Many of those who are thinking about migrating to warmer countries are planning to buy real estate in Thailand. The sun, sea, tropical climate, culture, and affordable housing prices are tempting arguments in favor of moving. However, they are not sufficient to make a decision.
We offer you to explore life in Thailand and learn more about the main aspects of moving to this country on real examples.
"Reviews are useful for the mood, not for the numbers: someone describes their budget from five years ago in their own city. You have to work it out for yourself — family size, school, healthcare, transport. Two families in the same building can differ by a factor of two."
— a relocation consultant working in Thailand
Content:
- Main facts about Thailand
- 6 reasons to move to Thailand
- Features of immigration to Thailand
- Visas to Thailand
- Visas that did not exist before
- What each visa costs you financially
- How do emigrants live in Thailand?
- Cost of living in Thailand
- Expat reviews
- What changed by 2026
- We will help you purchase real estate in Thailand
- Frequently asked questions
Main facts about Thailand
- The Kingdom of Thailand is located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand in SoutheastAsia.
- It is the 20th most populous country in the world. According to Country Meters, its population as of May 2023 is 70,599,169. The average life expectancy is 74 years.
- Tourism and services are important components of the country's economy and many expats live in Thailand.
- Languages: Thai and English. English works in tourist areas and big cities, but do not count on it everywhere: in the 2025 EF language index Thailand ranked 116th out of 123 countries.
- Religions: Buddhism (93.2%), Islam (5.5%), and Christianity (0.9%).
- Predominant ethnic groups: Thai (75%), Chinese (14%), other ethnic groups (11%).
6 reasons to move to Thailand
Despite the relatively homogeneous culture, there is a diversity of communities and lifestyles in the country. Central Thailand includes Bangkok, the capital and largest city, Europeanized and technologically advanced, it will be similar for those who are used to living in a metropolis. However, other areas of the country, including the north, northeast (called Isaan), and south (near the border with Malaysia), are different from central Thailand and each other. Traditions and religion prevail there.
In Thailand, everyone will find something close in spirit for themselves. In addition to the rich cultural component, foreigners often note the 6 advantages which most often become additional incentives for moving to this country.
Advantages of Thailand:
- There are large expat communities in different parts of the country. They support each other and newcomers through newsletters, informal meetings, etc.
- There are 102 national parks in the country, including 21 marine parks and many picturesque beaches.
- Thailand remains a very affordable place to live especially if an expat chooses a Thai lifestyle. Thai food is inexpensive, delicious, and world-famous.
- Affordable housing. By 2026 the market has split by region: Bangkok has more supply than demand and prices there are flat, while resort areas with limited land, above all the west coast of Phuket, keep appreciating. The cheaper options are away from the sea and the capital.
- High level of medical care.
- Sea and sun.
Disadvantages of Thailand
To understand what Thailand is, it is necessary to talk about the advantages, but it is important to bear in mind the shortcomings, including:
- Rigid tariff system. Local food and groceries are affordable, but expatriates, who prefer to eat Western food, not in a Thai restaurant, need to be prepared for prices. Some European dishes can cost up to THB 320 ($9.7), a pizza in a cafe costs from THB 150 to THB 300 ($4.5 to $9), cappuccino is THB 90 ($2.7). Many visitors cook at home – it is much cheaper. Local fruits (including such exotic fruits as durian, mangosteen, and rambutan) cost little more than apples and pears in other countries. But imported goods are 2–3 times more expensive.
- Thai bureaucracy. It certainly exists, but it is not connected with going to the offices, collecting signatures, and bribery, but with a leisurely lifestyle and a Buddhist Thai mentality, processes that take several days can last for weeks.
- It is difficult for foreigners to make friends among Thais as many of them are closed and reserved.
- The hot season lasts from March to June. During this period, the air temperature reaches 40 C. It is hard to be outside during the day for more than 5 minutes, and at home, there is only air conditioning.
- Rainy season. The duration may vary depending on the area. In Bangkok for example, the rainy season lasts from September to November, and in Pattaya from September to October. Rains are rarely long, but there are frequent showers here. The main disadvantage is high humidity. There are also floods but not everywhere.
Features of immigration to Thailand
The most comfortable conditions for visiting Thailand are created for foreign nationals. Citizens of most countries now enter without a visa for up to 60 days, and the stay can be extended once by another 30 days at an immigration office for 1,900 baht ($57). In total a visitor may stay without a visa for no more than 90 days within any 180. In May 2026 the government approved a return to 30 days, but the rules take effect only 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which has not happened yet.
