Key Insights from Thai Culture<\/span><\/h2>\nLet\u2019s start with the important things about Thai culture you should know before relocating to this country:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- In Thailand, you might find it challenging to adapt to the various <\/span>cultural differences<\/b> related to food, weather, language, and religion.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Since <\/span>English <\/b>is taught as a second language in public secondary schools and universities, you will get around it, especially in Bangkok. The locals will appreciate your effort even if you can only speak a few basic language phrases.<\/span><\/li>\n
- As <\/span>Buddhism <\/b>is the primary religion in Thailand, you must understand and respect its key tenets.<\/span><\/li>\n
- In Thailand, the title <\/span>“Khun”<\/b> is commonly used before a man’s or woman’s first name.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- It is noteworthy that <\/span>gift-giving<\/b> is tricky as while flowers, chocolates, and fruit are acceptable, there are restrictions on how they should be wrapped and which flowers are appropriate to use.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Furthermore, when dining with a <\/span>Thai family<\/b>, you may not find <\/span>knives <\/b>at the dinner table as forks, spoons, or chopsticks are used instead.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Healthcare System in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\nMedical insurance is <\/span>legally mandatory<\/b> for expats in Thailand. Considering that the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, expats generally choose <\/span>private healthcare<\/b> instead as it\u2019s more affordable and typically of higher quality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn Thailand, there are around <\/span>300 private hospitals.<\/b> The majority of medical professionals speak English and have Western-style training.<\/span> Although emergency and special procedures are frequently expensive, general care for private consumers is excellent and reasonably priced.<\/span><\/p>\nThailand has many <\/span>pharmacies<\/b>, particularly in Bangkok and other cities and towns. A pharmacy can be recognized by its white sign with a green cross. Most drugs are available without a prescription, and most pharmacists can communicate in English.<\/span><\/p>\nKeep in mind that you are advised not to drink <\/span>tap water<\/b> in Thailand due to the health risks. Additionally, you should obtain all necessary <\/span>vaccinations <\/b>before moving and keep them up to date because Westerners are more susceptible to <\/span>tropical viruses <\/b>and <\/span>infections<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Find Accommodation in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\nThe cost of living in Thailand is <\/span>significantly lower<\/b> than in Western countries. Therefore, as an expat, you will discover that your money goes much further. As a result, you have a better chance of being able to afford to live in rich or middle-class neighborhoods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIf you prefer a sea view,<\/span> coastal areas<\/b> can be more expensive. <\/span>Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, <\/b>and <\/span>Bangkok <\/b>are the three most inhabited regions in Thailand by expats.<\/span><\/p>\nBuying real estate in Thailand is generally difficult for foreigners. Fortunately, Thailand has a <\/span>strong rental market<\/b> and a variety of websites to support people who are considering moving there. <\/span>Thailand Property, Siam Real Estate<\/b>, and <\/span>FazWaz<\/b> are a few examples. The most popular expat areas in Bangkok are <\/span>Ekkamai<\/b>, <\/span>Sathorn, Thong, Lo, Ari,<\/b> etc.<\/span><\/p>\nIn Thailand, there are no restrictions on who can work as a <\/span>real estate agent<\/b>, so if you are considering hiring one, thoroughly check them out and verify their credentials and recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\nBrief Info About the Climate in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\nDue to its location between substantial land and water areas, Thailand is prone to both summer and winter monsoons. The average temperature of Thailand varies between <\/span>18 and 38 \u00b0C<\/b>, providing a hot and humid climate.<\/span><\/p>\nThailand experiences rain for <\/span>6 months<\/b>, from <\/span>May to October<\/b>, and this is referred to as the <\/span>“wet season.” <\/b>After the wet season, there are <\/span>3 months<\/b> of <\/span>dry weather<\/b> with <\/span>calming breezes <\/b>and <\/span>3 months<\/b> of heat from <\/span>February to April.