which luckily costs much less than in western countries. The fares are very reasonable and taxis are available almost everywhere in Thailand. You can also order a taxi on the Grab app so that the driver will be able to pick you up from wherever you want without the need to call one by the road. If you live in Bangkok, you have a couple more options, especially if you live closer to the city. The BTS skytrain system could also work for you as there are escalators available in every station. There are also lifts available in selected stations such as Wong Wian Yai, Asoke, Siam etc. If you are not able to use the escalator and can only use the elevator then the MRT underground train service is perfect for you as there are elevators and escalators in every station all the way from the road to the platform.

Travelling around Thailand as a disabled person

A majority of major tourist sights in Thailand are not wheelchair accessible as there are usually lots of steps to monuments and temples and there are no ramps available most of the time, so unless you can walk up a few steps, or you are with someone who can help, it will be extremely difficult for you to travel to these places. On the other hand, most malls are wheelchair accessible as there are ramps, elevators and escalators available as well as security guards who will help you. Furthermore, parks such as the Benchasiri and Lumpini park are also wheelchair friendly as there are paths and lawns for wheelchairs so that you can enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings. The world famous Chatuchak weekend market is also accessible for wheelchair users as it is a huge market with many alleys which makes it perfect for those in a wheelchair as long as you have someone to push you around.

The silver lining

This is one of the best things about Thailand, People here are extremely nice and friendly. Thailand might not have the best infrastructure for diabled people but the locals really make up for it. Thai people are very respectful and treat disabled people better than their own. You will never feel alone when travelling around and there's always someone willing to help you whether it's to give up their seat in the skytrain or to help you walk down a flight of stairs, they will always be happy to help. Furthermore, you can research places you want to go beforehand in order to plan out your trip and to check for wheel-chair accessible places to minimize your dicomfort.

Furthermore, Thailand has excellent world-class hospitals that will most likely have everything that you will need. There are basically no procedures or medications that you will not find in Thailand, and in case you need any special medication, it can always be imported here.Not only that, the medical facilities here are absolutely world-class and are on par if not above hospitals in Europe and USA. Ther service is also top notch and you will always be greeted with a warm smile.

The bottom line

Thailand is far from a disabled-friendly place according to the infrastructure put into place. In bigger cities such as the center of Bangkok, it could be a little easier however it is still difficult to live here being disabled. However, the people here are far more welcoming and much more willing to help as compared to anywhere else in the word and it helps make up for the lack of facilities and infrastructure to help the disabled. You will have a great time living here as long as you are aware of the lack of facilities and plan everything ahead. There are also world-class hospitals so you do not have to worry about your health.

When deciding to work anywhere, compensation is of extreme importance because time is money and if you do not earn decent money to live a relatively comfortable life then it might not be worth it. In Thailand, there are government-imposed fixed minimum wages for foreign workers. These foreign minimum wages differ by the country they are from. For example, a German labourer might have a government-imposed minimum wage of 50,000 THB (1,500 USD), while someone from Myanmar might only recieve half of that amount. As in other countries, your salary depends on your experience, industry and also your qualifications. In Thailand, it should also be noted that there are payment inequalities that exist in many jobs such as teaching. For example, a Filipino English teacher might earn less than someone from the UK or USA even though they have the same qualifications because they are not from a native english speaking country, but ofcourse there are always special cases and it might not always be true.

In the real world, there is a huge salary range in Thailand and you can expect to earn a third of your income back home or double that, it all depends on how rare and valuable your specific talents are in Thailand as compared to your home country. Experience and personal networks are crucial here in Thailand. Expected salaries per year for foreigners in various positions and occupations are listed below:

• Accounting manager: 960,000-1,500,000 THB (29,000-45,000 USD)
• Technical manager: 1,400,000-2,400,000 THB (42,000-72,000 USD)
• Financial controller: 1,800,000-4,500,000 THB (54,000-145,000 USD)
• Production manager: 1,000,000-1,900,000 THB (30,000-57,000 USD)

Bear in mind that in Thailand, a salary of 50,000 THB (1,500 USD) per month can give you a comfortable life as living costs such as rent, food, utilities are very affordable as compared to western countries.

What websites to use to find jobs

Jobs DB

Jobs DB is by far the biggest job website in Thailand and has more than five times as many jobs on offer as compared to any other websites at any time. Jobs DB is also one of the most popular websites for expats and its main advantage is the international vibe that the websites offer. Furthermore, almost all job openings are advertised in English which makes it significantly easier for foreigners to find jobs that best suit them. In addition to the international feel of this website, there is also a functional search capability which allows visitors to sort and review jobs available in different departments and industries. Jobs DB is the best website for expats to find jobs due to its mainstream appeal which means that most companies that are willing and able to employ expats advertise on the portal.

Facebook

Thailand has many close knot expat networks and they usually actively communicate, exchange and provide advice on Facebook groups etc. The best way to use Facebook to find jobs is to join active expat groups such as “Bangkok Expats” and “Jobs in Bangkok and Thailand (Non-teaching)” in order to be able to see job opportunities available specifically for expats. Keep in mind that when applying for a job on facebook groups, send your CV in private so that your personal details will not be leaked. Furthermore, you can also find job listings through Facebook Jobs, however most of these listings are in Thai and are only for Thai nationals, but you might get lucky and find a job that suits you and hires expats.

Craigslist

In Thailand, craigslist is nowhere near as popular as in the United States and it is also not as well recognized, however, the good thing about that is that it is still actively used by expats in Thailand who have used it before so you will be able to find job opportunities specifically for expats. It is also a good starting point for people who have just started looking for jobs and is also good for freelancers who work as web developers, programmers, graphic designers or online marketers. This is a good way to start especially if youre used to using craigslist anyways so it doesn’t hurt to scroll through and find job opportunities for you and it could also provide good opportunities to network with other expats.

LinkedIn

It is recommended for you to constantly update and maintain your LinkedIn profile because lots of senior management and HR managers use it actively to hire new employees. The best way to use LinkedIn to find jobs is to try to message key people who work in the industry that you want a job in and you should also make sure that you have a good profile to suit the individual you are contacting to increase your chances of landing a job. Furthurmore, you should be as polite as possible because Thailand’s buisiness community is very tight knit and it is important to be as professional as possible.

Company websites

If you know exactly what industry you want to work in and the position you would like to work in then you can shortlist companies that are from that particular industry and browse their websites, sometimes they post jobs directly on their own websites and if they don’t you can email them if they have any job positions or openings available and they will get back to you. This way, even if they do not have any openings at the time, they might contact you when they have job openings in the future. Make sure to clearly state your qualifications and be as professional as possible.

How to prepare yourself for a job interview in Thailand

So you’ve finally found a job that suits your skillset and you have already submitted your application etc. if the employer is interested to hire you, they will interview you as a last stage in the screening process. Most companies in Thailand prefer to conduct face-to-face interviews, however, online interviews through apps such as Zoom are gaining in popularity due to the covid-19 pandemic. Here are tips and tricks in order to prepare yourself and increase your chances to get hired as much as possible:

Dress for success

In Thailand, your personal image and appearance is everything. If you have Thai colleagues or you have lived here for an extended time in the past, you will probably know how important face value is here. In most cases, you will be expected to dress formally with a button up shirt and a necktie. Try to avoid wearing black because it is usually worn in funerals. Try to also be well rested so that you appear energetic and also be well groomed. You should also ask for the interview format ahead of time so that you know what will be involved in the interview.

Do your homework

Before the interview, try to learn as much as you can about the company you’re applying to, you should also be familiar with the job description and what you are expected to do. Make sure that you have your CV with you nearby because they might ask you questions from your CV such as your skillset which you have written on your CV. Keep your CV handy just in case. Furthermore, interviewers in Thailand generally ask similar questions so you should prepare answers for them beforehand. The most common questions are:

• Tell me about yourself- this is by far the most common and usually is the first question you will be asked in order for them to learn a little more about you. So try to have a short and punchy response rather than talking about your life stories, try to answer to the point.
• Why do you want to work here?- This is where your homework and research ofn the company will come in handy. They want to know how knowledgeable you are about the company and the riole that you applied for. To answer this question, you should give specific examples of things that piqued your interest in the company and the job and elaborate how your strength and skill can help you perform the job to the best of your capability.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?- This is also a very common question that you will be asked and you should elaborate on your strengths and skillset and how they will fit into the role of your job position. You should also give past examples of how you used your skillset to solve problems and help your previous employers in order to support this and to avoid being too boastful. When asked about your weakness, you shoul mention a particular skill set that you lack and also outline the steps that you will take in order to overcome the shortcomings.
• Do you have any questions for me?- When you are asked this question, it does not mean that the interview is over, in fact the worse answer would be to say “no” because interviews are a two way street, the interviewer has been asking you questions all along and this is your chance to ask whatever it is that you want to know about the company. By asking the right questions, you will be separating yourselves from other applicants.

In addition, respect is a very strong concept in Thailand and you should make sure that you greet everyone respectfully and do not try to speak when the interviewer is speaking, wait until they are finished talking. Furthutmore, if you have any questions you should save them till the end in order to keep the flow of the interview going on and not wasting time.

The work permit and visa process

In order to be able to work in Thailand, you will need to have a work permit which clearly states your occupation, job position, job description and the details of the company you work for. In order to have a work permit, you will first need to obtain a Thai non-immigrant B visa before travelling here. After you have received the Thai non-immigrant B visa, you can apply for the work permit which takes around 7 days after you have applied at the Ministry of Labour office in Thailand. In some cases, you might be offered a job by a company who is aware that you only have a tourist visa, however, this is not recommended as it is illegal to work in Thailand with a tourist visa and without a work permit.

In order to apply for a Thai work permit, the following documents are required:

• 2*2” passport photo
• Medical certificate
• Original passport
• Letter of employment from your Thai employer
• Education Degree
• CV
• Documents required from the Thai employer:
  • Company certificate
  • List of shareholders
  • VAT application
  • Withholding tax
  • Financial statement
  • Photocopy of the directors passport and work permit
  • Office map and location
  • Letter of employment stating position and salary
  • Employment agreement

Once you have submitted all these documents, you will receive your Thai work permit within 7 days, make sure you always have it with you especially during office hours. You can only work for the employer in the position stated on the work permit, working for any other company or yourself is prohibited.

Travel Insurance to get into Thailand have very predictable pricing for all ages, so this is not generally a problem. 
Get travel insurance here

However, if you are staying in Thailand for a long time (retirement, business, marriage, jobs, STV Visa, Elite Visa) then Health Insurance is a very prudent option.

Even though health care in Thailand is less expensive than in the west, we have seen many bad stories of people here who got sick or were into accidents that left them in a very bad financial way.

So we've partnered with Luma Healthcare so you can get a free no-obligation quote for any age.

GET YOUR QUOTE

But for young people wanting to spend more than 3 months in Thailand, it's the best game in town.

But there are 3 things that you need to do that many people balk at. Let's talk about them.

Accomodation

The STV Visa needs you to have paid up accomodations for at least 3 months. This is because you need to renew the visa every 3 months while in Thailand.  So how do you do this without getting an expensive hotel room for 3 months?

We recommend renting an inexpensive condo for at least a 6 month lease. This means you can use the condo as a base and travel around Thailand. When you are ready to renew your visa, you can use that address. This requires you to pay the first 2 months deposit and a month's rent -- standard in Thailand when renting a home.

Another way is to book multiple hotels around Thailand for at least 3 months. If you change your mind you can cancel the bookings, get back your money, and make other arrangements when you arrive in Thailand. You only need to show paid-up bookings for your visa application.

Background / Police Report

Depending on the country you're coming from, you need to prepare a criminal background check. In the USA this means an FBI Report. 

Now that may sound daunting, but really, if you have no criminal background, then you can get one in 3 to 5 business days. In the UK, you can get one in a few hours, and in Australia is also a few days. Most countries make a criminal background check available for a nominal fee online or offline and there are also many private companies that can get it for you within 24 hours.

Just google "Criminal Background Check [country name]" and you will find many sources for this report.

Medical Testing

Thailand is very conversative, and still wants to check folks for long term visas entering the kingdom. You have to do test for Leprosy, Tubercolosis, Elephantitis, Drug Addiction and Syphillis. Most of these are pretty rare diseases and you would wonder why this is needed.

In any event, when you go through Baan Smile, we will give you a single form that you can take to a local testing laboratory, doctor, clinic or hospital and get these tests done in a couple of days.

What else is needed?

The rest of the requirements are pretty normal. All the other requirements are similar to a standard tourist visa.

If you need help to apply for your STV, let us know and we will be glad to help you!

Click To Request STV Application Help

Here's some quick tips on where to stay depending on your visa type:

Staying 2 Weeks or Less
You're here for 2 weeks. Just stay in a hotel. It's less trouble than almost anything else and you can find hotels for the biggest baller or thriftiest backpacker almost anywhere in Thailand.

Less than 3 months.
Get more than one AirBnB for at least 2 weeks each time. Pick different areas in the country or in the city you want to stay in. This is a good way to get a feel of the neighborhoods if you want to come to Thailand for a longer time later.

Up to a year
Rent a condo for 6 months or 1 year. This gets your feet wet and allows you to experience your chosen neighborhood close up. This is your home base to discover Thailand deeply, so don't spend too much money unless you will be spending a significant amount of time in your condo. Great for STV Visa holders, "O" Visa holders or your very first year in Thailand.

Multiple Years
If you have a retirement visa, are working in Thailand, or have an Elite Visa, then the best option is a Townhouse or a standalone house. You can keep pets, invite family to spend time with you and have space to stretch out.

Thailand is not only about condos, you have many options. Watch our video on this for more information or contact us to get help finding your perfect kind of home.

Click Here to Find A Home in Bangkok

• You can legally drive in Thailand and 10 other ASEAN countries.
• The Thai driving license can also serve as a government issued ID card.
• Get your car Insured.

Requirements

In order to qualify for a Thai driving license, you must meet the following requirements:

• At Least 18 years of age.
• Good physical and mental health.
• Hold a valid Non-Immigrant visa, the Tourist visa cannot be used to get a Thai driving license.
• Present Address in Thailand certified from your embassy or immigration bureau.

Furthermore, in order to apply for a Thai driving license, you must prepare the following documents:

• Original and a photocopy of your valid passport as well as your Thai non-immigrant visa.
• Original and a photocopy of a Residence certificate from your local embassy or the immigration office or a valid work permit.
• Original and Valid Medical certificate from any hospital or clinic that proves you are in good physical and mental condition. (do not worry: it is not thorough at all, if you are able to breathe and register a pulse you will pass). 
• (If applicable) Original and a copy of your international driving license if you have one, or your old thai driving license if you are renewing it.
• Filled Thai driver’s license application form, this form is available at the Land Transport Office, however you can also find it on their website if you want to save time.

Procedure

In order to get your Thai driver’s license, you may have to register for an appointment online at their website, or you can walk-in at your local Land Transport Office nearest to your residence early in the morning because you might have to spend the whole day there. During these times, you might need to go there twice, once to get your queue and another to get the license. Make sure you dress politely as it is a government organization. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) office is open from 7:30am to 4:00pm, make sure you check for any public holidays when you are heading there.

If you do not want to apply yourself, there are agencies as well as driving schools which offer driving lessons as well as the ability for them to help you apply for a driver’s license. After you have submitted your application, you will have to undergo a series of practical and theoretical tests.

Practical and theoretical tests

Once your documents are approved, you will then have to complete the theoretical and practical tests. In total, there are 6 tests/tasks that you have to pass. If you have an international driving license then you only need to complete the first 4 tests, you will NOT have to do the Theory test and the Driving test. If you do not have an international driving license, you will need to complete and pass all of these tests. The tests that you must complete are:

1. Color Blindness: For this test, the officials at the DLT will point you to different colored spots on a poster, all you have to do is name that color. This test is as simple as it gets unless you are colorblind.
2. Peripheral Test: For this test, you need to look at the official in front of you without moving your eye. You will then be required to tell the traffic color signal without moving your eyes and only using your peripheral vision. If you do not pass, you will most likely still be given a second or a third go at it.
3. Reflex test: In this test, you will have to take a seat with two pedals, the brake and the accelerator. The green and red LED lights in front of you will start to light up and you will have to press either the brake or the accelerator before the LED lights enter the red zone. You will also be given a couple more tries if you fail.
4. Depth perception test: This test requires you to have a steady hand because you will have to press the forward and back buttons to align the moving pin with the one that is fixed around 10 meters away. If you fail, you will still be given a few more tries on this test as well.
5. Theory test: This requires you to take time to study and learn about the Thai road safety rules which could be a little different to those in your home country. Before taking this test, you will be required to take 5 hours of theoretical classes teaching you about the traffic rules and regulations in Thailand. This can also be done online at www.dlt-elearning.com where you will have to print out a certificate. The test is in a multiple choice format. There are many websites available in which you can practice and memorize the answers.
6. Practical driving test: You will have to drive a car around a small test track, you can either bring your own car, or rent one at the DLT. The official will be watching you from a distance while you attempt different tests around the circuit. If you bring your own cars, bear in mind that you will have to block driver aids such as rear-view cameras or sensors with black tape so that you do not have assistance. The tests are much easier than other countries, you will be alone in the car and you must demonstrate maneuvers such as reversing between a set of poles, and pulling up to the curb as close as possible. If you fail the practical driving test, you can retake it again after a few days, however after 90 days, you will have to repeat the entire process again.

Once you have passed all the tests, you will immediately receive your driving license. If you are applying for the first time, it will be valid for 2 years, after that you will need to renew it which will have a validity for 5 years.

Costs

When you apply for the Thai Driving licence, you will incur additional costs on top of the cost to get a license. The costs you should expect to pay are:

• License cost: 205 THB ($6.30).
• Medical certificate: around 200 THB ($6.15).
• Letter of Residence from the Embassy: Usually between 300-500 THB ($9.20-$15.40). The immigration office will do it for free but it takes up to 4-6 weeks.
• Rent car for the practical test: 100 THB ($3.00). (OPTIONAL).
• Driving lessons: 3,500 THB - 4,000 THB ($108-$154). (OPTIONAL).

Practically, you can get a 2 year Thai Driving License for only 400-500 THB including renting a car to take the practical exam, which is extremely cheap and affordable compared to any country in the world. It is also relatively easy to get one as the tests are very basic and there are no levels as they have in other countries where you will get a learner’s permit first.

When you visit Thailand, one thing you’ll find is that there is a strong ex-pat community. Moving to any new city or country can be lonely, especially when you already built a life in another country. But in Thailand, there are hundreds to thousands of groups that will make you feel at home. From all ethnicities, interests, and locations within Bangkok.

There are various ways to find these communities, whether starting at the bar, on apps like Meetup or Eventbrite, or traveling around. 

In the beginning you might find yourself only making foreign friends, but the longer you live and integrate into society, you’ll find more native friends.

Cost

The cost of living in Bangkok is relatively affordable. From accommodations starting at 5000 baht, low monthly transportation costs, cheap doctor visits, and more. And no, the cost doesn't reflect on the quality.

When retiring, an important factor is taking care of your health, both with exercise and what you eat. For many countries, eating healthy can cost you hundreds of dollars monthly, but when it comes to Thailand, you can have fresh vegetables and food for an affordable price. 

You’ll find many stores like Lotus’s and Tops Supermarket, and many large markets provide several options when it comes to healthy eating in Bangkok. And despite it being a major city, the prices aren’t inflated. 

You can find fresh seafood or meat for only 200 baht or less, and tons of vegetables under 300 baht. 

Alongside the opportunity to get access to better things, the cost of transportation and health care is affordable for everyone.

You can live in Bangkok with just 25,000 BAHT alone. 

When obtaining a retirement visa, if you are not putting 800,000 BAHT into a Thai Bank, you will have to have a minimum of 65,000 BAHT of monthly income. Check out our Retirement Article to learn more about the requirements of a obtaining the O-A Visa.

Travel

When retiring, it may seem like you are just going to be stuck with one type of environment, but that’s not the case. Yes, Bangkok is a city, but it also is the hub to accessing other parts of the country with transportation. You can still get around to beaches, mountains, northern and southern parts of Thailand, and rural villages through travel agencies, buses, and taxis found in Bangkok, Thailand.

Living in other parts of the country makes it slightly harder to get a large range of accessibility in travel transportation.

Accessibility

When it comes to living in a city, there is nothing worse than spaced-out facilities and concrete neighborhoods. Not only does it make communities less close, but makes it harder to go out without a vehicle.

Getting fresh air and daily exercise is important to maintain your health. The great thing about Bangkok Is that you can walk almost anywhere because of the many small side roads, paths, and sidewalks that allow you to easily get from place to place.

Another benefit of the city is having the BTS, which can take you around the city for 60 baht or less.

Food

One of the more touristy pros is the food. You’ll find that food is not only very accessible but delicious. From thousands of food carts, tons of hidden restaurants, and markets. If you don’t enjoy cooking, or it’s too tiring, getting cooked food daily for less than $10 a day will be easy. Just look around.

As well, ordering food online won’t run you a lot of money, most good meals cost between 50-300 baht to order, depending on the restaurant and order size. 

Retirement Care

As you get older, you may need assistance getting around. This can be amongst many other things, very affordable. You can find a 24/7 live-in qualified nurse with good English around about $12,000 USD per year, and a full-time carer as little as $3,500 per year.

Climate

Let’s face it, the cold isn’t that great. One thing Thailand provides aside from the warmth is the promise of no cold. There aren’t any winters in Bangkok, just a yearly summer. 

Avoiding the cold is not only for personal pleasure, but can help to keep you safe. For older people, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse. Staying in warm climate areas lessens the chance of these ailments happening to you.

The only thing to note is that the summers do get hot.

Of course, you can find many of these kinds of things in other parts of Thailand, but Bangkok provides an abundance of resources in one central location. If you are looking for more information on rural living, let us know in the comments. If you are interested in getting a retirement visa, contact us at hello@baansmile.com to get in-person one-to-one help when you get to Thailand.

Eligibility and required documents

• Have a 60-day Tourist visa- you must change your visa type within the first 30 days of your visa validity as the other 30 days will be needed for processing time in order to change it to a Non-immigrant ED visa.
• Original and a signed photocopy of your passport with a Thai tourist visa and at least 6 months of validity.
• Letter of admission- A letter of admission with the official letterhead from the educational institution which you have applied and got accepted to. Make sure there are definitive dates for the start of the semester stated on the letter as well otherwise there might be a problem when you apply for or to change to a student visa as the visa date will be in reference to that date.
• If your school is a private institution then an Approval letter from the Ministry of Education in Thailand may also be required.
• A completed application form for change of visa TM 86 for the visa conversion.
• There will be a fee of 2,000 THB ($61) for the visa conversion.
• Passport sized photo of yourself with the following specifications:
  • Dimension of 4*6cm.
  • White Background.
  • Taken in the last 6 months.
  • Face fully visible.

These are the main requirements in order to change your 60-day tourist visa into a Non-Immigrant ED visa, once you meet all of the requirements and prepare all the documents listed above, you can go to the Immigration office in Thailand and request for a visa conversion into a Non-Immigrant ED visa. 

Important Information

Please also take note of the following important information in order to find out what to expect.

• If you’re already in Thailand, you can only convert the 60-day tourist visa into an education visa, if you have a visa on arrival stamp or if you fall under the visa exemption rule to travel to Thailand, then you cannot obtain a Thai student visa in Thailand, you must either apply for it at the Thai embassy/consulate in your home country or travel to neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia in order to apply from there.
• Even though the course you have applied to in Thailand may be 6 months or longer, For the first time, you will be granted a Non-Immigrant ED visa with a validity of 90 days, this can be extended for 1 year when you make your first 90 day reporting. In order to be able to get an extension, you must complete your course registration and pay your tuition fees in full with a letter issued by your school/institute confirming your registration and payment.
• 90-Day reporting- With the Thai Education Visa, you will still have to do the 90-Day reporting. The 90-day reporting is when you have to go to the Thai immigration office every 90 days to report your address.
• Re-entry Permit- The single entry visa requires you to apply for a re-entry permit everytime you decide to leave Thailand, otherwise your education visa will be void. A re-entry permit can be obtained at the Thai Immigration Office or the International Airport. You should try to get a multiple entry visa if you plan on leaving Thailand and possibly traveling to nearby countries.
• The Thai Education visa does not permit you to work in any form. The Thai education visa is not like the education visa in other countries which allows you to work for a certain amount of hours a week, employment is strictly prohibited and if you want to work in Thailand, you should consider getting a business visa.

It is not difficult to convert your 60-day Thai tourist visa into an Thai education visa if you are accepted into a qualified and recognized educational institution in Thailand, there might be a few things to keep in mind such as the validity of the visa (90 days validity initially) and the fact that you still have to do the 90 day reporting but overall it should be easy if you meet all of the requirements and have all of the supporting documents.

• Have a 60-day Tourist visa- you must change your visa type within the first 30 days of your visa validity as the other 30 days will be needed for processing time in order to change it to a Non-immigrant ED visa.
• Original and a signed photocopy of your passport with a Thai tourist visa and at least 6 months of validity.
• Letter of admission- A letter of admission with the official letterhead from the educational institution which you have applied and got accepted to. Make sure there are definitive dates for the start of the semester stated on the letter as well otherwise there might be a problem when you apply for or to change to a student visa as the visa date will be in reference to that date.
• If your school is a private institution then an Approval letter from the Ministry of Education in Thailand may also be required.
• A completed application form for change of visa TM 86 for the visa conversion.
• There will be a fee of 2,000 THB ($61) for the visa conversion.
• Passport sized photo of yourself with the following specifications:
  • Dimension of 4*6cm.
  • White Background.
  • Taken in the last 6 months.
  • Face fully visible.

These are the main requirements in order to change your 60-day tourist visa into a Non-Immigrant ED visa, once you meet all of the requirements and prepare all the documents listed above, you can go to the Immigration office in Thailand and request for a visa conversion into a Non-Immigrant ED visa. 

Important Information

Please also take note of the following important information in order to find out what to expect.

• If you’re already in Thailand, you can only convert the 60-day tourist visa into an education visa, if you have a visa on arrival stamp or if you fall under the visa exemption rule to travel to Thailand, then you cannot obtain a Thai student visa in Thailand, you must either apply for it at the Thai embassy/consulate in your home country or travel to neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia in order to apply from there.
• Even though the course you have applied to in Thailand may be 6 months or longer, For the first time, you will be granted a Non-Immigrant ED visa with a validity of 90 days, this can be extended for 1 year when you make your first 90 day reporting. In order to be able to get an extension, you must complete your course registration and pay your tuition fees in full with a letter issued by your school/institute confirming your registration and payment.
• 90-Day reporting- With the Thai Education Visa, you will still have to do the 90-Day reporting. The 90-day reporting is when you have to go to the Thai immigration office every 90 days to report your address.
• Re-entry Permit- The single entry visa requires you to apply for a re-entry permit everytime you decide to leave Thailand, otherwise your education visa will be void. A re-entry permit can be obtained at the Thai Immigration Office or the International Airport. You should try to get a multiple entry visa if you plan on leaving Thailand and possibly traveling to nearby countries.
• The Thai Education visa does not permit you to work in any form. The Thai education visa is not like the education visa in other countries which allows you to work for a certain amount of hours a week, employment is strictly prohibited and if you want to work in Thailand, you should consider getting a business visa.

It is not difficult to convert your 60-day Thai tourist visa into an Thai education visa if you are accepted into a qualified and recognized educational institution in Thailand, there might be a few things to keep in mind such as the validity of the visa (90 days validity initially) and the fact that you still have to do the 90 day reporting but overall it should be easy if you meet all of the requirements and have all of the supporting documents.

In order to be able to apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant ED Visa, you need to be accepted for a full-time course, training program or internship at a school/institute that is recognized by the Thai government with at least 100 hours of class every 90 days. The requirements to obtain one are as follows:

1. Passport with at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages for the visa.
2. Passport photocopy.
3. Filled and signed Thailand Student Visa application form. The form is available at the Thai Embassy website.
4. A letter of admission addressed to your local Thai embassy/consulate where you will apply for the visa.
5. If your school is a private institution then an Approval letter from the Ministry of Education in Thailand is also required.
6. Passport sized photo of yourself with the following specifications:
   1. Dimension of 4*6cm.
   2. White Background.
   3. Taken in the last 6 months.
   4. Face fully visible.
7. Proof of Funds for the duration of your stay amounting to 20,000THB ($610) if you are travelling alone or 40,000THB ($1,220) if you are travelling as a family.
8. Police clearance certificate issued by authorities in your home country stating that you do not have a criminal background. (Only required for courses of 1 year or more).
9. A paid return flight ticket as proof of leaving the country.
10. If you are under 20 years of age, a Notarized copy of your birth certificate and your legal guardian’s passport and consent letter may also be required depending on which country you’re applying from.

Please also note that all supporting materials in any languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations and certified by the embassy only.

Application Procedure

The Thai education visa must be applied at your local Thai embassy/consulate. Before applying, you must first enroll and be accepted into a Thai educational institution and prepare all of the documents listed above. Once you have prepared all the documents, the procedure are as follows:

1. Contact your local Thai embassy/consulate or check their website to find information about opening hours and preferred method of payment for the visa fees.
2. If required, make an appointment for your Thai Student visa application.
3. Fill and sign the Visa application form prior before going to your appointment.
4. At the appointed date, submit your filled and signed visa application form as well as all the required documents listed above. Check with your embassy if you have to submit it by post or walk-in as well as pay for the Visa application fee.
5. Wait for the processing time. It takes around 5 business days for walk-in document submission and a minimum of 15 business days for post document submission.
6. Once your application is processed, you can collect your passport and visa at the embassy or it might be mailed to you in case you mailed them your documents suring application.

Important Information

• Do not apply for the visa too early because it becomes effective on the date of issuance so if you apply too early then the visa may expire before your trip which means that you have to re-apply again and pay the visa fees again.
• Visa validity- For the first time, you will be granted a Non-Immigrant ED visa with a validity of 90 days, this can be extended for 1 year when you make your first 90 day reporting. In order to be able to get an extension, you must complete your course registration and pay your tuition fees in full with a letter issued by your school/institute confirming your registration and payment.
• Visa Cost
  • Single entry: $80
  • Multiple entry: $200
• 90-Day reporting- With the Thai Education Visa, you will still have to do the 90-Day reporting. The 90-day reporting is when you have to go to the Thai immigration office every 90 days to report your address.
• Re-entry Permit- The single entry visa requires you to apply for a re-entry permit everytime you decide to leave Thailand, otherwise your education visa will be void. A re-entry permit can be obtained at the Thai Immigration Office or the International Airport. You should try to get a multiple entry visa if you plan on leaving Thailand and possibly travelling to nearby countries.
• Please also keep in mind that you NEED to register for a Thailand Pass, which replaced the Certificate of Entry (COE) used earlier.

How to register for Thailand Pass

Even though Thailand has opened up and started to allow fully vaccinated tourists and students to visit the country without the mandatory 14 day quarantine, it is not that easy as you must register for a Thailand Pass, which as of 1st November, 2021 has replaced the previous Certificate of Entry (COE), which had to be requested at the local embassy/consulate. You can register for a Thailand pass at https://tp.consular.go.th/ at least 7 days prior to your flight to Thailand. Requirements to obtain a Thailand Pass and to enjoy quarantine free travel are as follows:

• Must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before traveling to Thailand. Need vaccination certificate to upload on the system.
• Must be from one of the 63 countries on the list available on the Thai Embassy’s website.
• A “Test and Go” package hotel booking for 1 night in an ASQ or SHA+ certified hotel which includes transport from the airport to the hotel, meals and a PCR test that must be taken on arrival.
• Flight booking to Thailand.
• Medical insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000.
• Negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of travelling. Not needed to register for Thailand Pass but must be shown on arrival to Thailand.

Once you have all the required documents, you can simply register on the website and fill the form as well as upload all of the required documents, you will then get a barcode within 7 days after registration. Please note that the barcode is required before checking in for your flight to Thailand, so register for the Thailand Pass as early as you can to avoid issues.

AIS Fibre

AIS fiber is the home broadband offering from Thailand's largest private telecommunications company. It is purely based on fiber optic technology, which has much higher capabilities than the traditional ADSL technology that has been phased out. AIS Fibre also provides new advancements such as SuperMESH Wi-Fi and Speed Toggle, providing customers with the best signal and customization possible. You cannot go wrong with choosing AIS fibre for your broadband needs, especially if you need the fastest speeds possible. Prices for AIS Fibre starts at 399 THB (12 USD) per month offering 300 mbps download and upload speeds as a special offer which was increased from 100 mbps. Prices rise up to 999 THB (30 USD) per month for 1gbps and two SuperMESH Wi-Fi routers providing even better connection. The sweet spot is the broadband 24 package for 599 THB (18 USD) which has a speed of 500 mbps download and upload as well as a special 24 hr installation service and aftercare with an overdrive function which allows you to toggle the speed up to 1000 mbps download and 300 mbps upload speed. The data for all AIS Fibre packages are unlimited and the only difference between them is the network download/upload speeds and add-on services. There is also a promotional entry fee of 800 THB (24 USD) from the usual 2,000 THB (60 USD) which you will have to pay at the beginning. And the wiring installation fee of 4,800 THB (144 USD) will be waived if you sign a 24-month contract. So technically, if you wish to install the AIS Fibre broadband, you will only be required to pay the entry fee and the monthly package fee.

True Online

True Online is one of the leading telecommunications providers in Thailand, especially for home broadband services. Unlike AIS, they offer various technologies such as ADSL 2+, VDSL2, cable modem and Fiber optics. True Online specializes in providing a diverse offering using different technologies such as offering True Wi-Fi access in public places for those who work in cafés on top of the home broadband service so that customers will always be connected, even when they decide to work in their favorite spot as well as offering their 4G network to make sure you have access to the internet on-the-go as well. One of the most popular packages is the online special package which offers 300 mbps download and upload speed, 5 GB of 4G data at a maximum speed of 300 mbps for 399 THB (12 USD) per month. There are also special privileges on offer that also provides you with free installation, free modem and repeater and free access to True H Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. For more advanced users, the GIGATEX SMART PLUS package is very handy, and it starts from 699 THB (21 USD) per month for 1gbps download and 200 mbps upload all the way to 1gbps download and 500 mbps upload and 10 GB of 4G data on top. All the prices mentioned above offer a promotion providing free installation and wiring, a reduction on entry fee from 2,000 THB to 890 THB, Free GIGATEX router rental (for GIGATEX Packages) and free True H Wi-Fi hotspot access around the country. The sweet spot is the base GOGATEX SMART PLUS package, offering 1mbps download and GIGATEX fiber router rental for 699 a month.

3BB

3BB is a very well known internet service provider in Thailand, and they specialize in broadband internet service. They currently have the largest network coverage in Thailand, offering more than 80,000 free Wi-Fi locations across the country. 3BB’s internet service also comes with cloud storage service in Bangkok. They offer ADSL2+, VDSL, leased line and FTTH technology. Their signature high-speed internet package is the GIGAFIBER with all the tiers offering 1gbps download speeds. The base GIGAFIBER package starts at 590 THB (17.70 USD) with 100mbps upload speed and includes a Wi-Fi 6 enabled router for rental free of charge. The price of the GIGAFIBER goes up to 1,200 THB (36 USD) a month for 1gbps upload and download speeds. The sweet spot is the 700 THB (21 USD) a month GIGAFIBER package, which offers 500mbps upload speeds.

TOT

TOT is also one of the most well-known and longstanding internet broadband service providers in Thailand,, and they are state-owned. The service area coverage is huge,, but customer service may be an issue as it is a state-owned company and there are not many physical outlets available for customer service as compared to privately owned companies such as AIS and True. Their most popular package is the TOT fiber-2-u package which offers internet speeds ranging from 250-1000mbps and free fiber optic wiring installation as well as free router rental if you sign up for a one-year contract. The starting package offers 1gbps download and 100mbps for 590 THB (17.70 USD) with free installation and wiring as well as router rental if you sign up for a one-year contract. The sweet spot is the 1gbps download and 500mbps upload for 700 THB (21 USD) per month.

How to order home internet to your condo?

Before you choose your package, you should check if your location has fiber optic capabilities or not, in some cases you will have to contact more than one broadband company in order to find the one that has service coverage in your apartment. In order to order internet to your condo, you can check the packages from different companies on their websites to find the one that best suits your needs, after that you can apply online through their websites in which case you will have to submit documents through the Line messaging app, or you can go to one of the branches. Once you have submitted your documents, and they have been approved, the technician will make an appointment with you for the installation date. The documents required are as follows:

• Passport
• Proof of residence (work permit/house registration/lease agreement etc.)
• You might be required to take a picture of your face and send it by Line

Getting and installing internet in your condo is relatively easy in Thailand, as long as you have the proper required documents. If you do not have the correct documents, then you can also ask one of your Thai friends to register for you.

In general, credit scores are calculated based on many different factors of your finance, namely:

• Payment History: Your payment history has a weightage of 35% of your credit score because it shows lenders if you usually pay your outstanding loans on time, how many times you skip payments and your payment pattern, which is how many days past the due date do you usually pay your bills. Every time you miss a payment or pay late, it will affect your credit score.
• Amount owed: This has a weight of 30% and is basically the total amount of money you owe to lenders, as well as the percentage of the total amount you owe in relation to your credit amount. The lower the percentage, the better as it shows lenders that you do not max out your credit which means that you have liquidity and are more able to repay loans on time and not borrow over your limit.
• Length of credit history: 15% of your credit score is based on the length of your credit history, the more good standing credit accounts you have for a longer time, the better your score for this will be.
• Types of account you have: This is worth 10% of your credit score, and is basically determined by the type of account you have. If you have many different varieties of credit accounts such as home loans, auto loans, personal loans and credit cards then your score will be high.
• Credit Mix: The last 10% of your score is your credit mix, so if you recently opened many different types of credit accounts then your score will be lower as it might indicate that you are undergoing some financial difficulty and it poses more risk to lenders. If you have credit accounts for a long time and no payment issues then your score will be higher in this category.

Advantages of good credit score

If you have a good credit score, then it will be much easier for you to obtain credit services such as personal, home and auto loans and credit cards as well so you can be more confident when applying for them.

With good credit, you will get lower interest rates as well as better terms on credit services which could end up saving you a significant amount if you borrow a significant amount.

You also get a better chance to get approved for a credit card, which is a big plus as generally, it is harder for foreigners to get one due to more financial requirements that must be met as compared to locals. You will also get better rewards and a higher tier of credit card with more perks for you to use. Furthermore, you can also easily apply for a higher credit limit since youve already proven your creditworthiness by having a good credit score. Your bank might also offer you a pre-approved loan, which could be useful as you do not have to wait for approval which could take a few weeks in some cases, you will be able to get the loan immediately without waiting for approval.

How to check your credit score?

If you want to check your credit score in Thailand, there are many ways that you can do that such as:

First of all you can simply request a report from your Thai bank, they will charge a fee of 150 baht per report. The report will come directly from the National Credit Bureau (NCB) within a week. 

You can also request for a credit bureau report from the self-service machines located at selected BTS skytrain stations, which will print out the report immediately or you can also request one to be sent to your email.

How to improve credit score?

In order to improve your credit score, you should pay your bills on time every month, and keep your credit utilization low, so that it shows you do not rely too much on credit and that you are a low risk for late payment. You should also consider paying off debts if possible so that lenders will be more confident to lend you money.

As expats, your priority should be to beat inflation and minimize taxes, so you need to invest your money into something that offers more return than the inflation rate. Inflation rates in Thailand is around 3% and Thai banks only offer around 0.5% interest on savings, or around 3% on term deposits, so best case scenario, you will just be matching inflation while having your savings stuck in a fixed term account.

Securities could be a very lucrative investment if you invest wisely. There are minimal restrictions to foreigners to invest in securities in Thailand, both residents and non-residents can invest in securities. Furthermore, capital gains from the stock market are exempt from Thai income tax. The main exchange is the Stock Exchange of Thaland, or SET in short. The SET index has increased three-fold since the 2008 economic crisis, and is not back to the same levels before the 1997 financial crisis in Asia. The dividend yields are currently between 3-5% for higher dividend shares and 10-year government bonds can get you a return of 3.5% with very low risk.

Everyone has their own strategy and risk profile when investing, some of you might prefer high risk high reward, while others prefer lower risk for guaranteed returns. You must be responsible for how much risk you want to take on. If you invest a significant amount of money in Thai banks, they will offer you wealth management services which could be useful, or you could look for qualified wealth managers to help you get started. As with most stock markets worldwide, you should be aware of volatility, and put your emotions aside as they are often the reason you make irrational decisions which will cost you.

