If you have enjoyed multiple vacations in the Land of Smiles and you have come to the conclusion that you wish to spend the rest of your life in this amazing country, you certainly are not alone. Many foreigners become smitten with the smiling faces and the colourful Thai culture, and with that in mind, here are a few essential aspects of living in Thailand to consider.
- Income – If you are retired and on a pension, then you don’t have to concern yourself about financing your stay. Otherwise, you will need to either set up a business or work remotely. It is easy enough to find a warehouse for rent in Bangkok if you choose to create a business; talk to an experienced Thai commercial lawyer about how to register a foreign business in Thailand. Of course, you have to meet the financial requirements to stay long-term in Thailand. See the Thai Immigration website for more details.
- The Climate – You should be aware of the seasons in Thailand; the Thai winter runs from November until February, when temperatures are at their lowest, typically 20-25 °C at night and up to 30 °C in the daytime. This is followed by the summer, which ends in June and is extremely hot and humid. This is followed by 5 months of the rainy season (July to October), so if you are uncomfortable with high temperatures, this is something to consider carefully.
- Health Insurance – Be warned that medical treatment can be very expensive in Thailand, which is why you should take out comprehensive health insurance, which would cover you for every eventuality. The last thing you need is for a serious illness or accident to wipe out all your savings, which could easily happen with a 3-week stay in a private hospital.
- Choosing Where to Live – Thailand is a big country with several different climates, from the deep south, where it is tropical, to the cooler mountainous regions in the northern part of the country. If you would rather be in an area with other foreigners, you could live in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui or Phuket in the south. Click here to find out why sustainable travel is the future of global tourism.
- Long-Term Visa – There are many different types of visas to stay in Thailand, from a retirement visa to a DTV, which is designed for remote workers and entrepreneurs. If, for example, you marry a Thai citizen, you can stay on a marriage visa, which can be renewed annually from within the country. We recommend that you approach a reputable Thai visa agency, as they can advise you accordingly and facilitate the visa application.
Thailand is rated as one of the most popular destinations on the planet, and we hope that this short blog helps you to plan your relocation. The number of foreigners who live in Thailand is rising steadily, which is a reflection of its popularity.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: