Is it worth moving to Thailand? This question worries those who are choosing a relocation destination. The kingdom is becoming increasingly popular among holidaymakers and foreigners considering property in Thailand as an option for a possible relocation. The country, with a comfortable climate, attracts an increasing number of expats every year. There are several reasons for this: warm winters, affordable real estate prices and high standards of living. Let's look at how to move to Thailand in 2024 and what you should pay attention to - those who have already chosen the kingdom as a place for relocation will share their experience.
Content:
- Tip 1: find out the cost of living in Thailand and be realistic about your options
- Tip 2: visit Thailand to explore
- Tip 3: decide on a city
- Tip 4: prepare documents
- Tip 5: be prepared for the difficulties of the first year
- Tip six: find housing
Tip 1: find out the cost of living in Thailand and be realistic about your options
If you compare the cost of living in the kingdom with other countries, for example, the USA, you can be sure that monthly expenses will be about 50% less. Of course, it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to how much you need to live in Thailand since it largely depends on habits and capabilities, therefore we are going to indicate current prices. For example, for those who are not yet planning to buy an apartment in Thailand, rent rates start from USD 250 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The cost of utilities for maintaining an apartment in a condominium for one person does not reach USD 100. Renting a villa will cost more and prices here range from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000. In many ways, the rent rates depend on where you live in Thailand. In popular tourist locations such as Phuket and Ko Samui, prices will be higher than in suburban areas. On average, USD 1,000 per month is enough to live in the country for a month. However, everything depends on habits and comfort requirements.
Anastasia Markova, freelancer
When considering possible countries to move to, I studied the climate conditions. The grey and nasty autumn-winter slush just kills me, so the sun was the primary criterion. And the prices, of course. One could choose Turkey, but there is still winter there, even if not the same as Moscow. Another option was the UAE but, unfortunately, my income level is not yet enough to consider buying a home. Therefore, the choice fell on Southeast Asia. I've been here for more than a year now. Is life in Thailand expensive? Compared to Moscow, no. For now, I am renting an apartment in a condo, which costs me a little more than USD 110. There are simply no such prices in Moscow. In the future, I plan to buy my own home. Food is also cheap, without the need to prepare it yourself. For USD3-4 you can have a meal in almost any food court.
Tip 2: visit Thailand to explore
No matter how they describe the benefits of moving to Thailand, there are no ideal countries. And what one person likes may annoy another. Therefore, before moving to Thailand, it is still worth exploring the country from the inside. This will help you visually assess climate conditions, and pricing policy and also decide on choosing a specific region, since each location has its characteristics.
Ivan Romanov, designer
With the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the thought of how to move to Thailand was coming to my mind more and more often. In general, I know the country well as I went there on holiday several times, but I had doubts about how to stay in the country not as a tourist and without speaking Thai. And then I decided to try the so-called “wintering” since my profession allows me to work remotely. I was not interested in staying illegally, so I applied for a TR visa which allows me to stay in the country for up to three months. During this time I finally became convinced that everything suits me here and I started thinking about moving.
Tip 3: decide on a city
The city you choose affects not only the quality of life but also the cost of living. For example, in Pattaya, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for USD 350 but in Phuket, it will cost USD 550. As for buying a property, the same unit can be purchased for USD 30,000 in Pattaya and USD 60,000 in Phuket. The difference in prices is quite significant and the lifestyles are also different. In Phuket, it is more peaceful and there are only two of the most popular tourist destinations, while the choice is much wider.
The climate conditions of the regions also vary. Not everywhere offers access to the sea, for example, in the North, there are no beaches but it is a little cooler there. Infrastructure is most developed in large cities. Regions with high-quality medicine are suitable for retirees. If you are moving with small children, you will be looking for educational institutions in the city. Depending on personal habits and lifestyle, expats in Thailand can choose between various regions. Having figured out how and where it is better to live in Thailand, all that remains is to decide to move.
Natalya Savitskaya, tourist guide
As a tourist guide, the country was very familiar to me. Pattaya was chosen as the region for relocation because I wanted to live closer to the sea, but at the same time have an affordable opportunity to get to the Capital. Therefore, it turned out that Pattaya was an ideal option for me since I do not like slow-paced resorts for retirees. Again, older people may find Pattaya too noisy. Therefore, before moving to Thailand to obtain permanent residence it is better to study the country yourself, not only by reviews on forums.
Tip 4: prepare documents
Where to start when moving to Thailand:
- have a valid passport
- select the best visa program that matches the capabilities and goals of the migrant
- fill out the application form and provide colour photographs
For employees relocating at the invitation of the employing company, the registration details of the organisation acting as a sponsor as well as a work contract will be required. Before going to relocate to Thailand, we recommend obtaining a certificate of no criminal record in your home country as this may be required for employment in some cases. All documents must be translated into Thai. The migrant must confirm the place of residence. This can be done through a certificate of title to the property or through a lease agreement. You can find detailed information about what you need to move to Thailand and what deadlines there are to submit documents on the website of the Kingdom's Immigration Service.
Irina Reshetnyak, English teacher via Skype
I moved to the kingdom during the period of Coronavirus restrictions. Therefore, in addition to the standard package of documents, I had to obtain a vaccination certificate and take a PCR test. It's easier now as the basic package of documents only includes a foreign passport and everything required for the selected type of visa. My profession does not require official registration, so the option of obtaining a work visa was excluded for me. Therefore, I chose a multiple-entry tourist visa.
Tip 5: be prepared for the difficulties of the first year
No matter how great the country is, you may still face several unpleasant moments during the adaptation. Experiencing them is part of what it takes to live in Thailand.
Alexander Dyakov, remote SMM specialist
Before moving, I read a lot about the pros and cons of living in Thailand, but the reviews from my compatriots were quite contradictory and did not always show the real picture. Now, following my experience, I can highlight several points:
- It’s not just hot here, but very hot. Sometimes I can’t breathe.
- Thais are as friendly as they are cunning. At the markets, only the lazy will not try to short-change you or sell you something at a higher price, since foreigners for them are a different kind of people.
- The Thai mentality is so slow that sometimes it can drive you mad. It doesn’t matter whether there is a problem with the Internet or the sewer system has burst, no one will rush to fix the problem.
- Communication with locals is difficult since many do not speak English and Thai for a foreigner can become an unsolvable problem due to the specifics of pronunciation.
Tip six: find housing
Are you planning to move to Thailand in 2024? Get up-to-date information about the country's real estate market, features and mentality. The platform’s specialists are ready to advise you on all issues related to the specifics of relocating to Thailand in 2024, the visa regime as well as selecting real estate. Our ultimate property database offers a wide range of housing units in all popular areas of the kingdom. Check out the best apartments and villas in Thailand today!
