How to Live and Work in Thailand

Thailand is a popular destination for both living and working. It is a fascinating country known for its cutting-edge technologies and respect for traditions. Country offers everything that you might want, whether you are looking for a lively nightlife, a place to work, a quiet resort for retirement or a dynamic city atmosphere.

From noisy and crowded metropolitan cities to magnificent beach villages, quiet and secluded islands, exotic flora and fauna, national parks, original local cuisine, and amazing sunrises and sunsets – Thailand has it all.

However, anyone interested in moving to this country must understand all aspects of local life. Read on to learn more about these key aspects.

• How Much Does It Cost to Live in Thailand?
• The Best Areas to Live in Thailand
• What to Consider If You Plan to Move to Thailand for Work
• Level of Healthcare in Thailand
• Specific Aspects of Thailand’s Education System
• How to Get Legal Status to Live and Work in Thailand

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Thailand?

In addition to its turquoise beaches and lively nightlife, Thailand attracts expats due to the low cost of living.

The Numbeo website, which collects and analyses prices worldwide, estimates that a family of four will require an average of THB 71,412 (USD 2,000) a month to enjoy a comfortable stay in this country. If you are on your own, you will need far less: THB 20,059 (USD 565).

Please note that this does not include the cost of housing. You need to pay on top each month for the rental of a property.

• THB 14,356 (USD 404) to rent a one-bedroom flat in the city centre.
• THB 8,673 (USD 244) to rent a one bedroom flat outside the city centre.
• THB 38,146 (USD 1,075) to rent a three bedroom flat in the city centre.
• THB 22,148 (USD 624) to rent a three bedroom flat outside the city centre.

Thailand is a popular choice for expats who want to live there, earning money from abroad. The sources of income here may differ. Some may be living on their pension, others may derive income from freelancing, while others may make money from letting expensive housing.

However, other expats also come to the country to work. They should know that the average monthly net salary (after taxes) is THB 19,728 (USD 556). While it is true that qualified personnel receive more, it is hard to find employment in the country.

The Best Areas to Live in Thailand

The figures cited above represent the national averages. It goes without saying that they differ in different locations. Let’s take a look at some of the provinces which are most popular with expats.

We describe below the typical features of each region:

• Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the centre of the country’s economy. It is the most densely populated city, home to over 10 million people. It is a huge metropolis with skyscrapers, shopping malls and business centres.
• Chiang Mai is a quiet historical city in the north of Thailand. It attracts expats because of its proximity to national parks and mountainous areas, as well as the celebrations of various holidays there. For example, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival which illuminates the sky with thousands of lights, or the well-known flower parade.
• Hua Hin is one of the oldest resorts in Thailand. King Rama VI Vajiravudh of Siam built his palace here in 1920. Subsequently another palace was built here. The current royal residence in Hua Hin contributes to the immaculate order and low crime rates here. 
• Phangan is one of the largest islands in Thailand. Located in the south of the Gulf of Thailand, 15 kilometres north of Koh Samui, it is a very beautiful place known for its monthly Full Moon Party. Phangan has been nicknamed the Pacific Ibiza due to its loud and boisterous festival which attracts talented DJs and young clubbers from all over the world.
• Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, famous for its magnificent scenery and tranquil sea which is not disturbed by big waves. The infrastructure here is less developed than in Phuket or Pattaya.
• Krabi is one of Thailand’s 77 provinces with a population of almost 360,000 people. It is a renowned beach resort. It is famous for the Phi Phi Islands used in the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Nakhon Ratchasima is a city with a rich history, many ancient monuments and Buddhist temples. There are two national parks nearby and four universities in the city itself.
• Pattaya is a resort nicknamed the Thai capital of entertainment. Pattaya is extremely popular due to its beaches, numerous clubs, bars, restaurants and discos. However, it is highly unlikely to be the destination of choice for anyone looking for a quiet and secluded life and work.
• Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with numerous expensive hotels, beautiful beaches, restaurants and nightclubs. You will find here breath-taking nature, delicious food, and many opportunities for active recreation, from sailing or cycling to triathlon or skydiving.
• Rayong is a Thai province with a population of over 600,000 people and is the largest agricultural and industrial centre of the country. While there are not many opportunities for entertainment, you will find here a magnificent waterfall and 100 kilometres of beaches.
• Udon Thani is a province in the northeast of Thailand with a population of just over 250,000 people. Although it is 560 km from the capital, Bangkok is easy to access by train. The Lao border is only 50 kilometres away and much closer to Udon Thani than Bangkok.

What to Consider If You Plan to Move to Thailand for Work

Thailand is one of the most popular places among digital nomads and affluent pensioners. However, anyone planning to relocate to this country for work needs to know about the Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens - B.E. 2561. This decree prohibits foreigners from engaging in certain occupations,  divided into four categories:

• Strictly prohibited. The list of occupations barred to expats is significant. In particular, they may not work as a driver of any vehicle other than international planes or forklifts. They may not work as a barber or provide cosmetic procedures. In Thailand, this niche is occupied exclusively by local residents. Almost all types of local folk craft are also barred to foreigners, as well as jewellery, Thai massage, the professions of tourist guide and secretary.
• Prohibited with exceptions. TThis category includes occupations only open to expats if there is an international agreement between Thailand and the country of origin of the foreigner. In such exceptional cases, non-Thai citizens can work in accounting, auditing, construction engineering, different types of architectural companies, etc.
• Exceptions for skilled or semi-skilled workers. Employees with a specific specialisation can work with authorised employers in agriculture and forestry, animal husbandry, fishing, and construction work.
• Exceptions under contracts. FForeigners can engage in simple labour, including manual labour, if they have a contract with a local employer. Similarly, they can work as sellers. The key is that they must have entered the country legally.

