Relocating to Thailand? Top Tips from the Experts

Thailand is a tropical paradise and one of the top tourist destinations on the planet, which is understandable when you consider the many attractions that the Land of Smiles offers foreign visitors. As well as tourist numbers rising, the number of Westerners who are relocating to Thailand is on the rise, and if you are planning to sell everything and move to this tropical wonderland, we have put together a few useful tips.

• Make sure you obtain the correct visa – If you look on social media, many people are saying that Thai Immigration are refusing entry; the reason for this is simple: too many foreigners are using tourist visas to stay in the country. You are allowed two entries per year on tourist visas, and if you wish to stay long-term, you can obtain a Thailand education visa by signing up for Thai language courses with a reputable language academy. There are a few long-stay visa options; talk to an established visa agency for more details.
• Where to live – Thailand is a large country with a mountainous North and many tropical islands in the southern part of the country. Some expats prefer Bangkok, while others like to live in one of the coastal areas such as Pattaya, Hua Hin, Rayong, Krabi, Phuket or Koh Samui. Sign a short stay lease, which will give you a few months to explore the area, and then you can move around until you find the right location for you. Once you are sure, then you can think about long-term lease or purchasing options. Talk to a lawyer before making any commitments. You might be considering early retirement, which can be an attractive proposition.
• Learn to speak Thai – The best way to integrate into Thai society is to learn the Thai language; you can, for example, sign up for a series of courses, and that would give you 14 months on an education visa, which is a popular way to secure a long-term visa to stay in the Kingdom. This is especially important if you plan to live away from the main tourist areas, as most Thais speak no English and daily life can be challenging if you can’t communicate.
• Mai Ben Rai – This is Thai for ‘never mind’, and it sums up the Thai mentality; don’t take things too seriously and enjoy each passing moment. Living in Thailand definitely rubs off on you, making you a calmer and more tolerant person; stress can kill, and the Thais live in the moment, which comes from Buddhism. You will notice that Thais are always smiling, regardless of what is happening, which is a great way to approach life.

Do some online research; there are many YouTube videos about relocating to Thailand, and you can learn a lot from these. Seasoned expats cover every aspect of relocating to Thailand, from health insurance to choosing an international school for your kids.

We hope you enjoy your extended stay in the Land of Smiles!