Mutual funds also provide you tax relief on long-term investments up to the lower of either 500,000 baht or 15% of your income. However, you must hold your mutual funds investments for at least 5 calendar years to be eligible for tax relief, however, some of them do require you to pay tax so make sure to check the tax relief policies in the information sheet. Usually, mutual funds are subject to higher fees tham investments in the stock market.

Thai index funds are a good compromise if you want to invest your money, but do not want to spend time studying the markets every week and go through an emotional rollercoaster while trading. Index funds such as the SET50, SET100 and industry indexes could be a good investment for you. From 2009-2018, the average annual return from the SET50 is around 17.77% pear, which is quite high, but the reason for that was that Thailand and the rest of the world was in the process of recovering from the Financial crisis from 2008. On the other hand, if you are an experienced trader and want to trade stocks daily, then it is not for you because you will not be able to choose what companies are in the indexes, you will have to invest in all.

In order to invest your money in securities, you will have to open a brokerage account, most Thai banks such as SCB and Thanachart have a securities division and you can open up a brokerage account at their branches. It is also possible for non-residents to open up a securities account. After you have signed up with a brokerage, you will get a login to access their app in order to manage your funds, however if you want to trade, you will have to either download the Streaming app or use the website, you then have to login using your brokerage credentials and you can start trading right away. These bank brokerages such as SCB also offer plenty of other apps to assist you in trading such as ROBOADVIOSR, which helps you pick stocks to buy, however in most cases, the user interface is not the easiest to use.

Cryptocurrency could also be potentially lucrative, especially due to the volatility of it these days, and you could earn alot of money from trading cryptocurrency but the risk is also very high. In Thailand, there are 2 major cryptocurrency exchanges, Bitkub is by far the most popular one and then there's Bitazza as well. Overall, both these platforms are very easy to use and make trading possible on your fingertips. However, keep in mind that Thailand has launched new regulations for anyone opening a cryptocurrency account that requires physical registration, and prevents online registration to help reduce money laundering which means that you will require a Thai ID card to register, preventing you from doing so. Cryptocurrency in Thailand has just started gaining popularity this year, and the laws governing it have not been created yet so there are still many questions to be answered. You can, however, sign up for internationally renowned platforms such as Binance, and if you already have an account you can simply keep trading in Thailand and transfer income from overseas to your Thai bank account.

Overall, there are plenty of investments possible in Thailand, you should definitely consider investing your money on securities rather than leaving your money in a fixed deposit which only offers you 3% per year. However, try to not invest in long term investments that tie up your money because you never know when you might need it. You should still maintain liquidity in case there are emergency expenses etc. 

Before we go through all the living costs in Thailand, first of all there is a financial requirement that you must meet in order to get a Thai retirement visa. You NEED to deposit at least 800,000 baht into a Thai bank account, Which comes up to around ($25,000 20,400 EUR or 17,500 pounds). 

If you are unable to deposit all that money at once, but you have income from pensions, you can still apply and be eligible for the visa as long as your combination of deposits and monthly income is at least 800,000 baht. For example, you can deposit 400,000 baht into a Thai bank account and have 32,000 baht in monthly income, it adds up to 800,000 baht so you will still be eligible.

Health insurance

Here at Baan Smile, we get a lot of questions regarding health insurance costs in Thailand, however we cannot answer that because it all depends on pre-existing conditions, your age etc.

Our tip is to check plans from insurance providers in Thailand and compare it to the ones in your home country. It is likely that Thai insurance providers are a little more affordable. You can also ask your Thai bank as they also offer health insurance plans. 

Expect to pay between $200-$400 a month especially if you are older, if you are one of the lucky people who retire young then it might be less than that. 

Moving on rent, a one bedroom apartment in the center of Bangkok might only cost you as low as $700 including utilities. You can find plenty of apartments for even lower than that, especially if you find one just outside of the center of the city which could cost as little as $400 per month. There is a wide spread of rental prices in Bangkok, as we often hear some people paying as little as 5,000 baht ($150) all the way to 50,000 baht ($1,500) or even more.

There are lots of different types of accommodation to suit everyone's lifestyle requirements, from cheap studio apartments all the way to luxury serviced apartments managed by some of the world’s best hotel chains.

If you own a condo in Thailand, you will be required to pay a one-time sinking fee which is paid by all new residents so that in case there's damage, there is a reserve fund to fix damages. This usually costs around 12,500 baht ($375), 

In most cases you will also have to pay a maintenance fee every month for them to maintain all the facilities of the condominium, and the costs vary depending on how expensive and luxurious the condo is. Expect to pay around 1,200 baht per month on average for a condo with decent facilities.

Due to the covid-19 pandemic, you might even be able to get 20-30% off normal rental prices these days due to the lack of tenants, so it is really affordable.

Electricity in Thailand is extremely affordable, however you must keep one thing in mind, Thailand is a very hot and humid country so the price you pay for electricity depends a lot on how much you use the air conditioner, as it represents most of your electricity bill. 

If you live alone in an apartment with and leave the A/C on every night then you will end up paying 1,500 baht ($45) per month, 

If you live in a house with two A/C units turned on every night then the bill will be 2,500 baht ($75). 

If you have a big family and live with a 3-bedroom house with 4 A/C units turned on during the day and the whole night then your bill will be around 5-8,000 baht ($150-250). 

The cost of water is extremely cheap in Thailand, if you live alone, your cost of water should only be around 100 baht ($2.99), YES YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT, at this point you can consider the water cost to be negligible.

Internet in Thailand is also very affordable, you can get 200mbps high speed internet for around 600 thb. This is more than fast enough to stream Netflix in 4k, lower priced packages are also available if you do not mind reduced speed. 

The majority of people pay around 500 baht per month for their phone bill which includes around 300-500 minutes talk time and around 10-20 GBs of 4G data.

Again, you could get cheaper plans with less data or even higher priced plans with unlimited data. The 4G connectivity is excellent in Bangkok and other major cities and you shouldn't have connectivity problems in Thailand.

Now let's move on to the best part, FOOD! If you eat local Thai food, it could cost you only $2-3 for a meal, and it is insanely delicious and full of flavor. Eating street foods will save you a lot of money and the variety is crazy, you can find anything from meat skewers and fried dough all the way to rice and curries and seafood, all on the side of a street and costing you a fraction of what it will in your country.

You can easily be filled for $10 a day, so that comes up to around $300 per month. This can quickly escalate if you eat at international restaurants.

Next is transportation. Now this depends a lot on where you live. If you live in Bangkok, the motorbike taxis, taxis and BTS skytrain will be your main options. A typical journey to get somewhere involves you taking a motorbike taxi to a BTS skytrain station and then you can go wherever you want.

If you live in a condo which is located right next to the BTS station then youre lucky as you can simply walk to the skytrain. A typical motorbike taxi commute will cost you 20-40 baht and the BTS will cost you another 30 baht if you live in the city center, otherwise it may be a little more if you have to commute longer. 

If you live in other cities such as Chiang Mai or Pattaya, it is recommended to have a car as the public transport system is nowhere as extensive as Bangkok. You should expect to pay around 3,000-6,000 baht per month for transportation, which is not too bad. If you want to save more money, you should learn how to use the bus, fares are only around 10-20 baht per trip. 

You can also rent a motorbike for 2,500 a month or a car for around 15,000 per month if you have longer commutes or many family members as it can be more cost effective. 

Now let’s move on to entertainment and activities. There is plenty of entertainment for you in Thailand, and they are also pretty affordable. Basic entertainment such as going to the movies, eating out and shopping is pretty affordable in Thailand. Movie tickets start at just 120 baht for a hollywood movie and the cinemas are superior to those in the west and As you guys know, food is really cheap in Thailand.

Thailand is also well known for beautiful golf courses and Thai people absolutely love golf. The green fee to play golf costs around 3,000 baht (around $100), which is pretty affordable, if you go to better ones then it might be more and you would even require to have membership which could costs a lot of money.

One of the best things you can do in Thailand is to take weekend trips. Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches so you should definitely travel as often as you can to enjoy life, since you’re here to do exactly that.

Accommodations can also be really cheap, and they can start from just around 700 baht per night for a basic hotel near the beach, and it can go up to hundreds of dollars, so it really depends on your lifestyle. 

Flights and buses are also pretty affordable in Thailand, buses start at around 300 baht to go from Bangkok to Koh Chang for example and flights on low cost carriers start at around 1,000 baht round trip.

You should budget around $500 per month for Entertainment and activities in order to still be able to enjoy life and not be too restrictive. $500 can go a long way to have fun in Thailand. For those of you who can spend much more, there are plenty of luxurious options as well, there are things to do for everyone and every lifestyle in Thailand, which is why it is very popular.

Medicines are quite cheap in Thailand as compared to western countries and are a fraction of the prices in the United States. Drugs such as Xanax costs $0.05 cents per mg for the branded version which is 77% below the global median. Ventolin, which is a drug that is used to treat asthma, costs 46.2% lower than the global median at $3.51 per dose so you should not worry too much about the prices of medicine in Thailand, you should keep a monthly budget of around

You must also consider the visa costs that you will end up paying when retiring in Thailand. A single entry visa costs 1,900 baht ($57) per year and a multiple entry visa costs 3,800 baht ($114) per year. If you intend to travel out of Thailand often then you should definitely go for multiple entry, because if you have the single entry visa, you will have to pay around 1,000 baht ($30) for a re-entry permit each time you leave the country otherwise your visa will automatically be cancelled.

You should definitely consider getting a visa agent to help you apply at least for the first time snad you can renew it yourself for subsequent years. Visa agents usually charge a fee of around 2,000 baht ($60) to help you apply for a visa, which could be reasonable for you if you do not want to have the hassle of applying for it yourself. 

Finally, you should also be having an emergency fund, which is recommended to be enough to pay for your living costs for 6 months. In our opinion, you should be setting aside at least 300,000 baht in case anything happens, however, this depends totally on you. 

Foreigners can own condos in Thailand however, it must be in their own name. However, you can't simply purchase it outright. 

According to Thai law, foreigners are only allowed to own up to 49% of the total area of a condominium, the remaining 49% can only be acquired under a leasehold ownership. 

This means that you can only purchase 49%, and the remaining will be pleased to you for a maximum term of 30 years and is renewable. This way you will still get the right of use and possession of the condo. 

Usually, when you buy a condo in Thailand, the developer will usually offer 30 years leaseholds three times, which gives you 90 years of ownership. You also have to make sure that you use foreign currency to purchase the condo. Foreigners are NOT allowed to purchase any land or property in Thailand and therefore, not allowed to buy a house outright however, there are multiple ways to bypass this problem.

Build a house on leased land

One way for foreigners to own a house in Thailand is to build one. Since foreigners are not allowed to own land in Thailand, it is possible to lease the land for a maximum term of 30 years, which is renewable, and apply for a construction permit to build a house on the leased land. 

Legally, a building in Thailand may be considered as a separate part from the land when a tenant of the land is the one building it under a leasing agreement which means that you can own any building/house on your rented land in Thailand. 

Buy property through a Thai company

Some foreign property buyers want more ownership than a leasehold title allows. Luckily, a solution is to set up a Thai company which can be used to buy property. In order to set up a Thai company, 51% of the shares has to be owned by a Thai person. 

A commonly used loophole to this is to use “Nominee Thai shareholders” which are basically fake investors that are usually used just to sign the papers, and have nothing to do with the running of the company. 

This method is technically illegal in Thailand, but is commonly used. You should take caution if you want to do this as there are many cases where the Nominee Thai shareholders betray you and end up getting ownership and control putting your money down into the drain as there will be nothing you can do about it.

If you have real Thai partners or investors then they can own 51% of the company, this way it will be fully legal and gives you indirect ownership and control of the property. Your investment will also be much more safe as you have real partners who jointly invested with you as compared to using nominee shareholders.

If you have a Thai spouse, this will be even easier as she can simply own 51% of the shares of the company providing you with control of the property as well as an opportunity to purchase property in Thailand.

What is the blue and yellow book?

In Thailand, we have house registration booklets called “Tabien Baan '' in Thai, which are officially issued by the local municipality. Every resident of a particular house or apartment will have their names registered in the booklet belonging to that house.

Please note that the house registration booklet IS NOT a proof of ownership of a property, it is just a document that proves a person’s place of legal residence in a particular property. All residential properties such as houses and apartments have their own residential booklets in which the residents are registered into.

This booklet is required for many things from the transfer of ownership of cars and properties, to applying for electricity or telephone lines as well as opening a bank account.

There are two types of house registration booklets, the blue and the yellow one:

The blue booklet is issued for Thai nationals, whereas the yellow booklet is for foreigners. They both work exactly the same way and can be used for the same purposes.

Usually, a foreigner will not be registered into a blue booklet unless they have permanent residency in Thailand. Foreigners with long stay or temporary visas will only be registered into the yellow book, so you must exchange the blue book for a yellow one at the municipality office

If you are a foreigner, and you own an  apartment or some other property in Thailand, you will usually have an empty blue book and will not even be required to exchange it for a yellow book. This way, in case you have Thai residents as well for eg. your spouse, they can be registered onto the blue book. 

How to get a yellow house booklet?

Usually the developer of the property will apply for the yellow book, however the rules can be different depending on the municipality, or even between district offices. I know, right? Surprise surprise. 

So make sure to check your local municipality or district offices to find out what documents are required. Usually, you will have to submit the following documents:

• Passport with entry permit and visa
• Work permit if you have one
• Marriage certificate if you have a Thai spouse as well as their ID card
• Lease agreement with your landlord’s ID and the Blue Booklet (if renting the property)
• The existing blue booklet (if exchanging your registration)

If you are simply visiting Thailand for the short term, there is no legal value of the blue and yellow books for you.

If you are married to a Thai citizen, living in Thailand, you SHOULD have your name on the house book of the marital home. 

Can property investors get a visa?

Yes, there is a Thai property investment visa available for foreign investors which offers lifetime validity so that they can travel to Thailand whenever they want or also live here permanently.

In order to get the investor visa, you either have to buy real estate, deposit money into a fixed Thai bank account or purchase government bonds. You can also do a combination of them as long as it meets the financial requirements of 10 Million baht. For eg. you can deposit 5 million and buy property for another 5 million.

Many foreigners choose to buy condos in Thailand in order to get the investor visa, however you MUST purchase the condo unit directly from a developer, and not as a second-hand from other people. 

The money used to purchase the property can only come from a foreign bank account with the foreigner’s name to the developers Thai bank account, the source of the money can’t be from Thailand itself or through any intermediaries between you and the property developer Another thing to not is that the money must be converted into Thai baht in Thailand, so it must be sent in foreign currency into the developers bank account.

Documents required:

• Foreign exchange transaction from (FET) from the seller’s bank as a proof that you have transferred at least 10 million baht worth of money. The developer should easily get this form for you.
• Get the government appraisal at the City/District’s land office. This should be done in a day as they already have it on record.
• The property/condo’s residence booklet, title deed, and transfer tax receipt
• Passport pictures and copies of your passport

Conditions to keep the visa

Initially, you will receive a 90-day visa to fly into Thailand and get the application process started. Two weeks from the visa’s expiration date, you have to take the same set of documents mentioned earlier to the immigration office to extend that visa for another year. 

Because the investor visa provides permanent residency, you can extend the visa for a year indefinitely as long as you maintain 10 million baht worth of investments in Thailand.

Of course, nothing is ever simple and easy in Thailand, as you would be required to show up at the immigration office every year at the same, within 2 weeks of the visa’s expiry, to extend it. Failure to do so will result in your visa being expired. This is really difficult if you travel a lot, so we do not recommend this if you don't intend to live in Thailand.

There are many ways for foreigners to buy property in Thailand but make sure to be careful and cautious, especially when deciding to use “illegal” methods such as nominee shareholding. We would advise you not to do that. For those of you who want to buy a property in Thailand to live and can meet the financial requirements of the investor visa, you should definitely consider applying for one as Thailand is a beautiful place.

In Thailand, foreigners are not allowed to own land, however, it is possible to purchase freehold condominiums as long as the ratio quota of the saleable area of the building does not exceed 49%. This means that foreigners are allowed to own condominiums in Thailand.

Although it is not possible for foreigners to buy property directly in Thailand, there are solutions to this. The best way for foreigners to own land is to buy property through a Thai company. According to Thai law, 51% of shares of any Thai company must be owned by a Thai person, the rest can be owned by foreign nationals. 

There are schemes used to take advantage of this rule such as nominee shareholding. Nominee shareholding is when foreigners assign “Nominee shareholders” which could be anyone, maybe even a tuk tuk driver in some cases. These shareholders just sign the documents and take ownership without investing any money in return for money. 

This way, the company will still be legal because on paper 51% of the shares are owned by Thais, but the foreigners will be the one who has control of the company and make all the decisions, the nominee shareholders are only there on paper. 

Nominee shareholding is very popular in Thailand, however, we do not recommend anyone to do this, as it is highly illegal. Recently, there have also been many crackdowns on companies that use nominee shareholding, which could end up in a complete loss of investment for the foreigner. 

If you want to buy landed properties in Thailand, it is better if you have real Thai partners so that it is completely legal and the risk of investment will also be split between the foreigner and the Thai person. 

This is even easier if you have a Thai spouse, as they can own 51% of the shares and you will still control the company and make purchase decisions. 

If you own a property in Thailand such as a condominium, you are allowed to rent it out. There are usually two main ways to rent out properties: 

1. Long term lease (1 year or more). This involves finding tenants to rent out your property for a year or more, (usually between 1-3 years), this is the most popular option to rent out properties
2. Short term lease (less than 6 months, or month by month). This is also very common because of the number of tourists who visit Thailand. It is common for them to book condos for a month or two as it is cheaper than hotels.

Please note that renting condos on a nightly or weekly basis is technically illegal in Bangkok, yes that's right, you would never know if you were scrolling through accommodations on AirBnb in Bangkok.

It is possible for landlords to find their own tenants, but it is highly recommended to use property agencies or rental services to find tenants for long term leases as they already have a client database which saves you a lot of time. These agencies will also draft the lease agreements and even assist the tenants themselves so you do not have to do it.

Short term leases are very lucrative, especially in touristic cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Short term tenants tend to pay higher rent so you will have higher returns. It is also good for foreigners who still want to use their property as a second home when visiting Thailand.

If you rent out your property to tenants, you will have to pay taxes on rental income. All rental properties are subjected to a House and Land Tax of 12.5% of the annual rental income. On top of that, rental income is taxable, so you have to pay Thai income taxes of anywhere between 0-37% on your income. There is also a withholding tax of 15% if your rental income is sent offshore. 

The taxes are quite high, especially if you intend to send your income offshore, which is why there's one more way to buy property in Thailand, yes, there's always a way. Many foreigners own property through an offshore company that is not based in Thailand. This means that when you sell your property in the future, you will be selling shares of your company to the buyer, so the sale will occur outside of Thailand, which means that you will not be subjected to Thai taxes. It is also easier to pass on the property in case of death.

Buying rental properties in Thailand is definitely possible, it can also turn out to be lucrative, however, you must be aware of the laws and regulations and avoid nominee shareholding at all costs as there's a high chance it won't end well for your investment.

This visa is for tourism purposes only, you CANNOT work in Thailand with this visa at any cost, if you are caught working in Thailand with this visa then there's a chance you’ll get blacklisted from entering Thailand in the future.

The STV visa allows you to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 90 days, which is also extendable for another 90 days for two additional times.

In order to apply for this visa, you need:

• A passport with over 12 months of validity.
• A fully paid hotel reservation after quarantining at an AQ hotel until the date you leave Thailand.
• Medical insurance with a coverage of at least 40,000 THB (1,188 USD) outpatient care and 400,000 THB (11,880 USD) inpatient care. 
• A COVID-19 travel insurance policy with a minimum of 100,000 USD coverage for COVID-19 medical treatments.

The fee for this visa is 2,000 THB. If you decide to extend for another 90 days, you will have to pay the same fee again. Please also note that this visa type CANNOT be converted to other types of Thai visa.

The second Visa type is the Standard tourist visa which is also the most popular visa type for foreigners traveling to Thailand.

Like the Special tourist visa, the standard tourist visa is also only issued for tourism purposes and you are prohibited from employment in Thailand. This visa is also single entry only and is valid for a maximum of 60 days.

In order to apply for the standard tourist visa you need:

• A passport with over 6 months of validity.
• Flight bookings for traveling in and out of Thailand.
• Proof of finance such as a bank statement with over 20,000 THB (600 USD) per person or 40,000 THB (1,200 USD) per family.
• Hotel bookings after quarantining, health insurance with a coverage of at least 100,000 USD for COVID-19 for the entire duration of your stay.

The fee for the single-entry standard tourist visa is around 30 USD. This visa also has the possibility to be converted to another form of visa such as the Student visa as long as you meet all the additional requirements for each visa category.

Non-Immigrant Visas

There are two types of Non-immigrant business visas in Thailand one for business and the other for employment. These visas are for anyone who wants to work in Thailand.

Both of these visas allow you to stay in Thailand for a maximum of 90 days and you can get an extension of stay and re-entry permit once at the immigration office in Thailand.

In order to apply for either of these visas you need:

• A passport with a validity of 6 months.
• Health insurance with a coverage of at least 100,000 USD for COVID-19 for your entire stay in Thailand.
• Round trip flight booking to Thailand.

In addition to this there are additional requirements depending on the type of business visa you are applying for. If you are applying for business purpose you will also need:

• Documents from the company in Thailand such as the letter of invitation, stating the period of stay in Thailand and the objective.
  • The Thai company’s tax registration.
• Letter from your current employer stating your current position, salary and the objective of your visit to Thailand.
  • Current employer’s company registration
  • Letter of sponsor in case your current employer is sponsoring you all your expenses.
• If you are self-employed then you need a bank statement with a deposit amount of at least 500,000 THB (14,800 USD) in the last 6 months.

If you own a condominium with a value of 3 million THB (100,000 USD) or more then you will also need a copy of your title deed or ownership documents along with your bank statements.

And if you invested in government bonds in Thailand or have a savings account with at least 100,000 USD in Thailand then you will also need the evidence of money transmission and your bank book copy along with your bank statements for the last 6 months.

On the other hand, additional documents required If you’re applying for employment purpose are:

• Invitation letter from your Thai employer with all details such as salary, position, length of contract if any.
• Approval letter from the ministry of labor in Thailand.
• Evidence of your qualifications such as bachelor’s degree or evidence of previous employment.

The application fee for both these business visas are around 2,000 THB (60 USD) for single entry and around 5,000 THB (150 USD) for multiple entry.

If you want to study in Thailand then you will have to apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa-ED or the education visa. This visa is also valid for 90 days and can be extendable to 1 year provided that you have passed all the requirements.

In order to apply for the Thai education visa you will need:

• A Passport with at least 6 months of validity left.
• Letter with a letterhead from the educational institution that you applied to in Thailand.
• A copy of the school’s license which must be approved by the ministry of education in Thailand.
• Your Bank statement with at least 3,500 USD in the past 3 months.
• Health insurance with a coverage of at least 100,000 USD for COVID-19 for your entire stay in Thailand.
• Flight tickets traveling to and from Thailand.

The application fee for the student visa is around 2,000 THB (60 USD) and extensions for another 90 days are also priced similarly.

If you wish to retire in Thailand, there are two types of visas that allow you to do that. The Non-Immigrant O-A and O-X visa. These visas are issued for foreigners aged 50 and older who want to retire in Thailand for 1 year with no intention of working. Employment is strictly not allowed with this visa.

In order to apply for the O-A visa, you need:

• A passport with over a year and a half of validity.
• A deposit of 800,000 THB (around 24,000 USD) in a Thai bank account which can be used for your expenses living in Thailand.
• A letter from the authorities staging that you have no criminal record.
• A medical certificate proving that you have no prohibitive diseases such as leprosy etc.
• Medical insurance with a coverage of at least 40,000 THB (1,188 USD) outpatient care and 400,000 THB (11,880 USD) inpatient care. 
• Flight tickets to Thailand.

If you want to apply for the O-X visa, you will need the following in addition to what was mentioned earlier:

• Must be nationals from eligible countries such as Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA and Canada.
• You must have a deposit of at least 3 million THB (around 90,000 USD) in a Thai bank account which can be used for your living expenses once you are here.

The O-A visa is valid for a maximum of one year and the O-X visa is valid for a maximum of 10 years. The visa fee for the O-A visa is 5,000 THB (around 150 USD) whereas the visa fee for the O-X visa is 10,000 THB (around 300 USD). Both of these visas offer multiple entries which means that you do not have to apply for a re-entry permit everytime you leave Thailand.

For those of you who have a Thai wife, the Non-Immigrant Visa-O (spouse) allows you to travel to Thailand for 90 days if you apply for single entry, and 1 year if you apply for multiple entry.

In order to apply for the spouse visa, you will need:

• Passport with 6 months of validity.
• Marriage certificate, passport and identification of your Thai spouse.
• A letter from your Thai spouse.
• Bank statement with at least 400,000 THB (11,830 USD) in the past three month.
• Health insurance with a coverage of at least 100,000 USD for COVID-19 for your entire stay in Thailand.
• Your flight tickets to Thailand.

The visa fee costs 80 USD for single entry and 200 USD for multiple entry.

Thailand’s board of investments also recently introduced a SMART visa, which is specially designed to attract highly skilled workers, investors, executives and entrepreneurs who want to work or invest in Thailand.

The benefits of the SMART visa include:

• Maximum validity of 4 years.
• No work permit necessary and no re-entry permit required.
• Spouses and children are also permitted to stay and work in Thailand.
• 90 day reporting is extended to one year which saves you a lot of time.
• Priority lanes at International airports in Thailand.

There are 5 categories of SMART visas and each of them have different requirements.

These categories are:

• T- Talent: For those who have high expertise in science and technology.
• I-Investor: for those of you who want to invest in a technology based business.
• E-Executives: for those of you with more than 10 years of experience in your field.
• S-Startup: for those of you who want to start a tech-based company in Thailand.
• O-Others: This is for the spouse and children of the SMART visa holder.

In order to check the exact requirements for each category, make sure you visit the Thai embassy website of your country. 

The visa fee for the smart visa is 10,000THB (295 USD) per year.

Except for tourism and employment, Thailand is also a popular place for medical treatments due to the quality and relative affordability of medical treatments as compared to other countries. If you want to travel to Thailand for medical reasons then you will need to get a Tourist MT Visa (Medical Treatment).

The Thai medical visa also allows up to three accompanying persons to travel with you. In order to be able to apply for the medical treatment visa, you will need to contact an accredited hospital in Thailand and ask them to send a request to the Department of health service support (HSS) as well as a confirmation letter, affidavit of support, summary forms and other related documents.

If approved by the HSS, you can go to the Thai embassy/consulate in your country along with up to three other people to apply for the visa and COE. In order to apply for the visa, you will need:

• Confirmation letter with stamp from MOPH confirming your admission as a patient to the hospital and confirmation of quarantine arrangements for at least 14 days.
• Passport with 6 months or over of validity.
• Evidence of adequate financial ability to cover costs of living in Thailand such as bank statements.
• Affidavit of support letter with stamp from MOPH for accompanying persons.

