Moving to Thailand

Thailand has long attracted foreigners with its exotic beauty, friendly people and low prices. More and more people are thinking about moving to this amazing country - some dream of opening their own business here, others are planning their retirement, and still others are simply looking for a change and new experiences.
However, moving to Thailand is a serious decision that requires careful preparation. You need to realistically assess your abilities, study Thai legislation regarding foreigners, everyday life and the country's culture.
Life in Thailand promises many adventures and opportunities, the main thing is to arm yourself with patience and a willingness to accept a different way of life.

Thailand is known for its hospitality, beauty and low prices. However, the cost of living in tourist resorts and provincial towns can vary greatly.

Here are some options for affordable cities to relocate to:

Chiang Mai is a popular destination for foreigners due to its well-developed infrastructure, numerous co-working spaces and low prices compared to Bangkok.

Udon Thani is a small city in the northeast with affordable accommodation and service costs. The area is famous for its picturesque nature and nearby attractions.

Pattaya is a resort town on the east coast with a reputation as a party destination. But here too there is affordable accommodation near the beach.

Isaan is a region in the north-east of the country where the landscape is predominantly rural and local traditions have been preserved. Life here is cheaper than in the tourist areas, but there is less entertainment and it is more difficult to find your way around without knowledge of Thai.

Khon Kaen is another university town in the northeast of Thailand with developed infrastructure and lower prices than in the country's major metropolitan areas.

Certain neighborhoods and even streets in the same city can vary greatly in terms of housing prices and services. Therefore, when deciding on a place to move to, you should always research your options thoroughly in person or with the help of locals.

There are several ways to obtain a visa for a longer stay in Thailand:

• A tourist visa is initially issued for 15, 30 or 60 days, depending on nationality. It can be extended for a further 30 days at the immigration office.
• A non-immigrant visa is valid for up to one year and can be extended. To obtain it, you must prove your ability to pay by providing bank statements.
• The education visa is intended for students studying in Thai educational institutions. A document confirming enrollment is required. A financial guarantee is also required.
• For a work visa, a prior work permit from a potential employer in Thailand is required. The processing takes some time.
• The elite visa is a premium class long-term visa for wealthy foreigners with the possibility of extension up to 20 years.
• Please note that the regulations for issuing visas change regularly. You should therefore check the latest requirements with the Thai embassy before submitting your application.

When you arrive at an international airport in Thailand, you must first obtain an immigration card and fill it out carefully. You must always have this document with you. Hotel staff and landlords have the right to ask to see this card at any time.
The immigration card will also be checked by border officials when you leave the country. If it is lost or damaged, a police report must be filled out and used in place of the card.
According to recent changes in the law, landlords are obliged to inform the immigration authorities if their foreign tenant is absent for more than one day. It is at the landlord's discretion whether or not to comply with this decree.
Foreign nationals who intend to stay in the Kingdom for more than 90 days must register with the Immigration Department within 7 days of their arrival. Registration must be renewed every 90 days without exception.

To find suitable accommodation in Thailand, it is best to contact an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the area you are interested in.
As it is difficult for foreigners to buy property in the Kingdom, visitors often rent apartments and houses.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 15-17 thousand baht per month (about 400 euros). In the center of Bangkok, prices are about 40-50% higher and start at 20 thousand baht (600 euros).
A three-room apartment is suitable for families with children. Their average cost in the country - 30-40 thousand baht or 800-1200 euros per month. In the prestigious neighborhoods of Bangkok can reach 50-60 thousand baht (1500+ euros).
Specific rental prices can vary significantly depending on infrastructure, distance from the center and other factors.

Living in Thailand is considered extremely affordable compared to the cost in the United States or the European Union. Of course, costs may increase if you choose to stay in Bangkok or other tourist areas, but if you move away from the conventional tourist routes, the potential for significant savings becomes a reality.
Budgeting in Thailand: Many digital nomads and expats who have settled in Thailand successfully get by on a budget of around €600 per month. This budget includes all necessary expenses, from food to rent to transportation costs for work trips.
Diverse opportunities: If you live away from the tourist centers, you can enjoy a lifestyle closer to the local way of life on a limited budget. This includes visiting local markets, cozy cafés and interacting with the locals. These conditions provide the perfect backdrop for a budget lifestyle.
Retirees in Thailand: Many retirees who choose Thailand as a place to live can also get by on a budget of 1,200 euros per month. This budget allows for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, medical care and entertainment.
Conclusion: Thailand offers a wide range of opportunities for anyone who wants to save money. From digital nomads to retirees, everyone can find accommodation to suit their financial means.

Before you start working in Thailand, you need to fulfill some mandatory steps. The first step is to obtain a signed employment contract and a B visa, which includes a work permit.

Step 1: Obtaining an employment contract and visa. To begin your employment, you will need an official invitation from your employer in the form of an employment contract. This document must be signed and approved by both parties. You will then receive a B visa, which is specifically intended for foreign employees. This visa also includes a work permit to work in Thailand.

Step 2: Look for jobs in the industries you are interested in. When choosing a destination for employment in Thailand, there are several promising sectors you should look at. Finance and commerce, information technology and communications, engineering and hospitality are some of the areas that offer good opportunities for foreign professionals. Hospitality jobs may require a basic knowledge of the Thai language, so studying in this field can be an advantage.

Step 3: Prepare for employment opportunities. Thailand offers many opportunities for foreign workers, but successful employment requires careful preparation. Research the job market, look for job opportunities that match your skills and prepare the necessary documents. It is important that your application looks attractive to potential employers.

The bottom line is that the Thai job market offers numerous opportunities for foreign professionals. Prepare well in advance to ensure you have the best chance of successful employment and a harmonious adjustment to your new working environment.

Advantages

• Tropical climate: Thailand offers a warm tropical climate with many sunny days, making it attractive for lovers of sun and heat.
• Unique culture: Thailand's rich cultural heritage with temples, traditional dances, art and cuisine makes life in the country exciting and varied.
• Accessible coastline: With its extensive coastline of beautiful beaches and islands, Thailand offers unique opportunities for sea and water sports enthusiasts.
• Low cost of living: In general, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, allowing expatriates to enjoy comfort at affordable prices.
• Friendly population: Thais are known for their hospitality and friendly behavior towards foreigners, creating a pleasant living environment.

Disadvantages

• Language barriers: Thai can be difficult to learn and English is not widely spoken in all regions, which can make communication difficult.
• Traffic problems: Traffic congestion is an issue in major cities such as Bangkok, which can cause delays and difficulties when traveling.
• Health issues: While there are quality health facilities, health standards can vary and access can be limited in remote areas.
• Cultural sensitivities: Some aspects of the culture, such as Thai bureaucracy and business practices, can be unfamiliar to foreigners and can be difficult to adjust to.
• Seasonal rains and natural disasters: Seasonal rains and flooding, as well as potential natural disasters such as tsunamis, can pose certain risks and inconveniences.

When deciding to live in Thailand, it is important to carefully weigh up the pros and cons, taking into account individual needs and preferences.