Note: in some cases, the airport may ask you for your return ticket, hotel reservation and proof of funds — the requirement for visa-free entry is 10,000 baht ($302) per person and 20,000 baht ($604) per family. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and protect yourself from being refused entry.
Upon arrival in the country, your passport is stamped upon entry. However, this option is not suitable for a long-term stay.
What types of visas are there?
Visas to Thailand
According to the information on the official website of the Immigration Office of Thailand (Immigration Bureau), a foreign national wishing to enter the Kingdom of Thailand must obtain a visa at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand or the Consulate General of Thailand (except for the aforementioned countries).
Tourist visa
It is issued for 60 days with a 30-day extension. You cannot work with it but you can holiday.
Nonimmigrant visa
This is usually a single-entry visa to Thailand valid for 90 days. As with a tourist visa, you can extend your stay by applying for a visa at the border or in a nearby city/country. It is possible to obtain a work permit and open a bank account.
1-year nonimmigrant visa
This visa is multiple-entry and valid for visiting Thailand for 1 year. However, to update it, you will have to cross the border every 90 days and get a visa at the immigration center.
Marriage visa
This is a common name for "annual visa extension based on marriage." It is a long-term visa issued to foreigners married to a Thai citizen.
Requirements for a Thai Marriage Visa:
- Confirmation of marriage with a Thai citizen;
- Financial compliance – a deposit of THB 400,000 ($12,080) in a Thai bank account deposited no later than 2 months before applying for a visa;
- Monthly income of THB 40,000 ($1,208) or more.
Important! The visa allows a stay in the Kingdom for 12 months with an extension and work in the country. It allows you to legally move to Thailand and work in the country after obtaining a special work permit.
Pension visa
It is issued to citizens over the age of 50. There are 2 options for pension visas:
- Category O-A allows a stay in the country for 12 months;
- Category O-X is issued for 5 years and renewable for another 5.
The main differences in the conditions for obtaining these visas are the minimum income criteria:
- O-A – THB 800,000 ($24,155) in a Thai bank account or a confirmed income from THB 65,000 ($1,963) a month;
- O-X – THB 3 million ($90,580) in a Thai bank account, or THB 1.8 million ($54,350) in the account together with an annual income from THB 1.2 million ($36,230).
In addition, it is necessary to meet the general requirements:
- The age of the applicant is 50 years or more;
- No criminal record;
- No prohibited diseases;
- health insurance covering at least THB 400,000 for inpatient and THB 40,000 for outpatient care.
Important! The visa does not permit work in Thailand.
Business visa
This visa is designed for people who want to do business legally in Thailand. It is also known as a non-immigrant business visa. You can get a work permit and open a bank account but you still need to renew your visa every 90 days.
Permanent resident visa
To qualify for this visa and legally move to Thailand, you must have been in the kingdom for 3 years. If you have been married to a Thai for 5 years, you should earn THB 30,000 ($906) per month. The income of single expats should be THB 80,000 ($2,415) or more. To obtain a long-term resident visa, you need to submit a three-year tax return confirming the above income requirements. Two more things to keep in mind: applications are only accepted at the end of the year when the window opens, and each nationality has a quota of 100 people a year. The five years that lead to citizenship start counting from the date this status is granted.
Student visa
It is issued for schoolchildren and students who plan to study at international educational institutions in Thailand. After that, a foreigner is issued a three-month residence permit in Thailand. Then the educational institution extends the visa for 1 year, after which the visa can be extended for another year and so on until the end of the education. These visas are now called Non-Immigrant ED and ED Plus, and immigration checks attendance: schools that sold visas without teaching are being closed and their students refused extensions.
Visas that did not exist before
The list above took shape before 2024. Since then three more routes have appeared, and they cover the most common reasons people move.
- DTV — for those working for clients abroad: 5 years, a fee of 10,000 baht ($302), 180 days per entry with a further 180-day extension. Working for a Thai company is not allowed.
- LTR — a 10-year visa for those with high income or capital: $80,000 a year for pensioners and remote employees, or assets from $1 million with an investment from $500,000.
- Property visa — available since 1 October 2025 for buying completed housing from 3 million baht ($90,580): three months at first, then annual extensions, family included.