The cost of the Thai Medical Treatment visa is 40 USD.

Finally, we have the Elite Visa. This visa is for those who hold the Thailand Privilege Card. If you are a holder for the Privilege card, you simply have to contact Thai Elite to request for authorization, once you have had the authorization, you can take the approval letter along with your elite card, passport, COVID health insurance and flight itinerary directly to the Thai/Embassy in your country to apply for a visa and COE.

As you can see there are many different types of visas depending on your purpose to travel to Thailand. Make sure you apply for the visa that matches your intentions to avoid any trouble or being blacklisted in the future. Please also check the website of the Thai embassy to get a better idea of the documents required and get the most up to date information. We hope you found this video very useful.

If you have your own business, such as an online business, you could even apply for a work permit in the Kingdom. The fee is 10,000 THB per year and you can renew the visa for a 5 year term each time.

The only hurdle seems to be that some of the new visas require at least a Masters degree.

You should also have some proof of earnng at least 40,000 USD per year, and of course the obligatory health insurance.

Since the government is still preparing these rules, we suspect some of these might change between now and then. Of course we will update you as soon as these rules are published.

My opinion is that the requirement of a master's degree is a mistake. The typical entrepreneur mindset is not one for master's degrees. Especially those who work remotely. I think this is just the kind of environment that those preparing the regulations expect and is a holdover from the way how Thai's do business in general, with a emphasis on academic qualifications over experience.

In the meantime, visas such as the STV allow you to stay in Thialand for up to 9 months.

If you need help applying for an STV visa, please let us know.

But what about insurance now that you've settled into the Kingdom long term?

You might have watched a couple of our videos and even experienced the world class Thai health care system. But even though the care is good, public hospitals can be quite crowded. And private hospitals, even though much less cost that in the west, can still be fairly expensive depending on the procedures.

The problem is even more acute for older retirees who need to have some kind of insurance. Many companies will not offer policies to those over 80 years old.

But believe it or not, If you are working in Thailand (or in some cases own a business), you actually can get social security and access to the free or low cost health insurance that is avalable to all Thai citizens.

For everyone else, it is prudent to get some health insurance while you are living in Thailand. It's important to get a quote, since the cost of insurance will depend on your age, requirements and state of health. 

Policies are actually available for almost any age.

Get a quote here.

And if you have any questions about living in Thailand long term, please just hit the reply button to ask me.

Best regards
- Eric

But can you really afford it?

We got this question all the time, so our bang-up programmers created the Thailand Retirement Calculator. Just enter your monthly budget, where you want to live and how long you want to live in Thailand.

The calculator will create an incredibly detailed budget and tell you what level you can afford to live at.

Check it out here!

How would you spend it?

Perhaps you were laid off or decided to change jobs after the events of the last 2 years. So it would be a great time for some self reflection, decompression and some space to think about your next move.

Maybe you just retired and you're thinking of checking out Thailand as the next possible retirement destination.

Or maybe you're a digital nomad that just wants a change of scene for the next 90 days to focus on your online business at the beach, or one of Bangkok's famous coffee shops or digital workspaces.

To get those sweet 90 days, you need a 60 day tourist visa, and then an extension for 30 days once you're in Thailand.

Plan out your next 90 days and we will do all the paperwork for your visa and Thailand pass so you get into Thailand without any sweat.

We'll make sure you get the right hotels, condos, insurance and paperwork. And then stay with you to walk you through the 30 day extension before the end of 60 days.

And best of all, you can do this even if you're not vaccinated.

And you don't have to pay anything until you get receive your visa and Thailand pass.

Price: $120 USD.

What are you wating for? The next variant?

Click here to get started

The answer could be yes.

If you can spare about $400 USD per month, this could be a good option. After all, you could easily spend that on just a few nights at a hotel anywhere in the city.

And we believe that putting these kinds of options in place, could radically change the decisions you make. Decisions like having alternative base of operations. Landing in Thailand with your own home to go to.

So here are some prices and locations for this kind of condo. Of course, this is Bangkok, so any size or taste is available for your pleasure.

Please contact us to look for a home for you!

Your company has decreed you can work remotely.

Or maybe after long and hard work, you've setup your own business so you can work from anywhere.

And you've been watching your favorite Thailand vloggers and gotten excited about Thailand. So here's the best way to come to Thailand now and work (officially or unoficially).

60 Days in Thailand

Enter Thailand without a visa and get a 30 day stamp, then a 30 day extension. 60 Days in Thailand is a good way to kickstart your creative juices just by being in a different environment. 
Get your Thailand Pass

90 Days in Thailand

Three months is a great time to spend in Thailand. It's enough to get a fantastic new project off the ground in your online business. You would get a 60 day tourist visa and a 30 day extension. 
Get a Tourist Visa & Thailand Pass

270 Days in Thailand

The Special Tourist Visa (STV) gives you a lot of time in Thailand, but you do have to leave after the duration and get a new visa. However, its the best way to spend almost a year without worrying about visas or doing border runs.
Get an STV Visa

1 Year (or more) in Thailand

This one is for serious people. If you already have a well-running online business and want to setup a back-office team in Thailand, then this is the way to do it. It's less combersome than you might think, and you could save a significant amount of money while growing your business even more. This allows you to work officially in Thialand with a work permit.
Get a Business Visa

Nomad Visa (Coming Soon)

Thailand has approved a new "Digital Nomad" visa that will allow you to legally work in Thailand. In a few months we will get more information about the requirements. But from what we understand, you will need to have a Masters Degree, earn at least $40,000 USD for the past 2 years and invest $100,000 USD in Thailand. 

Contact us for help and questions about coming to Thailand.

1. Cremation

Because Thailand is a Buddhist country, most bodies are cremated. The body is sent to a temple that is equipped for cremation, the ashes are then kept in a chedi at the temple, scattered somewhere in the country or taken back to the home country by family members in which case they will be assisted by the embassy to handle the paperwork.

2. Burial

Burials are not very common in Thailand, it is also relatively expensive and the process takes much longer than cremations. However, it is relatively easy to find an English speaking funeral director, which can be useful. There are also cemeteries available in Thailand if that's what you want.

3. Repatriation

If you have insurance, most of the time the insurance companies will assist your family and make arrangements for repatriation as well as an international funeral director so that the process will be as smooth as possible. The international funeral director will take care of all the custom requirements and the process usually takes 10 days. 

Another question you may be wondering is what will happen if you do not have a will. If you do not have a will, the Inheritance laws of Thailand will be applied and will determine what happens to your assets when you pass away. The order of classes of different heirs are listed below:

1. Descendants
2. Parents
3. Full blood siblings
4. Half blood siblings
5. Grandparents
6. Uncles and aunts
7. The surviving spouse is a statutory heir, subject to the special provisions of Section 1635 Civil and Commercial Code.

According to the Thai inheritance laws. If you have a surviving heir in one of the classes listed above, then the heir of the lower class will not have a share of your assets whatsoever, the different classes of heirs listed above are not flexible. However, there is one exception, when there is a parent and a descendant, in which case they will take an equal share of the assets, if there is more than one heir in the same class then your assets for that particular class will be divided equally between them. If you have a spouse, he/she will be a statutory heir, however their entitlement will depend on what other class of statutory heir exists. In simple terms, if you have two children and a spouse, your assets will be divided equally between them, that means all your assets will be divided by three. It may be confusing, so check the description below where we will provide the hierarchy of different classes of heirs according to the Thai inheritance law. 

The best thing you should do is to create a last will. This will make life much easier for your family and much less stressful in case you pass away. By making a will, you will be able to state what you want to happen to your body after you pass away, and also how you want your assets to be divided. It is also not too difficult to make a will and testament in Thailand. According to the civil and commercial code in Thailand, in order for a will and testament to be valid, it must be made by a person of sound mind and in the forms prescribed below:

1. A last will in writing, dated at the time of writing and signed by the testator in the presence of at least two witnesses who also sign their names to certify the testator’s signature. No notarization is required for this writing to be a valid and legal will. This is the easiest and most common type of will in Thailand.

2. For those of you who can read or write Thai, you can also make a will as a public document at your local district offices (khet or amphur). You will have to declare your wishes to a public officer who will write it down on a public document in Thai in which you will have to give your signature. There is also another way in which you can write and seal your will with signatures of at least two witnesses and give it to the public officer. This way your will will be safe and it will not get lost or be tampered with.

3. Keep in mind that during exceptional cases such as the danger of imminent death where you are prevented or unable to make a will in forms discussed earlier, you are able to make a valid will by word of mouth. You should remember this incase such situations occur to you.

Now you may be wondering who the witnesses can be in your will, well, they can be a Thai person or even a foreigner except if they are a minor, a person of unsound mind, a deaf, dumb or blind person or a beneficiary in the last will as well as your spouse.

But why stay there?

Studies show that from the moment you set foot in an unfamiliar place, you get flooded with a new language, culture, scenes. And in order to process all this stimuli, you start to "train" your brain like a muscle.

All that brain training it turns out, is amazing for your work too.

New connections are setup which allow you to solve new problems, discover new insights and do more work in less time, leaving you time to enjoy your life just a little bit more.

So why not escape from home?

Thailand is the perfect place to spend 3 months, 6 months or 9 months.

And it might be just the jump start you need after a gruelling 2 years locked up at home in quarantine.

We'll help you get the right visa to spend this essential time away from home. With a 100% success rate, and "pay when completed", we cut away all the complexity and leave you time to plan and enjoy.

Click here to Start planning your trip!

But those days are over.

And not because of Thailand. But because, generally speaking, its neighbors (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar) were closed and in many of those cases are still closed.

So what is a young person to do now.

What are the options if you are not yet ready to retire and want to stay in Thailand for longer periods of time?

Elite Visa

This is the "ballers" option. For roughly $18,000 USD you get a 5 year visa to Thailand and you can stay as long as you want, and come and go as you like. This is the best option with the least stress if you have 18K USD burning a hole in your pockets.

STV Visa

If you don't have 18K sitting unused in your bank account, the next best thing is the STV visa. But this only lasts for 9 months, and you must leave Thailand once the visa expires. There is also no telling if the government will renew the STV visa next year.

New "Nomad VIsa"

Under planning (and already approved) is the new 10 year Nomad visa. You do have to have a Masters degree and at least 40,000 USD in annual income. But you also need to invest about 250K USD in Thailand -- example with bonds, real estate etc. Regulations are not yet completed for this visa. We expect that it may be ready sometime in the coming months.

Get a Job or Start a Business

You can also get a job or start a business in Thailand. And if you're earning 80,000 THB per month for about 3 years, then you can even apply for permanent residency.

Marriage

As a young man or woman, you can marry a Thai spouse. However men do need to financially support their Thai wives, foreign women do not have to show any financial requirements at all. You renew your visa every year.

"90 Day" Tourist Visa

This is really a 60 day tourist visa which can be extended for an additional 30 days to give you 90 days in Thailand. 3 Months is a pretty good time to spend in Thailand considering the limitations. We help customers get these visas almost every day.

In the end, the government here is still fairly conservative and does not want younger people running around thailand that are not working or going to school.

We may not like it, it is what it is.

If you want help with any of these types of visas, or just want to discuss your case, please email us.

Email Us Now hello@baansmile.com

This is a touchy subject and everyrone has their personal choice.

But if you are not vaccinated, you are welcome to Thailand. There is nothing special to do, except the 7 days of quarantine instead of one day.

There are no additional documents. No additional steps. Insurance is the same. Hotel booking process is similar. The only difference is the 7 days of quarantine.

And Thailand is and has always been the most welcoming country in the region to welcome ALL travellers, regardless of your vaccination status.

Now there are a few exceptions. If you want to travel to the islands, you do need to do a PCR test. And you need to have the results of the PCR test on you if you want to travel widely in Thailand. But let's keep it 100% -- even those people who are vaccinated have to show their paperwork in those instances too. So either way - you do need to have your test results either on your phone or printed out.

Book your hotel here for 7 nights. (Be sure to pick the option for "Thailand Pass Hotels"

Then let us do you Thailand Pass or Visa for you if you plan to spend more than 60 days in Thailand.

Click Here to get started

And you're thinking about Thailand. Because of the weather and cost of living might be much lower than in your country.

But can you deal with the culture change? Not knowing any Thai language can even make you feel like you don't belong here. And sometimes, sabai-sabai might be too easygoing for your faster lifestyle.

The best thing to do is check it out! Do your due diligence, spend 3 months in Thailand.

Why 3 months? 1 month is not long enough. Two months is too short. 3 Months is ideal. Not only will you get a tan, but you will even learn a few words in Thai and start to figure out where to live, made some ffriends and contacts and get a better understanding of the affordability of it.

And maybe you might decide you don't like it. Or maybe you will!

Either way, you have done your due diligence.

Contact us to get a 60 day visa to Thailand, which you can extend for another 30 days.  That's 90 days. You don't have to get an STV visa. Almost every country is eligible, and you don't have to be vaccinated.

We'll even process your Thailand Pass for free too.

What are you waiting for?

Click here to get started.

The Covid period came and forced the hand of the government to stimulate travel, so the STV Visa was introduced. This allowed you to stay in Thailand for up to 270 days at a time.

This is the longest true "Tourist Visa" available for Thailand.

And the "Border Run" industry and techniques made people work around these 

Here at Baan Smile we theorize that the Thai people have certain goals and principles. We may not like these goals, but we came to this theory after observation of the rules in place, the facts on the ground and the history of Thailand itself.

#1 - Thailand is for Thai people.

If you look back at the history of Siam which stretches for around 20,000 years. It has always been a "whole" country. Unlike other countries that were occupied by western powers, Thailand has never been so occupied. Keep this in mind for the next points. 