<\/b><\/p>\nWith average temperatures, clear, blue waters, a slight chance of rain, and a stunning environment that is lush from the previous monsoon season, <\/span>November through February<\/b> generally have the coolest, most comfortable weather.<\/span><\/p>\nVisa Types & Working Conditions<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you want to work legally in Thailand, you need a work permit. The reason is that expats aren’t allowed to work without a work permit and a <\/span>Non-Immigrant B visa<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYou can apply for your work permit and B Visa at the<\/span> immigration office <\/b>while you are already in Thailand. Still, the best way to proceed is to apply to your employer. However, there is an <\/span>enumeration of documents<\/b> you will be required to present:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A passport photo<\/span><\/li>\n
- Medical certificate<\/span><\/li>\n
- Passport<\/span><\/li>\n
- Letter of employment<\/span><\/li>\n
- Proof of degrees<\/span><\/li>\n
- Your address in Thailand<\/span><\/li>\n
- Documentation proving your employment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Foreigners are allowed to perform the job mentioned in their work permit. However, there is a list of certain occupations expats are not allowed to engage in. For instance, exports and <\/span>wholesale trading <\/b>are prohibited, along with the b<\/span>usiness of agriculture<\/b>, <\/span>providing services,<\/b> and <\/span>entrepreneurship<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\nA <\/span>12-month<\/b> Thai work permit is available for up to <\/span>$90<\/b>. Every year, as long as you maintain your employment, you will need to renew your visa, and no matter how long you stay in Thailand, you must make an <\/span>online check-in <\/b>at the <\/span>Thai Immigration Department<\/b> every <\/span>90 days<\/b> for the duration of your stay.<\/span><\/p>\nCost of Living in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\nDespite rising consumer goods and other living costs, Thailand is still recognized for its <\/span>low cost of living.<\/b> In contrast to western countries, foreigners still perceive their financial situation as satisfactory.<\/span><\/p>\nShopping for groceries and street food, as well as lodging, transportation, and clothing costs, are <\/span>highly affordable. <\/b>In Thailand, even <\/span>public transportation<\/b> is <\/span>reasonably priced<\/b>. A monthly pass for public transportation only costs<\/span> $27<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn Thailand, <\/span>bicycles <\/b>and <\/span>motorbikes <\/b>are the two most popular forms of mobility. If you decide to drive, a quarter of a <\/span>gallon of gas<\/b> will cost you about <\/span>$0.86<\/b>. <\/span>Tuk-tuks<\/b> usually cost less than <\/span>$1<\/b> for a quick ride through the city.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Manage Finances in Thailand?<\/span><\/h2>\nIn Thailand, opening a bank account might be a challenging process<\/span>.<\/b> To verify your <\/span>ID<\/b> for the purpose of opening a bank account, you will generally need to visit the bank <\/span>in person<\/b>. Depending on the specific circumstances, you will initially need a <\/span>passport <\/b>and either a <\/span>Non-immigrant B Visa<\/b> or another kind of <\/span>long-stay visa<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYou might need to bring any of the following documents depending on the bank you choose:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Proof of <\/span>permanent address<\/b> in Thailand.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Letter of reference<\/b> from your employer or education institution.<\/span><\/li>\n
- A reference letter from a <\/span>native bank<\/b> or<\/span> embassy<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Thailand has a <\/span>branch-specific banking culture<\/b>. It’s usually worth trying other branches if you are having problems opening an account at one branch, as two branches of the same bank may have entirely different requirements.<\/span><\/p>\nBangkok Bank, Kasikornbank,<\/b> and <\/span>SCB <\/b>are well-known Thai banks among foreign residents. To understand the differences between each bank, including <\/span>currency conversion rates, transaction fees,<\/b> and expenses to send money abroad, consider your alternatives before moving to Thailand.<\/span><\/p>\nSpecial Laws to Be Aware Of<\/span><\/h2>\n\n- Thailand is a <\/span>constitutional monarchy<\/b> with extremely <\/span>strict laws (lese-majeste),<\/b> under which people can face long prison sentences for insulting its monarchy. <\/span>