What each visa costs you financially
| Visa | Financial requirement |
|---|---|
| Marriage | THB 400,000 in the account or income from THB 40,000 a month |
| Pension O-A | THB 800,000 in the account or income from THB 65,000 a month |
| Pension O-X | THB 3 million in the account, or THB 1.8 million plus income of THB 1.2 million a year |
| DTV | Proof of funds from THB 500,000 |
| LTR | Income from $80,000 a year or assets from $1 million |
| Property visa | Completed housing from THB 3 million |
| Permanent residence | Income from THB 80,000 a month and three years of extensions |
How do emigrants live in Thailand?
Most foreigners call Thailand "one of the best places for expats." The advantages are the low cost of living, incredible culture, and delicious food. Arrivals are back at record levels: Thailand welcomed 1.76 million Russian visitors in 2025, more than in the previous record year of 2013, and expects 1.8 to 1.9 million in 2026.
What are foreigners doing here? They rest, work, and study. Some work remotely and combine business with pleasure, some work and raise children, and some retire. Entrepreneurs and investors come here to launch and develop their businesses.
Cost of living in Thailand
The average cost of living in the kingdom per person by May 2023 was 19,172 baht ($564) per month, excluding renting an apartment in Thailand. This figure may vary depending on the city and your personal needs. The minimum wage in Thailand is set per day rather than per month: in 2026 it runs from 337 to 400 baht depending on the province, which comes to roughly 10,000–12,000 baht ($305–362) for a month of work.
Below are the main items of expenses of foreigners for living in Thailand and their cost (2023 estimates; rent and electricity are noticeably higher now):
- Housing rental – $350;
- Public utilities – $30;
- Cleaning – $15;
- Food – $190;
- Transport (fuel) - $100;
- Entertainment – $65.
Expat reviews
The reviews below were recorded in 2023: prices and rules have changed since then, and the current figures are given above.
Alex Brown
I'm a travel fan. I have traveled almost all over the world but, in the end, I settled in Thailand and have been living here for 5 years. I live and work in Bangkok. I love Thai cuisine. I don't like noisy events but I am delighted to visit local festivals. There’s always something interesting here so I immerse myself in the Thai flavor with great pleasure.
If you are a researcher and like to discover something new, Thailand is the place to add to your tourist list. As for moving, everything is individual. You have to try it, in other words, "try on" the local flavor and understand whether it suits you or not.
Lana Peters
I moved to Thailand from the UK. I've visited a few times before and realized everything is perfect for me, and I think I can improve my life quality by moving.
The weather was also a major factor in my decision to choose Thailand. I cope well with hot weather and I always get depressed during the British winter. So I'm hoping almost double the number of sunshine hours will help me with this. Food is another important element – I love Thai food especially various vegetables and how cheap it is!
Moreover, I find it interesting to visit small Thai cities and feel their atmosphere but there is usually nothing to do. However, there are beaches and housing is near the sea (within 5-30 km). There are many such places in Southern Thailand like Ao Ang. Tourists rarely go there but that's what I like. You can be alone here.
What changed by 2026
- The visa-free stay grew from 30 to 60 days with a further 30-day extension; the return to 30 days was approved in May 2026 but has not been published yet.
- The DTV for remote work, the updated 10-year LTR and the visa for buying property from 3 million baht have appeared.
- COVID restrictions, compulsory insurance and the Thai Pass have been abolished and no longer feature in this article.
- Study visas are now called ED and ED Plus, and attendance is checked.
- Arrivals from Russia hit an all-time record of 1.76 million people in 2025.
We will help you purchase real estate in Thailand
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Frequently asked questions
How much money do you need to live in Thailand?
A single person in Pattaya or Chiang Mai gets by on 40,000–60,000 baht a month; a family with children in Bangkok or Phuket needs 100,000 and up, mostly because of schooling and rent.
Which visas have appeared in recent years?
The DTV for remote workers since July 2024 and the ten-year LTR for several categories. Since October 2025 a property purchase from 3 million baht also supports a long-term visa.
What does a visa extension cost?
Government fees are measured in thousands of baht, but they come with balance requirements — 800,000 baht for the retirement route, for example.
Is it easy to find an expat community?
Yes, Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok have large communities with their own schools, doctors and shops. On Koh Samui and in Chiang Mai the circles are smaller.
Do people move back?
Some do, most often because of the climate, the cost of healthcare or difficulties keeping their status. That is a normal part of the picture rather than a rarity.