#2 - You need to be working or learning in Thailand

If you are under 50 years old, you must be working or going to school in Thailand. Digital Nomads are a fairly new concept - going back only a decade or two. And Thailand is still a conservative country. The authorities are still in the mindset that someone who is not retired needs to be working in an office 9-5 6 days a week.

#3 - The Elite visa was designed for wealthy people

In line with the conservative nature of the country and adding up point #1 and #2, Thailand introduced a long term "Tourist" visa for the playboy set. But even then, an Elite visa has no extra rights above a normal tourist visa holder.

Will there be change?

We think so. The world is changing pretty fast. Now so many other people are able to work remotely and this has just accellerated in the last 2 years. You can see with the new "Nomad Visa" they are really trying, but the people who came up with the rules for that one are still in a way guided by #1 and #2 above. Hence the investment and degree requirements.

It is what it is.

We can complain forever about "Thailand not wanting foreigners".

But as Bruce Lee said, "Be like water ... Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it."

This is what guides us here at Baan Smile. If you love Thailand as much as we do, work with the rules in place and enjoy your life and time here. Whether its just 7 days of 7 years.

Click here to spend 90 days in Thailand.

It's actually a "visa exemption stamp". And to get it, first, click here to check if your country qualifies. And if it does, then you can just show up at an airport in Thailand and you will get "stamped in" for 30 days.

Some people call it the "30 day Tourist Visa". Some people call it the Visa on Arrival (but thats a totally different thing).

Getting this "visa".

As we said, just check if your country qualifies and if it does, buy a plane ticket, pack your bags and head to Thailand. This is perfect for The short term visit. Or the start of a visit through South East Asia where Thailand is just the first stop.

Don't forget that you do need a Thailand Pass, which is not a visa at all, and is just an entry "pass" to come to Thailand, regardless of what kind of visa you have.

So you want to stay longer

You're in the kingdom and realize that you want to stay longer. If you got the 30 day stamp, you are also eligible for a 30 day extension, which is generally given without question. Just take your passport and your entry card (little white card) to the nearest immigration and look for the "visa extension" section, or ask information. You need a passport photo and 1,900 THB, then you will get your extension in less than an hour. Boom. 30 more days in Thailand. After these 30 days, though... you do have to leave.

For all intents and purposes, this visa means you can stay 60 days in Thailand.

What about Flights?

Normally, if you are coming to Thailand without a visa, you do need to show a flight leaving Thailand within 30 days. So we recommend buying a one way ticket, then purchasing an Onward Flight Ticket or even purchasing a cheap ticket to a neighboring country. 

This will give you the flexlibilty of deciding when you want to leave on your own terms.

How many times can I do this?

If you are flying in and out of Thailand, there are no restrictions on how many times you can do a "flight based" border run. And if you take advantage of visa extensions, in theory you can do it 6 times per year.

However if you are doing land-based "border runs", then there are limited to doing this 2 times per year.

In the end, you should look into a long term visa in Thailand instead of endless border runs.

Staying longer than 60 days

If you want to stay up to 90 days at a time in Thailand, then the 60 day Tourist visa is the one for you. You need to get this visa, or indeed any tourist visa such as the STV visa, you need to get it outside of Thailand. You cannot transfer to another tourist visa once you arrive in Thailand.

You can travel to a neighboring country such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos and get this 60 day visa at any nearby Thai consulate.

Transferring to another Visa

Once you are in Thailand, you can transfer to a Business Visa, or a Retirement Visa without leaving the country. Transferring to an Education Visa within Thailand is still murky and is allowed in some cases.

So there you have it! If you have questions, please email us for advice about your visa situation. The Baan Smile team has experience with helping you process your visa and Thailand Pass so you enter Thailand in a stress free manner.

Thailand currently has the Pfizer vaccine available free for foreigners living in Thailand. 

If you plan to stay long term, or you are already resident here, you will need to register with this website  and you will get a Pfizer jab.

But what about tourists here for a short time?

And for a tourist who is planning to come to Thailand for vaccines, this is eligible for you too. However, currently, tourist vaccines are available only in Phuket province. Maybe in the future, there will be more locations. register on the same website too.

Thailand offers a lot of benefits for foreigners nowadays. Living in Thailand sounds good, right? Let us work on it. We can help you get a visa!

Click Here to Register For A Covid Vaccine

Are you at least 50 years old?

Do you want to spend more than 3 months at a time in Thailand?

Do you want to travel as many times as possible in and out without worrying about visas?

Then let's discuss converting your tourist visa into a retirement while your'e here in Thailand.

The awesome Miss P. from Baan Smile will meet with you, plan your timeline, get you organized, and deliver your shiny Retirement visa to you in just a few days in Bangkok or Pattaya.

The absolute best way to stop worrying and start Sabai Sabai in Thailand!

Let's Go!

Options are not that great if you don't want to retire and don't want to get a job, go to school, retire or start a business in Thailand. So what to do?

90 days

The best way to do this is still to get a 60 day Tourist Visa from outside of Thailand and then apply for a 30 day extension in Thailand. After this time, you can make a quick flight to Vietnam, Bali, Cambodia, Malaysia or Indonesia and get another tourist visa. Rinse and repeat up to 5 times per year. Get this Visa.

3 Months + Extension

The "O" visa is good if you want to visit your wife or other Thai family here. This lasts for 3 months and you can potentiall request an extension for 3 more months at a time. And if you are want to stay a longer time, you can apply for a one year extension for Volunteer, Marriage, Education or Retirement. Get this visa.

3 to 9 Months

Finally, for stays between 3 and 9 months, the STV visa is still the best bet. You do have to prepay where you are staying for at least 3 months though. And you cannot transfer to another visa. But its a great way to explore Thailand and figure out if you want to stay here long term. Get this visa.

Need help getting these Visas?

If you just want a clean and easy experience to get any of these visas, contact us. We will make sure your paperwork is flawless and handle the application for you. Just mail us at:

hello@baansmile.com 

Quick note.. we will also do your Thailand Pass for free!

The One-Year Thailand Retirement Visa (O-A) is issued to foreigners aged 50+ from all countries and is valid for 1 year with the option to renew annually. Before you apply, please check if you are eligible.

The significant requirements are financial, such as these details. A security deposit of 800,000 Thai Baht in a bank account in Thailand for 2 months before the visa application. A salary of 65,000 Thai Baht per month. A combination of the security deposit and annual income of 800,000 Thai Baht.

10 Year (O-X) Retirement Visa

The Ten-Year Thailand Retirement Visa (O-X) is only issued to foreigners aged 50+ from certain countries for a 5-year duration. It is renewable once more for a maximum of 10 years.

These countries are eligible: Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States of America.

You must fulfil the financial requirements, a security deposit of at least 3 million Thai Baht in a bank account in Thailand. A yearly salary of at least 1.2 million Thai Baht.

Please contact us for help with Retirement Visas.

But unfortunately, not everything is awesome this week. This short “8 things I wish I knew before backpacking Thailand” video from Thailand Buzz is one of those things.

Here are 8 reasons you can rest assured about the 8 topics mentioned in the video when backpacking Thailand.

#1 Who even needs toilet paper? Use BIDET!

“Where’s the toilet paper?” said thousands of first-timers to Thailand. And you know what? That’s alright. We’ve been there too.

Many toilets in Thailand don’t come equipped with good old toilet paper. And that might send a shiver down your spine. But don’t worry, ladies and gentlemen. Let us introduce you to an ingenious invention called… a bidet.

Many call it a “water gun” while some even call it a “bum gun.” And as the name suggested, this gun-like equipment sprays water to clean your “bum” after finishing your business. It’s convenient and more hygienic. And unlike toilet paper, it doesn’t clog the drain.

#2 Let’s catch a Song Taew. A Tuk Tuk alternative!

Most Tuk Tuk in Thailand will charge you reasonably. But if you’re reeeeally worried, there’s another transport option for you. It’s called Song Taew.

Think of it as a taxi that you share with other people. The price is extremely cheap since it only travels on a fixed route.

However, there are 2 major drawbacks to this option. First, it stops regularly to pick up new passengers. Meaning: it will take more time to reach your destination. Second, you need to study each car’s route, or else you will get lost. Other than that, it’s another exciting way to travel a shorter distance in Thailand.

#3 Undercooked street food is RARE (LOL. Get it?)

Street food is great! This sentence says it all.

Since most Thai street vendors cook fresh ingredients with their original recipe, you don’t have to worry about the taste.

Worried if it’s undercooked? Hmm… That means you have never seen the real Thai street food yet. How do we know that? It’s easy, actually. If you have seen authentic Thai street food, the word “undercook” will never cross your mind. The word “overcook” will cross your mind instead. Lol.

Still, you can actually enjoy eating them. Before serving, the vendors usually cut the burned part out for your best street experience.

#4 You’re backpacking, you don’t need Italian food.

As you already know, backpacking is all about immersing yourself in the culture. You want to spend all of your time trying anything you can’t find at home. Not the opposite.

And that holds especially true for food. Real Thai food only exists in Thailand. Som Tum, Tom Yum Goong, Kao Soi, and many more. All these dishes are already rare in your homeland, not to mention the authentic ones. So enjoy them while you are here.

Spaghetti, pizza, hamburger, and croissant. All of these can wait. You can find all of these down the street, waiting for you in your hometown.

#5 Drinks can never be too strong! Just know your limit.

Drinking alcohol always carries a degree of risk. And we think everyone is aware of that. So whenever you order your drink, never go overboard from the get-go. Especially in a foreign land. 

You should know that the alcohol limit differs in various countries. The same drinks you order at your usual bar will taste differently in Thailand. The difference even exists between the two bars next to each other.

So, in short, know your limit. If you think the first glass is too strong for you, just go slow. No one is forcing you to chuck it down in one go.

#6 Rain jackets are nice, but how about “learn the country's climate?”

Let us ask you this question. Will you go backpacking abroad without studying the country's climate? We hope you answer “no.”

In case you haven’t noticed, Thailand is extremely hot. But other than the heat, the Thais also get rain regularly, especially from April to October. So carrying an umbrella or a raincoat makes sense. (Thai people actually prefer umbrellas since they can also act as a shade.)

Want to avoid the rain? Just visit Thailand during the cold season. It’s actually warmer than summer in many countries. This way you can just leave your raincoat at home and enjoy the breeze and the sun.

#7 Skin whitener is all about marketing.

It’s unfortunate, but it is true. Thai people are crazy over white skin.

This value stems from the old culture of Thai history. Thai ancestors saw skin color as a symbol of social class. The lower class usually had darker skin because they had to work in the sun. The upper class had paler skin because they could afford to stay indoors.

Knowing the history, most cosmetics companies use the word “whitening” on their products to attract Thai people. There isn’t any real whitener. There are only vitamins to make your skin brighter and healthier.

#8 Triple-check your belongings? Well… She’s right. But it’s not only in Thailand.

Let us ask you another question. Is it okay to forget your belonging in the USA? In Hong Kong? Or in the Bahamas? No, right? And neither is in Thailand.

Always. Always. And always check your stuff before leaving the hostels and other places. The chance of you getting them back might be high if you go back, but it’s still a big waste of time.

If worse comes to worst and you really lose your belongings, you can always buy them new. There are more Seven-Eleven in Thailand than you can count. You can buy most necessaries there. It’s easy.

And there you have it. 8 ways to make the most out of your backpacking trip in Thailand. We hope it eased your anxiety a bit.

Want more content like this? Just stay tuned with Baan Smile. You will like next week’s newsletter too.

If you are retired or are planning to retire in Thailand, you need to know this. We have selected 2 IMPORTANT news to keep you up to date and 4 more retirement content to help you plan your stay in Thailand. Let’s get started.

#1 RT-PCR test not required to enter Thailand for unvaccinated travelers from May 1

No more pain in the nose. Literally!

If you plan to come to Thailand, now is the best time. Well… after May 1st, to be precise. Why? Because you can then avoid the painful swab of the RT-PCR test entirely. Vaccinated or not.

Before, unless you presented your vaccination documents, you needed to take the RT-PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test to enter Thailand. Now, you don’t have to worry about any of that.

This almost feels like the country is back to the good old days. So book your flight, get your visa, pack your luggage, and come to experience Thailand.

#2 Bangkok Visa Extension center moved from MuangThong Thani

Now. This is straight-up crucial for every foreigner staying short-term in Thailand. Backpackers? Entrepreneurs? Retired? This will impact all of you. 

A visa extension is THAT important to smoothen and get the most out of your experience in the country.

This Visa extension center isn’t only for visa extensions. It is also for lost passports, lost departure cards (TM.6), and arrival stamp correction.

In this video, Miss P. will tell you exactly where this center is moved.

We highly encourage you to share this video with your friends and families who live in Thailand. Who knows? They might thank you later.

#3 Retirement in Thailand? Please check it out first.

Moving to another country is… a BIG deal. And the same goes for Thailand too.

So, before you jump ahead and decide to live long-term in Thailand, why don’t you try it out first?

As you already know, Thailand is a beautiful country. The scenery is gorgeous, the people are friendly, and the weather is perfect. It’s ideal for retirement.

What you may not know is that the culture is different. Food and language are one of the best examples. And you know what? You might dislike them.

In this article, we will give you a tip to test out Thailand before you make your retirement decision.

#4 From AUSTRALIA to THAILAND. Retirement Tales from Bangkok

“Should I really retire in Thailand?”

If you are still asking yourself this question, let us tell you a story. But this time, it’s not our story. It’s a real story from a real ex-pat, Cameron from Australia.

In this testimonial video, Cameron will tell you why he chose Thailand over other countries. His personal experience will help you make your retirement decision. 

Interacting with Thai people. Getting around the city. Cost of living. He will give you insight into all of these and much more.