However, even if the planned activity is not included in the list of prohibited occupations, a work permit may still be required.

Level of Healthcare in Thailand

Healthcare standards in Thailand have improved significantly over the past 20 years, in particular, thanks to the appearance of several hospitals which meet international standards. However, standards tend to vary in different regions. The best care and assistance is provided in private clinics in Bangkok. Many foreign and Thai doctors in the capital were trained in Europe and the USA. As a result, most of them speak English in tourist areas.

The standard of healthcare in Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya is also good. In these regions, you can receive comprehensive emergency or planned treatment. However, outside the tourist areas, only basic medical treatment will be provided. Prices also vary. Therefore, before contacting the clinic, you should take a look at its price lists.

The poor development of ambulance services is a major drawback of the local healthcare system. A rescue unit responding to an emergency call might well be part of a volunteer organisation. Even though a large hospital may have its own vehicles with intensive care equipment, there may be a significant delay before such a vehicle reaches a patient due to traffic jams. Road users in Thailand rarely give way to ambulances.

When it comes to medicines, both original and generic drugs are available in local pharmacies. However, in remote areas there is far less choice than in the capital and major tourist centres.

Expats on regular prescriptions should consult the list of prohibited medication on the Royal Thai Embassy website in their country. If your drug is included on the list, you must obtain a prescription in English. Subsequently, you must seek permission from the Thai health authorities to import the medication into the country.

In most cases, foreigners applying for a residence permit in Thailand must purchase health insurance. The coverage depends on the age of the insured, the type of visa for a long stay and some other aspects.

Specific Aspects of Thailand’s Education System 

Expats who decide to move to Thailand with their children will have no problems when it comes to education due to the presence of a large number of international schools in this country.

In general, the local education system consists of public and private Thai and private international schools.

The latter are popular among expats. In their work, such schools use one of the following curricula:

• English national. Considered one of the best in the world, it is a well-structured programme with grades and exams. Students study compulsory subjects such as mathematics, natural sciences and English. The international certificates issued to graduates are recognised all over the world and grant the holders the right to take  entrance exams at leading international universities.
• American. Unlike the conservative English system, the American education system is extremely diverse because each country has its own requirements. The curriculum is constantly changing. However, this also applies to schools operating in the USA. While international educational institutions have more stringent standards compared to public institutions, in general the systems are similar, as they are based on a combination of academic sciences and social activities. In American schools, a considerable amount of attention is paid to sports, mentoring, art, various interest clubs, etc. Graduates receive a local general school certificate, and also have an opportunity to take external exams. For example, Advanced Placements (AP). Successful completion of this test increases the chances of admission to prestigious universities.
• International Baccalaureate (IB). We are talking here about international schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. It is an international private, non-profit educational foundation established in 1968 and headquartered in Geneva.
• National. As Thailand is a very popular country among foreigners, a representative of almost every country can find their own school. There are Canadian, German, Indian, Japanese  and other educational institutions. Some of them are even subsidised by their governments.

How to Get Legal Status to Live and Work in Thailand

As a rule, a visa is required to enter Thailand. Usually, it is issued at the consulate at the place of residence of the expat. However, this general rule has several exceptions established for the citizens of countries which:

• have concluded a bilateral agreement with Thailand on visa exemption;
• have established visa exemptions for tourists from their countries. In this case, the tourists can stay in the country for no more than 30 days;
• have agreements stipulating that their citizens can apply for a visa on arrival in Thailand. In these cases, the individuals may only stay in the country for up to 15 days.

Expats intending to stay in the country for a long time apply for one of the following types of non-immigrant visas:

• Category “B” is for business and employment. You will first need to get a work permit. There are several subcategories of these visas. Some of them are issued for up to one year; others are issued for up to three years.
• Category “O-A” This is the so-called pensioner visa for people aged 50 and older. Its owners are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of work.
• Category “ED” is a student visa.
• Category “M” is an entry permit that allows film producers, journalists, or reporters to live and work in Thailand.
• Category “R” is a visa for missionary and other religious activities. It is issued only with the consent of the relevant Thai government authorities.
• Category “RS”. This type of entry and stay permit allows the holder to conduct research and training at science and research centres.
• Category “EX” is an expert visa issued to qualified specialists.
• Category “O” is a visa for other activities. For example, people receive it for family reunification, treatment in Thailand, work as a sports coach, etc.

In a Nutshell

Thailand is a very popular destination among expats. Although there are some downsides, in general the country offers comfortable conditions for both work and recreation. The cost of living is comparatively low, the standard of healthcare is good and there are opportunities to get an international education.

You do not need to undergo special formalities to relocate to Thailand. It is quite easy to get a long-term visa. In terms of work, you will have to get a special permit. It is important to understand that foreigners are prohibited from engaging in certain occupations.

Cover photo: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Thailand. M o e (Unsplash)