At the end of the video, we’re sure that you will want to come and live long-term in Thailand with us.

#5 My Thailand RETIREMENT BUDGET 2022 - Food, Rent, Transport - Australia VS. Thailand

Sometimes, finance is a pain.

Figuring out how much you need to spend in a year is no joke. Not to mention doing that in a foreign land like Thailand.

So in this video, we will let Cameron, once again, explain to you how he handled his retirement budget.

He will share with you...

• What he did in Australia.
• Spending on food.
• Spending on living utilities.
• Spending on transportations.
• Personal unexpected cost.

At the end of the day, how much you spend depends on your personality and lifestyle. However, this video will give you a great reference point that you might need.

#6 RETIRE Early in THAILAND with (F.I.R.E.) - How to do it with the Elite Visa

Now. Let’s end this newsletter with a chill conversation.

If you plan on retiring with the Elite Visa in Thailand, this video is made just for you.

For those of you who don’t know what an Elite Visa is, find out here.

In this video, Chalida is with Dorian from America. He is here to share his personal account on retiring in Thailand. 

This time, Chalida and Dorian are strolling in the park while discussing bits of everything that you may or may not know. Give this video a watch. You might learn lots of unexpected things.

And there you have it. Enjoy our hot news and retirement content? Stick with us, Baan Smile, for more practical and useful info like this next week!

If you are asking yourself this question, we understand your pain. Money is no laughing matter. One mistake can make everything fall apart.

However, you are in luck. Because in This week's newsletter, we will reveal the secret to answering that exact question. 

With our 5 selected content, you will gain insight into what to do with your money and what mistakes you should avoid. And without further ado, let’s jump right in.

#1 How to Budget your Retirement in Thailand?

Want to retire in Thailand but don’t even know where to start? Let Chalida help you.

Moving to another country like Thailand is daunting. You need an enormous resource pool and a great plan to pull it off. And by a great plan, we mean a detailed step-by-step plan you can follow.

In this video, Chalida will tell you every dollar you need to live happily in Thailand after your retirement. From visas, insurance to accommodations, and more.

You might not know a thing now. But after watching this video, you will be planning your budget like a finance expert.

#2 SURVIVE on $600 per month in Thailand? Are you man enough?

Did you know an average Bangkokian earns around 18,000 baht per month? That’s roughly 600 USD!

Such a small number brings up a question: how do they even survive?

In this video, Jayna will disclose all the details on budgeting yourself like real Thais. She will break down everything you need to consider. These include the apartment rent, food expenses, utility bills, and groceries costs.

Amid all that, she will also give you some tips and tricks on how to save as much money as you can.

So, if you are looking for a tight-budget guideline, this is a perfect video for you.

#3 SURVIVE on $1000 per month in Thailand?

Now. If $600 a month sounds too harsh for you, then how about $1000?

If you are looking for a cozy and comfortable life in Thailand, this amount of budget might appear a bit too small at first. But after watching this video, you might change your mind.

Since the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, $1000 or 33,000 baht is quite high. You can get much more than you imagine.

Just like in the first video, Jayna is also here to discuss the cost of rent, food, utilities, and groceries. And to add some spice to it, she will talk about some entertainment spending as well.

#4 Are you WASTING YOUR MONEY in Thailand??

As you already know, money is easy to spend. And sometimes, that ease of use causes you a lot of trouble.

So, to prevent that, Jayna is here to help you. And as always, she comes jam-packed with useful information to keep those bonk notes in your pocket (or bank account).

She will give you 6 things you need to be careful about when you want to spend less. Follow her instruction. You will see a sharp plunge in your expenses. And who knows? You might end up saving enough for a short vacation every month.

#5 Thailand Retirement Calculator

Is budgeting your retirement giving you too much headache? Well… how about let us do it for you?

Ladies and gentlemen! Allow us to introduce the “Thailand Retirement Calculator.”

This tool will make your budget planning an easy and fast experience.

We only ask you 4 questions.

• How long do you want to be in Thailand?
• How much is your monthly income?
• Where in Thailand do you want to live?
• What is your name and Email?

It takes less than a minute to answer these questions. And after that, you will know exactly how to manage your budget.

What could be more convenient than this? 

And there you have it. Did our content make your budgeting easier? If so, you might want to share them with your friends so they can have an easier time too.

For more practical and useful info like this, stick with us at Baansmile. You will love our newsletter next week as well.

To make everything easier for you, we are here to answer all your condo questions. Here's all about how, where, how much and moving in.

#1 How to Find a Place to Live in Bangkok - Simple Guide

First thing first, you need to find the condo that works. Not only for your budget but your lifestyle as well.

In this article, we will give you tips and tricks on how to search for a place to live. And it might be simpler than you think.

These are things you need to consider.

• Location.
• Accessibility
• Price

Easy, right? Just 3 things. Well… yes. However, don’t let its simplicity fool you. No matter what you do, don’t rush it.

Go slow. Give it some time. Best deals can be elusive, and you don’t want to find yourself regretting signing a contract one month later.

#2 Just how cheap is a Condo in Bangkok in 2022?

Now. Let’s discuss your favorite topic: money.

No matter how grand and luxurious a condo is, if you can’t pay for it, you can’t live there. This rule applies everywhere in the world.

So, is there a wallet-friendly condo in Bangkok? Of course, the answer is yes. 

There are thousands upon thousands of options when it comes to cheap condos. But as you know, a good price doesn’t always translate to good quality. That’s why you need a guide.

In this article, we will introduce you to the condos we find strike the best balance. From $300/month with cozy interiors to $480/month with stylish decorations.

#3 How to Buy a House or a Condo in Thailand

For those of you who want longevity, buying a condo or a house is a great option.

Not only does it eliminate the monthly headache, but buying a place to live gives you many other advantages. Like easier visas, flexible traveling plans, and much more.

But here’s the catch. Buying a property in Thailand is complicated. There are rules and laws that you need to know. And there are also loopholes to benefit from.

This article will give you everything you need to buy a property in Thailand. You might be a complete beginner now. Don’t worry. You will be a pro once you finish this 6-minute read.

#4 Condo for Rent $300 Cheap (but nice!) - Bangkok - 2021

Now. It’s time to go see the real thing.

If a cheap condo with a superb location and great facility is what you are looking for, The Gallery could be the one.

In this video, Chalida will give you a tour of this $300/month condominium. And let’s make it clear here, you get A LOT from this price.

The Gallery stands only 5 minutes away from Bearing BTS station. This makes it a perfect place for anyone who goes out frequently both during the day and night.

The nearby Seven Eleven also helps a ton. You can just walk outside and grab whatever you need at any time.

#5 Condo for Rent - $350 Bangkok 2021 | Where to rent, how to find

BTS Bearing is not to your liking? Let’s move closer to the city then.

In this video, Chalida will give you a list of condos around the city you can rent for under $350 a month.

You will see the actual room, the facilities, and also the location of each place.

All of these condos are close to a BTS or MRT station. Meaning: you don’t have to worry about getting around at all.

There’s more. She will reveal all the attractions and landmarks around each condo, so you can visit these places to your heart's content whenever you are free

#6 Condo for rent 1 bed 1 bath - Ashton Asoke 2021 - Bangkok, Asok BTS

Have a big budget? Then let’s step up the game a bit.

If you have been to Bangkok, you might have heard that Asok is the “rich” area of Bangkok. So, some of you might want to live there.

In this video, Chalida will explore the high-end Ashton Asoke with you.

Judging from the design and the material, you can already tell that this condo is built with luxury as the top priority. 

The space you get might be small, but the facilities more than makeup for it. The swimming pool, the fitness center, and even a built-in Seven Eleven. This couldn’t get more convenient.

And there you have it. We hope our tips and tricks can help you find your best condos. It might seem intimidating at first, but you will be okay. Just keep searching.

But if you need help, just click here. We will find it for you.

This is one of the biggest social barriers in Thailand, not only with Thai girls but with Thai people in general. This is because of the complexities of the English language itself, which often causes things to get lost in translation due to incorrect grammar and vocabulary.

When communicating with friends and acquaintances, it is usually not an issue and is easily correctable if communicating with friends, however in romantic relationships, daily misunderstandings due to language could snowball into bigger problems, so keep that in mind. To avoid potential language problems, it is recommended to speak slowly and using simple language to avoid any piling up of misunderstandings which could cause conflicts in the future.

Bear in mind that they are not in their comfort zone talking in English just as you are not comfortable talking in Thai, so be patient and take the time to explain when necessary.

#2 Family comes first

The meaning and value of family are different between westerners and Thai people. Most Thai people, both men, and women are likely to still be living with their family even as an adult, even as a Thai woman marries, they still want to either live with their own family or the husband’s family. This might be something uncommon in the western world, but in Thailand, it's completely normal.

One thing to keep in mind when in a relationship with a Thai woman is that her allegiance will always be to her family for example when they need emotional or financial help, family always comes first. Sometimes this might change when you have children with your Thai partner as they will then always put their child first.

When deciding to get serious with a Thai woman, her allegiance to her family must be accepted even though it may be drastically different from what you're used to. Elders in the family, especially parents and grandparents, are to be respected unconditionally at all times.

#3 It's not all about money - or is it?

Westerners with Thai girlfriends or wives usually mistakenly assume that a lot of their relationship is based on money, however, this is usually not the case. Granted that it might be to some extent, but not for the reason you would think. The face is a very important aspect of that society, which goes hand in hand with money.

Having money or seeming successful is very important in Thai culture, maintaining “face” is important for you to have a good and successful relationship with your Thai partner. Losing “face” could mean that you are barely able to pay bills and take care of your family. Because Thailand used to be a third-world country, and the highly materialistic nature of society, most Thais cannot afford to move down the social ladder, which is understandable to some extent.

Being able to maintain “face” and putting down food on the table is crucial to maintain a successful relationship is usually a vast majority might leave to find others that can. Love is a little more pragmatic in Thailand than in the rest of the world, and in most cases, you will be expected to financially support their parents to some extent, as the concept of family is drastically different between Thailand and foreign countries, part of the reason for this is that Thailand does not have a reliable social security system so if children don’t look after their parents, then who will.

If you can accept the fact that family is a Thai woman’s priority, and you do not mind helping financially here and there, they are likely to have a very successful and happy relationship with your Thai partner.

#4 Jealousy

Although not specific to Thai girls, it is usually much more sensitive to them. In general, Thai girls tend to feel jealous much more easily than westerners. For example, hanging out with a female friend might already be a red flag, even though you might not think anything of it at all. They tend to assume the worst if a western man had a drink or even chats with another woman, which could lead to conflict and arguments because for you it might just be what it is, hanging out or just having a friendly chat with another woman.

The possible reasons for this are that Thai men are seen to be unfaithful, of course, it would be unfair to assume that all of them are, however, due to the widespread social acceptance of mistresses or “mia noi” in the past, there is some truth to the prejudice.

So you may be wondering if there's any solution to this... Of course, there is always a solution, you should avoid any eye contact whatsoever with any other girl at all cost! ... of course that was just a joke. Being honest is a good start, you should also let her know what she means to you and constantly tell her that you love her. You guys are probably used to that anyways.

#5 Modesty in public

Because Thailand is a Buddhist country, there is a taboo on sexual topics in Thailand. This is because views on women in Thailand are quite conservative, even though initially it might not seem like it. Because of the conservative nature of people, public displays of affection between couples are usually frowned upon, even for something as basic as touching, let alone kissing in public. This might be something to be aware of as in western countries, it is drastically different. So if your Thai partner seems uncomfortable with affectionate acts in public, it is completely normal and you should take things slowly and easily. 

To make this happen, the Thai Government is transforming the island into a giant quarantine location.

So what do you need to do to pack your suitcase and fly to Thailand for even a 10 day vacation?

Be fully vaccinated

Yup this is the main thing. Everything else is small compared to this. You need to be fully vaccinated -- that is, have your two shots of whatever vaccine is available in your country. And you need the documentation to prove it before you will even be able to fly out.

You will also need a Rapid Antigen test no more than 7 days before flying from your home country.

The island's residents, including expats are almost at 70% vaccination levels and this is growing daily. The goal is almost 100% vaccinated. So you would be arriving on an island that is almost Covid free.

When does it open?

The island is going to be open for international travel from July 1, 2021. If the plan works on Phuket, then the authorities plan to extend this to other locations in Thailand after July.

How long do I need to stay in Phuket?

You would have to stay in Phuket for a minimum of 14 days. After 14 days you will be free to travel to other parts of Thailand. During this time you will be given some rapid antigen tests to make sure you remain free of Covid-19.

Can I just come for a short 7 day vacation?

Absolutely!! You can fly into Phuket, Thailand for a short vacation from a few days, up to as long as your visa allows. If you don't need to leave Phuket, then you can fly out back home directly from the international airport at Phuket after enjoying the beaches and all that the island has to offer.

When can I travel to other parts of Thailand?

You have to remain quarantined in Phuket for at least 14 days. After which you are free to fly or travel by boat to any other part of Thailand that you desire. Phuket is one of the largest islands in Thailand and is very diverse in terms of things to do, sightseeing, beaches and nightlife.

Can I transit through Bangkok Airport?

Yes! The plan is to allow transit through the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). This means you will have a wide variety of flights from all over the world ready to go.

What about my Children?

Children under 6 years old do not need vaccinations or testing. Children between 6 and 18 years old need to have a test before and on arrival.

Do I need a Certificate of Entry (COE)?

Yes you will need one for Phuket. Please organize that through your local Thai embassy back in your home country.

The team at Baan Smile is ready to answer any questions you might have about Phuket or your other travel plans to Thailand.

Welcome back to Thailand!

Sources:

Watch the video from the Thaiger

Bangkok Post Article

The Phuket News

CNN News Article